10-KPeriod: FY2019

AFFILIATED MANAGERS GROUP, INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2019

Filed February 28, 2020For Securities:AMGMGRBMGRMGRDMGRE

Summary

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG) reported a challenging year in 2019, with net income (controlling interest) dropping significantly to $15.7 million from $243.6 million in 2018. This decline was largely driven by substantial increases in intangible amortization and impairments, particularly related to equity method investments, and a decrease in Adjusted EBITDA. Aggregate fees also decreased by 9% to $4,962.7 million, reflecting an 8% reduction in average assets under management, impacted by client outflows in certain strategies and a slight decline in the asset-based fee ratio. Despite these financial headwinds, AMG continued its strategy of investing in high-quality boutique investment management firms. The company completed an investment in Garda Capital Partners LP and announced the acquisition of Comvest Partners. AMG also focused on returning capital to shareholders, repurchasing approximately $421.4 million of its common stock and paying dividends. The company's liquidity remains solid, with $539.6 million in cash and cash equivalents at year-end 2019, and it maintains compliance with its debt covenants.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$2.24B
SG&A Expenses$376.80M
Operating Expenses$1.62B
Interest Expense$76.20M
Net Income$15.70M
EPS (Basic)$0.31
EPS (Diluted)$0.31
Shares Outstanding (Basic)50.50M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)50.60M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income (controlling interest) significantly decreased by 94% to $15.7 million in 2019, primarily due to increased intangible amortization and impairments.
  • 2Aggregate fees decreased by 9% to $4,962.7 million, driven by an 8% decline in average assets under management, particularly in alternative and global equity strategies.
  • 3The company completed an investment in Garda Capital Partners LP and announced the acquisition of Comvest Partners, continuing its strategy of acquiring boutique asset managers.
  • 4AMG returned $421.4 million to shareholders through share repurchases and paid $66.1 million in dividends in 2019.
  • 5Total assets under management decreased to $722.5 billion as of December 31, 2019, down from $736.0 billion at the end of 2018.
  • 6Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) declined by 12% to $841.6 million, reflecting lower aggregate fees and decreased earnings at certain affiliates.
  • 7The company's debt remained manageable, with total debt at $1,793.8 million as of December 31, 2019, and it was in compliance with its debt covenants.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2019, AMG experienced a significant decline in net income, which fell to $15.7 million from $243.6 million in 2018. This was primarily due to a substantial increase in intangible amortization and impairments, along with a decrease in aggregate fees and Adjusted EBITDA. Aggregate fees were $4,962.7 million, down 9% from the prior year, reflecting an 8% decrease in average assets under management.

Total assets under management decreased by 2% to $722.5 billion as of December 31, 2019, compared to $736.0 billion at the end of 2018. This decline was influenced by client outflows in certain strategies, such as global equities and quantitative strategies, and continued investor demand for passively managed products, impacting AMG's active, return-oriented strategies.

AMG's core strategy is to generate long-term value by investing in high-quality boutique investment management firms. They aim to do this through a partnership approach, where affiliate management teams retain significant equity ownership and operational autonomy. The company also provides centralized capabilities in areas like marketing and distribution. In 2019, AMG continued this strategy by completing an investment in Garda Capital Partners LP and announcing the acquisition of Comvest Partners.

AMG focuses on returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. In 2019, the company repurchased approximately $421.4 million of its common stock and paid $66.1 million in dividends. The company's financial position remains strong, with $539.6 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2019 and compliance with its debt covenants.