Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Organization and Business
Cowen Inc., a Delaware corporation formed in 2009, is a diversified financial services firm that, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, "Cowen" or the "Company"), provides investment banking, research, sales and trading, prime brokerage, global clearing, securities financing, commission management services and investment management through its two business segments: the Operating Company ("Op Co") and the Asset Company ("Asset Co").
The Op Co segment consists of four divisions: the Investment Banking division, the Markets division, the Research division and the Cowen Investment Management ("CIM") division. The Company refers to the Investment Banking division, the Markets division and the Research division combined as its investment banking businesses. Op Co's investment banking businesses offer advisory and global capital markets origination, domain knowledge-driven research, sales and trading platforms for institutional investors, global clearing, commission management services and also a comprehensive suite of prime brokerage service. Sectors covered by Op Co's investment banking business include healthcare, technology, media and telecommunications, consumer, industrials, tech-enabled and business services, and energy. Op Co’s CIM division includes advisers to investment funds (including private equity structures and privately placed hedge funds) and registered funds. The Company has also invested capital in its insurance and reinsurance businesses.
The Asset Co segment consists of certain of the Company's private investments, private real estate investments and other legacy investment strategies. The focus of Asset Co is to drive future monetization of the invested capital of the segment.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
a. Basis of presentation
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") as promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") through the Accounting Standards Codification (the "Accounting Standards" or "ASC") as the source of authoritative accounting principles in the preparation of financial statements, and include the accounts of the Company, its operating and other subsidiaries, and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest or a general partner interest. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. Certain investment funds that are consolidated in these accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, as further discussed below, are not subject to the consolidation provisions with respect to their own controlled investments pursuant to specialized industry accounting.
The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the "2021 Form 10-K"). Certain footnote disclosures included in the 2021 Form 10-K have been condensed or omitted from the accompanying condensed financial statements as they are not required for interim reporting under US GAAP or are insignificant to the interim reporting period.
b. Principles of consolidation
The Company consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those investment funds in which the Company either directly or indirectly has a controlling financial interest. In addition, the Company consolidates all variable interest entities for which it is the primary beneficiary.
The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a Voting Operating Entity ("VOE") or a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") under US GAAP.
Voting Operating Entities—VOEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently, (ii) the equity holders at risk have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (iii) voting rights of equity holders are proportionate to their obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns.
Under US GAAP consolidation requirements, the usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a VOE is ownership of a majority voting interest. Accordingly, the Company consolidates all VOEs in which it owns a majority of the entity's voting shares or units.
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Variable Interest Entities—VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a VOE. In accordance with US GAAP, an enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. Under the US GAAP consolidation model for VIEs, an enterprise that (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impacts the VIE's economic performance, and (2) has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus is required to consolidate it.
The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE upon its initial involvement with the VIE and reassesses whether it is the primary beneficiary on an ongoing basis as long as it has any continuing involvement with the VIE by performing a periodic qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the VIE that includes a review of, among other things, its capital structure, contractual agreements between the Company and the VIE, the economic interests that create or absorb variability, related party relationships and the design of the VIE.
The VIEs the Company has invested in act as investment managers and/or investment companies that may be managed by the Company. The VIEs are financed through their operations and/or loan agreements with the Company.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company also sponsors various other entities that it has determined to be VIEs. These VIEs are primarily investment funds for which the Company serves as the general partner, managing member and/or investment manager with decision-making rights. The Company consolidates these investment funds when its variable interest is potentially significant to the entity. (see Note 6 for additional disclosures on VIEs).
Investment companies, which account for their investments under the specialized industry accounting guidance for investment companies prescribed under US GAAP, are not subject to the consolidation provisions for their investments. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the total assets of the consolidated VIEs were $332.4 million and $304.1 million, respectively, and total liabilities of the consolidated VIEs were $6.6 million and $9.8 million, respectively.
The Company consolidates investment funds for which it acts as the managing member/general partner and investment manager. At March 31, 2022, the Company consolidated Ramius Enterprise LP (“Enterprise LP”), an investment fund. At December 31, 2021, the Company consolidated the following investment funds: Enterprise LP and Cowen Private Investments LP ("Cowen Private").
During the first quarter of 2022, the Company deconsolidated Cowen Private as the fund was liquidated. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company deconsolidated Cowen Sustainable Investments I, LP ("CSI I LP") due to the Company's ownership being diluted through a capital equalization event.
Equity Method Investments—For operating entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation as outlined above, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's investments in equity method investees are recorded in other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees is included in Net gains (losses) on other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The Company evaluates its equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge when the loss in value is deemed other than temporary.
Other—If the Company does not consolidate an entity or apply the equity method of accounting, the Company accounts for its investment in such entity (primarily consisting of securities of such entity which are purchased and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term and classified as trading securities), at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within Investment income (loss) - Securities principal transactions, net or Investment income (loss) - portfolio fund investment income (loss) in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Retention of Specialized Accounting— The Consolidated Funds and certain other consolidated companies are investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting. The Company reports its investments on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within Consolidated Funds - Principal transactions, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company.
Certain portfolio fund investments qualify as equity method investments and are investment companies that apply specialized industry accounting. In applying equity method accounting guidance, the Company retains the specialized accounting of the investees and reports its investments on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within Investment Income - portfolio fund principal transactions, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
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In addition, the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries, Cowen and Company, LLC ("Cowen and Company"), Westminster Research Associates LLC ("Westminster"), Cowen Execution Services Limited ("Cowen Execution Ltd"), ATM Execution LLC ("ATM Execution"), Cowen and Company (Asia) Limited ("Cowen Asia"), and Cowen International Limited ("Cowen International Ltd"), apply the specialized industry accounting for brokers and dealers in securities, which the Company retains upon consolidation.
c. Use of estimates
The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires the management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of securities and other investments, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
d. Allowance for credit losses
ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”) prescribed the impairment model for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost by requiring a current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology to estimate expected credit losses over the entire life of the financial asset, recorded at inception or purchase. Under the accounting update guidance, the Company has the ability to determine there are no expected credit losses in certain circumstances (e.g., based on collateral arrangements or based on the credit quality of the borrower or issuer).
The Company applies the guidance in ASC 326 to securities borrowed and fees and other receivables carried at amortized cost (including, but not limited to, receivables related to securities transactions, underwriting fees, strategic/financial advisory fees and placement and sales agent fees, management fees and incentive fees receivable).
The allowance for credit losses is based on the Company's expectation of the collectability of financial instruments, fees and other receivables utilizing the CECL framework. The Company considers factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of balances and current and future economic conditions that may affect the Company’s expectation of the collectability in determining the allowance for credit losses. The Company’s expectation is that the credit risk associated with fees and other receivables is not significant until they are 90 days past due based on the contractual arrangement and expectation of collection in accordance with industry standards.
For securities borrowed, the Company applies a practical expedient to measure the allowance for credit losses based on the fair value of the collateral. If the fair value of the collateral held exceeds the amortized cost of the borrowing and the borrower is expected to continue to replenish the collateral as needed, the Company will not recognize an allowance. If the fair value of collateral is less than amortized cost and the borrower is expected to continue to replenish the collateral as needed, the Company applies the CECL model, utilizing a probability and loss given default methodology, only to the extent of the shortfall between the fair value of the collateral and amortized cost.
The credit loss expense related to the allowance for credit losses as well as any recoveries of amounts previously charged is reflected in other expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
e. Valuation of investments and derivative contracts and other investments
US GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date;
Level 2Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including inputs in markets that are not considered to be active; and
Level 3Fair value is determined based on pricing inputs that are unobservable and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in this category requires significant management judgment or estimation.
Inputs are used in applying the various valuation techniques and broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make valuation decisions, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may include price information, volatility statistics,
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
specific and broad credit data, liquidity statistics, and other factors. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company considers observable data to be that market data which is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market. The categorization of a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond to the Company's perceived risk of that instrument. Inputs reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
The Company and its operating subsidiaries act as the manager for the Consolidated Funds. Both the Company and the Consolidated Funds hold certain investments which are valued by the Company, acting as the investment manager. The fair value of these investments is based on their proportional rights of the underlying portfolio company, and is generally estimated based on proprietary models developed by the Company, which include discounted cash flow analysis, public market comparables, and other techniques and may be based, at least in part, on independently sourced market information. The material estimates and assumptions used in these models include the timing and expected amount of cash flows, the appropriateness of discount rates used, and, in some cases, the ability to execute, timing of, and estimated proceeds from expected financings. Significant judgment and estimation impact the selection of an appropriate valuation methodology as well as the assumptions used in these models, and the timing and actual values realized with respect to investments could be materially different from values derived based on the use of those estimates. The valuation methodologies applied impact the reported value of the Company's investments and the investments held by the Consolidated Funds in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain of the Company's investments are relatively illiquid or thinly traded and may not be immediately liquidated on demand if needed. Fair values assigned to these investments may differ significantly from the fair values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and such differences could be material.
The Company primarily uses the market approach to value its financial instruments measured at fair value. In determining an instrument's level within the hierarchy, the Company categorizes the Company's financial instruments into three categories: securities, derivative contracts and other investments. To the extent applicable, each of these categories can further be divided between those held long or sold short.
The Company has the option to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The election is made on an instrument by instrument basis at initial recognition of an asset or liability or upon an event that gives rise to a new basis of accounting for that instrument. The Company has elected the fair value option for certain of its investments held by its operating companies. This option has been elected because the Company believes that it is consistent with the manner in which the business is managed, as well as the way that financial instruments in other parts of the business are recorded.
Securities—Securities with values based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets are classified within level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. These securities primarily include active listed equities, certain U.S. government and sovereign obligations, Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs"), mutual funds and certain money market securities.
Certain positions for which trading activity may not be readily visible, consisting primarily of convertible debt, corporate debt and loans and restricted equities, are stated at fair value and classified within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values assigned by management are determined in good faith and are based on available information considering trading activity, broker quotes, quotations provided by published pricing services, counterparties and other market participants, and pricing models using quoted inputs, and do not necessarily represent the amounts which might ultimately be realized. As level 2 investments include positions that are not always traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability.
Derivative Contracts—Derivative contracts can be exchange-traded or privately negotiated over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures contracts and exchange-traded option contracts, are typically classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether or not they are deemed to be actively traded. OTC derivatives, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, are classified as level 2 when their inputs can be corroborated by market data. OTC derivatives, such as swaps and options, with significant inputs that cannot be corroborated by readily available or observable market data are classified as level 3.
Other Investments—Other investments consist primarily of portfolio funds, carried interest and equity method investments, which are valued as follows:
i. Portfolio Funds—Portfolio funds include interests in private investment partnerships, foreign investment companies and other collective investment vehicles which may be managed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company applies the practical expedient provided by the US GAAP fair value measurements and disclosures guidance relating to investments
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The practical expedient permits an entity holding investments in certain entities that either are investment companies or have attributes similar to an investment company, and calculate NAV per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable, to measure the fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment. Investments which are valued using NAV per share as a practical expedient are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy.
ii. Carried Interest—For the private equity and debt fund products the Company offers, the Company is allocated incentive income by the investment funds based on the extent by which the investment funds performance exceeds predetermined thresholds. Carried interest allocations are generally structured from a legal standpoint as an allocation of capital in the Company’s capital account. The Company accounts for carried interest allocations by applying an equity ownership model. Accordingly, the Company accrues performance allocations quarterly based on the fair value of the underlying investments assuming hypothetical liquidation at book value.
iii. Equity Method Investments—For operating entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation as outlined above, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. The Company's investments in equity method investees are recorded in other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees is included in Net gains (losses) on other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
See Notes 6 and 7 for further information regarding the Company's investments, including equity method investments and fair value measurements.
f. Offsetting of derivative contracts
To reduce credit exposures on derivatives, the Company may enter into master netting agreements with counterparties that permit the Company the right, in the event of a default by a counterparty, to offset the counterparty’s rights and obligations under the agreement and to liquidate and offset any collateral against any net amount owed by the counterparty. Derivatives are reported on a net-by-counterparty basis (i.e., the net payable or receivable for derivative assets and liabilities for a given counterparty) in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition when a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable netting agreement. Additionally, derivatives are reported net of cash collateral received and posted under enforceable credit support agreements in the condensed consolidated statements of financial position, provided a legal right of offset exists. See Note 6 for further information about offsetting of derivative financial instruments.
g. Receivable from and payable to brokers
Receivable from brokers, dealers, and clearing organizations includes amounts receivable for securities failed to deliver by the Company to a purchaser by the settlement date, amounts receivable from broker-dealers and clearing organizations, commissions receivable from broker-dealers, and interest receivable from securities financing arrangements and are reported net of an allowance for credit losses.
Payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations includes amounts payable for securities failed to receive by the Company from a seller by the settlement date, amounts payable to broker-dealers and clearing organizations for unsettled trades, interest payable for securities financing arrangements, and payables of deposits held in proprietary accounts of brokers and dealers.
Receivables and payables with brokers, dealers and clearing organizations arising from unsettled regular-way transactions are presented net (assets less liabilities) across balances with the same counterparty. The Company's receivable from and payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations balances are held with multiple financial institutions.
h. Receivable from and payable to customers
Receivable from customers includes amounts owed by customers on cash and margin transactions, recorded on a settlement-date basis and prepaid research, net of allowance for credit losses. For prepaid research, a prepaid research asset is established for research and related services disbursed in advance of anticipated client commission volumes.
Payable to customers primarily consists of amounts owed to customers relating to securities transactions not completed on settlement date, recorded on a settlement-date basis on the statement of financial condition, and other miscellaneous customer payables.
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Securities owned by customers, including those that collateralize margin, are not reflected as assets of the Company on the statement of financial condition. The Company holds these securities with the intention of settlement against customer orders and are held as collateral for customer receivables.
i. Fees receivable
Fees receivable primarily relate to securities transactions and are reported net of an allowance for credit losses. Fees receivable also include amounts due to the Company for underwriting fees, strategic/financial advisory fees and placement and sales agent fees. Additionally, management and incentive fees due to the Company are earned as the managing member, general partner and/or investment manager to the Company's investment funds and are recognized in accordance with appropriate revenue recognition guidance (see Note 2o for further reference).
j. Securities financing arrangements
Securities borrowed and securities loaned are carried at the amounts of cash collateral advanced or received on a gross basis. The related rebates are recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations as interest and dividends income and interest and dividends expense. Securities borrowed transactions require the Company to deposit cash collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, the Company receives cash or securities as collateral from the borrower. When the Company receives securities as collateral, and has concluded it (i) is the transferor and (ii) can pledge the securities to third parties, the Company recognizes the securities received as collateral at fair value in Securities owned, at fair value with the corresponding obligation to return the securities received as collateral at fair value in Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value. Securities received as collateral are not recognized when the Company either (i) is not the transferor or (ii) cannot pledge the securities to third parties. The initial collateral advanced or received approximates or is greater than the market value of securities borrowed or loaned. The Company monitors the market value of securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained or returned, as necessary. Securities borrowed and loaned may also result in credit exposures for the Company in an event that the counterparties are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. See Note 2d for further information.
Fees and interest received or paid are recorded in interest and dividends income and interest and dividends expense, respectively, on an accrual basis in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest income and expense are recorded in receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations and payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations, respectively, on an accrual basis in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
k. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
Securities purchased under agreement to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase ("repurchase agreements") are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at their contracted resale or repurchase amount plus accrued interest. A repo is a transaction in which a firm buys or sells financial instruments from/to a counterparty, typically in exchange for cash, and simultaneously enters into an agreement to resell or repurchase the same or substantially the same financial instruments to/from such counterparty at a stated price plus accrued interest at a future date. When the Company receives securities as collateral, and has concluded it (i) is the transferor and (ii) can pledge the securities to third parties, the Company recognizes the securities received as collateral at fair value in Securities owned, at fair value with the corresponding obligation to return the securities received as collateral at fair value in Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value. Securities received as collateral are not recognized when the Company either (i) is not the transferor or (ii) cannot pledge the securities to third parties. The initial collateral advanced approximates or is greater than the market value of securities purchased or sold in the transaction. The Company typically enters into repurchase transactions with counterparties that prefer repurchase transactions to securities borrowed and securities loaned transactions. The Company has executed master repurchase agreements with such counterparties and utilizes such counterparties to finance its own positions, or replace a securities lending transaction with a repurchase for matched book purposes. The Company monitors the market value of repurchases on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained or returned, as necessary. Repurchases may also result in credit exposures for the Company in an event that the counterparties are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company mitigates its credit risk by continuously monitoring its credit exposure and collateral values by demanding additional collateral or returning excess collateral in accordance with the netting provisions available in the master repurchase contracts in place with the counterparties.
Interest paid is recorded in interest and dividends expense in accordance with US GAAP on repurchase agreement transactions on an accrual basis in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
l. Goodwill and intangible assets
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price consideration of acquired companies over the estimated fair value assigned to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is allocated to the Company's reporting units at the date the goodwill is initially recorded. Once goodwill has been allocated to the reporting units, it generally no longer retains its identification with a particular acquisition but instead becomes identifiable with the reporting unit. As a result, all of the fair value of each reporting unit is available to support the value of goodwill allocated to the unit.
In accordance with US GAAP requirements for testing for impairment of goodwill, the Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or at an interim period if events or changed circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. In testing for goodwill impairment, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances led to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, the Company concludes that fair value exceeds its carrying amount, then performing a quantitative impairment test is not necessary. If the Company concludes otherwise, the Company is required to perform a quantitative impairment test that requires a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the related goodwill is not considered impaired and no further analysis is required. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated average useful lives. Intangible assets are tested for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset or asset group's carrying value may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss, calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of an asset or asset group, is recognized in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations if the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows from the use or disposition of the asset or asset group is less than the corresponding carrying value. The Company continually monitors the estimated average useful lives of existing intangible assets.
m. Temporary Equity
Temporary equity consists of Redeemable 5.625% Series A cumulative perpetual convertible preferred stock ("Series A Convertible Preferred Stock"). The Company has irrevocably elected to cash settle $1,000.00 of each conversion of any share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. As the holders can exercise the conversion option on their shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at any time and require cash payment upon conversion, the Company has classified the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock preferred stock in temporary equity.
n. Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
Non-controlling interests represent the pro rata share of the income or loss of the non-wholly owned consolidated entities attributable to the other owners of such entities. When non-controlling interest holders do not have redemption features that can be exercised at the option of the holder currently or contingent upon the occurrence of future events, their ownership has been classified as a component of permanent equity. Ownership which has been classified in permanent equity are non-controlling interests for which the holder does not have the unilateral right to redeem its ownership interests.
o. Revenue recognition
The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC Topic 606"), which requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company follows a five-step model to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, the Company includes variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Significant judgments are required in the application of the five-step model including: when determining whether performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time or over time; how to allocate transaction prices where multiple performance obligations
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
are identified; when to recognize revenue based on the appropriate measure of the Company's progress under the contract; and whether constraints on variable consideration should be applied due to uncertain future events.
The Company's principal sources of revenue are generated within two segments. The Op Co segment generates revenue through five principal sources: investment banking revenue, brokerage revenue, management fees, investment income (loss) and incentive income. Investment income is excluded from ASC Topic 606. The Asset Co segment generates revenue through investment income (loss), management fees and incentive income. Revenue from contracts with customers includes management fees, incentive income, investment banking revenue and brokerage services revenue excluding principal transactions. ASC Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, interest income and expense, leasing and insurance contracts. The following is a description of principal activities, from which the Company generates its revenue. For more detailed information about reportable segments, see Note 23.
Investment banking
The Company earns investment banking revenue primarily from fees associated with public and private capital raising transactions and providing strategic advisory services. Investment banking revenues are derived primarily from public and private small- and mid-capitalization companies within the Company's sectors.
Investment banking revenue consists of underwriting fees, strategic/financial advisory fees, expenses reimbursed from clients and placement and sales agent fees.
•Underwriting fees. The Company earns underwriting fees in securities offerings in which the Company acts as an underwriter, such as initial public offerings, follow-on equity offerings, debt offerings, and convertible securities offerings. Fee revenue relating to underwriting commitments is recorded at the point in time when all significant items relating to the underwriting process have been completed and the amount of the underwriting revenue has been determined. This generally is the point at which all of the following have occurred: (i) the issuer's registration statement has become effective with the SEC or the other offering documents are finalized; (ii) the Company has made a firm commitment for the purchase of securities from the issuer; (iii) the Company has been informed of the number of securities that it has been allotted; and (iv) the issuer obtains control and benefits of the offering; which generally occurs on trade date.
Underwriting fees are recognized gross of transaction-related expenses, and such amounts are adjusted to reflect actual expenses in the period in which the Company receives the final settlement, typically within 90 days following the closing of the transaction.
•Strategic/financial advisory fees. The Company's strategic advisory revenue includes success fees earned in connection with advising companies, principally in mergers, acquisitions and restructuring transactions. The Company also earns fees for related advisory work such as providing fairness opinions. A significant portion of the Company's advisory revenue (i.e., success-related advisory fees) is considered variable consideration and recognized when it is probable that the variable consideration will not be reversed in a future period. The variable consideration is constrained until satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company records strategic advisory revenues at the point in time, gross of related expenses, when the services for the transactions are completed or the contract is canceled under the terms of each assignment or engagement.
•Placement and sales agent fees. The Company earns placement agency fees and sales agent commissions in non-underwritten transactions, such as private placements of loans and debt and equity securities, including private investment in public equity transactions ("PIPEs"), and as sales agent in at-the-market offerings of equity securities. The Company records placement revenues (which may be in cash and/or securities) at the point in time when the services for the transactions are completed under the terms of each assignment or engagement. The Company records sales agent commissions on a trade-date basis.
•Expense reimbursements from clients. Investment banking revenue includes expense reimbursements for transaction-related expenses, primarily consisting of legal, travel and other costs directly associated with the transaction. Expense reimbursements associated with investment banking engagements are recognized in revenue at the point in time when the Company is contractually entitled to reimbursement. The related expenses are presented gross within their respective expense category in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Brokerage
Brokerage revenue consists of commissions, principal transactions, equity research fees and trade conversion revenue.
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
•Commissions. Commission revenue includes fees from executing and clearing client transactions and commission sharing arrangements. Trade execution and clearing services, when provided together, represent a single performance obligation as the services are not separately identifiable in the context of the contract. Commission revenues associated with combined trade execution and clearing services on a standalone basis, are recognized at a point in time on trade-date. Commission revenues are generally paid on settlement date and the Company records a receivable between trade-date and payment on settlement date. The Company permits institutional customers to allocate a portion of their commissions to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties. The amounts allocated for those purposes are commonly referred to as "soft dollar arrangements". The Company also offers institutional clients the ability to allocate a portion of their gross commissions incurred on trades executed with various brokers to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties by entering into commission sharing arrangements. The Company acts as an agent in the soft dollar and commission sharing arrangements as the customer controls the use of the soft dollars and directs payments to third-party service providers on its behalf. Accordingly, amounts allocated to soft dollar arrangements are netted against commission revenues and recorded on trade date. Commissions on soft dollar brokerage are recorded net of the related expenditures. The costs of commission sharing arrangements are recorded for each eligible trade and shown net of commission revenue.
•Equity research fees. Equity research fees are paid to the Company for providing access to equity research. In the US, revenue is recognized once an arrangement exists, access to research has been provided and the customer has benefited from the research. As part of MiFID II, the international customers of the Company's broker-dealers have executed equity research contracts with its clients. The contracts either contain a fixed price for providing access to research or a price at the discretion of the customer with a contract minimum. Fixed equity research fees are recognized over the contract period as the customer is benefiting from the research throughout the contract term. When the equity research fees are based on the customer’s discretion with a contract minimum, the Company recognizes the contract minimum over the life of the contract as the customer benefits from the research provided and adjusts the revenue when the Company can estimate the amount of equity research fees over the contract minimum. Additionally, the Company earns variable consideration for attending client conferences and events. Revenue is recognized when the Company attends a client conference or event.
•Trade conversion revenue. Trade conversion revenue includes fees earned from converting foreign securities into an American Depository Receipt ("ADR") and fees earned from converting an ADR into foreign securities on behalf of customers, and margins earned from facilitating customer foreign exchange transactions. Trade conversion revenue is recognized on a trade-date basis.
Investment Income
Investment income (loss) consists of securities principal transactions, net, portfolio fund principal transactions, net and carried interest allocations. Investment income is excluded from ASC Topic 606.
• Securities principal transactions, net. Principal transactions, net includes realized gains and losses from transactions in financial instruments and unrealized gains and losses from ongoing changes in the fair value of the Company’s positions.
Principal transactions, net generated by the Company's broker-dealers include net trading gains and losses from the Company's market-making activities in over-the-counter equity and fixed income securities, trading of convertible securities, and trading gains and losses on inventory and other Company positions, which include securities previously received as part of investment banking transactions. In certain cases, the Company provides liquidity to clients by buying or selling blocks of shares of listed stocks without previously identifying the other side of the trade at execution, which subjects the Company to market risk. These positions are typically held for a short duration.
With respects to the Company's proprietary trading strategies, purchases and sales of securities, net of commissions, derivative contracts, and the related revenues and expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis with net trading gains and losses included as a component of Investment income - Securities principal transactions, net, in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
•Portfolio Fund principal transactions, net. Portfolio funds include interests in private investment partnerships, foreign investment companies and other collective investment vehicles which may be managed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company applies the practical expedient provided by the US GAAP fair value measurements and disclosures guidance relating to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The practical expedient permits an entity holding certain investments that calculates NAV per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable and is considered an investment company under ASC 946 to measure the
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment. Investments which are valued using NAV per share as a practical expedient are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in NAV per share are reflected within Investment income – portfolio fund principal transactions, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
•Carried interest allocations. The Company is allocated carried interest based on net profits (as defined in the respective investment management or partnership agreement) related to certain of the Company's private equity investment funds. For the private equity fund products the Company offers, the carried interest earned is typically up to 30% of the distributions made to investors after return of their contributed capital and generally a preferred return. The Company recognizes carried interest allocated to the Company under an equity ownership model as investment income - carried interest allocations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations accordance with ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Under the equity method of accounting the Company recognizes its allocations of incentive income or carried interest within Investment Income - Carried interest allocations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations along with the allocations proportionate to the Company's ownership interests in the investment funds. Generally, carried interest is recognized after the investor has received a full return of its invested capital, plus a preferred return. However, for certain private equity structures, the Company is entitled to receive incentive fees earlier, provided that the investors have received their preferred return on a current basis or on an investor by investor basis. These private equity structures are generally subject to a potential clawback of these incentive fees upon the liquidation of the private equity structure if the investor has not received a full return of its invested capital plus the preferred return thereon.
Management fees
The Company earns management fees from investment funds and certain managed accounts for which it serves as the investment manager; such fees earned are typically based on committed and invested capital. The Company has determined that the primary drivers of management fees are committed and invested capital relating to private equity funds. The management fees are earned as the investment management services are provided and are not subject to reversals. The performance obligation related to the transfer of these services is satisfied over time because the customer is receiving and consuming the benefits as they are provided by the Company.
Management fees are generally paid on a quarterly basis and are prorated for capital inflows (or commitments) and redemptions (or distributions) and are recognized as revenue at that time as they relate specifically to the services provided in that period, which are distinct from the services provided in other periods. While some investors may have separately negotiated fees, in general the management fees are as follows:
•Private equity funds. Management fees for the Company's private equity funds are generally charged at an annual rate of 1% to 2% of committed capital during the investment period (as defined in the relevant partnership agreement). After the investment period, management fees for these private equity funds are generally charged at an annual rate of 1% to 2% of the net asset value or the aggregate cost basis of the unrealized investments held by the private equity funds. For certain other private equity funds (and managed accounts), the management fees range from 0.2% to 1% and there is no adjustment based on the investment period. Management fees for the Company's private equity funds are generally paid on a quarterly basis.
•Hedge funds. Management fees for the Company's hedge funds are generally charged at an annual rate of up to 2% of net asset value. Management fees are generally calculated monthly at the end of each month.
Incentive income
The Company earns incentive income based on net profits (as defined in the respective investment management or partnership agreement) related to certain of the Company's investment funds and managed accounts. The incentive income is charged to the investment funds in accordance with their corresponding investment management or partnership agreement. For the hedge funds the Company offers, incentive income earned is typically up to 20% (in certain cases on performance in excess of a benchmark) of the net profits earned for the full year that are attributable to each fee-paying investor.
The Company recognizes incentive income charged to the Company's hedge funds based on the net profits of the hedge funds. The Company recognizes such incentive income when the fees are no longer subject to reversal or are crystallized. For certain hedge funds, the incentive fee crystallizes annually when the high-water mark for such hedge funds is reset, which delays recognition of the incentive fee until year end. In periods following a period of a net loss attributable to an investor, the Company generally does not earn incentive income on any future profits attributable to such investor until the accumulated net loss from prior periods is recovered, an arrangement commonly referred to as a "high-water mark." Generally, incentive income is earned after the investor has received a full return of its invested capital, plus a preferred return.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Consolidated Funds – principal transaction, net
Purchases and sales of securities, net of commissions, derivative contracts, and the related revenues and expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis with net trading gains and losses included as a component of Consolidated Funds - Principal transactions, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Certain of the Companies Consolidated Funds invest in other investment funds for which the Company applies the practical expedient provided by the US GAAP fair value measurements and disclosures guidance relating to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The practical expedient permits an entity holding investments in certain entities that either are investment companies or have attributes similar to an investment company, and calculate NAV per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable, to measure the fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment. Investments which are valued using NAV per share as a practical expedient are not categorized within the fair value hierarchy. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in NAV per share are reflected within Consolidated Funds – Principal transaction, net.
Interest and dividends
Interest and dividends are earned by the Company from various sources. The Company receives interest and dividends primarily from securities finance activities and securities held by the Company for purposes of investing capital, investments held by its Consolidated Funds and its brokerage balances. Interest is recognized in accordance with US GAAP and market convention for the imputation of interest of the host financial instrument. Interest income is recognized on the debt of those issuers that is deemed collectible. Interest income and expense includes premiums and discounts amortized and accreted on debt investments based on criteria determined by the Company using the effective yield method, which assumes the reinvestment of all interest payments. Dividends are recognized on the ex-dividend date.
Insurance and reinsurance
Premiums for insurance and reinsurance contracts are earned over the coverage period. In most cases, premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the term of the contract with unearned premiums computed on a monthly basis. For each of its contracts, the Company determines if the contract provides indemnification against loss or liability relating to insurance risk, in accordance with US GAAP. If the Company determines that a contract does not expose it to a reasonable possibility of a significant loss from insurance risk, the Company records the contract under the deposit method of accounting with any net amount receivable reflected as an asset in other assets, and any net amount payable reflected as a liability within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
The liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts, including reported losses. Estimated ultimate payment amounts are based upon (1) reports of losses from policyholders, (2) individual case estimates and (3) estimates of incurred but unreported losses.
Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to earnings after deducting amounts recovered and estimates of recoverable amounts and are included in other expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Costs of acquiring new policies, which vary with and are directly related to the production of new policies, have been deferred to the extent that such costs are deemed recoverable from future premiums or gross profits. Such costs include commissions and allowances as well as certain costs of policy issuance and underwriting and are included within other assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
All of the items above are reported net of any Outward Reinsurance (see Note 18), which is determined as the portion of the Company’s premiums, liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses, provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses, and costs of acquiring new policies that are ceded to providers of such Outward Reinsurance pursuant to their terms and conditions. These ceded amounts are calculated based on the same principles outlined above.
Interest and dividends expense
Interest and dividends expense relates primarily to securities finance activities, trading activity with respect to the Company's investments and interest expense on debt.
p. Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with US GAAP which requires the recognition of tax benefits or expenses based on the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of its assets and liabilities. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
than not to be realized. The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets for recoverability considering negative and positive evidence, including its historical financial performance, projections of future taxable income, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and tax planning strategies. The Company records a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets to bring them to a level that it is more likely than not to be utilized.
US GAAP clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise's financial statements, requiring the Company to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold, the tax amount recognized in the financial statements is reduced by the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant taxing authority. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to its uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense.
In accordance with federal and state tax laws, the Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal, state, and local income tax returns as well as stand-alone state and local tax returns. The Company also has subsidiaries that are residents in foreign countries where tax filings have to be submitted on a stand-alone or combined basis. These subsidiaries are subject to taxes in their respective countries and the Company is responsible for and therefore reports all taxes incurred by these subsidiaries in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The foreign jurisdictions where the Company owns subsidiaries and has tax filing obligations are the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Malta, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, South Africa, Canada and Hong Kong.
q. Recent pronouncements
In August 2020, the FASB issued guidance simplifying an issuer’s accounting for convertible instruments by eliminating two of the three models in ASC 470-20 that require separate accounting for embedded conversion features; separate accounting is still required in certain cases. The guidance also simplifies the settlement assessment that entities are required to perform to determine whether a contract qualifies for equity classification. The guidance requires entities to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments in the diluted earnings per share calculation and include the effect of potential share settlement (if the effect is more dilutive) for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares, except for certain liability-classified share-based payment awards. The guidance requires new disclosures about events that occur during the reporting period and cause conversion contingencies to be met and about the fair value of a public business entity’s convertible debt at the instrument level. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2022 under the modified retrospective method. With the adoption of this guidance, the Company is required to include the portion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that can be settled in Class A common stock (the amount in excess of $1,000.00 per share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock) in the diluted earnings per share calculation. See Note 21 for the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance prescribing targeted improvements to financial services – insurance industry accounting guidance for long-duration contracts. The new guidance (i) prescribes the discount rate to be used in measuring the liability for future policy benefits for traditional and limited payment long-duration contracts, and requires assumptions for those liability valuations to be updated after contract inception, (ii) requires more market-based product guarantees on certain separate account and other account balance long-duration contracts to be accounted for at fair value, (iii) simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs for virtually all long-duration contracts, and (iv) introduces certain financial statement presentation requirements, as well as significant additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures. For all entities, the guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance.
3. Acquisition
Malta
On February 26, 2021 (the "Malta Acquisition Date"), the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Cowen Malta Holdings Ltd. (“Malta Holdings”), completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding equity interest of Axeria Insurance Limited (the “Malta Acquisition”), an insurance company organized under the laws of Malta whose principal business activity is to provide insurance coverage to third parties (see Note 18). Axeria Insurance Limited was renamed Cowen Insurance Company Ltd (“Cowen Insurance Co”) upon acquisition. The Malta Acquisition was completed for a combination of cash and deferred consideration. In the aggregate, the purchase price, assets acquired, and liabilities assumed were not significant and near-term impact to the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be significant.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The aggregate estimated purchase price of the Malta Acquisition was $12.7 million. On the Malta Acquisition Date, the Company paid upfront consideration of $12.5 million, with additional deferred consideration of $0.2 million which was paid during the second quarter of 2021.
The Malta Acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with US GAAP. As such, the results of operations of the business acquired is included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations since the date of the Malta Acquisition and the assets acquired, liabilities assumed recorded at their fair values within their respective line items on the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. The Company has recognized a bargain purchase gain of $5.2 million related to the Malta Acquisition and is shown net of associated tax of $1.3 million in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. The bargain purchase gain is primarily driven by the recognition of the customer relationships intangible asset and a contractual discount on the closing equity balance at the Malta Acquisition Date. Additionally, following the Malta Acquisition, the business acquired is included in the Cowen Investment Management reporting unit within the Operating Company segment.
The table below summarizes the purchase price allocation of net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of February 26, 2021: | | | | | | |
| (dollars in thousands) | |
| Cash | $ | 14,844 | | |
| Securities owned, at fair value | 1,571 | | |
| Fixed assets | 30 | | |
| Intangible assets | 4,794 | | |
| Other assets | 12,828 | | |
| Compensation payable | (17) | | |
| Other liabilities | (16,099) | | |
| Total net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed | 17,951 | | |
| Bargain purchase gain | (5,216) | | |
| Total estimated purchase price | $ | 12,735 | | |
As of the Malta Acquisition Date, the estimated fair value of the Company's intangible assets, which are primarily broker relationships, was $4.6 million and had a weighted average useful life of 10 years. The licenses of $0.2 million has indefinite life. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $0.1 million and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was insignificant.
As of March 31, 2022, the estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets in future periods is as follows: | | | | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| 2022 | 343 | |
| 2023 | 458 | |
| 2024 | 458 | |
| 2025 | 458 | |
| 2026 | 458 | |
| Thereafter | 2,124 | |
| $ | 4,299 | |
In addition to the purchase price consideration, for the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had incurred acquisition-related expenses of $0.2 million, including financial advisory, legal and valuation services, which are included in professional, advisory and other fees in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
4. Cash Collateral Pledged
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company pledged cash collateral in the amount of $3.4 million and $3.4 million respectively, which relates to letters of credit issued to the landlords of the Company's premises in New York City, Boston and San Francisco. The Company also has pledged cash collateral for reinsurance agreements which amounted to $49.5 million, as of March 31, 2022, and $44.1 million, as of December 31, 2021, which are expected to be released periodically as per the terms of the reinsurance policy between March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2024 (see Notes 12 and 18).
As of March 31, 2022, the Company has the following irrevocable letters of credit, related to leased office space, for which there is cash collateral pledged, which the Company pays a fee on the stated amount of the letter of credit.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Location | | Amount | | Maturity |
| | | (dollars in thousands) | | |
| New York | | $ | 209 | | | April 2023 |
| New York | | $ | 1,325 | | | October 2022 |
| New York | | $ | 1,226 | | | August 2022 |
| Boston | | $ | 188 | | | March 2023 |
| San Francisco | | $ | 454 | | | October 2025 |
| | $ | 3,402 | | | |
To the extent any letter of credit is drawn upon, interest will be assessed at the prime commercial lending rate. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 there were no amounts due related to these letters of credit.
5. Segregated Cash
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, cash segregated under federal regulations and other restricted deposits of $220.9 million and $194.7 million, respectively, consisted of cash deposited in Special Reserve Bank Accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers under SEC Rule 15c3-3 and cash deposited in Special Reserve Bank Accounts for the exclusive benefit of Proprietary Accounts of Broker-Dealers ("PAB") under SEC Rule 15c3-3 (see Note 24).
6. Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds
a. Operating entities
Securities owned, at fair value
Securities owned, at fair value are held by the Company and are considered held for trading. Substantially all equity securities, which are not part of the Company's self-clearing securities finance activities, are pledged to external clearing brokers under terms which permit the external clearing broker to sell or re-pledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, securities owned, at fair value consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Common stock | $ | 2,348,243 | | | $ | 2,428,820 | |
| Preferred stock | 190,184 | | | 134,930 | |
| Warrants and rights | 53,082 | | | 46,459 | |
| Government bonds | 11,992 | | | 16,002 | |
| Corporate bonds | 146,998 | | | 21,468 | |
| Convertible bonds | 5,250 | | | 5,250 | |
| Term loan | 2,375 | | | 3,907 | |
| Trade claims (*) | 4,840 | | | 3,496 | |
| Private investments | 550 | | | 410 | |
| $ | 2,763,514 | | | $ | 2,660,742 | |
(*)The Company has elected the fair value option for securities owned, at fair value with a fair value of $4.8 million and $3.5 million of trade claims respectively, at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Receivable on and Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
The Company predominantly enters into derivative transactions to satisfy client needs and to manage its own exposure to market and credit risks resulting from its trading activities. The Company’s direct exposure to derivative financial instruments includes futures, currency forwards, equity swaps, interest rate swaps and options. The Company's derivatives trading activities
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
expose the Company to certain risks, such as price and interest rate fluctuations, volatility risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, foreign currency movements and changes in the liquidity of markets.
The Company's long and short exposure to derivatives is as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Receivable on derivative contracts | As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | Number of contracts / Notional Value | | Fair value | | Number of contracts / Notional Value | | Fair value |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| | | | | | | |
| Currency forwards | $ | 11,482 | | | $ | 109 | | | $ | 10,727 | | | $ | 80 | |
| Equity swaps | $ | 2,077,076 | | | 388,875 | | | $ | 1,950,181 | | | 305,370 | |
| Options (a) | 120,847 | | | 49,801 | | | 217,393 | | | 61,219 | |
| Interest rate swap (c) | $ | 427,000 | | | 19,839 | | | $ | 285,000 | | | 1,208 | |
| Netting - swaps (b) | | | (115,912) | | | | | (81,742) | |
| | | $ | 342,712 | | | | | $ | 286,135 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payable for derivative contracts | As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | Number of contracts / Notional Value | | Fair value | | Number of contracts / Notional Value | | Fair value |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Futures | $ | 2,567 | | | $ | 53 | | | $ | 9,378 | | | $ | 266 | |
| Currency forwards | $ | 138,530 | | | 1,084 | | | $ | 149,575 | | | 1,346 | |
| Equity swaps | $ | 825,229 | | | 152,265 | | | $ | 988,329 | | | 114,689 | |
| | | | | | | |
| Options (a) | 117,871 | | | 25,214 | | | 182,440 | | | 36,192 | |
| Netting - swap (b) | | | (131,802) | | | | | (92,330) | |
| | | $ | 46,814 | | | | | $ | 60,163 | |
(a) Includes the volume of contracts for index, equity, commodity future and cash conversion options.
(b) Derivatives are reported on a net basis, by counterparty, when a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable netting agreement as well as net of cash collateral received or posted under enforceable credit support agreements. See Note 2f for further information on offsetting of derivative financial instruments.
(c) Interest rate swap offsetting the Company's floating rate debt on the Company's term loan. See Note 12
The following tables present the gross and net derivative positions and the related offsetting amount, as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. This table does not include the impact of over-collateralization. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (a) | | Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition | | Gross amounts not offset in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition | | |
| Gross amounts recognized | | | | Financial instruments (a) | | Cash Collateral pledged (a) | | Net amounts |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value | $ | 458,624 | | | $ | 115,912 | | | $ | 342,712 | | | $ | 1,431 | | | $ | 256,061 | | | $ | 85,220 | |
| Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value | 178,616 | | | 131,802 | | | 46,814 | | | 2,840 | | | — | | | 43,974 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value | $ | 367,877 | | | $ | 81,742 | | | $ | 286,135 | | | $ | 1,421 | | | $ | 211,442 | | | $ | 73,272 | |
| Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value | 152,493 | | | 92,330 | | | 60,163 | | | 2,839 | | | — | | | 57,324 | |
(a)Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.
The realized and unrealized gains/(losses) related to derivatives trading activities were $(37.8) million and $35.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and are included in Investment income- Securities principal
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
transactions, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The net gains (losses) on derivative contracts in the table above are one of a number of activities comprising the Company's business activities and are calculated before consideration of economic hedging transactions, which generally offset the net gains (losses) included above.
Pursuant to the various derivatives transactions discussed above, except for exchange traded derivatives and certain options, the Company is required to post/receive collateral. These amounts are recognized in receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations and payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations respectively. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, all derivative contracts were with major financial institutions.
Other investments
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, other investments included the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Portfolio funds, at fair value (1) | $ | 131,766 | | | $ | 137,986 | |
| Carried interest (2) | 70,281 | | | 88,925 | |
| Equity method investments (3) | 35,581 | | | 47,200 | |
| | | |
| $ | 237,628 | | | $ | 274,111 | |
(1) Portfolio funds, at fair value
The portfolio funds, at fair value as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, included the following: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| HealthCare Royalty Partners LP (a)(*) | $ | 791 | | | $ | 832 | |
| HealthCare Royalty Partners II LP (a)(*) | 1,241 | | | 1,259 | |
| Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. (b) | 6,348 | | | 5,829 | |
| Eclipse Ventures Fund II, L.P. (b) | 2,359 | | | 2,354 | |
| Eclipse Continuity Fund I, L.P. (b) | 1,827 | | | 1,641 | |
| Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP (c)(*) | 48,246 | | | 49,252 | |
| Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund Ltd (c) (*) | 2,675 | | | 2,732 | |
| Lagunita Biosciences, LLC (d) | 5,227 | | | 5,671 | |
| Starboard Leaders Fund LP (e)(*) | 2,826 | | | 2,823 | |
| Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. (f) | 19,949 | | | 20,992 | |
| | | |
| BDC Fund I Coinvest 1, L.P. (g) | 1,250 | | | 1,250 | |
| Difesa Partners, LP (h) | 971 | | | 1,017 | |
| Cowen Sustainable Investments I LP (i)(*) | 12,879 | | | 13,102 | |
| Cowen Healthcare Investments II LP (i) (*) | 9,524 | | | 13,055 | |
| Cowen Healthcare Investments III LP (i)(*) | 6,847 | | | 8,426 | |
| | | |
| Cowen Healthcare Investments IV LP (i)(*) | 1,987 | | | 1,071 | |
| Eclipse SPV I, LP (j)(*) | 1,445 | | | 1,445 | |
| TriArtisan ES Partners LLC (k)(*) | 1,805 | | | 1,805 | |
| TriArtisan PFC Partners LLC (l)(*) | 1,177 | | | 1,112 | |
| Ramius Merger Fund LLC (m)(*) | 1,760 | | | 1,692 | |
| | | |
| Other private investment (n)(*) | 294 | | | 303 | |
| Other affiliated funds (o)(*) | 338 | | | 323 | |
| $ | 131,766 | | | $ | 137,986 | |
* These portfolio funds are affiliates of the Company.
The Company has no unfunded commitments regarding the portfolio funds held by the Company except as noted in Note 22.
(a)HealthCare Royalty Partners, L.P. and HealthCare Royalty Partners II, L.P. are private equity funds and therefore distributions will be made when cash flows are received from the underlying investments, typically on a quarterly basis.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(b)Each of Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P., Eclipse Ventures Fund II, L.P. and Eclipse Continuity Fund I, L.P. are venture capital funds which invests in early stage and growth stage hardware companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(c)Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP and Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund Ltd permits quarterly withdrawals upon 90 days' notice.
(d)Lagunita Biosciences, LLC, is a healthcare investment company that creates and grows early stage companies to commercialize impactful translational science that addresses significant clinical needs, is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(e)Starboard Leaders Fund LP does not permit withdrawals, but instead allows terminations with respect to capital commitments upon 30 days' prior written notice at any time following the first anniversary of an investor's initial capital contribution.
(f)Formation8 Partners Fund I, L.P. is a private equity fund which invests in early stage and growth transformational information and energy technology companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(g)BDC Fund I Coinvest 1, L.P. is a private equity fund focused on investing in growth companies in industries disrupted by digitization. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(h)Difesa Partners, LP permits semi-annual withdrawals occurring on or after the anniversary of initial contribution upon 90 days written notice.
(i)Cowen Sustainable Investments I LP, Cowen Healthcare Investments II LP, Cowen Healthcare Investments III LP and Cowen Healthcare Investments IV LP are private equity funds. Distributions are made from the fund when cash flows or securities are received from the underlying investments. Investors do not have redemption rights.
(j)Eclipse SPV I, L.P. is a co-investment vehicle organized to invest in a private company focused on software-driven automation projects. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(k)TriArtisan ES Partners LLC is a co-investment vehicle organized to invest in a privately held nuclear services company. Distributions will be made when the underlying investment is liquidated.
(l)TriArtisan PFC Partners LLC is a co-investment vehicle organized to invest in a privately held casual dining restaurant chain. Distributions will be made when the underlying investment in liquidated.
(m)Ramius Merger Fund LLC permits monthly withdrawals on 45 days prior notice.
(n)Other private investment represents the Company's closed end investment in a portfolio fund that invests in a wireless broadband communication provider in Italy.
(o)The majority of these investment funds are affiliates of the Company or are managed by the Company and the investors can redeem from these funds as investments are liquidated.
(2)Carried interest
The Company applies an accounting policy election to recognize incentive income allocated to the Company under an equity ownership model in other investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition (see Note 2o). Carried interest allocated to the Company from certain portfolio funds represents Cowen's general partner capital accounts from those funds. These balances are subject to change upon cash distributions, additional allocations or reallocations back to limited partners within the respective funds. All carried interest balances are earned from affiliates of the Company.
A portion of the Company's carried interest is granted to employees through profit sharing awards designed to more closely align compensation with the overall realized performance of the Company. These arrangements enable certain employees to earn compensation based on performance revenue earned by the Company and are recorded within compensation payable in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and employee compensation and benefits expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operation based on the probable and estimable payments under the terms of the awards.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The carried interest as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, included the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| Cowen Healthcare Investments II LP | $ | 13,886 | | | $ | 23,327 | |
| Cowen Healthcare Investments III LP | 11,510 | | | 18,523 | |
| Cowen Sustainable Investments I LP | 6,725 | | | 7,436 | |
| Cowen Sustainable Investments Offshore I LP | 8,114 | | | 9,196 | |
| CSI I Prodigy Co-Investment LP | 2,241 | | | 2,436 | |
| CSI PRTA Co- Investment LP | 8,682 | | | 9,535 | |
| TriArtisan TGIF Partners LLC | 4,279 | | | 4,047 | |
| TriArtisan ES Partners LLC | 3,389 | | | 3,401 | |
| TriArtisan PFC Partners LLC | 10,408 | | | 9,394 | |
| Ramius Multi-Strategy Fund LP | 555 | | | 587 | |
| Ramius Merger Fund LLC | 368 | | | 861 | |
| | | |
| RCG IO Renergys Sarl | 124 | | | 136 | |
| Other affiliated funds | — | | | 46 | |
| $ | 70,281 | | | $ | 88,925 | |
(3) Equity method investments
Equity method investments include investments held by the Company in several operating companies. The operating agreement that governs the management of day-to-day operations and affairs of these entities stipulates that certain decisions require support and approval from other members in addition to the support and approval of the Company. As a result, all operating decisions made in these entities requires the support of both the Company and an affirmative vote of a majority of the other managing members who are not affiliates of the Company. As the Company does not possess control over any of these entities, the presumption of consolidation has been overcome pursuant to current Accounting Standards and the Company accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting. Included in equity method investments are the investments in (a) HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners (b) Starboard Value (and certain related parties) which serves as an operating company whose operations primarily include the day-to-day management (including portfolio management) of several activist investment funds and related managed accounts and (c) operating companies whose operations primarily include the day-to-day management of real estate entities. The Company recorded no impairment charges in relation to its equity method investments for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
The Company elected to use the cumulative earnings approach for the distributions it receives from its equity method investments. Under the cumulative earnings approach, any distributions received up to the amount of cumulative earnings are treated as return on investment and classified in operating activities within the cash flows. Any excess distributions would be considered as return of investments and classified in investing activities.
The following table summarizes equity method investments held by the Company: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| |
| | | |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| Starboard Value LP | $ | 25,741 | | | $ | 36,889 | |
| | | |
| HealthCare Royalty GP III, LLC | 1,830 | | | 1,957 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| HealthCare Royalty GP, LLC | 1,595 | | | 1,451 | |
| HealthCare Royalty GP II, LLC | 210 | | | 213 | |
| HealthCare Royalty GP IV, LLC | 1,618 | | | 1,716 | |
| RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Management, LLC | 331 | | | 331 | |
| HCR Overflow Fund GP, LLC | 774 | | | 839 | |
| | | |
| HCRP MGS Account Management, LLC | 114 | | | 598 | |
| HCR Stafford Fund GP, LLC | 3,119 | | | 2,955 | |
| | | |
| Other | 249 | | | 251 | |
| $ | 35,581 | | | $ | 47,200 | |
The Company's income from equity method investments was $5.6 million and $12.6 million and for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and is included in net gains (losses) on other investments on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value represent obligations of the Company to deliver a specified security at a contracted price and, thereby, create a liability to purchase that security at prevailing prices. The Company's liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. However, these transactions result in off-balance sheet risk, as the Company's ultimate cost to satisfy the delivery of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value may exceed the amount reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value consisted of the following: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| |
| | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| | | |
| Common stock | $ | 956,228 | | | $ | 1,192,396 | |
| Corporate bonds | 1,349 | | | 37 | |
| | | |
| Preferred stock | 17,278 | | | 9,009 | |
| Warrants and rights | 12 | | | 6 | |
| $ | 974,867 | | | $ | 1,201,448 | |
Securities purchased under agreements to resell/securities sold under agreements to repurchase and securities lending and borrowing transactions
The following tables present the contractual gross and net securities borrowing and lending agreements and securities sold under agreements to repurchase and the related offsetting amount as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Gross amounts not offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition | | |
| Gross amounts recognized, net of allowance | | Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (a) | | Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition | | Additional Amounts Available | | Financial instruments | | Cash Collateral pledged (b) | | Net amounts |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities borrowed | $ | 1,761,146 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,761,146 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,661,310 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 99,836 | |
| Securities loaned | 1,735,852 | | | — | | | 1,735,852 | | | — | | | 1,706,171 | | | — | | | 29,681 | |
| Securities purchased under agreements to resell | 19,621 | | | — | | | 19,621 | | | — | | | 21,035 | | | — | | | (1,414) | |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 229,192 | | | — | | | 229,192 | | | — | | | 249,116 | | | — | | | (19,924) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities borrowed | 1,704,603 | | | — | | | 1,704,603 | | | — | | | 1,652,007 | | | — | | | 52,596 | |
| Securities loaned | 1,586,572 | | | — | | | 1,586,572 | | | — | | | 1,592,140 | | | — | | | (5,568) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | $ | 63,469 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 63,469 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 74,443 | | | $ | — | | | $ | (10,974) | |
(a)Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.
(b)Includes the amount of cash collateral held/posted.
The following tables present gross obligations for securities loaned and securities sold under agreements to repurchase by remaining contractual maturity and class of collateral pledged as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Open and Overnight | | Up to 30 days | | 31 - 90 days | | Greater than 90 days | | Total |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities loaned | | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | $ | 1,728,578 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,728,578 | |
| Corporate bonds | 7,274 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 7,274 | |
| Securities purchased under agreements to resell | | | | | | | | | |
| Corporate bonds | 19,621 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 19,621 | |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | — | | | 43,073 | | | — | | | — | | | 43,073 | |
| Corporate bonds | 186,119 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 186,119 | |
| As of December 31, 2021 | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities loaned | | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | $ | 1,570,835 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | 1,570,835 | |
| Corporate bonds | 15,737 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 15,737 | |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | — | | | 20,906 | | | 42,563 | | | — | | | 63,469 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Variable Interest Entities
The total assets and liabilities of the variable interest entities for which the Company has concluded that it holds a variable interest, but for which it is not the primary beneficiary, are $9.1 billion and $692.4 million as of March 31, 2022 and $9.7 billion and $744.5 million as of December 31, 2021, respectively. The carrying value of the Company's exposure to loss for these variable interest entities as of March 31, 2022 was $155.1 million, and as of December 31, 2021 was $165.5 million, all of which is included in other investments, at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, the Company's maximum exposure to loss for the variable interest entities noted above as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, was $224.7 million and $233.6 million, respectively. The maximum exposure to loss often differs from the carrying value of exposure to loss of the variable interests. The maximum exposure to loss is dependent on the nature of the variable interests in the VIEs and is limited to the notional amounts of certain commitments and guarantees.
b. Consolidated Funds
Other investments, at fair value
Investments in portfolio funds, at fair value
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, investments in portfolio funds, at fair value, included the following: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| |
| | | |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| Investments of Enterprise LP | $ | 97,182 | | | $ | 99,067 | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| $ | 97,182 | | | $ | 99,067 | |
Consolidated portfolio fund investments of Enterprise LP
On May 12, 2010, the Company announced its intention to close its master fund, Ramius Enterprise Master Fund Ltd ("Enterprise Master"). Enterprise LP operated under a "master-feeder" structure up until January 1, 2019, when Enterprise Master distributed its capital to each feeder and was liquidated. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the consolidated investments in portfolio funds include Enterprise LP's investment in RCG Special Opportunities Fund, Ltd which is a portfolio fund that invests in a limited number of private equity investments directly as well as through affiliated portfolio funds.
Indirect Concentration of the Underlying Investments Held by Consolidated Funds
From time to time, either directly held by the Company, indirectly through the Company's consolidated entities or indirectly through its investments in the Consolidated Funds, the Company may maintain exposure to a particular issue or issuer (both long and/or short) which may account for 5% or more of the Company's equity. Based on information that is available to the Company as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company assessed whether or not its interests in an issuer for which the
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Company's pro-rata share exceeds 5% of the Company's equity. There was one indirect concentration that exceeded 5% of the Company's equity as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Through its investments in a Consolidated Fund and combined with direct Company investments, the Company maintained exposure to a particular investment which accounted for 5% or more of the Company's equity. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investment's percentage of the Company's stockholders' equity |
| Issuer | | Security Type | | Country | | Industry | | Percentage of Stockholders' Equity | | Market Value |
| | | | | | | | | | | (dollars in thousands) |
| As of March 31, 2022 | Linkem S.p.A. | | Equity and warrants | | Italy | | Wireless Broadband | | 7.87 | % | | $ | 81,498 | |
| As of December 31, 2021 | Linkem S.p.A. | | Equity and warrants | | Italy | | Wireless Broadband | | 8.22 | % | | $ | 83,537 | |
7. Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds
The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Assets at Fair Value as of March 31, 2022 |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Netting (c) | | Total |
| | | | (dollars in thousands) | | | | |
| Operating Entities | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities owned, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| Government bonds | $ | 11,992 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 11,992 | |
| Preferred stock | 20,483 | | | — | | | 169,701 | | | — | | | 190,184 | |
| Common stock | 2,304,895 | | | 3,517 | | | 39,831 | | | — | | | 2,348,243 | |
| Convertible bonds | — | | | — | | | 5,250 | | | — | | | 5,250 | |
| Corporate bonds | 28,892 | | | 115,680 | | | 2,426 | | | — | | | 146,998 | |
| Trade claims | — | | | — | | | 4,840 | | | — | | | 4,840 | |
| Term loan | — | | | 2,375 | | | — | | | — | | | 2,375 | |
| Warrants and rights | 34,525 | | | — | | | 18,557 | | | — | | | 53,082 | |
| Private investments | — | | | — | | | 550 | | | — | | | 550 | |
| Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Currency forwards | — | | | 109 | | | — | | | — | | | 109 | |
| Equity swaps | — | | | 388,875 | | | — | | | (115,912) | | | 272,963 | |
| Options | 49,573 | | | — | | | 228 | | | — | | | 49,801 | |
| Interest rate swap | — | | | 19,839 | | | — | | | — | | | 19,839 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| $ | 2,450,360 | | | $ | 530,395 | | | $ | 241,383 | | | $ | (115,912) | | | $ | 3,106,226 | |
| Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a) | | | | | | | | | 131,766 | |
| Consolidated Funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a) | | | | | | | | | 97,182 | |
| Carried interest (a) | | | | | | | | | 70,281 | |
| Equity method investments (a) | | | | | | | | | 35,581 | |
| Total investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,441,036 | |
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Liabilities at Fair Value as of March 31, 2022 |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Netting (c) | | Total |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Operating Entities | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | $ | 858,685 | | | $ | 97,543 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 956,228 | |
| Corporate bonds | — | | | 1,349 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,349 | |
| Preferred stock | 17,278 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 17,278 | |
| Warrants and rights | 12 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 12 | |
| Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| Futures | 53 | | | — | | | — | | | | | 53 | |
| Currency forwards | — | | | 1,084 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,084 | |
| Equity swaps | — | | | 152,265 | | | — | | | (131,802) | | | 20,463 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Options | 22,135 | | | — | | | 3,079 | | | — | | | 25,214 | |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
| Contingent consideration liability (b) | — | | | — | | | 57,339 | | | — | | | 57,339 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| $ | 898,163 | | | $ | 252,241 | | | $ | 60,418 | | | $ | (131,802) | | | $ | 1,079,020 | |
(a) In accordance with US GAAP, portfolio funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Carried interest and equity method investments presented in the table above are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.
(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during the first quarter of 2019 (the acquisition of Quarton International AG "Quarton"), the fourth quarter of 2020 (the acquisition of MHT Partners, LP "MHT") and the fourth quarter of 2021 (the acquisition of Portico Capital Advisors "Portico"), the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income and/or revenues of the acquired businesses, if certain targets are achieved through the periods ended through December 31, 2024. For all acquisitions the Company estimated the contingent consideration liabilities using a combination of Monte Carlo and Discounted Cash Flow methods which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts for the Quarton acquisition can range from $12.5 million to $14.9 million. The undiscounted amounts for the MHT acquisition have no minimum or maximum as it is calculated based on revenue. The undiscounted amounts for the Portico acquisition can range from zero to $58.0 million.
(c) Derivatives are reported on a net basis, by counterparty, when a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable netting agreement as well as net of cash collateral received or posted under enforceable credit support agreements. See Note 2f for further information on offsetting of derivative financial instruments.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2021 |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Netting (c) | | Total |
| | | | (dollars in thousands) | | | | |
| Operating Entities | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities owned, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| Government bonds | $ | 16,002 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 16,002 | |
| Preferred stock | 12,299 | | | — | | | 122,631 | | | — | | | 134,930 | |
| Common stock | 2,396,041 | | | 121 | | | 32,658 | | | — | | | 2,428,820 | |
| Convertible bonds | — | | | — | | | 5,250 | | | — | | | 5,250 | |
| Corporate bonds | — | | | 19,049 | | | 2,419 | | | — | | | 21,468 | |
| Trade claims | — | | | — | | | 3,496 | | | — | | | 3,496 | |
| Term loan | — | | | 3,907 | | | — | | | — | | | 3,907 | |
| Private investments | — | | | — | | | 410 | | | — | | | 410 | |
| Warrants and rights | 31,056 | | | — | | | 15,403 | | | — | | | 46,459 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Currency forwards | — | | | 80 | | | — | | | — | | | 80 | |
| Equity swaps | — | | | 305,370 | | | — | | | (81,742) | | | 223,628 | |
| Options | 60,985 | | | — | | | 234 | | | — | | | 61,219 | |
| Interest rate swap | — | | | 1,208 | | | — | | | | | 1,208 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| $ | 2,516,383 | | | $ | 329,735 | | | $ | 182,501 | | | $ | (81,742) | | | $ | 2,946,877 | |
| Portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a) | | | | | | | | | 137,986 | |
| Consolidated Funds' portfolio funds measured at net asset value (a) | | | | | | | | | 99,067 | |
| Carried interest (a) | | | | | | | | | 88,925 | |
| Equity method investments (a) | | | | | | | | | 47,200 | |
| Total investments | | | | | | | | | $ | 3,320,055 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2021 |
| | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Netting (c) | | Total |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Operating Entities | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | $ | 1,192,396 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,192,396 | |
| Corporate bonds | — | | | 37 | | | — | | | — | | | 37 | |
| Preferred stock | 9,009 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9,009 | |
| Warrants and rights | 6 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6 | |
| Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value | | | | | | | | | |
| Futures | 266 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 266 | |
| Currency forwards | — | | | 1,346 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,346 | |
| Equity swaps | — | | | 114,689 | | | — | | | (92,330) | | | 22,359 | |
| Options | 32,773 | | | — | | | 3,419 | | | — | | | 36,192 | |
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
| Contingent consideration liability (b) | — | | | — | | | 62,223 | | | — | | | 62,223 | |
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| $ | 1,234,450 | | | $ | 116,072 | | | $ | 65,642 | | | $ | (92,330) | | | $ | 1,323,834 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
(a) In accordance with US GAAP, portfolio funds are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Carried interest and equity method investments presented in the table above are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition.
(b) In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreements for acquisitions that closed during the first quarter of 2019 (the Quarton acquisition), the fourth quarter of 2020 (the MHT acquisition) and the fourth quarter of 2021 (the Portico acquisition), the Company is required to pay to the sellers a portion of future net income and/or revenues of the acquired businesses, if certain targets are achieved through the periods ended through December 31, 2024. For all acquisitions the
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Company estimated the contingent consideration liabilities using a combination of Monte Carlo and Discounted Cash Flow methods which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts for the Quarton acquisition can range from $10.1 million to $25.0 million. The undiscounted amounts for the MHT acquisition have no minimum or maximum as it is calculated based on revenue. The undiscounted amounts for the Portico acquisition can range from zero to $58.0 million.
(c) Derivatives are reported on a net basis, by counterparty, when a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable netting agreement as well as net of cash collateral received or posted under enforceable credit support agreements. See Note 2f for further information on offsetting of derivative financial instruments.
The following table includes a roll forward of the amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 for financial instruments classified within level 3. The classification of a financial instrument within level 3 is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 | |
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | | Transfers in | | Transfers out | | Purchases/(covers) | | (Sales)/shorts | | Realized and Unrealized gains/losses | | Balance at March 31, 2022 | | Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1) | |
| (dollars in thousands) | | | |
| Operating Entities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred stock | $ | 122,631 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 3,441 | | | $ | (1,100) | | | $ | 44,729 | | | $ | 169,701 | | | $ | 44,729 | | |
| Common stock | 32,658 | | | — | | | — | | | 2,018 | | | (33) | | | 5,188 | | | 39,831 | | | 5,188 | | |
| Convertible bonds | 5,250 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 5,250 | | | — | | |
| Corporate bond | 2,419 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 7 | | | 2,426 | | | 7 | | |
| Options, asset | 234 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (6) | | | 228 | | | (6) | | |
| Options, liability | 3,419 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (340) | | | 3,079 | | | (340) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Warrants and rights | 15,403 | | | — | | | — | | | 414 | | | — | | | 2,740 | | | 18,557 | | | 2,740 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trade claims | 3,496 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,666 | | | (615) | | | 293 | | | 4,840 | | | 293 | | |
| Private investments | 410 | | | — | | | — | | | 353 | | | (250) | | | 37 | | | 550 | | | 37 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Contingent consideration liability | 62,223 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (10,076) | | | 5,192 | | | 57,339 | | | 5,192 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
| Balance at December 31, 2020 | | Transfers in | | Transfers out | | Purchases/(covers) | | (Sales)/shorts | | Realized and Unrealized gains/losses | | Balance at March 31, 2021 | | Change in unrealized gains/losses relating to instruments still held (1) |
| (dollars in thousands) |
| Operating Entities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Preferred stock | $ | 59,967 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,859 | | | $ | (4,651) | | | $ | (698) | | | $ | 56,477 | | | $ | (698) | |
| Common stock | 23,786 | | | — | | | (5,353) | | (a) | 3,226 | | | (1,387) | | | 2,434 | | | 22,706 | | | 1,679 | |
| Convertible bonds | 6,040 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,050 | | | (3,930) | | | (23) | | | 3,137 | | | (23) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Corporate Bond, asset | 135 | | | — | | | — | | | 70 | | | (49) | | | (20) | | | 136 | | | (49) | |
| Options, asset | 251 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (10) | | | 241 | | | (10) | |
| Options, liability | 3,915 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (618) | | | 3,297 | | | (618) | |
| Warrants and rights | 6,547 | | | — | | | — | | | 3,406 | | | (1,206) | | | (823) | | | 7,924 | | | (895) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Term Loan | 12,623 | | | — | | | — | | | 322 | | | — | | | (521) | | | 12,424 | | | (521) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trade claim | 8,713 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,378 | | | (4,216) | | | 30 | | | 5,905 | | | (1,021) | |
| Private investments | 642 | | | — | | | — | | | 443 | | | — | | | — | | | 1,085 | | | — | |
| Corporate bond, liability | 704 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (289) | | | — | | | 415 | | | — | |
| Government bonds, liability | 1,500 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,278) | | | 300 | | | 522 | | | 87 | |
| Contingent consideration liability | 37,952 | | | — | | | — | | | (11,312) | | | — | | | (7,061) | | | 19,579 | | | (7,061) | |
| Consolidated Funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common stock | 2,951 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 2,951 | | | — | |
| Warrants and rights | 5,806 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (670) | | | 193 | | | 5,329 | | | (477) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(1) Unrealized gains/losses are reported in Investment income - Securities principal transactions, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(a) The entity in which the Company is invested completed an initial public offering.
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and therefore are not included in the tables above.
The Company recognizes all transfers and the related unrealized gain (loss) at the beginning of the reporting period.
Transfers between level 2 and 3 generally relate to whether significant relevant observable inputs are available for the fair value measurements or due to change in liquidity restrictions for the investments.
The following table includes quantitative information as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 for financial instruments classified within level 3. The table below quantifies information about the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's level 3 financial instruments.
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| Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements |
| Fair Value March 31, 2022 | | Valuation Techniques | | Unobservable Inputs | | Range | | Weighted Average |
| Level 3 Assets | (dollars in thousands) | | | | | | | | |
| Common and preferred stocks | $ | 75,253 | | | Discounted cash flows Guideline companies | | Discount rate EBITDA Market Multiples | | 12.5% - 20% 6.25x - 6.75x | | 13% 6.5x |
| Options | 228 | | | Discounted cash flows Guideline companies | | Discount rate EBITDA Market Multiples | | 12.5% - 13.5% 6.25x - 6.75x | | 13% 6.5x |
| Trade claims | 2,138 | | | Discounted cash flows | | Discount rate | | 50% | | 50% |
| Warrants and rights | 5,986 | | | Discounted cash flows Guideline companies Option pricing model | | Discount rate EBITDA Market Multiples Volatility | | 12.5% - 13.5% 6.25x - 6.75x 73% - 103% | | 13.0% 6.5x 97.2% |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Other level 3 assets (a) | 157,778 | | | | | | | | | |
| Total level 3 assets | $ | 241,383 | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 3 Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
| Options | 3,079 | | | Discounted cash flows Option pricing model | | Discount rate Volatility | | 2.29% 35% | | 2.29% 35% |
| Contingent consideration liability | 57,339 | | | Discounted cash flows Monte Carlo simulation | | Discount rate Volatility | | 8.6% - 16% 20% - 22% | | 12.3% 20.9% |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total level 3 liabilities | $ | 60,418 | | | | | | | | | |
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| Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements |
| Fair Value at December 31, 2021 | | Valuation Techniques | | Unobservable Inputs | | Range | | Weighted Average |
| Level 3 Assets | (dollars in thousands) | | | | | | | | |
| Common and preferred stocks | $ | 76,491 | | | Discounted cash flows Guideline companies | | Discount rate EBITDA Market Multiples | | 12.5% - 20% 6.25x - 6.75x | | 13% 6.5x |
| Trade claims | 2,376 | | | Discounted cash flows | | Discount rate | | 40% | | 40% |
| Warrants and rights | 4,483 | | | Discounted cash flows Guideline companies Option pricing model | | Discount rate EBITDA Market Multiples Volatility | | 12.5% - 13.5% 6.25x - 6.75x 90% - 100% | | 13% 6.5x 95% |
| Options | 234 | | | Discounted cash flows Guideline companies | | Discount rate EBITDA Market Multiples | | 12.5% - 13.5% 6.25x - 6.75x | | 13% 6.5x |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Other level 3 assets (a) | 98,917 | | | | | | | | | |
| Total level 3 assets | $ | 182,501 | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 3 Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| Options | 3,419 | | | Option pricing model | | Volatility | | 35% | | 35% |
| Contingent consideration liability | 62,223 | | | Discounted cash flows Monte Carlo simulation | | Discount rate Volatility | | 7% - 15% 20% - 24% | | 12% 22% |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total level 3 liabilities | $ | 65,642 | | | | | | | | | |
(a)The quantitative disclosures exclude financial instruments for which the determination of fair value is based on prices from recent transactions.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The Company has established valuation policies, procedures and internal control infrastructure over the fair value measurement of financial instruments. In the event that observable inputs are not available, the control processes are designed to ensure that the valuation approach utilized is applicable, reasonable and consistently applied. Where a pricing model is used to determine fair value, these control processes include reviews of the methodology and inputs for both reasonableness and applicability. Consistent with best practices, recently executed comparable transactions and other observable market data are used for the purposes of validating both the model and the assumptions used to calculate fair value. Independent of trading and valuation functions, the Company’s Valuation Committee in conjunction with its Price Verification team, plays an important role in determining that financial instruments are appropriately valued and that fair value measurements are both reasonable and reliable. This is particularly important where prices or valuations that require inputs are less observable. The Valuation Committee is comprised of senior management, including non-investment professionals, who are responsible for overseeing and monitoring the pricing of the Company's investments.
The US GAAP fair value leveling hierarchy is designated and monitored on an ongoing basis. In determining the designation, the Company takes into consideration a number of factors including the observability of inputs, liquidity of the investment and the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement. Designations, models, pricing vendors, third party valuation providers and inputs used to derive fair market value are subject to review by the valuation committee and the internal audit group. The Company reviews its valuation policy guidelines on an ongoing basis and may adjust them in light of improved valuation metrics and models, the availability of reliable inputs and information, and prevailing market conditions. The Company regularly reviews a profit and loss report, as well as other periodic reports, and analyzes material changes from period to period in the valuation of its investments as part of its control procedures. The Company also performs back testing on a regular basis by comparing prices observed in executed transactions to previous valuations.
The fair market value for level 3 securities may be highly sensitive to the use of industry-standard models, unobservable inputs and subjective assumptions. The degree of fair market value sensitivity is also contingent upon the subjective weight given to specific inputs and valuation metrics. The Company holds various equity and debt instruments where different weight may be applied to industry-standard models representing standard valuation metrics such as: discounted cash flows, market multiples, comparative transactions, capital rates, recovery rates and timing, and bid levels. Generally, changes in the weights ascribed to the various valuation metrics and the significant unobservable inputs in isolation may result in significantly lower or higher fair value measurements. Volatility levels for warrants and options are not readily observable and subject to interpretation. The interrelationship between unobservable inputs may vary significantly amongst level 3 securities as they are generally highly idiosyncratic. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation can result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
Other financial assets and liabilities
The following table presents the carrying values and fair values, at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, of financial assets and liabilities and information on their classification within the fair value hierarchy which are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For additional information regarding the financial instruments within the scope of this disclosure, and the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate their fair value (see Note 2e). | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2022 | | December 31, 2021 | | Fair Value Hierarchy |
| | Carrying Amount | | Fair Value | | Carrying Amount | | Fair Value | |
| | | | (dollars in thousands) | | | | |
| Financial Assets | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating companies | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 512,978 | | | $ | 512,978 | | | $ | 914,343 | | | $ | 914,343 | | | Level 1 |
| Cash collateral pledged | 52,865 | | | 52,865 | | | 47,494 | | | 47,494 | | | Level 2 |
| Segregated cash | 220,882 | | | 220,882 | | | 194,701 | | | 194,701 | | | Level 1 |
| Securities purchased under agreements to resell | 19,621 | | | 19,621 | | | — | | | — | | | Level 2 |
| Securities borrowed | 1,761,146 | | | 1,761,146 | | | 1,704,603 | | | 1,704,603 | | | Level 2 |
| Loans receivable | 5,041 | | | 5,041 | | (b) | 4,858 | | | 4,858 | | (b) | Level 3 |
| Consolidated Funds | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 23 | | | 23 | | | 296 | | | 296 | | | Level 1 |
| Financial Liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
| Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 229,192 | | | 229,192 | | | 63,469 | | | 63,469 | | | Level 2 |
| Securities loaned | 1,735,852 | | | 1,735,852 | | | 1,586,572 | | | 1,586,572 | | | Level 2 |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Notes payable and other debt | 625,766 | | (c) | 644,238 | | (a) | 623,371 | | (c) | 655,229 | | (a) | Level 2 |
(a)Notes payable and other debt are based on the last broker quote available.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
(b)The fair market value of level 3 loans is calculated using discounted cash flows where applicable.
(c)The carrying amount of the notes payable and other debt includes an unamortized discount and unamortized premium of $2.7 million and $0.2 million as of March 31, 2022, respectively, and unamortized discount and unamortized premium of $2.8 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2021, respectively.
8. Deposits with Clearing Organizations, Brokers and Banks
Under the terms of agreements between the Company and some of its clearing organizations, brokers and banks, balances owed are collateralized by certain of the Company's cash and securities balances. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company had a total of $105.9 million and $111.9 million, respectively, in deposit accounts with clearing organizations, brokers and banks that could be used as collateral to offset losses incurred by the clearing organizations, brokers and banks, on behalf of the Company's activities, if such losses were to occur.
9. Receivable From and Payable To Brokers, Dealers and Clearing Organizations
Receivable from and payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations includes cash held at the clearing brokers, amounts receivable or payable for unsettled transactions, monies borrowed and proceeds from short sales equal to the fair value of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value, which are restricted until the Company purchases the securities sold short. Pursuant to the master netting agreements the Company entered into with its brokers, dealers and clearing organizations, these balances are presented net (assets less liabilities) across balances with the same counterparty. The Company's receivable from and payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations balances are held at multiple financial institutions.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, amounts receivable from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations include: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| |
| | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Broker-dealers | $ | 1,342,242 | | | $ | 1,533,713 | |
| Securities failed to deliver | 91,561 | | | 17,851 | |
| Clearing organizations | 44,450 | | | 56,075 | |
| Securities borrowed/loaned interest receivable | 9,658 | | | 6,708 | |
| $ | 1,487,911 | | | $ | 1,614,347 | |
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, amounts payable to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations include: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 |
| |
| | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| Broker-dealers | $ | 419,423 | | | $ | 483,112 | |
| Securities failed to receive | 95,201 | | | 57,894 | |
| Clearing organizations | 62,804 | | | 37,925 | |
| Securities borrowed/loaned interest payable | 10,112 | | | 7,622 | |
| $ | 587,540 | | | $ | 586,553 | |
10. Receivable From and Payable To Customers
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, receivable from customers of $159.6 million and $159.4 million, respectively, consist of amounts owed by customers relating to securities transactions not completed on settlement date and receivables arising from prepaid research.
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, payable to customers of $2.2 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, include amounts due on cash and margin transactions to the Company's clients, some of which have their assets held by a Company omnibus account, which are included within receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. In the omnibus structure, positions that are owned by Cowen International Ltd are fully cross collateralized by client funds, meaning that the Company does not have market risk. Additionally, Cowen International Ltd has no obligation to settle any trade that it deems inappropriate from a risk perspective, adding an important market and counterparty risk mitigating factor.
11. Commission Management Payable
The Company receives a gross commission from various brokers, which is then used to fund commission sharing and recapture arrangements, less the portion retained as income to the Company. Accrued commission sharing and commission
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
recapture payable of $127.0 million and $103.0 million, as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, are classified as commission management payable in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
12. Convertible Debt and Notes Payable
As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company's outstanding debt was as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | As of March 31, 2022 | | As of December 31, 2021 | |
| | |
| | | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) | |
| | | | |
| Notes payable | $ | 174,139 | | | $ | 174,015 | | |
| | | | |
Term loan | 434,319 | | | 435,147 | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Other notes payable | 15,857 | | | 12,537 | | |
| Finance lease obligations | 1,451 | | | 1,672 | | |
| $ | 625,766 | | | $ | 623,371 | | |
Convertible Debt
December 2022 Convertible Notes
The Company, on December 14, 2017, issued $135.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.00% convertible senior notes due December 2022 (the “December 2022 Convertible Notes”). The December 2022 Convertible Notes have a final maturity date of December 15, 2022 unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted by the holder in accordance with their terms prior to such date. The interest on the December 2022 Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on December 15 and June 15 of each year. The December 2022 Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Cowen. The December 2022 Convertible Notes were issued with an initial conversion price of $17.375 per share of Cowen's Class A common stock. Pursuant to the indenture governing the December 2022 Convertible Notes, conversions of the December 2022 Convertible Notes will be settled by the delivery and/or payment, as the case may be, of Cowen’s Class A Common Stock, cash, or a combination thereof, at the Company's election.
The Company recognized the embedded cash conversion option at issuance date fair value, which also represents the initial unamortized discount on the December 2022 Convertible Notes of $23.4 million and is shown net in convertible debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. On June 26, 2018, the Company received shareholder approval for the Company to settle the December 2022 Convertible Notes entirely in Class A common stock. Upon receiving shareholder approval, the Company reclassified the separately recognized conversion option from a derivative liability to equity.
During December 2020, the Company repurchased and extinguished $46.9 million of the outstanding principal amount of the December 2022 Convertible Notes for cash consideration of $70.5 million. In conjunction with the partial extinguishment of the December 2022 Convertible Notes, the Company accelerated the pro rata unamortized discount of $3.6 million and capitalized debt issuance costs of $0.4 million. The Company allocated $29.6 million of the cash consideration paid to the extinguishment of the equity component of the December 2022 Convertible Notes. The Company recognized $2.7 million of gain on debt extinguishment.
On March 24, 2021, the Company issued a redemption notice announcing that the Company would redeem all of the December 2022 Convertible Notes, and provided holders the option to elect to settle the as-converted value of the December 2022 Convertible Notes as allowed under the terms of the December 2022 Convertible Notes. As a result of the Company’s call for redemption of the December 2022 Convertible Notes, the December 2022 Convertible Notes were convertible, at the option of the holder at any time prior to June 22, 2021, the second business day prior to the December 2022 Convertible Notes' Redemption Date. On June 24, 2021 (the "Redemption Date") the Company redeemed all of the outstanding principal amount of the December 2022 Convertible Notes. The redemption amount was determined based on the holders election to convert, which allowed for either 100.00% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest on such principal amount up to June 15, 2021, to, but not including the Redemption Date of the December 2022 Convertible Notes, or the value of the Company's Class A common stock to be issued on conversion. The settlement method for the December 2022 Convertible Notes was $88.1 million in cash, (the outstanding principal amount of the December 2022 Convertible Notes) and 2,938,841 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, (the remainder of the conversion obligation in excess of the principal amount). The conversion rate on the December 2022 Convertible Notes on the Redemption Date was 33.35 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock per $1,000.00 principal amount of December 2022 Convertible Notes converted. In conjunction with the redemption of the remaining December 2022 Convertible Notes, the Company accelerated the pro rata unamortized discount of $5.1 million and capitalized debt issuance costs of $0.5 million.
Amortization on the discount, included within interest and dividends expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations is $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, based on an effective interest rate of 7.13%.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The Company capitalized the debt issuance costs in the amount of $2.2 million, which is a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt and was amortized over the life of the December 2022 Convertible Notes in interest and dividends expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded interest expense of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Notes Payable
May 2024 Notes
On May 7, 2019, the Company completed its private placement of $53.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% senior notes due May 2024 (the "May 2024 Notes") with certain institutional investors. On September 30, 2019, the Company issued an additional $25.0 million of the same series of notes. The additional May 2024 Notes were purchased at a premium of $0.5 million, which is shown net in notes payable in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. To date the May 2024 Notes have maintained their initial private rating. Interest on the May 2024 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on May 6 and November 6. The Company recorded interest expense of $1.4 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately $1.5 million in May 2019 and $0.6 million in September 2019, which is a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt and will be amortized over the life of the May 2024 Notes in interest and dividends expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
June 2033 Notes
On June 11, 2018, the Company completed its public offering of $90.0 million of 7.75% senior notes due June 2033 (the "June 2033 Notes") and subsequently the underwriters exercised in full their option to purchase an additional $10.0 million principal amount of the June 2033 Notes. Interest on the June 2033 Notes is payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. The Company recorded interest expense of $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately $3.6 million which is a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt and will be amortized over the life of the June 2033 Notes in interest and dividends expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
December 2027 Notes
On December 8, 2017, the Company completed its public offering of $120.0 million of 7.35% senior notes due December 2027 (the "December 2027 Notes") and subsequently the underwriters exercised in full their option to purchase an additional $18.0 million principal amount of the December 2027 Notes. Interest on the December 2027 Notes is payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15. The Company recorded interest expense of $2.5 million for three months ended March 31, 2021. The Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately $5.0 million which is a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt and will be amortized over the life of the December 2027 Notes in interest and dividends expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The net proceeds of the offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company were used to redeem all of its 8.25% senior notes due October 2021 and for general corporate purposes.
On March 24, 2021, the Company delivered payment of and discharged all $138.0 million outstanding aggregate principal of the December 2027 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest through the effective redemption date of April 23, 2021. In conjunction with the extinguishment of the December 2027 Notes , the Company accelerated the pro-rata capitalized debt issuance costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company recognized $4.4 million of loss on debt extinguishment.
Term Loan
March 2028 Term Loan
On March 24, 2021, the Company borrowed $300 million of first lien term loan due March 24, 2028. On December 15, 2021, the Company borrowed an additional $150 million first lien term loan under the same terms and conditions as, and fungible with, the initial first lien term loan (collectively, the “March 2028 Term Loan”). The aggregate amount borrowed under the March 2028 Term Loan is $450 million. The March 2028 Term Loan bears interest at an annual rate equal to, at the option of the Company, either the (a) London Inter-bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") (adjusted for reserves and subject to a floor of 0.75%) plus a margin of 3.25% or (b) an alternate base rate plus a margin of 2.25%. The Company is required to pay amortization of approximately 1.00% per annum of the original principal amount of the March 2028 Term Loan. Additionally, the Company has entered into an interest rate swap to offset the floating interest rate of the March 2028 Term Loan (See Note 6). The obligations of the Company for the March 2028 Term Loan are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (excluding its broker-dealer subsidiaries) (the “Guarantors”) and secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and the
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Guarantors, subject in each case to certain customary exceptions. The terms of the March 2028 Term Loan contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, subject to certain customary exceptions, thresholds, qualifications and “baskets”. Proceeds from the March 2028 Term Loan were used to (i) satisfy and discharge and redeem the Company’s 2027 Senior Notes, (ii) redeem the Company’s December 2022 Convertible Notes that remained outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and pay the cash settlement amount in connection with the conversion of December 2022 Convertible Notes prior to that redemption date, and (iii) for the payment of fees, commissions, premiums, expenses and other transaction costs (including original issue discount or upfront fees) payable in connection with the transactions related thereto. As of March 31, 2022, the outstanding principal amount of the March 2028 Term Loan was $445.5 million.
Interest expense for the March 2028 Term Loan was $4.5 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, based on an effective interest rate of 4.46%. In March 2021, the Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately $6.6 million and initial unamortized discount of $1.5 million related to the March 2028 Term Loan which is a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt and will be amortized over the life of the March 2028 Term loan in interest and dividends expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. In December 2021, the Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately $2.7 million and unamortized discount of $1.5 million related to the additional borrowing of $150 million which is a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt and will be amortized over the life of the March 2028 Term loan in interest and dividends expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced that all US Dollar LIBOR settings will either cease to be provided by any administrator or no longer be representative as of June 30, 2023. As the March 2028 Term Loan represents the Company’s only significant exposure to LIBOR as of March 31, 2022, the transition to an alternative Inter-bank Offer Rate is not expected to have a material impact on Company's consolidated financial statements.
Other Notes Payable
During January 2022, the Company borrowed $4.0 million to fund insurance premium payments. This note had an effective interest rate of 2.01% and was due in December 2022, with monthly payment requirements of $0.4 million. As of March 31, 2022, the outstanding balance note was $3.2 million. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was insignificant.
On September 30, 2020, the Company borrowed $72.0 million from Purple Protected Asset S-81 ("PPA S-81"), a Luxembourg entity unrelated to Cowen. The Company repaid $60.0 million of the PPA S-81 loan in June 2021. The loan is payable on September 30, 2023, had an initial interest rate of 1.4 times the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 6.07% until December 31, 2020 and 1.4 times the SOFR plus 5.8% until June 30, 2021 and 3.65 times the SOFR plus 4.0% thereafter with quarterly interest payments. The loan obligation, as well as a loan issued by The Military Mutual Ltd (a United Kingdom company unrelated to Cowen) with principal of $28.4 million that was sold by Cowen Re to PPA S-81 at fair value for no gain or loss on September 30, 2020, are fully cash collateralized through a reinsurance policy provided by Cowen Re which is reflected in cash collateral pledged in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2020 (see Notes 4 and 18). The Company capitalized debt issuance costs of approximately $1.7 million which is a direct deduction from the carrying value of the loan and will be amortized over the life of the loan in interest and dividends expense shown in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded interest expense of $0.5 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, related to its loan payable to PPA S-81.
During November 2019, the Company borrowed $2.6 million to fund general corporate capital expenditures. This note had an effective interest rate of 6% and is due in November 2024, with monthly payment requirements of $0.1 million. As of March 31, 2022, the outstanding balance on this note was $1.5 million. Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021 was insignificant.
Finance Lease Obligations
The Company has entered into various finance leases for computer equipment. These finance lease obligations are included in notes payable and other debt in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, quantitative information regarding the Company's finance lease obligations reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, the supplemental cash flow information and certain other information related to finance leases were as follows:
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| | | | | (dollars in thousands) | | |
| Lease cost | | | | | | | | | |
| Finance lease cost: | | | | | | | | | |
| Amortization of finance lease right-of-use assets | | | | | $ | 324 | | | $ | 309 | | | |
| Interest on lease liabilities | | | | | $ | 20 | | | $ | 34 | | | |
| Other information | | | | | | | | | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating cash flows from finance leases | | | | | $ | 20 | | | $ | 34 | | | |
| Financing cash flows from finance leases | | | | | $ | 274 | | | $ | 332 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) | | | | | 1.63 | | 2.01 | | |
| Weighted average discount rate - operating leases | | | | | 4.66 | % | | 4.89 | % | | |
Annual scheduled maturities of debt and minimum payments (of principal and interest) for all debt outstanding as of March 31, 2022, are as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Notes Payable | | | | Term Loan | | | | Other Notes Payable | | Finance Lease
Obligation |
| | | | (dollars in thousands) |
| 2022 | | | $ | 11,468 | | | | | $ | 16,733 | | | | | $ | 3,752 | | | $ | 849 | |
| 2023 | | | 13,405 | | | | | 22,351 | | | | | 12,593 | | | 500 | |
| 2024 | | | 88,578 | | | | | 22,168 | | | | | 543 | | | 100 | |
| 2025 | | | 7,750 | | | | | 21,986 | | | | | — | | | 49 | |
| 2026 | | | 7,750 | | | | | 21,803 | | | | | — | | | 12 | |
| Thereafter | | | 150,375 | | | | | 445,631 | | | | | — | | | — | |
| Subtotal | | | 279,326 | | | | | 550,672 | | | | | 16,888 | | | 1,510 | |
| Less (a) | | | (105,187) | | | | | (116,353) | | | | | (1,031) | | | (59) | |
| Total | | | $ | 174,139 | | | | | $ | 434,319 | | | | | $ | 15,857 | | | $ | 1,451 | |
(a)Amount necessary to reduce net minimum payments to present value calculated at the Company's implicit rate at inception. This amount also includes capitalized debt costs and the unamortized discount on the Company's convertible debt.
Letters of Credit
As of March 31, 2022, the Company has six irrevocable letters of credit, related to leased office space, for which there is cash collateral pledged, which the Company pays a fee on the stated amount of the letter of credit. The Company also has pledged cash collateral for reinsurance agreements (See Note 4).
To the extent any letter of credit is drawn upon, interest will be assessed at the prime commercial lending rate. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no amounts due related to these letters of credit.
13. Redeemable Preferred Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Subject to the rights of holders of any outstanding preferred stock, the number of authorized shares of preferred stock may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on such matters, but in no instance can the number of authorized shares be reduced below the number of shares then outstanding. The Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation permits the Company to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series with such designations, titles, voting powers, preferences and rights and such qualifications, limitations and restrictions as may be fixed by the board of directors of the Company without any further action by the Company's stockholders. The Company's board of directors may increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock following the issuance of that series of preferred stock, but in no instance can the number of shares of a series of preferred stock be reduced below the number of shares of the series then outstanding.
On May 19, 2015, the Company completed its offering of 120,750 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that provided $117.2 million of proceeds, net of underwriting fees and issuance costs of $3.6 million. Each share of the Series A
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Convertible Preferred Stock is entitled to dividends at a rate of 5.625% per annum, which will be payable, when and if declared by the board of directors of the Company, quarterly, in arrears, on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Company may, at its option, pay dividends in cash, common stock or a combination thereof. The Company declared and paid a cash dividend in respect of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company declared and accrued a cash dividend in respect of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is non-voting and has a liquidity preference over the Company's Class A common stock and ranks senior to all classes or series of the Company's Class A common stock, but junior to all of the Company's existing and future indebtedness with respect to dividend rights and rights upon the Company's involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding down.
Upon issuance, each share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock was convertible, at the option of the holder, into a number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock equal to the liquidation preference of $1,000.00 divided by the conversion rate. The initial conversion rate (subsequent to the December 5, 2016 reverse stock split) is 38.0619 shares (which equates to $26.27 per share) of the Company's Class A common stock for each share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. At any time on or after May 20, 2020, when the Company's capped call option expired, the Company was able to elect to convert all outstanding shares of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock into shares of the Company's Class A common stock, cash or a combination thereof, at the Company's election, in each case, based on the then-applicable conversion rate, if the last reported sale price of the Company's Class A common stock equals or exceeds 150% of the then-current conversion price on at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the period of 30 consecutive trading days (including on the last trading day of such period) immediately prior to such election. At the time of conversion, the conversion rate may be adjusted based on certain events, including but not limited to the issuance of cash dividends or Class A common stock as dividends to the Company's Class A common shareholders or a share split or combination.
On December 31, 2021, the Company irrevocably elected that, upon the conversion of any share of the outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company will settle $1,000.00 of its conversion obligation in cash. With respect to each conversion, to the extent the conversion obligation per share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock is greater than $1,000.00, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation in respect of such excess using any settlement method permitted under the Certificate of Designations. As the holders can exercise the conversion option on their shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at any time and require cash payment upon conversion, the Company reclassified the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock to temporary equity at December 31, 2021.
14. Stockholder's Equity
The Company is authorized to issue 125,000,000 shares of common stock, which shall consist of 62,500,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 62,500,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Subject to the rights of holders of any outstanding preferred stock, the number of authorized shares of common stock may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on such matters, but in no instance can the number of authorized shares be reduced below the number of shares then outstanding.
The certificate of incorporation of the Company provides for two classes of common stock, and for the conversion of each class into the other, to provide a mechanism by which holders of Class A common stock of the Company who may be limited in the amount of voting common stock of the Company they can hold pursuant to federal, state or foreign bank laws, to convert their shares into non-voting Class B common stock to prevent being in violation of such laws. Each holder of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share in connection with the election of directors and on all other matters submitted to a stockholder vote, provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Class A common stock are not entitled to vote on any amendment to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of the Company's preferred stock, if holders of the preferred stock series are entitled to vote on the amendment under the Company's certificate of incorporation or Delaware law. No holder of Class A common stock may accumulate votes in voting for directors of the Company.
No holder of Class B common stock is entitled to vote except as otherwise provided by law, provided however that the Company must obtain the consent of a majority of the holders of Class B common stock to effect any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated by-laws that would adversely affect the voting powers, preferences or rights of holders of Class B common stock. Except as otherwise provided by law, Class B common stock shares will not be counted as shares held by stockholders for purposes of determining whether a vote or consent has been approved or given by the requisite percentage of shares.
Each share of Class A common stock is convertible at the option of the holder and at no cost into one share of Class B common stock, and each share of Class B common stock is convertible at the option of the holder and at no cost into one share of Class A common stock. The conversion ratios will be adjusted proportionally to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, merger,
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
reorganization, recapitalization or other change in the Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Upon conversion, converted shares resume the status of authorized and unissued shares.
Subject to the preferences of the holders of any of the Company's preferred stock that may be outstanding from time to time, each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will have an equal and ratable right to receive dividends and other distributions in cash, property or shares of stock as may be declared by the Company's board of directors out of assets or funds legally available for the payment of dividends and other distributions.
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, subject to the preferences of the holders of any preferred stock of the Company that may be outstanding from time to time, holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be entitled to share equally and ratably in the assets available for distribution to the Company's stockholders. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A or the Class B common stock.
Embedded Cash Conversion Option on the December 2022 Convertible Notes
Upon issuance of the December 2022 Convertible Notes (see Note 12), the Company recognized the embedded cash conversion option at fair value of $23.4 million which was valued as of June 26, 2018 at $29.0 million. On June 26, 2018, the Company received shareholder approval for the Company to settle the December 2022 Convertible Notes entirely in Class A common stock. Upon receiving shareholder approval, the Company reclassified the separately recognized conversion option from a derivative liability to equity. The Company allocated $29.6 million of the cash consideration paid on the December 2020 partial extinguishment of the Convertible Notes (see Note 12) to this equity component. The Company redeemed all of the remaining December 2022 Convertible Notes on June 24, 2021.
Cash Dividends to Common Stockholders
During the first quarter of 2020, the Company began the declaration of a quarterly cash dividend payable on its common stock. During March 2021, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.08 per share of Class A common stock. During June 2021, September 2021 and December 2021, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share of Class A common stock. During March 2022, the Company's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share of Class A common stock. Dividends are payable on all outstanding shares of Class A common stock and on granted but unvested shares of Class A common stock under the Equity Plans on the date of record (See Note 19). During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company paid $3.9 million of cash dividends to its holders of Class A common stock.
Treasury Stock
Treasury stock of $583.5 million as of March 31, 2022, compared to $547.1 million as of December 31, 2021, resulted from $12.3 million acquired through repurchases of shares to cover employee minimum tax withholding obligations related to stock compensation vesting events under the Equity Plans or other similar transactions and $24.1 million purchased in connection with a share repurchase program.
The following represents the activity relating to the treasury stock held by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2022: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Treasury Stock Shares | | Cost
(dollars in thousands) | | Average Cost per Share |
| Balance outstanding at December 31, 2021 | 28,047,929 | | | $ | 547,112 | | | $ | 19.51 | |
| Shares purchased for minimum tax withholding under the 2010 and 2020 Equity Plans or other similar transactions | 374,149 | | | 12,283 | | | 32.83 | |
| | | | | |
| Purchase of treasury stock | 798,302 | | | 24,140 | | | 30.24 | |
| Balance outstanding at March 31, 2022 | 29,220,380 | | | $ | 583,535 | | | $ | 19.97 | |
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
15. Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries and Investment Funds
Redeemable and nonredeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds and the related net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds are comprised as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of March 31, 2022 | | As of March 31, 2021 | | |
| |
| | | | | |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Nonredeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds | | | | | |
| Operating companies | | | | | |
| Beginning balance | 126,105 | | | 83,818 | | | |
| Capital contributions | 1,610 | | | 3,498 | | | |
| Capital distributions | (5,901) | | | (2,348) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | 20,858 | | | 7,661 | | | |
| Ending balance | 142,672 | | | 92,629 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Consolidated Funds | | | | | |
| Beginning balance | 33,630 | | | 115,806 | | | |
| Capital contributions | — | | | 19,017 | | | |
| Capital distributions | — | | | (16,425) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Deconsolidation of entity | — | | | (74,813) | | | |
| Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests | (727) | | | (3,099) | | | |
| Ending balance | 32,903 | | | 40,486 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Total Nonredeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds | $ | 175,575 | | | $ | 133,115 | | | |
| | | | | |
16. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income includes the after tax change in Other revenues in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. During the periods presented, the Company did not have material reclassifications out of other comprehensive income. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| | | | | (dollars in thousands) | | |
| Beginning balance | | | | | $ | (2) | | | $ | (7) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Foreign currency translation | | | | | 2 | | | 4 | | | |
| Ending balance | | | | | $ | — | | | $ | (3) | | | |
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
17. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the following tables presents revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by fee type and segment. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Three Months Ended March 31, | |
| | | | | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | | | | |
| | | | | (dollars in thousands) |
| Revenue from contracts with customers | | | | | Operating Company |
| Investment banking | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Underwriting fees | | | | | | $ | 17,583 | | | $ | 154,304 | | | | | | |
| Strategic/financial advisory fees | | | | | 58,789 | | | 73,555 | | | | | | |
| Placement and sales agent fees | | | | | 22,584 | | | 72,544 | | | | | | |
| Expense reimbursements from clients | | | | | 2,586 | | | 4,431 | | | | | | |
| Total investment banking revenue | | | | | 101,542 | | | 304,834 | | | | | | |
| Brokerage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Commissions | | | | | | | 152,483 | | | 159,681 | | | | | | |
| Trade conversion revenue | | | | | | 7,410 | | | 6,241 | | | | | | |
| Equity research fees | | | | | 6,203 | | | 4,593 | | | | | | |
| Total brokerage revenue from customers | | | | | 166,096 | | | 170,515 | | | | | | |
| Management fees | | | | | 16,555 | | | 25,499 | | | | | | |
| Incentive income | | | | | 633 | | | 2,258 | | | | | | |
| Total revenue from contracts with customers - Op Co | | | | | $ | 284,826 | | | $ | 503,106 | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Asset Company |
| Management fees | | | | | 214 | | | 243 | | | | | | |
| Incentive income | | | | | — | | | — | | | | | | |
| Total revenue from contracts with customers - Asset Co | | | | | 214 | | | 243 | | | | | | |
| Total revenue from contracts with customers | | | | | $ | 285,040 | | | $ | 503,349 | | | | | | |
18. Insurance and reinsurance
Cowen Insurance Co is a Malta based insurance company that reinsures a significant proportion of its portfolio (“Outward Reinsurance”). The Company's wholly owned Luxembourg subsidiary, Cowen Reinsurance S.A. (formerly Hollenfels Re S.A.) (“Cowen Re”) provides reinsurance to third party insurance and reinsurance companies (“Inward Reinsurance”). Cowen Insurance Co’s and Cowen Re's share of claims incurred and paid during the periods below, as well as the change in claims outstanding and claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR") during these periods, net of reinsurance, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| | | | | (dollars in thousands) | | |
| Incurred and paid claims | | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance (net of Outward Reinsurance) | | | | | $ | 1,067 | | | $ | 744 | | | |
| Inward Reinsurance | | | | | 3,011 | | | 3,904 | | | |
| Total | | | | | $ | 4,078 | | | $ | 4,648 | | | |
Change in claims outstanding and claims IBNR | | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance (net of Outward Reinsurance) | | | | | $ | 54 | | | $ | (136) | | | |
| Inward Reinsurance | | | | | (589) | | | (559) | | | |
| Total | | | | | $ | (535) | | | $ | (695) | | | |
Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re utilize several methods to determine their claims IBNR. Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re generally employ an estimation methodology whereby historical average claims ratios over a period of up to 10 years are utilized, based on availability of data. In cases where current claims development contradicts historical results, Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re employ a method to average claims ratios derived through different actuarial calculation methods. If an event occurs that may give rise to significant future claims in excess of the amount calculated using the above-mentioned
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
methodologies, the impact of such an event is calculated using existing claims data and actuarial estimation methods to adjust Cowen Insurance Co's and Cowen Re's IBNR provision. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, claims liability and claim adjustment expenses were calculated using the above-mentioned methods consistent with prior years.
While Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re typically settle their premiums and claim payments on a quarterly basis, the frequency of claims in the underlying policies is impractical for Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re to obtain. Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re write contracts on both a proportional and non-proportional basis. The contracts contain inspection rights to allow the companies to inspect the policy documents that provide the source for the underlying data provided by the cedant. This negates the need for them to collect and hold the documents themselves which would be impracticable. Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re did not discount any of its reserves and did not cede any portion of its exposures during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
From time to time, Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re may enter into insurance and reinsurance agreements that require it to post collateral of cash or U.S. government bonds to cover certain exposures as defined in the respective insurance and reinsurance agreements. As of March 31, 2022, Cowen Re had pledged $61.4 million of collateral towards such reinsurance obligations, of which $49.4 million was in cash and $12.0 million was in U.S. government bonds. As of March 31, 2021, total collateral pledged was $120.5 million, of which $106.8 million was cash and $13.7 million was U.S. government bonds. The collateral pledged as of March 31, 2022 was $1.4 million higher than the amounts pledged at December 31, 2021. This is due to cash movements required to maintain contracted minimum balances with cedants. Cowen Re expects $40.5 million of the cash collateral pledged to be released on September 30, 2023. The remaining collateral of $20.9 million is expected to be released periodically between March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2024 in accordance with the terms of the underlying insurance and reinsurance agreements. As of December 31, 2021, Cowen Insurance Co had no pledged collateral.
19. Share-Based Payments, Deferred Compensation and Employee Ownership Plans
The Company has issued share-based compensation under the 2010 and 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Plans"). The Equity Plans permit the grant of options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, and other equity-based awards to the Company's employees and directors. Stock options granted generally vest over two to five-year periods and expire seven years from the date of grant. Restricted shares and restricted share units issued, both of which are eligible to accrue dividend equivalents, may be immediately vested or may generally vest over a two-to five-year period. Awards are subject to the risk of forfeiture, inclusive of accrued dividend equivalents. As of March 31, 2022, there were 0.6 million shares available for future issuance under only the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan.
Under the Equity Plans, the Company awarded $49.1 million of deferred cash awards to its employees during the three months ended March 31, 2022. These awards vest over a four-year period and accrue interest at 0.70% per year. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense related to the Equity Plans' deferred cash awards of $89.8 million.
The Company measures compensation cost for equity classified share-based awards on grant date and amortizes the unearned compensation associated with such awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the option or award, net of estimated forfeitures. In relation to awards under the Equity Plan, the Company recognized compensation expense of $21.6 million and $28.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The income tax effect recognized for the Equity Plans was a benefit of $7.0 million and $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units Granted to Employees
Restricted shares and restricted stock units are referred to collectively as restricted stock. The following table summarizes the Company's restricted share and restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 | | Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 |
| Nonvested Restricted Class A Common Shares and Class A Common Restricted Stock Units | | Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value | | Nonvested Restricted Class A Common Shares and Class A Common Restricted Stock Units | | Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| Beginning balance outstanding | 4,595,342 | | | $ | 24.33 | | | 5,450,191 | | | $ | 17.56 | |
| Granted | 1,919,504 | | | 31.98 | | | 1,593,941 | | | 34.85 | |
| Vested | (224,073) | | | 19.32 | | | (291,062) | | | 16.11 | |
| Canceled | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Forfeited | (16,526) | | | 20.51 | | | (8,134) | | | 20.22 | |
| Ending balance outstanding | 6,274,247 | | | $ | 26.86 | | | 6,744,936 | | | $ | 21.71 | |
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Included in the restricted share and restricted stock unit activity are performance-linked restricted stock units of 1,974,217 which were awarded from March 2016 through March 2022. Certain of the awards granted have the ability to be cash settled when the attained award exceeds a certain percentage of granted amount. The cash portion of the award has been bifurcated from the equity component and recorded as a compensation payable in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Of the awards granted, 712,652 have vested and 320,681 have been canceled, as they did not meet the performance criteria, through March 31, 2022. Included in vested units are 233,333 units that had an attainable share value of 420,000, and were delivered in March 2021. Of this attainable share value 350,000 shares were settled in the issuance of the Company's Class A common stock and were delivered in March 2021 with the remaining 70,000 shares being settled in cash at the volume weighted average price on settlement date. Also included in vested units are 333,333 units that had an attainable share value of 666,666, due to reaching certain performance goals. Of this attainable value 528,800 shares were settled in the Company's Class A common stock and were delivered in March 2022 with the remaining 137,866 shares being settled in cash at the volume weighted average price of the Company's Class A common stock on settlement date. The remaining awards, included in the outstanding balance as of March 31, 2022, vest on December 2022, December 2023 and December 2024 and will be earned only to the extent that the Company attains specified market conditions relating to its volume-weighted average share price and total shareholder return in relation to certain benchmark indices and performance goals relating to aggregate net income and average return on shareholder equity. The actual number of attained shares ultimately earned could vary from zero, if performance goals are not met, to as much as 240% of the targeted award. Compensation expense is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the Company will attain the performance goals. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.
As of March 31, 2022, there was $116.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the Company's grant of nonvested restricted shares and restricted stock units to employees. Unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted shares and restricted stock units granted to employees is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.14 years.
Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units Granted to Non-Employee Board Members
There were no restricted stock units awarded to non-employee board members during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company delivered no units to non-employee board members during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. As of March 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 246,333 and 259,536 restricted stock units outstanding for non-employee board members, respectively.
Other Share Based Payments and Awards
In certain circumstances, the Company grants carried interest in consolidated managing member/general partner subsidiaries to third parties through the grant of equity awards in exchange for professional, advisory and other services. The equity awards are recorded within additional paid in capital in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and professional, advisory and other fees expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations based on the fair value of the award granted and expensed over the terms of the award. In addition, the equity awards provide the third parties profit points aligned to the allocated carried interest distributions. Upon vesting of the awards, the third parties' allocation of carried interest is determined by applying an equity ownership model. Accordingly, the Company accrues carried interest allocations based on the fair value of the underlying investments assuming hypothetical liquidation at book value upon vesting as nonredeemable non-controlling interest.
On March 1, 2022, Cowen Digital Holdings LLC (“CDIG”) authorized 2,000,000 Class B Units, of which 1,487,500 Class B Units were issued to an affiliate, for which a subsidiary of the Company is the Managing Member, on behalf of the Company’s employees as incentive awards (the "Digital Awards") under the 2022 Equity Unit Incentive Plan. The Class B Units will, upon vesting, represent a 20% ownership of CDIG, a consolidated subsidiary of the Company upon vesting. Once the vesting conditions of the Digital Awards have been met, such awards will be presented as nonredeemable non-controlling interest in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Half of the Digital Awards vest over a period of time and are tied to service (time based) and the other half vest when a qualifying event as stipulated in the Digital Award documents occurs (performance based). Once vested, Class B units will not be entitled to distributions unless and until a profit distribution hurdle has been met. The Company recognized compensation expense of $0.3 million related to the time based Digital Awards for the three months ended March 31, 2022. At March 31, 2022, there was $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the time based Digital Awards which will be recognized over their five year vesting period. The fair value of time based Digital Awards is determined based on the fair market value of CDIG and its consolidated subsidiaries. The fair market value of CDIG and its consolidated subsidiaries is calculated utilizing recent transactions, discounted cash flows, and market multiples. The Digital Awards are then using a standard Black Scholes options pricing model. The primary input in determining the fair market value as of March 1, 2022 was recent/pending transactions in CDIG’s underlying investments. The expense related
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
to the performance based component of the Digital Awards will be recognized when the qualifying event is considered to be probable. The income tax effect recognized for the Digital Awards was a benefit of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
20. Income Taxes
The taxable results of the Company’s U.S. operations are included in the consolidated income tax returns of Cowen, Inc. as well as stand-alone state and local tax returns. The Company has subsidiaries that are resident in foreign countries where tax filings are submitted on a stand-alone basis. These subsidiaries are subject to tax in their respective countries and the Company is responsible for and, thus, reports all taxes incurred by these subsidiaries. The countries where the Company owns subsidiaries that file tax returns are United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Malta, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, South Africa, Canada and Hong Kong.
The Company calculates its U.S. tax provision using the estimated annual effective tax rate methodology. The tax expense or benefit caused by an unusual or infrequent item is recorded in the quarter in which it occurs. To the extent that information is not available for the Company to fully determine the full year estimated impact of an item of income or tax adjustment, the Company calculates the tax impact of such item discretely. Accordingly, the Company uses the discrete methodology to calculate the tax impact of income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds. Based on these methodologies, the Company’s effective income tax rate was 17.74% and 26.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the item whose tax impact was recorded discretely related primarily to stock compensation.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to income attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds, global intangible low-taxes income, foreign taxes, as well as other nondeductible expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21% primarily due to income attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds, global intangible low-taxes income, stock compensation, as well as other nondeductible expenses.
The Company has no uncertain tax position liability as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
The Company records deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax benefit or expense that will result from differences between the carrying value of its assets for income tax purposes and for financial reporting purposes, as well as for operating or capital loss and tax credit carryovers. A valuation allowance is recorded to bring the net deferred tax assets to a level that, in management's view, is more likely than not to be realized in the foreseeable future. This level will be estimated based on a number of factors, especially the amount of net deferred tax assets of the Company that are actually expected to be realized, for tax purposes, in the foreseeable future. As of March 31, 2022, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets related to its foreign tax credits and foreign net operating losses.
The Company is subject to examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service as well as state, local and foreign tax authorities in jurisdictions where the Company has significant business operations, such as New York, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Malta, and Germany.
The Company continues to permanently reinvest the capital and accumulated earnings of its subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Malta, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Canada, and Hong Kong.
21. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to the Company's common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the period. As of March 31, 2022, there were 27,614,903 shares of Class A common stock outstanding. As of March 31, 2022, the Company has included 246,803 fully vested, unissued restricted stock units and restricted shares in its calculation of basic earnings per share. As of December 31, 2021, there were 27,778,964 shares of Class A common stock outstanding. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has included 972,732 fully vested, unissued restricted stock units and restricted shares in its calculation of basic earnings per share.
Diluted earnings per common share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding shares to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive items. The Company uses the treasury stock method to reflect the potential dilutive effect of the unvested restricted shares and restricted stock units. In calculating the number of dilutive shares outstanding, the shares of common stock underlying unvested restricted shares and restricted stock units are assumed to have been delivered, for the entire period being presented. The number of performance-linked unvested restricted stock units that are included in the calculation are at the amount that could be earned using current payout rates. The assumed proceeds from the assumed vesting, delivery and exercising were calculated as the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The Company previously concluded that it had the intent and ability to settle the December 2022 Convertible Notes in cash and, as a result, the convertible notes did not have an impact on the Company's diluted earnings per share calculation. On March 24, 2021, the Company issued a redemption notice announcing that the Company would redeem all of the December 2022 Convertible Notes (See Note 12). On June 24, 2021, the Company cash settled the December 2022 Convertible Notes up to the principal amount of the December 2022 Convertible Notes and share settled through the delivery of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock for the remainder of the conversion obligation in excess of the principal amount. The shares of the Company’s Class A common stock issued are within basic earnings per share subsequent to June 24, 2021. Prior to that date, the Company has applied the if-converted method to the portion of the December 2022 notes above the principal amount that settled in shares upon a conversion in dilutive earnings per share.
On December 31, 2021, the Company irrevocably elected to cash settle $1,000.00 of its obligation in respect of each conversion of any share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Prior to this date, the Company could elect to settle the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in shares, cash, or a combination of both. Effective January 1, 2022, Company adopted ASC 470-20, which requires the Company to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments in the diluted earnings per share calculation and include the effect of potential share settlement (if the effect is more dilutive) for instruments that may be settled in cash or shares, except for certain liability-classified share-based payment awards. With the adoption of this guidance, the Company is required to include the portion of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that can be settled in Class A common stock (the amount in excess of $1,000.00 per share of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock) in the diluted earnings per share calculation. As a result, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock impacts the Company’s diluted earnings per share calculation for the March 31, 2022 (See Note 2).
The computation of earnings per share is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| | | | | | (dollars and share data in thousands, except per share data) |
| Net income (loss) | | | | | $ | 55,147 | | | $ | 152,066 | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds | | | | | 20,131 | | | 4,562 | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Inc. | | | | | 35,016 | | | 147,504 | | | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | | | 1,698 | | | 1,698 | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Inc. common stockholders for basic earnings per share | | | | | 33,318 | | | 145,806 | | | |
Change in fair value of contingently issuable shares | | | | | 41 | | | — | | | |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Inc. common stockholders for diluted earnings per share | | | | | $ | 33,359 | | | $ | 145,806 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Shares for basic and diluted calculations: | | | | | | | | | |
| Weighted average shares used in basic computation | | | | | 28,386 | | | 27,359 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Performance based restricted stock | | | | | 374 | | | 445 | | | |
| Contingently issuable common stock in connection with acquisitions | | | | | 82 | | | — | | | |
| December 2022 Convertible Notes | | | | | — | | | 2,659 | | | |
| Series A Convertible Preferred Stock | | | | | 708 | | | — | | | |
| Restricted stock | | | | | 2,222 | | | 3,102 | | | |
| Weighted average shares used in diluted computation | | | | | 31,772 | | | 33,565 | | | |
| Earnings (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | | |
| Basic | | | | | $ | 1.17 | | | $ | 5.33 | | | |
| Diluted | | | | | $ | 1.05 | | | $ | 4.34 | | | |
22. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Lease Obligations
The Company has entered into leases for real estate and other facilities. These leases contain rent escalation clauses and options to extend the applicable lease term. The Company does not include renewal options in the lease term for calculating the Company's lease liability as the renewal options allow the Company operational flexibility and the Company is not reasonably certain to exercise these renewal options at this time. The Company records the expenses related to occupancy and equipment on
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
a straight-line basis over the lease term and these expenses are included in occupancy and equipment expense and client services and business development expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, quantitative information regarding the Company's operating lease obligations reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| | | | | (dollars in thousands) | | |
| Lease cost | | | | | | | | | |
| Operating lease cost | | | | | $ | 6,614 | | | $ | 5,770 | | | |
| Short-term lease cost | | | | | 141 | | | 33 | | | |
| Variable lease cost | | | | | 837 | | | 906 | | | |
| Sublease income | | | | | (155) | | | (160) | | | |
| Total lease costs | | | | | $ | 7,437 | | | $ | 6,549 | | | |
The following table summarizes the supplemental cash flow information and certain other information related to operating leases for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended March 31, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| (dollars in thousands) | |
| Other information | | | | | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | | | | | |
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $ | 9,814 | | | $ | 6,748 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) | 5.54 | | 4.56 | | |
| Weighted average discount rate - operating leases | 4.13 | % | | 4.10 | % | | |
As of March 31, 2022, maturities of the outstanding operating lease liabilities for the Company were as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Equipment Leases (operating) | | Real Estate and Other Facility Rental (a) (b) |
| | (dollars in thousands) |
| 2022 | $ | 366 | | | $ | 16,813 | |
| 2023 | 381 | | | 25,476 | |
| 2024 | 370 | | | 22,965 | |
| 2025 | 370 | | | 12,312 | |
| 2026 | 278 | | | 8,881 | |
| Thereafter | — | | | 24,969 | |
| Total operating leases | 1,765 | | | 111,416 | |
| Less discount | 105 | | | 13,218 | |
| Less short-term leases | — | | | 58 | |
| | | |
| Total lease liability | $ | 1,660 | | | $ | 98,140 | |
(a)The Company has entered into various agreements to sublease certain of its premises.
(b)During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company recognized an increase of $8.3 million of operating right-of-use assets and leases liabilities related to facility leases.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Other Commitments
As of March 31, 2022, future minimum annual service payments for the Company were as follows: | | | | | | | | |
| | Service Payments |
| | | (dollars in thousands) |
| 2022 | | $ | 22,196 | |
| 2023 | | 17,544 | |
| 2024 | | 8,214 | |
| 2025 | | 3,889 | |
| 2026 | | 3,253 | |
| Thereafter | | 7,357 | |
| Total service payment commitments | | $ | 62,453 | |
Unfunded Commitments
The following table summarizes unfunded commitments as of March 31, 2022: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Entity | | Unfunded Commitments | | Commitment Term |
| | (dollars in thousands) | | |
| HealthCare Royalty Partners funds (a) | | $ | 6,451 | | | 2.8 years |
| Eclipse Ventures Fund I, L.P. | | $ | 28 | | | 2.8 years |
| Eclipse Fund II, L.P. | | $ | 18 | | | 3.8 years |
| Eclipse Continuity Fund I, L.P. | | $ | 16 | | | 4.8 years |
| Cowen Healthcare Investments III LP | | $ | 2,165 | | | 4.8 years |
| Cowen Healthcare Investments IV LP | | $ | 5,784 | | | 5.8 years |
| Cowen Sustainable Investments I LP | | $ | 14,643 | | | 7.8 years |
(a) The Company is a limited partner of the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds (which are managed by Healthcare Royalty Management) and is a member of HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners. The Company will make its pro-rata investment in the HealthCare Royalty Partners funds along with the other limited partners.
Litigation
In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its affiliates, subsidiaries and current and former officers, directors and employees (the "Company and Related Parties") are named as defendants in, or as parties to, various legal actions and proceedings. Certain of these actions and proceedings assert claims or seek relief in connection with alleged violations of securities, banking, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering, employment and other statutory and common laws. Certain of these actual or threatened legal actions and proceedings include claims for substantial or indeterminate compensatory or punitive damages, or for injunctive relief.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company and Related Parties are also subject to governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests (both formal and informal), certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. Certain of the Company's affiliates and subsidiaries are registered broker-dealers, futures commission merchants, investment advisers or other regulated entities and, in those capacities, are subject to regulation by various U.S., state and foreign securities, commodity futures and other regulators. In connection with formal and informal inquiries by these regulators, the Company receives requests and orders seeking documents and other information in connection with various aspects of the Company's regulated activities.
Due to the global scope of the Company's operations, and its presence in countries around the world, the Company and Related Parties may be subject to litigation, governmental and regulatory examinations, information gathering requests, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal), in multiple jurisdictions with legal and regulatory regimes that may differ substantially, and present substantially different risks, from those to which the Company and Related Parties are subject in the United States.
The Company seeks to resolve all litigation and regulatory matters in the manner management believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders, and contests liability, allegations of wrongdoing and, where applicable, the amount of damages or scope of any penalties or other relief sought as appropriate in each pending matter.
In accordance with US GAAP, the Company establishes reserves for contingencies when the Company believes that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company discloses a contingency if there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred and there is no reserve for the loss because the
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
conditions above are not met. The Company's disclosure includes an estimate of the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for those matters, for which an estimate can be made. Neither a reserve nor disclosure is required for losses that are deemed remote.
The Company appropriately reserves for certain matters where, in the opinion of management, the likelihood of liability is probable and the extent of such liability is reasonably estimable. Such amounts are included within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and currently available information and involve a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the type and nature of the litigation, claim or proceeding, the progress of the matter, the advice of legal counsel, the Company's defenses and its experience in similar cases or proceedings as well as its assessment of matters, including settlements, involving other defendants in similar or related cases or proceedings. The Company may increase or decrease its legal reserves in the future, on a matter-by-matter basis, to account for developments in such matters. The Company accrues legal fees as incurred.
23. Segment Reporting
The Company has two reportable business segments: Op Co and Asset Co. The Op Co segment consists of Cowen Investment Management ("CIM"), Investment Banking, Markets and Research. The Asset Co segment consists of the Company's private investments, private real estate investments and other legacy investment strategies.
Segment Measures
The measure of profit or loss for these segments is Economic Income (Loss), which management uses to evaluate the financial performance of and make operating decisions for the segments including determining appropriate compensation levels. Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors.
In general, Economic Income (Loss) is an after tax measure (which represents the Company’s income tax expense or benefit calculated on Pre-tax Economic Income (Loss) once all currently available net operating losses have been utilized and is presented after preferred stock dividends. Economic Income (Loss) (i) includes management reclassifications which the Company believes provides additional insight into the performance of the Company’s core businesses and divisions (ii) eliminates the impact of consolidation for Consolidated Funds and (iii) excludes goodwill and certain other impairments, certain other transaction-related adjustments and/or reorganization expenses and certain costs associated with debt.
The Company does not disclose total asset information for its business segments as the information is not reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"). The Op Co and Asset Co segments do not conduct inter-segment transactions.
The following table sets forth operating results for the Company's consolidated US GAAP net income (loss) and related reclassifications and adjustments necessary to reconcile to the Company's Economic Income (Loss) measure which represents the Company's Op Co and Asset Co segments' results:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| | | | | (dollars in thousands) |
| Economic Income | | | | | | | | | |
| Op Co | | | | | $ | 36,297 | | | $ | 143,858 | | | |
| Asset Co | | | | | 1,150 | | | (1,476) | | | |
| Adjustments applied to arrive at Net Income (loss) | | | | | | | | | |
| Income attributable to non-controlling interest | | | | | 20,131 | | | 4,562 | | | |
| Preferred stock dividends | | | | | 1,698 | | | 1,698 | | | |
| Amortization of (discount)/premium on convertible debt | | | | | (75) | | | (776) | | | |
| Acquisition related amounts | | | | | (80) | | | (238) | | | |
| Contingent liability adjustments | | | | | (5,133) | | | 6,798 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Debt extinguishment gain (loss) and accelerated debt costs | | | | | — | | | (4,538) | | | |
| Bargain purchase gain | | | | | — | | | 3,855 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| US GAAP Income tax expense | | | | | (11,889) | | | (54,428) | | | |
| Economic income tax expense | | | | | 13,048 | | | 52,751 | | | |
| Net income (loss) | | | | | $ | 55,147 | | | $ | 152,066 | | | |
Economic Income (Loss) information provided and reviewed by the CODM includes (i) non-interest revenue, (ii) interest revenue, (iii) interest expense, (iv) depreciation and amortization expense and (v) income taxes presented on an Economic Income (Loss) basis by Segment. The following table sets forth the included segment information on a US GAAP basis with reconciliations to consolidated amounts.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Three Months Ended March 31, |
| | | | | | 2022 | | 2021 | | |
| | | | | | (dollars in thousands) |
| Op Co | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Interest Revenue | | | | | $ | 367,652 | | | $ | 697,885 | | | |
| Interest Revenue | | | | | 40,331 | | | 51,104 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Total Revenues | | | | | 407,983 | | | 748,989 | | | |
| Interest Expense | | | | | 43,300 | | | 53,803 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and Amortization | | | | | 7,179 | | | 4,349 | | | |
| Income Taxes | | | | | 11,832 | | | 55,085 | | | |
| Asset Co | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Interest Revenue | | | | | 2,599 | | | (1,668) | | | |
| Interest Revenue | | | | | 8 | | | 203 | | | |
| Interest Revenue, Consolidated funds | | | | | 2 | | | 2 | | | |
| Total Revenues | | | | | 2,609 | | | (1,463) | | | |
| Interest Expense | | | | | 1,236 | | | 1,275 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and Amortization | | | | | 6 | | | 5 | | | |
| Income Taxes | | | | | 57 | | | (657) | | | |
| Total Segment | | | | | | | | | |
| Non-Interest Revenue * | | | | | 370,251 | | | 696,217 | | | |
| Interest Revenue | | | | | 40,339 | | | 51,307 | | | |
| Interest Revenue, Consolidated funds | | | | | 2 | | | 2 | | | |
| Total Revenues | | | | | $ | 410,592 | | | $ | 747,526 | | | |
Interest and Dividend Expense (includes dividend expense of $2.0 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively) | | | | | 46,524 | | | 57,641 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation and Amortization | | | | | 7,185 | | | 4,354 | | | |
| Income Taxes | | | | | 11,889 | | | 54,428 | | | |
* Includes dividend revenue of $6.0 million and $8.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. In addition, includes dividend revenue, consolidated funds, of $0.0 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
24. Regulatory Requirements
Regulatory Capital
As registered broker-dealers with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), Cowen and Company, ATM Execution and Westminster are subject to the Uniform Net Capital Rule 15c3-1, "SEA Rule 15c3-1," under the Securities Exchange Act ("SEA") of 1934, which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital. Each registered broker-dealer has elected to compute net capital under the alternative method permitted by that rule.
The Company acquired Portico, a registered broker-dealer on December 16, 2021. As a result of the acquisition, Portico's net assets were transferred into Cowen and Company. The Company applied to withdraw Portico's status as a FINRA registered broker-dealer on December 20, 2021 which was approved by the SEC on February 18, 2022.
Under the alternative method, Cowen and Company's minimum net capital requirement, as defined in (a)(4) of SEA Rule 15c3-1, is equal to the greater of $1.5 million or 2% of aggregate debits arising from customer transactions. ATM Execution, and Westminster are required to maintain minimum net capital, as defined in (a)(1)(ii) of SEA Rule 15c3-1, equal to the greater of $250,000 or 2% of aggregate debits arising from customer transactions. Advances to affiliates, repayment of borrowings, distributions, dividend payments, and other equity withdrawals are subject to certain notification and other provisions of SEA Rule 15c3-1 and other regulatory bodies.
Cowen and Company is also subject to certain net capital rule requirements under the Regulation 1.17 of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") under Commodities Exchange Act (“CEA”) as an introducing broker. Under Regulation 1.17, Cowen and Company is required to maintain net capital equal to or in excess of $45,000 or the amount of net capital required by SEA Rule 15c3-1, whichever is greater. Additionally, as an options clearing member of the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC") under OCC Rule 302, Cowen and Company is required to maintain net capital equal to the greater of $2.0
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
million or 2% of aggregate debit items. At March 31, 2022, Cowen and Company had $397.2 million of net capital in excess of its minimum requirements under SEA Rule 15c3-1.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law on July 21, 2010. The Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions that require the registration of all swap dealers, major swap participants, security-based swap dealers, and/or major security-based swap participants. Cowen Financial Products, Ltd ("Cowen Financial Products") registered only with the SEC with an effective date of November 1, 2021 as a securities-based swap dealer and is not using models to compute its net capital. Under the rules there is a minimum net capital requirement for, among others, an entity that acts as a dealer in security-based swaps, which is the greater of $20 million or 2% of risk margin amount The risk margin amount means the sum of (i) the total initial margin required to be maintained by the SEC securities-based swaps dealer at each clearing agency with respect to securities-based swaps transactions cleared for securities-based swap customers and (ii) the total initial margin amount calculated by the SEC securities-based swaps dealer swaps dealer with respect to non-cleared securities-based swaps under SEC rules. At March 31, 2022, Cowen Financial Products had $16.7 million of net capital in excess of its minimum requirements under SEA Rule 18a-1.
Cowen International Ltd and Cowen Execution Ltd are subject to the capital requirements of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), as defined, and must exceed the minimum capital requirement set forth by the FCA. On 1 January 2022, the FCA adopted the Investment Firms Prudential Regime ("IFPR"). This is a new prudential regime which applies to MiFID investment firms authorized and regulated by the FCA in the UK. The IFPR refocuses prudential requirements and expectations away from the risks firms face, to also consider and look to manage the potential harm firms can pose to consumers and markets. Cowen International Ltd and Cowen Execution Ltd will both be designated as Class 2 firms under the new regime and will have a minimum capital requirement equal to the higher of; the Permanent minimum capital requirement, their respective Fixed Overhead requirement, and their Risk Responsive Computation ("K-factors").
Cowen Asia, a previously established entity, was re-registered with regulatory approval on May 17, 2019. Cowen Asia is subject to the financial resources requirements of the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") of Hong Kong. Financial Resources must exceed the Total Financial Resources requirement of the SFC.
As of March 31, 2022, the regulatory net capital, minimum net capital requirement and excess net capital of U.S. regulated broker dealers and swap dealer together with the equivalent of capital requirements and compliance information for foreign broker dealers registered with the FCA and the SFC are presented as follows: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Subsidiary | | Net Capital | | Minimum Net Capital Requirement | | Excess Net Capital |
| | | (dollars in thousands) |
| Cowen and Company | | $ | 406,557 | | | $ | 9,343 | | | $ | 397,214 | |
| ATM Execution | | $ | 7,880 | | | $ | 250 | | | $ | 7,630 | |
| Westminster | | $ | 19,521 | | | $ | 250 | | | $ | 19,271 | |
| Cowen Financial Products | | $ | 36,658 | | | $ | 20,000 | | | $ | 16,658 | |
| Cowen International Ltd (a) | | $ | 51,109 | | | $ | 25,735 | | | $ | 25,374 | |
| Cowen Execution Ltd (a) | | $ | 17,900 | | | $ | 5,075 | | | $ | 12,825 | |
| Cowen Asia (a) | | $ | 2,045 | | | $ | 383 | | | $ | 1,662 | |
(a)The equivalent of Net Capital under FCA rules is referred as “capital resources” and under SFC rules is referred as “net liquid capital.” The equivalent of Minimum Net Capital Requirement under FCA rules is referred as “minimum capital resources requirement and under SFC rules is referred as “net liquid capital requirement."
Customer Protection
The Company's U.S. broker-dealers must also comply with the customer protection provisions under SEA Rule 15c3-3 which requires a computation of a reserve requirement for customer and maintenance of a deposit of cash or securities into a special reserve bank account for the exclusive benefit of customers; or claim an exemption pursuant to subparagraphs (k)(2)(i) or (k)(2)(ii) of that rule. Firms can rely on more than one exemption.
ATM Execution claims the (k)(2)(ii) exemption with regard to all of their customer accounts and transactions that are introduced on a fully-disclosed basis to their clearing agents for clearing, settlement and custody. Westminster claims the (k)(2)(i) exemption with regard to customer transactions and balances that are cleared, settled and custodied in bank accounts designated as Special Accounts for the Exclusive Benefit of Customers ("Special Bank Accounts"). Westminster also claims exemption for other business activities that are not covered under (k)(2)(i) contemplated by Footnote 74 of the SEC Release No. 34-70073 adopting amendments to 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5 for receiving transaction-based compensation in return for providing commission management services.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In accordance with the requirements of SEA Rule 15c3-3, Cowen and Company may be required to deposit in a Special Reserve Account cash or acceptable qualified securities for the exclusive benefit of customers. As of March 31, 2022, Cowen and Company had segregated approximately $51.8 million of cash to satisfy the customer reserve provision of SEA Rule 15c3-3.
As a clearing and carrying broker-dealer, Cowen and Company is required to compute a reserve requirement for proprietary accounts of broker-dealers ("PAB"), as defined in SEA Rule 15c3-3. Cowen and Company conducts PAB reserve computations in order to determine the amount it is required to deposit in its PAB Reserve Bank Accounts pursuant to SEA Rule 15c3-3. This allows each correspondent firm that uses Cowen and Company as its clearing broker-dealer to classify its PAB account assets held at Cowen and Company as allowable assets in the correspondent's net capital calculation. At March 31, 2022, Cowen and Company had $71.7 million of cash on deposit in PAB Reserve Bank Accounts. Cowen and Company and ATM Execution also maintain certain assets in PAB accounts held at their respective clearing brokers. Each treats its assets held in those PAB accounts at the respective clearing brokers as allowable assets for net capital purposes.
Cowen Financial Products, as a registered securities based swap dealer, claims Rule 18a-4(f) exemption under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) with regard to its swap counterparties on the basis that it has provided sufficient notice to its swap counterparties of their respective rights to require segregation of funds or other property used to secure uncleared security based swaps pursuant to section 3E(f)(1)(A)-(B) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c-5(f)(1)(A)). Any margin collateral received and held by the security based swap dealer with respect to uncleared security based swaps will not be subject to a segregation requirement. The notice outlines how a claim of those swap counterparties for the collateral would be treated in a bankruptcy or other formal liquidation proceeding of the security-based swap dealer.
Other Regulatory Requirements
Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re are individually required to maintain a solvency capital ratio as calculated by relevant European Commission directives and local regulatory rules in Malta and Luxembourg, respectively. Each company's individual solvency capital ratio calculated at the end of each quarter must exceed a minimum requirement. As of December 31, 2021, the last testing date for Cowen Re and Cowen Insurance Co, the solvency capital ratios of both Cowen Insurance Co and Cowen Re were in excess of the minimum requirements.
Based on minimum capital and surplus requirements pursuant to the laws of the state of New York that apply to captive insurance companies, RCG Insurance Company, Cowen's captive insurance company incorporated and licensed in the state of New York, was required to maintain capital and surplus of approximately $0.3 million as of March 31, 2022. RCG Insurance Company’s capital and surplus as of March 31, 2022 totaled $6.0 million.
25. Related Party Transactions
The Company and its affiliated entities are the managing member, general partner and/or investment manager to the Company's investment funds and certain managed accounts. Management fees and incentive income are primarily earned from affiliated entities. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, $21.9 million and $16.6 million, respectively, included in fees receivable, are earned from related parties. The Company may, at its discretion, reimburse certain fees charged to the investment funds that it manages to avoid duplication of fees when such funds have an underlying investment in another affiliated investment fund. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the amounts which the Company reimbursed the investment funds it manages were immaterial. Fees receivable and fees payable are recorded at carrying value, which approximates fair value.
The Company may also make loans to employees or other affiliates, excluding executive officers of the Company. These loans are interest bearing and settle pursuant to the agreed-upon terms with such employees or affiliates, and are included in due from related parties in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, loans to employees of $9.2 million and $8.8 million, respectively, were included in due from related parties on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Of these amounts $3.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively, are related to forgivable loans. These forgivable loans provide for a cash payment up-front to employees, with the amount due back to the Company forgiven over a vesting period. An employee that voluntarily ceases employment, or is terminated with cause, is generally required to pay back to the Company any unvested forgivable loans granted to them. The forgivable loans are recorded as an asset to the Company on the date of grant and payment, and then amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The vesting period on forgivable loans is generally one to three years. The Company recorded compensation expense of $0.8 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This expense is included in employee compensation and benefits in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the interest income was $0.1 million, for these related party loans and advances, and are included in interest and dividends in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The remaining balance included in due from related parties of $12.4 million and $22.6 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, relates to amounts due to the Company from affiliated investment funds and real estate entities due to expenses paid on their behalf.
Employees and certain other related parties invest on a discretionary basis within consolidated entities. These investments generally are subject to preferential management fee and performance fee arrangements. As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, such investments aggregated $58.3 million and $53.9 million, respectively, were included in non-controlling interests on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Their share of the net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and investment funds aggregated $10.3 million and $10.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The Company may, at times, have unfunded commitment amounts pertaining to related parties. See Note 22 for amounts committed as of March 31, 2022.
26. Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees
US GAAP requires the Company to disclose information about its obligations under certain guarantee arrangements. Those standards define guarantees as contracts and indemnification agreements that contingently require a guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on changes in an underlying security (such as an interest or foreign exchange rate, security or commodity price, an index or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of a specified event) related to an asset, liability or equity security of a guaranteed party. Those standards also define guarantees as contracts that contingently require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to perform under an agreement as well as indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others.
In the normal course of its operations, the Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Company expects the risk of loss to be remote.
The Company indemnifies and guarantees certain service providers, such as clearing and custody agents, trustees and administrators, against specified potential losses in connection with their acting as an agent of, or providing services to, the Company or its affiliates. The Company also indemnifies some clients against potential losses incurred in the event specified third-party service providers, including sub-custodians and third-party brokers, improperly execute transactions. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes that it is unlikely it will have to make significant payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the condensed consolidated financial statements for these indemnifications.
The Company also provides representations and warranties to counterparties in connection with a variety of commercial transactions and occasionally indemnifies them against potential losses caused by the breach of those representations and warranties. The Company may also provide standard indemnifications to some counterparties to protect them in the event additional taxes are owed or payments are withheld, due either to a change in or adverse application of certain tax laws. These indemnifications generally are standard contractual terms and are entered into in the normal course of business. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Company could be required to make under these indemnifications cannot be estimated. However, the Company believes it is unlikely it will have to make material payments under these arrangements and has not recorded any contingent liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for these indemnifications.
The Company may maintain cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any material losses in such accounts and does not believe it is exposed to significant credit risks in relation to such accounts.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no material off-balance sheet arrangements, which have not been disclosed, as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021. Through indemnification provisions in clearing agreements with clients, customer activities may expose the Company to off-balance-sheet credit risk. Pursuant to the clearing agreement, the Company is required to reimburse the Company's clearing broker, without limit, for any losses incurred due to a counterparty's failure to satisfy its contractual obligations. However, these transactions are collateralized by the underlying security, thereby reducing the associated risk to changes in the market value of the security through the settlement date.
Cowen Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The Company's customer securities activities are transacted on a delivery versus payment, cash or margin basis. In delivery versus payment transactions, the Company is exposed to risk of loss in the event of the customers' or brokers' inability to meet the terms of their contracts.
In margin transactions, the Company extends credit to clients collateralized by cash and securities in their account. In the event the customers or brokers fail to satisfy their obligations, the Company may be required to purchase or sell securities at prevailing market prices in order to fulfill the obligations.
The Company's exposure to credit risk can be directly impacted by volatile securities markets, which may impair the ability of counterparties to satisfy their contractual obligations. The Company seeks to control its credit risk through a variety of reporting and control procedures, including establishing credit limits based upon a review of the customers' financial condition and credit ratings. The Company seeks to control the risk associated with its customer margin transactions by requiring customers to maintain margin collateral in compliance with various regulatory and internal guidelines. The Company also monitors required margin levels daily and, pursuant to its guidelines, requires customers to deposit additional collateral, or reduce positions, when necessary.
In addition, during the normal course of business, the Company has exposure to a number of risks including market risk, currency risk, credit risk, operational risk, liquidity risk and legal risk. As part of the Company's risk management process, these risks are monitored on a regular basis throughout the course of the year.
The Company enters into secured and unsecured borrowing agreements to obtain funding necessary to cover daily securities settlements with clearing corporations. At times, funding is required for unsettled customer delivery versus payment and riskless principal transactions, as well as to meet deposit requirements with clearing organizations. Secured arrangements are collateralized by the securities. The Company maintains uncommitted financing arrangements with large financial institutions, the details of which are summarized below as of March 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Lender | | Contractual Amount | | Available Amount | | Maturity Date | | Description |
| Pledge Lines | | (dollars in thousands) | | | | |
| BMO Harris Bank | | $ | 75,000 | | | $ | 75,000 | | | None | | Secured Tri-Party Pledge Facility |
| BMO Harris Bank | | 150,000 | | | 150,000 | | | None | | Secured Depository Trust Company Pledge Line |
| Total | | 225,000 | | | 225,000 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Spike Line | | | | | | | | |
BMO Harris Bank
Canadian Imperial Bank
of Commerce, in syndication | | 70,000 | | | 70,000 | | | August 19, 2022 | | Unsecured committed spike line facility to cover short term increases in National Securities Clearing Corporation margin deposit requirements |
| Revolving Credit Facility | | | | | | | | |
| Morgan Stanley | | 25,000 | | | 25,000 | | | March 24, 2026 | | Unsecured Corporate Revolver |
| | | | | | | | |
| Total Credit Lines | | $ | 320,000 | | | $ | 320,000 | | | | | |
27. Subsequent Events
On April 21, 2022 the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payable on its common stock of $0.12 per common share, payable on June 15, 2022, to stockholders of record on June 1, 2022.
The Company has evaluated events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued and has determined that there were no other subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.