10-Q 1 a05-15759_110q.htm 10-Q

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

ý

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2005

 

or

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from               to              

 

Commission file no. 1-8100

 

EATON VANCE CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

 

04-2718215

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

255 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

 

(617) 482-8260

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 ý   No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yesý  Noo

 

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

 

Shares outstanding as of July 31, 2005:

Voting Common Stock – 309,760 shares

Non-Voting Common Stock – 130,230,370 shares

 

 



 

Eaton Vance Corp.
Form 10-Q
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended July 31, 2005
Index

 

Required
Information

 

 

 

Page
Number
Reference

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part I

 

Financial Information

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

14

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

31

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II

 

Other Information

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

33

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

33

 

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

33

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

 

35

 

 

2



 

Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1.                       Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Eaton Vance Corp.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

 

 

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

125,479

 

$

147,137

 

Short-term investments

 

126,822

 

210,429

 

Investment adviser fees and other receivables

 

82,404

 

32,249

 

Other current assets

 

6,832

 

4,861

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

341,537

 

394,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred sales commissions

 

132,521

 

162,259

 

Goodwill

 

89,634

 

89,281

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

40,865

 

43,965

 

Long-term investments

 

51,448

 

36,895

 

Equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

12,677

 

12,413

 

Other assets

 

4,395

 

4,077

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other assets

 

331,540

 

348,890

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

673,077

 

$

743,566

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

 

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

(in thousands, except share figures)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued compensation

 

$

46,586

 

$

52,299

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

28,650

 

23,789

 

Dividend payable

 

10,431

 

10,660

 

Other current liabilities

 

7,674

 

7,451

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

93,341

 

94,199

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

75,184

 

74,347

 

Deferred income taxes

 

49,146

 

57,644

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

 

124,330

 

131,991

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

217,671

 

226,190

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

4,058

 

67,870

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $0.00390625 per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized, 1,280,000 shares
Issued, 309,760 shares

 

1

 

1

 

Non-voting common stock, par value $0.00390625 per share:

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized, 190,720,000 shares
Issued, 130,230,370 and 133,271,560 shares, respectively

 

509

 

521

 

Notes receivable from stock option exercises

 

(2,843

)

(2,718

)

Deferred compensation

 

(2,800

)

(2,400

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

2,876

 

1,854

 

Retained earnings

 

453,605

 

452,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

451,348

 

449,506

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

673,077

 

$

743,566

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

Eaton Vance Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share figures)

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment adviser and administration fees

 

$

127,768

 

$

105,489

 

$

368,047

 

$

300,401

 

Distribution and underwriter fees

 

35,238

 

35,585

 

104,107

 

115,098

 

Service fees

 

26,637

 

23,197

 

77,253

 

68,123

 

Other revenue

 

1,108

 

1,672

 

5,629

 

4,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

 

190,751

 

165,943

 

555,036

 

488,207

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation of officers and employees

 

44,676

 

37,676

 

130,794

 

111,968

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

15,694

 

19,919

 

50,641

 

62,551

 

Service fee expense

 

22,087

 

19,418

 

63,853

 

56,929

 

Distribution expense

 

25,775

 

21,120

 

71,888

 

59,594

 

Other expenses

 

14,610

 

12,412

 

45,642

 

35,489

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total expenses

 

122,842

 

110,545

 

362,818

 

326,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

67,909

 

55,398

 

192,218

 

161,676

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

1,030

 

826

 

2,796

 

2,275

 

Interest expense

 

(367

)

(1,315

)

(1,099

)

(4,330

)

Gain on investments

 

187

 

356

 

274

 

278

 

Foreign currency loss

 

(51

)

(15

)

(26

)

(62

)

Impairment loss on investments

 

 

 

(1,840

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes, minority interest and equity in net income of affiliates

 

68,708

 

55,250

 

192,323

 

159,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

27,115

 

19,495

 

71,879

 

56,380

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minority interest

 

1,128

 

1,096

 

3,736

 

3,224

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax

 

734

 

374

 

527

 

782

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

41,199

 

$

35,033

 

$

117,235

 

$

101,015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.75

 

Diluted

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.83

 

$

0.71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

130,887

 

134,423

 

132,177

 

135,442

 

Diluted

 

140,688

 

143,948

 

142,190

 

145,067

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

Eaton Vance Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

$

147,137

 

$

138,328

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

117,235

 

101,015

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment loss on investments

 

1,840

 

 

Gain on sale of investments

 

(43

)

(301

)

Equity in net income of affiliate

 

(845

)

(1,222

)

Dividend received from affiliate

 

875

 

438

 

Minority interest

 

3,736

 

3,224

 

Interest on long-term debt

 

963

 

1,578

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(10,095

)

29,851

 

Tax benefit of stock option exercises

 

3,241

 

1,054

 

Compensation related to restricted stock issuance

 

600

 

1,200

 

Depreciation and other amortization

 

5,383

 

4,960

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

50,636

 

62,551

 

Payment of capitalized sales commissions

 

(36,265

)

(52,433

)

Contingent deferred sales charges received

 

15,350

 

15,193

 

Proceeds from the sale of trading securities

 

88,760

 

19,038

 

Purchase of trading securities

 

(157,478

)

(71,118

)

Changes in other assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Investment adviser fees and other receivables

 

(50,903

)

(6,089

)

Other current assets

 

(963

)

(10,511

)

Other assets

 

1,138

 

657

 

Accrued compensation

 

(5,713

)

3,188

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

8,855

 

(433

)

Other current liabilities

 

223

 

(5,454

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

36,530

 

96,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to equipment and leasehold improvements

 

(2,547

)

(2,865

)

Net decrease in notes receivable from affiliates

 

(125

)

(15

)

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments

 

1,607

 

3,078

 

Purchase of available-for-sale investments

 

(16,866

)

(2,017

)

Purchase of minority members’ interest

 

(360

)

 

Purchase of management contracts

 

 

(800

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(18,291

)

(2,619

)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

Eaton Vance Corp.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facility debt issuance costs

 

(428

)

 

Repayment of debt

 

 

(7,143

)

Distributions to minority shareholders

 

(3,640

)

(2,536

)

Proceeds from issuance of non-voting common stock

 

16,109

 

9,428

 

Repurchase of non-voting common stock

 

(104,648

)

(67,932

)

Dividend paid

 

(31,817

)

(24,448

)

Proceeds from the issuance of mutual fund subsidiaries’ capital stock

 

151,500

 

60,988

 

Redemption of mutual fund subsidiaries’ capital stock

 

(66,891

)

(18,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(39,815

)

(49,643

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(82

)

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(21,658

)

44,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

125,479

 

$

182,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

136

 

$

1,872

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

77,981

 

$

37,807

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

7



 

Eaton Vance Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(1) Basis of Presentation

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Eaton Vance Corp. (“the Company”) include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  As a result, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K.

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

The number of shares used for purposes of calculating earnings per share and all other share and per share data have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective January 14, 2005.

 

(2) Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of Eaton Vance Corp. and its wholly and majority owned subsidiaries.  The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates in which the Company’s ownership ranges from 20 to 50 percent.  The Company consolidates all investments in affiliates in which the Company’s ownership exceeds 50 percent.  The Company provides for minority interests in consolidated companies for which the Company’s ownership is less than 100 percent.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

 

Effective April 1, 2005, the Company’s investment in one of two consolidated short-term income mutual funds dropped below 50 percent.  As a result, the Company adopted the equity method of accounting for this investment and deconsolidated the fund.  The decreases in short-term investments and minority interest can be attributed to the deconsolidation of the fund.  Deconsolidation of the fund had no effect on the net book value of the Company.

 

(3) Earnings Per Share

 

In October 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ratified the consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) regarding the effect of contingently convertible debt on diluted earnings per share. EITF 04-08 states that any shares of common stock that may be issued to settle contingently convertible securities must be considered issued in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, regardless of whether the market price trigger (or other contingent feature) has been met. The consensus requires the restatement of diluted earnings per share for all prior periods presented. The implementation of EITF 04-08, as indicated in the table below, reduced diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.01 in each period presented.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income and common shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

8



 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended

 

For the Nine
Months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

July 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net income – basic

 

$

41,199

 

$

35,033

 

$

117,235

 

$

101,015

 

Interest adjustment related to contingently convertible debt, net of tax

 

189

 

772

 

560

 

2,306

 

Net income – diluted

 

$

41,388

 

$

35,805

 

$

117,795

 

$

103,321

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

 

130,887

 

134,423

 

132,177

 

135,442

 

Incremental common shares from stock options and restricted stock awards

 

6,613

 

4,357

 

6,825

 

4,457

 

Incremental common shares related to contingently convertible debt

 

3,188

 

5,168

 

3,188

 

5,168

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

 

140,688

 

143,948

 

142,190

 

145,067

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.75

 

Diluted

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.83

 

$

0.71

 

 

The Company uses the treasury stock method to account for the dilutive effect of unexercised stock options and unvested restricted stock on diluted earnings per share. Antidilutive incremental common shares related to stock options excluded from the computation of earnings per share were 62,700 and 78,420 for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

(4) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

In the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the principals of Atlanta Capital Management, LLC (“Atlanta Capital”) exercised a put option whereby units representing a 0.4 percent ownership interest in Atlanta Capital were sold to the Company for $0.4 million.  Pursuant to the acquisition agreement, the purchase price was based on a multiple of earnings before taxes for the calendar year ended December 31, 2004.  As a result of the transaction, the Company’s ownership interest in Atlanta Capital increased to 70.4 percent on June 30, 2005 and the Company recorded goodwill of $0.4 million.

 

The following is a summary of other intangible assets at July 31, 2005:

 

July 31, 2005

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Weighted
average
amortization
period
(in years)

 

Gross
carrying
amount

 

Accumulated
amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortizing intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Client relationships acquired

 

15.6

 

$

49,986

 

$

10,432

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-amortizing intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mutual fund management contract acquired

 

 

1,311

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

$

51,297

 

$

10,432

 

 

9



 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $0.9 million relating to the loss of client relationships acquired by a majority-owned subsidiary in fiscal 2003.  The impairment loss was computed by comparing the net present value of projected client cash flows to the carrying value of the intangible asset at April 30, 2005.  The impairment loss is included in other expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the nine month period ended July 31, 2005.

 

(5) Investments

 

The following is a summary of investments at July 31, 2005:

 

(in thousands)

 

July 31,
2005

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term investments:

 

 

 

Short-term debt securities

 

$

10,121

 

Investment in affiliate

 

116,701

 

Total

 

$

126,822

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

Sponsored funds

 

$

31,403

 

Collateralized debt obligation entities

 

11,406

 

Investment in affiliates

 

7,720

 

Other investments

 

919

 

Total

 

$

51,448

 

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recognized a $1.8 million impairment loss related to its investment in one collateralized debt obligation entity. The impairment loss resulted from the effect of tightening credit spreads and higher than forecasted prepayment rates on the Company’s investment. The Company continues to earn a management fee on the underlying collateral pool.

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company deconsolidated one of two consolidated mutual funds and adopted the equity method of accounting for this investment. The deconsolidated fund is an open-end mutual fund that invests in short-term debt securities. As a result, the Company elected to classify this investment as a short-term investment for reporting purposes.  Deconsolidation of the fund had no effect on the net book value of the Company.

 

(6) Debt

 

The Company’s long-term debt balance at July 31, 2005 is comprised entirely of its 1.5% zero-coupon exchangeable senior notes due in 2031.

 

(7) Stock-Based Compensation Plans

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” encourages entities to use a fair value-based method in accounting for employee stock-based compensation plans but allows entities to apply the intrinsic value-based method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Entities that elect the intrinsic value-based method must disclose pro forma net income and earnings per share as if the fair value-based method had been applied for all awards in measuring compensation costs.

 

10



 

The Company continues to apply the intrinsic value method as described in APB No. 25. Had compensation cost for the Company’s stock-based compensation plans been determined consistent with the fair value method as described in SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income and earnings per share for the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2005 and 2004 would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts:

 

 

 

For the Three Months
Ended July 31,

 

For the Nine Months
Ended July 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share figures)

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income as reported

 

$

41,199

 

$

35,033

 

$

117,235

 

$

101,015

 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

 

126

 

256

 

378

 

768

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

(5,568

)

(4,826

)

(16,500

)

(14,135

)

Pro forma net income

 

$

35,757

 

$

30,463

 

$

101,113

 

$

87,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic – as reported

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.75

 

Basic – pro forma

 

$

0.27

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.76

 

$

0.65

 

Diluted – as reported

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

$

0.83

 

$

0.71

 

Diluted – pro forma

 

$

0.26

 

$

0.22

 

$

0.72

 

$

0.62

 

 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2005 and 2004, 45,546 and 171,330 shares, respectively, were issued pursuant to the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan.  Because these shares are contingently forfeitable, compensation expense is recorded over the forfeiture period.  The Company recorded compensation expense of $0.6 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

(8) Common Stock Repurchases

 

The Company’s current share repurchase authorization was announced on April 14, 2005.  The Board authorized management to repurchase 8.0 million shares of its non-voting common stock on the open market and in private transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The Company’s stock repurchase plan is not subject to an expiration date.

 

In the first nine months of fiscal 2005, the Company purchased approximately 2.7 million shares of its non-voting common stock under a previous share repurchase authorization and 1.6 million shares under the current share repurchase authorization. Approximately 6.4 million additional shares may be repurchased under the current authorization.

 

11



 

(9) Regulatory Requirements

 

Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and principal underwriter of the Eaton Vance Funds, is subject to the SEC Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital.  For purposes of this rule, EVD had net capital of $24.3 million, which exceeded its minimum net capital requirement of $1.3 million at July 31, 2005.  The ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital at July 31, 2005 was .78 to 1.

 

(10) Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 and 2004 consists of the following:

 

 

 

For the Nine months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Current:

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

73,537

 

$

24,463

 

State

 

8,437

 

2,066

 

Deferred:

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

(8,977

)

27,698

 

State

 

(1,118

)

2,153

 

Total

 

$

71,879

 

$

56,380

 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The significant components of deferred income taxes are as follows:

 

 

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital loss carryforward

 

$

2,711

 

$

2,844

 

Deferred rent

 

705

 

829

 

Differences between book and tax bases of investments

 

2,146

 

437

 

Differences between book and tax bases of accruals

 

2,262

 

2,011

 

Other

 

796

 

871

 

Total deferred tax asset

 

$

8,620

 

$

6,992

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred sales commissions

 

$

(44,961

)

$

(51,874

)

Accretion on zero-coupon exchangeable notes

 

(1,874

)

(3,746

)

Differences between book and tax bases of goodwill and intangibles

 

(7,325

)

(6,630

)

Differences between book and tax bases of property

 

(855

)

(1,231

)

Unrealized net holding gains on investments

 

(1,680

)

(1,092

)

Total deferred tax liability

 

$

(56,695

)

$

(64,573

)

Net deferred tax liability

 

$

(48,075

)

$

(57,581

)

 

12



 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflected on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at July 31, 2005 and October 31, 2004 are as follows:

 

 

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net current deferred tax asset

 

$

1,071

 

$

63

 

Net non-current deferred tax liability

 

(49,146

)

(57,644

)

Net deferred tax liability

 

$

(48,075

)

$

(57,581

)

 

The exercise of non-qualified stock options resulted in a reduction of taxes payable of approximately $3.2 million and $1.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Such benefit has been reflected in shareholders’ equity.

 

The Company’s policy for accounting for income taxes includes monitoring its business activities and tax policies to ensure that the Company is in compliance with federal, state and foreign tax laws.  In the ordinary course of business, various taxing authorities may not agree with, or the law may not be clear on, certain tax positions taken by the Company.  The Company periodically reviews these positions and provides for and adjusts as necessary estimated liabilities relating to uncertain tax positions as part of its overall tax provision.  During the quarter ended July 31, 2005, the Company increased its provision for income taxes by $1.9 million related to uncertain tax positions.

 

(11) Comprehensive Income

 

Total comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income, net of tax. The components of comprehensive income for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 

 

 

For the Nine months Ended

 

 

 

July 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net income

 

$

117,235

 

$

101,015

 

Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes of $619 and $143, respectively

 

1,074

 

266

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax (benefit) of ($30) and $28, respectively

 

(52

)

45

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

118,257

 

$

101,326

 

 

(12) Contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as engagement letters with advisors and consultants, information technology agreements, distribution agreements and service agreements. The Company has also agreed to indemnify its directors and certain of its officers and employees in accordance with the Company’s by-laws. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company’s liability and, therefore, it is not possible to estimate the Company’s potential liability under these indemnities. In certain cases, the Company has recourse against third parties with respect to these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.

 

13



 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings. In the opinion of management, after discussions with legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

 

(13) Recent Accounting Developments

 

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the consensus of the EITF regarding the recognition and measurement of other-than-temporary impairments of certain investments. The effective date of the recognition and measurement guidance in EITF 03-01 has been delayed until the implementation guidance provided by a FASB staff position on the issue has been finalized. The disclosure guidance was unaffected by the delay and is effective for fiscal years ending after June 15, 2004. The Company implemented the disclosure provisions of EITF 03-01 in its annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 and does not anticipate that the implementation of the recognition and measurement guidance, when released, will have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB revised SFAS No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123”), requiring public companies to recognize the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in their financial statements based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. The Company intends to apply the modified version of retrospective application for periods prior to the required effective date and will adjust results on a basis consistent with the pro forma disclosures previously made under SFAS No. 123. The revised statement is effective for the Company’s first fiscal quarter beginning November 1, 2005.  As described in footnote 7, had the Company implemented the provisions of SFAS No. 123 as revised for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 and 2004, diluted earnings per share would have been reduced to $0.72 and $0.62, respectively.

 

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

 

This Item includes statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding our expectations, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this Form 10-Q regarding our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements will prove to have been correct or that we will take any actions that may presently be planned. Certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in the “Competitive Conditions and Risk Factors” section of this Form 10-Q. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by such factors.

 

General

 

The Company’s principal business is creating, marketing and managing investment companies (open-end and closed-end “funds”) and providing investment management and counseling services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. The Company’s long-term strategy is to develop value-added core competencies in a range of investment disciplines and to offer industry-leading investment products and services across multiple distribution channels. In executing this strategy, the Company has developed a broadly diversified product line and a powerful marketing, distribution and customer service capability.

 

14



 

The Company is a market leader in a number of investment areas, including tax-managed equity, value equity, equity income, floating-rate bank loan, municipal bond and high-yield bond investing. The diversified offerings of Eaton Vance and its affiliates offer fund shareholders, retail managed account investors, institutional investors and private investment counsel clients a wide range of products and services designed and managed to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns over the long-term.

 

The Company’s marketing strategy is to distribute retail products (including funds and retail managed accounts) primarily through financial intermediaries in the advice channel. The Company has a broad reach in this marketplace, with distribution partners including national wirehouses, regional broker/dealers, independent broker/dealers, independent financial advisory firms, banks and insurance companies. Eaton Vance supports these distribution partners with a team of more than 146 regional and Boston-based representatives who are dedicated to meeting the needs of the Company’s partners and clients across the country. Specialized sales and marketing teams provide the increasingly sophisticated information required for distributing privately placed funds, retail managed accounts, retirement products and charitable giving vehicles.

 

The Company is also committed to a strategy of expanding distribution to reach institutional and high-net-worth clients who access investment advice outside of traditional retail broker/dealer channels. The Company and its subsidiaries, including Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC (“Atlanta Capital”), Fox Asset Management LLC (“Fox Asset Management”) and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (“Parametric”), serve a broad range of clients in the institutional marketplace, including Taft-Hartley plans, foundations, endowments and defined benefit and contribution plans for individuals, corporations and municipalities. Specialized sales teams at each of the Company’s affiliates focus exclusively on developing relationships in this market and deal directly with these clients, often on the basis of independent referrals.

 

The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from investment adviser, administration, distribution and service fees received from the Eaton Vance funds and investment adviser fees received from separate accounts. Fees paid to the Company are based primarily on the value of the investment portfolios managed by the Company and fluctuate with changes in the total value of the assets under management. Such fees are recognized over the period that the Company manages these assets. The Company’s major expenses are employee compensation, the amortization of deferred sales commissions and distribution-related expenses.

 

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to investments, deferred sales commissions, intangible assets, income taxes and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

Assets Under Management

 

Assets under management of $106.0 billion on July 31, 2005 were $16.6 billion or 19 percent higher than the $89.4 billion reported a year earlier. Long-term fund net inflows contributed $7.8 billion to ending assets under management over the last twelve month period, including $3.5 billion of open-end and other

 

15



 

fund net inflows and $4.3 billion of successful closed-end fund offerings (including common and preferred shares). Separate account net inflows contributed $1.1 billion, reflecting $1.4 billion of retail managed account net inflows offset by $0.3 billion of institutional and high-net-worth net outflows. Market price appreciation, reflecting recovering equity markets, contributed $7.7 billion to the increase in assets under management.

 

Ending Assets Under Management by Investment Objective

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

(in billions)

 

2005

 

2004

 

% Change

 

Equity assets

 

$

64.6

 

$

53.4

 

21%

 

Fixed income assets

 

22.7

 

21.2

 

7%

 

Floating-rate bank loan assets

 

18.7

 

14.8

 

26%

 

Total

 

$

106.0

 

$

89.4

 

19%

 

 

Equity assets represented 61 percent of total assets under management at July 31, 2005, up from 60 percent at July 31, 2004. Equity funds managed for tax efficiency totaled $33.3 billion and $28.2 billion at July 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Fixed income assets, including money market funds, represented 21 percent of total assets under management at July 31, 2005, down from 24 percent at July 31, 2004. Fixed income assets included $11.5 billion and $10.4 billion of tax-exempt municipal bond funds at July 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Floating-rate bank loan assets represented 18 percent of total assets under management at July 31, 2005, up from 16 percent at July 31, 2004. The shift in asset mix from fixed income to equity and floating-rate bank loan reflects investor response to continued improvements in the equity markets and the rise in short-term interest rates.

 

Long-Term Fund and Separate Account Net Flows

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
July 31,

 

 

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
July 31,

 

 

 

(in billions)

 

2005

 

2004

 

% Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term funds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closed-end funds

 

$

1.1

 

$

0.8

 

37%

 

$

3.1

 

$

5.1

 

-39%

 

Open-end and other funds

 

0.7

 

1.6

 

-56%

 

2.4

 

3.7

 

-35%

 

Total long-term fund net inflows

 

1.8

 

2.4

 

-25%

 

5.5

 

8.8

 

-37%

 

Institutional/HNW(1)  accounts

 

0.2

 

 

NM

(2)

(0.9

)

1.1

 

-182%

 

Retail managed accounts

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

33%

 

1.2

 

0.7

 

71%

 

Total separate account net inflows

 

0.6

 

0.3

 

100%

 

0.3

 

1.8

 

-83%

 

Total net inflows

 

$

2.4

 

$

2.7

 

-11%

 

$

5.8

 

$

10.6

 

-45%

 

 


(1) High-net-worth (“HNW”)

(2) Not meaningful (“NM”)

 

Long-term fund net inflows decreased to $1.8 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from $2.4 billion in the same period last year due primarily to lower sales and higher redemptions in the Company’s retail bank loan funds. Closed-end fund offerings contributed significantly to net inflows in both periods, with $1.1 billion in closed-end fund assets added in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and $0.8 billion added in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Open-end and other long-term fund net inflows of $0.7 billion and $1.6

 

16



 

billion for the third quarters of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively, reflect gross inflows of $3.7 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively, net of redemptions of $2.6 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively. Long-term fund redemptions were 13 percent of average long-term fund assets under management in both the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and 2004. The industry average, by comparison, exceeded 20 percent of average long-term fund assets under management for each of the last two years.

 

The Company experienced net inflows of separate account assets under management (including retail managed accounts) of $0.6 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to net inflows of $0.3 billion in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Retail managed account net flows were positive for both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, increasing to $0.4 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, compared to $0.3 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively for the same periods a year ago. Institutional and high-net-worth net inflows improved in the third quarter of fiscal 2005, totaling $0.2 billion compared to no net flows in the same period a year ago. Net outflows of institutional and high-net-worth accounts experienced by the Company in the last two quarters of fiscal 2004 and the first two quarters of fiscal 2005 reflect client withdrawals due to management turnover at Fox Asset Management and institutional net outflows at Atlanta Capital associated with one large public fund client that expanded its stable of growth managers and reallocated a significant portion of its assets.

 

The following table summarizes the asset flows by investment objective for the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

(The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.)

 

17



 

Asset Flows by Investment Objective

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

(in billions)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity fund assets – beginning

 

$

39.1

 

$

34.5

 

13%

 

$

36.9

 

$

28.9

 

28%

 

Sales/inflows

 

2.6

 

1.5

 

73%

 

6.4

 

7.2

 

-11%

 

Redemptions/outflows

 

(1.0

)

(0.9

)

11%

 

(3.2

)

(2.4

)

33%

 

Exchanges

 

 

 

NM

 

 

 

NM

 

Market value change

 

2.8

 

(0.1

)

NM

 

3.4

 

1.3

 

162%

 

Equity fund assets – ending

 

43.5

 

35.0

 

24%

 

43.5

 

35.0

 

24%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income fund assets – beginning

 

18.0

 

17.7

 

2%

 

17.6

 

17.8

 

-1%

 

Sales/inflows

 

0.8

 

0.4

 

100%

 

2.7

 

1.8

 

50%

 

Redemptions/outflows

 

(0.5

)

(0.7

)

-29%

 

(1.8

)

(1.9

)

-5%

 

Exchanges

 

 

(0.1

)

-100%

 

 

(0.3

)

-100%

 

Market value change

 

0.2

 

(0.2

)

-200%

 

 

(0.3

)

-100%

 

Fixed income fund assets – ending

 

18.5

 

17.1

 

8%

 

18.5

 

17.1

 

8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Floating-rate bank loan fund assets – beginning

 

16.4

 

11.8

 

39%

 

15.0

 

9.5

 

58%

 

Sales/inflows

 

0.9

 

2.6

 

-65%

 

3.8

 

5.8

 

-34%

 

Redemptions/outflows

 

(0.9

)

(0.5

)

80%

 

(2.4

)

(1.6

)

50%

 

Exchanges

 

 

 

NM

 

 

0.2

 

-100%

 

Market value change

 

 

(0.1

)

-100%

 

 

(0.1

)

-100%

 

Floating-rate bank loan fund assets – ending

 

16.4

 

13.8

 

19%

 

16.4

 

13.8

 

19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term fund assets – beginning

 

73.5

 

64.0

 

15%

 

69.5

 

56.2

 

24%

 

Sales/inflows

 

4.3

 

4.5

 

-4%

 

12.9

 

14.8

 

-13%

 

Redemptions/outflows

 

(2.4

)

(2.1

)

14%

 

(7.4

)

(5.9

)

25%

 

Exchanges

 

 

(0.1

)

-100%

 

 

(0.1

)

-100%

 

Market value change

 

3.0

 

(0.4

)

NM

 

3.4

 

0.9

 

278%

 

Total long-term fund assets – ending

 

78.4

 

65.9

 

19%

 

78.4

 

65.9

 

19%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Separate account assets – beginning

 

25.0

 

20.7

 

21%

 

24.5

 

18.4

 

33%

 

Inflows – HNW and institutional

 

0.6

 

0.6

 

0%

 

2.1

 

2.5

 

-16%

 

Outflows – HNW and institutional

 

(0.4

)

(0.6

)

-33%

 

(3.0

)

(1.4

)

114%

 

Assets acquired – HNW and institutional

 

 

2.0

 

-100%

 

 

2.0

 

-100%

 

Inflows – retail managed account

 

0.7

 

0.5

 

40%

 

2.4

 

1.5

 

60%

 

Outflows – retail managed account

 

(0.3

)

(0.2

)

50%

 

(1.2

)

(0.8

)

50%

 

Market value change

 

1.7

 

0.1

 

NM

 

2.5

 

0.9

 

178%

 

Separate account assets – ending

 

27.3

 

23.1

 

18%

 

27.3

 

23.1

 

18%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market fund assets – ending

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

-25%

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

-25%

 

Assets under management – ending

 

$

106.0

 

$

89.4

 

19%

 

$

106.0

 

$

89.4

 

19%

 

 

18



 

Ending Assets Under Management by Asset Class

 

 

 

July 31,

 

 

 

(in billions)

 

2005

 

2004

 

% Change

 

Class A (1)

 

$

18.2

 

$

14.4

 

26%

 

Class B (2)

 

8.1

 

8.8

 

-8%

 

Class C (3)

 

7.5

 

6.9

 

9%

 

Class I (4)

 

2.5

 

1.7

 

47%

 

Private funds (5)

 

20.4

 

18.2

 

12%

 

Closed-end funds

 

19.5

 

14.2

 

37%

 

Other

 

2.5

 

2.1

 

19%

 

Total fund assets

 

78.7

 

66.3

 

19%

 

HNW and institutional account assets

 

20.6

 

18.6

 

11%

 

Retail managed account assets

 

6.7

 

4.5

 

49%

 

Total separate account assets

 

27.3

 

23.1

 

18%

 

Total

 

$

106.0

 

$

89.4

 

19%

 

 


(1)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Advisers Senior Floating-Rate Fund, an interval fund.

(2)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Prime Rate Reserves, an interval fund.

(3)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Classic Senior Floating-Rate Fund, an interval fund.

(4)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Institutional Senior Floating-Rate Fund, an interval fund.

(5)   Share class includes privately offered funds and collateralized debt obligation entities.

 

The Company currently sells its sponsored mutual funds under four primary pricing structures: front-end load commission (“Class A”); spread-load commission (“Class B”); level-load commission (“Class C”); and institutional no-load (“Class I”). The Company waives the sales load on Class A shares when sold under a fee-based broker/dealer program. In such cases, the shares are sold at net asset value. The private fund asset category includes both private funds and collateralized debt obligation entities.

 

Fund assets represented 74 percent of total assets under management at both July 31, 2005 and 2004, while separate account assets represented 26 percent of total assets under management at July 31, 2005 and 2004. Class A share assets increased to 17 percent of total assets under management at July 31, 2005 from 16 percent of total assets under management at July 31, 2004, while Class B shares dropped to 8 percent from 10 percent of total assets under management over the same time period. The shift from Class B share assets to Class A share assets reflects the overall increasing popularity of Class A shares in the industry and the declining popularity of Class B shares as an asset class. Private funds and closed-end funds increased to 38 percent of the Company’s total assets under management at July 31, 2005 from 36 percent at July 31, 2004.

 

The shift in asset mix experienced by the Company over the last twelve month period impacted the Company’s revenue and expense structure. The decline in Class B share sales and assets resulted in a reduction in both distribution income (distribution plan payments received) and amortization of deferred sales commissions. As a result of the decline in distribution plan payments received, the Company’s effective fee rate, defined as total revenue as a percentage of average assets under management, declined from 76 basis points in the third quarter of fiscal 2004 to 75 basis points in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The decrease in distribution plan payments was largely offset by a 21 percent decrease in the amortization of deferred sales commissions over the same period. The Company’s operating margin increased to 36 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 33 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

19



 

  Average Assets Under Management by Asset Class

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

(in billions)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

Class A (1)

 

$

17.5

 

$

14.2

 

23%

 

$

16.7

 

$

11.3

 

48%

 

Class B (2)

 

8.1

 

9.0

 

-10%

 

8.4

 

11.3

 

-26%

 

Class C (3)

 

7.4

 

6.9

 

7%

 

7.3

 

6.6

 

11%

 

Class I (4)

 

2.5

 

1.6

 

56%

 

2.3

 

1.3

 

77%

 

Private funds (5)

 

19.8

 

18.1

 

9%

 

19.6

 

17.9

 

9%

 

Closed-end funds

 

18.6

 

13.7

 

36%

 

17.4

 

12.2

 

43%

 

Other

 

2.2

 

2.0

 

10%

 

2.3

 

2.2

 

5%

 

Total fund assets

 

76.1

 

65.5

 

16%

 

74.0

 

62.8

 

18%

 

HNW and institutional account assets

 

19.8

 

17.2

 

15%

 

19.7

 

16.4

 

20%

 

Retail managed account assets

 

6.4

 

4.5

 

42%

 

5.8

 

4.2

 

38%

 

Total separate account assets

 

26.2

 

21.7

 

21%

 

25.5

 

20.6

 

24%

 

Total

 

$

102.3

 

$

87.2

 

17%

 

$

99.5

 

$

83.4

 

19%

 

 


(1)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Advisers Senior Floating-Rate Fund, an interval fund.

(2)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Prime Rate Reserves, an interval fund.

(3)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Classic Senior Floating-Rate Fund, an interval fund.

(4)   Share class includes Eaton Vance Institutional Senior Floating-Rate Fund, an interval fund.

(5)   Share class includes privately offered funds and collateralized debt obligation entities.

 

The average assets under management presented in the table above represent a monthly average by asset class. This table is intended to provide useful information in the analysis of the Company’s revenue and asset-based distribution expenses. With the exception of the Company’s separate account investment adviser fees, which are generally calculated as a percentage of either beginning or ending quarterly assets, the Company’s investment adviser, administration, distribution and service fees are calculated primarily as a percentage of average daily assets.

 

Results of Operations

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

41,199

 

$

35,033

 

18%

 

$

117,235

 

$

101,015

 

16%

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.26

 

23%

 

$

0.89

 

$

0.75

 

19%

 

Diluted

 

$

0.29

 

$

0.25

 

16%

 

$

0.83

 

$

0.71

 

17%

 

Operating margin

 

36%

 

33%

 

NM

 

35%

 

33%

 

NM

 

 

Net income increased by 18 percent and 16 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago. The increases noted in both third quarter and first nine month net income can be primarily attributed to a 17 percent increase in average assets under management in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and a 19 percent increase in average assets under

 

20



 

management in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 over the same periods a year ago. Financial results for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 reflect the recognition of a $1.8 million impairment loss on the Company’s investment in one collateralized debt obligation entity.

 

Revenue

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investment adviser and administration fees

 

$

127,768

 

$

105,489

 

21%

 

$

368,047

 

$

300,401

 

23%

 

Distribution and underwriter fees

 

35,238

 

35,585

 

-1%

 

104,107

 

115,098

 

-10%

 

Service fees

 

26,637

 

23,197

 

15%

 

77,253

 

68,123

 

13%

 

Other revenue

 

1,108

 

1,672

 

-34%

 

5,629

 

4,585

 

23%

 

Total

 

$

190,751

 

$

165,943

 

15%

 

$

555,036

 

$

488,207

 

14%

 

 

The Company’s effective fee rate (total revenue as a percentage of average assets under management) decreased to 75 basis points in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 76 basis points in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, largely as a result of the change in the Company’s long-term fund asset mix. As Class B shares have decreased as a percentage of total long-term fund assets under management, distribution and underwriter fees have decreased in both absolute dollars and as a percentage of total revenue. Distribution and underwriter fees as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 18 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 21 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The decline in the Company’s effective fee rate was offset in part by a reduction in deferred sales commission amortization expense as deferred sales commissions paid on Class B share sales also declined with the change in asset mix.

 

Investment adviser and administration fees

 

Investment adviser and administration fees are generally calculated under contractual agreements with the Company’s sponsored funds and separate accounts and are based upon a percentage of the market value of assets under management. Changes in the market value of managed assets affect the amount of investment adviser and administration fees earned, while shifts in asset mix affect the Company’s effective fee rate.

 

The increase in investment adviser and administration fees of 21 percent and 23 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago can be attributed to an increase in average assets under management and the shift in asset mix from fixed income to equity and floating-rate bank loan. Average assets under management increased by 17 percent and 19 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago.

 

Distribution and underwriter fees

 

Distribution plan payments, which are made under contractual agreements with the Company’s sponsored funds, are calculated as a percentage of average assets under management in specific share classes of the Company’s mutual funds (principally Class B and Class C, as well as certain private funds). These fees fluctuate with both the level of average assets under management and the relative mix of assets between share classes. Underwriter commissions are earned on the sale of shares of the Company’s sponsored funds on which investors pay a sales charge at the time of purchase (Class A share

 

21



 

sales). Sales charges, and therefore underwriter commissions, are waived or reduced on sales to shareholders or intermediaries that exceed specified minimum amounts and waived on shares that are purchased as part of a fee-based account. Underwriter commissions fluctuate with both the level of Class A share sales and the mix of Class A shares offered with and without sales charges.

 

Distribution and underwriter fees decreased by 1 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and by 10 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 over the same periods a year ago, primarily reflecting a decrease in Class B share assets under management. As noted in the table “Ending Assets Under Management by Asset Class,” ending Class B share assets under management declined 8 percent year-over-year principally as a result of net redemptions in the asset class over the last twelve months.

 

Service fees

 

Service plan payments, which are made under contractual agreements with the Company’s sponsored funds, are calculated as a percent of average assets under management in specific share classes of the Company’s mutual funds (principally Classes A, B and C) as well as certain private funds. Service fees represent payments made by sponsored funds to the principal underwriter (Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Management) for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts.

 

Service fees increased by 15 percent and 13 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago, primarily reflecting an increase in average Class A, B, C and private fund assets under management that are subject to service fees.

 

Other revenue

 

Other revenue declined by 34 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 over the same period a year ago, primarily reflecting the deconsolidation of one of two majority-owned investment companies consolidated by the Company. The Company consolidated each fund at the point in time at which the Company’s investment in the fund exceeded 50 percent of the total net asset value of the fund. In April 2005, the Company deconsolidated the larger of the two funds when the Company’s investment dropped below 50 percent of the total net asset value of the fund. Effective April 1, 2005, the Company’s investment in the deconsolidated fund was accounted for under the equity method. Other revenue includes $2.0 million of investment income related to the deconsolidated fund for the nine months ended July 31, 2005.

 

Expenses

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation of officers and employees

 

$

44,676

 

$

37,676

 

19%

 

$

130,794

 

$

111,968

 

17%

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

15,694

 

19,919

 

-21%

 

50,641

 

62,551

 

-19%

 

Service fee expense

 

22,087

 

19,418

 

14%

 

63,853

 

56,929

 

12%

 

Distribution expense

 

25,775

 

21,120

 

22%

 

71,888

 

59,594

 

21%

 

Other expenses

 

14,610

 

12,412

 

18%

 

45,642

 

35,489

 

29%

 

Total

 

$

122,842

 

$

110,545

 

11%

 

$

362,818

 

$

326,531

 

11%

 

 

22



 

Compensation of officers and employees

 

Compensation expense increased by 19 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 over a year ago, principally due to a 9 percent increase in headcount, higher operating income-based employee bonus accruals, higher marketing incentives associated with the Company’s separately managed account business, and higher marketing incentives associated with the increase in long-term fund sales.

 

Compensation expense increased by 17 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 over a year ago, principally due to a 9 percent increase in headcount, higher operating income-based employee bonus accruals and higher marketing incentives associated with the Company’s separately managed account business.

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions

 

Amortization of deferred sales commissions decreased by 21 percent and 19 percent in the three and nine month periods ending July 31, 2005 over the same periods a year ago.  Amortization expense is affected by ongoing sales and redemptions of mutual fund Class B shares, Class C shares and certain private funds. Class B, Class C and private fund sales decreased in both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to the same periods a year ago. A continuing shift from Class B sales to Class A sales over time will likely result in a further reduction in amortization expense.

 

Service fee expense

 

Service fees the Company receives from sponsored funds are generally retained by the Company in the first year and paid to broker/dealers after the first year pursuant to third-party service arrangements.  These fees are calculated as a percent of average assets under management in specific share classes of the Company’s mutual funds (principally Classes A, B and C) as well as certain private funds. Service fee expense increased by 14 percent and 12 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago, reflecting increases in average long-term fund assets retained more than one year that are subject to service fees.

 

Distribution expense

 

Distribution expense consists primarily of payments made to distribution partners pursuant to third-party distribution arrangements (calculated as a percentage of average Class C share and closed-end fund assets under management), commissions paid to broker/dealers on the sale of Class A shares at net asset value and other marketing expenses, including marketing expenses associated with revenue sharing arrangements with the Company’s distribution partners.  Distribution expense increased by 22 percent and 21 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago, largely as a result of increases in average closed-end fund and other assets under management subject to third-party distribution arrangements.

 

Other expenses

 

Other expenses consist primarily of travel, facilities, information technology, consulting, fund expenses assumed by the Company, communications and other corporate expenses, including the amortization of intangible assets.

 

Other expenses increased by 18 percent and 29 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago, primarily reflecting increases in fund-related expenses and the amortization of intangible assets. The increase in fund-related expenses in both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005 can be attributed to costs borne by the Company to support product development prior to new product launch and payments made to external investment advisors for subadvisory services provided. The increase in the amortization of intangible assets in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 over the same period a year ago can be attributed to a $0.9 million impairment loss

 

23



 

recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 relating to management contracts acquired by a majority-owned subsidiary in fiscal 2003.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

 

 

For the Three
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

For the Nine
Months Ended
July 31,

 

%

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

2005

 

2004

 

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

$

1,030

 

$

826

 

25%

 

$

2,796

 

$

2,275

 

23%

 

Interest expense

 

(367

)

(1,315

)

-72%

 

(1,099

)

(4,330

)

-75%

 

Gain on investments

 

187

 

356

 

-47%

 

274

 

278

 

-1%

 

Foreign currency loss

 

(51

)

(15

)

NM

 

(26

)

(62

)

NM

 

Impairment loss on investments

 

 

 

NM

 

(1,840

)

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

799

 

$

(148

)

NM

 

$

105

 

$

(1,839

)

NM

 

 

Interest income increased by 25 percent and 23 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, over the same periods a year ago, primarily due to an increase in short-term interest rates offset by a decrease in interest income earned on the Company’s minority equity investments in three collateralized debt obligation entities.

 

Investment income earned on investments classified as available-for-sale is included in interest income. Interest and dividend income earned by the Company’s consolidated funds, which invest in short-term debt instruments, is recorded in other revenue. Effective April 1, 2005, the Company deconsolidated one of two consolidated funds and adopted the equity method of accounting for this investment. Investment income earned by the deconsolidated fund is included in equity in net income of affiliates for the three months ended July 31, 2005.

 

Interest expense decreased by 72 percent and 75 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005, respectively, primarily reflecting a decrease in average long-term debt balances. The decrease in average long-term debt balances is attributed to the retirement of Eaton Vance Management’s (“EVM’s”) 6.22 percent senior notes in March 2004 and the repurchase of $46.0 million of EVM’s zero-coupon exchangeable senior notes in August 2004.

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recognized a $1.8 million impairment loss related to its investment in one collateralized debt obligation entity. The impairment loss resulted from the effect of tightening credit spreads and higher than forecasted prepayment rates on the Company’s investment. The Company continues to earn a management fee on the underlying collateral pool.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company’s effective tax rate (income taxes as a percentage of income before minority interest, equity in net income of affiliates and income taxes) increased to 39 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 from 35 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company’s policy for accounting for income taxes includes monitoring its business activities and tax policies to ensure that the Company is in compliance with federal, state, and foreign tax laws.  In the ordinary course of business, various taxing authorities may not agree with, or the law may not be clear on, certain tax positions taken by the Company.  The Company periodically reviews these positions and provides for and adjusts as necessary

 

24



 

estimated liabilities relating to uncertain tax positions as part of its overall tax provision.  During the quarter ended July 31, 2005, the Company increased its provision for income taxes by $1.9 million related to uncertain tax positions.

 

Equity in Net Income of Affiliates, Net of Tax

 

Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax, increased by 96 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 in comparison with the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to the adoption of the equity method of accounting for a previously consolidated mutual fund effective April 1, 2005.  Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax, decreased by 33 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 in comparison with the same period a year ago, largely as a result of calendar year-end bonuses paid and expensed by an affiliate in December 2004.

 

Minority Interest

 

Minority interest increased by 3 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 over the same period a year ago and by 16 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 over the same period a year ago due to the increased profitability of two of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries, Atlanta Capital and Parametric. Minority interest is not tax-effected due to the underlying tax status of the Company’s majority-owned subsidiaries. Atlanta Capital, Fox Asset Management and Parametric are limited liability companies that are treated as partnerships for tax purposes.

 

Changes in Financial Condition and Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The following table summarizes certain key financial data relating to the Company’s liquidity and capital resources as of July 31, 2005 and October 31, 2004:

 

 

 

July 31,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

% Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance sheet data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

125,479

 

$

147,137

 

-15%

 

Short-term investments

 

126,822

 

210,429

 

-40%

 

Long-term investments

 

51,448

 

36,895

 

39%

 

Deferred sales commissions

 

132,521

 

162,259

 

-18%

 

Long-term debt

 

75,184

 

74,347

 

1%

 

Deferred income taxes

 

49,146

 

57,644

 

-15%

 

 

 

 

For the Nine months Ended
July 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow data:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating cash flows

 

$

36,530

 

$

96,386

 

Investing cash flows

 

(18,291

)

(2,619

)

Financing cash flows

 

(39,815

)

(49,643

)

 

25



 

The Company’s financial condition is highly liquid, with a significant percentage of the Company’s assets represented by cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Short-term investments consist principally of investments in the Company’s sponsored money market mutual funds.  The decrease in short-term investments can be attributed to the deconsolidation of the larger of two majority-owned mutual funds in April of 2005. The Company’s investment in this previously consolidated fund remains in short-term investments and is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Long-term investments consist principally of seed investments in certain of the Company’s other sponsored mutual funds and minority equity investments in collateralized debt obligation entities.

 

Deferred sales commissions paid to broker/dealers in connection with the distribution of the Company’s Class B and Class C fund shares, as well as certain private funds, decreased by 18 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2005, primarily reflecting a decrease in Class B share fund sales and assets over the last two fiscal years. Deferred income taxes, which relate primarily to deferred sales commissions, also decreased by 15 percent in the first nine months of fiscal 2005.

 

The following table details the Company’s future contractual obligations under its operating lease arrangements:

 

Contractual Obligation

 

 

 

Payments Due

 

(in millions)

 

Total

 

Less than 1
year

 

1-3
years

 

4-5
years

 

After 5
years

 

Operating leases

 

$

30.9

 

$

7.6

 

$

14.8

 

$

6.1

 

$

2.4

 

 

Excluded from the table above are any future payments to be made by the Company to purchase the minority interests retained by the sellers of Atlanta Capital, Fox Asset Management and Parametric at the time of acquisition. The Company’s acquisition agreements provide the minority owners the right to require the Company to purchase these retained equity interests at specific intervals over time. These agreements also provide the Company with the right to require the principals to sell their retained equity interests to the Company at specific intervals over time, as well as upon certain events such as death and permanent disability. These purchases and/or sales will occur at varying times at varying amounts over the next 11 years and will be based upon a multiple of earnings before interest and taxes, a measure which is intended to represent fair market value. The timing and amounts of these purchases cannot be predicted with certainty. However, the Company anticipates that the purchase of the remaining minority interests in its majority-owned subsidiaries may be a significant use of operating cash in the future.

 

Also excluded from the table above are EVM’s zero-coupon exchangeable senior notes (“Notes”). On August 13, 2001, EVM issued the Notes at a principal amount of $314.0 million due August 13, 2031, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $195.5 million. The discounted price reflects a yield to maturity of 1.5 percent per year. Upon certain events, each Note is exchangeable into 28.7314 shares of the Company’s non-voting common stock, subject to adjustment. EVM may redeem the Notes for cash on or after August 13, 2006, at their accreted value of $76.4 million. At the option of Note holders, EVM may be required to repurchase the Notes at their accreted value on August 13, 2006 and at five-year intervals thereafter until maturity. EVM may also be required to repurchase the Notes at their accreted value if the credit rating of the Notes is decreased by three or more rating subcategories below its initial rating by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s. Such repurchases can be paid in cash, shares of the Company’s non-voting common stock, or a combination of both, as elected by the Company.

 

Note holders also have the right to surrender their Notes for exchange into shares of the Company’s non-voting common stock in any fiscal quarter if, as of the last day of the preceding fiscal quarter, the closing sales price of Eaton Vance Corp.’s non-voting common stock for at least 20 of the last 30 consecutive

 

26



 

trading days is more than a specified percentage of the accreted exchange price per share on that date. On July 31, 2005, the contingent conversion price for the Company’s non-voting common stock was $27.93. EVM has the right to settle the exchange in cash, shares of the Company’s non-voting common stock, or a combination of both. In the event that the requirements for exchange are met, shareholders elect to execute the exchange and EVM elects to settle the exchange in cash, EVM will recognize a charge to interest expense equal to the difference between the accreted value of the debt and the market value of the non-voting common stock on that date. On July 31, 2005, 110,945 Notes remained outstanding.

 

On December 21, 2004, the Company executed a new revolving credit facility with several banks. The facility, which expires December 21, 2009, provides that the Company may borrow up to $180 million at LIBOR-based rates of interest that vary depending on the level of usage of the facility and credit ratings of the Notes. The agreement contains financial covenants with respect to leverage and interest coverage and requires the Company to pay an annual commitment fee on any unused portion.  The Company had no borrowings under the agreement at July 31, 2005.

 

Operating Cash Flows

 

Operating cash flows consist primarily of the operating results of the Company adjusted to reflect changes in current assets and liabilities, deferred sales commissions, deferred income taxes and investments classified as trading. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $36.5 million and $96.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities can be attributed to a change in the timing of advisory, administration, distribution and service fee payments made by the custodian of the Company’s funds. Prior to July 31, 2005, the custodian made all fee payments on the last business day of the month. Effective July 31, 2005, the custodian pays all fees on the third business day of the following month. As a result, investment adviser fees and other receivables increased at July 31, 2005 and cash and cash equivalents decreased in comparison with the Company’s balance sheet at the end of the last fiscal year. The decrease in operating cash flows can also be attributed to a decrease in cash provided by the purchase and sale of trading securities by the Company’s two consolidated short-term income funds in the first nine months of the fiscal year, which regularly purchase and sell short-term debt instruments. Net cash used in the purchase and sale of trading securities totaled $68.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Net cash used in the purchase and sale of trading securities totaled $52.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004.

 

Capitalized sales commissions paid to financial intermediaries for the distribution of the Company’s Class B and Class C fund shares, as well as certain of the Company’s private funds, decreased by $16.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 over the same period a year ago, primarily due to a decrease in Class B share sales. Although the Company anticipates that the payment of capitalized sales commissions will continue to be a significant use of cash in the future, the payment of sales commissions will likely continue to decline if sales of Class B shares continue to decline. The amortization of deferred sales commissions and contingent deferred sales charges received will likely be similarly affected.

 

Deferred income taxes reduced operating cash flows by $10.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to a contribution of $29.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, primarily as a result of the change in the tax treatment of deferred sales commissions in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. In January 2004, the Internal Revenue Service issued a new regulation that changed the tax treatment of deferred sales commissions recoverable pursuant to Rule 12b-1 plans. The new tax regulation, which allows for the immediate deduction of these commissions when paid, was applied prospectively to such commissions paid in fiscal 2004 and retroactively to such commissions paid during fiscal years 2003 and 2002. Unamortized balances relating to fiscal years 2003 and 2002 were deducted for tax purposes in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The change in tax accounting had no impact on the Company’s effective tax rate.

 

27



 

Investing Cash Flows

 

Investing activities consist primarily of additions to equipment and leasehold improvements and the purchase and sale of investments in the Company’s sponsored mutual funds. Cash used for investing activities totaled $18.3 million and $2.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively. The year-over-year increase in cash used for investing activities reflects the Company’s investment in certain sponsored funds in fiscal 2005.

 

Financing Cash Flows

 

Financing cash flows primarily reflect the issuance and repayment of long-term debt, the issuance and repurchase of the Company’s non-voting common stock and the payment of dividends to the Company’s shareholders. Financing cash flows also include proceeds from the issuance of capital stock by the Company’s two consolidated mutual fund subsidiaries (one of which was deconsolidated in April of 2005) and cash paid to fund redemptions by minority shareholders of these mutual fund subsidiaries. Cash used for financing activities totaled $39.8 million and $49.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 and 2004, respectively, reflecting net proceeds from the issuance of the Company’s mutual fund subsidiaries’ capital stock of $84.6 million and $43.0 million, respectively.

 

The Company repurchased and retired a total of 4.3 million shares of its non-voting common stock for $104.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 under its authorized repurchase program and issued 1.2 million shares of non-voting common stock in connection with stock option exercises, employee stock purchases and restricted stock grants for total proceeds of $16.1 million. The Company has authorization to purchase an additional 6.4 million shares under its present share repurchase authorization and anticipates that future repurchases will continue to be a significant use of cash. The Company’s dividend was $0.24 per share in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to $0.19 per share in the first nine months of fiscal 2004.

 

On December 15, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, and the Company’s voting shareholders approved, a two-for-one stock split of the Company’s outstanding non-voting common stock. The split entitled each shareholder of record as of December 31, 2004 to receive two shares for every one share of non-voting stock held on the record date. The additional shares of non-voting common stock were distributed after the close of business on January 14, 2005.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company does not invest in any off-balance sheet vehicles that provide financing, liquidity, market or credit risk support or engage in any leasing activities that expose the Company to any liability that is not reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Management believes the following critical accounting policies, among others, affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

Deferred Sales Commissions

 

Sales commissions paid by the Company to broker/dealers in connection with the sale of certain classes of shares of open-end funds, bank loan interval funds and private funds are generally capitalized and amortized over the period during which the shareholder is subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, none of which exceeds six years. Distribution plan payments received by the Company from these funds are recorded in revenue as earned. Contingent deferred sales charges and early withdrawal charges

 

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received by the Company from redeeming shareholders of open-end and bank loan interval funds reduce unamortized deferred sales commissions. Should the Company lose its ability to recover such sales commissions through distribution plan payments and contingent deferred sales charges, the value of these assets would immediately decline, as would future cash flows. The Company periodically reviews the recoverability of deferred sales commission assets as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of deferred sales commission assets may not be recoverable and adjusts the deferred sales commissions assets accordingly.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company’s investment in the net assets of acquired companies over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the dates of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested at least annually for impairment by comparing the fair values of the companies acquired to their carrying amounts, including goodwill.  Identifiable intangible assets generally represent the cost of client relationships and management contracts acquired. The Company periodically reviews identifiable intangibles for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amounts of the companies exceed their respective fair values, additional impairment tests will be performed to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any.

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes relate principally to capitalized sales commissions paid to broker/dealers.  As previously noted, new IRS regulations provide that commission payments made subsequent to November 1, 2003 are deductible for tax purposes at the time of payment. While the Company has considered future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing its taxes, changes in tax laws may result in a change to the Company’s tax position and effective tax rate.

 

Investments in Collateralized Debt Obligation Entities

 

The Company acts as collateral manager for five collateralized debt obligation entities (“CDO entities”) pursuant to collateral management agreements between the Company and each CDO entity.  At July 31, 2005, combined assets under management in the collateral pools of all five of these CDO entities were approximately $1.6 billion. The Company had combined minority equity investments of $11.4 million in three of these entities on July 31, 2005.

 

The Company accounts for its investments in CDO entities under Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.”  The excess of future cash flows over the initial investment at the date of purchase is recognized as interest income over the life of the investment using the effective yield method. The Company reviews cash flow estimates throughout the life of each CDO investment pool to determine whether an impairment loss relating to its equity investments should be recognized. Cash flow estimates are based on the underlying pool of collateral securities and take into account the overall credit quality of the issuers of the collateral securities, the forecasted default rate of the collateral securities and the Company’s past experience in managing similar securities. If the updated estimate of future cash flows (taking into account both timing and amounts) is less than the last revised estimate, an impairment loss is recognized based on the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over its fair value. Fair value is determined using current information, notably market yields and projected cash flows based on forecasted default and recovery rates that a market participant would use in determining the current fair value of the equity interest. Market yields, default rates and recovery rates used in the Company’s estimate of fair value vary based on the nature of the investments in the underlying collateral pools. In periods of rising credit default rates and lower debt recovery rates, the fair value, and therefore carrying

 

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value, of the Company’s investments in these CDO entities may be adversely affected. The Company’s risk of loss in the CDO entities is limited to the $11.4 million carrying value of the minority equity investments on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at July 31, 2005.

 

A CDO entity issues non-recourse debt securities, which are sold in a private offering by an underwriter to institutional and high-net-worth investors.  The CDO debt securities issued by the CDO entity are secured by collateral in the form of high-yield bonds and/or floating-rate income instruments that the CDO entity purchases. The Company manages the collateral securities for a fee and, in most cases, is a minority investor in the equity interests of the CDO entity. An equity interest in a CDO entity is subordinated to all other interests in the CDO entity and entitles the investor to receive the residual cash flows, if any, from the CDO entity. As a result, the Company’s equity investment in a CDO entity is sensitive to changes in the credit quality of the issuers of the collateral securities including changes in the forecasted default rates and any declines in anticipated recovery rates. The Company’s financial exposure to the CDOs it manages is limited to its equity interests in the CDO entities as reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Loss Contingencies

 

The Company continuously reviews any investor, employee or vendor complaints and pending or threatened litigation. The likelihood that a loss contingency exists is evaluated under the criteria of SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” through consultation with legal counsel and a loss contingency is recorded if the contingency is probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements. There are no losses of this nature that are probable and reasonably estimable, and thus, no losses have been recorded in the financial statements included in this report.

 

Accounting Developments

 

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the consensus of the EITF regarding the recognition and measurement of other-than-temporary impairments of certain investments. The effective date of the recognition and measurement guidance in EITF 03-01 has been delayed until the implementation guidance provided by a FASB staff position on the issue has been finalized. The disclosure guidance was unaffected by the delay and is effective for fiscal years ending after June 15, 2004. The Company implemented the disclosure provisions of EITF 03-01 in its annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 and does not anticipate that the implementation of the recognition and measurement guidance, when released, will have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123”), requiring public companies to recognize the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in their financial statements based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. The Company intends to apply the modified version of retrospective application for periods prior to the required effective date and will adjust results on a basis consistent with the pro forma disclosures previously made under SFAS No. 123. The revised statement is effective for the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter beginning November 1, 2005. Had the Company implemented the provisions of SFAS No. 123 as revised for the nine months ended July 31, 2005 and 2004, diluted earnings per share would have been reduced to $0.72 and $0.62, respectively.

 

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Competitive Conditions and Risk Factors

 

The Company is subject to substantial competition in all aspects of its business.  The Company’s ability to market investment products is highly dependent on access to the various distribution systems of national and regional securities dealer firms, which generally offer competing internally and externally managed investment products.  Although the Company has historically been successful in maintaining access to these channels, there can be no assurance that it will continue to do so.  The inability to have such access could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.

 

There are few barriers to entry in the investment management business. The Company’s funds and separate accounts compete against an ever-increasing number of investment products and services sold to the public by investment dealers, banks, insurance companies and others. Many institutions competing with the Company have greater resources than the Company. The Company competes with other providers of investment products on the basis of the products offered, the investment performance of such products, quality of service, fees charged, the level and type of financial intermediary compensation, the manner in which such products are marketed and distributed, and the services provided to investors.

 

The Company derives almost all of its revenue from investment adviser and administration fees and distribution income received from the Eaton Vance funds, other pooled investment vehicles and separate accounts. As a result, the Company is dependent upon management contracts, administration contracts, underwriting contracts or service contracts under which these fees and income are paid. If any of these contracts are terminated, not renewed, or amended to reduce fees, the Company’s financial results may be adversely affected.

 

The Company’s assets under management, which impact revenue, are subject to significant fluctuations. The major sources of revenue for the Company (i.e. investment adviser, administration, distribution, and service fees) are calculated as percentages of assets under management. A decline in securities prices or in the sale of investment products or an increase in fund redemptions generally would reduce fee income. Financial market declines or adverse changes in interest rates would generally negatively impact the level of the Company’s assets under management and consequently its revenue and net income. A recession or other economic or political events could also adversely impact the Company’s revenue if it led to a decreased demand for products, a higher redemption rate, or a decline in securities prices. Like other businesses, the Company’s actual results could be affected by the loss of key employees through competition or retirement. The Company’s operations and actual results could also be affected by increased expenses due to such factors as greater competition for personnel, higher costs for distribution of mutual funds and other investment products, costs for insurance and other services by outside providers, or by the disruption of services such as power, communications, information technology, fund transfer agency or fund administration.

 

The Company’s business is subject to substantial governmental regulation. Changes in legal, regulatory, accounting, tax and compliance requirements could have a significant effect on the Company’s operations and results, including but not limited to increased expenses and reduced investor interest in certain funds and other investment products offered by the Company. The Company continually monitors legislative, tax, regulatory, accounting, and compliance developments that could impact its business.

 

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company is routinely subjected to different types of risk, including market risk. Market risk is the risk that the Company will incur losses due to adverse changes in equity prices, interest rates, credit risk, or currency exchange rates.

 

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The Company’s primary exposure to equity price risk arises from its investments in sponsored equity funds. Equity price risk as it relates to these investments represents the potential future loss of value that would result from a decline in the fair values of the fund shares. The Company’s investments in sponsored equity funds totaled $27.2 million at July 31, 2005, and are carried at fair value on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The Company’s primary exposure to interest rate risk arises from its investment in fixed income and floating-rate bank loan funds sponsored by the Company and short-term debt securities. The negative effect on the Company’s pre-tax interest income of a 50 basis point decline in interest rates would be approximately $0.6 million based on fixed income and floating-rate bank loan investments of $129.3 million as of July 31, 2005. A 50 basis point decline in interest rates is a hypothetical scenario used to demonstrate potential risk and does not represent management’s view of future market changes. The Company is not exposed to interest rate risk in its debt instruments as all of the Company’s funded debt instruments carry fixed interest rates.

 

The Company’s primary exposure to credit risk arises from its minority equity interests in three CDO entities that are included in long-term investments in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  As a minority equity investor in a CDO entity, the Company is only entitled to a residual interest in the CDO entity, making these investments sensitive to the default rates of the underlying issuers of the high-yield bonds or floating-rate income instruments held by the CDO entity. The Company’s minority equity investments are subject to an impairment loss in the event that the cash flows generated by the collateral securities are not sufficient to allow equity holders to recover their investments. If there is deterioration in the credit quality of the issuers underlying the collateral securities and a corresponding increase in the number of defaults, cash flows generated by the collateral securities may be adversely impacted and the Company may be unable to recover its investment. The Company’s total investment in minority equity interests in CDO entities is approximately $11.4 million at July 31, 2005, which represents the total value at risk with respect to such entities as of July 31, 2005.

 

The Company does not enter into foreign currency transactions for speculative purposes and currently has no material investments that would expose it to foreign currency exchange risk.

 

In evaluating market risk, it is also important to note that most of the Company’s revenue is based on the market value of assets under management. As noted in “Competitive Conditions and Risk Factors” in Item 2, declines of financial market values will negatively impact revenue and net income.

 

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

 

As of July 31, 2005, the Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures.  Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that the Company designed to ensure that it records, processes, summarizes and reports in a timely manner the information it must disclose in reports that it files with or submits to the SEC.  The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer participated in this evaluation.  Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the date of their evaluation, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s third fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Part II -  Other Information

 

Item 1.                       Legal Proceedings

 

As previously disclosed in SEC filings, last year a lawsuit, captioned In Re Eaton Vance Mutual Funds Fee Litigation (the “Lawsuit”), was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Court”), against Eaton Vance Corp.; Eaton Vance Management; Boston Management and Research; Eaton Vance, Inc.; Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc.; Lloyd George Investment Management (Bermuda) Limited; Orbimed Advisors LLC; Lloyd George Investment Management (B.V.I.) Limited; nine current or past trustees of 81 Eaton Vance funds named as nominal defendants (the “Funds”); and twelve current or past officers and portfolio managers of the Funds. The plaintiffs were seven alleged shareholders of four of the 81 Funds. The Lawsuit, a purported class action, alleged violations of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, New York law and the common law, and breaches of fiduciary duties to the Funds and their shareholders.

 

On July 29, 2005, the Court issued an Opinion and Order dismissing the Lawsuit in its entirety and rejecting the plaintiffs’ request to amend their complaint.

 

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

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s purchases of its non-voting common stock on a monthly basis during the third quarter of fiscal 2005:

 

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

 

(a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

 

(b) Average
price paid
per share

 

(c) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
(1)

 

(d) Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
under the
Plans or
Programs

 

May 1, 2005 through May 31, 2005

 

386,160

 

$

23.86

 

386,160

 

7,317,072

 

June 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005

 

565,055

 

$

24.12

 

565,055

 

6,752,017

 

July 1, 2005 through July 31, 2005

 

356,000

 

$

24.28

 

356,000

 

6,396,017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

1,307,215

 

$

24.09

 

1,307,215

 

6,396,017

 

 


(1) The Company’s current share repurchase authorization was announced on April 14, 2005 replacing the October 22, 2003 program.  The Board authorized management to repurchase 8,000,000 shares of its non-voting common stock in the open market and in private transactions in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The Company’s stock repurchase plan is not subject to an expiration date.

 

Item 4.                       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

No items were submitted to a vote in the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

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Item 6.                       Exhibits

 

(a)          Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K

 

The Company filed a Form 8-K with the SEC on May 18, 2005, regarding the Company’s press release of its results of operations for the quarter ended April 30, 2005.

 

The Company filed a Form 8-K on June 10, 2005 regarding the filing of the Company’s amended 10Q/A.

 

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Signatures

 

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

 

 

 

 

EATON VANCE CORP.

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

DATE:  September 8, 2005

/s/William M. Steul

 

(Signature)

 

William M. Steul

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

DATE:  September 8, 2005

/s/Laurie G. Hylton

 

(Signature)

 

Laurie G. Hylton

 

Chief Accounting Officer

 

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