VIRTUS INVESTMENT PARTNERS INC

1. Organization and Business

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," "our" or "Virtus"), a Delaware corporation, operates in the investment management industry through its subsidiaries.

The Company provides investment management and related services to institutions and individuals. The Company's investment strategies are offered to institutional clients through institutional separate and commingled accounts, including structured products. The Company’s retail investment management services are provided to individuals through products consisting of: mutual funds registered pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("U.S. retail funds"); Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities and Qualifying Investor Funds (collectively, "global funds") and collectively with U.S. retail funds, variable insurance funds, and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), (the "open-end funds"); closed-end funds (collectively, with open-end funds, the "funds"); and retail separate accounts that include intermediary-sold and private client accounts. The Company also provides subadvisory services to other investment advisers.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries and investment products that are consolidated. A voting interest entity ("VOE") is consolidated when the Company is considered to have a controlling financial interest, which is typically present when the Company owns a majority of the voting interest in an entity or otherwise has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity.

The Company evaluates any variable interest entity ("VIE") in which the Company has a variable interest for consolidation. A VIE is an entity in which either (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support, or (ii) where as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not possess any one of the following: (a) the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity, or (c) proportionate voting and economic interests and where substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately fewer voting rights. If an entity has any of these characteristics, it is considered a VIE and is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. See Note 20 for additional information related to the consolidation of investment products. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests - CIP

Noncontrolling interests - CIP represent third-party investments in the Company's CIP and are classified as redeemable noncontrolling interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets because investors in those products are able to request withdrawal at any time.

Noncontrolling interests - affiliate

Noncontrolling interests - affiliate represent minority interests held in a consolidated affiliate. Minority interests held in the affiliate are subject to holder put rights and Company call rights at established multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and, as such, are considered redeemable at other than fair value. The rights are exercisable at pre-established intervals or upon certain conditions, such as retirement. The put and call rights are not legally detachable or separately exercisable and are deemed to be embedded in the related noncontrolling interests. The Company, in purchasing affiliate equity, has the option to settle in cash or shares of the Company's common stock and is entitled to the cash flow associated with any purchased equity. These minority interests in the affiliate are recorded at estimated redemption value within redeemable noncontrolling interests on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, and any changes in the estimated redemption value are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations within noncontrolling interests.

Use of Estimates

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

Segment Information

Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 280, Segment Reporting, establishes disclosure requirements relating to operating segments in annual and interim financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources to the segment and assess its performance. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is the Company's chief operating decision maker. The Company operates inone business segment, namely as an asset manager providing investment management and related services for individual and institutional clients. Although the Company provides disclosures regarding assets under management and other asset flows by product, the Company's determination that it operates inone business segment is based on the fact that the same investment professionals manage both retail and institutional products, operational resources support multiple products, such products have the same or similar regulatory framework and the Company's chief operating decision maker reviews the Company's financial performance on a consolidated level. Investment managers within the Company are generally not aligned with a specific product type.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and money market fund investments.

Restricted Cash

The Company considers cash and cash equivalents of CIP and cash pledged or on deposit of CIP to be restricted as it is not available to the Company for its general operations.

Investments

Investment Securities - Fair Value

Investment securities - fair value consist of investments in the Company's sponsored funds and separately managed accounts and are carried at fair value in accordance with ASC 320, Investments-Debt and Equity Securities ("ASC 320"), and Topic 321, Investments-Equity Securities ("ASC 321"). These securities are marked to market based on the respective publicly quoted net asset values of the funds or market prices of the equity securities or bonds. Transactions in these securities are recorded on a trade date basis. Any unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investment securities is reported on the Consolidated Statement of Operations within realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments.

Equity Method Investments

Equity method investments consist of Company investments in noncontrolled entities, where the Company does not hold a controlling financial interest but has the ability to significantly influence operating and financial matters. Equity method investments are accounted for in accordance with ASC 323, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company's share of the noncontrolled entities' net income or loss is recorded in other income (expense), net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Distributions received reduce the Company's investment. The investment is evaluated for impairment if events or changes indicate that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. If the carrying amount of an investment does exceed its fair value and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge will be recorded.

Non-qualified Retirement Plan Assets and Liabilities

The Company has a non-qualified retirement plan (the "Excess Incentive Plan") that allows certain employees to voluntarily defer compensation. Assets held in trust, which are considered investment securities, are included in investments at fair value in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820"); the associated obligations to participants, which approximate the fair value of the associated assets, are included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (See Note 6 for additional information related to the Excess Incentive Plan.)

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ofthree toseven years for furniture and office equipment andthree years for computer equipment and software. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the remaining estimated lives of the related leases or useful lives of the improvements. Major renewals or betterments are capitalized, and recurring repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Leases

The Company leases office space and equipment under various leasing arrangements. In accordance with ASC 842, Leases, the Company's leases are evaluated and classified as either financing leases or operating leases, as appropriate. The Company recognizes a lease liability and a corresponding right of use ("ROU") asset on the commencement date of any lease arrangement. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term using the rate implicit in the arrangement or, if not readily determinable, the Company's incremental borrowing rate. The Company determines its incremental borrowing rate through market sources, including relevant industry rates. A ROU asset is measured initially as the value of the lease liability plus initial direct costs and prepaid lease payments, and less lease incentives received. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded within other operating expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of business combinations over the identified assets and liabilities acquired. In accordance with ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is not amortized. The Company has a single reporting unit for the purpose of assessing potential impairments of goodwill. An impairment analysis of goodwill is performed annually or more frequently, if warranted by events or changes in circumstances affecting the Company's business. The Company follows Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which provides the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads 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 or circumstances, it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The Company's 2023 and 2022 annual goodwill impairment analysis did not result in any impairment charges.

Definite-lived intangible assets are comprised of certain investment management agreements, trade names, non-competition agreements and software. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of such assets, which range from 4 to 16 years. Definite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment on an ongoing basis whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the definite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable. The Company determines if impairment has occurred by comparing estimates of future undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of assets. Assets are considered impaired, and an impairment is recorded, if the carrying value exceeds the expected future undiscounted cash flows.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are comprised of certain trade names and fund investment management agreements. These assets are tested for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the assets might be impaired. The Company follows ASU 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment, which provides the option to perform a qualitative assessment of indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment to determine if additional impairment testing is necessary. The Company's 2023 and 2022 annual indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment analysis did not result in any impairment charges.

Contingent Consideration

The Company periodically enters into contingent payment arrangements in connection with its business combinations or asset purchases. In contingent payment arrangements, the Company agrees to pay additional transaction consideration to the seller based on future performance. The Company estimates the value of estimated future payments of these potential future obligations at the time a business combination or asset purchase is consummated. Liabilities under contingent payment arrangements are recorded within contingent consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Contingent payment obligations related to business combinations are remeasured at fair value each reporting date using a simulation model with the assistance of an independent valuation firm and approved by management (level 3 fair value measurement). The change in fair value is recorded in the current period as a gain or loss. Gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of contingent payment obligations are reflected within change in fair value of contingent consideration on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Contingent payment obligations related to our asset purchases, if estimable and probable of payment, are initially recorded at their estimated value and reviewed every reporting period for changes. Any changes to the estimated value are recorded as an update of the initial acquisition cost of the asset with a corresponding change to the estimated contingent payment obligation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method and is included as a deduction from equity on the Stockholders' Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Upon any subsequent resale, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock.

Revenue Recognition

The Company's revenues are recognized when a performance obligation is satisfied, which occurs when control of the services is transferred to customers. Investment management fees, distribution and service fees, and administration and shareholder service fees are generally calculated as a percentage of average net assets of the investment portfolios managed. The net asset values from which these fees are calculated are variable in nature and subject to factors outside of the Company's control, such as additional investments, withdrawals and market performance. Because of this, these fees are considered constrained until the end of the contractual measurement period (monthly or quarterly), which is when asset values are generally determinable.

The Company provides investment management services pursuant to investment management agreements through its investment advisers (each an "Adviser"). Investment management services represent a series of distinct daily services that are performed over time. Fees earned on funds are based on each fund's average daily or weekly net assets and are generally calculated and received on a monthly basis. For funds managed by unaffiliated subadvisors, the Company records fees net of the subadvisory fees, as the Company is deemed to be the agent as it relates to the services performed by unaffiliated subadvisers, with the Company's performance obligation being to arrange for the provision of that service and not control the specified service before it is performed. Amounts paid to unaffiliated subadvisers for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $54.7 million, $77.0 million and $115.5 million, respectively.

Retail separate account fees are generally earned based on the end of the preceding or current quarter's asset values. Institutional account fees are generally earned based on an average of daily or month-end balances or the current quarter's asset values. Fees for structured finance products are generally earned at a contractual fee rate applied against the end of the preceding quarter par value of the total collateral being managed.

Distribution and service fees are sales- and asset-based fees earned from open-end funds for marketing and distribution services. Depending on the fund type or share class, these fees primarily consist of an asset-based fee that is paid by the fund over a period of years to cover allowable sales and marketing expenses, or front-end sales charges that are based on a percentage of the offering price. Asset-based distribution and service fees are primarily earned as percentages of the average daily net assets value and are paid monthly pursuant to the terms of the respective distribution and service fee contracts.

Distribution and service fees represent two performance obligations comprised of distribution and related shareholder servicing activities. Distribution services are generally satisfied upon the sale of a fund share. Shareholder servicing activities are generally services satisfied over time.

The Company distributes its open-end funds through unaffiliated financial intermediaries that comprise national, regional and independent broker-dealers. These unaffiliated financial intermediaries provide distribution and shareholder service activities on behalf of the Company. The Company passes related distribution and service fees to these unaffiliated financial intermediaries for these services and considers itself the principal in these arrangements since it has control of the services prior to the services being transferred to the customer. These payments are classified within distribution and other asset-based expenses.

Administration and Shareholder Service Fees

The Company provides administrative fund services to its U.S. retail funds, and certain of its closed-end funds and shareholder services to its open-end funds. Administration and shareholder services are performed over time. The Company earns fees for these services, which are calculated and paid monthly, based on each fund's average daily or weekly net assets. Administrative fund services include: record keeping, preparing and filing documents required to comply with securities laws, legal administration and compliance services, customer service, supervision of the activities of the funds' service providers, tax services and treasury services. The Company also provides office space, equipment and personnel that may be necessary for managing and administering the business affairs of the funds. Shareholder services include maintaining shareholder accounts, processing shareholder transactions, preparing filings and performing necessary reporting.

Other income and fees primarily represent fees related to other fee earning assets and contingent sales charges earned from investor redemptions of certain shares sold without a front-end sales charge.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based awards based on the estimated fair value on the date of grant.

Restricted stock units ("RSUs") are stock awards that entitle the holder to receive shares of the Company's common stock as the award vests over time or when certain performance metrics are achieved. The fair value of each RSU award is based on the fair market value price on the date of grant unless it contains a performance metric that is considered a "market condition." Compensation expense for RSU awards is recognized ratably over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. The value of RSUs that contain a performance metric ("PSUs") is determined based on (i) the fair market value price on the date of grant, for awards that contain a performance metric that represents a "performance condition" in accordance with ASC 718 or (ii) the Monte Carlo simulation valuation model for awards that contain a "market condition" performance metric under ASC 718. Compensation expense for PSU awards with a performance condition is recorded each period based upon a probability assessment of the expected outcome of the performance metric with a final adjustment upon measurement at the end of the performance period. Compensation expense for PSU awards that contain a market condition is fixed at the date of grant and is not adjusted in future periods based upon the achievement of the market condition.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"), which requires recognition of the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year as well as deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company's methodology for determining the realizability of deferred tax assets includes consideration of taxable income in prior carryback year(s), if carryback is permitted under the tax law, as well as consideration of the reversal of deferred tax liabilities that are in the same period and jurisdiction and are of the same character as the temporary differences that gave rise to the deferred tax assets. The Company's methodology also includes estimates of future taxable income from its operations as well as the expiration dates and amounts of carry-forwards related to net operating losses and capital losses. These estimates are projected through the life of the related deferred tax assets based on assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable and consistent with demonstrated operating results. Unanticipated changes in future operating results may have a significant impact on the realization of deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances are provided when it is determined that it is more likely than not that the benefit of deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Comprehensive Income

The Company reports all changes in comprehensive income on the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income includes net income (loss) and foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax).

Earnings (Loss) per Share

Earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") is calculated in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings per Share. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding dilution for potential common stock issuances. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, including shares issuable upon the vesting of RSUs and stock option exercises using the treasury stock method, as determined under the if-converted method.

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels as follows:

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 1 assets and liabilities may include debt securities and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market.

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 2 inputs may include observable market data such as closing market prices provided by independent pricing services after considering factors such as the yields or prices of comparable investments of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, call rights and other potential prepayments, terms and type, reported transactions, indications as to values from dealers and general market conditions. In addition, pricing services may determine the fair value of equity securities traded principally in foreign markets when it has been determined that there has been a significant trend in the U.S. equity markets or in index futures trading. Level 2 assets and liabilities may include debt and equity securities, purchased loans and over-the-counter derivative contracts whose fair value is determined using a pricing model without significant unobservable market data inputs.

Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in active exchange markets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280). This standard updates reportable segment disclosure requirements, clarifies circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss and provides new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, with the amendments to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this standard and, at this time, does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This standard updates income tax disclosure requirements by requiring disaggregated information about a reporting entity's effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this standard and, at this time, does not anticipate it will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Revenues

Investment Management Fees by Source

The following table summarizes investment management fees by source:

4. Acquisitions

AlphaSimplex Group, LLC

On April 1, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of AlphaSimplex Group, LLC ("AlphaSimplex"), which was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations("ASC 805"). The total purchase price paid of $113.4 million was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition. Goodwill of $48.3 million and intangible assets of $55.4 million were recorded for the acquisition. The Company expects $103.7 million of the purchase price, related to goodwill and intangibles, to be tax deductible over 15 years. The revenues and operating income of AlphaSimplex were not material to the Company's results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023.

The following table summarizes the identified acquired assets and liabilities assumed as of the AlphaSimplex acquisition date:

Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired

In connection with the allocation of the AlphaSimplex purchase price, the Company identified the following intangible assets:

The fair value of investment management agreements was estimated using a multi-period excess earnings method and the fair value of the trade names was estimated using a relief-from-royalty method, each of which was prepared with the assistance of an independent valuation firm.

Stone Harbor Investment Partners

On January 1, 2022, the Company acquired Stone Harbor Investment Partners, LLC ("Stone Harbor"), which was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805. The total purchase price of $30.1 million was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based upon their estimated fair values at the date of the acquisition, as well as goodwill of $10.3 million and definite-lived intangible assets of $10.8 million.

5. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Activity in goodwill was as follows:

Below is a summary of intangible assets, net:

Definite-lived intangible asset amortization for the next five and succeeding fiscal years is estimated as follows:

At December 31, 2023, the weighted average estimated remaining amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets was 8.2 years.

6. Investments

Investments consist primarily of investments in the Company's sponsored products. The Company's investments, excluding the assets of CIP discussed in Note 20, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, were as follows:

(1)The Company's equity method investments are valued on a three-month lag based upon the availability of financial information. On January 1, 2023, the Company made an additional investment in an existing minority interest in an affiliated manager for $11.6 million including transaction costs.

Investment Securities - Fair Value

Investment securities - fair value consist of investments in the Company's sponsored funds and separately managed accounts. The composition of the Company's investment securities - fair value was as follows:

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized a net realized gain of $2.1 million, a net realized loss of $1.4 million, and a net realized gain of $5.0 million, respectively, related to its investment securities - fair value.

Equity Method Investments

The Company's equity method investments primarily consist of a minority investment in an affiliated manager and an investment in a limited partnership. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, distributions from equity method investments were $2.3 million, $2.2 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The remaining capital commitment for one of the Company's equity method investments at December 31, 2023 was $0.2 million.

Nonqualified Retirement Plan Assets

The Company's Excess Incentive Plan allows certain employees to voluntarily defer compensation. The Company holds the Excess Incentive Plan assets in a rabbi trust, which is subject to the claims of the Company's creditors in the event of the Company's bankruptcy or insolvency. Each participant is responsible for designating investment options for their contributions, and the ultimate distribution paid to each participant reflects any gains or losses on the assets realized while in the trust. Assets held in trust are included in investments and are carried at fair value utilizing Level 1 valuation techniques in accordance with ASC 320, Investments - Debt Securities; the associated obligations to participants are included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other Investments

Other investments represent interests in entities not accounted for under the equity method such as those accounted for under the cost method.

7. Fair Value Measurements

The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, excluding the assets and liabilities of CIP discussed in Note 20, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 by fair value hierarchy level were as follows:

The following is a discussion of the valuation methodologies used for the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

Cash equivalents represent investments in money market funds. Cash investments in money market funds are valued using published net asset values and are classified as Level 1.

Sponsored funds represent investments in open-end funds, closed-end funds and ETFs for which the Company acts as the investment manager. The fair value of open-end funds is determined based on their published net asset values and are categorized as Level 1. The fair value of closed-end funds and ETFs is determined based on the official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded and are categorized as Level 1.

Equity securities represent securities traded on active markets, are valued at the official closing price (typically the last sale or bid) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded and are categorized as Level 1.

Nonqualified retirement plan assets represent mutual funds within the Company's nonqualified retirement plan whose fair value is determined based on their published net asset value and are categorized as Level 1.

Contingent consideration represents liabilities associated with the Company's business combinations with NFJ Investment Group ("NFJ") and Westchester Capital Management ("WCM"). The continent consideration related to the WCM transaction as of December 31, 2023 was $11.1 million and represents the fair value of future potential earn-out payments based on pre-established performance metrics related to revenue growth rates. The estimated fair value of the WCM liability is measured using an options pricing model valuation technique utilizing unobservable market data inputs prepared with the assistance of an independent valuation firm. The most significant unobservable inputs used relate to the aforementioned revenue growth rates, discount rate (range of 6%-7%) and the market price of risk adjustment (9%). The NFJ contingent consideration liability as of December 31, 2023 was $45.1 million and represents the fair value of the projected future revenue participation payments. The NFJ revenue participation payments consist of variable payments based on a percentage of the investment management fees earned on certain NFJ managed open-end, closed-end and retail separate account assets. The estimated fair value of the NFJ liability is measured using an options pricing model valuation technique utilizing unobservable market data inputs prepared with the assistance of an independent valuation firm. The most significant unobservable inputs used relate to the revenue growth rates, discount rates (range of 6% -7%) and the market price of risk adjustment (7%). These liabilities are categorized as Level 3.

The following table presents a reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of the Company's contingent consideration liabilities:

Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities equal or approximate fair value based on the short-term nature of these instruments.

8. Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net were as follows:

9. Leases

All of the Company's leases qualify as operating leases and consist primarily of leases for office facilities, which have remaining initial lease terms ranging from 0.7 to 9.8 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 5.7 years. The Company has options to renew certain of its leases for periods ranging from 3.0 to 10.0 years, depending on the lease. None of the Company's renewal options were considered reasonably assured of being exercised and, therefore, were excluded from the initial lease term used to determine the Company's right-of-use asset and lease liability. The Company's right-of-use asset, recorded inother assets, and lease liability, recorded inother liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, at December 31, 2023 were $63.2 million and $78.1 million, respectively. The weighted average discount rate used to measure the Company's lease liability was 3.7% at December 31, 2023.

Lease expense totaled $14.7 million, $14.0 million and $5.6 million for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Cash payments relating to operating leases during 2023 were $16.4 million.

Lease liability maturities as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

10. Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:

The following presents a reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years indicated:

The provision for income taxes reflects U.S. federal, state and local taxes at an effective tax rate of 24%,35% and 26% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company's tax position for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was impacted by changes in the valuation allowance related to the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Company's investments.

Deferred taxes resulted from temporary differences between the amounts reported on the consolidated financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The tax effects of temporary differences were as follows:

At each reporting date, the Company evaluates the positive and negative evidence used to determine the likelihood of realization of its deferred tax assets. The Company maintained a valuation allowance in the amount of $16.5 million and $19.5 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, relating to deferred tax assets on items of a capital nature as well as certain state deferred tax assets.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had net operating loss carry-forwards for federal income tax purposes represented by a $6.1 million deferred tax asset. The related federal net operating loss carry-forwards are scheduled to begin to expire in the year 2031. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had state net operating loss carry-forwards, varying by subsidiary and jurisdiction, represented by a $4.6 million deferred tax asset. Certain state net operating loss carry-forwards are scheduled to begin to expire in 2024.

Internal Revenue Code Section 382 ("Section 382") limits tax deductions for net operating losses, capital losses and net unrealized built-in losses after there is a substantial change in ownership in a corporation's stock involving a 50-percentage point increase in ownership by 5% or larger stockholders. At December 31, 2023, the Company had pre-change losses represented by deferred tax assets totaling $7.0 million that are subject to Section 382 limits. The utilization of these assets is subject to an annual limitation of $1.1 million.

Activity in unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

If recognized, $0.7 million of the $0.9 million gross unrecognized tax benefit balance at December 31, 2023 would favorably impact the Company's effective income tax rate. The Company does not expect any significant changes to its liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters within income tax expense. The Company recordedno interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

The earliest federal tax year that remains open for examination is 2020. The earliest open years in the Company's major state tax jurisdictions are 2010 for Connecticut and 2020 for all of the Company's remaining state tax jurisdictions.

11. Debt

Credit Agreement

The Company's credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), most recently amended on June 20, 2023 to change the base interest rate from LIBOR to SOFR, comprises (i) a $275.0 million term loan with aseven-year term (the "Term Loan") expiring in September 2028, and (ii) a $175.0 million revolving credit facility with afive-year term expiring in September 2026. On April 3, 2023, the Company borrowed $50.0 million under the revolving credit facility to partially finance its acquisition of AlphaSimplex (see Note 4 for further information) and repaid the entire $50.0 million prior to December 31, 2023. In addition, the Company repaid $2.8 million outstanding under the Term Loan in 2023 and had $258.8 million outstanding at December 31, 2023 under the Term Loan. In accordance with ASC 835, Interest, the amounts outstanding under the Company's Term Loan are presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet net of related debt issuance costs, which were $5.4 million as of December 31, 2023.

Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement bear interest at an annual rate equal to, at the option of the Company, either SOFR (adjusted for reserves) for interest periods of one, three or six months (or, solely in the case of the revolving credit facility, if agreed to by each relevant Lender, 12 months) or an alternate base rate, in either case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margins are 2.25%, in the case of SOFR-based loans, and 1.25%, in the case of alternate base rate loans. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears with respect to alternate base rate loans and on the last day of each interest period with respect to SOFR-based loans (but, in the case of any SOFR-based loan with an interest period of more than three months, at three-month intervals). The Credit Agreement contains SOFR and other subsequent benchmark successor provisions.

The terms of the Credit Agreement require the Company to pay a quarterly commitment fee on the average unused amount of the revolving credit facility. The fee is initially set at 0.50% and following the first delivery of certain financial reports, will range from 0.375% to 0.50%, based on the secured net leverage ratio of the Company as of the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter, as reflected in such financial reports.

The Term Loan amortizes at the rate of 1.00% per annum payable in equal quarterly installments on the last day of each calendar quarter, commencing on December 31, 2021. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that the Term Loan be mandatorily prepaid with (i)50% of the Company’s excess cash flow on an annual basis, stepping down to 25% if the Company’s secured net leverage ratio declines to 2:1 or below and stepping down to 0% if the Company’s secured net leverage ratio declines below 1.5:1; (ii)50% of the net proceeds of certain asset sales, casualty or condemnation events, subject to customary reinvestment rights; and (iii)100% of the proceeds of any indebtedness incurred to refinance the term loans or other refinancing indebtedness as well as indebtedness incurred other than indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Credit Agreement. At any time, upon timely notice, the Company may terminate the Credit Agreement in full, reduce the commitment under the facility in minimum specified increments or prepay loans in whole or in part, subject to the payment of breakage fees with respect to SOFR-based loans and, in the case of any term loans that are prepaid in connection with a "repricing transaction" occurring within thesix-month period following the closing date of the Credit Agreement, a 1.00% premium.

The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that affect, among other things, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, merge or dissolve, make investments, dispose of assets, engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make distributions and dividends and prepayments of junior indebtedness, engage in transactions with affiliates, enter into restrictive agreements, amend documentation governing junior indebtedness, modify its fiscal year and modify its organizational documents, subject to customary exceptions, thresholds, qualifications and "baskets." In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a financial performance covenant that is only applicable when greater than 35% of the revolving credit facility is outstanding, requiring a maximum leverage ratio, as of the last day of each of the four fiscal quarter periods, of no greater than the levels set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Future minimum Term Loan payments (exclusive of any mandatory excess cash flow repayments) as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

The Company is involved from time to time in litigation and arbitration, as well as examinations, inquiries and investigations by various regulatory bodies, involving its compliance with, among other things, securities laws, client investment guidelines, laws governing the activities of broker-dealers and other laws and regulations affecting its products and other activities.

The Company records a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. Based on information currently available, available insurance coverage, indemnities and established reserves, the Company believes that the outcomes of its legal and regulatory proceedings are not likely, either individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows or its consolidated financial condition. However, in the event of unexpected subsequent developments, and given the inherent unpredictability of these legal and regulatory matters, the Company can provide no assurance that its assessment of any legal matter will reflect the ultimate outcome, and an adverse outcome in certain matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

13. Equity Transactions

Dividends

During the first and second quarters of the year ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends on the Company's common stock of $1.65 each. During the third and fourth quarters of the year ended December 31, 2023, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends on the Company's common stock of $1.90 each. Total dividends declared on the Company's common stock were $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.

At December 31, 2023, $17.3 million was included as dividends payable in liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet representing the fourth quarter dividends to be paid on February 15, 2024 for common stock shareholders of record as of January 31, 2024.

Common Stock Repurchases

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 223,807 common shares at a weighted average price of $200.73 per share, for a total cost, including fees and expenses, of $45.2 million under its share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2023,604,545 shares remain available for repurchase. Under the terms of the program, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time at its discretion through open market repurchases, privately negotiated transactions and/or other mechanisms, depending on price and prevailing market and business conditions. The program, which has no specified term, may be suspended or terminated at any time.

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

(1) Consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $(96) and $135 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

15. Retirement Savings Plan

The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) retirement plan (the "401(k) Plan") covering all employees who meet certain age and service requirements. Employees may contribute a percentage of their eligible compensation into the 401(k) Plan, subject to certain limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches employees' contributions at a rate of 100% of employees' contributions up to the first 5.0% of the employees' compensation contributed to the 401(k) Plan. The Company's matching contributions were $8.3 million, $7.4 million and $5.9 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

16. Stock-Based Compensation

Equity-based awards, including restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance stock units ("PSUs"), stock options and unrestricted shares of common stock, may be granted to officers, employees and directors of the Company pursuant to the Company's Omnibus Incentive and Equity Plan (the "Omnibus Plan"). At December 31, 2023,478,216 shares of common stock remain available for issuance of the 3,370,000 shares that are authorized for issuance under the Omnibus Plan.

Stock-based compensation expense is summarized as follows:

Restricted Stock Units

Each RSU entitles the holder toone share of common stock when the restriction expires. RSUs may be time-vested or performance-contingent PSUs that convert into RSUs after performance measurement is complete and generally vest inone tothree years. Shares that are issued upon vesting are newly issued shares from the Omnibus Plan and are not issued from treasury stock.

RSU activity, inclusive of PSUs, for the year ended December 31, 2023 is summarized as follows:

The grant-date intrinsic value of RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $33.8 million.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, a total of 79,516,79,471 and 73,069 RSUs, respectively, were withheld by the Company as a result of net share settlements to settle minimum employee tax withholding obligations and for which the Company paid $13.8 million, $16.8 million and $19.5 million, respectively, in minimum employee tax withholding obligations. These net share settlements had the effect of share repurchases by the Company as they reduced the number of shares that would have otherwise been issued as a result of the vesting.

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company granted 44,583 and 30,516 PSUs, respectively, that contain performance-based metrics in addition to a service condition. Compensation expense for PSUs is generally recognized over athree-year service period based upon the value determined using a combination of (i) the intrinsic value method, for awards that contain a performance metric that represents a "performance condition" in accordance with ASC 718, Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") and (ii) the Monte Carlo simulation valuation model for awards that contain a "market condition" performance metric under ASC 718. Compensation expense for PSU awards that contain a market condition is fixed at the date of grant and will not be adjusted in future periods based upon the achievement of the market condition. Compensation expense for PSU awards with a performance condition is recorded each period based upon a probability assessment of the expected outcome of the performance metric with a final adjustment upon measurement at the end of the performance period.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, unamortized stock-based compensation expense for unvested RSUs and PSUs was $30.3 million and $27.7 million, respectively, with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 1.1 years and 1.0 years, respectively. The Company didnot capitalize any stock-based compensation expenses during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company offers an employee stock purchase plan that allows employees to purchase shares of common stock on the open market at market price through after-tax payroll deductions. The initial transaction fees are paid for by the Company and shares of common stock are purchased on a quarterly basis. The Company does not reserve shares for this plan or discount the purchase price of the shares.

17. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The computation of basic and diluted EPS is as follows:

The following table details the securities that have been excluded from the above computation of weighted-average number of shares for diluted EPS, because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

18. Concentration of Credit Risk

No Company clients or sponsored funds provided 10 percent or more of the Company's investment management, administration and shareholder service fee revenues in the preceding three years.

19. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable noncontrolling interests for the year ended December 31, 2023 included the following amounts:

(1)Relates to noncontrolling interests redeemable at other than fair value.

20. Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries and investment products that are consolidated. A VOE is consolidated when the Company is considered to have a controlling financial interest, which is typically present when the Company owns a majority of the voting interest in an entity or otherwise has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity.

The Company evaluates any VIE in which the Company has a variable interest for consolidation. A VIE is an entity in which either (i) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support, or (ii) where as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk do not possess any one of the following: (a) the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, (b) the obligation to absorb expected losses or the right to receive expected residual returns of the entity, or (c) proportionate voting and economic interests and where substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately fewer voting rights. If an entity has any of these characteristics, it is considered a VIE and is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

In the normal course of its business, the Company sponsors various investment products, some of which are consolidated by the Company. CIP includes both VOEs, made up primarily of U.S. retail funds and ETFs in which the Company holds a controlling financial interest, and VIEs, which consist of collateralized loan obligations ("CLO") and certain global and private funds ("GF") of which the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. The consolidation and deconsolidation of these investment products have no impact on the Company's net income (loss). The Company's risk with respect to these investment products is limited to its beneficial interests in these products. The Company has no right to the benefits from, and does not bear the risks associated with, these investment products beyond the Company's investments in, and fees generated from, these products.

The following table presents the balances of CIP that, after intercompany eliminations, were reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:

Consolidated CLOs

The majority of the Company's CIP that are VIEs are CLOs. The financial information of certain CLOs is included on the Company's consolidated financial statements on a one-month lag based upon the availability of their financial information. A majority-owned consolidated private fund, whose primary purpose is to invest in CLOs for which the Company serves as the collateral manager, is also included. At December 31, 2023, the Company consolidated eight CLOs.

Investments of CLOs

The CLOs held investments of $2.0 billion at December 31, 2023, consisting of bank loan investments that comprise the majority of the CLOs' portfolio asset collateral and are senior secured corporate loans across a variety of industries. These bank loan investments mature at various dates between 2024 and 2032 and generally pay interest at SOFR plus a spread. The CLOs have a reinvestment period where any prepayments received on bank loan investments may be reinvested. Generally, subsequent prepayments received after the reinvestment period must be used to pay down the note payable obligations. The reinvestment periods end between October 2021 and September 2028, depending on the CLO. At December 31, 2023, the fair value of the senior bank loans was less than the unpaid principal (par) balance by $104.4 million. At December 31, 2023, there wereno material collateral assets in default.

Notes Payable of CLOs

The CLOs held notes payable with a total value, at par, of $2.1 billion at December 31, 2023, consisting of senior secured floating rate notes payable with a par value of $1.9 billion and subordinated notes with a par value of $215.1 million. These note obligations bear interest at variable rates based on SOFR plus a pre-defined spread ranging from 0.8% to 9.1%. The principal amounts outstanding of these note obligations mature on dates ranging from October 2029 to September 2036.

The Company's beneficial interests and maximum exposure to loss related to these consolidated CLOs is limited to (i) ownership in the subordinated notes and (ii) accrued management fees. The secured notes of the consolidated CLOs have contractual recourse only to the related assets of the CLO and are classified as financial liabilities. Although these beneficial interests are eliminated upon consolidation, the application of the measurement alternative prescribed by ASU 2014-13, Consolidation (Topic 810) ("ASU 2014-13"), results in the net assets of the consolidated CLOs shown above to be equivalent to the beneficial interests retained by the Company at December 31, 2023, as shown in the table below:

The following table represents income and expenses of the consolidated CLOs included on the Company's

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period indicated:

The following table represents the Company's own economic interests in the consolidated CLOs, which are eliminated upon consolidation:

Fair Value Measurements of CIP

The assets and liabilities of CIP measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 by fair value hierarchy level were as follows:

The following is a discussion of the valuation methodologies used for the assets and liabilities of the Company's CIP measured at fair value.

Level 1 assets represent cash investments in money market funds and debt and equity investments that are valued using published net asset values or the official closing price on the exchange on which the securities are traded.

Level 2 assets represent most debt securities (including bank loans) and certain equity securities (including non-U.S. securities), for which closing prices are not readily available or are deemed to not reflect readily available market prices, and are valued using an independent pricing service. Debt investments, other than bank loans, are valued based on quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Bank loan investments, which are included as debt investments, are generally priced at the average mid-point of bid and ask quotations obtained from a third-party pricing service. Fair value may also be based upon valuations obtained from independent third-party brokers or dealers utilizing matrix pricing models that consider information regarding securities with similar characteristics.

Level 3 assets include debt and equity securities that are not widely traded, are illiquid or are priced by dealers based on pricing models used by market makers in the security. These securities are valued using unadjusted prices from an independent pricing service.

Level 1 liabilities consist of short sales transactions in which a security is sold that is not owned or is owned but there is no intention to deliver, in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. Short sales are recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within other liabilities of CIP and are classified as Level 1 based on the underlying equity security.

Level 2 liabilities consists of notes payables issued by CLOs and are measured using the measurement alternative in ASU 2014-13. Accordingly, the fair value of CLO liabilities was measured as the fair value of CLO assets less the sum of (i) the fair value of the beneficial interests held by the Company, and (ii) the carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services. The fair value of the beneficial interests held by the Company is based on third-party pricing information without adjustment.

The securities purchased payable at December 31, 2023 and 2022 approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of the instruments.

The following table is a reconciliation of assets of CIP for Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

(1)The investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third-party pricing information without adjustment. Transfers in and/or out of levels are reflected when significant inputs, including market inputs or performance attributes, used for the fair value measurement become observable/unobservable at period end.

Nonconsolidated VIEs

The Company serves as the collateral manager for other CLOs that are not consolidated. The assets and liabilities of these CLOs reside in bankruptcy remote, special purpose entities in which the Company has no ownership of, nor holds any notes issued by, the CLOs, and provides neither recourse nor guarantees. The Company has determined that the investment management fees it receives for serving as collateral manager for these CLOs did not represent a variable interest as (i) the fees the Company earns are compensation for services provided and are commensurate with the level of effort required to provide the investment management services, (ii) the Company does not hold other interests in the CLOs that individually, or in the aggregate, would absorb more than an insignificant amount of the CLOs' expected losses or receive more than an insignificant amount of the CLOs' expected residual return, and (iii) the investment management arrangement only includes terms, conditions and amounts that are customarily present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm's length.

The Company has interests in certain other VIEs that the Company does not consolidate as it is not the primary beneficiary since its interest in these entities does not provide the Company with the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value and maximum risk of loss related to the Company's interest in these VIEs was $25.7 million.

21. Subsequent Events

Dividends Declared

On February 21, 2024, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.90 per common share to be paid on May 15, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 30, 2024.