Document
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[x]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
OR
[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
 
 
 
to
 
Commission file number: 001-08529
imageleggmasona08.jpg
LEGG MASON, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
MARYLAND
 
52-1200960
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
100 International Drive - Baltimore, MD
 
21202
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
 
 
 
(410) 539-0000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
X
 
No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). 
Yes
X
 
No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
X
 
Accelerated filer
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
 
Smaller reporting company
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
 
 
No
X

As of November 2, 2018, there were 85,528,403 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.        Financial Statements

LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
611,164

 
$
736,130

Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated investment vehicles
 
5,055

 
2,800

Restricted cash
 
19,579

 
30,428

Receivables:
 


 
 
Investment advisory and related fees
 
446,398

 
475,594

Other
 
80,885

 
77,024

Investment securities
 
404,087

 
399,370

Investment securities of consolidated investment vehicles
 
76,412

 
140,133

Other
 
68,536

 
65,010

Other current assets of consolidated investment vehicles
 
952

 
1,893

Total Current Assets
 
1,713,068

 
1,928,382

Fixed assets, net
 
153,906

 
148,406

Intangible assets, net
 
3,766,507

 
3,797,659

Goodwill
 
1,891,306

 
1,932,355

Deferred income taxes
 
194,352

 
202,068

Other
 
147,562

 
134,407

Other assets of consolidated investment vehicles
 
9,627

 
9,257

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
7,876,328

 
$
8,152,534

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Current Liabilities
 
 

 
 

Accrued compensation
 
$
406,640

 
$
476,061

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
175,861

 
175,583

Short-term borrowings
 

 
125,500

Current portion of long-term debt
 
250,971

 

Other
 
134,902

 
204,264

Other current liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles
 
1,533

 
634

Total Current Liabilities
 
969,907

 
982,042

Deferred compensation
 
101,252

 
92,422

Deferred income taxes
 
166,543

 
139,787

Other
 
125,526

 
132,042

Long-term debt, net
 
1,970,810

 
2,221,810

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
3,334,038

 
3,568,103

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
 
 
 
 
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
 
632,295

 
732,295

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 
Common stock, par value $0.10; authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued 85,503,455 shares for September 30, 2018 and 84,606,408 shares for March 31, 2018
 
8,550

 
8,461

Additional paid-in capital
 
2,013,541

 
1,976,364

Employee stock trust
 
(22,117
)
 
(21,996
)
Deferred compensation employee stock trust
 
22,117

 
21,996

Retained earnings
 
1,981,939

 
1,894,762

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net
 
(122,109
)
 
(55,182
)
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.
 
3,881,921

 
3,824,405

Nonredeemable noncontrolling interest
 
28,074

 
27,731

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
3,909,995

 
3,852,136

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
7,876,328

 
$
8,152,534

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3

Table of Contents

LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
OPERATING REVENUES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment advisory fees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Separate accounts
 
$
261,567

 
$
253,128

 
$
521,462

 
$
503,174

Funds
 
383,923

 
393,035

 
767,487

 
775,263

Performance fees
 
31,874

 
40,821

 
55,910

 
122,358

Distribution and service fees
 
79,074

 
80,668

 
158,264

 
159,574

Other
 
1,989

 
686

 
3,209

 
1,811

Total Operating Revenues
 
758,427

 
768,338

 
1,506,332

 
1,562,180

OPERATING EXPENSES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
364,885

 
367,951

 
726,453

 
781,258

Distribution and servicing
 
114,525

 
123,634

 
231,117

 
245,983

Communications and technology
 
57,489

 
51,299

 
114,229

 
101,602

Occupancy
 
27,352

 
25,171

 
52,256

 
49,579

Amortization of intangible assets
 
6,102

 
6,082

 
12,282

 
12,421

Impairment of intangible assets
 

 

 

 
34,000

Contingent consideration fair value adjustments
 
145

 

 
571

 
(16,550
)
Other
 
52,201

 
49,782

 
108,020

 
102,263

Total Operating Expenses
 
622,699


623,919

 
1,244,928

 
1,310,556

OPERATING INCOME
 
135,728

 
144,419

 
261,404

 
251,624

NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
2,420

 
1,572

 
4,866

 
3,040

Interest expense
 
(29,860
)
 
(29,077
)
 
(59,777
)
 
(58,343
)
Other income, net
 
6,627

 
7,289

 
13,879

 
18,677

Non-operating income (loss) of consolidated investment vehicles, net
 
(3,998
)
 
2,094

 
(415
)
 
3,091

Total Non-Operating Income (Expense)
 
(24,811
)
 
(18,122
)
 
(41,447
)
 
(33,535
)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX PROVISION
 
110,917

 
126,297

 
219,957

 
218,089

Income tax provision
 
29,844

 
38,673

 
60,519

 
66,928

NET INCOME
 
81,073

 
87,624

 
159,438

 
151,161

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
8,270

 
11,960

 
20,545


24,577

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC.
 
$
72,803

 
$
75,664

 
$
138,893

 
$
126,584

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC. STOCKHOLDERS:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.82

 
$
0.78

 
$
1.57

 
$
1.30

Diluted
 
0.82

 
0.78

 
1.57

 
1.29

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4

Table of Contents

LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
NET INCOME
 
$
81,073

 
$
87,624

 
$
159,438

 
$
151,161

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(14,658
)
 
21,442

 
(68,020
)
 
32,113

Changes in defined benefit pension plan
 
211

 
121

 
1,093

 
240

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(14,447
)

21,563


(66,927
)
 
32,353

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
66,626

 
109,187

 
92,511

 
183,514

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
9,742

 
10,483

 
24,627

 
22,767

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC.
 
$
56,884

 
$
98,704

 
$
67,884

 
$
160,747

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Table of Contents

LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC.
 
 
 
 
COMMON STOCK
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
$
8,461

 
$
9,573

Stock options exercised
 
16

 
32

Deferred compensation employee stock trust
 

 
1

Stock-based compensation
 
112

 
89

Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions
 
(39
)
 
(34
)
Shares repurchased and retired
 

 
(472
)
Ending balance
 
8,550

 
9,189

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
 
 
 
 

Beginning balance
 
1,976,365

 
2,385,726

Stock options exercised
 
5,231

 
9,304

Deferred compensation employee stock trust
 
302

 
285

Stock-based compensation
 
34,814

 
38,994

Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions
 
(15,422
)
 
(13,017
)
Shares repurchased and retired
 

 
(179,177
)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest reclassification for affiliate management equity plans and affiliate noncontrolling interest
 
12,251

 

Ending balance
 
2,013,541

 
2,242,115

EMPLOYEE STOCK TRUST
 
 
 
 

Beginning balance
 
(21,996
)
 
(24,057
)
Shares issued to plans
 
(302
)
 
(286
)
Distributions and forfeitures
 
181

 
2,617

Ending balance
 
(22,117
)
 
(21,726
)
DEFERRED COMPENSATION EMPLOYEE STOCK TRUST
 
 
 
 

Beginning balance
 
21,996

 
24,057

Shares issued to plans
 
302

 
286

Distributions and forfeitures
 
(181
)
 
(2,617
)
Ending balance
 
22,117

 
21,726

RETAINED EARNINGS
 
 
 
 

Beginning balance
 
1,894,762

 
1,694,859

Net income attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.
 
138,893

 
126,584

Dividends declared
 
(61,441
)
 
(54,177
)
Reclassification to noncontrolling interest for net increase in estimated redemption value of affiliate management equity plans and affiliate noncontrolling interests
 
(2,538
)
 
(2,295
)
Adoption of new revenue recognition guidance
 
12,263

 

Adoption of new stock-based compensation guidance
 

 
24,327

Ending balance
 
1,981,939

 
1,789,298

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET
 
 
 
 

Beginning balance
 
(55,182
)
 
(106,784
)
Changes in defined benefit pension plan
 
1,093

 
240

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(68,020
)
 
32,113

Ending balance
 
(122,109
)
 
(74,431
)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO LEGG MASON, INC.
 
3,881,921


3,966,171

NONREDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
 
27,731

 
27,798

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
4,937

 
4,291

Distributions
 
(4,594
)
 
(4,063
)
Ending balance
 
28,074

 
28,026

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
3,909,995

 
$
3,994,197

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

Table of Contents

LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
159,438

 
$
151,161

Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to net cash provided by operations:
 
 
 
 

Impairments of intangible assets
 

 
34,000

Depreciation and amortization
 
36,143

 
36,634

Accretion and amortization of securities discounts and premiums, net
 
1,080

 
1,670

Stock-based compensation
 
35,225

 
39,531

Net unrealized losses (gains) on investments
 
3,237

 
(10,800
)
Net gains and earnings on investments
 
(15,128
)
 
(7,037
)
Net losses (gains) of consolidated investment vehicles
 
415

 
(3,091
)
Deferred income taxes
 
41,666

 
51,194

Contingent consideration fair value adjustments
 
571

 
(16,550
)
Other
 
217

 
(272
)
Decrease (increase) in assets:
 
 
 
 

Investment advisory and related fees receivable
 
24,621

 
(4,978
)
Net (purchases) sales of trading and other investments
 
(12,544
)
 
29,853

Other receivables
 
(15,697
)
 
9,207

Other assets
 
(14,482
)
 
11,456

Assets of consolidated investment vehicles
 
69,225

 
(31,100
)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
 
 
 
 

Accrued compensation
 
(64,931
)
 
(96,720
)
Deferred compensation
 
8,831

 
11,386

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
2,488

 
(9,301
)
Other liabilities
 
(73,876
)
 
(21,237
)
Other liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles
 
899

 
(100
)
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
$
187,398


$
174,906











7

Table of Contents

LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Payments for fixed assets
 
$
(29,831
)
 
$
(15,846
)
Business investments
 

 
(2,250
)
Contingent payment from prior sale of businesses
 
923

 
2,561

Returns of capital and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
 
7,671

 
8,173

CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(21,237
)
 
(7,362
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid
 
(54,719
)
 
(47,639
)
Distributions to affiliate noncontrolling interests
 
(22,004
)
 
(27,076
)
Payment of contingent consideration
 
(4,319
)
 

Net (redemptions) subscriptions attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(68,856
)

19,624

Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions
 
(15,461
)
 
(13,051
)
Issuances of common stock for stock-based compensation
 
5,548

 
9,622

Decrease in short-term borrowings
 
(125,500
)
 

Repurchases of common stock
 

 
(179,649
)
CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(285,311
)
 
(238,169
)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES
 
(14,559
)
 
(1,245
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH
 
(133,709
)
 
(71,870
)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH:
 
 
 
 
BEGINNING OF PERIOD
 
773,765

 
754,339

END OF PERIOD
 
$
640,056

 
$
682,469

Supplemental Disclosures
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for:
 
 
 
 

Income taxes, net of refunds of $9,505 in 2017
 
$
22,104

 
$
7,277

Interest
 
58,719

 
56,670

 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
611,164

 
$
654,234

Restricted cash:
 
 
 
 
Corporate restricted cash
 
19,579

 
21,547

Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated investment vehicles
 
5,055

 
2,475

Affiliate employee benefit trust cash included in Other non-current assets
 
4,258

 
4,213

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per consolidated statements of cash flows
 
$
640,056

 
$
682,469

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8

Table of Contents

LEGG MASON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts or unless otherwise noted)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)

1. Interim Basis of Reporting

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Legg Mason, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Legg Mason”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the interim basis of reporting and, as such, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods presented. The preparation of interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates and the differences could have a material impact on the interim consolidated financial statements. Terms such as “we,” “us,” “our,” and “Company” refer to Legg Mason.

The nature of Legg Mason's business is such that the results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of a full year. Certain disclosures included in the Company's annual report are not required to be included on an interim basis in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The Company has condensed or omitted these disclosures. Certain amounts in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to new guidance and/or the current period presentation, including the classification and presentation of restricted cash and certain distributions received from equity method investees in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as discussed below.

The information contained in the interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Legg Mason's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation
Legg Mason sponsors and manages various types of investment products. For its services, Legg Mason is entitled to receive management fees and may be eligible, under certain circumstances, to receive additional subordinated management fees or other incentive fees. Legg Mason's exposure to risk in these entities is generally limited to any equity investment it has made or is required to make, and any earned but uncollected management fees, except those for which total return swap arrangements have been executed, for which additional risks are discussed below. Legg Mason did not sell or transfer investment assets to any of these investment products. In accordance with financial accounting standards, Legg Mason consolidates certain sponsored investment products, some of which are designated and reported as consolidated investment vehicles ("CIVs"). The consolidation of sponsored investment products, including those designated as CIVs, has no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and does not have a material impact on Legg Mason's consolidated operating results. The change in the value of all consolidated sponsored investment products is recorded in Non-Operating Income (Expense) and reflected in Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests. The financial information of certain consolidated sponsored investment products is included in the Company's consolidated financial statements on a three-month lag based upon the availability of the investment product's financial information.

Certain of the investment products Legg Mason sponsors and manages are considered to be variable interest entities ("VIEs") (as further described below) while others are considered to be voting rights entities (“VREs”) subject to traditional consolidation concepts based on ownership rights. Legg Mason may fund the initial cash investment in certain VRE investment products to generate an investment performance track record in order to attract third-party investors in the product. Legg Mason's initial investment in a new product typically represents 100% of the ownership in that product. As further discussed in Note 3, the products with “seed capital investments” are consolidated as long as Legg Mason maintains a controlling financial interest in the product, but they are not designated as CIVs by Legg Mason unless the investment is longer-term. As of September 30, 2018, March 31, 2018, and September 30, 2017, no consolidated VREs were designated as CIVs.


9

Table of Contents

A VIE is an entity which does not have adequate equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the normal characteristics of equity investors for a potential controlling financial interest. Legg Mason must consolidate any VIE for which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary.

Under consolidation accounting guidance, if limited partners or similar equity holders in a sponsored investment vehicle structured as a limited partnership or a similar entity do not have either substantive investor rights to replace the manager (kick-out rights) or substantive participation rights over the general partner, the entities are VIEs. As a sponsor and manager of an investment vehicle, Legg Mason may be deemed a decision maker under the accounting guidance. If the fees paid to a decision maker are market-based, such fees are not considered variable interests in a VIE. Market-based fees are those fees which are both customary and commensurate with the level of effort required for the services provided. Additionally, if employee interests in a sponsored investment vehicle are not made to circumvent the consolidation guidance and are not financed by the sponsor, they are not included in the variable interests assessment, and are not included in the primary beneficiary determination.

A decision maker is deemed to be a primary beneficiary of a VIE if it has the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from variable interests that could be significant to the VIE. In determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, Legg Mason considers both qualitative and quantitative factors such as the voting rights of the equity holders, guarantees, and implied relationships. If a fee paid to a decision maker is not market-based, it will be considered in the primary beneficiary determination.

As of September 30, 2018, March 31, 2018 and September 30, 2017, Legg Mason concluded it was the primary beneficiary of certain VIEs, which were consolidated and designated as CIVs, because it held significant financial interests in the funds. In addition, Legg Mason has entered into various total return swap arrangements with financial intermediaries with respect to certain Legg Mason sponsored exchange traded funds ("ETFs"). Under the terms of the total return swaps, Legg Mason absorbs all of the related gains and losses on the underlying ETF investments of these financial intermediaries, and therefore has variable interests in the related funds and, if significant, may be deemed the primary beneficiary. As of September 30, 2018, March 31, 2018, and September 30, 2017, Legg Mason consolidated the ETFs with significant open total return swap arrangements, which were designated as CIVs. See Note 14 for additional information.

Revenue Recognition
Effective April 1, 2018, Legg Mason adopted updated accounting guidance on revenue recognition which provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers, improves comparability and removes inconsistencies in revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. The guidance also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and revises the criteria for determining if an entity is acting as a principal or agent in certain arrangements. The adoption of the updated guidance did not result in significant changes to Legg Mason’s prior revenue recognition practices, except for the timing of the recognition of certain performance and incentive fees, the capitalization and amortization of certain sales commissions for separate accounts, and the net presentation of certain fund expense reimbursements which were previously presented on a gross basis. Each of these changes to Legg Mason’s previous revenue recognition practices is further discussed below.
Legg Mason adopted the updated guidance on a modified retrospective basis for any contracts that were not complete as of April 1, 2018, and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the updated guidance for certain sales commissions as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings totaling $12,263. There was no cumulative effect for performance and incentive fees or fund expense reimbursement accounting. The comparative information for prior periods has not been restated and continues to be reported under the prior accounting guidance in effect for those periods. A summary of the cumulative-effect changes to Legg Mason’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018 is included below.
Legg Mason primarily earns revenues by providing investment management services and distribution and shareholder services for its customers, which are generally investment funds or the underlying investors in separately managed accounts. As further discussed below, revenues are calculated based on the value of the investments under management and are recognized when obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied, which is generally over time as the services are rendered.

Legg Mason also has responsibility for the valuation of assets under management ("AUM"), substantially all of which is based on observable market data from independent pricing services, fund accounting agents, custodians or brokers.


10

Table of Contents

Investment Advisory Fees
Legg Mason earns investment advisory fees on assets in separately managed accounts, investment funds, and other products managed for Legg Mason's clients. Generally, investment management services are a single performance obligation, as they include a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and are transferred to the customer over time using the same time-based measure of progress. Investment management services are satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as the advisory services are performed.

Separate Account and Funds Advisory Fees
Separate account and funds advisory fees are variable consideration which is primarily based on predetermined percentages of the daily, monthly or quarterly average market value of the AUM, as defined in the investment management agreements. The average market value of AUM is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, separate account and funds advisory fees are constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual average market value of the AUM is known and a significant revenue reversal is no longer probable. Therefore, separate account and funds advisory fees are included in the transaction price and allocated to the investment management services performance obligation at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period, as specified in the investment management contract. Payment for services under investment management contracts is due once the variable consideration is allocated to the transaction price, and generally within 30 days. Recognition of separate account and funds advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with Legg Mason’s prior revenue recognition process.

Performance and Incentive Fees
Performance and incentive fees are variable consideration that may be earned on certain investment management contracts for exceeding performance benchmarks on a relative or absolute basis or for exceeding contractual return thresholds. Performance and incentive fees are estimated at the inception of a contract; however, a range of outcomes is possible due to factors outside the control of the investment manager, particularly market conditions. Performance and incentive fees are therefore excluded from the transaction price until it becomes probable that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized will not occur. A portion of Legg Mason's performance and incentive fees are earned based on 12-month performance periods that end in differing quarters during the year, with a portion also based on quarterly performance periods. Legg Mason also earns performance and incentive fees on alternative and certain other products that lock at the earlier of the investor’s termination date or the liquidation of the fund or contract, in multiple-year intervals, or upon the occurrence of specific events, such as the sale of assets. For certain of these products, performance and incentive fees may be recognized as revenue earlier under the updated guidance than under prior revenue recognition practices, which deferred recognition until all contingencies were resolved. Any such performance fees recognized prior to the resolution of all contingencies are recorded as a contract asset in Other current assets or Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, depending on the length of time until the contingencies are resolved.

Fee Waivers and Fund Expense Reimbursements
Legg Mason may waive certain fees for investors or may reimburse its investment funds for certain operating expenses when such expenses exceed a certain threshold. Fee waivers continue to be reported as a reduction in advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance. Under prior accounting guidance, fund expense reimbursements in excess of recognized revenue were recorded as Other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under the updated accounting guidance, these fund expense reimbursements that exceed the recognized revenue represent a change in the transaction price and are therefore reported as a reduction of Investment advisory fees - Funds in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Distribution and Service Fees Revenue and Expense
Distribution and service fees represent fees earned from funds to reimburse the distributor for the costs of marketing and selling fund shares and are generally determined as a percentage of client assets. Reported amounts also include fees earned from providing client or shareholder servicing, including record keeping or administrative services to proprietary funds, and non-discretionary advisory services for assets under advisement. Distribution and service fees earned on company-sponsored investment funds are reported as revenue. Distribution services and marketing services are considered a single performance obligation as the success of selling the underlying shares is highly dependent upon the sales and marketing efforts. Ongoing shareholder servicing is a separate performance obligation as these services are not highly interrelated and interdependent on the sale of the shares. Fees earned related to distribution and shareholder serving are considered variable consideration because they are calculated based on the average market value of the fund. The average market value of the fund is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, distribution and shareholder service fees are generally constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual market value of the fund is known and the related revenue is no longer subject to a significant reversal. Therefore, distribution and service fees are generally included in the

11

Table of Contents

transaction price at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period and are allocated to the two performance obligations based on the amount specified in each agreement. While distribution services are largely satisfied at the inception of an investment, the ultimate amounts of revenue are subject to the variable consideration constraint. Accordingly, a portion of distribution and service revenue will be recognized in periods subsequent to the satisfaction of the performance obligation.

Certain fund share classes only charge for distribution services at the inception of the investment based on a fixed percentage of the share price. This fixed price is allocated to the performance obligation, which is substantially satisfied at the time of the initial investment.

Recognition of distribution and service fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with Legg Mason’s prior revenue recognition process.

When Legg Mason enters into arrangements with broker-dealers or other third parties to sell or market proprietary fund shares, distribution and servicing expense is accrued for the amounts owed to third parties, including finders' fees and referral fees paid to unaffiliated broker-dealers or introducing parties and is recorded as Distribution and servicing expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Distribution and servicing expense also includes payments to third parties for certain shareholder administrative services and sub-advisory fees paid to unaffiliated asset managers.

Contract Costs and Deferred Sales Commissions
Legg Mason incurs ordinary costs to obtain investment management contracts and for services provided to customers in accordance with investment management agreements. These costs include commissions paid to wholesalers, employees and third-party broker dealers and administration and placement fees. Depending on the type of services provided, these fees may be paid at the time the contract is obtained or on an ongoing basis. Under the updated guidance, costs to obtain a contract should be capitalized if the costs are incremental and would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained, and costs to fulfill the contract should be capitalized if they relate directly to a contract, the costs will generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and the costs are expected to be recovered. Consistent with prior accounting procedures, fund launch costs, including organizational and underwriting costs, placement fees and commissions paid to employees, wholesalers and broker-dealers for sales of fund shares are expensed as incurred, as these costs would be incurred regardless of the investor. However, commissions paid to employees and retail wholesalers in connection with the sale of retail separate accounts are considered incremental, as these fees relate to obtaining a specific contract, are calculated based on specified rates and are recoverable through the management fees earned, and are therefore capitalized under the updated accounting guidance. Such commissions were expensed as incurred under Legg Mason’s prior accounting practices. Capitalized sales commissions are amortized based on the transfer of services to which the assets relate, which averages four years. Legg Mason recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018, as referenced below.

Commissions paid by Legg Mason to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of certain classes of company-sponsored mutual funds are generally capitalized as deferred sales commissions. The asset is amortized over periods not exceeding six years, which represent the periods during which commissions are generally recovered from distribution and service fee revenues and from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") received from shareholders of those funds upon redemption of their shares. CDSC consideration is generally variable and is based on the timing of when investors redeem their investment. Therefore, the variable consideration is included in the transaction price once the investors redeem their shares and is satisfied at a point in time. CDSC receipts are recorded as distribution and service fee revenue when received and a reduction of the unamortized balance of deferred sales commissions, with a corresponding expense.

Management periodically tests the deferred sales commission asset for impairment by reviewing the changes in value of the related shares, the relevant market conditions and other events and circumstances that may indicate an impairment in value has occurred. If these factors indicate an impairment in value, management compares the carrying value to the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset over its remaining life. If management determines that the deferred sales commission asset is not fully recoverable, the asset will be deemed impaired and a loss will be recorded in the amount by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. For the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, no impairment charges were recorded. Deferred sales commissions, included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $1,560 and $4,047 at September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

Under the updated accounting guidance, Legg Mason has elected to expense sales commissions related to certain fund share classes with amortization periods of one year or less as incurred. Legg Mason recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment on

12

Table of Contents

the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018, as referenced below, to reflect the expense associated with such commissions, which had previously been capitalized under Legg Mason's prior accounting practices.

Impact of the Adoption of Updated Revenue Recognition Accounting Guidance
The cumulative effect of the changes made to Legg Mason’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 1, 2018 for the adoption of the updated revenue recognition accounting guidance were as follows:
 
 
 
 
Adjustment due to Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
Capitalized Sales Commissions
 
Deferred Sales Commissions
 
Total
 
Balance as of April 1, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other, current
 
$
65,010

 
$
9,615

 
$

 
$
9,615

 
$
74,625

Deferred income taxes
 
202,068

 
(1,148
)
 

 
(1,148
)
 
200,920

Other, non-current
 
134,407

 
10,316

 
(2,576
)
 
7,740

 
142,147

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
 
$
139,787

 
$
3,944

 
$

 
$
3,944

 
$
143,731

Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
$
1,894,762

 
$
14,839

 
$
(2,576
)
 
$
12,263

 
$
1,907,025


The impact of the adoption of the updated revenue recognition accounting guidance on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
Impact of the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Balances Excluding the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance
 
Capitalized Sales Commissions
 
Deferred Sales Commissions
 
Total
 
As Reported
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other, current
 
$
60,450

 
$
8,086

 
$

 
$
8,086

 
$
68,536

Deferred income taxes
 
195,500

 
(1,148
)
 

 
(1,148
)
 
194,352

Other, non-current
 
138,313

 
10,939

 
(1,690
)
 
9,249

 
147,562

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
 
$
162,599

 
$
3,944

 
$

 
$
3,944

 
$
166,543

Stockholders Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retained Earnings
 
$
1,969,696

 
$
13,933

 
$
(1,690
)
 
$
12,243

 
$
1,981,939



13

Table of Contents


Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
Impact of the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance
 
 
 
 
Balances Excluding the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance
 
Capitalized Sales Commissions
 
Deferred Sales Commissions
 
Fund Expense Reimbursements
 
Total
 
As Reported
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment advisory fees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds
 
$
384,964

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1,041
)
 
$
(1,041
)
 
$
383,923

Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
$
364,332

 
$
553

 
$

 
$

 
$
553

 
$
364,885

Distribution and servicing
 
115,064

 

 
(539
)
 

 
(539
)
 
114,525

Other
 
53,242

 

 

 
(1,041
)
 
(1,041
)
 
52,201


 
 
Six months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
Impact of the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance
 
 
 
 
Balances Excluding the Adoption of Updated Accounting Guidance
 
Capitalized Sales Commissions
 
Deferred Sales Commissions
 
Fund Expense Reimbursements
 
Total
 
As Reported
Operating Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment advisory fees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funds
 
$
769,811

 
$

 
$

 
$
(2,324
)
 
$
(2,324
)
 
$
767,487

Operating Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
 
$
725,546

 
$
907

 
$

 
$

 
$
907

 
$
726,453

Distribution and servicing
 
232,003

 

 
(886
)
 

 
(886
)
 
231,117

Other
 
110,344

 

 

 
(2,324
)
 
(2,324
)
 
108,020


Cash Flow Reporting    
Effective April 1, 2018, Legg Mason adopted updated accounting guidance on a retrospective basis which clarifies the classification and presentation of restricted cash, investment activity and other items in the statements of cash flows. The updated guidance requires entities to include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the cash and cash equivalents balances on the consolidated statements of cash flows and to disclose a reconciliation between the balances on the consolidated statements of cash flows and the consolidated balance sheets. Legg Mason includes cash of consolidated investment vehicles and affiliate benefit trust cash in restricted cash. Legg Mason’s restricted cash balances at September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $28,892 and $28,235, respectively. The updated guidance also clarifies how distributions from equity method investees should be classified based on either the cumulative earnings or the nature of distribution approach. Legg Mason elected to apply the nature of distribution approach when classifying distributions received from equity method investees. As a result of adopting this aspect of the updated guidance, $2,667 was reclassified from Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Cash Used in Investing Activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended September 30, 2017.


14

Table of Contents

Financial Instruments
Effective April 1, 2018, Legg Mason adopted accounting guidance on a prospective basis which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value, with changes recognized in earnings. This guidance does not apply to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting or underlying investments of consolidated entities. The updated guidance also provides entities the option to elect to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value ("NAV") practical expedient at "adjusted cost". Under this adjusted cost method, investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently adjusted (increased or decreased) when there is an observable transaction involving the same investment, or similar investment from the same issuer. Adjusted cost investment carrying values are also adjusted for impairments, if any. Legg Mason has elected to measure certain investments under the adjusted cost approach. The adoption of this updated guidance did not have a material impact on Legg Mason’s consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Developments
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") updated the guidance to clarify accounting for implementation costs incurred for a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. The update conforms the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the accounting guidance that provides for capitalization of costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use-software.  The updated guidance is effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 2021, unless adopted earlier.  Legg Mason is evaluating its adoption.

In August 2018, the FASB also updated the guidance for fair value measurements. The updated guidance modifies disclosure requirements based on the revised FASB Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting finalized in August 2018. The updated guidance will be effective in fiscal 2021, unless adopted earlier. Legg Mason is evaluating its adoption.

In August 2017, the FASB updated the guidance on accounting for derivative hedging.  The updated guidance more closely aligns the results of cash flow and fair value hedging designations with risk management activities through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results in the financial statements.  The new guidance also simplifies the application of hedge accounting.  The updated guidance is effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 2020, unless adopted earlier.  Legg Mason uses accounting hedge designation from time-to-time and would only potentially be impacted if derivative transactions were designated for hedging.

In January 2017, the FASB updated the guidance to simplify the test for goodwill impairment.  The updated guidance still requires entities to perform annual goodwill impairment tests by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its related carrying amount, but it eliminates the requirement to potentially calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to determine the amount of impairment, if any.  Under the new guidance, an entity should recognize an impairment charge if the reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, in the amount of such excess.  The guidance will be effective in fiscal 2020, unless adopted earlier. Legg Mason is evaluating its adoption.

In February 2016, the FASB updated the guidance on accounting for leases.  The updated guidance requires that a lessee shall recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from lease transactions.  A lessee will recognize a right-of-use asset to use the underlying asset and a liability representing the lease payments.  The updated guidance also requires an evaluation at the inception of a service or other contract, to determine whether the contract is or contains a lease.  In July 2018, the FASB further updated the lease guidance to make certain targeted improvements, including allowing for the guidance to be adopted on a modified retrospective basis.  The guidance will be effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 2020.  Legg Mason expects to recognize right of use assets and liabilities upon its adoption of the new standard and is continuing to evaluate the full impact of adoption, including transition method and practical expedient elections.
 
  

15

Table of Contents

3. Investments and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

The disclosures below include details of Legg Mason's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value and NAV, excluding the financial assets and financial liabilities of CIVs. See Note 14, Variable Interest Entities and Consolidation of Investment Vehicles, for information related to the assets and liabilities of CIVs that are measured at fair value.

The fair values of financial assets and (liabilities) of the Company were determined using the following categories of inputs:
 
 
As of September 30, 2018
 
 
Quoted prices in active markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 
Investments measured at NAV
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
266,630

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
266,630

Time deposits and other
 

 
9,842

 

 

 
9,842

Total cash equivalents
 
266,630


9,842

 

 

 
276,472

Investments of proprietary fund products and other investments:(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Seed capital investments
 
127,448

 
27,307

 
1,394

 

 
156,149

Other(3)
 
20,642

 
2,049

 

 

 
22,691

Investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans(4)
 
213,951

 

 

 

 
213,951

Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans(5)
 

 

 

 
11,296

 
11,296

Total current investments(6)
 
362,041


29,356

 
1,394

 
11,296

 
404,087

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:(5)(7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments(6)
 

 

 
1,161

 
13,162

 
14,323

Seed capital investments in real estate funds
 

 

 
35,859

 

 
35,859

Other
 

 

 
1,840

 
10,796

 
12,636

Adjusted cost investments:(7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans
 

 

 
6,458

 

 
6,458

Other
 

 
74

 
4,448

 

 
4,522

Derivative assets(7)(8)
 
1,549

 

 

 

 
1,549

Total
 
$
630,220


$
39,272

 
$
51,160

 
$
35,254

 
$
755,906

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liabilities(9)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(1,900
)
 
$

 
$
(1,900
)
Derivative liabilities(8)
 
(6,296
)
 

 

 

 
(6,296
)
Total
 
$
(6,296
)
 
$

 
$
(1,900
)
 
$

 
$
(8,196
)

16

Table of Contents

 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
Quoted prices in active markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant other observable inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
 
Investments measured at NAV
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents:(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
 
$
350,142

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
350,142

Time deposits and other
 

 
13,863

 

 

 
13,863

Total cash equivalents
 
350,142

 
13,863

 

 

 
364,005

Trading investments of proprietary fund products and other trading investments:(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 
131,715

 
37,598

 
1,242

 
3,225

 
173,780

Other(3)
 
29,051

 
2,565

 

 

 
31,616

Trading investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans(4)
 
184,639

 

 

 
99

 
184,738

Equity method investments relating to proprietary fund products and long-term incentive compensation plans:(5)
 

 

 

 
9,236

 
9,236

Total current investments(6)
 
345,405


40,163

 
1,242

 
12,560

 
399,370

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:(5)(7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments(6)
 

 

 
962

 
14,360

 
15,322

Seed capital investments in real estate funds
 

 

 
32,763

 

 
32,763

Other
 

 

 

 
11,915

 
11,915

Investments in partnerships and LLCs:(7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 

 

 

 
2,549

 
2,549

Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans
 

 

 
6,458

 

 
6,458

Other
 

 
78

 
380

 

 
458

Derivative assets(7)(8)
 
4,904

 

 

 

 
4,904

Other investments(7)
 

 

 
113

 

 
113

Total
 
$
700,451

 
$
54,104

 
$
41,918

 
$
41,384

 
$
837,857

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liabilities(9)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(5,607
)
 
$

 
$
(5,607
)
Derivative liabilities(8)
 
(6,446
)
 

 

 

 
(6,446
)
Total
 
$
(6,446
)
 
$

 
$
(5,607
)
 
$

 
$
(12,053
)
(1)
Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash investments in actively traded money market funds are classified as Level 1.  Cash investments in time deposits and other are measured at amortized cost, which approximates fair value because of the short time between purchase of the instrument and its expected realization and are classified as Level 2.
(2)
Current investments of proprietary fund products and other investments consist of approximately 86% and 14% equity and debt securities, respectively, as of September 30, 2018, and approximately 81% and 19% equity and debt securities, respectively, as of March 31, 2018.
(3)
Includes $9,035 and $15,452 in noncontrolling interests associated with consolidated seed investment products as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.
(4)
Primarily mutual funds where there is minimal market risk to the Company as any change in value is primarily offset by an adjustment to compensation expense and related deferred compensation liability.
(5)
Certain of Legg Mason's equity method investments are investment companies that record underlying investments at fair value. Therefore, the fair value of these investments is measured using Legg Mason's share of the investee's underlying net income or loss, which is predominately representative of fair value adjustments in the investments held by the equity method investee. Other equity method investments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis of $28,036 and $27,660 as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, are excluded from the tables above.
(6)
Excludes $43,820 and $43,854 of seed capital as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, which is related to Legg Mason's investments in CIVs. See Note 14.
(7)
Amounts are included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for each of the periods presented.
(8)
See Note 13.
(9)
See Note 7.


17

Table of Contents

Proprietary fund products include seed capital investments made by Legg Mason to fund new investment strategies and products. Legg Mason had seed capital investments in proprietary fund products, which totaled $250,151 and $268,268 as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, which are substantially comprised of investments in 55 funds and 59 funds, respectively, that are individually greater than $1,000, and together comprise over 90% of the total seed capital investments at each period end.

As further discussed in Notes 2, 13, and 14, Legg Mason has entered into various total return swap arrangements with financial intermediaries with respect to certain Legg Mason sponsored ETFs for aggregate notional amounts totaling $22,130 as of September 30, 2018, which resulted in the investment in the respective ETF by these financial intermediaries. Under the terms of the total return swap arrangements, Legg Mason receives all of the related investment gains and losses on the underlying investments and therefore may be required to consolidate sponsored investment funds with significant open total return swap arrangements. These consolidated ETFs are designated as CIVs.

See Notes 2 and 14 for information regarding the determination of whether investments in proprietary fund products represent VIEs and consolidation.
The net realized and unrealized gains for investment securities classified as trading was $9,126 and $12,633 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $9,573 and $22,802 for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The net unrealized gains (losses) relating to trading investments still held as of the reporting dates were $4,305 and $8,072 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $(12,572) and $10,140 for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

18

Table of Contents

The changes in financial assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, are presented in the tables below:
 
 
Balance as of June 30,
 2018
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other
 
Transfers
 
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net
 
Balance as of September 30, 2018
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments of seed capital investments in proprietary fund products
 
$
1,390

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4

 
$
1,394

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 
1,052

 

 

 

 

 
109
 
1,161

Seed capital investments in real estate funds
 
32,930

 
3,920

 

 
(2,172
)
 

 
1,181

 
35,859

Other
 
1,150

 
500

 

 

 

 
190

 
1,840

Adjusted cost investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans
 
6,458

 

 

 

 

 

 
6,458

Other
 
4,492

 

 

 

 

 
(44
)
 
4,448

 
 
$
47,472

 
4,420

 

 
(2,172
)
 

 
1,440

 
$
51,160

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liabilities
 
$
(6,074
)
 
n/a

 
n/a

 
$
4,319

 
n/a

 
$
(145
)
 
$
(1,900
)



19

Table of Contents

 
 
Balance as of June 30,
 2017
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other
 
Transfers
 
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net
 
Balance as of September 30, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans
 
$
1,349

 
$
11

 
$

 
$
(11
)
 
$

 
$
44

 
$
1,393

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 
813

 

 

 

 

 
38

 
851

Seed capital investments in real estate funds
 
27,182

 
1,756

 

 
(2,131
)
 

 
575

 
27,382

Other
 
1,646

 

 

 
(1,646
)
 

 

 

Investments in partnerships and LLCs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans
 
9,367

 

 

 

 

 

 
9,367

Other
 
1,818

 

 

 
(1,398
)
 

 
65

 
485

Other investments
 
112

 

 

 

 

 
2

 
114

 
 
$
42,287

 
$
1,767

 
$

 
$
(5,186
)
 
$

 
$
724

 
$
39,592

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liabilities
 
$
(20,697
)
 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
$
(465
)
 
$
(21,162
)


20

Table of Contents

 
 
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other
 
Transfers
 
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net
 
Balance as of September 30, 2018
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments of seed capital investments in proprietary fund products
 
$
1,242

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
152

 
$
1,394

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 
962

 

 

 

 

 
199
 
1,161

Seed capital investments in real estate funds
 
32,763

 
3,967

 

 
(2,400
)
 

 
1,529

 
35,859

Other
 

 
1,650

 

 

 

 
190

 
1,840

Adjusted cost investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans
 
6,458

 

 

 

 

 

 
6,458

Other
 
493

 
4,000

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(43
)
 
4,448

 
 
$
41,918

 
9,617

 

 
(2,402
)
 

 
2,027

 
$
51,160

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liabilities
 
$
(5,607
)
 
n/a

 
n/a

 
$
4,319

 
n/a

 
$
(612
)
 
$
(1,900
)
n/a - not applicable


21

Table of Contents

 
 
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
Purchases
 
Sales
 
Redemptions/ Settlements/ Other
 
Transfers
 
Realized and unrealized gains/(losses), net
 
Balance as of September 30, 2017
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans
 
$
1,337

 
$
22

 
$

 
$
(22
)
 
$

 
$
56

 
$
1,393

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs:
 


 
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
 


Seed capital investments
 
752

 

 

 

 

 
99

 
851

Seed capital investments in real estate funds
 
26,909

 
2,195

 

 
(2,750
)
 

 
1,028

 
27,382

Other
 
1,646

 

 

 
(1,646
)
 

 

 

Investments in partnerships and LLCs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments related to long-term incentive compensation plans
 
9,315

 
52

 

 

 

 

 
9,367

Other
 
1,825

 

 

 
(1,405
)
 

 
65

 
485

Other investments
 
113

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
114

 
 
$
41,897

 
$
2,269

 
$

 
$
(5,823
)
 
$

 
$
1,249

 
$
39,592

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration liabilities
 
$
(36,810
)
 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
$
15,648

 
$
(21,162
)
n/a - not applicable

Realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 3 investments are primarily included in Other non-operating income (expense), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The change in unrealized gains (losses) for Level 3 investments and liabilities still held at the reporting date was $1,944 and $259 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $2,061 and $16,897 for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three or six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.


22

Table of Contents

As a practical expedient, Legg Mason relies on the NAV of certain investments as their fair value.  The NAVs that have been provided by the investees have been derived from the fair values of the underlying investments as of the respective reporting dates.  The following table summarizes, as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, the nature of these investments and any related liquidation restrictions or other factors which may impact the ultimate value realized:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Determined Using NAV
 
As of September 30, 2018
Category of Investment
 
Investment Strategy
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31,
 2018
 
Unfunded Commitments
 
Remaining Term
Funds-of-hedge funds
 
Global macro, fixed income, long/short equity, natural resources, systematic, emerging market, European hedge
 
$
10,066

(1)
$
11,122

 
n/a

 
n/a
Hedge funds
 
Fixed income - developed market, event driven, fixed income - hedge, relative value arbitrage, European hedge
 
1,088

 
6,479

 
$
20,000

 
n/a
Private equity funds
 
Long/short equity
 
12,644

(2)
14,377

 

 
Up to 11 years
Equity method
 
Alternatives, structured securities, short-dated fixed income
 
11,296

(2)
9,236

 
n/a

 
n/a
Other
 
Various
 
160

 
170

 
n/a

 
Various (3)
Total
 
 
 
$
35,254

 
$
41,384

 
$
20,000

 
 
n/a - not applicable
(1)
Liquidation restrictions: 22% monthly redemption, 2% quarterly redemption, and 76% are not subject to redemption or are not currently redeemable.
(2)
Liquidations are expected over the remaining term.
(3)
Of this balance, 27% has a remaining term of less than one year and 73% has a remaining term of 14 years.

There are no current plans to sell any of these investments held as of September 30, 2018.

4. Fixed Assets

Fixed assets primarily consist of equipment, software and leasehold improvements. Equipment consists primarily of communications and technology hardware and furniture and fixtures. Capitalized software includes both purchased software and internally developed software. Fixed assets are reported at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. The following table reflects the components of fixed assets as of:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
Equipment
 
$
153,717

 
$
172,308

Software
 
266,412

 
323,088

Leasehold improvements
 
225,655

 
209,810

Total cost
 
645,784

 
705,206

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(491,878
)
 
(556,800
)
Fixed assets, net
 
$
153,906

 
$
148,406


Depreciation and amortization expense related to fixed assets was $12,493 and $12,079 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and respectively, and $23,860 and $24,213 for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.



23

Table of Contents

5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill

The following table reflects the components of intangible assets as of:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
Amortizable intangible asset management contracts and other
 
 

 
 

Cost
 
$
373,774

 
$
376,996

Accumulated amortization
 
(228,501
)
 
(218,076
)
Net
 
145,273

 
158,920

Indefinite–life intangible assets
 


 
 
U.S. domestic mutual fund management contracts
 
2,106,351

 
2,106,351

Clarion Partners fund management contracts
 
505,200

 
505,200

EnTrustPermal fund management contracts
 
401,404

 
401,404

Other fund management contracts
 
540,415

 
557,305

Trade names
 
67,864

 
68,479

 
 
3,621,234

 
3,638,739

Intangible assets, net
 
$
3,766,507

 
$
3,797,659


Certain of Legg Mason's intangible assets are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and balances related to these assets will fluctuate with changes in the related foreign currency exchange rates.

Indefinite-life Intangible Assets and Goodwill
As further discussed below, certain indefinite-life intangible assets had little to no excess fair value over the related carrying value noted in the December 31, 2017 impairment test. As a result, deviations from projections or changes in market conditions may result in an impairment of such assets.
 
In Legg Mason's annual impairment test as of December 31, 2017, the assessed fair value of the EnTrustPermal indefinite-life fund management contracts intangible asset declined below its carrying value, and accordingly was impaired during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. Should market performance and/or AUM levels of EnTrustPermal decrease in the near term such that cash flow projections deviate from current projections, it is reasonably possible that the assets could become impaired, and the impairment could be a material amount.

As of December 31, 2017, the assessed fair value of the RARE Infrastructure indefinite-life fund management contracts intangible asset exceeded the carrying value of $132,780 (using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2017) by approximately 3% and the assessed fair value of the RARE Infrastructure trade name indefinite-life intangible asset exceeded the carrying value of $3,054 (using the exchange rate as of December 31, 2017) by approximately 19%. Should market performance and/or the related AUM levels decrease in the near term such that cash flow projections deviate from current projections, it is reasonably possible that either of these assets could become impaired, and the impairment could be a material amount.

Legg Mason determined that no triggering events occurred through September 30, 2018 that would require further impairment testing.

As a result of AUM losses and other factors during the three months ended June 30, 2017, Legg Mason tested the RARE Infrastructure trade name indefinite-life intangible asset for impairment during the three months ended June 30, 2017. The carrying value of the trade name exceeded its fair value of $3,057 as of June 30, 2017, which resulted in an impairment charge of $2,000. Management estimated the fair value of the RARE Infrastructure trade name as of June 30, 2017 based upon a relief from royalty approach and a discounted cash flow method using unobservable market data inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected annual revenue growth rates of 5% to 18% (average: 8%), a royalty rate of 1.0%, and a discount rate of 16.5%.


24

Table of Contents

The change in carrying value of goodwill is summarized below:
 
 
Gross Book Value
 
Accumulated Impairment
 
Net Book Value
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
3,094,255

 
$
(1,161,900
)
 
$
1,932,355

Impact of excess tax basis amortization
 
(5,509
)
 

 
(5,509
)
Changes in foreign exchange rates and other
 
(35,540
)
 

 
(35,540
)
Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
$
3,053,206

 
$
(1,161,900
)
 
$
1,891,306


Legg Mason historically performed its annual goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets impairment tests as of December 31 each year, including as of December 31, 2017. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, Legg Mason voluntarily changed the date of its annual impairment test from December 31 to October 31in order to better align the impairment testing process with existing long-term planning processes and earnings release timing. Legg Mason does not believe the change in accounting principle related to the annual impairment testing date will delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge relative to the test date. Legg Mason has determined that this change in accounting principle is preferable under the circumstances. Since Legg Mason has tested for impairment within the past 12 months, it has been determined that it is appropriate to prospectively apply the change in the current annual goodwill and indefinite-life intangible asset impairment testing.

Amortizable Intangible Asset Management Contracts and Other
There were no impairments to amortizable asset management contract intangible assets during the six months ended September 30, 2018.
 
As of September 30, 2018, amortizable intangible asset management contracts and other are being amortized over a weighted-average remaining life of 6.5 years.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
Remaining fiscal 2019
 
$
12,193

2020
 
24,233

2021
 
23,195

2022
 
22,846

2023
 
20,182

Thereafter
 
42,624

Total
 
$
145,273


During the three months ended June 30, 2017, projected revenues related to the RARE Infrastructure separate account contacts amortizable asset declined due to losses of separate account AUM and other factors, including the withdrawal of approximately $1,500,000 by an institutional client in June 2017. Based on revised attrition estimates, the remaining useful life of the acquired contracts was decreased from eight years to five years at June 30, 2017. As a result of the decline in projected revenues and the revised estimate of the remaining useful life, the amortized carrying value was determined to exceed its fair value and an impairment charge of $32,000 was recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2017. Management estimated the fair value of this asset based upon a discounted cash flow analysis using unobservable market inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis included projected AUM growth rates of 7%, attrition rates of 20%, and a discount rate of 16.5%.



25

Table of Contents

6. Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt

Short-term borrowings
On December 29, 2015, Legg Mason entered into an unsecured credit agreement (as amended from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") which provided for a $1,000,000 multi-currency revolving credit facility. The Credit Agreement was amended on March 31, 2017 to reduce the amount available for borrowing from $1,000,000 to $500,000. The revolving credit facility may be increased by an aggregate amount of up to $500,000, subject to the approval of the lenders, expires in December 2020, and can be repaid at any time. This revolving credit facility is available to fund working capital needs and for general corporate purposes.

In September 2018, Legg Mason repaid the entire $125,500 of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2018, Legg Mason had $125,500 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The effective interest rate on the outstanding borrowings was 2.95% as of March 31, 2018.

Long-term debt
Long-term debt, net, consists of the following:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value Hedge Adjustment
 
Unamortized Discount (Premium)
 
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs
 
Maturity Amount
 
Carrying Value
2.7% Senior Notes due
July 2019
 
$
250,971

 
$
(1,353
)
 
$
86

 
$
296

 
$
250,000

 
$
251,641

3.95% Senior Notes due
July 2024
 
248,620

 

 
264

 
1,116

 
250,000

 
248,502

4.75% Senior Notes due March 2026
 
447,343

 

 

 
2,657

 
450,000

 
447,166

5.625% Senior Notes due January 2044
 
547,980

 

 
(3,091
)
 
5,111

 
550,000

 
547,940

6.375% Junior Notes due March 2056
 
242,360

 

 

 
7,640

 
250,000

 
242,258

5.45% Junior Notes due September 2056
 
484,507

 

 

 
15,493

 
500,000

 
484,303

Subtotal
 
2,221,781

 
(1,353
)
 
(2,741
)
 
32,313

 
2,250,000

 
2,221,810

Less: Current portion
 
(250,971
)
 
1,353

 
(86
)
 
(296
)
 
(250,000
)
 

Total
 
$
1,970,810

 
$

 
$
(2,827
)
 
$
32,017

 
$
2,000,000

 
$
2,221,810


As of September 30, 2018, $250,000 of Legg Mason's long-term debt matures in fiscal 2020, and $2,000,000 matures after fiscal 2023.

As of September 30, 2018, the estimated fair value of long-term debt was $2,256,295. The fair value of debt was estimated using publicly quoted market prices and was classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.



26

Table of Contents

7. Commitments and Contingencies

Legg Mason leases office facilities and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases and also has multi-year agreements for certain services. These leases and service agreements expire on varying dates through fiscal 2039. Certain leases provide for renewal options and contain escalation clauses providing for increased rentals based upon maintenance, utility and tax increases.

As of September 30, 2018, the minimum annual aggregate rentals under operating leases and service agreements are as follows:
Remaining fiscal 2019
 
$
77,403

2020
 
126,688

2021
 
108,892

2022
 
96,826

2023
 
87,375

Thereafter
 
120,406

Total(1)
 
$
617,590

(1) Includes $519,273 in real estate and equipment leases and $98,317 in service and maintenance agreements.
 
The minimum rental commitments shown above have not been reduced by $106,663 for minimum sublease rentals to be received in the future under non-cancelable subleases, of which approximately 35% is due from one counterparty.  The lease reserve liability, which is included in the table below, for space subleased as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, was $24,663 and $24,188, respectively. If a sub-tenant defaults on a sublease, Legg Mason may incur operating charges to adjust the existing lease reserve liability to reflect expected future sublease rentals at reduced amounts, dependent on the commercial real estate market at such time.

The minimum rental commitments shown above also include $6,004 for commitments related to space that has been vacated, but for which subleases are being pursued. The related lease reserve liability, also included in the table below, was $3,342 and $5,061 as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, and remains subject to adjustment based on circumstances in the real estate markets that may require a change in assumptions or the actual terms of a sublease that is ultimately secured. The lease reserve liability takes into consideration various assumptions, including the expected amount of time it will take to secure a sublease agreement and prevailing rental rates in the applicable real estate markets.

The lease reserve liability for subleased space and vacated space for which subleases are being pursued is included in Other current liabilities and Other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The table below presents a summary of the changes in the lease reserve liability:
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
$
39,688

Payments, net
 
(13,019
)
Adjustments and other
 
2,580

Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
29,249

Accrued charges for vacated and subleased space (1)
 
1,970

Payments, net
 
(3,701
)
Adjustments and other
 
487

Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
$
28,005

(1) Related to execution of a sublease for space in Legg Mason's corporate headquarters and included in Occupancy expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

As of September 30, 2018, Legg Mason had commitments to invest $40,606 in limited partnerships that make private investments. These commitments are expected to be outstanding, or funded as required, through the end of their respective investment periods ranging through fiscal 2030. Also, in connection with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, Legg Mason committed to ultimately provide $100,000 of seed capital to Clarion Partners products. Legg Mason also committed to contribute up to $5,000 of additional working capital to Financial Guard, to be paid over the two-year period following the acquisition, the final $2,500 of which was paid during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

27

Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2018, Legg Mason had various commitments to pay contingent consideration relating to business acquisitions. The following table presents a summary of the maximum remaining contingent consideration and changes in the contingent consideration liability for certain of Legg Mason's acquisitions.
 
 
RARE Infrastructure
 
Martin Currie
 
QS Investors
 
Other(2)
 
Total
Acquisition Date
 
October 21, 2015
 
October 1, 2014
 
May 30, 2014
 
Various
 
 
Maximum Remaining Contingent Consideration(1)
 
$
76,615

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,900

 
$
78,515

Contingent Consideration Liability
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
$
17,444

 
$
12,018

 
$
4,841

 
$
2,507

 
$
36,810

Initial purchase accounting accrual
 

 

 

 
1,900

 
1,900

Fair value adjustments
 
(17,413
)
 
(13,355
)
 
(1,300
)
 
739

 
(31,329
)
Foreign exchange and accretion
 
(31
)
 
1,337

 
166

 
(4
)
 
1,468

Payment
 

 

 

 
(3,242
)
 
(3,242
)
Balance as of March 31, 2018 (3)
 

 

 
3,707

 
1,900

 
5,607

 Fair value adjustments
 

 

 
571

 

 
571

Foreign exchange and accretion
 

 

 
41

 

 
41

Payment
 

 

 
(4,319
)
 

 
(4,319
)
Balance as of September 30, 2018 (3)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,900

 
$
1,900

(1)
Using the applicable exchange rate as of September 30, 2018, for amounts denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
(2)
Includes amounts related to two small acquisitions completed in December 2017 and the acquisition of PK Investments on December 31, 2015.
(3)
As of September 30, 2018, $550 was included in Other current assets and $1,350 was included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of March 31, 2018, $3,707 was included in Other current assets and $1,900 was included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

On October 21, 2015, Legg Mason acquired a majority equity interest in RARE Infrastructure Limited ("RARE Infrastructure"). The transaction provided for potential contingent consideration payments as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, however, no such payments were due based on relevant net revenue targets. Contingent consideration catch-up adjustment payments of up to $76,615 (using the foreign exchange rate as of September 30, 2018, for the maximum 106,000 Australian dollar amount per the related agreements), may be due through March 31, 2019, dependent on the achievement of certain net revenue targets; however, as of September 30, 2018, no such payments are expected to be due.

Effective May 31, 2014, Legg Mason acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of QS Investors. Contingent consideration of up to $20,000 for the fourth anniversary payment, and up to $3,400 for a potential catch-up adjustment for the second anniversary payment shortfall, was potentially due in July 2018. In September 2018, Legg Mason paid contingent consideration of $4,319 for the final installment of contingent consideration.

In the normal course of business, Legg Mason enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and that provide general indemnifications, which are not considered financial guarantees by relevant accounting guidance. Legg Mason’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against Legg Mason that have not yet occurred.

Legg Mason has completed negotiations with the Department of Justice and the SEC to resolve the previously disclosed regulatory investigation concerning the activities of its former Permal business in connection with managing assets of Libyan governmental entities in structures established by a third-party financial institution. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2018, Legg Mason recorded an additional operating charge to earnings of $151 and $4,151, respectively, for this matter. The $71,151 aggregate settlement amount was paid during the six months ended September 30, 2018.

Legg Mason has been the subject of customer complaints and has also been named as a defendant in various legal actions arising primarily from asset management, securities brokerage, and investment banking activities, including certain class actions, which primarily allege violations of securities laws and seek unspecified damages, which could be substantial. In the normal course of its business, Legg Mason has also received subpoenas and is currently involved in other governmental and industry self-regulatory agency inquiries, investigations and, from time to time, proceedings involving asset management

28

Table of Contents

activities. In accordance with guidance for accounting for contingencies, Legg Mason has established provisions for estimated losses from pending complaints, legal actions, investigations and proceedings when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and a reasonable estimate of loss can be made.

Legg Mason cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss associated with matters of litigation and other proceedings, including those described above as customer complaints, legal actions, inquiries, proceedings and investigations. The inability to provide a reasonably possible amount or range of losses is not because there is uncertainty as to the ultimate outcome of a matter, but because liability and damage issues have not developed to the point where Legg Mason can conclude that there is both a reasonable possibility of a loss and a meaningful amount or range of possible losses. There are numerous aspects to customer complaints, legal actions, inquiries, proceedings and investigations that prevent Legg Mason from estimating a related amount or range of reasonably possible losses. These aspects include, among other things, the nature of the matters; that significant relevant facts are not known, are uncertain or are in dispute; and that damages sought are not specified, are uncertain, unsupportable or unexplained. In addition, for legal actions, discovery may not yet have started, may not be complete or may not be conclusive, and meaningful settlement discussions may not have occurred. Further, for regulatory matters, investigations may run their course without any clear indication of wrongdoing or fault until their conclusion.

In management's opinion, an adequate accrual has been made as of September 30, 2018, to provide for any probable losses that may arise from matters for which the Company could reasonably estimate an amount. Legg Mason's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected during a period in which probable losses become apparent or a matter is ultimately resolved. In addition, the ultimate costs of litigation-related charges can vary significantly from period-to-period, depending on factors such as market conditions, the size and volume of customer complaints and claims, including class action suits, and recoveries from indemnification, contribution, insurance reimbursement, or reductions in compensation under revenue share arrangements.

As provided for in the related documents, Legg Mason may be obligated to settle redeemable noncontrolling interests related to certain affiliates. As of September 30, 2018, affiliate redeemable noncontrolling interests, excluding amounts related to management equity plans, aggregated $541,205. In addition, as of September 30, 2018, the estimated redemption fair value for units under affiliate management equity plans aggregated $90,571. See Notes 8 and 12 for additional information regarding affiliate management equity plans and noncontrolling interests, respectively.

On July 2, 2018, the corporate minority owner of RARE Infrastructure exercised the put option for its 10% ownership interest. The settlement value of $15,547, along with $981 of dividends in arrears, was paid on October 10, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, such amounts were included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 12 for additional information.

8.  Stock-Based Compensation

Legg Mason's stock-based compensation includes stock options, restricted stock units, an employee stock purchase plan, market and performance-based performance shares payable in common stock, affiliate management equity plans and deferred compensation payable in stock. Shares available for issuance under the equity incentive stock plan as of September 30, 2018, were 7,272. Options under Legg Mason’s equity incentive stock plans have been granted at prices not less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Options are generally exercisable in equal increments over four or five years and expire within eight to 10 years from the date of grant.


29

Table of Contents

As further discussed below, the components of Legg Mason's total stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Restricted stock and restricted stock units
 
$
12,052

 
$
13,509

 
$
27,039

 
$
30,088

Stock options
 
1,038

 
1,921

 
2,456

 
4,146

Employee stock purchase plan
 
96

 
96

 
384

 
393

Affiliate management equity plans
 
719

 
776

 
1,494

 
1,552

Non-employee director awards
 
1,025

 
1,075

 
1,025

 
1,075

Performance share units
 
1,202

 
1,078

 
2,812

 
2,263

Employee stock trust
 
8

 
8

 
15

 
14

Total stock-based compensation expense
 
$
16,140

 
$
18,463

 
$
35,225

 
$
39,531


Stock Options
Stock option transactions under Legg Mason's equity incentive plans during the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, are summarized below:
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share
Options outstanding at March 31
 
4,437

 
$
38.78

 
4,593

 
$
38.15

Granted
 

 

 
421

 
37.64

Exercised
 
(164
)
 
32.80

 
(326
)
 
29.04

Canceled/Forfeited
 
(58
)
 
43.04

 
(70
)
 
46.08

Options outstanding at September 30
 
4,215

 
$
38.96


4,618

 
$
38.63


At September 30, 2018, options were exercisable for 3,330 shares, with a weighted-average exercise price of $38.99 and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.6 years. Unamortized compensation cost related to unvested options for 885 shares at September 30, 2018, was $5,008, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.

The weighted-average fair value of service-based stock options granted during the six months ended September 30, 2017, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $8.33 per share.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used in the model for grants in the six months ended September 30, 2017:
Expected dividend yield
 
1.70
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.89
%
Expected volatility
 
26.79
%
Expected life (in years)
 
5.09


Legg Mason uses an equally weighted combination of both implied and historical volatility to measure expected volatility for calculating Black-Scholes option values.


30

Table of Contents

Restricted Stock
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit transactions during the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, are summarized below:
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Value
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted- Average Grant Date Value
Unvested shares at March 31
 
3,299

 
$
38.09

 
3,321

 
$
38.92

Granted
 
1,174

 
39.09

 
1,456

 
37.66

Vested
 
(1,275
)
 
39.75

 
(1,322
)
 
39.46

Canceled/forfeited
 
(88
)
 
37.67

 
(60
)
 
38.15

Unvested shares at September 30
 
3,110

 
$
37.80

 
3,395


$
38.18


Unamortized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards at September 30, 2018, of $87,237 is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.

Affiliate Management Equity Plans
In connection with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, Legg Mason implemented a management equity plan for Clarion Partners that entitles certain of its key employees to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the Clarion Partners enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts) subsequent to the date of the grant. As of September 30, 2018, the estimated aggregate redemption fair value of units under the plan, as if they were currently redeemable, was $14,600.
 
Effective March 1, 2016, Legg Mason implemented a management equity plan for Royce's key employees. Under the management equity plan, minority equity interests equivalent to a 19% interest in the Royce entity have been issued to certain key employees. Equity holders receive quarterly distributions of a portion of Royce's pre-tax income in amounts equal to the percentage of ownership represented by the equity they hold, subject to payment of Legg Mason's revenue share and reasonable expenses. As of September 30, 2018, the estimated aggregate redemption fair value of units under the plan, as if they were currently redeemable, was $28,074.

On March 31, 2014, Legg Mason implemented a management equity plan and granted units to key employees of its subsidiary ClearBridge Investments, LLC ("ClearBridge") that entitle them to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the ClearBridge enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts) subsequent to the grant date. Independent valuation determined the aggregate cost of the award to be approximately $16,000, which will be recognized as Compensation and benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the related vesting periods through March 2019. Total compensation expense related to the ClearBridge affiliate management equity plan was $719 and $776 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $1,494 and $1,552 for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This arrangement provides that one-half of the cost will be absorbed by the ClearBridge incentive pool. As of September 30, 2018, the estimated aggregate redemption fair value of vested units under the ClearBridge plan, as if they were currently redeemable, was approximately $46,140.

Other
As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, non-employee directors held 96 and 76 restricted stock units, respectively, which vest on the grant date and are, therefore, not included in the unvested shares of restricted stock units in the table above.

Upon the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, Legg Mason granted certain key employees of Clarion Partners a total of 716 performance-based Legg Mason restricted share units, which are not included in the unvested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units in the table above, with an aggregate fair value of $11,121, which was included in the purchase price. These restricted share units vest upon Clarion Partners achieving a certain level of EBITDA, as defined in the purchase agreement, within a designated period after the closing of the acquisition.

In May 2018 and 2017, Legg Mason granted certain executive officers a total of 163 and 111 performance share units, respectively, as part of their fiscal 2018 and 2017 incentive awards with an aggregate value of $5,820 and $3,503, respectively. The vesting of performance share units granted in May 2018 and the number of shares payable at vesting are determined

31

Table of Contents

based on Legg Mason’s relative total stockholder return and relative organic growth rate of long-term AUM over a three-year period ending March 31, 2021. The recorded grant date fair value per performance share unit of $35.67 was estimated based on a multiple fair value Monte Carlo pricing model. Expense associated with the May 2018 grant is adjusted for the level of relative organic growth expected to be ultimately achieved. The estimated fair values for the May 2018 grant range from $18.08 to $44.46 per performance share unit share. The vesting of the performance share units granted in May 2017 are determined based on Legg Mason's relative total stockholder return over a three-year period ending March 31, 2020. The grant date fair value per unit for the May 2017 performance share units of $31.42 was estimated as of the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model. The following assumptions were used in the Monte Carlo pricing models for the May 2018 and 2017 grants:
 
 
2018
 
2017
Expected dividend yield
 
3.49
%
 
2.96
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
2.71
%
 
1.47
%
Expected (average in 2018) volatility
 
26.14
%
 
27.73
%

9. Defined Benefit Pension Plan

Martin Currie sponsors a retirement and death benefits plan, a defined benefit pension plan, with assets held in a separate trustee-administered fund. The most recent actuarial valuation was performed as of May 31, 2016, and was updated at subsequent balance sheet dates through March 31, 2018. During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, $56 and $121, respectively, of previously unrecognized losses were expensed; and, during the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, $114 and $240, respectively, of previously unrecognized losses were expensed.
 
The net benefit obligation, comprised as follows, is included in the September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other non-current liabilities:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
Fair value of plan assets (at 5.0% weighted-average long-term return)
 
$
64,658

 
$
67,529

Benefit obligation (at 2.6% discount rate)
 
(93,738
)
 
(102,469
)
Unfunded status (excess of benefit obligation over plan assets)
 
$
(29,080
)
 
$
(34,940
)

For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, a net periodic benefit cost of $126 and $26, respectively, and for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, a net periodic benefit cost of $258 and $51, respectively, was included in Other non-operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Net actuarial losses of $12,542 and $13,635 were included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

Martin Currie does not expect to contribute any additional amounts in fiscal 2019 to the plan in excess of the $3,144 (using the exchange rate as of May 14, 2018 for the £2,320 annual committed contribution amount) contributed to the plan during the three months ended June 30, 2018.



32

Table of Contents

10. Revenue    

The following tables presents Total Operating Revenues disaggregated by asset class:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Equity
 
$
319,482

 
$
324,502

 
$
634,612

 
$
634,292

Fixed Income
 
288,864

 
289,450

 
579,784

 
563,818

Alternative
 
129,374

 
128,912

 
250,849

 
311,405

Liquidity
 
20,707

 
25,474

 
41,087

 
52,665

Total Operating Revenues
 
$
758,427

 
$
768,338

 
$
1,506,332

 
$
1,562,180


Revenues by geographic location are primarily based on the location of the advisor or domicile of fund families managed by Legg Mason and do not necessarily reflect where the customer resides or the currency in which the revenues are denominated. The following table presents Total Operating Revenues disaggregated by geographic location:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
United States
 
$
592,741

 
$
575,684

 
$
1,163,730

 
$
1,185,873

United Kingdom
 
35,991

 
49,585

 
76,596

 
99,601

Other International
 
129,695

 
143,069

 
266,006

 
276,706

Total Operating Revenues
 
$
758,427

 
$
768,338

 
$
1,506,332

 
$
1,562,180


As previously discussed, certain sales commissions paid in connection with obtaining assets managed in retail separately managed accounts are capitalized as deferred costs. As of September 30, 2018, capitalized sales commissions of $8,086 were included in Other current assets and $10,939 were included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Amortization related to capitalized sales commissions included in Compensation and benefits in the Consolidated Statement of Income was $2,345 and $4,659 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. There were no impairment losses in relation to the capitalized costs during the three or six months ended September 30, 2018.

11. Earnings and Dividends Per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. (adjusted by removing earnings allocated to participating securities) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, which excludes participating securities. Legg Mason issues to employees restricted stock units that are deemed to be participating securities prior to vesting, because the related unvested restricted stock units entitle their holder to nonforfeitable dividend rights. In this circumstance, accounting guidance requires a “two-class method” for EPS calculations that excludes earnings (potentially both distributed and undistributed) allocated to participating securities and does not allocate losses to participating securities.

Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS, but the effect of potential common shares is included in the calculation unless the potential common shares are antidilutive.

During the six months ended September 30, 2018, Legg Mason purchased and retired 391 shares of its common stock for $15,461 under net share settlements of deferred compensation award vesting. The retired shares reduced weighted-average shares outstanding by 316 shares for the six months ended September 30, 2018.

During the three and six months ended September 30, 2017, Legg Mason purchased and retired 2,347 and 4,716 shares of its common stock, respectively, for $90,000 and $179,649, respectively, through open market purchases. During the three and six months ended September 30, 2017, Legg Mason also retired 7 and 344 shares of common stock, respectively, for $240 and $13,051, respectively, under net share settlements of deferred compensation award vesting. Total retired shares reduced weighted-average shares outstanding by 3,804 and 2,573 for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.


33

Table of Contents

The par value of the shares repurchased is charged to common stock, with the excess of the purchase price over par first charged against additional paid-in capital, with the remaining balance, if any, charged against retained earnings.

The following table presents the computations of basic and diluted EPS:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding for EPS
 
85,482

 
93,087

 
85,303

 
93,973

Potential common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dilutive employee stock options
 
130

 
409

 
233

 
417

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for EPS
 
85,612

 
93,496

 
85,536

 
94,390

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.
 
$
72,803

 
$
75,664

 
$
138,893

 
$
126,584

Less: Earnings (distributed and undistributed) allocated to participating securities
 
2,577

 
2,687

 
4,898

 
4,387

Net Income (Distributed and Undistributed) Allocated to Stockholders (Excluding Participating Securities)
 
$
70,226

 
$
72,977

 
$
133,995

 
$
122,197

Net Income per share Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Stockholders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.82

 
$
0.78

 
$
1.57

 
$
1.30

Diluted
 
0.82

 
0.78

 
1.57

 
1.29


The weighted-average shares exclude weighted-average unvested restricted shares deemed to be participating securities of 3,156 and 3,417 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 3,105 and 3,305 for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The diluted EPS calculation for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017, excludes any potential common shares issuable under the 14,205 warrants issued in connection with the repurchase of convertible notes in May 2012 because the market price of Legg Mason common stock did not exceed the exercise price, and therefore, the warrants would be antidilutive. The warrants expired unexercised in July 2017.
Options to purchase 2,962 and 2,228 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 2,704 and 2,290 shares for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the assumed proceeds from exercising such options, including the related income tax benefits, exceed the average price of the common shares for the period and, therefore, the options are deemed antidilutive.

Further, market- and performance-based awards are excluded from potential dilution until the designated market or performance condition is met. Unvested restricted shares for both the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were antidilutive and, therefore, do not further impact diluted EPS.

Dividends declared per share were $0.34 and $0.28 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $0.68 and $0.56 for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.



34

Table of Contents

12. Noncontrolling Interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 included the following amounts:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
$
5,547

 
$
9,930

 
$
15,608

 
$
20,286

Net income attributable to nonredeemable noncontrolling interests
 
2,723

 
2,030

 
4,937

 
4,291

Total
 
$
8,270

 
$
11,960

 
$
20,545

 
$
24,577


The following tables present the changes in redeemable and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests during the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
Consolidated investment vehicles(1) and other
 
Affiliate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
Management equity plans
 
Total
 
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests(3)
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
125,047

 
$
573,950

 
$
33,298

 
$
732,295

 
$
27,731

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(462
)
 
16,070

 

 
15,608

 
4,937

Net subscriptions (redemptions)
 
(68,856
)
 

 

 
(68,856
)
 

Settlement of affiliate noncontrolling interest put:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Payment (2)
 

 
(15,547
)
 

 
(15,547
)
 

Change in redemption value
 

 
(12,345
)
 

 
(12,345
)
 

Distributions
 

 
(17,410
)
 

 
(17,410
)
 
(4,594
)
Foreign exchange
 

 
(4,082
)
 

 
(4,082
)
 

Vesting/change in estimated redemption value
 

 
569

 
2,063

 
2,632

 

Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
$
55,729

 
$
541,205

 
$
35,361

 
$
632,295

 
$
28,074


 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
Consolidated investment vehicles(1) and other
 
Affiliate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncontrolling interests
 
Management equity plans
 
Total
 
Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests(3)
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
$
58,470

 
$
591,254

 
$
28,048

 
$
677,772

 
$
27,798

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
2,192

 
18,094

 

 
20,286

 
4,291

Net subscriptions (redemptions)
 
22,317

 
(2,693
)
 

 
19,624

 

Distributions
 

 
(23,013
)
 

 
(23,013
)
 
(4,063
)
Foreign exchange
 

 
1,810

 

 
1,810

 

Vesting/change in estimated redemption value
 

 
743

 
1,552

 
2,295

 

Balance as of September 30, 2017
 
$
82,979

 
$
586,195

 
$
29,600

 
$
698,774

 
$
28,026

(1) Related to VIE and seeded investment products.
(2) Paid on October 10, 2018. Included in Current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.
(3) Related to Royce management equity plan.


35

Table of Contents

The following tables present the changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests by affiliate (exclusive of management equity plans) for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
EnTrust-Permal
 
Clarion Partners
 
RARE Infrastructure
 
Other
 
Total
Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
386,884

 
$
117,272

 
$
68,285

 
$
1,509

 
$
573,950

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
7,269

 
7,814

 
1,127

 
(140
)
 
16,070

Distributions
 
(5,647
)
 
(10,359
)
 
(1,400
)
 
(4
)
 
(17,410
)
Settlement of affiliate noncontrolling interest put:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Payment(1)
 

 

 
(15,547
)
 

 
(15,547
)
Change in redemption value
 

 

 
(12,345
)
 

 
(12,345
)
Foreign exchange
 

 

 
(4,082
)
 

 
(4,082
)
Change in estimated redemption value
 

 
569

 

 
 
 
569

Balance as of September 30, 2018
 
$
388,506

 
$
115,296


$
36,038

 
$
1,365

 
$
541,205

(1) Paid on October 10, 2018. Included in Current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
EnTrust-Permal
 
Clarion Partners
 
RARE Infrastructure
 
Other
 
Total
Balance as of March 31, 2017
 
$
404,852

 
$
113,173

 
$
68,747

 
$
4,482

 
$
591,254

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
9,471

 
6,434

 
2,206

 
(17
)
 
18,094

Redemptions
 

 

 

 
(2,693
)
 
(2,693
)
Distributions
 
(10,526
)
 
(9,461
)
 
(2,901
)
 
(125
)
 
(23,013
)
Foreign exchange
 

 

 
1,810

 

 
1,810

Change in estimated redemption value
 

 
743

 

 

 
743

Balance as of September 30, 2017
 
$
403,797

 
$
110,889

 
$
69,862

 
$
1,647

 
$
586,195


Affiliate redeemable noncontrolling interests include minority interests for which the holder may, at some point, request settlement of their interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their estimated settlement values except when such settlement values are less than the issuance value. Changes in the expected settlement values are recognized over the settlement period as adjustments to retained earnings. Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests include vested affiliate management equity plan interests that do not permit the holder to request settlement of their interests. Nonredeemable noncontrolling interests are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their issuance value, together with undistributed net income allocated to noncontrolling interests.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests of 35% of the outstanding equity of EnTrustPermal, 18% of the outstanding equity of Clarion Partners, and 15% of the outstanding equity of RARE Infrastructure can be put by the holders or called by Legg Mason for settlement at fair value subject to various conditions, including the passage of time. The amounts for noncontrolling interests reported at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect the total business enterprise value of the combined entity, after appropriate discounts for lack of marketability and control.

On July 2, 2018, the corporate minority owner of RARE Infrastructure exercised the put option for its 10% ownership interest. The settlement value of $15,547 was based on the midpoint of the valuations determined by the independent valuation experts appointed by Legg Mason and the corporate minority owner and was paid on October 10, 2018, along with $982 of dividends in arrears. The $12,345 difference between the settlement value and the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest of $27,892 on the settlement date was recorded as an increase to additional paid in capital.




36

Table of Contents

13. Derivatives and Hedging

Legg Mason uses currency forwards to economically hedge the risk of movements in exchange rates, primarily between the U.S. dollar, British pound, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Japanese yen, and euro. All derivative transactions for which Legg Mason has certain legally enforceable rights of setoff are governed by International Swaps and Derivative Association ("ISDA") Master Agreements. For these derivative transactions, Legg Mason has one ISDA Master Agreement with each of the significant counterparties, which covers transactions with that counterparty. Each of the respective ISDA agreements provides for settlement netting and close-out netting between Legg Mason and that counterparty, which are legally enforceable rights to setoff. Other assets recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, were $1,549 and $4,904, respectively. Other liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, were $6,296 and $6,446, respectively.

Legg Mason also uses market hedges on certain seed capital investments by entering into futures contracts to sell index funds that benchmark the hedged seed capital investments.

Legg Mason has entered into various total return swap arrangements with financial intermediaries with respect to certain Legg Mason sponsored ETFs, which resulted in investments by each of the financial intermediaries in the respective ETF. Under the terms of each of the total return swap arrangements, Legg Mason receives the related investment gains and losses on the underlying shares of the ETF and pays a floating rate on the value of the underlying shares. Each of the total return swap arrangements allows either party to terminate all or part of the arrangement and provides for automatic termination upon occurrence of certain events. Each financial intermediary counterparty may hedge its total return swap position through an investment in the ETF and the financial intermediaries purchased interests in the respective Legg Mason ETF on the date of the transactions.

The terms of the total return swap arrangements, aggregate counterparty investment in the related ETF on the date of each transaction, and the aggregate notional amount for the total return swaps outstanding as of September 30, 2018, were as follows:
Transaction Date
 
Expiration Date
 
Aggregate Counterparty Initial Investment in ETF
 
Floating Rate
 
Aggregate Notional Amount as of
September 30, 2018
May 2018
 
May 2019
 
$
5,573

 
Three-month LIBOR plus 1.6%
 
$
5,600

July 2018
 
July 2019
 
17,094

 
Three-month LIBOR plus 1.6%
 
16,530

 
 
 
 
$
22,667

 
 
 
$
22,130


As further discussed in Notes 2 and 14, the total return swap arrangements create variable interests in the underlying funds for Legg Mason, and, if significant, it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, Legg Mason may consolidate ETF products with significant open total return swap arrangements. In connection with these arrangements, Legg Mason executed futures contracts with notional amounts totaling $22,400 as of September 30, 2018 to partially hedge the gains and losses recognized on the total return swaps.

Legg Mason has not designated any derivatives as hedging instruments for accounting purposes during the periods ended September 30, 2018, March 31, 2018, or September 30, 2017. In addition to the total return swap arrangements and the related futures contracts discussed above, as of September 30, 2018, Legg Mason had open currency forward contracts with aggregate notional amounts totaling $390,567, and open futures contracts relating to seed capital investments with aggregate notional amounts totaling $127,814. With the exception of the total return swap arrangements and related futures contracts, these amounts are representative of the level of non-hedge designation derivative activity throughout the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. As of September 30, 2018, the weighted-average remaining contract terms for currency forward contracts was seven months and for futures contracts relating to seed capital investments was three months.


37

Table of Contents

The following table presents the derivative assets and related offsets, if any, as of September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
 Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral
 
Net Amount as of
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts
 
$
2,796

 
$
(1,247
)
 
$
1,549

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,549


The following table presents the derivative liabilities and related offsets, if any, as of September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
 Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral
 
Net Amount as of
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts
 
$
(8,828
)
 
$
4,710

 
$
(4,118
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(4,118
)
Futures contracts relating to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 

 

 

 
(1,306
)
 
6,924

 
5,618

Total return swaps
 

 

 

 
(198
)
 
1,177

 
979

Total futures contracts
 

 

 

 
(1,504
)
 
8,101

 
6,597

     Total return swaps
 

 

 


(674
)
 
3,167

 
2,493

Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
$
(8,828
)
 
$
4,710

 
$
(4,118
)
 
$
(2,178
)
 
$
11,268

 
$
4,972



38

Table of Contents

The following table presents the derivative assets and related offsets, if any, as of March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
 
 Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Derivative Assets Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral
 
Net amount as of
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts
 
$
7,997

 
$
(3,177
)
 
$
4,820

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,820

Total return swaps
 

 

 

 
84

 
1,283

 
1,367

Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
$
7,997

 
$
(3,177
)
 
$
4,820

 
$
84

 
$
1,283

 
$
6,187


The following table presents the derivative liabilities and related offsets, if any, as of March 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
 
 Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
 
Net Amount of Derivative Liabilities Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
Financial Instruments
 
Cash Collateral
 
Net amount as of
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts
 
$
(532
)
 
$
223

 
$
(309
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(309
)
Futures contracts relating to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 

 

 

 
(2,875
)
 
9,214

 
6,339

Total return swaps
 

 

 

 
(1,029
)
 
3,201

 
2,172

Total futures contracts
 

 

 

 
(3,904
)
 
12,415

 
8,511

Total return swaps
 

 

 

 
(2,233
)
 
5,637

 
3,404

Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
 
$
(532
)
 
$
223

 
$
(309
)
 
$
(6,137
)
 
$
18,052

 
$
11,606



39

Table of Contents

The following table presents gains (losses) recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income on derivative instruments. As described above, the currency forward contracts and futures and forward contracts for seed capital investments included below are economic hedges of interest rate and market risk of certain operating and investing activities of Legg Mason.
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Income Statement Classification
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Gains
 
Losses
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts relating to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
Other expense
 
$
2,052

 
$
(3,953
)
 
$
4,989

 
$
(1,926
)
Seed capital investments
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
970

 
(121
)
 
69

 
(1,153
)
Futures contracts relating to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
921

 
(5,816
)
 
285

 
(6,813
)
Total return swaps
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
29

 
(1,389
)
 
89

 
(2,063
)
Total return swaps
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
392

 
(530
)
 
885

 

Total gain (loss) from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
$
4,364

 
$
(11,809
)
 
$
6,317

 
$
(11,955
)

 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Income Statement Classification
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Gains
 
Losses
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency forward contracts relating to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
Other expense
 
$
6,518

 
$
(14,038
)
 
$
9,440

 
$
(4,237
)
Seed capital investments
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
4,993

 
(645
)
 
226

 
(1,948
)
Futures contracts relating to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Seed capital investments
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
4,014

 
(8,375
)
 
286

 
(11,465
)
Total return swaps
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
502

 
(3,149
)
 
89

 
(1,797
)
Total return swaps
 
Other non-operating income (expense)
 
1,665

 
(105
)
 
778

 

Total gain (loss) from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
$
17,692

 
$
(26,312
)
 
$
10,819


$
(19,447
)



40

Table of Contents

14. Variable Interest Entities and Consolidated Investment Vehicles

In accordance with financial accounting standards, Legg Mason consolidates certain sponsored investment products, some of which are designated as CIVs. As presented in the table below, Legg Mason concluded it was the primary beneficiary of certain VIEs because it held significant financial interests in the funds. In addition, Legg Mason has entered into various total return swap arrangements with financial intermediaries with respect to certain Legg Mason sponsored ETFs. Under the terms of the total return swaps, Legg Mason absorbs all of the related gains and losses on the underlying ETF investments of these financial intermediaries, and therefore has variable interests in ETFs with open total return swap arrangements and, if significant, Legg Mason is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of such ETFs. Because it was determined to be the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, Legg Mason consolidated and designated the following funds as CIVs in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of:
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
Number of Consolidated Funds
 
Legg Mason Investment in Funds(1)
 
Number of Consolidated Funds
 
Legg Mason Investment in Funds(1)
 
Number of Consolidated Funds
 
Legg Mason Investment in Funds(1)
Sponsored investment funds
2
 
$
15,196

 
2
 
$
16,670

 
2
 
$
16,225

Foreign mutual funds
5
 
18,875

 
4
 
12,485

 
3
 
9,493

Employee-owned funds
2
 
7,063

 
2
 
7,328

 
1
 
2,172

ETFs(2)
1
 
2,686

 
2
 
7,371

 
2
 
12,885

Total
 
 
$
43,820

 
 
 
$
43,854

 
 
 
$
40,775

(1) Represents Legg Mason's maximum risk of loss, excluding uncollected advisory fees.
(2)
Under the total return swap arrangements, Legg Mason receives the related investment gains and losses on investments in one of Legg Mason's ETFs with notional amounts totaling $22,130 as of September 30, 2018. See Note 13 for additional information regarding total return swaps.

The assets of these CIVs are primarily comprised of investment securities. Investors and creditors of these CIVs have no recourse to the general credit or assets of Legg Mason beyond its investment in these funds.

Legg Mason also consolidates certain VRE products with seed capital investments where Legg Mason maintains a controlling financial interest in the product.
 
See Notes 2 and 3 for additional information regarding VIEs, VREs, and the consolidation of investment products.

41

Table of Contents

The following tables reflect the impact of CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Income:
Consolidating Balance Sheets
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1)
 
CIVs and Other(1)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Totals
 
Balance Before Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1)
 
CIVs and Other(1)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Totals
Current Assets
 
$
1,662,281

 
$
91,455

 
$
(40,668
)
 
$
1,713,068

 
$
1,808,918

 
$
160,278

 
$
(40,814
)
 
$
1,928,382

Non-current assets
 
6,156,785

 
9,627

 
(3,152
)
 
6,163,260

 
6,217,935

 
9,257

 
(3,040
)
 
6,224,152

Total Assets
 
$
7,819,066

 
$
101,082

 
$
(43,820
)
 
$
7,876,328

 
$
8,026,853

 
$
169,535

 
$
(43,854
)
 
$
8,152,534

Current Liabilities
 
$
968,374

 
$
1,533

 
$

 
$
969,907

 
$
981,408

 
$
634

 
$

 
$
982,042

Non-current liabilities
 
2,364,131

 

 

 
2,364,131

 
2,586,061

 

 

 
2,586,061

Total Liabilities
 
3,332,505

 
1,533

 

 
3,334,038

 
3,567,469

 
634

 

 
3,568,103

Redeemable Non-controlling interests
 
576,566

 
9,034

 
46,695

 
632,295

 
607,248

 
15,452

 
109,595

 
732,295

Total Stockholders’ Equity
 
3,909,995

 
90,515

 
(90,515
)
 
3,909,995

 
3,852,136

 
153,449

 
(153,449
)
 
3,852,136

Total Liabilities and Equity
 
$
7,819,066

 
$
101,082

 
$
(43,820
)
 
$
7,876,328

 
$
8,026,853

 
$
169,535

 
$
(43,854
)
 
$
8,152,534

(1)
Other represents consolidated sponsored investment products (VREs) that are not designated as CIVs.

42

Table of Contents

Consolidating Statements of Income
$
51,439

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
Balance Before
Consolidation of CIVs and Other
(1)
 
CIVs and Other(1)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Totals
 
Balance Before
Consolidation of CIVs and Other
(1)
 
CIVs and Other(1)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Totals
Total Operating Revenues
 
$
758,530

 
$

 
$
(103
)
 
$
758,427

 
$
768,361

 
$

 
$
(23
)
 
$
768,338

Total Operating Expenses
 
622,430

 
386

 
(117
)
 
622,699

 
623,814

 
127

 
(22
)
 
623,919

Operating Income (Loss)
 
136,100


(386
)

14

 
135,728

 
144,547


(127
)

(1
)
 
144,419

Total Non-Operating Income (Expense)
 
(22,189
)
 
(4,265
)
 
1,643

 
(24,811
)
 
(19,794
)
 
2,131

 
(459
)
 
(18,122
)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Provision
 
113,911


(4,651
)

1,657

 
110,917

 
124,753


2,004


(460
)
 
126,297

Income tax provision
 
29,844

 

 

 
29,844

 
38,673

 

 

 
38,673

Net Income (Loss)
 
84,067


(4,651
)

1,657

 
81,073

 
86,080


2,004


(460
)
 
87,624

Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
11,264

 
(267
)
 
(2,727
)
 
8,270

 
10,416

 
35

 
1,509

 
11,960

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.
 
$
72,803


$
(4,384
)

$
4,384

 
$
72,803

 
$
75,664


$
1,969


$
(1,969
)
 
$
75,664

(1) Other represents consolidated sponsored investment products (VREs) that are not designated as CIVs.
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
Balance Before
Consolidation of CIVs and Other(1)
 
CIVs and Other(1)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Totals
 
Balance Before
Consolidation of CIVs and Other
(1)
 
CIVs and Other(1)
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated Totals
Total Operating Revenues
 
$
1,506,638

 
$

 
$
(306
)
 
$
1,506,332

 
$
1,562,247

 
$

 
$
(67
)
 
$
1,562,180

Total Operating Expenses
 
1,244,246

 
1,078

 
(396
)
 
1,244,928

 
1,310,428

 
195

 
(67
)
 
1,310,556

Operating Income (Loss)
 
262,392

 
(1,078
)
 
90

 
261,404

 
251,819

 
(195
)
 

 
251,624

Total Non-Operating Income (Expense)
 
(41,973
)
 
(543
)
 
1,069

 
(41,447
)
 
(35,922
)
 
3,371

 
(984
)
 
(33,535
)
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Provision
 
220,419

 
(1,621
)
 
1,159

 
219,957

 
215,897

 
3,176

 
(984
)
 
218,089

Income tax provision
 
60,519

 

 

 
60,519

 
66,928

 

 

 
66,928

Net Income (Loss)
 
159,900

 
(1,621
)
 
1,159

 
159,438

 
148,969

 
3,176

 
(984
)
 
151,161

Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
21,007

 
(127
)
 
(335
)
 
20,545

 
22,385

 
279

 
1,913

 
24,577

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.
 
$
138,893

 
$
(1,494
)
 
$
1,494

 
$
138,893

 
$
126,584

 
$
2,897

 
$
(2,897
)
 
$
126,584

(1) Other represents consolidated sponsored investment products (VREs) that are not designated as CIVs.
 
 

43

Table of Contents

Non-Operating Income (Expense) of CIVs and Other includes interest income, interest expense, and net gains (losses) on investments.

The consolidation of CIVs has no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

As of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, financial assets of CIVs carried at fair value totaling $69,730 and $128,397 respectively, were valued using Level 1 inputs, and totaling $15,927 and $20,692, respectively, were valued using NAV as a practical expedient. Legg Mason had no financial liabilities of CIVs carried at fair value as of September 30, 2018 or March 31, 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during either of the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

The NAVs used as a practical expedient by CIVs have been provided by the investees and have been derived from the fair values of the underlying investments as of the respective reporting dates. The following table summarizes the nature of these investments and any related liquidation restrictions or other factors, which may impact the ultimate value realized:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Determined Using NAV
 
As of September 30, 2018
Category of Investment
 
Investment Strategy
 
September 30, 2018
 
March 31,
 2018
 
Unfunded Commitments
 
Remaining Term
Hedge funds
 
Global macro, fixed income, long/short equity, systematic, emerging market, U.S. and European hedge
 
$
15,927

(1) 
$
20,692

 
n/a
 
n/a
n/a - not applicable
(1)
Redemption restrictions: 7% daily redemption; 12% monthly redemption; 61% quarterly redemption; and 20% are subject to three to five-year lock-up or side pocket provisions.

Legg Mason's carrying value and maximum risk of loss for VIEs in which Legg Mason holds a variable interest, but for which it was not the primary beneficiary, were as follows:
 
 
As of September 30, 2018
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
Equity Interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (1)
 
Maximum Risk of Loss (2)
 
Equity Interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheet (1)
 
Maximum Risk of Loss (2)
Real Estate Investment Trusts
 
$
13,316

 
$
15,524

 
$
12,419

 
$
14,332

Other investment funds
 
11,795

 
34,527

 
12,640

 
33,258

Total
 
$
25,111

 
$
50,051


$
25,059


$
47,590

(1)
Amounts are related to investments in proprietary and other fund products.
(2)
Includes equity investments the Company has made or is required to make and any earned but uncollected management fees.

The Company's total AUM of unconsolidated VIEs was $33,114,018 and $31,809,837 as of September 30, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

The assets of these VIEs are primarily comprised of cash and cash equivalents and investment securities, and the liabilities are primarily comprised of various expense accruals. These VIEs were not consolidated because Legg Mason does not have both the power to direct significant economic activities of the entity and rights/obligations associated with benefits/losses that could be significant to the entity.

44

Table of Contents

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

Forward-looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve substantial risks or uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “achieve,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “current,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intention,” “maintain,” “opportunity,” “position,” “potential,” “projection,” “remain,” “seek,” “sustain,” “trend” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “could,” “may,” “should,” "will," "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our actual results, performance and achievements and the timing of certain events to differ materially from the results, performance, achievements or timing discussed, projected, anticipated or indicated in any forward-looking statement. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, information or anticipated information relating to: our expectations regarding financial market conditions, future investment performance of our affiliates, and future net client cash flows; the performance of our business, including revenues, net income, earnings per share, dividends, investments, capital expenditures, and other conditions; our expense levels; changes in our business or in the amount or composition of our client assets under management ("AUM") or assets under advisement ("AUA"); the expected effects of acquisitions and other transactions and their effect on our business; changes in tax regulations and rates, including the effect on our estimated effective income tax rate; and other regulatory or legislative changes.

Actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, some of which are beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the foregoing factors as well as those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018. Due to such risks, uncertainties and other factors, we caution each person receiving such forward-looking information not to place undue reliance on such statements. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of any such statement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Executive Overview
Legg Mason, Inc. is a global asset management firm that operates through nine independent asset management subsidiaries (collectively with its subsidiaries, “Legg Mason”). We help investors globally to achieve better financial outcomes by expanding choice across investment strategies, vehicles and investor access through independent asset managers with diverse expertise in equity, fixed income, alternative and liquidity investments. Acting through our subsidiaries, which we often refer to as our affiliates, we deliver our investment capabilities through varied products and vehicles and via multiple points of access, including directly and through various financial intermediaries. Our investment advisory services include discretionary and non-discretionary management of separate investment accounts in numerous investment styles for institutional and individual investors. Our investment products include proprietary mutual funds ranging from money market and other liquidity products to fixed income, equity and alternative funds managed in a wide variety of investment styles. We also offer other domestic and offshore funds to both retail and institutional investors, privately placed real estate funds and funds-of-hedge funds. Our centralized global distribution group, Legg Mason Global Distribution, markets, distributes and supports our investment products.

Our operations are principally in the U.S. and the U.K. and we also have offices in Australia, the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Taiwan. Terms such as "we," "us," "our," and "Company" refer to Legg Mason.

The financial services business in which we are engaged is extremely competitive. Our competition includes numerous global, national, regional and local asset management firms, commercial banks, insurance companies, and other financial services companies. The industry continues to experience disruption and challenges, including a shift to lower-fee passively managed products, which contributes to increasing fee pressure, the increased role of technology in asset management services, the introduction of new financial products and services by our competitors, and the consolidation of financial services firms through mergers and acquisitions. The asset management industry is also subject to extensive and evolving regulation under federal, state, and foreign laws. Like most firms, we have been and will continue to be impacted by regulatory and legislative changes. Responding to these changes and keeping abreast of regulatory developments has required, and will continue to require, us to incur costs that impact our profitability.

Our financial position and results of operations are materially affected by the overall trends and conditions in the global

45

Table of Contents

financial markets. Results of any individual period should not be considered representative of future results.

Our revenues and net income are derived primarily from AUM and fees associated with our investment products. Accordingly, changes in global financial markets, the composition and level of AUM, net new business inflows (or outflows) and changes in the mix of investment products between asset classes and geographies may materially affect our results of operations. Our most significant operating expenses are employee compensation and benefits, of which a majority is variable in nature and includes incentive compensation, and distribution and servicing expenses, which consist primarily of fees paid to third-party distributors for selling our asset management products and services. Our profitability is sensitive to a variety of factors, including the amount and composition of our AUM, and the volatility and general level of securities prices, interest rates, and changes in currency exchange rates, among other things. Periods of unfavorable market conditions are likely to have an adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, the diversification of services, vehicles, and products offered, investment performance, access to distribution channels, reputation in the market, attraction and retention of key employees and client relations are significant factors in determining whether we are successful in attracting and retaining clients. In the last few years, the industry has seen flows into products for which we do not currently garner significant market share, including, in particular, passive products, and corresponding flows out of products in which we do have market share. For a further discussion of factors that may affect our results of operations, refer to the discussion under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.

Our strategy is to expand client choice through products, vehicles and access. We focus our strategic priorities on the four primary areas listed below.  Management considers these strategic priorities when evaluating our operating performance and financial condition.  Consistent with this approach, we have also presented in the table below initiatives on which management currently focuses in evaluating our performance and financial condition.
 
Strategic Priorities
 
 
Initiatives
-
Products
 
-
Create an innovative portfolio of investment products and promote revenue growth by developing new products and product vehicles and leveraging the capabilities of our affiliates
 
 
 
-
Identify and execute strategic acquisitions to strengthen our affiliates and increase product offerings
 
 
 
 
 
-
Performance
 
-
Deliver compelling and consistent performance against both relevant benchmarks and the products and services of our competitors
 
 
 
 
 
-
Distribution
 
-
Continue to maintain and enhance our top tier distribution function with the capability to offer solutions to relevant investment challenges and grow market share worldwide
 
 
 
-
Develop alternative and innovative distribution approaches for expanded client access
 
 
 
 
 
-
Productivity
 
-
Operate with a high level of effectiveness and improve ongoing efficiency
 
 
 
-
Align economic relationships with affiliate management teams, including retained affiliate management equity, the implementation of affiliate management equity plan agreements, and collaborative cost saving efforts

The strategic priorities discussed above are designed to drive improvements in our net flows, earnings, cash flows, AUM and other key metrics, including operating margin.  Certain of these key metrics are discussed in our quarterly results discussion below.

In connection with our strategic priorities, we and our affiliates have begun to identify and pursue new and different ways to collaborate in order to leverage our combined scale and become more effective and efficient at delivering results for our clients and shareholders. We expect these activities to result in savings, much of which we intend to reinvest in our business.

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2018, was $72.8 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, as compared to $75.7 million, or $0.78 per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2018 included a discrete tax benefit of $2.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, related to the completion of a prior year tax audit, offset in part by a real estate related charge of $2.4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, associated with the sublease of office space in our Baltimore headquarters, while the three months ended September 30, 2017 included acquisition and transition-related costs associated

46

Table of Contents

with the combination of Permal with EnTrust of $1.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, offset in part by a $1.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, year-to-date tax annualization benefit.

Although average AUM remained relatively flat for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, total operating revenues decreased due to a reduction in performance fees, as further discussed below.

The following discussion and analysis provides additional information regarding our financial condition and results of operations.

Business Environment
Despite increased volatility in the month of September, U.S. equity markets continued to increase during the three months ended September 30, 2018, led by the technology and health care sectors, as strong corporate earnings growth and favorable economic indicators outweighed investor concerns about heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Developed international equity markets also increased during the quarter, driven by strong gains in Japanese markets, as the yen weakened against the U.S. dollar and corporate earnings continued to improve. European markets increased modestly during the quarter, reflecting continued economic growth. Emerging equity markets declined during the quarter, driven by the strengthening U.S. dollar, the withdrawal of global liquidity, and trade tensions.

Global bond markets were mixed during the three months ended September 30, 2018. U.S. government bond yields increased during the quarter, with the 10-year treasury yield rising to its highest level since 2011, while strong corporate earnings resulted in positive total returns for U.S. corporate bonds. In September 2018, the Federal Reserve Board increased the target federal funds rate from 2.00% to 2.25%, the third rate increase during calendar year 2018, and signaled one additional rate increase in calendar year 2018, as well as three increases in calendar year 2019. As a result, the U.S. dollar strengthened during the quarter against most major currencies, which resulted in lower returns for non-dollar denominated bonds.

The following table summarizes the returns for various major market indices for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
% Change for the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
% Change for the Six Months Ended September 30,
Indices(1)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Dow Jones Industrial Average(2)
 
9.0
 %
 
4.9
%
 
9.8
 %
 
8.4
%
S&P 500(2)
 
7.2
 %
 
4.0
%
 
10.3
 %
 
6.6
%
Nasdaq Composite Index(2)
 
7.1
 %
 
5.8
%
 
13.9
 %
 
9.9
%
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
 
 %
 
0.9
%
 
(0.1
)%
 
2.3
%
Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Bond Index
 
(0.9
)%
 
1.8
%
 
(3.7
)%
 
4.4
%
(1)
Indices are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., and Barclays Capital, respectively, which are not affiliated with Legg Mason.
(2)
Excludes the impact of the reinvestment of dividends and stock splits.

In addition to these factors, our industry continues to be impacted by the generally low growth and mixed return environment, with continued migration from active to passive strategies. Together with regulatory reform, these factors continue to put pressure on fees, contributing to the consolidation of products and managers on distribution platforms. These factors also continue to create significant flow challenges for active managers like ourselves.

While the economic outlook for the U.S. has remained positive in recent years, it has been impacted by increased uncertainty. This uncertainty has led to increased volatility in the U.S. and international equity and bond markets. The volatility of the market highlights the importance of a strong investment strategy. The financial environment in which we operate continues to reflect a heightened level of sensitivity and continued pressure on our fees, as discussed above.

The Markets in Financial Instrument Directive ("MiFID II") became effective in Europe in January 2018. We are committed to ensuring our investment professionals have access to the external research market in order to achieve our long-term investment performance goals. We are absorbing external research costs incurred for MiFID II impacted funds and client accounts, which costs are not material to the company's financial statements.


47

Table of Contents


Three Months Ended September 30, 2018, Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Assets Under Management and Assets Under Advisement

Assets Under Management
Our AUM is primarily managed across the following asset classes:
Equity
 
Fixed Income
 
Alternative
 
Liquidity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Large Cap Growth
 
-
U.S. Intermediate Investment Grade
 
-
Real Estate
 
-
U.S. Managed Cash
-
Large Cap Value
 
-
U.S. Credit Aggregate
 
-
Hedge Funds
 
-
U.S. Municipal Cash
-
Equity Income
 
-
Global Opportunistic Fixed Income
 
-
Listed Infrastructure
 
 
 
-
International Equity
 
-
Global Government
 
 
 
 
 
-
Small Cap Core
 
-
Global Fixed Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Large Cap Core
 
-
U.S. Municipal
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Sector Equity
 
-
U.S. Long Duration

 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Mid Cap Core
 
-
High Yield
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Small Cap Value
 
-
U.S. Limited Duration
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Small Cap Growth
 
-
Emerging Markets Debt
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Emerging Markets Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-
Global Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The components of the changes in our AUM (in billions) were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Beginning of period
 
$
744.6

 
$
741.2

Net client cash flows:
 
 
 
 
Investment funds, excluding liquidity products(1):
 
 
 
 

Subscriptions
 
12.9

 
16.3

Redemptions
 
(14.8
)
 
(14.4
)
Long-term separate account flows, net(2)
 
0.9

 
(4.1
)
Total long-term flows
 
(1.0
)
 
(2.2
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 
3.5

 
(0.1
)
Liquidity separate account flows, net
 
(0.5
)
 
0.3

Total liquidity flows
 
3.0

 
0.2

Total net client cash flows
 
2.0

 
(2.0
)
Realizations(3)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.5
)
Market performance and other(4)
 
11.0

 
13.5

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(2.0
)
 
2.2

End of period
 
$
755.4

 
$
754.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
The three months ended September 30, 2017, includes a reclassification of $1.0 billion from long-term separate account flows, net, to Market performance and other related to certain assets which were reclassified to AUM from AUA effective April 1, 2017 due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM.
(3)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(4)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends, and for the three months ended September 30, 2017, the reclassification from long-term separate account flows, net, discussed above.


48

Table of Contents

AUM at September 30, 2018 was $755.4 billion, an increase of $10.8 billion, or 1%, from June 30, 2018. Total net client inflows were $2.0 billion, consisting of $3.0 billion of net client inflows into the liquidity asset class, which were offset in part by $1.0 billion of net client outflows from long-term asset classes. Long-term asset net outflows were comprised of equity net outflows of $1.1 billion and fixed income net outflows of $0.5 billion, offset in part by alternative net inflows of $0.6 billion. Equity net outflows were primarily in products managed by Brandywine Global Investment Management ("Brandywine"), Royce & Associates ("Royce"), ClearBridge Investments ("ClearBridge") and QS Investors. Fixed income net outflows were primarily in products managed by Western Asset Management Company ("Western Asset"), offset in part by net inflows into products managed by Brandywine. Alternative net inflows were primarily in products managed by Clarion Partners, offset in part by net outflows from products managed by RARE Infrastructure. In general, we earn higher fees and profits per dollar of alternative and equity AUM and outflows in those asset classes more negatively impact our revenues and Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. than would outflows in the fixed income and liquidity asset classes. The positive impact of market performance and other was $11.0 billion and the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations was $2.0 billion.

Our net client cash flows reflect the significant industry-wide flow pressure for active managers of equity and fixed income assets discussed above under the heading "Business Environment".

AUM by Asset Class
AUM by asset class (in billions) was as follows:
As of September 30,
 
2018
 
% of
Total
 
2017
 
% of
Total
 
% Change
 Equity
 
$
214.5

 
28
%
 
$
201.2

 
27
%
 
7
 %
Fixed income
 
411.0

 
55

 
411.9

 
54

 

Alternative
 
67.4

 
9

 
65.8

 
9

 
2

Total long-term assets
 
692.9

 
92

 
678.9

 
90

 
2

Liquidity
 
62.5

 
8

 
75.5

 
10

 
(17
)
Total
 
$
755.4

 
100
%
 
$
754.4

 
100
%
 
 %

Average AUM by asset class (in billions) was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
% of
Total
 
2017
 
% of
Total
 
% Change
 Equity
 
$
212.2

 
28
%
 
$
198.9

 
26
%
 
7
 %
Fixed income
 
411.4

 
55

 
410.2

 
55

 

Alternative
 
66.4

 
9

 
66.0

 
9

 
1

Total long-term assets
 
690.0

 
92

 
675.1

 
90

 
2

Liquidity
 
60.2

 
8

 
75.2

 
10

 
(20
)
Total
 
$
750.2

 
100
%
 
$
750.3

 
100
%
 
 %


49

Table of Contents

The component changes in our AUM by asset class (in billions) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
 
 
Equity
 
Fixed Income
 
Alternative
 
Total Long-Term
 
Liquidity
 
Total
June 30, 2018
 
$
206.4

 
$
412.3

 
$
66.4

 
$
685.1

 
$
59.5

 
$
744.6

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1):
 
 

 
 

 
 
 


 
 

 
 

Subscriptions
 
5.0

 
6.3

 
1.6

 
12.9

 

 
12.9

Redemptions
 
(5.9
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(14.8
)
 

 
(14.8
)
Separate account flows, net
 
(0.2
)
 
0.9

 
0.2

 
0.9

 
(0.5
)
 
0.4

Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 

 

 

 
3.5

 
3.5

Net client cash flows
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
0.6

 
(1.0
)
 
3.0

 
2.0

Realizations(2)
 

 

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 

 
(0.2
)
Market performance and other(3)
 
9.5

 
0.7

 
0.7

 
10.9

 
0.1

 
11.0

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(0.3
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(2.0
)
September 30, 2018
 
$
214.5

 
$
411.0

 
$
67.4

 
$
692.9

 
$
62.5

 
$
755.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(3)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends.
 
 
Equity
 
Fixed Income
 
Alternative
 
Total Long-Term
 
Liquidity
 
Total
June 30, 2017
 
$
196.2

 
$
403.6

 
$
66.5

 
$
666.3

 
$
74.9

 
$
741.2

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1):
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Subscriptions
 
5.3

 
9.5

 
1.5

 
16.3

 

 
16.3

Redemptions
 
(7.4
)
 
(5.3
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(14.4
)
 

 
(14.4
)
Separate account flows, net(2)
 
(0.3
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(4.1
)
 
0.3

 
(3.8
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 

 

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Net client cash flows
 
(2.4
)
 
0.9

 
(0.7
)
 
(2.2
)
 
0.2

 
(2.0
)
Realizations(3)
 

 

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 

 
(0.5
)
Market performance and other(4)
 
7.1

 
5.9

 
0.3

 
13.3

 
0.2

 
13.5

Impact of foreign exchange
 
0.3

 
1.5

 
0.2

 
2.0

 
0.2

 
2.2

September 30, 2017
 
$
201.2

 
$
411.9

 
$
65.8

 
$
678.9

 
$
75.5

 
$
754.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
Includes a reclassification of $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion from equity and fixed income separate account flows, net, respectively, to Market performance and other, related to certain assets which were reclassified to AUM from AUA effective April 1, 2017 due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM.
(3)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(4)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends and the reclassification from separate account flows, net, discussed above.

.




50

Table of Contents

The component changes in our AUM by asset class (in billions) for the trailing 12 months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
 
 
Equity
 
Fixed Income
 
Alternative
 
Total Long-Term
 
Liquidity
 
Total
September 30, 2017
 
$
201.2

 
$
411.9

 
$
65.8

 
$
678.9

 
$
75.5

 
$
754.4

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subscriptions
 
20.1

 
33.8

 
5.9

 
59.8

 

 
59.8

Redemptions
 
(26.8
)
 
(27.9
)
 
(5.3
)
 
(60.0
)
 

 
(60.0
)
Separate account flows, net
 
(1.8
)
 
3.1

 
0.5

 
1.8

 
(1.7
)
 
0.1

Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 

 

 

 
(11.4
)
 
(11.4
)
Net client cash flows
 
(8.5
)
 
9.0

 
1.1

 
1.6

 
(13.1
)
 
(11.5
)
Realizations(2)
 

 

 
(1.2
)
 
(1.2
)
 

 
(1.2
)
Market performance and other(3)
 
22.5

 
(5.7
)
 
1.9

 
18.7

 
0.9

 
19.6

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(0.7
)
 
(4.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(6.0
)
Acquisition
 

 

 
0.1

 
0.1

 

 
0.1

September 30, 2018
 
$
214.5

 
$
411.0

 
$
67.4

 
$
692.9

 
$
62.5

 
$
755.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(3)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends.
 
 
Equity
 
Fixed Income
 
Alternative
 
Total Long-Term
 
Liquidity
 
Total
September 30, 2016
 
$
168.4

 
$
396.9

 
$
72.0

 
$
637.3

 
$
95.6

 
$
732.9

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subscriptions
 
29.0

 
33.7

 
6.2

 
68.9

 

 
68.9

Redemptions
 
(27.4
)
 
(28.5
)
 
(7.6
)
 
(63.5
)
 

 
(63.5
)
Separate account flows, net(2)
 
(3.7
)
 

 
(3.6
)
 
(7.3
)
 
0.9

 
(6.4
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 

 

 

 
(22.2
)
 
(22.2
)
Net client cash flows
 
(2.1
)
 
5.2

 
(5.0
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(21.3
)
 
(23.2
)
Realizations(3)
 

 

 
(1.9
)
 
(1.9
)
 

 
(1.9
)
Market performance and other(4)
 
37.4

 
11.6

 
2.9

 
51.9

 
1.2

 
53.1

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(0.2
)
 
(1.4
)
 
0.1

 
(1.5
)
 
0.1

 
(1.4
)
Dispositions(5)
 
(2.3
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(2.3
)
 
(5.0
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(5.1
)
September 30, 2017
 
$
201.2

 
$
411.9

 
$
65.8

 
$
678.9

 
$
75.5

 
$
754.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
Includes a reclassification of $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion from equity and fixed income separate account flows, net, respectively, to Market performance and other, related to certain assets which were reclassified to AUM from AUA effective April 1, 2017 due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM.
(3)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(4)
Other includes the reclassification, effective April 1, 2017, of $12.1 billion and $3.9 billion of certain equity and fixed income assets, respectively, which were previously included in AUA to AUM due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM. Other also includes the reinvestment of dividends, a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts, and the reclassification from separate account flows, net, discussed above.
(5)
Related to the disposition of two small investment managers and our share of a joint venture.
    
AUM at September 30, 2018 was $755.4 billion, an increase of $1.0 billion from September 30, 2017. Total net client outflows were $11.5 billion, consisting of $13.1 billion of net client outflows from the liquidity asset class, offset in part by $1.6 billion of net client inflows into long-term asset classes. Long-term asset net inflows were comprised of fixed income net inflows of $9.0 billion and alternative net inflows of $1.1 billion, offset in part by equity net outflows of $8.5 billion. Fixed income net inflows were primarily in products managed by Western Asset and Brandywine, offset in part by net outflows from products managed by QS Investors. Alternative net inflows were primarily in products managed by Clarion Partners, offset in part by net outflows from products managed by EnTrustPermal. Equity net outflows were primarily in products managed by ClearBridge, QS Investors, Royce, Brandywine and Martin Currie. The positive impact of market

51

Table of Contents

performance and other was $19.6 billion. The negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations totaled $6.0 billion.
 
AUM by Distribution Channel
Broadly, we have two principal distribution channels, Global Distribution and Affiliate/Other, through which we sell a variety of investment products and services. Global Distribution, which consists of our centralized global distribution operations, principally sells U.S. and international mutual funds and other commingled vehicles, retail separately managed account programs, and sub-advisory accounts for insurance companies and similar clients. Affiliate/Other consists of the distribution operations within our asset managers, which principally sell institutional separate account management, liquidity (money market) funds, real estate and other privately placed investment funds, and funds-of-hedge funds.

The component changes in our AUM by distribution channel (in billions) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
 
 
Global Distribution
 
Affiliate/Other
 
Total
June 30, 2018
 
$
335.3

 
$
409.3

 
$
744.6

Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds
 
(1.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(1.5
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 
3.5

 
3.5

Net client cash flows
 
(1.4
)
 
3.4

 
2.0

Realizations(1)
 

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Market performance and other(2)
 
8.6

 
2.4

 
11.0

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(2.0
)
September 30, 2018
 
$
341.6

 
$
413.8

 
$
755.4

(1)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(2)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends.
 
 
Global Distribution
 
Affiliate/Other
 
Total
June 30, 2017
 
$
311.6

 
$
429.6

 
$
741.2

Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds
 
3.0

(1
)
(4.9
)
 
(1.9
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Net client cash flows
 
3.0

 
(5.0
)
 
(2.0
)
Realizations(2)
 

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
Market performance and other(3)
 
8.1

 
5.4

 
13.5

Impact of foreign exchange
 
0.6

 
1.6

 
2.2

September 30, 2017
 
$
323.3

 
$
431.1

 
$
754.4

(1)
Includes a reclassification of $1.0 billion from net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds, to Market performance and other related to certain assets which were reclassified to AUM from AUA effective April 1, 2017 due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM.
(2)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(3)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends and the reclassification from net client cash flows discussed above.

52

Table of Contents

Operating Revenue Yield
We calculate operating revenue yields as the ratio of the sum of annualized investment advisory fees, distribution and service fees, and other revenues, less performance fees, to average AUM. For each of the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, our overall operating revenue yield, less performance fees, across all asset classes and distribution channels was 38 basis points ("bps"). Our operating revenue yields by asset class and distribution channel were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Asset Class:
 
 
 
Equity
60 bps
 
63 bps
Fixed Income
27 bps
 
27 bps
Alternative
61 bps
 
64 bps
Liquidity
14 bps
 
13 bps
 
 
 
 
Distribution Channel:
 
 
 
Global Distribution
43 bps
 
44 bps
Affiliate/Other
35 bps
 
34 bps

The average fee rate for managing equity and alternative assets declined over the last year due to a shift in the mix of assets from higher fee to lower fee products.

Equity assets are primarily managed by ClearBridge, Royce, Brandywine, QS Investors and Martin Currie; alternative assets are managed by Clarion Partners, EnTrustPermal and RARE Infrastructure; fixed income assets are primarily managed by Western Asset and Brandywine; and liquidity assets are managed by Western Asset. Assets distributed through Legg Mason Global Distribution are predominately retail in nature.

Investment Performance
Overall investment performance of our AUM for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, was mixed compared to relevant benchmarks.

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, U.S. equity indices produced positive returns. The best performing index was the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which returned 9.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The lowest performing index was the Russell 2000, which returned 3.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. These positive returns reflect continuing growth of corporate earnings and an expanding economy, despite increased volatility during the month of September.

In the U.S. fixed income markets, short-term interest rates rose more than long-term rates during the quarter, as growth remained solid. Generally, there was a strong demand for more risky assets over the quarter and spreads in some risk sectors tightened. The best performing fixed income sector for the quarter was U.S. High Yield as measured by the Barclays U.S. High Yield Index which returned 2.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The lowest performing fixed income sector for the three months ended September 30, 2018, was U.S. TIPS, as measured by the Barclays U.S. TIPS which declined 0.8% for the quarter.






53

Table of Contents

The following table presents a summary of the percentages of our AUM by strategy(1) that outpaced their respective benchmarks as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, for the trailing 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods:
 
 
As of September 30, 2018
 
As of September 30, 2017
 
 
1-year

 
3-year

 
5-year

 
10-year

 
1-year

 
3-year

 
5-year

 
10-year

Total (includes liquidity)
 
42
%
 
68
%
 
73
%
 
82
%
 
74
%
 
74
%
 
79
%
 
85
%
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large cap
 
13
%
 
17
%
 
33
%
 
61
%
 
23
%
 
33
%
 
54
%
 
81
%
Small cap
 
38
%
 
65
%
 
41
%
 
39
%
 
49
%
 
13
%
 
26
%
 
55
%
Total equity (includes other equity)
 
22
%
 
28
%
 
37
%
 
59
%
 
31
%
 
40
%
 
56
%
 
78
%
Fixed income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. taxable
 
49
%
 
90
%
 
90
%
 
91
%
 
95
%
 
88
%
 
89
%
 
86
%
U.S. tax-exempt (includes only one strategy)
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
Global taxable
 
17
%
 
70
%
 
71
%
 
94
%
 
78
%
 
74
%
 
74
%
 
83
%
Total fixed income
 
41
%
 
84
%
 
84
%
 
92
%
 
90
%
 
84
%
 
85
%
 
86
%
Alternative
 
67
%
 
71
%
 
92
%
 
59
%
 
77
%
 
82
%
 
91
%
 
62
%
The following table presents a summary of the percentages of our U.S. mutual fund assets(2) that outpaced their Lipper category averages(2) as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, for the trailing 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods:
 
 
As of September 30, 2018
 
As of September 30, 2017
 
 
1-year

 
3-year

 
5-year

 
10-year

 
1-year

 
3-year

 
5-year

 
10-year

Total (excludes liquidity)
 
37
%
 
59
%
 
61
%
 
66
%
 
60
%
 
63
%
 
64
%
 
76
%
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large cap
 
25
%
 
49
%
 
50
%
 
57
%
 
26
%
 
49
%
 
50
%
 
79
%
Small cap
 
64
%
 
73
%
 
34
%
 
46
%
 
71
%
 
38
%
 
28
%
 
57
%
Total equity (includes other equity)
 
36
%
 
51
%
 
45
%
 
53
%
 
41
%
 
49
%
 
47
%
 
70
%
Fixed income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. taxable
 
34
%
 
85
%
 
88
%
 
90
%
 
91
%
 
87
%
 
87
%
 
86
%
U.S. tax-exempt
 
63
%
 
18
%
 
58
%
 
57
%
 
59
%
 
31
%
 
57
%
 
68
%
Global taxable
 
26
%
 
56
%
 
64
%
 
79
%
 
75
%
 
77
%
 
85
%
 
77
%
Total fixed income
 
38
%
 
69
%
 
79
%
 
81
%
 
82
%
 
74
%
 
80
%
 
80
%
Alternative (includes only three funds)
 
0
%
 
0
%
 
92
%
 
n/a

 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
n/a

n/a - not applicable
(1)
For purposes of investment performance comparisons, strategies are an aggregation of portfolios (separate accounts, investment funds, and other products) into a single group that represents a particular investment objective. In the case of separate accounts, the investment performance of the account is based upon the performance of the strategy to which the account has been assigned. Each of our asset managers has its own specific guidelines for including portfolios in their strategies. For those managers which manage both separate accounts and investment funds in the same strategy, the performance comparison for all of the assets is based upon the performance of the separate account.
As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, approximately 89% and 88%, respectively, of total AUM is included in strategy AUM, although not all strategies have 3-, 5-, and 10-year histories.  Total strategy AUM includes liquidity assets. Certain assets are not included in reported performance comparisons. These include: accounts that are not managed in accordance with the guidelines outlined above; accounts in strategies not marketed to potential clients; accounts that have not yet been assigned to a strategy; and certain smaller products at some of our affiliates.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. For AUM included in institutional and retail separate accounts and investment funds managed in the same strategy as separate accounts, performance comparisons are based on gross-of-fee performance. For investment funds which are not managed in a separate account format, performance comparisons are based on net-of-fee performance. Funds-of-hedge funds generally do not have specified benchmarks. For purposes of this comparison, performance of those products is net of fees, and is compared to the relevant HFRX Index. These performance comparisons do not reflect the actual performance of any specific separate account or investment fund; individual separate account and investment fund performance may differ.

(2)
Source: Lipper Inc. includes open-end, closed-end, and variable annuity funds. Effective April 1, 2018, Lipper Investment Management ("LIM") is being used for comparative performance reporting, replacing Lipper Analytical New Applications ("LANA") which was discontinued by Lipper Inc., which resulted in changes to the composition of the comparative categories. For comparison purposes, prior periods reflect the categories as reported in LIM. As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the U.S. long-term mutual fund assets represented in the data accounted for 19% and 17%, respectively, of our total AUM. The performance of our U.S. long-term mutual fund assets is included in the strategies.

54

Table of Contents

The following table presents a summary of the absolute and relative performance compared to the applicable benchmark for a representative sample of funds within our AUM, net of management and other fees as of the end of the period presented, for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods, and from each fund's inception. The table includes a representative sample of funds from each significant subclass of our investment strategies (i.e., large cap equity, small cap equity, etc.). The funds within this group are representative of the performance of significant investment strategies we offer, that as of September 30, 2018, constituted an aggregate of approximately $432 billion, or approximately 57% of our total AUM. The most meaningful exclusion of funds are our alternative fund strategies, which primarily involve privately placed hedge funds and privately placed real estate funds and represent only 5% of our total AUM as of September 30, 2018, for which investment performance is not made publicly available. Providing investment returns of funds provides a relevant representation of our performance while avoiding the many complexities relating to factors such as multiple fee structures, bundled pricing, and asset level break points that would arise in reporting performance for strategies or other product aggregations.
 
 
 
Annualized Absolute/Relative Total Return (%) vs. Benchmark
Fund Name/Index(1)
Inception Date
Performance Type(2)
1-year
3-year
5-year
10-year
Inception
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Large Cap
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund
8/29/1997
Absolute
23.15%
18.57%
16.09%
14.16%
9.21%
Russell 1000 Growth
 
Relative
(3.15)%
(1.96)%
(0.49)%
(0.13)%
1.59%
ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund
10/24/1983
Absolute
14.13%
11.77%
9.76%
12.44%
11.96%
Russell 3000 Growth
 
Relative
(11.76)%
(8.57)%
(6.46)%
(1.72)%
1.32%
ClearBridge Appreciation Fund
3/10/1970
Absolute
16.39%
15.13%
11.90%
10.63%
10.46%
S&P 500
 
Relative
(1.52)%
(2.16)%
(2.04)%
(1.33)%
(0.22)%
ClearBridge Dividend Strategy
11/6/1992
Absolute
10.37%
14.74%
10.69%
10.01%
8.82%
S&P 500
 
Relative
(7.54)%
(2.55)%
(3.25)%
(1.95)%
(1.01)%
ClearBridge Value Trust
4/16/1982
Absolute
6.36%
12.10%
9.10%
8.56%
11.50%
S&P 500
 
Relative
(11.55)%
(5.20)%
(4.84)%
(3.40)%
(0.52)%
ClearBridge All Cap Value
11/12/1981
Absolute
7.42%
14.13%
9.23%
8.57%
10.12%
Russell 3000 Value
 
Relative
(2.03)%
0.40%
(1.41)%
(1.19)%
(1.63)%
ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund
12/31/1988
Absolute
8.08%
11.86%
9.90%
9.82%
9.58%
Russell 1000 Value
 
Relative
(1.37)%
(1.68)%
(0.81)%
0.04%
(0.73)%
Legg Mason Brandywine Diversified Large Cap Value Fund
9/7/2010
Absolute
12.12%
14.41%
11.31%
n/a
13.55%
Russell 1000 Value
 
Relative
2.67%
0.87%
0.60%
n/a
0.80%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Small Cap
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth
7/1/1998
Absolute
39.59%
23.18%
13.06%
14.04%
11.55%
Russell 2000 Growth
 
Relative
18.53%
5.21%
0.92%
1.40%
3.93%
Royce Premier Fund
12/31/1991
Absolute
15.00%
18.57%
9.68%
10.57%
11.91%
Russell 2000
 
Relative
(0.23)%
1.46%
(1.38)%
(0.54)%
1.88%
Royce Total Return Fund
12/15/1993
Absolute
7.95%
14.63%
8.62%
9.54%
10.83%
Russell 2000
 
Relative
(7.28)%
(2.48)%
(2.45)%
(1.57)%
1.48%
Royce Pennsylvania Mutual
6/30/1967
Absolute
15.14%
18.26%
9.40%
10.23%
11.82%
Russell 2000
 
Relative
(0.10)%
1.16%
(1.67)%
(0.88)%
0.03%
Royce Special Equity
5/1/1998
Absolute
4.50%
12.28%
6.06%
9.43%
9.07%
Russell 2000
 
Relative
(10.74)%
(4.82)%
(5.01)%
(1.68)%
0.99%


55

Table of Contents

 
 
 
Annualized Absolute/Relative Total Return (%) vs. Benchmark
Fund Name/Index (continued)(1)
Inception Date
Performance Type(2)
1-year
3-year
5-year
10-year
Inception
Fixed Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Taxable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Asset Core Plus Fund
7/8/1998
Absolute
(1.87)%
3.13%
3.69%
6.40%
5.83%
Barclays US Aggregate
 
Relative
(0.66)%
1.82%
1.53%
2.63%
1.19%
Western Asset Core Bond Fund
9/4/1990
Absolute
(0.70)%
2.53%
3.31%
5.92%
6.56%
Barclays US Aggregate
 
Relative
0.52%
1.21%
1.15%
2.15%
0.74%
Western Asset Total Return Unconstrained
7/6/2006
Absolute
(2.57)%
3.19%
2.59%
5.13%
4.26%
Barclays US Aggregate
 
Relative
(1.36)%
1.88%
0.43%
1.36%
0.24%
Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund
7/1/1994
Absolute
(0.37)%
2.07%
2.38%
4.80%
5.44%
Barclays Intermediate Gov't/Credit
 
Relative
0.59%
1.17%
0.86%
1.58%
0.65%
Western Asset Short Term Bond Fund
11/11/1991
Absolute
0.84%
1.45%
1.21%
2.60%
3.40%
FTSE Treasury Gov't/Cedit 1-3 YR
 
Relative
0.60%
0.72%
0.39%
0.92%
(0.53)%
Western Asset Corporate Bond Fund
11/6/1992
Absolute
(1.46)%
4.24%
4.40%
7.28%
6.20%
Barclays US Credit
 
Relative
(0.36)%
1.27%
1.00%
1.35%
0.16%
Western Asset Inflation Index Plus Bond Fund
3/1/2001
Absolute
0.21%
1.26%
0.60%
3.09%
4.49%
Barclays US TIPS
 
Relative
(0.20)%
(0.78)%
(0.77)%
(0.23)%
(0.34)%
Western Asset Mortgage Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.
2/24/2010
Absolute
11.25%
10.51%
11.86%
n/a
14.45%
BOFAML Floating Rate Home Loan Index
 
Relative
5.21%
5.96%
8.05%
n/a
9.07%
Western Asset High Yield Fund
9/28/2001
Absolute
4.08%
7.21%
4.26%
8.14%
7.05%
Barclays US Corp High Yield
 
Relative
1.03%
(0.93)%
(1.27)%
(1.31)%
(1.25)%
Western Asset Adjustable Rate Income
6/22/1992
Absolute
1.89%
2.51%
1.78%
2.26%
2.72%
FTSE T-Bill 6-Month
 
Relative
0.27%
1.63%
1.22%
1.84%
0.07%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Tax-Exempt Fixed Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund
3/4/1981
Absolute
0.60%
2.14%
3.79%
5.09%
7.39%
Barclays Municipal Bond
 
Relative
0.26%
(0.09)%
0.25%
0.34%
0.45%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global Taxable Fixed Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legg Mason Western Asset Macro Opportunities Bond
11/30/2013
Absolute
(7.04)%
4.20%
n/a
n/a
4.07%
3-Month LIBOR
 
Relative
(9.04)%
2.96%
n/a
n/a
3.20%
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunities Bond
11/1/2006
Absolute
(4.31)%
4.25%
1.98%
5.33%
4.97%
FTSE World Gov't Bond
 
Relative
(2.78)%
2.58%
1.78%
3.13%
2.22%
Legg Mason Brandywine Absolute Return Opportunities Fund
2/28/2011
Absolute
(3.78)%
2.87%
1.77%
n/a
2.78%
FTSE 3-Month T-Bill
 
Relative
(5.35)%
2.07%
1.28%
n/a
2.43%
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income
10/31/2003
Absolute
(4.77)%
2.49%
0.22%
3.46%
3.71%
FTSE World Gov't Bond
 
Relative
(3.23)%
0.81%
0.02%
1.26%
0.41%
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Multi Strategy Fund
8/31/2002
Absolute
(4.26)%
4.01%
2.20%
4.70%
5.69%
50% Bar. Global Agg./ 25% Bar. HY 2%/25% JPM EMBI +
 
Relative
(3.12)%
(0.23)%
(0.65)%
(0.89)%
0.91%
Legg Mason Western Asset Australian Bond Trust
6/30/1983
Absolute
3.75%
3.12%
4.52%
6.45%
5.98%
UBS Australian Composite Bond Index
 
Relative
0.03%
0.27%
0.23%
0.86%
0.35%
Western Asset Global High Yield Bond Fund
2/22/1995
Absolute
0.25%
6.68%
3.18%
7.31%
6.85%
Barclays Global High Yield
 
Relative
(0.02)%
(0.86)%
(1.67)%
(1.91)%
(1.88)%
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Core Plus Bond Fund
12/31/2010
Absolute
(3.36)%
1.09%
2.77%
n/a
3.34%
Barclays Global Aggregate Index
 
Relative
(4.19)%
(1.27)%
(0.36)%
n/a
(0.05)%
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt
10/17/1996
Absolute
(5.16)%
5.31%
2.60%
6.19%
8.70%
JPM EMBI Global
 
Relative
(2.22)%
(0.39)%
(2.03)%
(1.06)%
0.25%

56

Table of Contents

 
 
 
Annualized Absolute/Relative Total Return (%) vs. Benchmark
Fund Name/Index (continued)(1)
Inception Date
Performance Type(2)
1-year
3-year
5-year
10-year
Inception
Liquidity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Western Asset Institutional Liquid Reserves Ltd.
12/31/1989
Absolute
1.68%
1.01%
0.64%
0.52%
3.11%
FTSE 3-Month T-Bill
 
Relative
0.11%
0.21%
0.15%
0.20%
0.29%
n/a
not applicable
(1)
Listed in order of size based on AUM of fund within each subcategory.
(2)
Absolute performance is the actual performance (i.e., rate of return) of the fund. Relative performance is the difference (or variance) between the performance of the fund and its stated benchmark.    

Assets Under Advisement
AUA was $12 billion and $11 billion as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. AUA was comprised of approximately $6 billion related to Western Asset, approximately $3 billion related to QS Investors, approximately $2 billion related to Brandywine and approximately $1 billion related to EnTrustPermal as of September 30, 2018; and approximately $6 billion related to Western Asset, approximately $3 billion related to QS Investors, and approximately $2 billion related to EnTrustPermal as of September 30, 2017. AUA fee rates vary with the level of non-discretionary service provided and other factors, and our average annualized fee rate related to AUA was approximately eight basis points and six basis points for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Results of Operations
In accordance with financial accounting standards on consolidation, we consolidate and separately identify amounts relating to certain sponsored investment products. The consolidation of these investment products has no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and does not have a material impact on our consolidated operating results. We also hold investments in other consolidated sponsored investment funds and the change in the value of these investments, which is recorded in Non-operating income (expense), is reflected in our Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. See Notes 2, 3, and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the consolidation of investment products.

Operating Revenues
The components of Total Operating Revenues (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Investment advisory fees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Separate accounts
 
$
261.5

 
$
253.1

 
$
8.4

3
 %
Funds
 
383.9

 
393.0

 
(9.1
)
(2
)
Performance fees
 
31.9

 
40.8

 
(8.9
)
(22
)
Distribution and service fees
 
79.1

 
80.7

 
(1.6
)
(2
)
Other
 
2.0

 
0.7

 
1.3

n/m

Total Operating Revenues
 
$
758.4

 
$
768.3

 
$
(9.9
)
(1
)%
n/m - not meaningful

Total operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018, were $758.4 million, a decrease of 1% from $768.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an $8.9 million decrease in performance fees, as further discussed below. Our operating revenue yield was 38 basis points for each of the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Investment advisory fees from separate accounts increased $8.4 million, or 3%, to $261.5 million, as compared to $253.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Of this increase, $8.3 million was due to higher average equity assets managed by ClearBridge and $3.6 million was due to higher average fixed income assets managed by Western Asset. These increases were offset in part by a decrease of $2.0 million due to lower average fixed income assets managed by Brandywine and a decrease of $1.4 million due to lower average alternative assets managed by Clarion and EnTrustPermal.

57

Table of Contents

Investment advisory fees from funds decreased $9.1 million, or 2%, to $383.9 million, as compared to $393.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Of this decrease, $8.5 million was due to lower average alternative assets managed at EnTrustPermal, $5.5 million was due to lower average equity assets managed at Martin Currie and QS Investors, and $3.6 million was due to a net decrease in fees from liquidity assets managed by Western Asset. These decreases were offset in part by an increase of $6.7 million due to higher average alternative assets managed by Clarion Partners and an increase of $4.7 million due to higher average fixed income assets managed by Western Asset.

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, approximately 12% and 11%, respectively, of our long-term average AUM was in accounts that were eligible to earn performance fees at some point during the respective fiscal year. Performance fees earned on pre-close AUM at Clarion Partners are fully passed through to the Clarion Partners management team, per the terms of the agreement under which we acquired Clarion Partners, and recorded as compensation expense, and therefore have no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. We expect the full pass through of performance fees at Clarion Partners to phase out approximately five years post-closing. Excluding AUM eligible to earn pass through performance fees, approximately 8% of our long-term average AUM was in accounts that were performance-fee eligible as of both September 30, 2018 and 2017. During both the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, approximately 60% of non-pass through performance-fee eligible AUM earned a performance fee.

Investment advisory performance fees decreased $8.9 million, to $31.9 million, as compared to $40.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $13.5 million decrease in performance fees earned by Martin Currie and Western Asset, offset in part by a $4.1 million increase in performance fees earned by Clarion Partners on assets invested with them prior to the acquisition closing, which were passed through as compensation expense.

Distribution and service fees decreased $1.6 million, or 2%, to $79.1 million, as compared to $80.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease in average mutual fund AUM subject to distribution and service fees.

Operating Expenses
The components of Total Operating Expenses (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Compensation and benefits
 
$
364.9

 
$
368.0

 
$
(3.1
)
(1
)%
Distribution and servicing
 
114.5

 
123.6

 
(9.1
)
(7
)
Communications and technology
 
57.5

 
51.3

 
6.2

12

Occupancy
 
27.4

 
25.2

 
2.2

9

Amortization of intangible assets
 
6.1

 
6.1

 


Contingent consideration fair value adjustment
 
0.1

 

 
0.1

n/m
Other
 
52.2

 
49.7

 
2.5

5

Total Operating Expenses
 
$
622.7

 
$
623.9

 
$
(1.2
)
 %
n/m - not meaningful

Operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, incurred at the investment management affiliate level represented approximately 70% of total operating expenses in each period. The remaining operating expenses are corporate costs, including costs of our global distribution operations.


58

Table of Contents

The components of Compensation and benefits (in millions) were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Salaries and incentives
 
$
279.1

 
$
284.2

 
$
(5.1
)
(2
)%
Benefits and payroll taxes (including deferred compensation)
 
55.2

 
56.1

 
(0.9
)
(2
)
Transition and severance costs
 
2.6

 
3.0

 
(0.4
)
(13
)
Performance fee pass through
 
24.0

 
19.9

 
4.1

21

Gains on deferred compensation and seed capital investments
 
4.0

 
4.8

 
(0.8
)
(17
)
Compensation and benefits
 
$
364.9

 
$
368.0

 
$
(3.1
)
(1
)%

Compensation and benefits decreased 1% to $364.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $368.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as a result of the following:

Salaries and incentives decreased $5.1 million, to $279.1 million, as compared to $284.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease of $5.3 million in net compensation at investment affiliates, driven by a decrease in performance fee revenue at certain revenue share-based affiliates, which typically creates a corresponding decrease in compensation per the applicable revenue share agreements, offset in part by a $1.5 million increase in salary and incentive compensation expense related to corporate and distribution personnel.

Compensation as a percentage of operating revenues increased to 48.1%, as compared to 47.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase in performance fees earned by Clarion Partners that are passed through as compensation expense.

Distribution and servicing expense decreased $9.1 million, or 7%, to $114.5 million, as compared to $123.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease in third-party commissions as a result of lower international sales and lower average AUM in certain products for which we pay fees to third-party distributors.

Communications and technology expense increased $6.2 million, or 12%, to $57.5 million, as compared to $51.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $4.2 million increase in technology consulting and maintenance costs related to ongoing investments in our technology capabilities, and a $1.6 million increase in market data costs.

Occupancy expense increased $2.2 million, or 9%, to $27.4 million, as compared to $25.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due a real estate related charge in the current year period of $2.4 million associated with the sublease of office space in our corporate headquarters.

Other expense increased $2.5 million, or 5%, to $52.2 million, as compared to $49.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase in professional fees related to various corporate initiatives including collaboration efforts with affiliates.


59

Table of Contents

Non-Operating Income (Expense)
The components of Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Interest income
 
$
2.4

 
$
1.6

 
$
0.8

50
 %
Interest expense
 
(29.8
)
 
(29.1
)
 
(0.7
)
2

Other income, net
 
6.6

 
7.3

 
(0.7
)
(10
)
Non-operating income (expense) of consolidated investment vehicles, net
 
(4.0
)
 
2.1

 
(6.1
)
n/m

Total Non-Operating Income (Expense)
 
$
(24.8
)
 
$
(18.1
)
 
$
(6.7
)
37
 %
n/m - not meaningful

Other income, net, totaled $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The change was primarily due to a $0.8 million decrease in net market gains on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which are offset by a corresponding decrease in compensation expense.

Non-operating income of consolidated investment vehicles, net, totaled expense of $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to income of $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The change was due to activity of the CIVs during the respective periods. See Notes 2 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the consolidation of sponsored investment vehicles and net market gains on investments of certain CIVs.

Income Tax Provision
The income tax provision was $29.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $38.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The effective tax rate was 26.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 30.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018, reflects current estimates of the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Law"). The changes implemented by the Tax Law are wide ranging and complex, and the assessment of their impact could change in subsequent quarters as more detailed information and guidance is obtained and analyzed. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, a discrete tax benefit of $2.8 million was recognized related to the completion of a prior year tax audit, which decreased the effective tax rate by 2.5 percentage points.

CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products increased the effective tax rate by 0.7 percentage points and reduced the effective tax rate by 0.4 percentage points for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and Operating Margin
Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2018, totaled $72.8 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, as compared to $75.7 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2018 included a discrete tax benefit of $2.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, related to the completion of a prior year tax audit, offset in part by a real estate related charge of $2.4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, associated with the sublease of office space in our Baltimore headquarters, while the three months ended September 30, 2017 included acquisition and transition-related costs associated with the combination of Permal with EnTrust of $1.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, offset in part by a $1.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, year-to-date tax annualization benefit. Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. per diluted share also benefited from a reduction in weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases during fiscal 2018. Operating margin was 17.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 18.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017.



60

Table of Contents

Six Months Ended September 30, 2018, Compared to Six Months Ended September 30, 2017

Assets Under Management

The components of the changes in our AUM (in billions) were as follows:
 
 
Six Months Ended
 September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Beginning of period
 
$
754.1

 
$
728.4

Net client cash flows:
 
 
 
 
Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1)
 
 
 
 

Subscriptions
 
26.8

 
32.2

Redemptions
 
(31.0
)
 
(27.4
)
Long-term separate account flows, net(2)
 
2.3

 
(6.5
)
Total long-term flows
 
(1.9
)
 
(1.7
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 
2.6

 
(11.7
)
Liquidity separate account flows, net
 
(2.6
)
 
0.4

Total liquidity flows
 

 
(11.3
)
Total net client cash flows
 
(1.9
)
 
(13.0
)
Realizations(3)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.9
)
Market performance and other(4)
 
12.2

 
38.3

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(8.5
)
 
2.9

Disposition
 

 
(0.3
)
End of period
 
$
755.4

 
$
754.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
The six months ended September 30, 2017, includes a reclassification of $1.0 billion from long-term separate account flows, net, to Market performance and other related to certain assets which were reclassified to AUM from AUA effective April 1, 2017 due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM.
(3)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(4)
Other includes the reinvestment of dividends and, for the six months ended September 30, 2017, a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts and the $1.0 billion reclassification from long-term separate account flows, net, discussed above.

AUM at September 30, 2018, was $755.4 billion, an increase of $1.3 billion from March 31, 2018. Total net client outflows were $1.9 billion and were completely attributable to long-term asset classes. Long-term asset net outflows were comprised of equity net outflows of $3.3 billion, offset in part by fixed income net inflows of $0.8 billion and alternative net inflows of $0.6 billion. Equity net outflows were primarily from products managed by Brandywine, Royce, ClearBridge, Martin Currie and QS Investors. Fixed income net inflows were primarily into products managed by Brandywine, offset in part by net outflows from products managed by Western Asset. Alternative net inflows were primarily in products managed by Clarion Partners, offset in part by net outflows from products managed by EnTrustPermal. Market performance and other was $12.2 billion. The negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations was $8.5 billion.

Average AUM by asset class (in billions) were as follows:
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
% of
Total
 
2017
 
% of
Total
 
% Change
 Equity
 
$
208.9

 
28
%
 
$
194.5

 
26
%
 
7
 %
Fixed Income
 
414.3

 
55

 
405.7

 
54

 
2

Alternative
 
66.2

 
9

 
66.7

 
9

 
(1
)
Total long-term assets
 
689.4

 
92

 
666.9

 
89

 
3

Liquidity
 
61.3

 
8

 
78.9

 
11

 
(22
)
Total
 
$
750.7

 
100
%
 
$
745.8

 
100
%
 
1
 %


61

Table of Contents

The component changes in our AUM by asset class (in billions) for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
 
 
Equity
 
Fixed
Income
 
Alternative
 
Total Long-Term
 
Liquidity
 
Total
March 31, 2018
 
$
203.0

 
$
422.3

 
$
66.1

 
$
691.4

 
$
62.7

 
$
754.1

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Subscriptions
 
10.0

 
14.1

 
2.7

 
26.8

 

 
26.8

Redemptions
 
(12.6
)
 
(15.8
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(31.0
)
 

 
(31.0
)
Separate account flows, net
 
(0.7
)
 
2.5

 
0.5

 
2.3

 
(2.6
)
 
(0.3
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 

 

 

 
2.6

 
2.6

Net client cash flows
 
(3.3
)
 
0.8

 
0.6

 
(1.9
)
 

 
(1.9
)
Realizations(2)
 

 

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 

 
(0.5
)
Market performance and other(3)
 
16.3

 
(6.0
)
 
1.5

 
11.8

 
0.4

 
12.2

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(1.5
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(7.9
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(8.5
)
September 30, 2018
 
$
214.5

 
$
411.0

 
$
67.4

 
$
692.9

 
$
62.5

 
$
755.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(3)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends.
 
 
Equity
 
Fixed
Income
 
Alternative
 
Total Long-Term
 
Liquidity
 
Total
March 31, 2017
 
$
179.8

 
$
394.3

 
$
67.9

 
$
642.0

 
$
86.4

 
$
728.4

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Subscriptions
 
12.7

 
16.5

 
3.0

 
32.2

 

 
32.2

Redemptions
 
(13.0
)
 
(11.3
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(27.4
)
 

 
(27.4
)
Separate account flows, net(2)
 
(1.1
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(6.5
)
 
0.4

 
(6.1
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 

 

 

 
(11.7
)
 
(11.7
)
Net client cash flows
 
(1.4
)
 
1.2

 
(1.5
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(11.3
)
 
(13.0
)
Realizations(3)
 

 

 
(1.9
)
 
(1.9
)
 

 
(1.9
)
Market performance and other(4)
 
22.6

 
14.2

 
1.1

 
37.9

 
0.4

 
38.3

Impact of foreign exchange
 
0.5

 
2.2

 
0.2

 
2.9

 

 
2.9

Dispositions
 
(0.3
)
 

 

 
(0.3
)
 

 
(0.3
)
September 30, 2017
 
$
201.2

 
$
411.9

 
$
65.8

 
$
678.9

 
$
75.5

 
$
754.4

(1)
Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)
Includes a reclassification of $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion from equity and fixed income separate account flows, net, respectively, to Market performance and other, related to certain assets which were reclassified to AUM from AUA effective April 1, 2017 due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM.
(3)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(4)
Other includes the reinvestment of dividends, a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts, and the reclassification from long-term separate account flows, net, discussed above.


62

Table of Contents

AUM by Distribution Channel
The component changes in our AUM by distribution channel (in billions) for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows:
 
 
Global Distribution
 
Affiliate/Other
 
Total
March 31, 2018
 
$
333.5

 
$
420.6

 
$
754.1

Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds
 
(1.3
)
 
(3.2
)
 
(4.5
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 
2.6

 
2.6

Net client cash flows
 
(1.3
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(1.9
)
Realizations(1)
 

 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
Market performance and other(2)
 
12.7

 
(0.5
)
 
12.2

Impact of foreign exchange
 
(3.3
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(8.5
)
September 30, 2018
 
$
341.6

 
$
413.8

 
$
755.4

(1)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(2)
Other primarily includes the reinvestment of dividends.
 
 
Global Distribution
 
Affiliate/Other
 
Total
March 31, 2017
 
$
285.6

 
$
442.8

 
$
728.4

Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds
 
9.7

(1)
(10.1
)
 
(0.4
)
Liquidity fund flows, net
 

 
(11.7
)
 
(11.7
)
Net client cash flows
 
9.7

 
(21.8
)
 
(12.1
)
Realizations(2)
 

 
(1.9
)
 
(1.9
)
Market performance and other
 
27.1

(3)
10.3

 
37.4

Impact of foreign exchange
 
0.9

 
2.0

 
2.9

Disposition
 

 
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
September 30, 2017
 
$
323.3

 
$
431.1

 
$
754.4

(1)
Includes a reclassification of $1.0 billion from net client cash flows, to Market performance and other related to certain assets which were reclassified to AUM from AUA effective April 1, 2017 due to a change in our policy on classification of AUA and AUM.
(2)
Realizations represent investment manager-driven distributions primarily related to the sale of assets. Realizations are specific to our alternative managers and do not include client-driven distributions (e.g., client requested redemptions, liquidations or asset transfers).
(3)
Other includes the reinvestment of dividends, a $(3.7) billion reconciliation to previously reported amounts and the $1.0 billion reclassification from net client cash flows discussed above.



63

Table of Contents

Results of Operations

Operating Revenues
The components of Total Operating Revenues (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Investment advisory fees:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Separate accounts
 
$
521.5

 
$
503.2

 
$
18.3

4
 %
Funds
 
767.4

 
775.3

 
(7.9
)
(1
)
Performance fees
 
55.9

 
122.3

 
(66.4
)
(54
)
Distribution and service fees
 
158.3

 
159.6

 
(1.3
)
(1
)
Other
 
3.2

 
1.8

 
1.4

78

Total Operating Revenues
 
$
1,506.3

 
$
1,562.2

 
$
(55.9
)
(4
)%

Total operating revenues for the six months ended September 30, 2018, were $1.51 billion, a decrease of 4% from $1.56 billion for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $66.4 million decrease in performance fees, $48.7 million of which was related to performance fees earned by Clarion Partners that were fully passed through as compensation expense. Our operating revenue yield was 39 basis points for each of the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Investment advisory fees from separate accounts increased $18.3 million, or 4%, to $521.5 million, as compared to $503.2 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. Of this increase, $15.8 million was due to higher average equity assets managed by ClearBridge and $10.2 million was due to higher average fixed income assets managed by Western Asset. These increases were offset in part by a decrease of $5.1 million due to lower average alternative assets managed by RARE Infrastructure, EnTrustPermal, and Clarion Partners and a decrease of $3.9 million due to lower average fixed income assets managed by Brandywine.

Investment advisory fees from funds decreased $7.9 million, or 1%, to $767.4 million, as compared to $775.3 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. Of this decrease, $19.0 million was due to lower average alternative assets managed by EnTrustPermal, $11.3 million was due to lower average equity assets managed by Martin Currie, Royce, and QS Investors, and $9.8 million was due to a net decrease in fees from liquidity assets due to lower average assets managed by Western Asset. These decreases were offset in part by an increase of $19.6 million due to an increase in average fixed income assets managed by Western Asset, and an increase of $13.0 million due to higher average alternative assets managed by Clarion Partners.

Investment advisory performance fees decreased $66.4 million, to $55.9 million, as compared to $122.3 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $48.7 million decrease in performance fees earned by Clarion Partners on assets invested with them prior to the acquisition closing, which were passed through as compensation expense, and a $17.8 million decrease in performance fees that were not passed through as compensation expense, primarily at Western Asset and Martin Currie.

Distribution and service fees decreased $1.3 million, or 1%, to $158.3 million, as compared to $159.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a reduction in average mutual fund AUM subject to distribution and service fees.


64

Table of Contents

Operating Expenses
The components of Total Operating Expenses (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Compensation and benefits
 
$
726.5

 
$
781.3

 
$
(54.8
)
(7
)%
Distribution and servicing
 
231.1

 
246.0

 
(14.9
)
(6
)
Communications and technology
 
114.2

 
101.6

 
12.6

12

Occupancy
 
52.2

 
49.6

 
2.6

5

Amortization of intangible assets
 
12.3

 
12.4

 
(0.1
)
(1
)
Impairment of intangible assets
 

 
34.0

 
(34.0
)
n/m

Contingent consideration fair value adjustments
 
0.6

 
(16.6
)
 
17.2

n/m

Other
 
108.0

 
102.3

 
5.7

6

Total Operating Expenses
 
$
1,244.9

 
$
1,310.6

 
$
(65.7
)
(5
)%
n/m - not meaningful

Operating expenses for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, incurred at the investment management affiliate level represented approximately 70% of total operating expenses in each period, excluding impairment charges. The remaining operating expenses (excluding impairment charges) are corporate costs, including costs of our global distribution operations.

The components of Compensation and benefits (in millions) were as follows:
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Salaries and incentives
 
$
534.8

 
$
534.2

 
$
0.6

 %
Benefits and payroll taxes (including deferred compensation)
 
144.7

 
144.1

 
0.6


Transition costs and severance
 
5.1

 
7.4

 
(2.3
)
(31
)
Performance fee pass through
 
36.6

 
85.3

 
(48.7
)
(57
)
Gains on deferred compensation and seed capital investments
 
5.3

 
10.3

 
(5.0
)
(49
)
Compensation and benefits
 
$
726.5

 
$
781.3

 
$
(54.8
)
(7
)%

Compensation and benefits decreased 7% to $726.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $781.3 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a decrease in performance fees passed through as compensation expense. Transition costs and severance also decreased $2.3 million, to $5.1 million, as compared to $7.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, with $1.3 million and $3.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, associated with the restructuring of Permal for the combination with EnTrust, which is now complete. The remaining amounts in each period were primarily severance costs for non-revenue share based affiliates and distribution and corporate personnel.

Compensation as a percentage of operating revenues decreased to 48.2%, as compared to 50.0% for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the decrease in performance fees earned by Clarion Partners that were passed through as compensation expense.

Distribution and servicing expenses decreased 6% to $231.1 million, as compared to $246.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to lower average AUM in certain products for which we pay fees to third-party distributors.


65

Table of Contents

Communications and technology expense increased 12% to $114.2 million, as compared to $101.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to an $8.7 million increase in technology consulting and maintenance costs related to ongoing investments in our technology capabilities and a $3.2 million increase in market data costs.

Occupancy expense increased 5% to $52.2 million, as compared to $49.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due a real estate related charge recognized in the current year of $2.4 million associated with the sublease of office space in our corporate headquarters.

Impairment of intangible assets was $34.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. The impairment charges were comprised of $32.0 million related to the RARE Infrastructure amortizable management contracts asset and $2.0 million related to the RARE Infrastructure trade name asset. The impairments to these assets resulted from losses of separate account AUM and other factors at RARE Infrastructure, and the related decline in projected revenues. A revised estimate of the remaining useful life of the RARE Infrastructure separate account contracts intangible asset also contributed to the impairment of that asset. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of these impairment charges.

Contingent consideration fair value adjustments for the six months ended September 30, 2018, included an expense of $0.6 million which increased the contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition of QS Investors. Contingent consideration fair value adjustments for the six months ended September 30, 2017, included credits of $16.6 million which reduced the contingent consideration liabilities related to the acquisitions of RARE Infrastructure and QS Investors.

Other expense increased $5.7 million to $108.0 million, as compared to $102.3 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a $4.2 million charge for the regulatory matter further discussed in Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Non-Operating Income (Expense)
The components of Total Non-Operating Income (Expense) (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods were as follows:
 
 
Six Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$
 Change
%
 Change
Interest income
 
$
4.9

 
$
3.0

 
$
1.9

63
 %
Interest expense
 
(59.8
)
 
(58.3
)
 
(1.5
)
3

Other income, net
 
13.9

 
18.7

 
(4.8
)
(26
)
Non-operating income (expense) of consolidated investment vehicles, net
 
(0.4
)
 
3.1

 
(3.5
)
n/m

Total Non-Operating Income (Expense)
 
$
(41.4
)
 
$
(33.5
)
 
$
(7.9
)
24
 %
n/m - not meaningful

Other income, net, totaled $13.9 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $18.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. The change was primarily due to a $5.0 million decrease in net market gains on seed capital investments and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, which are offset by a corresponding increase in compensation expense.

Non-operating income (expense) of consolidated investment vehicles, net, totaled expense of $0.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to income of $3.1 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. The change was primarily due to activity of the CIVs during the respective periods. See Notes 2 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the consolidation of sponsored investment vehicles and net market gains on investments of certain CIVs.


66

Table of Contents

Income Tax Provision
The income tax provision was $60.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $66.9 million for the six months ended September 30, 2017. The effective tax rate was 27.5% for the six months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 30.7% for the six months ended September 30, 2017. The effective tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 2018, reflects current estimates of the impact of the Tax Law. The changes implemented in the Tax Law are wide ranging and complex, and the assessment of their impact could change in subsequent quarters as more detailed information and guidance is obtained and analyzed. During the six months ended September 30, 2018, a discrete tax benefit of $2.8 million was recognized related to the completion of a prior year tax audit, and was offset in part by $0.6 million of discrete tax expense recognized for the state of Maryland law change from a three-factor apportionment factor to a single sales apportionment factor. In addition, for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, discrete tax expense of $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, was recognized for vested stock awards with a grant date exercise price higher than the vesting date stock prices. Together, the net impact of all discrete tax items decreased the effective income tax rate by 0.8 percentage points for the six months ended September 30, 2018, and increased the effective income tax rate by 0.5 percentage points.

CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products reduced the effective tax rate by 0.1 percentage points and 0.3 percentage points for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and Operating Margin
Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the six months ended September 30, 2018, totaled $138.9 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, as compared to $126.6 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, in the six months ended September 30, 2017.  The increase in Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. was largely due to the $34.0 million impairment charge recognized in the prior year, offset in part by $16.6 million of credits included in the prior year related to contingent consideration fair value adjustments. In addition, Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. per diluted share for the six months ended September 30, 2018, benefited from a reduction in weighted-average shares outstanding as a result of share repurchases during fiscal 2018. Operating margin was 17.4% for the six months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 16.1% for the six months ended September 30, 2017.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018, Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the three months ended September 30, 2018, was $72.8 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, as compared to $66.1 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The three months ended September 30, 2018 included a discrete tax benefit related to the completion of a prior year audit of $2.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, offset in part by a real estate related charge associated with the sublease of office space in our Baltimore headquarters of $2.4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. The three months ended June 30, 2018 included a regulatory charge of $4.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, and acquisition and transition-related costs of $1.5 million, or $0.01 per diluted share.

Operating revenues increased to $758.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $747.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to an $11.4 million increase in performance fees at Clarion Partners that were passed through as compensation expense and a $2.0 million increase in advisory revenue, reflecting one additional day in the current quarter. These increases were offset in part by a $3.5 million decrease in performance fees that were not passed through as compensation expense.
 
Operating expenses were at $622.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $622.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The change in operating expenses was primarily due to a $3.3 million increase in compensation and benefits expense, reflecting increased pass through performance fees, offset in part by seasonal compensation factors in the prior quarter and a $2.4 million increase in occupancy expense, reflecting the previously discussed real estate charge. These increases were offset in part by a $3.6 million decrease in other expenses, driven by the $4.0 million regulatory charge recorded in the prior quarter.

Non-operating expense, net, increased $8.2 million, to $24.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $16.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, primarily due to a decrease of $7.6 million in non-operating income (expense) of CIVs, which has no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc., as the losses are fully attributable to noncontrolling interests.


67

Table of Contents

Operating margin was 17.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to 16.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information
As supplemental information, we are providing a performance measure for "Operating Margin, as Adjusted" and a liquidity measure for "Adjusted EBITDA", each of which are based on methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”). Our management uses these measures as benchmarks in evaluating and comparing our period-to-period operating performance and liquidity.

Operating Margin, as Adjusted
We calculate "Operating Margin, as Adjusted," by dividing (i) Operating Income, adjusted to exclude the impact on compensation expense of gains or losses on investments made to fund deferred compensation plans, the impact on compensation expense of gains or losses on seed capital investments by our affiliates under revenue sharing arrangements, amortization related to intangible assets, income (loss) of CIVs, the impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, unusual and other non-core charges (including the previously disclosed regulatory charge), and impairment charges by (ii) our operating revenues, adjusted to add back net investment advisory fees eliminated upon consolidation of investment vehicles, less distribution and servicing expenses which we use as an approximate measure of revenues that are passed through to third parties, and less performance fees that are passed through as compensation expense or net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, which we refer to as "Operating Revenues, as Adjusted." The deferred compensation items are removed from Operating Income in the calculation because they are offset by an equal amount in Non-operating income (expense), net, and thus have no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. We adjust for the impact of the amortization of management contract assets and the impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, which arise from acquisitions to reflect the fact that these items distort comparison of our operating results with the results of other asset management firms that have not engaged in significant acquisitions. Impairment charges, unusual and other non-core charges (including the previously disclosed regulatory charge), and income (loss) of CIVs are removed from Operating Income in the calculation because these items are not reflective of our core asset management operations. We use Operating Revenues, as Adjusted, in the calculation to show the operating margin without distribution and servicing expenses, which we use to approximate our distribution revenues that are passed through to third parties as a direct cost of selling our products, although distribution and servicing expenses may include commissions paid in connection with the launching of closed-end funds for which there is no corresponding revenue in the period. We also use Operating Revenues, as Adjusted, in the calculation to show the operating margin without performances fees which are passed through as compensation expense or net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests per the terms of certain more recent acquisitions. Operating Revenues, as Adjusted, also include our advisory revenues we receive from consolidated investment vehicles that are eliminated in consolidation under GAAP.

We believe that Operating Margin, as Adjusted, is a useful measure of our performance because it provides a measure of our core business activities. It excludes items that have no impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and indicates what our operating margin would have been without distribution revenues that are passed through to third parties as a direct cost of selling our products, performance fees that are passed through as compensation expense or net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests per the terms of certain more recent acquisitions, amortization related to intangible assets, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, impairment charges, unusual and other non-core charges (including the previously disclosed regulatory charge), and the impact of the consolidation of certain investment vehicles described above. The consolidation of these investment vehicles does not have an impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. This measure is provided in addition to our operating margin calculated under GAAP, but is not a substitute for calculations of margins under GAAP and may not be comparable to non-GAAP performance measures, including measures of adjusted margins of other companies.


68

Table of Contents

The calculation of Operating Margin and Operating Margin, as Adjusted, is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2018

June 30, 2018

September 30, 2017
 
September 30, 2018

September 30, 2017
Operating Revenues, GAAP basis
 
$
758,427

 
$
747,905

 
$
768,338

 
$
1,506,332

 
$
1,562,180

Plus (less):
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Pass-through performance fees
 
(24,006
)
 
(12,620
)
 
(19,874
)
 
(36,626
)
 
(85,305
)
Operating revenues eliminated upon consolidation of investment vehicles
 
103

 
203

 
23

 
306

 
67

Distribution and servicing expense, excluding consolidated investment vehicles
 
(114,516
)
 
(116,558
)
 
(123,578
)
 
(231,074
)
 
(245,927
)
Operating Revenues, as Adjusted
 
$
620,008

 
$
618,930

 
$
624,909

 
$
1,238,938

 
$
1,231,015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income, GAAP basis
 
$
135,728

 
$
125,676

 
$
144,419

 
$
261,404

 
$
251,624

Plus (less):
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Gains on deferred compensation and seed investments, net
 
3,964

 
1,272

 
4,824

 
5,236

 
10,252

Impairment of intangible assets
 

 

 

 

 
34,000

Amortization of intangible assets
 
6,102

 
6,180

 
6,082

 
12,282

 
12,421

Charge related to regulatory matter
 
151

 
4,000

 

 
4,151

 

Contingent consideration fair value adjustments
 
145

 
426

 

 
571

 
(16,550
)
Operating (income) loss of consolidated investment vehicles, net
 
372

 
616

 
128

 
988

 
195

Operating Income, as Adjusted
 
$
146,462

 
$
138,170

 
$
155,453

 
$
284,632

 
$
291,942

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Margin, GAAP basis
 
17.9
%
 
16.8
%
 
18.8
%
 
17.4
%
 
16.1
%
Operating Margin, as Adjusted
 
23.6

 
22.3

 
24.9

 
23.0

 
23.7


Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, June 30, 2018, and September 30, 2017, was 23.6%, 22.3%, and 24.9%, respectively. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was reduced by 0.4 percentage points, due to the real estate related charge associated with the sublease of office space in our Baltimore headquarters, and for each of the three months ended June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, was reduced by 0.2 percentage points, due to transition-related costs incurred in connection with the restructuring of Permal for the combination with EnTrust.

Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, was 23.0% and 23.7%, respectively. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the six months ended September 30, 2018, was reduced by 0.2 percentage points due to the real estate related charge discussed above and by 0.1 percentage points and 0.3 percentage points due to transition-related costs incurred in connection with the restructuring of Permal for the combination with EnTrust. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the six months ended September 30, 2017, was reduced by 0.3 percentage points due to transition-related costs incurred in connection with the restructuring of Permal for the combination with EnTrust.
 


69

Table of Contents

Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as cash provided by (used in) operating activities plus (minus) interest expense, net of accretion and amortization of debt discounts and premiums, current income tax expense (benefit), the net change in assets and liabilities, net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net gains (losses) and earnings on investments, net gains (losses) on consolidated investment vehicles, and other. The net change in assets and liabilities adjustment aligns with the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Adjusted EBITDA is not reduced by equity-based compensation expense, including management equity plan non-cash issuance-related charges. Most management equity plan units may be put to or called by us for cash payment, although their terms do not require this to occur.

We believe that this measure is useful to investors and us as it provides additional information with regard to our ability to meet working capital requirements, service our debt, and return capital to our stockholders. This measure is provided in addition to Cash provided by operating activities and may not be comparable to non-GAAP performance measures or liquidity measures of other companies, including their measures of EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA. Further, this measure is not to be confused with Net Income, Cash provided by operating activities, or other measures of earnings or cash flows under GAAP, and is provided as a supplement to, and not in replacement of, GAAP measures.

The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
June 30,
 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Cash provided by operating activities, GAAP basis
 
$
289,568

 
$
(102,170
)
 
$
290,390

 
$
187,398

 
$
174,906

Plus (less):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net of accretion and amortization of debt discounts and premiums
 
29,341

 
29,356

 
28,343

 
58,697

 
56,673

Current tax expense
 
9,975

 
8,878

 
9,662

 
18,853

 
15,734

Net change in assets and liabilities
 
(69,426
)
 
215,016

 
(144,921
)
 
145,590

 
70,334

Net change in assets and liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles
 
(84,704
)
 
14,580

 
(561
)
 
(70,124
)
 
31,200

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(8,270
)
 
(12,275
)
 
(11,960
)
 
(20,545
)
 
(24,577
)
Net gains (losses) and earnings on investments
 
8,336

 
6,792

 
1,491

 
15,128

 
7,037

Net gains on consolidated investment vehicles
 
(3,998
)
 
3,583

 
2,094

 
(415
)
 
3,091

Other
 
153

 
(374
)
 
194

 
(221
)
 
271

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
170,975

 
$
163,386

 
$
174,732

 
$
334,361

 
$
334,669


Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2018, June 30, 2018, and September 30, 2017, was $171.0 million, $163.4 million, and $174.7 million, respectively. The increase for both the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018, and the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017, was primarily due to an increase in net income, adjusted for non-cash items. Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, was $334.4 million and $334.7 million, respectively.



70

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2018, we had approximately $335 million in cash and cash equivalents in excess of our working capital and regulatory requirements. The primary objective of our capital structure is to provide needed liquidity at all times, including maintaining required capital in certain subsidiaries. We review our overall funding needs and capital base on an ongoing basis to determine if the capital base meets the expected needs of our businesses.

The consolidation of variable interest entities discussed above does not impact our liquidity and capital resources. However, we have executed total return swap arrangements with investors in certain ETFs, and as a result we receive the related investment gains and losses on the ETFs and may be required to consolidate ETFs with open total return swap arrangements. At September 30, 2018, the total return swap notional values aggregate $22.1 million and we executed an additional $10 million in notional value in October 2018. Otherwise, we have no rights to the benefits from, nor do we bear the risks associated with, the assets and liabilities of the CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products beyond our investments in and investment advisory fees generated from these products, which are eliminated in consolidation. Additionally, creditors of the CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products have no recourse to our general credit beyond the level of our investment, if any, so we do not consider these liabilities to be our obligations.

Our assets consist primarily of intangible assets, goodwill, cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, and investment advisory and related fee receivables. Our operations have been principally funded by equity capital, long-term debt and retained earnings. At September 30, 2018, cash and cash equivalents, total assets, long-term debt, net, and stockholders' equity were $0.6 billion, $7.9 billion, $2.2 billion and $3.9 billion, respectively. Total assets include amounts related to CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products of $0.1 billion.

Cash and cash equivalents are primarily invested in liquid domestic and non-domestic money market funds that hold principally domestic and non-domestic government and agency securities, bank deposits and corporate commercial paper. We have not recognized any losses on these investments. Our monitoring of cash and cash equivalents partially mitigates the potential that material risks may be associated with these balances.

The following table summarizes our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
 
 
Six Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows provided by operating activities
 
$
187.4

 
$
174.9

Cash flows used in investing activities
 
(21.2
)
 
(7.3
)
Cash flows used in financing activities
 
(285.3
)
 
(238.2
)
Effect of exchange rate changes
 
(14.6
)
 
(1.2
)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
 
(133.7
)
 
(71.8
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
 
773.8

 
754.3

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
 
$
640.1

 
$
682.5


Cash inflows provided by operating activities during the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $187.4 million and $174.9 million, respectively, primarily related to Net Income, adjusted for non-cash items, offset in part by annual payments for accrued and deferred compensation in each period.

Cash outflows used in investing activities during the six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $21.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, primarily related to payments made for fixed assets, offset in part by returns of capital received on certain investments in partnerships and limited liability companies in each period.

Cash outflows used in financing activities during the six months ended September 30, 2018, were $285.3 million, primarily related to the repayment of $125.5 million of outstanding borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit agreement (as amended from time to time the "Credit Agreement"), net redemptions attributable to noncontrolling interests in CIVs and other consolidated investment products of $68.9 million, and dividends paid of $54.7 million. Cash outflows used in financing activities during the six months ended September 30, 2017, were $238.2 million, primarily related to the repurchase of 4.7 million shares of our common stock for $179.6 million and dividends paid of $47.6 million.

71

Table of Contents


Based on our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we expect that cash generated from our operating activities and available cash on hand will be adequate to support our working capital needs for at least the next 12 months. We currently intend to utilize our available resources for activities including, but not limited to, repayment of outstanding debt, acquisitions, seed capital investments in new and existing products, and payment of dividends. In addition to our ordinary operating cash needs, we anticipate other cash needs during the next 12 months, as discussed below.

Contingent Consideration
As of September 30, 2018, we had various commitments to pay contingent consideration relating to business acquisitions.

On October 21, 2015, we acquired a majority interest in RARE Infrastructure. Contingent consideration catch-up adjustments of up to $76.6 million (using the foreign exchange rate as of September 30, 2018 for the maximum 106 million Australia dollar amount per the contract), may be due through March 31, 2019, dependent on the achievement of certain net revenue targets; however, as of September 30, 2018, no such payments are expected to be due.

Effective May 31, 2014, we completed the acquisition of QS Investors. Contingent consideration of up to $20 million for the fourth anniversary payment, and up to $3 million for a potential catch-up adjustment for the second anniversary payment shortfall, was potentially due in July 2018. In September 2018, we paid contingent consideration of -$4.3 million for the final installment of contingent consideration.

In December 2017, we completed two small bolt-on acquisitions that provide for contingent consideration of up to $1.9 million in the aggregate. Any potential payments for the first acquisition may be due through October 2022 and for the second acquisition may be due in September 2019.

On October 1, 2014, we acquired all outstanding equity interests of Martin Currie. The share purchase agreement provided for potential first, second, and third anniversary contingent payments due as of the March 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018 calculation dates, respectively; however, no such payments were due based on relevant financial metrics. We believe no payments are due and queries are the subject of correspondence with certain of the entities from which we acquired Martin Currie.

See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Noncontrolling Interests
As further described below, we may be obligated to settle noncontrolling interests related to certain affiliates. The following table presents a summary of our affiliate noncontrolling interests (in millions), excluding amounts related to management equity plans, as of September 30, 2018. The ultimate timing of noncontrolling interest settlements are generally too uncertain to project with any accuracy.
 
 
EnTrustPermal
 
Clarion Partners
 
RARE Infrastructure
 
Other
 
Total
Affiliate noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2018
 
$
388.5

 
$
115.3

 
$
36.0

 
$
1.4

 
$
541.2


Noncontrolling interests of 35% of the outstanding equity of EnTrust Permal, 18% of the outstanding equity of Clarion Partners and 15% of RARE Infrastructure are subject to put and call provisions that may result in future cash outlays.

On July 2, 2018, the corporate minority owner of RARE Infrastructure exercised the put option for its 10% ownership interest. The settlement value of $15.5 million, along with $1.0 million of dividends in arrears, was paid on October 10, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, such amounts were included in Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

See Notes 7 and 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Affiliate Management Equity Plans
In conjunction with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, we implemented an affiliate management equity plan that entitles certain key employees of Clarion Partners to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts) subsequent to the date of the grant. In March 2016, we implemented an affiliate management equity plan with Royce. Under this management equity plan, as of September 30, 2018, noncontrolling interests

72

Table of Contents

equivalent to 19.0% in the Royce entity have been issued to its management team. In addition, we implemented an affiliate management equity plan in March 2014, that entitles certain key employees of ClearBridge to participate in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts). As of September 30, 2018, the estimated redemption value for units under management equity plans aggregated $91 million. Repurchases of units granted under the plans may impact future liquidity requirements, however, the amounts and timing of repurchases are too uncertain to project with any accuracy. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding affiliate management equity plans.

Future Outlook

Short-term Debt and Long-term Borrowings
In September 2018, we repaid the $125.5 million of outstanding borrowings under our Credit Agreement using funds that otherwise would have been allocated to share repurchases. We currently intend to accumulate cash to repay the $250 million of outstanding 2.7% Senior Notes due July 2019. As of September 30, 2018, we had $500 million of available borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement, which terminates in December 2020, and can be increased by another $500 million with the approval of the lenders.

While we do not currently expect to raise incremental debt or equity financing over the next 12 months, we intend to continue to grow our ETF business and are exploring various options to facilitate the launch of and provide capital to these new products. Going forward, there can be no assurances of these expectations as our projections could prove to be incorrect, events may occur that require additional liquidity in excess of amounts available under our Credit Agreement, such as an opportunity to refinance indebtedness or complete an acquisition, or market conditions might significantly worsen, affecting our results of operations and generation of available cash. If these events result in our operations and available cash being insufficient to fund liquidity needs, we may seek to manage our available resources by taking actions such as delaying the reinstatement of our share repurchase program, reducing operating expenses, reducing our expected expenditures on investments, selling assets (such as investment securities), repatriating earnings from foreign subsidiaries, reducing our dividend, or modifying arrangements with our affiliates and/or employees. Should these types of actions prove insufficient, or should an acquisition or refinancing opportunity arise, we would likely utilize borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility or seek to raise additional equity or debt.

Share Repurchases
We did not repurchase any shares in the open market during the six months ended September 30, 2018, and do not currently intend to repurchase a significant number of shares of our common stock prior to July 2019.

Liquid Assets
Our liquid assets include cash, cash equivalents, and certain current investment securities. As of September 30, 2018, our total liquid assets of approximately $790 million, included $337 million of cash, cash equivalents, and investments held by foreign subsidiaries. Other net working capital amounts of foreign subsidiaries were not significant. In order to supplement cash available in the U.S. for general corporate purposes, we plan to utilize up to approximately $69 million of foreign cash over the next several years and anticipate that $33 million will be in the form of debt service payments by foreign affiliates, with the remainder provided from distribution of forecasted future offshore earnings. No further repatriation of foreign earnings is currently planned.

Other
In connection with the acquisition of Clarion Partners in April 2016, we committed to ultimately provide $100 million of seed capital to Clarion Partners products, after the second anniversary of the transaction closing. We also committed to contribute up to $5 million of additional working capital to Financial Guard, to be paid over the two-year period following the acquisition, the final $2.5 million of which was paid during the three months ended June 30, 2018.
 
As of September 30, 2018, less than 1% of total assets (6% of financial assets at fair value) and less than 1% of total liabilities (23% of financial liabilities measured at fair value) meet the definition of Level 3.

On October 29, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.34 per share, payable on January 14, 2019.
 


73

Table of Contents

Contractual and Contingent Obligations
We have contractual obligations to make future payments, principally in connection with our long-term debt, non-cancelable lease agreements, acquisition agreements and service agreements. See Notes 6 and 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures related to our commitments.

The following table sets forth these contractual obligations (in millions) by fiscal year, and excludes contractual obligations of CIVs and other consolidated sponsored investment products, as we are not responsible or liable for these obligations:
 
 
Remaining2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Contractual Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term borrowings by contract maturity
 
$

 
$
250.0

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,000.0

 
$
2,250.0

Interest on long-term borrowings and credit facility commitment fees
 
56.5

 
109.7

 
106.1

 
105.4

 
105.4

 
2,167.4

 
2,650.5

Minimum rental and service commitments
 
77.4

 
126.7

 
108.9

 
96.8

 
87.4

 
120.4

 
617.6

Contributions to pension plan(1)
 

 
3.0

 
3.0

 
3.0

 
3.0

 
8.0

 
20.0

Total Contractual Obligations
 
133.9

 
489.4

 
218.0

 
205.2

 
195.8

 
4,295.8

 
5,538.1

Contingent Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments related to business acquisitions:(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RARE Infrastructure
 
76.6

 

 

 

 

 

 
76.6

Other
 
0.6

 
0.7

 
0.6

 

 

 

 
1.9

Total payments related to business acquisitions
 
77.2

 
0.7

 
0.6

 

 

 

 
78.5

Total Obligations(3)(4)(5)
 
$
211.1

 
$
490.1

 
$
218.6

 
$
205.2

 
$
195.8

 
$
4,295.8

 
$
5,616.6

(1)
Represents contributions to be made by Martin Currie to its legacy pension plan on an annual basis through May 2024, with a final payment due November 2024 (using the exchange rate as of September 30, 2018 for the £2.3 million annual committed contribution amount and the £1.5 million final payment amount).
(2)
The amount of contingent payments reflected for any year represents the maximum amount that could be payable at the earliest possible date under the terms of the business purchase agreements, using the applicable exchange rate as of September 30, 2018, for amounts denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The related contingent consideration liabilities had an aggregate fair value of $1.9 million as of September 30, 2018. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3)
The table above does not include approximately $40.6 million in capital commitments to investment partnerships in which we are a limited partner, which will be outstanding, or funded as required, through the end of the commitment periods running through fiscal 2030 or $100 million of co-investment commitment associated with the Clarion Partners acquisition.
(4)
The table above does not include amounts for uncertain tax positions of $50.8 million (net of the federal benefit for state tax liabilities), because the timing of any related cash outflows cannot be reliably estimated.
(5)
The table above does not include redeemable noncontrolling interests related to minority equity interests in our affiliates and affiliate management equity plans with key employees of Clarion Partners and ClearBridge totaling $576.6 million as of September 30, 2018, because the timing and amount of any related cash outflows cannot be reliably estimated. Redeemable noncontrolling interests of CIVs of $55.7 million as of September 30, 2018, are also excluded from the table above because we have no obligations in relation to these amounts. Potential obligations arising from the ultimate settlement of awards under the affiliate management equity plan with key employees of Royce are also excluded due to the uncertainty of the timing and amounts ultimately payable. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding affiliate management equity plans.



74

Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies
The following Critical Accounting Policies have been updated from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2018.

Revenue Recognition
Effective April 1, 2018, we adopted updated accounting guidance on revenue recognition on a modified retrospective basis for any contracts that were not complete as of the April 1, 2018 adoption date. The updated guidance provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers, improves comparability and removes inconsistencies in revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets. The guidance also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and revises the criteria for determining if an entity is acting as a principal or agent in certain arrangements. The adoption of the updated guidance did not result in significant changes to our prior revenue recognition practices, except for the timing of the recognition of certain performance and incentive fees, the capitalization and amortization of certain sales commissions for separate accounts, and the net presentation of certain fund expense reimbursements which were previously presented on a gross basis. Each of these changes to our previous revenue recognition practices is further discussed below.
We primarily earn revenues by providing investment management services and distribution and shareholder services for its customers, which are generally investment funds or the underlying investors in separately managed accounts. As further discussed below, revenues are calculated based on the value of the investments under management and are recognized when obligations under the terms of contracts with customers are satisfied, which is generally over time as the services are rendered.

We have responsibility for the valuation of AUM, substantially all of which is based on observable market data from independent pricing services, fund accounting agents, custodians or brokers.

Investment Advisory Fees
We earn investment advisory fees on assets in separately managed accounts, investment funds, and other products managed for our clients. Generally, investment management services are a single performance obligation, as they include a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and are transferred to the customer over time using the same time-based measure of progress. Investment management services are satisfied over time as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits as the advisory services are performed.

Separate Account and Funds Advisory Fees
Separate account and funds advisory fees are variable consideration which is primarily based on predetermined percentages of the daily, monthly or quarterly average market value of the AUM, as defined in the investment management agreements. The average market value of AUM is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, separate account and funds advisory fees are constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual average market value of the AUM is known and a significant revenue reversal is no longer probable. Therefore, separate account and funds advisory fees are included in the transaction price and allocated to the investment management services performance obligation at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period, as specified in the investment management contract. Payment for services under investment management contracts is due once the variable consideration is allocated to the transaction price, and generally within 30 days. Recognition of separate account and funds advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with our prior revenue recognition process.

Performance and Incentive Fees
Performance and incentive fees are variable consideration that may be earned on certain investment management contracts for exceeding performance benchmarks on a relative or absolute basis or for exceeding contractual return thresholds. Performance and incentive fees are estimated at the inception of a contract however, a range of outcomes is possible due to factors outside the control of the investment manager, particularly market conditions. Performance and incentive fees are therefore excluded from the transaction price until it becomes probable that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized will not occur. A portion of performance and incentive fees are earned based on 12-month performance periods that end in differing quarters during the year, with a portion also based on quarterly performance periods. We also earn performance and incentive fees on alternative and certain other products that lock at the earlier of the investor’s termination date or the liquidation of the fund or contract, in multiple-year intervals, or specific events, such as the sale of assets. For certain of these products, performance and incentive fees may be recognized as revenue earlier under the updated guidance than under prior revenue recognition practices, which deferred recognition until all contingencies were resolved.

75

Table of Contents

Any such performance and incentive fees recognized prior to the resolution of all contingencies are recorded as a contract asset in Other current assets or Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Fee Waivers and Fund Expense Reimbursements
We may waive certain fees for investors or may reimburse our investment funds for certain operating expenses when such expenses exceed a certain threshold. Fee waivers continue to be reported as a reduction in advisory fee revenue under the updated guidance. Under prior accounting guidance, fund expense reimbursements in excess of recognized revenue were recorded as Other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under the updated accounting guidance, these fund expense reimbursements that exceed the recognized revenue represent a change in the transaction price and are therefore reported as a reduction of Investment advisory fees - Funds in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Distribution and Service Fees Revenue and Expense
Distribution and service fees are fees earned from funds to reimburse the distributor for the costs of marketing and selling fund shares and are generally determined as a percentage of client assets. Reported amounts also include fees earned from providing client or shareholder servicing, including record keeping or administrative services to proprietary funds, and non-discretionary advisory services for assets under advisement. Distribution and service fees earned on company-sponsored investment funds are reported as revenue. Distribution services and marketing services are considered a single performance obligation as the success of selling the underlying shares is highly dependent upon the sales and marketing efforts. Ongoing shareholder servicing is a separate performance obligation as these services are not highly interrelated and interdependent on the sale of the shares. Fees earned related to distribution and shareholder serving are considered variable consideration because they are calculated based on the average market value of the fund. The average market value of the fund is subject to change based on fluctuations and volatility in financial markets, and as such, distribution and shareholder service fees are generally constrained until the end of the month or quarter when the actual market value of the fund is known, and the related revenue is no longer subject to a significant reversal. Therefore, distribution and service fees are generally included in the transaction price at the end of each monthly or quarterly reporting period and are allocated to the two performance obligations based on the amount specified in each agreement. While distribution services are largely satisfied at the inception of an investment, the ultimate amounts of revenue are subject to the variable consideration constraint. Accordingly, a portion of distribution and service revenue will be recognized in periods subsequent to the satisfaction of the performance obligation.

Certain fund share classes only charge for distribution services at the inception of the investment based on a fixed percentage of the share price. This fixed price is allocated to the performance obligation, which is substantially satisfied at the time of the initial investment.

Recognition of distribution and service fee revenue under the updated guidance is consistent with our prior revenue recognition process.

When we enter into arrangements with broker-dealers or other third parties to sell or market proprietary fund shares, distribution and servicing expense is accrued for the amounts owed to third parties, including finders' fees and referral fees paid to unaffiliated broker-dealers or introducing parties and is recorded as Distribution and servicing expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Distribution and servicing expense also includes payments to third parties for certain shareholder administrative services and sub-advisory fees paid to unaffiliated asset managers.

Contract Costs and Deferred Sales Commissions
We incur ordinary costs to obtain investment management contracts and for services provided to customers in accordance with investment management agreements. These costs include commissions paid to wholesalers, employees and third-party broker dealers and administration and placement fees. Depending on the type of services provided, these fees may be paid at the time the contract is obtained or on an ongoing basis. Under the updated guidance, costs to obtain a contract should be capitalized if the costs are incremental and would not have been incurred if the contract had not been obtained, and costs to fulfill the contract should be capitalized if they relate directly to a contract, the costs will generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and the costs are expected to be recovered. Consistent with prior accounting procedures, fund launch costs, including organizational and underwriting costs, placement fees and commissions paid to employees, wholesalers and broker-dealers for sales of fund shares are expensed as incurred, as these costs would be incurred regardless of the investor. However, commissions paid to employees and retail wholesalers in connection with the sale of retail separate accounts are considered incremental, as these fees relate to obtaining a specific contract, are calculated based on specific rates and are recoverable through the management fees earned, and are therefore capitalized under the updated accounting guidance. Such commissions were expensed as incurred under our prior accounting

76

Table of Contents

practices. Capitalized sales commissions are amortized based on the transfer of services to which the assets relate, which averages four years.

Commissions we pay to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of certain classes of company-sponsored mutual funds are capitalized as deferred sales commissions. The asset is amortized over periods not exceeding six years, which represent the periods during which commissions are generally recovered from distribution and service fee revenues and from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") received from shareholders of those funds upon redemption of their shares. CDSC consideration is generally variable, and is based on the timing of when investors redeem their investment. Therefore, the variable consideration is included in the transaction price once the investors redeem their shares and is satisfied at a point in time. CDSC receipts are recorded as distribution and service fee revenue when received and a reduction of the unamortized balance of deferred sales commissions, with a corresponding expense. Under the updated accounting guidance, Legg Mason has elected to expense sales commissions related to certain share classes with amortization periods of one year or less as incurred.

Valuation of Financial Instruments
Effective April 1, 2018, we adopted accounting guidance on a prospective basis which requires equity investments to be measured at fair value, with changes recognized in earnings. This guidance does not apply to investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting or underlying investments of consolidated entities. The updated guidance also provides entities the option to elect to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value practical expedient at "adjusted cost". Under this adjusted cost method, which we have adopted, investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently adjusted (increased or decreased) when there is an observable transaction involving the same investment, or similar investment from the same issuer. Adjusted cost investment carrying values are also adjusted for impairments, if any.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Historically we have performed our annual goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets impairment tests as of December 31 each year, including as of December 31, 2017. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, we voluntarily changed the date of our annual impairment test from December 31 to October 31in order to better align the impairment testing process with existing long-term planning processes and earnings release timing. We do not believe the change in accounting principle related to the annual impairment testing date will delay, accelerate, or avoid an impairment charge relative to the test date. We have determined that this change in accounting principle is preferable under the circumstances. Since we have tested for impairment within the past 12 months, it has been determined that it is appropriate to prospectively apply the change in the current annual goodwill and indefinite-life intangible asset impairment testing.

Recent Accounting Developments
See discussion of Recent Accounting Developments in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


77


Item 3.        Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

During the six months ended September 30, 2018, there were no material changes to the information contained in Part II, Item 7A of Legg Mason’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

Item 4.        Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2018, Legg Mason's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of Legg Mason's disclosure controls and procedures. In evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, Legg Mason's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, concluded that Legg Mason's disclosure controls and procedures were effective on a reasonable assurances basis.  There have been no changes in Legg Mason's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Legg Mason's internal control over financial reporting.

78

Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

During the six months ended September 30, 2018, there were no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of Legg Mason's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.

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

The following table sets out information regarding our purchases of Legg Mason common stock in each month during the three months ended September 30, 2018:
Period
 
Total number
of shares
purchased (1)
 
Average price
paid per share (1)(2)
 
Total number of
shares purchased
as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
 
Approximate dollar value that may
yet be purchased
under the plans
or programs
July 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018
 
1,399

 
$
38.17

 

 
$

August 1, 2018 through August 31, 2018
 

 

 

 

September 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018
 
19

 
39.60

 

 

Total
 
1,418

 
$
38.19

 

 


(1)
Includes shares of vesting restricted stock, and shares received on vesting of restricted stock units, surrendered to Legg Mason to satisfy related income tax withholding obligations of employees via net share transactions.
(2)
Amounts exclude fees.

Item 6.        Exhibits
3.1
3.2
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
Financial statements from the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Legg Mason, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, filed on November 6, 2018, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements tagged in detail
* These exhibits are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.


79

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

LEGG MASON, INC.

DATE:
November 6, 2018
 
/s/ Joseph A. Sullivan
 
 
 
Joseph A. Sullivan
 
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer, and
 
 
 
Chairman of the Board
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATE:
November 6, 2018
 
/s/ Peter H. Nachtwey
 
 
 
Peter H. Nachtwey
 
 
 
Senior Executive Vice President
 
 
 
and Chief Financial Officer



80