DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
ANNUAL LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
March 12, 2018
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
“In the long run, delivering excellent investment returns for our clients will help to generate growth in our business
and attract new clients and additional investments for us to manage.” That sentence opened our letter to shareholders
over a decade ago and continues to be our primary business mindset today. Serving our clients over the long term
is the key to continued success for the various constituencies of Diamond Hill.
On that score, we continue to be generally pleased that a majority of our long-term partners have benefited from
both strong market tailwinds as well as our active approach to the management of their capital. Additionally, the
team at Diamond Hill is working diligently to improve all aspects of our business, and I believe we are progressing
in many key areas. Attracting and retaining highly skilled people, effectively partnering with clients, and continuing
to operate our business in a highly efficient manner are critical and ongoing pieces of building and sustaining an
outstanding asset management organization. We are keenly focused on each of those essential organizational
attributes.
As noted above, we aim to operate our business in an efficient manner. We accomplish this primarily through
substantially lower administrative and operating costs than peers. As evidenced by the results of our annual
participation in the McLagan Partners and Casey Quirk Investment Management Industry Business Benchmarking
Study, we are pleased that our spending on the Administration and Operations function is well into the lowest quartile,
and our spending on the Sales and Marketing function is roughly in line with the industry median. However, Diamond
Hill’s allocation of resources to the Investment Management function placed us in the top quartile relative to peers.
In many respects this structure was born out of necessity but it remains an important part of the way we operate our
business today. We are fortunate that: 1) we have intentionally structured the management and leadership of the
organization such that we have fewer purely managerial roles than is typical; 2) we have maintained strict personal
trading policies (which helps not only to greatly align interests, but also to reduce the complexity and costs of
compliance); and 3) we operate in a relatively low-cost geography. These traits, along with an outstanding
Administration & Operations team, largely explains our comparatively efficient operating structure which in turn
allows us to allocate more than average resources to the Investment Management function.
From inception we have put our fiduciary duty to clients at the top of our priority list. And while our operating model
has evolved slightly over time, we remain well-positioned to maintain our strong commitment to the investment
function and our focus on providing excellent results for clients.
Key Developments
• Our family of fixed income strategies now manage over $1 billion as clients increasingly appreciate our
expertise in that important asset class. All four of our fixed income strategies have provided excellent returns
for our clients. Our experienced portfolio managers, operating in a structure that has been optimized for the
ever-changing nature of the fixed income markets, are finding ample opportunities to add value.
• We introduced our first non-domestic strategy at year end; the Diamond Hill Global Fund invests in both
domestic and international stocks. This is an important step for our whole firm, and it began over seven
years ago with our growing research team and their desire to approach their coverage responsibilities from
a global perspective. The benefits have been twofold: 1) a better understanding of the global dynamics
affecting the various industries covered at Diamond Hill; and 2) the ability to identify new investment
opportunities outside of the U.S. We are pleased with the enhanced knowledge base, increased idea
generation, and the potential to serve clients interested in strategies that include international securities.
• For the twelfth time in the last fourteen years, we lowered the administrative fees across the Diamond Hill
Funds. As we have grown our lineup of funds and our overall level of AUM in those funds, we continue to
share the benefits of scale with fund shareholders. Our total fee levels across our lineup of strategies continues
to be very competitive.
• Mutual fund assets exceeded $16 billion at year-end, while total assets under management grew to $22.3
billion. While stronger markets were clearly a tailwind, we again saw positive flows during the year despite
a challenging environment for active managers. These net inflows are likely a result of excellent investment
performance as well as our focus on identifying strong prospects, communicating effectively, and ultimately
collaborating with clients that share our long-term perspective.
Financial Results: Shareholder Value
Diamond Hill Investment Group generated revenue of $145 million in 2017 compared with $136 million in 2016
and $67 million in 2012 (referencing our typical five-year time horizon). Assets under management finished the
year at $22.3 billion, up 15% from 2016 and up 137% from 2012 as a result of the strong U.S. equity market along
with net inflows into our strategies.
We generated net operating income of $67 million in 2017, an increase of 6% over 2016, and our operating margin
of 46% was in line with the operating margin in 2016. By far our largest expense is the compensation of our associates.
Included in this line item is a significant amount of variable incentive compensation, which can fluctuate from year
to year. A variety of factors influence incentive compensation including the investment results generated for our
clients, individual employee contributions, and overall Company performance.
Importantly, we have increased shareholder value as measured by growth in tangible book value, dividends paid,
and change in stock price. Over the past five years, Diamond Hill’s tangible book value per share increased $42.83
per share and the Company paid $25 per share in dividends. The dividends paid plus the increase in tangible book
value per share equals $67.83 per share, which represents one measure of change in shareholder value. While tangible
book value is a component of intrinsic value, the percentage of intrinsic value it represents varies considerably
between companies.
This analysis is comparable to another popular measure, total shareholder return (TSR), which takes into account
both cash returned to shareholders and change in stock price. For Diamond Hill, this equates to approximately
28.41% annualized over the past five years. A premise of our investment philosophy is that market price and intrinsic
value often differ, sometimes substantially. Thus, we believe the most relevant measure of value creation, in addition
to cash returned to shareholders, is the change in Diamond Hill’s intrinsic value.
Capital Allocation
The Board of Directors and management regularly review various factors to determine whether we have capital in
excess of that required for the business and the appropriate use of any excess capital. The factors considered include
our investment opportunities, capital needed for investment strategies, risks, and future dividend and capital gain
tax rates. Evaluating management’s stewardship of capital for shareholders is a central part of our investment
discipline that we practice for our clients. We hold ourselves to the same standard.
An important use of capital is seeding new strategies or adding capital to existing strategies to help them achieve
critical mass. As of December 31, 2017 we had roughly $95 million invested in our various strategies. We have
also retained flexibility in the timing and amount of these investments by maintaining a healthy cash balance over
the past several years.
After consideration of seeding new or existing strategies, special dividends and share buybacks are two additional
capital allocation considerations. 2017 marked the tenth consecutive year that the Company has paid a special
dividend. The Board of Directors, with input from Company management, carefully reviews this decision on an
annual basis and is focused on the optimal long-term use of capital. Historically, due to the relatively low trading
volume in our shares, coupled with limitations on the daily volume that we are allowed to purchase, the Company
has not engaged in share buybacks. With the general increase in trading volume over the past year, this strategy
could be considered in the future. Importantly, we will only engage in share repurchases if we believe it to be accretive
to the intrinsic value of the Company’s shares. In other words, just as we intend to do in our various investment
strategies, we are interested in buying at a discount to our estimate of fair value.
Outlook
Diamond Hill has grown significantly since its founding in the Spring of 2000. An experienced and highly skilled
team finding and serving well-aligned clients has been at the heart of that success. Prospectively, we intend to
continue our history of operating efficiently and investing in outstanding people that allow us to meet our fiduciary
duty to clients. Accomplishing that critical task will generate continued growth and value creation for all stakeholders.
Sincerely,
Chris Bingaman
Chief Executive Officer
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 200
Columbus, Ohio 43215
March 12, 2018
Dear Shareholders:
We cordially invite you to attend the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. to be held
at The Eye Center of Columbus, 262 Neil Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43215, on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern
Daylight Saving Time.
The attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the formal business to be transacted at the meeting. During
the meeting, we will also report on our operations and our directors and officers will be present to respond to any appropriate
questions you may have. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy
card as soon as possible, even if you currently plan to attend the Annual Meeting. This will not prevent you from voting in
person, but will ensure that your vote is counted if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting. Your vote is important, regardless
of the number of shares you own.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Bingaman
Chief Executive Officer
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43215
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 2, 2018
Notice is hereby given that the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Diamond Hill Investment
Group, Inc. (the “Company”), will be held at The Eye Center of Columbus, 262 Neil Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43215, on Wednesday,
May 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time to consider and act upon the following matters:
1)
2)
3)
4)
the election of five directors to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors until the Company’s 2019 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified;
the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018;
a non-binding, advisory resolution to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers; and
such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Action may be taken on the foregoing proposals at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment of the Annual Meeting. The Board
of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 5, 2018, as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof. Please complete, sign and date the enclosed proxy card, which is
solicited by the Company’s Board of Directors, and mail it promptly in the enclosed envelope. Alternatively, you may vote by
phone or electronically over the Internet in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card. Returning the enclosed
proxy card, or transmitting voting instructions electronically through the Internet or by telephone, does not affect your right to
vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If you attend the Annual Meeting you may revoke your proxy and vote in person if your
shares are registered in your name.
PROMPTLY RETURNING YOUR PROXY WILL SAVE THE COMPANY THE EXPENSE OF MAKING FURTHER
REQUESTS FOR PROXIES IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A QUORUM. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND
THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD
IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. ALTERNATIVELY, REFER TO THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE
PROXY CARD TO TRANSMIT YOUR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Gary R. Young, Secretary
Columbus, Ohio
March 12, 2018
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 2, 2018:
The Proxy Statement and the Company’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available without charge at the
following location:
http://www.diamond-hill.com/proxy
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 200
Columbus, Ohio 43215
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
TO BE HELD ON MAY 2, 2018
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the shareholders of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the
“Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors (the “Board”) for use
at our 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on
May 2, 2018, and any adjournment thereof. A copy of the Notice of Annual Meeting accompanies this Proxy Statement. This
Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy are first being mailed to shareholders on or about March 12, 2018. Only our shareholders
of record at the close of business on March 5, 2018, the record date for the Annual Meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the Annual Meeting.
The purposes of this Annual Meeting are:
1)
2)
3)
to elect five directors to serve on our Board until our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their
successors have been duly elected and qualified;
to consider and vote upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as our independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018;
to consider and vote upon a non-binding, advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named
executive officers; and
4)
to transact such other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Those common shares represented by (i) properly signed proxy cards received by us prior to the Annual Meeting or (ii) properly
authenticated voting instructions recorded electronically over the Internet or by telephone prior to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight
Saving Time on May 1, 2018 and, in each case, that are not revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting as directed by the
shareholders. If a shareholder submits a valid proxy and does not specify how the common shares should be voted, they
will be voted as recommended by the Board. The proxy holders will use their best judgment regarding any other matters that
may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
PROCEDURAL MATTERS
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
THE NOMINEES
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND COMPENSATION INFORMATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE
GRANT OF PLAN BASED AWARDS FOR 2017
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2017
OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED FOR 2017
PENSION PLANS AND NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
PROPOSAL 3 - ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2019 ANNUAL MEETING
SHAREHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS
OTHER BUSINESS
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
When and where will the Annual Meeting take place?
The Annual Meeting will be held at The Eye Center of Columbus, 262 Neil Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43215, on Wednesday,
May 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
What may I vote on?
At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon:
•
•
the election of five directors to serve on the Board until our 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;
the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2018; and
a non-binding, advisory resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers.
•
What do I need to do now?
After carefully reading this Proxy Statement, indicate on the enclosed proxy card how you want your shares to be voted and
sign and mail the proxy card promptly in the enclosed envelope. Alternatively, you may vote by phone or over the Internet
in accordance with the instructions on your proxy card. The deadline for transmitting voting instructions over the Internet
or telephonically is 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving Time on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. If you vote by phone or over the
Internet you do not need to return a proxy card. You should be aware that if you vote over the Internet or by phone, you may
incur costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet service providers and telephone companies.
What does it mean if I get more than one proxy card?
If your shares are registered in more than one account, you will receive more than one proxy card. If you intend to vote by
mail, please sign, date and return all proxy cards to ensure that all your shares are voted. If you are a record holder and intend
to vote by telephone or over the Internet, you must do so for each individual proxy card you receive.
What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
Many shareholders are beneficial owners, meaning they hold their shares in “street name” through a broker, bank or other
nominee. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.
Shareholder of Record. For shares registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, you are considered the shareholder
of record and we are sending this Proxy Statement and related materials directly to you. As a shareholder of record, you have
the right to vote in person at the Annual Meeting or you may grant your proxy directly to the Board’s designees by completing,
signing and returning the enclosed proxy card, or transmitting your voting instructions over the Internet or by phone.
Beneficial Owner. For shares held in “street name,” you are considered the beneficial owner and this Proxy Statement and
related materials are being forwarded to you by your broker, bank or other nominee, who is the shareholder of record. As the
beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker or other nominee on how to vote your shares. Your broker or nominee
will provide you with information on the procedures you must follow to instruct them how to vote your shares or how to
revoke previously given voting instructions.
If my shares are held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my shares for me?
Your broker will vote your shares in the manner you instruct, and you should follow the voting instructions your broker has
provided to you. However, if you do not provide voting instructions to your broker, it may vote your shares in its discretion
on certain “routine” matters. The ratification of the appointment of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting
firm for the 2018 fiscal year is considered routine, and if you do not submit voting instructions, your broker may choose, in
its discretion, to vote or not vote your shares on the ratification. None of the other matters to be voted on at the Annual
Meeting are routine, and your broker may not vote your shares on those matters without your instructions.
May I revoke my proxy or change my vote after I have mailed a proxy card or voted electronically over the Internet
or by telephone?
Yes. You can change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the Annual Meeting. If you are the record holder
of the shares, you can do this in three ways:
1
•
•
•
send a written statement to Gary R. Young, our Secretary, stating that you would like to revoke your proxy, which must
be received prior to the Annual Meeting;
send a newly signed and later-dated proxy card, which must be received prior to the Annual Meeting, or submit later-
dated electronic voting instructions over the Internet or by telephone no later than 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Saving
Time on May 1, 2018; or
attend the Annual Meeting and either revoke your proxy in person prior to the start of voting at the Annual Meeting or
vote in person at the Annual Meeting (attending the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke your proxy or a prior
Internet or telephone vote).
If you are a beneficial owner, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker or nominee.
You should review the instructions provided by your broker or nominee to determine the procedures you must follow.
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Can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?
You may vote shares held of record in person at the Annual Meeting. If you choose to attend, please bring the enclosed proxy
card and a form of identification. If you are a beneficial owner and you wish to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person,
you will need a signed proxy from your broker or other nominee giving you the right to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting
and a form of identification. To obtain directions to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, please call Gary Young,
Secretary, at (614) 255-3333 or visit the Company’s website, http://www.diamond-hill.com/contact/.
How will my shares be voted if I submit a proxy without voting instructions?
If you submit a proxy and do not indicate how you want your shares voted, your proxy will be voted on the proposals as
recommended by the Board. The Board’s recommendations are set forth in this Proxy Statement.
Who can answer my questions about how I can submit or revoke my proxy or vote by phone or via the Internet?
If you are a record holder and have more questions about how to submit your proxy, please call Gary Young, the Company's
Secretary, at (614) 255-3333. If you are a beneficial owner, you should contact your broker or other nominee to determine
the procedures you must follow.
Record Date
PROCEDURAL MATTERS
Only our shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2018, the record date, will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
As of the record date, there were 3,509,577 of our common shares outstanding and entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting.
Proxy
Your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting as you direct on your signed proxy card or in your telephonic or Internet voting
instructions. If you submit a proxy card without voting instructions, it will be voted as recommended by the Board. The Board's
recommendations are set forth in this Proxy Statement. The duly appointed proxy holders will vote in their discretion on any other
matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
Voting
A shareholder may cast one vote for each outstanding share held by the shareholder on each separate matter of business properly
brought before the Annual Meeting. If you hold shares in street name, we encourage you to instruct your broker or other nominee as
to how to vote your shares.
Director elections. Votes that shareholders cast "FOR" a director-nominee must exceed the votes that shareholders cast "AGAINST"
a director-nominee for the individual to be elected. Please also see the discussion of our "Majority Voting" provisions within Proposal
1.
2
Ratification of selection of KPMG. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present at the Annual Meeting, in
person or by proxy, and entitled to be voted on the proposal is required to ratify the selection of KPMG as the Company’s independent
registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2018.
Advisory approval of named executive officer compensation. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present
at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to be voted on the proposal is required for non-binding shareholder advisory
approval of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.
Effect of broker non-votes and abstentions. Under the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
and the rules of the exchanges and other self-regulatory organizations of which the brokers are members, brokers who hold common
shares in street name for beneficial owners may sign and submit proxies and may vote our common shares on certain “routine” matters.
The ratification of KPMG is considered routine. Under applicable stock exchange rules, brokers are not permitted to vote without
instruction in the election of directors. In addition, SEC regulations prohibit brokers from voting without customer instruction on the
approval of named executive officer compensation. Proxies that are signed and submitted by brokers that have not been voted on
certain matters are referred to as “broker non-votes.”
Neither broker non-votes nor abstentions will have any effect on the election of directors. Abstentions will have the same effect as a
vote against the ratification of the appointment of KPMG and the advisory approval of named executive officer compensation, but
broker non-votes will have no effect on those proposals.
Quorum
Business can be conducted at the Annual Meeting only if a quorum, consisting of at least the holders of a majority of our outstanding
shares entitled to vote, is present, either in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted toward establishing
a quorum. If a quorum is not present at the time the Annual Meeting is convened, a majority of the shares represented in person or by
proxy may adjourn the Annual Meeting to a later date and time, without notice other than announcement at the Annual Meeting. At
any such adjournment of the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the Annual Meeting as originally called.
Solicitation; Expenses
We will pay all expenses of the Board’s solicitation of the proxies for the Annual Meeting, including the cost of preparing, assembling
and mailing the Notice, form of proxy and Proxy Statement, postage for return envelopes, the handling and expenses for tabulation of
proxies received, and charges of brokerage houses and other institutions, nominees or fiduciaries for forwarding such documents to
beneficial owners. We will not pay any electronic access charges associated with Internet or telephonic voting incurred by a shareholder.
We may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, facsimile or e-mail. Our officers, directors and employees may also assist with
solicitation, but will receive no additional compensation for doing so.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representation not contained in this Proxy Statement, and you should
not rely on any such information or representation. This Proxy Statement does not constitute the solicitation of a proxy in any jurisdiction
from any person to whom it is unlawful to make such proxy solicitation in such jurisdiction. The delivery of this Proxy Statement
shall not, under any circumstances, imply that there has not been any change in the information set forth herein since the date of this
Proxy Statement.
Requests for Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K; Internet Availability
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, including audited consolidated financial statements,
accompanies this Proxy Statement but is not a part of the proxy solicitation material. We are delivering a single copy of this Proxy
Statement and the Form 10-K to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless we have received instructions from one or more of
the shareholders to the contrary. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of the Proxy Statement and/or Form 10-K, at no charge,
upon receipt of a written or oral request by a record shareholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents was
delivered. Written or oral requests for a separate copy of the documents, or to provide instructions for delivery of documents in the
future, may be directed to Gary R. Young, Secretary of the Company, at 325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus,
Ohio 43215 or by phone at (614) 255-3333. Additionally, this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K are available
on the internet free of charge at: http://www.diamond-hill.com/proxy.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth beneficial ownership of our common shares as of the record date, March 5, 2018, by (a) all persons
known by us to beneficially own five percent or more of the Company’s outstanding shares, (b) each director of the Company,
(c) our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, and (d) all of our executive officers,
directors, and nominees as a group. Although not required, we have also voluntarily disclosed all common shares beneficially
owned by all other employees of the Company, excluding our executive officers. Unless otherwise indicated, the named persons
exercise sole voting and dispositive power over the shares listed. None of the named persons hold any outstanding options to
acquire our common shares, and none of the named persons have pledged any common shares of the Company as security.
Name of Beneficial Owner
Christopher M. Bingaman
R. H. Dillon
Randolph J. Fortener
James F. Laird
Thomas E. Line
Paul A. Reeder III
Bradley C. Shoup
Frances A. Skinner
Lisa M. Wesolek
Directors, nominees, and executive officers as a group (9 persons)
All other employees of the Company (111 persons)
5% Beneficial Owners
BlackRock, Inc.(4)
Wells Fargo & Company (5)
Amount and Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership
43,835 (2)
83,102 (2)
6,000
28,000
6,874 (2)
8,000
7,300
6,989
33,766 (2)
223,866
494,134 (3)
230,121
212,432
Percent of
Class(1)
1.2%
2.4%
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
6.4%
14.1%
6.6%
6.1%
(2)
(1) Beneficial ownership of less than one percent is represented by an asterisk (*). The percent of class is based upon the
number of shares beneficially owned by the named person divided by 3,509,577, which was the total number of shares that
were issued and outstanding as of March 5, 2018.
Includes 3,175 shares, 3,561 shares, 546 shares, and 1,330 shares for Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Dillon, Mr. Line, and Ms. Wesolek,
respectively, that are held in the Diamond Hill Investment Group 401(k) Plan and Trust (the "401(k) Plan"), over which
the Trustee of the 401(k) Plan possess the voting power and which are subject to restrictions on the power to dispose of
these shares.
Includes all employees of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of March 5, 2018, excluding executive
officers and Mr. Dillon. Each employee has sole voting power. Certain shares are subject to restrictions on the power to
dispose of the shares. The employees do not constitute a Group as defined by Rule 13d-1 of the Exchange Act. Includes
52,641 shares held in the 401(k) Plan, over which the Trustee of the 401(k) Plan possess the voting power and which are
subject to restrictions on the power to dispose of these shares.
(3)
(4) The address for BlackRock, Inc. is 40 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022, based on information contained in a Schedule
13G/A filed with the SEC on January 29, 2018, by BlackRock, Inc. In this Schedule 13G/A, BlackRock, Inc. reported sole
voting power over 224,022 shares and sole dispositive power over 230,121 shares on behalf of the following subsidiaries:
BlackRock Advisors, LLC, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V., BlackRock
Fund Advisors, BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., BlackRock
Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock Asset ManagementBlackRock Fund Advisors, and BlackRock Investment
Management, LLC.
(5) The address for Wells Fargo & Company is 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94163, based on information
contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 29, 2018, by Wells Fargo & Company. In this Schedule 13G/
A, Wells Fargo & Company reported sole voting and dispositive power over 2,649 shares, shared voting power over 97,286
shares, and shared dispositive power over 209,782 shares on behalf of the following subsidiaries: Wells Fargo Clearing
Services, LLC, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, Analytic Investors,
LLC, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
4
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and any persons who beneficially own more
than ten percent of the Company’s shares (the "Reporting Persons"), to file with the SEC initial reports of beneficial
ownership on Form 3 and reports of changes in beneficial ownership on Form 4 and Form 5 by specified deadlines.
Reporting Persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish to the Company copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file
with the SEC. Based solely upon a review of the Forms 3, 4 and 5 furnished to the Company and statements made by
Reporting Persons that no other Section 16(a) reports were required to be filed by them, we believe that the Reporting
Persons complied with all filing requirements applicable to them with respect to transactions during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2017 and through the date of this Proxy, except that the Company filed two late Forms 4 on Mr. Dillon's
behalf.
PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board guides the strategic direction of the Company and oversees its management. All of our directors are elected annually.
Pursuant to the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Board has nominated the five nominees
listed below for election, all of whom are incumbents, to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until their
respective successors are elected and qualified. If any nominee becomes unable or unwilling to serve between the date of this
proxy statement and the Annual Meeting, proxies will be voted FOR the election of a replacement recommended by the
Nominating and Governance Committee and approved by the Board.
Effective April 2, 2018, Frances A. Skinner, who has been a director of the Company since 2010, will become a full-time
employee of the company, serving as Chief Administrative Officer-Investments. In connection with that employment decision,
the Board of Directors has determined not to nominate Ms. Skinner to another term as a director. She will serve on the Board
until her term expires upon the election of directors at the 2018 Annual Meeting.
Majority Voting
In 2017, our shareholders adopted amendments to the Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations to implement majority voting for the election of our directors. As a result of
these amendments, in an uncontested election, a nominee will not be elected unless he or she receives more “FOR” votes than
“AGAINST” votes. In addition, pursuant to the Board's Corporate Governance Guidelines, any director who fails to obtain
the required vote in an uncontested election will be expected to submit his or her resignation to the Board. The Board will
then decide, after considering the Nominating and Governance Committee's recommendation, whether to accept or decline
the resignation, or decline the resignation with conditions. The Board will make any such decision within 90 days following
the Shareholder Annual meeting date. Plurality voting will apply to any contested elections.
Director Independence
The Board has determined that, with the exception of Mr. Dillon, all of our nominees are independent under the rules and
independence standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”), as well as applicable SEC requirements. Ms. Skinner
ceased to be independent as of January 1, 2018. There are no family relationships among our directors and executive officers.
The Nominees
The Board has determined that all of our director nominees are qualified to serve as directors of the Company. In addition to
the specific business experience listed below, each of our director nominees has the tangible and intangible skills and attributes
that we believe are required to be an effective director of the Company, including experience at senior levels in areas of expertise
helpful to the Company, a willingness and commitment to assume the responsibilities required of a director, and the character
and integrity we expect of our directors. The specific qualifications of each individual nominee are set forth under his name
below.
R. H. Dillon, CFA, age 61, has been a director of the Company since 2001 and chairman since 2015. He served as the CEO of
the Company from 2000 to 2015 and continues to serve as a portfolio manager. Mr. Dillon has over 40 years of experience in
the investment management industry.
5
Mr. Dillon received his BS and MA from The Ohio State University and his MBA from University of Dayton. Mr. Dillon also
holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Mr. Dillon’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his 15 years of experience as CEO and a portfolio manager of the
Company, his in-depth knowledge and involvement in our operations and his more than 40 years of experience as an investment
professional.
Randolph J. Fortener, age 64, has been an independent director of the Company since 2013, is the chair of the Audit Committee,
serves on the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee, and is an audit committee financial
expert, as defined by the SEC. Since 2014, Mr. Fortener has been the CEO of Cozzins Road Capital, a private investment firm.
As CEO of Cozzins Road Capital, Mr. Fortener directs all investment and acquisition activity for the company. Previously, Mr.
Fortener worked at the Crane Group, a private holding and management company, based in Columbus, Ohio, from 1990 to 2014
and served as the president of Crane Investment Company from 2007 to 2014. Prior to joining the Crane Group, Mr. Fortener
was a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP, a big four accounting firm, providing services to investment banking firms. Mr. Fortener
also specialized in estate and tax planning for privately held businesses while with Deloitte. Mr. Fortener has over 40 years of
business experience, with an emphasis on corporate acquisitions and investments.
Mr. Fortener received a BS in accounting from The University of Findlay and an MBA in finance from the University of Dayton
and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
Mr. Fortener’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his substantial experience in accounting and financial matters,
including his significant experience as a certified public accountant and his experience on other corporate boards.
James F. Laird, CPA, age 61, has been a director of the Company since 2011, is the chair of the Compensation Committee,
serves on the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee, and is an audit committee financial expert, as
defined by the SEC. Mr. Laird also serves as the Lead Independent Director. Mr. Laird served as Secretary of the Company
from 2001 to 2017 and as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company and President of Diamond Hill Funds from
2001 to 2014. Mr. Laird retired from the Company on December 31, 2014 and is considered an independent director effective
January 1, 2018. Mr. Laird has over 30 years of experience in the investment management industry.
Mr. Laird received his BS in Accounting from The Ohio State University, is a Certified Public Accountant, and previously held
the Series 7, 24, 26, 27 and 63 securities licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Mr. Laird’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his 13 years of experience as CFO of the Company, his in-depth knowledge
and involvement in our operations and his more than 30 years of experience in the financial, operational, administrative, and
distribution aspects of the investment management industry.
Paul A. Reeder, III, age 56, has been an independent director of the Company since 2015 and serves on the Audit Committee,
the Nominating and Governance Committee, and the Compensation Committee, and is an audit committee financial expert, as
defined by the SEC. Mr. Reeder has been the President of PAR Capital Management, a private investment management firm,
since 1990.
Mr. Reeder received his BA from Oberlin College and his Master’s degree from the Sloan School of Management at MIT.
Mr. Reeder’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his substantial experience of over 30 years in the investment management
industry as an analyst, portfolio manager, and a principal executive of a private investment partnership.
Bradley C. Shoup, age 59, has been an independent director of the Company since 2012, is the chair of the Nominating and
Governance Committee, serves on the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee, and is an audit committee financial
expert, as defined by the SEC. Mr. Shoup has been Chief Financial Officer of NeuVida Resources LLC since 2017. He was a
Partner at Falcon Fund Management Ltd. from 2013 to 2016. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Shoup was Managing Director of Cox
Partners, Inc. From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Shoup was Chief Investment Officer of Armstrong Equity Partners LP.
Mr. Shoup received his BS in Civil Engineering with Distinction from the University of Kansas and his Master’s degree from
the Sloan School of Management at MIT.
6
Mr. Shoup’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his over 30 years of experience in corporate finance and the investment
management industry, including his experience on other corporate boards.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF R. H. DILLON,
RANDY J. FORTENER, JAMES F. LAIRD, PAUL A. REEDER, III, AND BRADLEY C. SHOUP AS DIRECTORS OF
THE COMPANY.
7
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Board held a total of four meetings during the year ended December 31, 2017. Each director attended all of the meetings
of the Board and its committees of which he or she was a member. Consistent with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the
directors met in executive session at each regularly scheduled Board meeting in 2017. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines
provide that all directors are expected to attend each annual meeting of shareholders. All of our then incumbent directors attended
our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Corporate Governance
The Board has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and
Governance Committee. The Board has adopted a written charter for each Committee. Current copies of each committee charter
and our Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website, ir.diamond-hill.com, under the heading “Corporate
Governance” on the right hand side of the site.
Pursuant to rules promulgated under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Board has adopted a Code of Ethics for Principal
Executive and Senior Financial Officers. This code is intended to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct,
full, timely and accurate reporting, compliance with laws, and accountability for adherence to the code, including internal
reporting of code violations.
We also have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all of our employees and directors, a copy of which
was filed as an exhibit to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 7, 2014. It is our policy to require all
employees to participate annually in continuing education and training relating to the Code of Business Conduct and Code of
Ethics.
We also have established a policy prohibiting our officers, directors, and employees from purchasing or selling shares of the
Company while in possession of material, nonpublic information, or otherwise using such information for their personal benefit
or in any manner that would violate applicable laws and regulations. The policy also prohibits all employees and directors from
purchasing or selling any derivative arrangement related to securities of the Company or engaging in any speculative, short
selling, or hedging activities related to securities of the Company that may have a similar economic effect.
Audit Committee
Mr. Fortener, Mr. Laird (effective January 1, 2018), Mr. Reeder, and Mr. Shoup serve on the Audit Committee, which met four
times during 2017. Mr. Fortener serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that each of these
committee members meets the independence and financial literacy rules and standards of the SEC and NASDAQ. The Board
also has concluded that each of Mr. Fortener, Mr. Laird, Mr. Reeder, and Mr. Shoup also meets the criteria to be an audit committee
financial expert as defined by the SEC. Ms. Skinner served on the Audit Committee until she resigned from the committee on
April 26, 2017.
The primary purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the
retention of our independent registered public accounting firm, including appointing and overseeing the terms of its engagement
and its performance, qualifications and independence, and the integrity of our financial statements, other financial information
provided to shareholders, and our internal control structure. The Audit Committee also reviews all related person transactions
for potential conflicts of interest on an ongoing basis, and all such transactions must be approved by the Audit Committee.
Additional information on the approval of related person transactions is available under the heading “Certain Relationships and
Related Person Transactions” below. The report of the Audit Committee appears below the heading “AUDIT COMMITTEE
REPORT.”
Compensation Committee
Mr. Fortener, Mr. Laird (effective January 1, 2018), Mr. Reeder, and Mr. Shoup, serve on the Compensation Committee. Mr.
Laird serves as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. The Board has determined that each of these committee members
meets the independence criteria of the SEC and NASDAQ. The Committee met two times during 2017. Ms. Skinner served as
the Chair of the Compensation Committee until she resigned from the committee on July 26, 2017. Mr. Shoup served as the
interim Chair of the Compensation Committee from July 27, 2017 to December 31, 2017.
8
The primary purpose of the Compensation Committee is to review and approve the Company’s executive compensation policies,
evaluate the performance of our executive officers in light of corporate goals and objectives approved by the Compensation
Committee, approve the annual salaries, bonuses, stock grants and other benefits, direct and indirect, of our executive officers,
make recommendations to the full Board with respect to incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans and determine
director and committee member/chair compensation for non-employee directors. The Compensation Committee also administers
our equity and other incentive plans. The Compensation Committee has delegated to management the ability to make stock
grants to our employees within specific parameters to align the interests of our shareholders and our employees and to promote
employee retention, and long-term employee ownership. A description of the Company’s processes and procedures for the
consideration and determination of executive officer compensation are discussed under the heading “Compensation Discussion
and Analysis” below.
Nominating and Governance Committee
Mr. Fortener, Mr. Laird (effective January 1, 2018), Mr. Reeder, and Mr. Shoup serve on the Nominating and Governance
Committee, which met twice during 2017. Mr. Shoup serves as the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The
Board has determined that each of these committee members meets the independence criteria of NASDAQ. Ms. Skinner served
on the Committee through December 31, 2017.
The primary purpose of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to maintain and cultivate the effectiveness of the Board
and oversee the Company’s governance policies. Among the committee’s responsibilities are Board and committee composition,
director qualifications, director orientation and education, and Board evaluations. The Nominating and Governance Committee
identifies, evaluates, and nominates Board candidates; reviews compliance with director stock ownership guidelines; and oversees
procedures regarding shareholder nominations and other shareholder communications to the Board. The Nominating and
Governance Committee is also responsible for monitoring compliance with and recommending any changes to the Company’s
Corporate Governance Guidelines. Additional information regarding the committee’s activities can be found under the heading
“Corporate Governance.”
Board Committee Membership
The following table summarizes the membership of the Board and each of its committees, and the number of times each met
during 2017.
Director
R. H. Dillon
Randolph J. Fortener
James F. Laird
Paul A. Reeder, III
Audit
—
Chair
—
Compensation
Nominating and
Governance
—
—
Member
Member
—
—
Member
Member
Member
Bradley C. Shoup
Frances A. Skinner1
Number of Meetings in 2017
1 Frances Skinner resigned from Audit Committee and Compensation Committee effective April 26, 2017 and July 26, 2017,
respectively. She attended 100% of the committee meetings that took place while she was a member of each committee.
Chair
Member
Member
Chair
Member
Member
4
2
2
The following table summarizes the membership of each of its committees effective January 1, 2018:
Director
Randolph J. Fortener
James F. Laird
Paul A. Reeder, III
Bradley C. Shoup
Audit
Chair
Member
Member
Member
Compensation
Nominating and
Governance
Member
Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Chair
9
Compensation of Directors
The Compensation Committee is responsible for periodically reviewing and recommending to the Board the compensation of
our non-employee directors. At the discretion of the Board, directors are eligible to receive stock-based awards under the
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. 2014 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”). The Compensation Committee
has determined that the use of long-term cliff vesting restricted stock awards as the sole form of compensation for our non-
employee directors is the most appropriate way to further align the interests of our directors with the long-term interests of our
shareholders. These restricted stock grants are intended to compensate the directors for a long period of time and are intended
to fully compensate directors for their services as directors and as members of committees of the Board. After the restricted
stock grants vest, to further align the interests of our directors and shareholders, our Corporate Governance Guidelines prohibit
the shares from being sold while the director remains on the Board, except that shares may be sold within the year the grants
vest to pay taxes due as a result of the vesting. The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation earned
by, or paid to, directors who served on our Board in 2017.
2017 Director Compensation(1)
Name
R. H. Dillon (3)
Randolph J. Fortener
James F. Laird
Paul A. Reeder, III
Bradley C. Shoup (4)
Frances A. Skinner (5)
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
Stock Awards (2)
All Other
Compensation
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
500,000 $
300,000 $
28,200 $
— $
20,000 $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
725,760 $
568,026 $
— $
— $
— $
— $
80,000 $
828,200
—
20,000
—
725,760
648,026
(1) Omits those columns where no compensation was awarded or earned.
(2) Represents the full grant-date fair value computed by multiplying the total shares granted by the closing price of the
shares on the grant date.
(3) Mr. Dillon is Chairman of the Board of Directors and is also a non-executive employee of the Company. The
compensation shown in this table relates solely to Mr. Dillon's role as an employee of the Company. Mr. Dillon's cash
compensation included $200,000 in base salary and $300,000 in discretionary bonus. He also received $24,000 in 401k
Plan contributions and $4,200 in health savings account contributions.
(4) Mr. Shoup's stock award is intended to represent his sole compensation as a director of the Company for the period of
May 1, 2017 through his scheduled retirement on April 30, 2022.
(5) Ms. Skinner's stock award was initially intended to represent her sole compensation as a director of the Company for the
period of January 1, 2017 through her scheduled retirement on April 30, 2020. The Board has not yet made a
determination regarding the impact of Ms. Skinner's employment with the Company and the subsequent departure from
the Board on the vesting of this stock award. The $80,000 in "All Other Compensation" reflects amounts paid to Ms.
Skinner for her services as a consultant to the Company with respect to compensation and performance measurement
services.
On January 1, 2016, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Dillon in consideration of his
employment as a portfolio manager. For more information on this agreement, see the discussion under the heading
"Employment Agreements and Change in Control Benefits".
10
Outstanding Stock Grants to Directors
The below table shows the amount of unvested restricted stock grants outstanding to directors as of December 31, 2017 and the
service period covered by the grant. All of these grants vest in full at the conclusion of the applicable service period.
Name
Randolph J. Fortener
James F. Laird
Paul A. Reeder, III
Frances A. Skinner (1)
Bradley C. Shoup
Shares
Granted
Approximate
Service Period
Five Years
Ten Years
Ten Years
6,000
8,000
8,000
2,700
3,700
Service Period
Covered
4/24/13 – 4/30/18
Grant-Date
Fair Value
$452,940
Grant
Date
4/30/13
Vesting
Date
4/30/18
4/30/15 – 4/30/25
$1,125,760
2/27/15
4/30/25
4/30/15 – 4/30/25
$1,457,600
4/30/15
4/30/25
Three Years
1/1/17 – 4/30/20
$568,188
1/1/17
4/30/20
Five Years
5/1/17 – 4/30/22
$745,920
5/1/17
4/30/22
(1) Ms. Skinner's stock award was initially intended to represent her sole compensation as a director of the Company for the
period of January 1, 2017 through her scheduled retirement on April 30, 2020. The Board has not yet made a
determination regarding the impact of Ms. Skinner's employment with the Company and the subsequent departure from
the Board on the vesting of this stock award.
Ownership and Retention Guidelines
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines generally prohibit shares granted to our directors as compensation from being sold while
the director remains on the Board, except for sales of shares to pay taxes due upon vesting. Therefore, we expect each non-
employee director to hold for his or her entire term of service on the Board all of the shares granted to the director as compensation.
11
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Nominating and Governance Committee has general oversight responsibility for assessment and recruitment of new director
candidates, as well as evaluation of director and board performance and oversight of our governance matters. The Nominating
and Governance Committee has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines and reviews them annually. The most current version
of the Guidelines is available on our website, ir.diamond-hill.com, under “Corporate Governance” on the right hand side of the
site.
Board Leadership and Composition
The Chairman approves Board agendas and schedules, chairs all executive sessions of the directors, acts as the liaison
between the directors and management, oversees the information distributed in advance of Board meetings, is available to the
Secretary to discuss and, as necessary, respond to shareholder communications to the Board, and calls meetings of the
directors.
The Board appointed Mr. Laird as Lead Independent Director effective January 1, 2018. The responsibilities of the Lead
Independent Director include all of the duties of Chairman when the Chairman is not present.
Currently, four of our five director nominees are independent under NASDAQ standards. In addition, the Nominating and
Governance Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Compensation Committee are all comprised entirely of independent
directors. Overall, we believe that our Board structure is designed to foster critical oversight, good governance practices, and
the interests of the Company and its shareholders.
Among other things, the Corporate Governance Guidelines address term limits of each director. Although we have a 10 year
service limit for non-employee directors, the Guidelines authorize the Board to make exceptions to this limitation and permit
directors to serve for an additional year, and the Board has made such exceptions in the past.
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
The Board’s role in our risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from members of senior management on areas
of material risk to the Company, including client investment results, and operational, financial, legal, regulatory and strategic
risks. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing risks relating to our accounting matters, financial reporting and legal
and regulatory compliance. To satisfy these oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee meets regularly with management
and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing
risks relating to employment policies and our compensation and benefits programs. To satisfy these oversight responsibilities,
the Compensation Committee meets regularly with management to understand the implications of compensation decisions,
particularly the risks that our compensation policies pose to our finances and our relationship with employees.
Executive Leadership Team
The Company has established an Executive Leadership Team and three divisional leadership teams. The members of the
Executive Leadership Team include Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Line, and Ms. Wesolek. Members of the Executive Leadership Team
lead the three divisional leadership teams as indicated below:
Mr. Bingaman, CEO – Investment Leadership Team
Mr. Line, CFO – Administration Leadership Team
Ms. Wesolek, COO – Distribution Leadership Team
The Company believes that the Executive Leadership Team and three divisional leadership teams is an appropriate and effective
organizational structure for the Company.
12
Director Orientation and Continuing Education and Development
When a new independent director joins the Board, the Company provides a formal orientation program to provide the new
director with an understanding of our operations and financial condition. In addition, each director is expected to maintain the
necessary level of expertise to perform his or her responsibilities as a director. To assist the directors in maintaining such level
of expertise, we may, from time to time, offer continuing education programs in addition to briefings during Board meetings
relating to the competitive and industry environment and the Company’s goals and strategies.
Director Qualifications and the Nominations Process
The Nominating and Governance Committee believes that the nominees presented in this proxy statement would constitute a
Board with an appropriate level and diversity of experience, education, skills, and independence. The Nominating and
Governance Committee routinely considers the current composition of the Board and whether changes should be made or
additional directors should be added.
The Nominating and Governance Committee supervises the nomination process for directors. It considers the performance,
independence, background, experience, gender and other forms of diversity, as well as other characteristics of our incumbent
directors, including their willingness to serve, and any change in their employment or other circumstances in considering their
nomination each year. We do not have any formal policy regarding diversity in identifying nominees for a directorship, but
rather we consider it among the various factors relevant to any particular nominee and the overall needs of the Board. In the
event that a vacancy exists or the Company decides to increase the size of the Board, the Nominating and Governance Committee
will identify, interview, examine, and make recommendations to the Board regarding appropriate candidates.
The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies potential candidates principally through suggestions from our directors
and senior management. The committee may also seek candidates through informal discussions with third parties. We have not
historically retained search firms to help identify director candidates and did not do so in identifying this year’s nominees.
In evaluating potential candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers, among other factors, independence
from management, experience, expertise, commitment, diversity, number of other public company board and related committee
seats held, potential conflicts of interest, and the composition of the Board at the time of the assessment. Additionally, all
potential nominees must:
•
•
•
•
demonstrate strong character and integrity;
have sufficient time to carry out their duties;
have experience at senior levels in areas of expertise helpful to the Company and consistent with the objective
of having a diverse and well-rounded Board; and
have the willingness and commitment to assume the responsibilities required of a director of the Company.
In addition, candidates expected to serve on the various Board committees must meet applicable independence and financial
literacy qualifications required by NASDAQ, the SEC, and other applicable laws and regulations. The evaluation process of
potential candidates also includes personal interviews and discussions with appropriate references. Once the Nominating and
Governance Committee has selected a candidate, it recommends the candidate to the full Board for election if a vacancy occurs
or is created by an increase in the size of the Board during the course of the year, or for nomination if the director is to be first
elected by our shareholders. All directors serve for one-year terms and must stand for reelection annually.
The Nominating and Governance Committee does not currently have any specific policies regarding the consideration of director
candidates recommended by shareholders due to a historical absence of shareholder recommendations. In the event of such a
recommendation, the Nominating and Governance Committee would consider the recommendation using the process and criteria
set forth above. In the future, the Nominating and Governance Committee may in its discretion adopt policies regarding the
consideration of director candidates recommended by shareholders. Shareholder recommendations for Board candidates must
be directed in writing to the Company at 325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Attention:
Secretary, and must include the candidate’s name, home and business contact information, detailed biographical data and
qualifications, information regarding any relationships between the candidate and the Company within the last three years, and
evidence of the recommending person’s ownership of our common shares.
13
Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions
The Board recognizes that related person transactions present a heightened risk of conflicts of interest. Although we have no
written policy with respect to related party transactions, because we had none in the recent past, until 2017, the Audit Committee
will review any potential related person transactions as they arise and are reported to the Board or the Audit Committee, regardless
of whether the transactions are reportable pursuant to Item 404. For any related person transaction to be consummated or to
continue, the Audit Committee must approve or ratify the transaction.
On April 25, 2017, the Audit Committee approved the retention of Ms. Skinner as a consultant to the Company to provide
compensation and performance measurement services. Under terms of the arrangement, the Company paid Ms. Skinner $10,000
per month for the period of May through December of 2017.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The members of the Compensation Committee during 2017 were Mr. Fortener, Mr. Reeder, Mr. Shoup and Ms. Skinner (until
July 26, 2017). No director who served on the Compensation Committee during 2017 currently is, or during 2017 was, an
officer, employee or former officer of the Company or had any relationship during 2017 requiring disclosure by us under Item
404 of SEC Regulation S-K. During 2017, none of our executive officers served as a member of the board of directors or
compensation committee of any other company that has an executive officer serving as a member of our Board or Compensation
Committee.
14
Executive Officers and Compensation Information
During 2017, Christopher M. Bingaman, Thomas E. Line, and Lisa M. Wesolek were the Company’s only executive officers.
Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Line and Ms. Wesolek’s experience is described below. Each executive officer devotes his or her full time
and effort to the affairs of the Company.
Christopher M. Bingaman, age 52, was named Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 1, 2016, has been
the President of the Company since 2014 and also serves as a Portfolio Manager. Mr. Bingaman joined Diamond Hill in 2001.
From 1997 to March 2001, Mr. Bingaman was a Senior Equity Analyst for Nationwide Insurance. In 1997, Mr. Bingaman was
an Equity Analyst for Dillon Capital Management. From 1990 to 1997, Mr. Bingaman held various positions at Fifth Third
Bank, First Chicago NBD and NBD Bank. Mr. Bingaman has over 25 years of experience in the investment management
industry.
Mr. Bingaman received his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Hillsdale College (cum laude) and his Master of Business
Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Mr. Bingaman holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Thomas E. Line, age 50, is the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company since 2015 and also serves as Chief
Executive Officer of the Diamond Hill Funds. Mr. Line joined Diamond Hill in 2014. Mr. Line served as a Trustee and Chairman
for Diamond Hill Funds from 2005 to 2014. From 2012 to 2014, Mr. Line was Chief Operating Officer for Lancaster Pollard
& Company. Mr. Line was Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer for Red Capital Group from 2005 to 2012 and was
Vice President and Treasurer from 2004 to 2005. From 2002 to 2004, Mr. Line was President of Focused Financial Consulting,
Inc. From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Line was Chief Operating Officer for Meeder Financial, Inc. From 1996 to 1998, Mr. Line was
Vice President and Treasurer for BISYS Fund Services, Inc. Prior to 1996, Mr. Line spent seven years at KPMG in various
roles. Mr. Line has over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry.
Mr. Line has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wake Forest University, and previously held the Series 27 securities
license with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
Lisa M. Wesolek, age 54, has been the Chief Operating Officer of the Company since 2014. Ms. Wesolek joined Diamond Hill
in 2012. From 2008 to 2010, Ms. Wesolek was Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager for the Asset Management Group
at Wells Fargo Funds Management. From 2005 to 2008, Ms. Wesolek was Managing Director and Head-Institutional Asset
Management at Evergreen Investments Management. From 2004 to 2005, Ms. Wesolek was Managing Director, West Region
Head for JP Morgan Asset Management. From 1994 to 2004, Ms. Wesolek was Managing Director for Banc One Investment
Advisors Corporation. Ms. Wesolek has over 30 years of experience in the investment management industry.
Ms. Wesolek received her Bachelor of Science in Finance from Franklin University and holds the Series 7, 24 and 63 securities
licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
In our Compensation Discussion and Analysis, we:
•
•
describe our compensation program objectives and how compensation for our named executive officers is
determined; and
explain the tables and disclosures that follow.
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis presents compensation information for the following individuals:
• Christopher M. Bingaman, who served as our Chief Executive Officer and President in 2017;
• Thomas E. Line, who served as our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in 2017; and
• Lisa M. Wesolek, who served as our Chief Operating Officer in 2017.
15
Background
We are in the investment management industry. Human capital is the most important resource of companies in our industry.
Attracting and retaining employees can be more difficult in our industry than in others because of how heavily our industry
depends on the contributions of talented individuals. We have been able to attract and retain high-quality employees due to:
•
•
•
•
our investment-centric culture;
employee ownership in our business;
our central Ohio location; and
the nationally-competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.
Compensation, which is a critical element in a business dependent on talented employees, has a particularly significant impact
on profitability in industries like ours that are not capital intensive. This requires a balancing of the economics between our
operating profit margin and rewarding the employees who generate our profits and produce investment results for our clients.
As of March 5, 2018, our employees and directors owned approximately 21% of the Company. In contrast, many competitor
firms are owned entirely by their employees and many publicly-traded asset managers are far less employee owned. Despite
our unique ownership structure given our industry, we believe that industry norms are helpful benchmarks for evaluating this
balancing of economics.
At our 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders voted upon an advisory resolution to approve the compensation
of our named executive officers, which was approved by 99% of the votes cast on the matter. The Compensation Committee
of the Board (the “Committee”) believes that the results of the advisory vote on executive compensation support our previous
compensation practices and the Committee's overall judgment related to our compensation practices. The Committee considered
that endorsement in establishing the compensation of our executive officers for 2017.
Compensation Program Objectives
We seek to attract and retain people with integrity, intelligence and energy. All of our employees are paid a competitive base
salary, provided with competitive benefits and participate in an annual cash and equity incentive compensation program. The
amount of individual incentive awards is based on an assessment of individual performance, while the amount of the overall
available incentive pool is based on (i) investment results in client portfolios, (ii), overall firm operating results, (iii) market
compensation data, and (iv) our profitability compared to other investment management firms.
In addition to annual incentive compensation, upon commencing employment with the Company, all employees are generally
awarded equity grants as an incentive to their continued employment. Generally, these awards cliff vest after five years of
employment to promote employee retention and long-term employee ownership. We also seek to increase employee ownership
because we believe such ownership encourages employees to act and think like owners. While compensation amounts differ
depending upon position, responsibilities, performance and competitive data, we seek to reward all employees with similar
compensation components based on these objectives.
Rewards Based on Performance
Our primary business objective is to meet our fiduciary duty to clients. Specifically, our focus is on long-term, five-year
investment returns, with goals defined as rolling five-year periods in which client returns are sufficiently above relevant passive
benchmarks, rank in the top quartile of similar investment strategies, and exceed a sufficient absolute return for the risk associated
with the asset class. As it relates to our investment professionals, their compensation program is designed to reward performance
that supports these objectives. The compensation program varies for those employees who are not a part of our investment team,
but is based on rewarding individual performance that helps us meet our fiduciary duty to clients. We seek to fulfill our fiduciary
duty to shareholders by managing the firm and its assets to increase shareholder value over time. Over the past five years, our
annualized total shareholder return was 28.4% compared to a 14.1% return for the Russell 2000 Index.
16
Compensation Setting Process
Role of the Compensation Committee. The Committee has the overall responsibility for evaluating and approving the structure,
operation and effectiveness of our compensation plans, policies and programs for all employees. The Committee consists of
Mr. Fortener, Mr. Laird (effective January 1, 2018), Mr. Reeder, and Mr. Shoup. Mr. Laird serves as the Chair. Each member
of the Committee is a “non-employee director” for purposes of Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and meets
NASDAQ independence requirements. The Committee is specifically charged to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
review and approve the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO, to evaluate the
CEO’s performance in light of these goals and objectives, and, based on this evaluation, make recommendations
to the Board for the independent directors to approve the CEO’s compensation level (including any long-term
incentive or other compensation under any incentive-based or equity-based compensation plan);
review management’s recommendations and make recommendations to the Board with respect to director and
other non-CEO executive officer compensation;
retain compensation consultants as it deems necessary to assist in its evaluation of director, CEO or other senior
executive compensation programs or arrangements;
obtain advice and assistance as it deems necessary from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisors;
review management’s recommendations and make recommendations to the Board with respect to incentive-based
compensation and equity-based compensation plans and programs that are subject to Board approval, and that may
be applicable to all or any portion of the employees of the Company and/or its subsidiaries; and
exercise all power and authority of the Board in the administration of equity-based incentive compensation plans.
The Committee considers the sum of all pay elements when reviewing annual compensation recommendations for the named
executive officers. Although the framework for compensation decision-making is tied to the Company’s overall financial
performance and the creation of long-term shareholder value, the Committee retains the discretion to make recommendations
to the Board for the independent directors to approve individual compensation based on other performance factors, such as
demonstrated management and leadership capabilities and the achievement of certain investment results for client accounts and
other strategic operating results.
Role of Management. The Company’s CEO evaluates the CFO and COO as part of our annual review process and makes
recommendations to the Committee regarding all elements of executive compensation paid to them. Changes in executive
compensation proposed by the CEO are based on the individual’s performance, the compensation of individuals with comparable
responsibilities in competing or similar organizations, and the profitability of the Company. At the Committee’s request,
management attends Committee meetings to provide general employee compensation and other information to the Committee,
including information regarding the design, implementation and administration of our compensation plans. The Committee also
meets in executive sessions without the presence of any executive officer whose compensation the Committee is scheduled to
discuss.
Use of Compensation Consultants and Surveys in Determining Executive Compensation. The Committee’s charter gives it the
authority to retain an independent outside executive compensation consulting firm to assist in evaluating policies and practices
regarding executive compensation and provide objective advice regarding the competitive landscape. Historically, however,
the Committee has not engaged compensation consultants, and did not do so in 2016 or 2017.
Each year the Committee obtains and summarizes an asset management industry pay analysis prepared by McLagan, a
compensation specialist focusing on the asset management industry. The companies in the McLagan analysis include
approximately 150 public and private asset management companies with which we compete. This analysis provides the
Committee with a general overview of compensation trends in the asset management industry. The Committee does not define
a specific peer group, but rather takes a broad view of the analysis, including the types and amounts of compensation paid
generally by the companies surveyed. The Committee does not set any compensation elements or levels based on targeting a
certain percentile from the survey, but rather sets compensation that it believes to be both competitive and based on the executive’s
value to the Company. The survey is just one of many factors that the Committee considers when determining executive
compensation. Management and the Committee believe this broad view of the analysis is appropriate because we compete with
both public and private asset management firms regardless of their size and scope of operations.
17
Elements of Compensation
Base Salary. Base salaries for our named executive officers are intended to provide a fixed level of cash compensation that is
appropriate given the executive’s role in the organization. Generally, base salaries are determined by (i) scope of responsibility
and complexity of position, (ii) performance history, (iii) tenure of service, (iv) internal equity within the Company’s salary
structure, and (v) relative salaries of persons holding similar positions at other companies within the investment management
industry. Base salaries are designed to compensate knowledge and experience. Consistent with our desire to have the majority
of total compensation paid to named executive officers at risk in the form of incentive compensation, a significant majority of
total compensation of our executive officers was paid in the form of either cash bonuses and/or long-term equity grants.
Annual Cash Bonuses. The Committee awarded a discretionary cash bonus to Mr. Bingaman, to reward him for his strong
performance and overall contributions to the Company in fiscal year 2017. The Committee believes a discretionary cash bonus
provided the Committee with the flexibility to consider all aspects of Mr. Bingaman’s performance and contributions to the
Company as CEO, President and Portfolio Manager. In determining the amount of Mr. Bingaman’s cash bonus, the Committee
considered the Company’s overall operating results for 2017, the investment results in client portfolios, client service, overall
contributions to the investment team, and broad market compensation data.
The Committee awarded a discretionary cash bonus to Mr. Line to reward him for his strong performance and overall contributions
to the Company in fiscal year 2017. The Committee believes that a discretionary cash bonus provided the Committee with the
flexibility to consider all aspects of Mr. Line's performance and contributions to the Company which, for a CFO and Treasurer,
may not be as directly tied to our operating income. In determining the amount of Mr. Line's cash bonus, the Committee
considered the Company’s overall operating results for 2017, contributions by Mr. Line that were not reflected in our operating
results, and broad market compensation data.
The Committee awarded a discretionary cash bonus to Ms. Wesolek to reward her for her strong performance and overall
contributions to the Company in fiscal year 2017. The Committee believes a discretionary cash bonus provided the Committee
with the flexibility to consider all aspects of Ms. Wesolek's performance and contributions to the Company. In determining the
amount of Ms. Wesolek's cash bonus, the Committee considered the Company's overall operating results for 2017, contributions
by Ms. Wesolek that were not reflected in our operating results, and broad market compensation data. The Committee also
considered the fact that Ms. Wesolek has historically not received any cash bonus due to the initial long-term restricted stock
grant that was granted at her time of hire in 2012. Additional information on this grant is available under the heading "Restricted
Stock Award to Ms. Wesolek" below.
Restricted Stock Unit Award to Mr. Bingaman. In October 2015, the Committee awarded 13,000 shares of performance-based
restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) to Mr. Bingaman pursuant to the Company’s 2014 Plan covering the performance period of
January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017. The grant called for 6,500 PRSUs to vest on each of January 1, 2017 and January
1, 2018, respectively, if the Company’s annual operating profit for each calendar year period (defined as the Company’s total
revenue during each calendar year period excluding any investment income and gains, less the Company’s total operating
expenses during such period and any investment losses and all taxes) exceeded $40,000,000. If the Company’s annual operating
profit during in either calendar year period was less than $40,000,000, a reduced number of PRSUs would vest on January 1st
of 2017 or 2018, respectively, according to a schedule that scaled down from 6,500 PRSUs at $40,000,000 in operating profit
to zero PRSUs at or below $0 in operating profit. Any PRSUs that did not vest would be forfeited. The performance conditions
for both 2016 and 2017 were met. The first 6,500 PRSUs vested in full on January 1, 2017. The Company accelerated the vesting
of the second 6,500 PRSUs from January 1, 2018 to December 26, 2017 in order to take a tax deduction for the compensation
during 2017. All vested PRSUs settled in shares of the Company’s common stock on a 1-for-1 basis and are subject to restrictions
on sale or transfer for five years following the vesting date. This PRSU award comprised all of Mr. Bingaman’s equity-based
compensation for 2016 and 2017.
Restricted Stock Unit Award to Mr. Line. In December 2014, management granted 15,000 restricted stock units ("RSUs) to Mr.
Line pursuant to the Company's 2014 Plan as long-term incentive compensation. Vesting of this award is time based and 3,000
of these RSUs vest on each April 1st from 2015 through 2019. Each RSU that vests will be settled in shares of the Company's
common stock on a 1-for-1 basis. Upon vesting, the resulting shares will be subject to restrictions on sale or transfer for an
additional five years from each respective vesting date. Mr. Line was named Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective
January 1, 2015. Management believes this compensation structure strongly aligns the long-term interests of Mr. Line with
those of the Company and its shareholders. This RSU award is intended to comprise all of Mr. Line's equity-based compensation
for 2014 through 2018.
18
Restricted Stock Award to Ms. Wesolek. At the time of her hiring in July 2012, management granted Ms. Wesolek 40,000 shares
of restricted stock as both an incentive to employment and as long-term incentive compensation. Vesting of this award was time
based at various times over the five-year period from grant date through July 2017. Upon vesting, the shares became subject
to further restrictions on sale or transfer for an additional five years from each respective vesting date. Ms. Wesolek was hired
to lead the sales, marketing, client service and distribution efforts of the Company and was named Chief Operating Officer in
2014. Management believes this compensation structure strongly aligns the long-term interests of Ms. Wesolek with those of
the Company and its shareholders. This restricted stock award comprised all of Ms. Wesolek’s incentive compensation for the
five-year period of July 2012 through June 2017, and no additional cash or equity awards were granted to Ms. Wesolek during
that period.
Retirement Plan Benefits. We provide retirement benefits through the 401(k) Plan. Each named executive officer is entitled to
participate in this plan on the same terms and conditions as all other employees. The 401(k) Plan does not involve any guaranteed
minimum or above-market returns, as plan returns depend on actual investment results.
Deferred Compensation Plans. We have two Deferred Compensation Plans: the Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred
Compensation Plan (the “Fixed Term Plan”) and the Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Variable
Term Plan”) (each individually, a "Plan", and collectively the “Deferred Compensation Plans”). Each named executive officer
is eligible to participate in one of the Plans, along with certain other persons employed by the Company. The terms and conditions
of the Plans are described in more detail under the heading “Pension Plans and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation” below.
Other Benefits and Perquisites. We do not provide supplemental retirement plan benefits to our named executive officers. As
a general rule, we do not provide any perquisites or other personal benefits to our named executive officers that are not offered
on an equal basis to all other employees. Our named executive officers are entitled to participate in benefit programs that entitle
them to the same medical, dental, and short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage that are available to all employees.
Post-Employment Payments. No named executive officer has an employment contract or severance arrangement, and we do not
provide any post-employment payments to our named executive officers, other than pursuant to our 401(k) Plan and Deferred
Compensation Plans.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
Prior to December 22, 2017, when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”) was signed into law, Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code generally disallowed a tax deduction to publicly held companies for compensation paid to certain “covered
employees” in excess of $1 million per covered employee in any year, except to the extent that the compensation in excess of
the limit qualified as performance-based. In connection with fiscal 2017 compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee
and the Board of Directors considered the potential tax deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code and sought to qualify certain elements of these applicable executives’ compensation as performance-
based while also providing amounts and types of compensation that would best fulfill the objectives of the Company’s
compensation program.
Under the TCJA, the performance-based exception has been repealed and the $1 million deduction limit now applies to (1)
anyone serving as the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer at any time during the taxable year, (2) the top three
other highest compensated executive officers serving at the end of the taxable year, and (3) any individual who had been a
covered employee for any taxable year of the company that started after December 31, 2016. However, the new rules do not
apply to remuneration provided pursuant to a written binding contract in effect on November 2, 2017 that is not modified in any
material respect after that date. Because of ambiguities and uncertainties as to the application and interpretation of this transition
relief, no assurance can be given that compensation intended to satisfy the requirements for exemption from Section 162(m)
will avoid the deduction limit. We believe that the amount of compensation paid to our executive officers that can be deducted
will decrease compared to prior years.
The Board of Directors has not adopted a formal policy regarding tax deductibility of compensation paid to our executive officers.
The Board of Directors may authorize compensation that might not be deductible, and may modify compensation that was
initially intended to be exempt from Section 162(m), if it determines that such compensation decisions are in the best interests
of the Company and its shareholders.
19
Risks Related to Compensation Policies and Practices
As part of its oversight of our executive and non-executive compensation programs, the Compensation Committee considers
how our current compensation programs, including the incentives created by compensation awards, affect the Company’s risk
profile. In addition, the Committee reviews our compensation policies, and particularly the incentives that they create, to
determine whether they encourage an appropriate level of risk-taking and do not present a significant risk to the Company. The
Compensation Committee also considered the following risk mitigating factors:
•
•
•
•
•
•
current compensation programs reward portfolio managers and research analysts on trailing five-year investment
performance in client accounts;
a significant portion of incentive compensation is in the form of long-term equity-based awards;
sale restriction periods on equity-based compensation awards encourage executives and other employees to focus
on the long-term performance of the Company;
the Committee has discretionary authority to adjust annual incentive awards;
the Company has internal controls over financial reporting and other financial, operational and compliance policies
and practices; and
base salaries are consistent with executives’ responsibilities so that they are not motivated to take excessive risks
to achieve a reasonable level of financial security.
Based on this review, the Committee has concluded that our compensation policies and procedures are not reasonably likely to
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Compensation Recoupment and Restitution Policy
Upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, our Board of Directors has adopted a compensation recoupment
and restitution policy that applies to all incentive compensation received by all employees, including our named executive
officers. Under the policy, we may recover all or a portion of incentive compensation (or pay out additional incentive
compensation) related to awards made after the adoption of the policy, in three general situations:
•
•
•
if, due to error or malfeasance, the previously determined incentive pool, or an individual award, is either too large
(or too small), then any overpayment made to an employee may, in the sole discretion of the Compensation
Committee and the Board, be returned to the Company or an additional payment may be made to an employee;
if an employee engages in fraud or misconduct that contributes to the need for a financial restatement, or violates
any law or regulation or any policy or procedure of the Company, then we may, in the sole discretion of the
Compensation Committee and the Board, recoup all or a portion of the employee’s incentive compensation; and
if the Compensation Committee determines that the Company's previously issued financial statements are restated
as a result of error, omission, fraud or non-compliance with financial reporting requirements, then we may recoup,
in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee and the Board, all or a portion of the employee’s incentive
compensation.
The policy is intended to provide enhanced safeguards against certain types of employee misconduct and provide enhanced
protection to, and alignment with, shareholders. These provisions are in addition to any policies or recovery rights that are
provided under applicable laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act. Since 2013, all awards have been subject to this policy.
20
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Board adopted stock ownership guidelines for our named executive officers to further align their interests with those of our
shareholders. The below table provides the target ownership level reflected in the guidelines and actual shares owned as of
December 31, 2017. Each named executive officer currently holds shares well in excess of the amounts required under the
guidelines.
Name
Christopher M. Bingaman
Thomas E. Line
Lisa M. Wesolek
_______________
Title
CEO and President
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Target
Ownership
Level
5x Salary
3x Salary
2x Salary
Target
Number of
Shares(a)
Number of
Shares
Owned (b)
Ownership
Guideline Met
7,258
2,903
2,419
32,678
12,766
23,668
Yes
Yes
Yes
(a) Based on a per share price of $206.66 which was the closing price of our common shares on December 31, 2017, and the
respective base salaries of our named executive officers as of that date.
Includes any unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units, as well as shares held in the 401k Plan.
(b)
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the total compensation paid to or earned by our named executive officers for services rendered in
the years indicated. Additional information on the elements of compensation included in the table below is available under the
“Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section.
Name
and Principal
Position
Christopher M. Bingaman
Chief Executive Officer
and President
Thomas E. Line
Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
Lisa M. Wesolek
Chief Operating Officer
Year
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
2015
Salary
Bonus(1)
Stock Awards(3)
All Other
Compensation(4)
Total
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
300,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
250,000
250,000
200,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
550,000
600,000
400,000
225,000
225,000
225,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
500,000
$
— $
— $
—
2,360,860
(2)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
38,700
$
888,700
38,100
$ 3,298,960
36,300
$
686,300
29,600
29,600
29,600
35,600
35,600
29,600
$
$
$
$
$
$
454,600
454,600
454,600
785,600
285,600
229,600
___________________________________
(1) For 2015 and 2016, Mr. Bingaman and Mr. Line were each granted a discretionary cash bonus award, which was not based
upon any pre-established performance goals. For 2017, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Line and Ms. Wesolek were each granted a
discretionary cash bonus award, which was not based upon any pre-established performance goals.
(2) This award represents 13,000 PRSUs awarded to Mr. Bingaman on January 1, 2016 as part of a long-term performance-
based incentive program under the 2014 Plan and constitutes the stock portion of Mr. Bingaman’s incentive compensation
for the years 2016 and 2017. Of these 13,000 PRSUs, 6,500 vested on January 1, 2017 and the other 6,500 vested on
December 26, 2017, in each instance subject to the achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation
Committee and described above in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section.
21
(3) The value shown represents the full grant date fair value, which was determined by reducing the grant-date price of the
shares by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period,
discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate.
(4) The following types of compensation are included in the “all other compensation” column:
Name
Year
Christopher M. Bingaman 2017
2016
Thomas E. Line
Lisa M. Wesolek
2015
2017
2016
2015
2017
2016
Contributions to
401k Plan(a)
Contributions to Health
Savings Account(a)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
32,400
31,800
30,000
24,000
24,000
24,000
30,000
30,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,300
6,300
6,300
5,600
5,600
5,600
5,600
5,600
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total
38,700
38,100
36,300
29,600
29,600
29,600
35,600
35,600
$
(a) The Company contributions to the 401k Plan and employee Health Savings Accounts are offered to all employees of
29,600
24,000
5,600
2015
$
$
the Company and its affiliates.
Pay Ratio Disclosure
The below table shows the ratio of the median annual total compensation of all Company employees (excluding the chief
executive officer) to the annual total compensation of the Company's chief executive officer. In determining the median
employee, a listing was prepared of all current employees as of December 31, 2017. To determine the median employee, we
included 2017 base salary and incentive compensation (annualized for those employees that were not employed for the full
year of 2017). Per disclosure requirements, once the median employee was identified, for purposes of comparison to the
CEO, we then calculated the compensation for that employee in the same manner as the Total Compensation shown for our
CEO in the Summary Compensation Table.
Median Employee total annual compensation (1)
Christopher M. Bingaman, CEO, total annual compensation
$
$
Ratio of CEO to Median Employee Compensation
472,260
888,700
1.88 : 1
(1) The compensation shown for the median employee includes $206,600 related to a five-year restricted stock award
granted on December 31, 2017. Absent this stock award, the median employee total compensation was $265,600.
Voluntary Supplement Pay Ratio Disclosure - GAAP Accounting
The compensation numbers presented in the below table use the actual compensation expense recorded by the Company on
its financial statements on Form 10-K ("GAAP Accounting"). Under GAAP Accounting, on the below table long-term
restricted stock awards are amortized over the vesting period of the award, as opposed to the above table, which includes the
entire grant date value in the year the award is granted. The below table shows the same median employee as the above table.
Median Employee total annual compensation
Christopher M. Bingaman, CEO, total annual compensation (1)
$
$
Ratio of CEO to Median Employee Compensation
265,600
2,053,240
7.73 : 1
(1) The compensation shown for the CEO includes $1,164,540 in GAAP Accounting compensation expense related to 6,500
Restricted Stock Units as discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section.
22
Grants of Plan Based Awards for 2017
There were no incentive plan awards granted to named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2017
The following table summarizes all outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31,
2017.
Name
Christopher M. Bingaman
Thomas E. Line
Lisa M. Wesolek
_______________
Stock Awards
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of Unearned Shares
That have Not Vested(1)
Equity Incentive Plan Awards:
Market or Payout Value of
Unearned Shares That Have
Not Vested(3)
—
$
6,000 (2) $
$
—
—
1,239,960
—
(1) The amount in this column represents RSUs awarded pursuant to the 2014 Plan, which are described in detail above under
the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.”
(2) These RSUs are scheduled to vest in equal installments of 3,000 shares on each of April 1, 2018 and April 1, 2019, subject
to Mr. Line's continued employment with the Company on those respective dates.
(3) The amount in this column represents the value of the RSUs shown multiplied by $206.66, the closing market price of our
common shares as of December 29, 2017.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested for 2017
None of the named executive officers exercised any options during 2017. The following table sets forth information with
respect to stock awards that vested in 2017.
Name
Christopher M. Bingaman
Thomas E. Line
Lisa M. Wesolek
Stock Awards
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
Value Realized
on Vesting
13,000
$ 2,707,120
3,000
5,000
$
$
583,650
997,000
Pension Plans and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
We do not maintain any pension plans for named executive officers or other employees. We offer to our named executive
officers and certain other employees the opportunity to participate in two Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans: the
Fixed Term Plan and the Variable Term Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plans”).
Deferrals of Incentive Compensation.
Pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plans, participants may elect to defer up to 50% of the stock portion of their annual
incentive compensation and up to 100% of the cash portion of their annual incentive compensation for a plan year (the calendar
year). Generally, the participant must submit a deferral election by December 31 of the year before the services are to be
performed. After the applicable deadline, a deferral election is irrevocable for that plan year except under circumstances set
forth in the Deferred Compensation Plan.
None of the named executive officers contributed to the Deferred Compensation Plans, and none had a balance under such plans
as of December 31, 2017.
23
Employment Agreements and Change in Control Benefits
On January 1, 2016, Mr. Dillon and Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
entered into an employment agreement setting forth the terms of his continued employment as a portfolio manager. This
employment agreement has a term of five years, subject to early termination. Mr. Dillon receives an annual salary of $200,000
and is eligible to receive an annual bonus using the same criteria as applicable to the other portfolio managers of the Company.
Mr. Dillon is also entitled to an additional bonus based upon the net revenue of an operating division to which he provides certain
of his services. If Mr. Dillon’s employment is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to one year’s base salary and a pro-
rata portion of any incentive compensation. Mr. Dillon's employment agreement has no provision for change in control benefits.
None of our named executive officers is party to an employment agreement with the Company, and there are no agreements
with such persons providing for change in control benefits or other post-employment compensation.
Compensation Committee Report
The Board’s Compensation Committee has submitted the following report for inclusion in this Proxy Statement:
We have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement with
management. Based on that review and discussion, we recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2017.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors:
James F. Laird, Chair
Paul A. Reeder, III
Randolph J. Fortener
Bradley C. Shoup
24
PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention, and oversight of the independent
registered public accounting firm retained to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements. To carry out this
responsibility, the Committee engages in an evaluation of the independent auditor's qualifications, performance, and
independence. The Committee also periodically considers whether the independent registered public accounting firm should
be rotated and the advisability and potential impact of selecting a different independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee has reappointed KPMG LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2018.
KPMG was first appointed to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm on October 24, 2012.
The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the continued retention of KPMG as our independent registered
public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders, and we are asking our shareholders to ratify
the selection of KPMG as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2018, and may or may not make any changes
to such appointment.
Representatives of KPMG are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement,
if they so desire, and respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF KPMG AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2018.
If Proposal 2 is not approved, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment of KPMG as our independent registered
public accounting firm for 2018.
Disclosure of Fees Charged by the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The following table summarizes the fees billed by KPMG for services rendered to the Company and its subsidiaries during 2017
and 2016.
Audit Fees(1)
Audit-Related Fees(2)
Tax Fees
All Other Fees
Total Fees
____________________
Year Ended
Year Ended
12/31/2017
12/31/2016
$
$
$
204,100
—
44,400
—
248,500
$
$
$
154,000
23,450
42,500
—
219,950
(1) Audit Fees include professional services rendered for the audit of annual financial statements, reviews of quarterly financial
statements, issuance of consents, and assistance with review of other documents filed with the SEC. The 2017 amount
includes $20,500 paid in 2017 related to the 2016 audit. The 2016 amount includes $9,000 paid in 2016 related to the 2015
audit.
(2) Audit-Related Fees for 2016 include services related to consultation on the sale of a subsidiary and to analysis on the
consolidation of proprietary mutual funds.
Preapproval by Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures which set forth the manner in which the committee will review
and approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm (the
“Services”) to ensure that the provision of the Services does not impair the firm’s independence. The pre-approval policies
and procedures are as follows:
• The Audit Committee has established a pre-approval fee cap of $25,000, under which any Services in excess of the
$25,000 fee cap must be submitted to the Audit Committee for review and pre-approval, and any Services less than
25
the $25,000 fee cap must be approved by the Chief Financial Officer and then reported to the Audit Committee at its
next regularly scheduled meeting.
Pre-approval actions taken during Audit Committee meetings are recorded in the minutes of the meetings.
•
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee is comprised of four independent directors operating under a written charter adopted by the Board. Annually,
the Audit Committee engages the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. KPMG served as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
Management is responsible for preparation of the Company’s financial statements and for designing and maintaining the
Company’s systems of internal controls and financial reporting processes. The Company’s independent registered public
accounting firm is responsible for performing an audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and issuing reports on the Company’s financial
statements and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Audit Committee’s
responsibility is to provide independent, objective oversight of these processes.
Pursuant to this responsibility, the Audit Committee met and held discussions with management and KPMG regarding the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The Audit Committee reviewed
the audit plan and scope with KPMG and discussed with KPMG the matters required by the PCAOB Auditing Standard 16, as
amended, – Communications with the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee also met with KPMG without management
present to discuss the results of their audit work, their evaluation of the Company’s system of internal controls and the quality
of the Company’s financial reporting.
The Committee also discussed with KPMG its independence from management and the Company, and received its written
disclosures and the letter from KPMG required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s
communications with the audit committee concerning independence.
Management has represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2017, were prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. Based on the
Audit Committee’s discussions with management and KPMG and its review of KPMG’s report to the Audit Committee, the
Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board has approved) that the audited consolidated financial
statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the
SEC.
Submitted by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors:
Randolph J. Fortener, Chairman
James F. Laird
Paul A. Reeder, III
Bradley C. Shoup
26
PROPOSAL 3 - ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted in July 2010, requires that we provide our shareholders
with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our executive officers identified
in the Summary Compensation Table of this Proxy Statement (the “named executive officers”).
As described in detail in the section entitled, “EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND COMPENSATION INFORMATION,” we believe
that executive compensation should be linked with the Company’s performance and significantly aligned with the interests of
the Company’s shareholders. In addition, our executive compensation program is designed to allow us to retain, and recognize
the contributions of, employees who play a significant role in our current and future success. We urge you to read the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and disclosure for a detailed description
of the fiscal year 2017 compensation of our named executive officers.
The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation; rather, the advisory vote relates to
the overall compensation of our named executive officers. This vote is advisory and therefore not binding on the Company.
However, the Board and the Compensation Committee will review the voting results and will take into account the outcome of
the vote when determining future compensation for the Company’s named executive officers.
Accordingly, we ask our shareholders to vote on the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named
executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and
disclosure.”
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ADVISORY APPROVAL OF THE
COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT
PURSUANT TO THE COMPENSATION DISCLOSURE RULES OF THE SEC.
27
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Given the Company’s relatively small size, our limited number of record shareholders, and the Board’s consistent practice of
being open to receiving direct communications from shareholders, the Board believes that it is not necessary to implement, and
we do not have, a formal process for shareholders to send communications to the Board. Our practice is to forward any
communication addressed to the full Board to the Chairman; to a group of directors, to a member of the group; or to an individual
director, to that person.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2019 ANNUAL MEETING
Shareholders are entitled to submit proposals on matters appropriate for shareholder action consistent with SEC rules and our
Code of Regulations. Should a shareholder wish to have a proposal appear in the Proxy Statement for next year’s annual meeting,
under applicable SEC rules, the proposal must be received by the Company’s Secretary on or before November 12, 2018, and
must otherwise comply with the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act.
Our Regulations govern the submission of director nominations and other business proposals that a shareholder wishes to have
considered at an annual meeting of shareholders, but which are not included in our Proxy Statement for that meeting. Under our
Regulations, director nominations or other business proposals to be addressed at our next annual meeting may be made by a
shareholder entitled to vote who has delivered a notice to the Secretary of the Company not later than the close of business on
December 12, 2018 and not earlier than November 12, 2018. The notice must comply with the procedures and requirements of
our Regulations.
These advance notice provisions in our Regulations are in addition to, and separate from, the requirements that a shareholder
must meet in order to have a proposal included in the Proxy Statement under the rules of the SEC. A proxy granted by a shareholder
will give discretionary authority to the proxies to vote on any matters introduced pursuant to the above advance notice provisions
in our Regulations, subject to applicable SEC rules. A copy of our Regulations may be obtained from the Secretary of the
Company, Gary R. Young, at 325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or by phone at (614)
255-3333.
SHAREHOLDERS SHARING THE SAME ADDRESS
The SEC has implemented rules regarding the delivery of proxy materials (i.e., annual reports, proxy statements, proxy statements
combined with a prospectus or any information statements provided to shareholders) to households. This method of delivery,
often referred to as “householding,” generally permits the Company to send a single annual report and a single proxy statement
to any household at which two or more different shareholders reside if the Company believes such shareholders are members
of the same family, unless the shareholder(s) have opted out of the householding process. Each shareholder would continue to
receive a separate notice of any meeting of shareholders and proxy card. The householding procedure reduces the volume of
duplicate information you receive and reduces expenses. The Company has instituted householding. If (i) you wish to receive
separate annual reports or proxy statements, either this year or in the future, or (ii) members of your household receive multiple
copies of the annual report and proxy statement and you wish to request householding, you may contact the Company’s transfer
agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company at 17 Battery Place, New York, New York 10004, or by phone at (212)
509-4000, or write to Mr. Gary Young, Secretary, at 325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or
by phone at (614) 255-3333.
In addition, many brokerage firms and other holders of record have instituted householding. If your family has one or more
“street name” accounts under which our shares are beneficially owned, you may have received householding information from
your broker, financial institution or other nominee in the past. Please contact the holder of record directly if you have questions,
require additional copies of this Proxy Statement or Annual Report on Form 10-K or wish to revoke your decision to household
and thereby receive multiple copies. You should also contact the holder of record if you wish to institute householding. These
options are available to you at any time.
28
Table of Contents
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board knows of no other business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. However, if any other business properly comes
before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed Proxy to vote on such matters in accordance
with their best judgment.
The prompt completion, execution, and delivery of your proxy card or your submission of voting instructions electronically
over the Internet or by telephone will be appreciated. Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please complete
and sign the proxy card and return it in the enclosed envelope, or vote your proxy electronically via the Internet or telephonically.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Gary R. Young
Secretary
1
United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017
Commission file number 000-24498
DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio
(State of
incorporation)
325 John H. McConnell Blvd., Suite 200,
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(Address of principal executive offices)
65-0190407
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
43215
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (614) 255-3333
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common shares, no par value
Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act. Yes
No
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
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such
files). Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller
reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,”
“smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). Yes
No
Aggregate market value of the registrant’s common shares (the only common equity of the registrant) held by non-affiliates of
the registrant, based on the closing price of $199.40 on June 30, 2017 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was
$640,892,537. Calculation of holdings by non-affiliates is based upon the assumption, for these purposes only, that the
registrant’s executive officers and directors are affiliates.
The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock, as of February 22, 2018, is 3,488,752 shares.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed pursuant to
Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this
report.
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017
Index
Required Information
Part I
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
Part III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Part IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
Signatures
Page
3
3
9
12
12
12
12
13
13
15
15
27
28
46
46
46
47
47
47
47
47
47
48
48
49
50
2
Item 1.
Business
Forward-Looking Statements
PART I
Throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us" and "our")
may make 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, relating to such matters as anticipated operating results,
prospects and levels of assets under management, technological developments, economic trends (including interest rates and
market volatility), expected transactions and similar matters. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,”
“hope,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date
thereof. While we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are
cautioned that any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and, accordingly, our actual results and experiences could
differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements. Factors that
could cause such actual results or experiences to differ from results discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to: the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets; a decline in the performance of our products; changes
in interest rates; changes in national and local economic and political conditions; the continuing economic uncertainty in
various parts of the world; changes in government policy and regulation, including monetary policy; changes in our ability to
attract or retain key employees; unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of
governmental and self-regulatory organizations; and other risks identified from time-to-time in other public documents on file
with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including those discussed below in Item 1A. Throughout this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, when we use the terms the “Company,” “management,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” we mean
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Overview
The Company, an Ohio corporation organized in April 1990, derives its consolidated revenue and net income from investment
advisory and fund administration services provided by its subsidiary, Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. (“DHCM”).
DHCM is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. DHCM sponsors, distributes, and
provides investment advisory and related services to clients through Diamond Hill Funds (the "Funds"), institutional accounts,
an exchange traded fund, and private investment funds. In July of 2016, the Company sold two former wholly owned operating
subsidiaries, Beacon Hill Fund Services, Inc. (“BHFS”) and BHIL Distributors, Inc. (“BHIL” and collectively "Beacon Hill").
Until its sale, Beacon Hill provided fund administration and statutory underwriting services.
The Company’s primary objective is to fulfill our fiduciary duty to our clients. Our secondary objective is to grow the intrinsic
value of the Company in order to achieve an adequate long-term return for our shareholders.
Investment Advisory Activities
Clients
The Company provides investment advisory services to a broad range of clients, including corporations, mutual funds,
retirement plans, public pension funds, endowments, foundations, financial institutions and high net worth individuals. We
strive to expand our client base by attracting new clients and earning additional business from existing clients.
Investment Philosophy
We believe intrinsic value is independent of market price and that competitive long-term returns can be achieved by identifying
meaningful differences between the two. We believe we can identify those market opportunities and deliver value through our
shared commitment to an intrinsic value-based investment philosophy, long-term perspective, and disciplined approach to
active investment management.
Investment Process
DHCM’s equity investment process begins with fundamental research focusing on estimating a company’s intrinsic value
independent of its current stock price. Bottom-up analysis, which takes into consideration earnings, revenue growth, operating
margins and other economic factors, is of primary importance in estimating the intrinsic value of an individual company. A
five-year discounted cash flow analysis is the primary methodology we use to determine whether there is a discrepancy
between the current market price and DHCM’s estimate of intrinsic value. To forecast the amount and timing of cash flows, our
research analysts concentrate on the fundamental economic drivers of the business, including competitive positioning, quality
of management, and balance sheet strength. Research analysts also evaluate each company within the context of sector and
3
industry secular trends. Key factors in analyzing sectors and industries include relative pricing power, ability to earn excess
returns, long-term capital flow, and other fundamental factors.
DHCM also applies an intrinsic value philosophy and process to the analysis of fixed income securities. Our fixed income
investment process is driven by security selection, sector allocation, yield curve positioning, and duration management in
concert with the overall management of a high quality portfolio. We seek to generate excess return through the selection of
undervalued securities and spread sectors that offer incremental yield and total return in comparison to a benchmark index. We
believe that our team of industry specialists and their focus on the entire capital structure of a business often give us an
information advantage over our peers.
DHCM believes that many investors’ short-term focus hinders their long-term results, which creates market inefficiencies and
therefore opportunities. In addition, not all investors are valuation sensitive. We believe that we can exploit these market
anomalies/inefficiencies by possessing a long-term investment temperament and practicing a consistent and repeatable intrinsic
value-focused approach to investing.
Investment Advisory Fees
The Company’s principal source of revenue is investment advisory fee income earned from managing client accounts under
investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. The fees earned depend on the type of investment strategy, account size and
servicing requirements. Revenues depend on the total value and composition of assets under management (“AUM”).
Accordingly, net cash flows from clients, market fluctuations in client portfolios, and the composition of AUM impact our
revenues and results of operations. We also have certain agreements which allow us to earn variable rate fees in the event that
investment returns exceed targeted amounts during a measurement period.
Investment Strategies
The Company offers several traditional and alternative investment strategies, which are all based on the same intrinsic value
philosophy. As of December 31, 2017, we offered the following representative investment strategies to our clients:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Small Cap - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of primarily small capitalization U.S.
equity securities.
Small-Mid Cap - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of primarily small and medium
capitalization U.S. equity securities.
Mid Cap - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of primarily medium capitalization U.S.
equity securities.
Large Cap - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of primarily large capitalization U.S.
equity securities.
All Cap Select - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in a concentrated portfolio of primarily U.S.
equity securities across a broad range of market capitalizations.
Long-Short - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing long and selling short primarily U.S. equity
securities across a broad range of market capitalizations.
Research Opportunities - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing long and selling short U.S. equity
securities across a broad range of market capitalizations, as well as by investing up to 20% in international equity
securities and up to 20% in fixed income securities.
Financial Long-Short - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing long and selling short primarily U.S.
financial services equity securities across a broad range of market capitalizations.
Valuation-Weighted 500 - Pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in large capitalization U.S. equity
securities that seek to track the price and total return of the Diamond Hill Valuation-Weighted 500 Index.
10.
Short Duration Total Return - Pursues maximization of total return consistent with the preservation of capital by
investing in high, medium, and low-grade fixed income securities.
11. Core Bond - Pursues maximization of total return consistent with the preservation of capital by investing in a
diversified portfolio of intermediate and long-term fixed income securities.
12. Corporate Credit - Pursues high current income, preservation of capital, and total return over a five-year time
horizon by investing primarily in corporate bonds across the credit spectrum.
13. High Yield - Pursues high current income with the opportunity for capital appreciation by investing primarily in
below-investment grade corporate bonds.
4
As of January 1, 2018, the Company converted the Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P. into the Diamond Hill Global Fund. The
Diamond Hill Global Fund pursues long-term capital appreciation by investing in U.S. and foreign equity securities of any size,
or from any country, including emerging markets.
Investment Results
The Company believes that one of the most important characteristics exhibited by the best investment firms is excellent
investment returns for their clients over a long period of time. We are pleased that during our history as an investment advisory
firm, we have delivered what we believe are strong long-term investment returns for our clients. Investment returns have been a
key driver in the long-term success we have achieved in growing AUM.
Absolute returns for all of our investment strategies were positive in 2017, and as of December 31, 2017, the since-inception
returns for nearly all of our strategies exceeded their respective benchmark returns. Our Mid Cap, Short Duration Total Return,
Core Bond, and High Yield strategies have less than a five-year track record and, as always, we remain focused on a minimum
of five-year periods to evaluate our results.
The following is a summary of the investment returns for each of our Funds as of December 31, 2017, relative to its respective
passive benchmark.
1 Year
10.95%
14.65 %
8.63%
As of December 31, 2017
3 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Since
Inception
7.02% 12.48%
8.45% 11.02%
9.96 % 14.12 %
8.71 %
9.16% 14.61% 10.43%
16.81 % 10.07 % 14.33 %
NA
9.68%
10.47%
18.52 %
NA
9.58 %
20.30% 10.99% 15.64%
21.69 % 11.23 % 15.71 %
9.25% 16.00%
20.33%
21.13 % 11.12 % 15.58 %
8.89%
4.93%
5.99%
9.22 %
NA
NA
8.54%
8.59 %
8.61%
8.60 %
4.55%
8.47 %
9.46%
9.10 %
9.24%
10.48 %
8.96%
7.22 %
8.84%
8.88 %
6.93%
12.92 %
13.34%
15.74 %
11.90%
6.88 %
9.39 %
5.77% 10.99%
5.52 %
NA
4.36 %
13.49%
8.44 % 11.65 %
8.41% 13.66%
NA
5.42%
13.05 %
7.79%
15.92 % 10.12 % 13.51 %
NA
4.33%
NA
0.84 %
4.17%
3.54 %
7.87%
6.66 %
10.36%
7.48 %
NA
NA
NA
7.10%
4.34 %
8.25%
6.39 %
NA
NA
NA
5.78%
3.94 %
NA
NA
4.57 %
NA
NA
NA
NA
7.07%
6.02 %
NA
NA
5.63 %
3.76%
0.26 %
1.29%
0.15 %
7.28%
6.26 %
8.17%
6.02 %
Diamond Hill Small Cap Fund
Russell 2000 Index
Diamond Hill Small-Mid Cap Fund
Russell 2500 Index
Diamond Hill Mid Cap Fund
Russell Midcap Index
Diamond Hill Large Cap Fund
Russell 1000 Index
Diamond Hill All Cap Select Fund
Russell 3000 Index
Diamond Hill Long-Short Fund
60% Russell 1000 Index / 40% ICE BofAML U.S.
T-Bill 0-3 Mo Index
Diamond Hill Research Opportunities Fund
75% Russell 3000 Index / 25% ICE BofAML U.S.
T-Bill 0-3 Mo Index
Diamond Hill Financial Long-Short Fund
80% Russell 3000 Financials Index / 20% ICE
BofAML U.S. T-Bill 0-3 Mo Index
Diamond Hill Short Duration Total Return Fund
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. 1-3 Yr. Gov./Credit Index
Diamond Hill Core Bond Fund
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index
Diamond Hill Corporate Credit Fund
ICE BofAML U.S. Corporate & High Yield Index
Diamond Hill High Yield Fund
ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index
________________________
-
-
Fund returns are Class I shares net of fees
Index returns do not reflect any fees
Inception
12/29/2000
12/30/2005
12/31/2013
6/29/2001
12/30/2005
6/30/2000
3/31/2009
8/1/1997
7/5/2016
7/5/2016
9/30/2002
12/4/2014
5
Assets Under Management
The following tables show AUM by product and investment objective, as well as net client cash flows, for the past five years
ended December 31, 2017:
(in millions)
Proprietary funds
Sub-advised funds
Institutional accounts
Total AUM
(in millions)
Small Cap
Small-Mid Cap
Mid Cap
Large Cap
All Cap Select
Long-Short
Corporate bonds
Assets Under Management
As of December 31,
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
$
15,974
$
13,618
$
11,505
$
9,863
$
1,518
4,825
1,445
4,318
665
4,671
665
5,128
7,600
444
4,142
$
22,317
$
19,381
$
16,841
$
15,656
$
12,186
Assets Under Management
by Investment Strategy
As of December 31,
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
$
1,525
$
1,843
$
1,703
$
1,575
$
1,402
3,528
130
10,867
450
4,980
699
3,329
59
8,497
404
4,613
581
2,070
18
7,547
545
4,597
361
—
—
1,279
16
7,926
432
4,179
249
—
—
780
—
6,254
327
3,213
210
—
—
$
16,841
$
15,656
$
12,186
Core fixed income
(Less: Investments in affiliated funds)(a)
Total AUM
357
(219)
22,317
$
237
(182)
19,381
$
(a) Certain Diamond Hill Funds own shares of the Diamond Hill Short Duration Total Return Fund. The Company reduces its total AUM by
these investments held in this affiliated fund.
(in millions)
AUM at beginning of the year
Net cash inflows (outflows)
proprietary funds
sub-advised funds
institutional accounts
Net market appreciation/(depreciation) and income
Increase during the year
AUM at end of the year
Capacity
Change in Assets Under Management
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
$
19,381
$
16,841
$
15,656
$
12,186
$
9,429
843
(164)
(254)
425
2,511
2,936
548
639
(1,023)
164
2,376
2,540
1,916
(6)
(443)
1,467
(282)
1,185
1,618
166
478
2,262
1,208
3,470
713
(758)
(263)
(308)
3,065
2,757
$
22,317
$
19,381
$
16,841
$
15,656
$
12,186
The Company’s primary goal is to fulfill our fiduciary duty to clients. We understand that our ability to retain and grow assets
as a firm has been, and will be, driven primarily by delivering attractive long-term investment results to our clients. When we
have determined that the size of any of our strategies hinders our ability to add value over a passive alternative, we have closed
those strategies to new clients and we will continue to do so, which will impact our ability to grow AUM. We have prioritized,
and will continue to prioritize, investment results over asset accumulation. Currently, the Long-Short, Small Cap, and Small-
Mid Cap strategies are closed to new investors.
We estimate capacity of $25 - 35 billion for our existing equity strategies ($21.3 billion as of December 31, 2017) and capacity
of at least $40 billion for our existing fixed income strategies ($1.0 billion as of December 31, 2017). Determining our AUM
6
capacity requires evaluating each of our investment strategies and estimating individual strategy capacity, given market
capitalization and concentration constraints as well as investment objectives. Total firm capacity is not simply a sum of the
individual strategies and is affected by overlap between strategies. With the development of new products or strategies, our
firm level capacity could increase.
Distribution Channels
The Company’s investment advisory services are distributed through multiple channels. Our institutional sales efforts include
building relationships with institutional consultants and also establishing direct relationships with institutional clients. Our sales
efforts for the Funds include wholesaling to third-party financial intermediaries, including independent registered investment
advisers, brokers, financial planners, and wealth advisers, who utilize the Funds in investment programs they construct for their
clients.
AUM by Channel
Below is a summary of our AUM by distribution channel for the five years ended December 31, 2017:
(in millions)
Proprietary funds:
Registered investment advisers
Independent broker/dealers
Wirehouse broker/dealers
Banks
Defined contribution
Other
Total proprietary funds
Sub-advised funds
Institutional accounts:
Institutional consultant
Financial intermediary
Direct
Total institutional accounts
Total AUM
Growth Strategy
AUM by Distribution Channel
As of December 31,
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
$
$
$
4,010
3,581
2,660
3,456
1,840
427
15,974
1,518
2,357
1,691
777
4,825
3,508
2,922
2,011
3,175
1,535
467
13,618
1,445
2,074
1,358
886
4,318
$
2,723
2,329
1,963
2,735
1,218
537
11,505
665
2,370
1,474
827
4,671
$
2,363
1,862
1,760
2,176
1,232
470
9,863
665
2,681
1,573
874
5,128
1,678
1,400
1,261
1,668
1,226
367
7,600
444
1,965
1,488
689
4,142
$
22,317
$
19,381
$
16,841
$
15,656
$
12,186
The Company’s growth strategy will remain focused on achieving excellent investment results in all our strategies and
providing the highest level of client service. We will continue to focus on the development of distribution channels to enable us
to offer our various investment strategies to a broad array of clients. We seek to continue to grow our AUM through our
proprietary funds, institutional accounts, and sub-advised funds. We have a targeted strategic business plan to further penetrate
our existing distribution channels. Our business development efforts are focused on expanding the institutional consultant
channel and plan sponsor network on the institutional side, as well as our intermediary network on the fund side.
Fund Administration Activities
The Company provides fund administration services to the Funds. Fund administration services are broadly defined as
portfolio and regulatory compliance, treasury and financial oversight, oversight of back-office service providers such as the
custodian, fund accountant, and transfer agent, and general business management and governance of the mutual fund complex.
Prior to the sale of Beacon Hill, the Company also provided fund administration services to other third party mutual fund
companies and investment advisers.
7
Competition
Competition in the area of investment management is intense, and our competitors include investment management firms,
broker-dealers, banks and insurance companies, some of whom offer various investment alternatives, including passive index
strategies. Many competitors are better known than the Company, offer a broader range of investment products and have more
offices, employees and business development representatives. We compete primarily on the basis of philosophy, performance
and client service.
Regulation
The Company and our business are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations. As a matter of public
policy, regulatory bodies are charged with safeguarding the integrity of the securities and other financial markets and with
protecting the interests of participants in those markets, including investment advisory clients and shareholders of investment
funds. Under these laws and regulations, agencies that regulate investment advisers have broad administrative powers,
including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit an investment adviser from carrying on its business in the event the adviser
fails to comply with such laws and regulations. Possible sanctions that may be imposed include civil and criminal liability, the
suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time,
revocation of investment adviser, broker/dealer, and other registrations, censures and fines.
DHCM is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and operates in a highly
regulated environment. The Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisers, including fiduciary
duties, recordkeeping requirements, operational requirements and disclosure obligations. All Diamond Hill Funds are registered
with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and are required to make notice filings with all states where the
Funds are offered for sale. Virtually all aspects of our investment advisory and fund administration business are subject to
various federal and state laws and regulations.
To the extent that DHCM is a “fiduciary” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) with respect
to benefit plan clients, it is subject to ERISA regulations. ERISA and applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries, prohibit certain transactions involving ERISA plan clients, and provide
monetary penalties for violations of these prohibitions. The U.S. Department of Labor, which administers ERISA, has been
increasingly active in proposing and adopting regulations affecting the asset management industry.
The Company’s trading activities for client accounts are regulated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange
Act”), including laws governing trading on inside information, market manipulation and a broad number of trading
requirements (e.g., volume limitations, reporting obligations) and market regulation policies in the United States.
The preceding descriptions of the regulatory and statutory provisions applicable to us are not complete and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to their respective statutory or regulatory provisions. Failure to comply with these requirements could
have a material adverse effect on our business.
Contractual Relationships with the Diamond Hill Funds
The Company is highly dependent on our contractual relationships with the Funds. In the event our advisory or administration
agreements with the Funds are terminated, not renewed, or amended to reduce fees, we would be materially and adversely
affected. We generated approximately 80%, 74% and 75% of our 2017, 2016 and 2015 revenues, respectively, from our
advisory and administrative contracts with the Funds. We consider our relationship with the Funds and their board of trustees to
be good, and have no reason to believe that these advisory or administration contracts will not be renewed in the future;
however, there is no assurance that the Funds will choose to continue their relationships with the Company. Please see Item 1A
for risk factors regarding this relationship.
Employees
As of December 31, 2017, the Company employed 118 full-time equivalent employees. As of December 31, 2016, the number
of full-time equivalent employees was 112. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good. Our employee count
has grown year-over-year and we expect that general trend to continue.
SEC Filings
The Company maintains an Internet website at www.diamond-hill.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-Q, XBRL instance documents, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports that we file or
furnish pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are made available free of charge, on or through our website, as
soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The contents of our
8
website are not incorporated into, or otherwise made a part of, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our filings with the
Commission may be read and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room at 100F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.
These filings are also available on the Commission's web-site at http://www.sec.gov free of charge.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Our future results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity, and the market price of our common shares are subject to
various risks, including those mentioned below and those that are discussed from time-to-time in our other periodic filings
with the SEC. Investors should carefully consider these risks, along with the other information contained in this report,
before making an investment decision regarding our common shares. There may be additional risks of which we are
currently unaware, or which we currently consider immaterial. The occurrence of any of these risks could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity, and the value of our common shares. Please see
“Forward Looking Statements” within Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-K. We assume no obligation to update any forward
looking statements as a result of new information, future events or other factors.
Poor investment results of our products could affect our ability to attract new clients or reduce the amount of assets under
management, potentially negatively impacting revenue and net income.
If we fail to deliver acceptable investment results for our clients, both in the short and long term, we will likely experience
diminished investor interest and a decreased level of AUM. Adverse opinions of the funds we advise published by third parties,
including rating agencies and industry analysts, could also decrease our AUM and our revenues.
Investment funds are assessed and rated by independent third parties, including rating agencies, industry analysts and
publications. Investors can be influenced by such ratings. If any of the funds we advise receives an adverse report, it could
negatively influence the amount of money invested into the fund and increase withdrawals from the fund reducing our AUM
and our revenue.
Our success depends on our key personnel, and our financial performance could be negatively affected by the loss of their
services.
Our success depends on highly skilled personnel, including portfolio managers, research analysts, and management, many of
whom have specialized expertise and extensive experience in the investment management industry. Financial services
professionals are in high demand, and we face significant competition for qualified employees. With the exception of R. H.
Dillon, our Chairman and a portfolio manager, our employees do not have employment contracts and generally can terminate
their employment at any time. We cannot assure that we will be able to retain or replace key personnel. In order to retain or
replace our key personnel, we may be required to increase compensation, which would decrease net income. The loss of key
personnel could damage our reputation and make it more difficult to retain and attract new employees and clients. A loss of
client assets resulting from the departure of key personnel may materially decrease our revenues and net income.
Our AUM, which impacts revenue, is subject to significant fluctuations.
A large majority of our revenue is calculated as a percentage of AUM or is related to the general performance of the equity
securities market. A decline in securities prices or in the sale of investment products, or an increase in fund redemptions,
generally would reduce revenue and net income. Financial market declines would generally negatively impact the level of our
AUM and consequently our revenue and net income. A recession or other economic or political events, both in the United
States as well as globally, could also adversely impact our revenue, if such events led to a decreased demand for products, a
higher redemption rate, or a decline in securities prices.
Our investment results and/or the growth in our AUM may be constrained if appropriate investment opportunities are not
available or if we close certain of our portfolios to new investors.
Our ability to deliver strong investment results depends in large part on our ability to identify appropriate investment
opportunities in which to invest client assets. If we are unable to identify sufficient investment opportunities for existing and
new client assets on a timely basis, our investment results could be adversely affected. The risk that appropriate investment
opportunities may be unavailable is influenced by a number of factors, including general market conditions, and is likely to
increase if our AUM increases rapidly. In addition, if we determine that sufficient investment opportunities are not available
for a portfolio strategy, or we believe that it is necessary in order to continue to produce attractive returns from a portfolio, we
will consider closing the portfolio to new investors. As of December 31, 2017, we have closed three investment strategies to
new investors. If we misjudge the point at which it would be optimal to close a portfolio, the investment results of the portfolio
could be negatively impacted.
9
Our investment approach may underperform other investment approaches during certain market conditions.
Our investment strategies are best suited for investors with long-term investment horizons. Our investment strategies may
not perform well during certain periods of time, including during periods when the market is more narrowly focused on
growth-oriented stocks.
Additionally, since we apply the same intrinsic value investment process across all of our strategies, utilizing the same
analyst team, and due to overlap in many of our investment strategies, we could have common positions and industry
concentrations across many of our strategies at the same time. As such, factors leading one of our investment strategies to
underperform may lead other strategies to underperform at the same time.
We are subject to substantial competition in all aspects of our business.
Our investment products compete against a number of investment products and services from:
•
asset management firms;
• mutual fund companies;
•
•
•
•
•
commercial banks and thrift institutions;
insurance companies;
exchange traded funds;
hedge funds; and
brokerage and investment banking firms.
Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources than we have and may operate in more markets or offer a
broader range of products, including passively managed or “index” products. Some of these institutions operate in a
different regulatory environment, which may give them certain competitive advantages in the investment products and
portfolio structures that they offer. We compete with other providers of investment services primarily based upon our
philosophy, performance and client service. Some institutions have a broad array of products and distribution channels that
make it more difficult for us to compete with them. If current or potential customers decide to use one of our competitors,
we could face a significant decline in market share, AUM, revenues, and net income. If we are required to lower our fees in
order to remain competitive, our net income could be significantly reduced because some of our expenses are fixed,
especially over shorter periods of time, and our expenses may not decrease in proportion to the decrease in revenues.
Additionally, over the past several years, investors have generally shown a preference for passive investment products, such
as index and exchange traded funds, over actively managed strategies. If this trend continues, our AUM may be negatively
impacted.
Market and competitive pressures in recent years have created a trend towards lower management fees in the asset
management industry and there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our current fee structure. As a result, a
shift in our AUM from higher to lower fee generating clients and strategies would result in a decrease in profitability even if
our AUM increases or remains unchanged.
The loss of access to or increased fees required by third-party distribution sources to market our portfolios and access our client
base could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our ability to attract additional AUM is dependent on our relationship with third-party financial intermediaries. We
compensate some of these intermediaries for access to investors and for various marketing services provided. These
distribution sources and client bases may not continue to be accessible to us for reasonable terms, or at all. If such access is
restricted or eliminated, it could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Fees paid to financial intermediaries for
investor access and marketing services have generally increased in recent years. If such fee increases continue, refusal to pay
them could restrict our access to those client bases while paying them could adversely affect our profitability.
A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are based on contracts with the Funds that are subject to termination without
cause and on short notice.
The Company is very dependent on our contractual relationships with the Funds. If our advisory or administration agreements
with the Funds were terminated, not renewed, or amended to reduce fees, we would be materially and adversely affected.
Generally, these agreements are terminable by either party upon 60 days written notice without penalty. The agreements are
subject to annual approval by either (i) the board of trustees of the Funds or (ii) a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting
securities of each Fund. The agreements automatically terminate in the event of their assignment by either the Company or the
Fund. We generated approximately 80%, 74%, and 75% of our 2017, 2016 and 2015 revenues, respectively, from our advisory
and administrative contracts with the Funds, including 29%, 17%, and 12% from the advisory contracts with the Diamond Hill
Long-Short Fund, Large Cap Fund, and Small-Mid Cap Fund, respectively, during 2017. The loss of the Long-Short Fund,
10
Large Cap Fund, or Small-Mid Cap Fund contracts would have a material adverse effect on the Company. We consider our
relationship with the Funds and their board of trustees to be good, and we have no reason to believe that these advisory or
administration contracts will not be renewed in the future; however, there can be no assurance that the Funds will choose to
continue their relationships with us.
Our investment income and asset levels may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in our investment portfolio.
We currently have a substantial portion of our assets invested in Company sponsored investments. All of these investments are
subject to market risk and our non-operating investment income could be adversely affected by adverse market performance.
Fluctuations in investment income are expected to occur in the future.
Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax obligations could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of
operations and cash flow.
We are subject to federal, state and local income taxes in the United States. Tax authorities may disagree with certain positions
we have taken or implement changes in tax policy, which may result in the assessment of additional taxes. We regularly assess
the appropriateness of our tax positions and reporting. We cannot provide assurance, however, that we will accurately predict
the outcomes of audits, and the actual outcomes of these audits could be unfavorable.
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client or customer information, whether through a breach of our computer
systems or otherwise, or other breaches in the security of our systems could severely harm our business.
As part of our business, we collect, process and transmit sensitive and confidential information about our clients and
employees, as well as proprietary information about our business. We have policies and procedures pursuant to which we take
numerous security measures to prevent cyber-attacks of various kinds as well as fraudulent and inadvertent activity by persons
who have been granted access to such confidential information. Nevertheless, our systems, like all technology systems, remain
vulnerable to unauthorized access, which can result in theft or corruption of information. In addition, we share information
with third parties upon whom we rely for various functions. The systems of such third parties also are vulnerable to cyber
threats. Attacks can come from unrelated third parties through the internet, from access to hardware removed from our
premises or those of third parties or from employees acting intentionally or inadvertently.
Cyber incidents can involve deliberate attacks designed to corrupt our information systems and make them unusable by us to
operate our business; thefts of information used by the perpetrators for gain in numerous ways; or inadvertent releases of
information by employees or third parties with whom we do business.
Cyber-attacks that corrupt our information systems and make them unusable by us could impair our ability to advise our clients
on investments to be made. Corruption of the systems of our third-party vendors could impact the Company to the same extent
as corruption of our own systems. If information about our employees is intentionally stolen or inadvertently made public, that
information could be used to commit identity theft, obtain credit in an employee's name or steal from an employee. If
information about our business is obtained by unauthorized persons, whether through intentional attacks or inadvertent releases
of information, it could be used to harm our competitive position.
Whether information is corrupted, stolen or inadvertently disclosed, and regardless of the nature of the information, whether it
be proprietary information or personal information about clients or employees, the results could be multiple and materially
harmful to us.
• Our reputation could be harmed, resulting in the loss of clients, vendors and employees or making payments or
concessions to such persons to maintain our relationships with them. The loss of key personnel or contracts with the
Funds would be particularly harmful to our business.
• Our inability to operate our business fully, even if temporarily, and thus fulfill contracts with clients or vendors could
result in terminations of contracts and loss of revenue.
• Harm suffered by clients or vendors whose contracts we have breached, or by clients, vendors or employees whose
information is compromised, could result in costly litigation against us.
• Our need to focus attention on remediation of a cyber problem could take our attention away from the operation of our
business, resulting in lost revenue.
• We could incur costs to repair systems made inoperable by a cyber-attack and to make changes to our systems to
reduce future cyber threats. Those changes could include obtaining additional technologies as well as employing
additional personnel and training employees.
11
• The interruption of our business or theft of proprietary information could harm our ability to compete.
All of the above potential results of a cyber incident could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Operational risks may disrupt our business, result in losses or limit our growth.
We are dependent on the capacity and reliability of the communications, information and technology systems supporting our
operations, whether developed, owned and operated by the Company or by third parties. Operational risks such as trading or
operational errors, interruption of our financial, accounting, trading, compliance and other data processing systems, the loss of
data contained in the systems, or compromised systems due to cyber-attack, could result in a disruption of our business, liability
to clients, regulatory intervention or reputational damage, and thus adversely affect our business.
Our business is subject to substantial governmental regulation, which can change frequently and may increase costs of
compliance; reduce revenue; result in fines, penalties and lawsuits for noncompliance; and adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition.
Our business is subject to a variety of federal securities laws, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the U.S. PATRIOT Act of
2001 and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. In addition, we are subject to significant
regulation and oversight by the SEC. Changes in legal, regulatory, accounting, tax and compliance requirements could have a
significant effect on our operations and results, including but not limited to increased expenses and reduced investor interest in
certain funds and other investment products we offer. We continually monitor legislative, tax, regulatory, accounting, and
compliance developments that could impact our business. We and our directors, officers and employees could be subject to
lawsuits or regulatory proceedings for violations of such laws and regulations, which could result in the payment of fines or
penalties and cause reputational harm to us. Such harm could negatively affect our financial condition and results of
operations, as well as divert management's attention from operations.
We continue to seek to understand, evaluate and, when possible, manage and control these and other business risks.
Trading in our common shares is limited, which may adversely affect the time and the price at which you can sell your shares
of the Company.
Although our common shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the shares are held by a relatively small
number of shareholders, and trading in our common shares is not active. The spread between the bid and the asked prices is
often wide. As a result, you may not be able to sell your shares on short notice, and the sale of a large number of shares at one
time could temporarily depress the market price. In addition, certain shareholders, including certain directors and officers of
the Company, own a significant number of shares. The sale of a large number of shares by any such individual could
temporarily depress the market price.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 2.
Properties
The Company leases office space at one location in Columbus, Ohio.
The Company does not own any real estate or interests in real estate.
ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is party to ordinary routine litigation that is incidental to its business. There are currently no
such matters pending that the Company believes could have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
12
PART II
ITEM 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
The following performance graph compares the total shareholder return of an investment in our common shares to that of the
Russell Microcap® Index, and to a peer group index of publicly traded asset management firms for the five-year period ended
on December 31, 2017. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common shares and each index was $100 on
December 31, 2012. Total return includes reinvestment of all dividends. The Russell Microcap® Index makes up less than 3%
of the U.S. equity market and is a market-value-weighted index of the smallest 1,000 securities in the small-cap Russell 2000®
Index plus the next 1,000 smallest securities. Peer Group returns are weighted by the market capitalization of each firm at the
beginning of the measurement period. The historical information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future
performance. We do not make or endorse any predictions as to future stock performance.
12/31/2012
12/31/2013
12/31/2014
12/31/2015
12/31/2016
12/31/2017
Cumulative
5 Year Total
Return
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Russell Microcap® Index
Peer Group*
$100
$100
$100
$179
$146
$166
$215
$151
$166
$302
$143
$126
$345
$172
$110
$351
$195
$134
251%
95%
34%
* The Peer Group is based upon all asset managers with market cap of less than $5 billion excluding (i) firms whose primary
business is hedge fund or private equity, and (ii) firms with multiple lines of business. The following companies are included in
the Peer Group: Alliance Bernstein Holding L.P.; Cohen & Steers, Inc.; Federated Investors, Inc.; GAMCO Investors, Inc.;
Hennessy Advisors, Inc.; Legg Mason, Inc.; Manning & Napier, Inc.; Pzena Investment Management, Inc.; Teton Advisors,
Inc.; U.S. Global Investors, Inc.; Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.; Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.; Wisdomtree Investments,
Inc.; and Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
13
The Company’s common shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol DHIL. The following table sets
forth the high and low sales prices during each quarter of 2017 and 2016:
Quarter ended:
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
High
Price
2017
Low
Price
Dividend
Per Share
High
Price
2016
Low
Price
Dividend
Per Share
$
$
$
$
210.95
207.40
214.66
217.83
$
$
$
$
183.60
188.34
188.71
204.87
$
$
$
$
— $
— $
— $
192.91
198.11
198.40
7.00
$
212.79
$
$
$
$
154.21
167.00
179.71
172.30
$
$
$
$
—
—
—
6.00
Due to the relatively low trading volume of our shares, bid/ask spreads can be wide at times and, therefore, quoted prices may
not be indicative of the price a shareholder may receive in an actual transaction. During the years ended December 31, 2017
and 2016, approximately 2,697,958 and 2,360,037, respectively, of our common shares were traded. The dividends indicated
above were special dividends. We have not paid regular quarterly dividends in the past, and have no present intention of paying
regular quarterly dividends in the future. The approximate number of record holders of our common shares at December 31,
2017 was 212, although we believe that the number of beneficial owners of our common shares is substantially greater.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
The Company did not purchase any of our common shares through the repurchase program during the year ended
December 31, 2017. The following table sets forth information regarding our repurchase program of our common shares and
shares withheld for tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock units and restricted stock awards which vested
during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017:
Period
October 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017
November 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017
December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017
Total Number
of Shares Purchased(a)
Average Price
Paid Per Share
1,729
$
212.35
— $
8,777
10,506
$
$
—
206.10
207.13
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
as part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum Number
of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs(b)
—
—
—
—
318,433
318,433
318,433
318,433
All of the 10,506 shares of the Company's common shares purchased during the quarter ended December 31, 2017
represented shares withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of employee restricted stock units and restricted
stock awards which vested during the quarter.
The Company currently has a share repurchase program where the Board of Directors has authorized management to
repurchase up to 350,000 of the Company's Common Shares in the open market and in private transactions in
accordance with applicable securities laws. Our share repurchase program is not subject to an expiration date.
Total
(a)
(b)
We sold no equity securities of the Company during 2017 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
14
ITEM 6.
Selected Financial Data
The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related
notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
(in thousands, except per share data)
Income Statement Data:
Total revenues
Compensation and related costs
Other expenses
Total expenses
Net operating income
Operating profit margin
Net income
Net income attributable to common
shareholders
Per Share Information:
Basic earnings
Diluted earnings
Cash dividend declared
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
Basic
Diluted
Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):
Total assets
Long-term debt
Shareholders equity
Book value per share
Assets Under Management (in millions)
Net Client Inflows (Outflows) (in millions)
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
For the Years Ended December 31,
$
145,202
$
136,103
$
124,426
$
104,559
$
54,856
23,345
78,201
67,001
52,265
20,769
73,034
63,069
47,951
17,755
65,706
58,720
43,892
13,207
57,099
47,460
81,432
40,852
9,898
50,750
30,682
46%
46%
47%
45%
38%
51,602
46,594
37,074
31,581
22,155
49,989
46,052
37,074
31,581
22,155
$
$
14.49
14.48
7.00
3,449
3,452
$
13.52
13.49
6.00
3,407
3,413
$
11.31
11.03
5.00
3,278
3,360
At December 31,
$
9.88
9.67
4.00
3,196
3,266
7.05
6.94
3.00
3,142
3,194
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
$
250,388
$
199,718
$
145,187
$
107,709
$
75,353
—
—
—
172,444
139,224
105,314
$
$
49.69
22,317
425
$
$
40.81
19,381
164
$
$
30.84
16,841
1,467
$
$
—
74,319
22.40
15,656
2,262
—
44,943
13.80
12,186
(308)
$
$
ITEM 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
In this section, we discuss and analyze the consolidated results of operations for the past three fiscal years and other factors that
may affect future financial performance. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial
Statements, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and Selected Financial Data contained in this Form 10-K.
Business Environment
U.S. equity markets were strong throughout 2017, with all major indices finishing the year at all-time highs. A major theme in
2017 was the performance of growth over value, a gap which continued to widen as the year went on. Investors placed a
premium on growth, which propelled the Russell 1000 Growth Index to a significant outperformance compared to the Russell
1000 Value Index. This environment makes it more challenging for long-term intrinsic value managers like DHCM to
outperform our respective benchmarks.
Additionally, the ongoing discussion around active versus passive management continued in 2017. We continue to believe that
Diamond Hill strategies will outperform their respective passive benchmarks over a full market cycle, driven by a shared
commitment to our intrinsic value-based investment philosophy, long-term perspective, disciplined approach, and alignment
with our clients’ interests.
15
Assessing the impact of macroeconomic factors has been a more important part of estimating the long-term intrinsic value of
companies in recent years; however, it is still just one of many factors that we consider. As always, bottom-up analysis is of
primary importance in estimating the intrinsic value of an individual company, which includes both valuation and business
fundamentals.
Low interest rates, high corporate profit margins, and steady economic growth with low inflation have continued to contribute
to historically high stock valuations. Despite high valuations and extremely low volatility, we see no immediate signs of
fundamental excess. Corporate tax reform is likely to boost earnings growth in the near term with most U.S. companies
benefiting from a reduced tax burden. In addition, repatriation of cash held overseas and a more competitive tax regime may
lead to increased levels of investment in the United States.
Given current valuation levels, we expect positive but below-average equity market returns over the next five years.
Prospective returns are likely to be tempered by the combination of above-average price/earnings multiples applied to already
very strong levels of corporate profit margins.
Spread levels in both the investment grade and high yield credit markets remain compressed as investors continue their search
for yield. As such, we believe strong fundamental analysis and a focus on long-term company and collateral performance are
the keys to security selection in our fixed income strategies.
We believe we can achieve better-than-market returns over the next five years through active portfolio management, and our
primary focus is always on achieving value-added results for our clients. Our intrinsic value investment philosophy is shared by
all of our portfolio managers and research analysts, allowing us to apply our investment discipline consistently across all
strategies.
A large majority of our revenue is calculated as a percentage of AUM and is therefore impacted by the overall business and
economic environment described above. Financial market declines or deterioration in the economic environment would
generally negatively impact the level of our AUM, and consequently our revenue and net income.
Key Financial Performance Indicators
There are a variety of key performance indicators the Company monitors in order to evaluate our business results. The
following table presents the results of certain key performance indicators over the past three fiscal years:
Ending AUM (in millions)
Average AUM (in millions)
Net cash inflows (in millions)
Total Revenue (in thousands)
Total Expenses (in thousands)
Average Advisory Fee Rate, excluding variable rate fees(a)
Operating Profit Margin
Operating Profit Margin, as adjusted(b)
For the Years Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$
$
22,317
20,876
425
$
19,381
17,780
164
16,841
16,415
1,467
145,202
78,201
136,103
73,034
124,426
65,706
0.64%
46%
48%
0.64%
46%
48%
0.66%
47%
47%
(a) Average advisory fee rates, including variable rate fees, were 0.64%, 0.68% and 0.66% for past three fiscal years respectively.
(b) Operating profit margin, as adjusted is a non-GAAP performance measure. See Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance
Measure section within this report.
Assets Under Management
Our revenue is derived primarily from investment advisory and administration fees. Investment advisory and administration
fees paid to the Company are generally based on the value of the investment portfolios we manage and fluctuate with changes
in the total value of the AUM. Substantially all of our AUM (95.4%) is valued based on readily available market quotations.
AUM in our fixed income strategies (4.6%) is valued using evaluated prices from independent third-party providers. Fees are
recognized in the period that the Company manages these assets.
Our revenues are highly dependent on both the value and composition of AUM. The following is a summary of our AUM by
product, investment objective, and a roll-forward of the change in AUM for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and
2015:
16
(in millions)
Proprietary funds
Sub-advised funds
Institutional accounts
Total AUM
(in millions)
Small Cap
Small-Mid Cap
Mid Cap
Large Cap
All Cap Select
Long-Short
Corporate bonds
Core fixed income
(Less: Investments in affiliated funds) (a)
Total AUM
Assets Under Management
As of December 31,
2017
2016
2015
15,974
$
13,618
$
11,505
1,518
4,825
1,445
4,318
665
4,671
22,317
$
19,381
$
16,841
$
$
Assets Under Management
by Investment Strategy
As of December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$
1,525
$
1,843
$
3,528
130
10,867
450
4,980
699
357
(219)
22,317
$
$
3,329
59
8,497
404
4,613
581
237
(182)
19,381
1,703
2,070
18
7,547
545
4,597
361
—
—
$
16,841
(a) Certain Diamond Hill Funds own shares of the Diamond Hill Short Duration Total Return Fund. The Company reduces its total AUM by
these investments held in this affiliated fund.
(in millions)
AUM at beginning of the year
Net cash inflows (outflows)
proprietary funds
sub-advised funds
institutional accounts
Net market appreciation (depreciation) and income
Increase during the year
AUM at end of the year
Change in Assets Under Management
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$
19,381
$
16,841
$
15,656
843
(164)
(254)
425
2,511
2,936
548
639
(1,023)
164
2,376
2,540
1,916
(6)
(443)
1,467
(282)
1,185
$
22,317
$
19,381
$
16,841
17
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations.
(in thousands, except per share amounts and
percentages)
Total revenue
Net operating income
Net income attributable to common
shareholders
Earnings per share attributable to
common shareholders (Diluted)
2017
2016
% Change
2016
2015
% Change
$ 145,202
$ 136,103
$
$
$
67,001
49,989
14.48
$
$
$
63,069
46,052
13.49
7%
6%
9%
7%
$ 136,103
$ 124,426
$
$
$
63,069
46,052
13.49
$
$
$
58,720
37,074
11.03
9%
7%
24%
22%
Operating profit margin
Operating profit margin, as adjusted(a)
(a) Operating profit margin, as adjusted is a non-GAAP performance measure. See Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance
Measure section within this report.
46%
47%
48%
48%
46%
47%
48%
46%
NM
NM
NM
NM
Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2016
The Company generated net income attributable to common shareholders of $50.0 million ($14.48 per diluted share) for the
year ended December 31, 2017, compared with net income attributable to common shareholders of $46.1 million ($13.49 per
diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2016. Revenue increased $9.1 million period over period primarily due to a
17% increase in average AUM year over year, partially offset by $6.4 million in performance fees recognized on the early
termination of a variable rate fee contract in 2016 compared to $0.2 million in 2017. Operating expenses year-over-year
increased $5.2 million, primarily related to increases in compensation and related expenses and general and administrative
expenses.
The Company recorded non-operating income of $14.0 million in 2017 due to market appreciation and dividend income from
our investment portfolio compared to non-operating income of $10.2 million in 2016 due to $7.5 million in market appreciation
and dividend income from our investment portfolio and a $2.7 million gain on the sale of Beacon Hill.
Income tax expense increased $2.7 million from 2016 to 2017 due to the overall increase in income before taxes. The Tax Cuts
and Jobs Act was passed on December 22, 2017. Among other federal tax law changes, for taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2017, the new law establishes a flat corporate income tax rate of 21% to replace our current rate of 35% and
eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax. In accordance with ASC 740, the Company has recorded tax expense of $3.6
million resulting from the re-measurement of the Company's net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017. This additional
tax expense in the current year was partially offset by $2.4 million of excess tax benefits on restricted stock units and restricted
stock awards and $0.4 million of tax benefits on dividends paid on restricted stock awards. The Company currently expects its
full year 2018 effective income tax rate to range between 23 and 25 percent.
Operating profit margin was 46% for both 2017 and 2016. Operating profit margin, as adjusted, was 48% for both 2017 and
2016. See Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measure section within this report. We expect that our
operating margin will fluctuate, sometimes substantially, from year to year based on various factors including revenues;
investment results; employee performance; staffing levels; development of investment strategies, products, or channels; and
industry comparisons.
18
Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2015
The Company generated net income attributable to common shareholders of $46.1 million ($13.49 per diluted share) for the
year ended December 31, 2016, compared with net income attributable to common shareholders of $37.1 million ($11.03 per
diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Revenue increased $11.7 million period over period primarily due to an
8% increase in average AUM year over year, as well as $6.4 million in variable rate fees earned upon the termination of a
variable fee agreement in 2016 versus no variable rate fees realized in 2015. The revenue increase was partially offset by an
increase in operating expenses of $7.3 million, primarily related to increases in compensation and related expenses, general and
administrative expenses, and mutual fund administration expenses. The Company had $7.5 million in investment income due
to market appreciation in 2016 compared to investment losses of $0.7 million in 2015. In addition, the Company recognized a
$2.7 million gain on the sale of Beacon Hill during 2016. Income tax expense increased $5.8 million from 2015 to 2016 due to
the overall increase in income before taxes.
Operating profit margin decreased to 46% for 2016 from 47% for 2015. Operating profit margin, as adjusted, increased to 48%
for 2016 from 47% for 2015. See Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measure section within this report.
We expect that our operating margin will fluctuate, sometimes substantially, from year to year based on various factors,
including revenues; investment results; employee performance; staffing levels; development of investment strategies, products,
or channels; and industry comparisons.
Revenue
(in thousands)
2017
2016
% Change
2016
2015
% Change
Investment advisory
$
132,689
$
121,645
Mutual fund administration, net
Total
12,513
145,202
14,458
136,103
9%
(13)%
7%
$
121,645
$
107,916
14,458
136,103
16,510
124,426
13%
(12)%
9%
Revenue for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2016
As a percent of total annual revenues for 2017 and 2016, investment advisory fees accounted for 91% and 89%, respectively,
and mutual fund administration fees made up the remaining 9% and 11%, respectively.
Investment Advisory Fees. Investment advisory fees increased by $11.0 million, or 9%, from the year ended December 31,
2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. Investment advisory fees are calculated as a percentage of the market value of
client accounts at contractual fee rates, which vary by investment product. The increase in investment advisory fees was driven
by an increase of 17% in average AUM year-over-year, partially offset by $6.4 million in performance fees recognized on the
early termination of a variable rate fee contracts in 2016 compared to $0.2 million in 2017. The average advisory fee rate
excluding variable rate fees in both 2017 and 2016 was 0.64%.
Mutual Fund Administration Fees. Mutual fund administration fees decreased $1.9 million, or 13%, from the year ended
December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. Mutual fund administration fees include administration fees received
from the Funds, which are calculated as a percentage of average Funds' AUM. Mutual fund administration fees for the year
ended December 31, 2016 included Beacon Hill administration fees of $2.5 million, which were absent in 2017. Absent
Beacon Hill revenue, mutual fund administration fees related to the Funds increased $0.6 million period over period. This
increase is primarily driven by a 20% increase in average Funds' AUM from the year ended December 31, 2016 to the year
ended December 31, 2017, partially offset by a decrease of two basis points in the net administration fee rate from 0.10% for
the year ended December 31, 2016 to 0.08% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Effective June 1, 2017, the Company
reduced the administration fee rate charged on all Fund assets by one basis point. The decrease in the net administration fee
rate was due to the following fee reductions that occurred during the periods indicated:
1/1/2016 - 7/31/2016
8/1/2016 - 12/31/2016
1/1/2017 - 5/31/2017
6/1/2017 - 12/31/2017
Class A & C
0.24%
0.24%
0.24%
0.23%
Class Y
0.10%
0.09%
0.09%
0.08%
Class I
0.20%
0.19%
0.19%
0.18%
19
Effective February 28, 2018, the Company will reduce the administration fee rate across all share classes of the Funds. The
following table summarizes the scheduled changes:
Class A and C
Class I
Class Y
Fee Rate
0.21%
0.17%
0.05%
AUM as of
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
$
2,797
10,443
2,825
Revenue for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2015
As a percent of total annual revenues for 2016 and 2015, investment advisory fees accounted for 89% and 87%, respectively,
and mutual fund administration fees made up the remaining 11% and 13%, respectively.
Investment Advisory Fees. Investment advisory fees increased by $13.7 million, or 13%, from the year ended December 31,
2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016. Investment advisory fees are calculated as a percentage of the market value of
client accounts at contractual fee rates that vary by investment product. The increase in investment advisory fees was driven by
an increase of 8% in average AUM year over year and an increase of two basis points in the average advisory fee rate. The
average advisory fee rate in 2016 and 2015 was 0.68% and 0.66%, respectively. The average advisory fee rate for 2016
included variable rate fees of $6.4 million earned upon the termination of a variable fee agreement during the fourth quarter.
No variable rate fees were realized in 2015. The average advisory fee rate excluding variable rate fees in 2016 and 2015 was
0.64% and 0.66%, respectively. This decrease of two basis points in the advisory fee rate excluding variable rate fees from
2015 to 2016 was primarily due to a 0.05% reduction in the Large Cap Fund advisory fee effective January 1, 2016 and the
closing of certain strategies with higher average fees to new investors. Effective April 30, 2016, the Diamond Hill Small-Mid
Cap strategy was closed to new investors.
Mutual Fund Administration Fees. Mutual fund administration fees decreased by $2.1 million, or 12%, from the year ended
December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016. Mutual fund administration fees include administration fees received
from the Funds, which are calculated as a percentage of average Funds' AUM, and all Beacon Hill fee revenue. The decrease in
the mutual fund administration fee was primarily due to the sale of Beacon Hill effective July 31, 2016, resulting in five less
months of Beacon Hill revenue recognized during 2016.
In addition, while the net mutual fund administration fee rate decreased two basis points from 0.12% for the year ended 2015 to
0.10% for the year ended 2016, the impact of this fee rate decrease was offset by a 15% increase in average Funds' AUM from
$10.7 billion for the year ended 2015 to $12.3 billion for the year ended 2016. The decrease in the net administration fee rate
was due to fee reductions that occurred during the period.
Expenses
(in thousands)
Compensation and related costs
General and administrative
Sales and marketing
Mutual fund administration
Total
$
$
2017
54,856
14,037
4,994
4,313
78,200
2016
52,265
12,622
4,263
3,884
73,034
% Change
5%
11%
17%
11%
7%
$
$
2016
52,265
12,622
4,263
3,884
73,034
2015
47,951
10,246
4,179
3,330
65,706
% Change
9%
23%
2%
17%
11%
20
Expenses for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2016
Compensation and Related Costs. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $2.6 million, or 5%, from the year
ended December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017, due to an increase of $2.8 million in incentive compensation
during fiscal year 2017, an increase of $0.5 million in deferred compensation expense and an increase of $0.3 million in
restricted stock expense. These increases were offset by a decrease of $1.0 million in salaries and related benefits due to the
sale of Beacon Hill in 2016. Incentive compensation expense can fluctuate significantly period over period as we evaluate
incentive compensation by reviewing investment performance, individual performance, Company performance and other
factors.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 11%, from the year ended
December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase is primarily due to an increase in IT consulting
expense of $0.7 million, primarily to enhance our enterprise data management and customer relationship management software,
an increase in investment research expenses of $0.5 million, and an increase in depreciation expense of $0.2 million.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $0.7 million, or 17%, from the year ended December 31,
2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to additional payments made to third party
intermediaries related to the sale of our proprietary funds. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately
65% and 63% of sales and marketing expense is related to revenue sharing payments made to third party intermediaries.
Mutual Fund Administration. Mutual fund administration expenses increased by $0.4 million, or 11%, from the year ended
December 31, 2016 to the year ended December 31, 2017. Mutual fund administration expenses consist of both variable and
fixed expenses. The variable expenses are based on Fund AUM and the number of shareholder accounts. The increase was
primarily due to the 20% increase in average Funds' AUM from the year ended 2016 to the year ended 2017.
Expenses for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2015
Compensation and Related Costs. Employee compensation and benefits increased by $4.3 million, or 9%, from the year
ended December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016, due to an increase of $1.7 million in salaries and related
benefits due to an increase in staffing and merit increases and an increase of $0.5 million in incentive compensation during
fiscal year 2016. Incentive compensation expense can fluctuate significantly period over period as we evaluate incentive
compensation by reviewing investment performance, individual performance, Company performance and other factors. In
addition, the Company recognized unrealized gains on deferred compensation investments, which increased deferred
compensation expense by $1.8 million in 2016 compared to unrealized losses on deferred compensation investments, which
decreased deferred compensation expense by $0.2 million in 2015.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.4 million, or 23%, from the year ended
December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was due to a $1.4 million increase in charitable
donations, a $0.4 million increase in research expenses to support our investment team, a $0.4 million increase in legal and
other costs related to the sale of Beacon Hill, increased information technology expense of $0.1 million, and $0.1 million of
additional depreciation expense year over year.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 2%, from the year ended December 31,
2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to additional payments made to third party
intermediaries related to the sale of our proprietary funds.
Mutual Fund Administration. Mutual fund administration expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 17%, from the year ended
December 31, 2015 to the year ended December 31, 2016. Mutual fund administration expenses consist of both variable and
fixed expenses. The variable expenses are based on Fund AUM and the number of shareholder accounts. The increase was
consistent with the 15% increase in average Funds' AUM from the year ended 2015 to the year ended 2016.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
Our current financial condition is highly liquid, with a significant amount of our assets comprised of cash and cash equivalents,
investments and accounts receivable. The Company's main source of liquidity is cash flows from operating activities, which are
generated from investment advisory and fund administration fees. Our investment portfolio is invested in readily marketable
21
securities, which provide for cash liquidity, if needed. Inflation is expected to have no material impact on our financial position.
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and investments represented approximately 94% and 92% of total assets as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively. We believe these sources of liquidity, as well as our continuing cash flows from
operating activities, will be sufficient to meet our current and future operating needs for at least the next 12 months.
Uses of Liquidity
In line with the Company’s primary objective to fulfill our fiduciary duty to clients and secondary objective to achieve an
adequate long-term return for shareholders, we anticipate our main uses of cash will be operating expenses and seed capital to
fund new and existing investment strategies.
The Board of Directors and management regularly review various factors to determine whether we have capital in excess of
that required for the business and the appropriate use of any excess capital. The factors considered include our investment
opportunities, capital needed for investment strategies, risks, and future dividend and capital gain tax rates. Evaluating
management’s stewardship of capital for shareholders is a central part of our investment discipline that we practice for our
clients. We hold ourselves to the same standard.
While 2017 was the tenth consecutive year that the Company has paid a special dividend, there can be no assurance that we
will pay a dividend in the future. We have paid out special dividends totaling $71.00 per share from 2008 through 2017. These
special dividends reduced shareholders’ equity by $211.9 million over the past ten years. The 2017, 2016, and 2015 special
dividends reduced shareholders' equity by $24.3 million, $20.5 million, and $17.0 million, respectively.
Working Capital
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had working capital of approximately $162.5 million, compared to $126.0 million at
December 31, 2016. Working capital includes cash, securities owned by common shareholders, prepaid expenses and current
receivables, net of liabilities. On October 26, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a $7.00 per share dividend payable on
December 11, 2017 to shareholders of record on December 1, 2017. The payment of the special cash dividend reduced our
working capital balance by approximately $24.3 million. The Company has no debt, and we believe our available working
capital is sufficient to cover current expenses and presently anticipated capital expenditures.
Below is a summary of securities owned by the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Corporate Investments:
Diamond Hill Core Bond Fund
Diamond Hill Mid Cap Fund
Diamond Hill Research Opportunities Fund
Diamond Hill High Yield Fund
Diamond Hill Valuation-Weighted 500 ETF
Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P.
Diamond Hill International Equity Fund, L.P.
Diamond Hill Short Duration Total Return Fund
Total Corporate Investments
Deferred Compensation Plan Investments in the Funds
Total investments held by DHCM
Redeemable noncontrolling interest in Consolidated Funds
As of December 31,
2017
2016
$
30,529,852
$
19,270,451
15,409,571
14,200,885
12,096,719
2,055,196
1,173,870
—
94,736,544
20,480,790
115,217,334
23,258,688
29,293,308
17,754,640
10,921,540
6,210,304
13,329,549
1,570,965
—
20,245
79,100,551
14,182,470
93,283,021
14,732,614
Total Investment Portfolio
$
138,476,022
$
108,015,635
Cash Flow Analysis
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The Company’s cash flows from operating activities are calculated by adjusting net income to reflect other significant operating
sources and uses of cash, certain significant non-cash items such as share-based compensation, and timing differences in the
cash settlement of operating assets and liabilities.
22
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $60.9 million. The changes in net cash
provided by operating activities were primarily driven by net income of $51.6 million, the add back of share-based
compensation of $8.6 million and depreciation of $0.9 million, and the effect of non-cash items and timing differences in the
cash settlement of assets and liabilities of $5.4 million. These cash inflows were partially offset by the net change in trading
securities held in our Consolidated Funds underlying investment portfolios of $5.5 million. Absent the operating cash flows of
the Consolidated Funds, cash flow from operations would have been approximately $64.3 million (see "Supplemental
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement" below). We expect that cash flows provided by operating activities will continue to serve
as our primary source of working capital in the near future.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $20.1 million. The changes in net cash
provided by operating activities were primarily driven by net income of $46.6 million and the add back of share-based
compensation of $8.2 million and depreciation of $0.7 million and the effect of noncash items and timing differences in the
cash settlement of assets and liabilities of $6.2 million. These cash inflows were significantly offset by the net change in trading
securities held in our Consolidated Funds underlying investment portfolios of $41.7 million. Absent the operating cash flows of
the Consolidated Funds, cash flow from operations would have been approximately $60.7 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $52.0 million. The changes in net cash
provided by operating activities were primarily driven by net income of $37.1 million, the add back of share-based
compensation of $8.6 million and depreciation of $0.6 million, and the effect of noncash items and timing differences in the
cash settlement of assets and liabilities of $5.8 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
The Company’s cash flows from investing activities consist primarily of purchases and redemptions in our investment
portfolio, capital expenditures and proceeds from the sale of Beacon Hill.
Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company purchased
corporate investments of $21.0 million, inclusive of $3.9 million of corporate investments into our deferred compensation
plans, and made $1.1 million of property and equipment purchases during the period. These cash outflows were partially offset
by redemptions of corporate investments of $2.6 million and $1.0 million of proceeds from the scheduled collection of the
promissory note received from the sale of Beacon Hill.
Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company purchased
corporate investments of $26.0 million, inclusive of $4.4 million of corporate investments into our deferred compensation
plans. This cash outflow was partially offset by redemptions of corporate investments of $19.5 million and net proceeds
received of $1.2 million from the sale of Beacon Hill. The Company also purchased $0.5 million of property and equipment.
Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company purchased
$22.1 million of corporate investments, inclusive of $4.3 million of purchases into our deferred compensation plans, during
2015. This cash outflow was partially offset by redemptions of corporate investments of $11.8 million. The Company also
purchased $1.6 million of property and equipment related to our office space expansion.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
The Company’s cash flows from financing activities consist primarily of the payment of special dividends, shares withheld
related to employee tax withholding and distributions to or contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest holders.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net cash used by financing activities totaled $23.0 million, consisting of the payment of
special dividends of $24.3 million and the value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding of $5.0 million,
partially offset by net subscriptions received from redeemable noncontrolling interest holders of $6.3 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, net cash used by financing activities totaled $14.6 million, consisting of the payment of
special dividends of $20.5 million and the value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding of $10.0 million,
partially offset by net subscriptions received from redeemable noncontrolling interest holders of $9.6 million, excess income
tax benefit from share-based compensation of $4.9 million, and income tax benefit from dividends paid on restricted stock of
$1.4 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, net cash used by financing activities totaled $18.5 million, consisting of the payment of
special dividends of $17.0 million and the value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding of $4.3 million,
partially offset by excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation of $2.5 million and the income tax benefit from
dividends paid on restricted stock of $0.4 million.
23
Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
On January 1, 2016, the Company implemented the new consolidation accounting guidance that resulted in the consolidation of
the Company's exchange traded fund ("ETF") and the Diamond Hill Core Bond Fund, one of our individual mutual funds
(collectively the "Consolidated Funds") in which we have controlling interests. Our consolidated balance sheet now reflects the
investments and other assets and liabilities of the Consolidated Funds, as well as redeemable noncontrolling interests for the
portion of the Consolidated Funds that are held by third party investors. Although we can redeem our net interest in the
Consolidated Funds at any time, we cannot directly access or sell the assets held by the Consolidated Funds to obtain cash for
general operations. Additionally, the assets of the Consolidated Funds are not available to general creditors.
The following table summarizes the condensed cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017, that are attributable to
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and to the Consolidated Funds, and the related eliminations required in preparing the
consolidated statements.
Year Ended December 31, 2017
Cash flow
attributable to
Diamond Hill
Investment
Group, Inc.
Cash flow
attributable to
Consolidated
Funds
As reported on
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Cash Flows
Eliminations
Cash flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income
$
49,988,957
$
5,665,511
$
(4,052,799) $
51,601,669
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
Share-based compensation
Net (gains)/losses on investments
Net change in trading securities held by
Consolidated Funds
Other changes in assets and liabilities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net change during the period
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
888,197
8,582,069
(8,118,039)
—
12,912,965
64,254,149
(15,485,455)
(29,243,784)
19,524,910
57,077,198
—
—
(5,665,511)
(5,511,669)
2,177,279
(3,334,390)
—
3,221,712
(112,678)
112,678
—
—
4,052,799
—
—
—
(3,068,364)
3,068,364
—
—
888,197
8,582,069
(9,730,751)
(5,511,669)
15,090,244
60,919,759
(18,553,819)
(22,953,708)
19,412,232
57,189,876
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
76,602,108
$
— $
— $
76,602,108
24
Selected Quarterly Information
Our unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:
(in thousands, except per share data)
12/31
09/30
06/30
03/31
12/31
09/30
06/30
03/31
At or For the Quarter Ended
2017
2016
Assets under management
(in millions)
Total revenue(a)
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Investment income, net
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Income before taxes
Income tax expense(b)
Net income
Net income attributable to
common shareholders
$ 22,317
$ 21,455
$ 20,924
$ 20,333
$ 19,381
$ 18,068
$ 17,584
$ 17,391
37,753
19,443
18,310
4,439
—
36,772
19,884
16,888
2,768
—
35,543
19,576
15,967
3,025
—
35,134
19,298
15,836
3,786
—
40,039
20,512
19,527
2,522
—
32,937
17,799
15,138
3,555
2,676
32,669
17,970
14,699
693
—
30,458
16,753
13,705
747
—
$ 19,656
$ 14,452
$ 22,749
$ (10,398) $ (6,498) $ (6,025) $ (6,496) $ (8,171) $ (7,700) $ (5,625) $ (5,172)
9,280
$ 12,351
$ 13,126
$ 13,158
$ 15,392
$ 22,049
$ 18,992
$ 21,369
$ 19,622
$ 13,878
$ 12,967
$ 13,669
9,767
$
$
Diluted EPS
$
3.43
$
3.67
$
3.66
$
3.71
$
3.99
$
3.93
$ 11,895
$ 12,699
$ 12,638
$ 12,757
$ 13,645
$ 13,427
$
$
9,715
2.84
$
$
9,265
2.73
Diluted weighted shares
outstanding
3,471
3,461
3,449
3,435
3,422
3,420
3,415
3,393
(a) Total revenue in the fourth quarter of 2016 includes variable rate fees of $6.4 million earned upon the termination of a variable rate fee
agreement.
(b) The Company’s fourth quarter income tax provision was $10.4 million (45.7% Effective Tax Rate) and reflected the impact of the Tax
Act, including additional tax expense of $3.6 million resulting from the re-measurement of the Company's estimated net deferred tax asset as
of December 31, 2017.
Contractual Obligations
The following table presents a summary of the Company’s future obligations under the terms of operating leases and lease
commitments, other contractual purchase obligations, and deferred compensation obligations at December 31, 2017. Other
purchase obligations include contractual amounts that will be due for the purchase of services to be used in our operations, such
as mutual fund sub-administration and investment related research software. These obligations may be cancelable at earlier
times than those indicated and, under certain conditions, may involve termination fees. Because these obligations are primarily
of a normal recurring nature, we expect to fund them from future cash flows from operations. The deferred compensation
obligations includes compensation that will be paid out in future years and which will be funded by the related deferred
compensation investments currently held on our consolidated balance sheets (see Note 6). The information presented does not
include operating expenses or capital expenditures that will be committed in the normal course of operations in 2018 and future
years:
(in thousands)
Total
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Operating lease obligations
$
4,146
$
586
$
596
$
Purchase obligations
Deferred compensation obligations
4,824
20,480
3,265
—
1,279
1,793
624
273
3,171
$
624
$
624
$
1,092
5
2,215
2
—
2,701
10,600
Total
$ 29,450
$
3,851
$
3,668
$
4,068
$
2,844
$
3,327
$ 11,692
Payments Due by Period
25
Use of Supplemental Data as Non-GAAP Performance Measures
As supplemental information, we are providing performance measures that are based on methodologies other than U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”). We believe the non-GAAP measures below are useful measures of
our core business activities, are important metrics in estimating the value of an asset management business and may enable
more appropriate comparison to our peers. These non-GAAP measures should not be a substitute for financial measures
calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and may be calculated differently by
other companies. The following schedule reconciles GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures for the years ended December
31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
(in thousands, except percentages and per share data)
Total revenue
Net operating income, GAAP basis
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Gains (losses) on deferred compensation plan investments, net(1)
Net operating income, as adjusted, non-GAAP basis(2)
Non-GAAP Adjustment:
Tax provision on net operating income, as adjusted, non-GAAP basis(3)
Net operating income, as adjusted, after tax, non-GAAP basis(4)
Net operating income, as adjusted after tax per diluted share, non-GAAP basis(5)
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding, GAAP basis
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$ 145,202
$ 136,103
$ 124,426
$
67,001
$
63,069
$
58,720
2,382
69,383
1,837
64,906
$
$
(25,192)
44,191
12.80
3,452
$
$
(23,626)
41,280
12.09
3,413
$
$
(234)
58,486
(21,090)
37,396
11.13
3,360
Operating profit margin, GAAP basis
Operating profit margin, as adjusted, non-GAAP basis(6)
46%
48%
46%
48%
47%
47%
(1) Gains (losses) on deferred compensation plan investments, net: The gain (loss) on deferred compensation plan investments
which increases (decreases) deferred compensation expense included in operating income is removed from operating income in
the calculation because it is offset by an equal amount in investment income (loss) below net operating income on the income
statement, and thus has no impact on net income attributable to the Company.
(2) Net operating income, as adjusted: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by taking the Company’s net operating income
adjusted to exclude the impact on compensation expense of gains and losses on investments in the deferred compensation plan.
(3) Tax provision on net operating income, as adjusted: This non-GAAP measure represents the tax provision excluding the
impact of investment related activity and the sale of subsidiary and is calculated by applying the tax rate from the actual tax
provision to net operating income, as adjusted.
(4) Net operating income, as adjusted, after tax: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by taking the net operating income, as
adjusted less the tax provision on net operating income, as adjusted.
(5) Net operating income, as adjusted after tax per diluted share: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by dividing the net
operating income, as adjusted after tax, by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
(6) Operating profit margin, as adjusted: This non-GAAP measure was calculated by dividing the net operating income, as
adjusted, by total revenue.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not have any obligation under a guarantee contract, or a retained
or contingent interest in assets or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support for such assets, or
any other obligation, including a contingent obligation, under a contract that would be accounted for as a derivative instrument
or arising out of a variable interest.
26
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Consolidation. We consolidate all subsidiaries and certain investments in which we have a controlling interest. We are
generally deemed to have a controlling interest when we own the majority of the voting interest of an entity or are deemed to be
the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). VIEs are entities that lack sufficient equity to finance its activities
or the equity holders do not have defined power to direct the activities of the entity normally associated with an equity
investment. Our analysis to determine whether an entity is a VIE or a voting rights entity ("VRE") involves judgment and
considers several factors, including an entity's legal organization, equity structure, the rights of the investment holders, our
ownership interest in the entity, and our contractual involvement with the entity. We continually review and reconsider our VIE
or VRE conclusions upon the occurrence of certain events, such as changes to our ownership interest, or amendments to
contract documents. Our VIEs are primarily sponsored investment entities and our variable interest consists of our equity
ownership in these entities. The Company concluded we are not the primary beneficiary of any of these VIEs as of December
31, 2017 as we lack the power to control these entities.
Provisions for Income Taxes. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or
refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of
events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
Revenue Recognition on Performance-Based Advisory Contracts. We have certain investment advisory contracts in which a
portion of the fees are based on investment performance achieved in the respective client portfolio in excess of a specified
hurdle rate. These fees are calculated based on client investment results over rolling five-year periods. The Company records
variable performance fees at the end of the contract measurement period.
Revenue Recognition when Acting as an Agent vs. Principal. The Funds have selected and contractually engaged certain
vendors to fulfill various services to benefit the Funds’ shareholders or to satisfy regulatory requirements of the Funds. These
services include, among others, required fund shareholder mailings, registration services, and legal and audit services. DHCM,
in fulfilling a portion of its role under the administration agreement with the Funds, acts as agent to pay these obligations of the
Funds. Each vendor is independently responsible for fulfillment of the services it has been engaged to provide and negotiates
fees and terms with the management and board of trustees of the Funds. The fee that the Funds pay to DHCM is reviewed
annually by the Funds’ board of trustees and specifically takes into account the contractual expenses that DHCM pays on behalf
of the Funds. As a result, DHCM is not involved in the delivery or pricing of these services and bears no risk related to these
services. Revenue has been recorded net of these Fund expenses, as it is the appropriate accounting treatment for this agency
relationship.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company’s revenues and net income are based primarily on the value of AUM. Accordingly, declines in financial market
values directly and negatively impact our investment advisory revenues and net income.
We invest in the Funds and our private investment funds, which are market risk sensitive financial instruments. These
investments have inherent market risk in the form of price risk; that is, the potential future loss of value that would result from
a decline in their fair value. Market prices fluctuate and the amount realized upon subsequent sale may differ significantly from
the reported market value.
The table below summarizes our market risks as of December 31, 2017, and shows the effects of a hypothetical 10% increase
and decrease in investments.
Equity investments
Fixed Income investments
Total
Fair Value as of
December 31, 2017
Fair Value
Assuming a
Hypothetical
10% Increase
Fair Value
Assuming a
Hypothetical
10% Decrease
$
$
73,704,312
64,771,710
138,476,022
$
$
81,074,743
71,248,881
152,323,624
$
$
66,333,881
58,294,539
124,628,420
27
ITEM 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and
redeemable noncontrolling interest, and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2017, and
the related notes (collectively, the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in
Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 22, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Changes in Accounting Principles
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for
investments in investment funds in 2016 due to the adoption of ASU 2015-02 - Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the
Consolidation Analysis. As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of
accounting for excess tax benefits or deficiencies from the vesting of stock awards in 2017 due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09
- Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws
and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the
consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2012.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Columbus, Ohio
February 22, 2018
28
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.’s and subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements
of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the
related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 22, 2018 expressed an unqualified
opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on
Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A of the Company’s December 31, 2017 annual report on Form
10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in
accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial
reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of
internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary
in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Columbus, Ohio
February 22, 2018
/s/ KPMG LLP
29
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investment portfolio
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses
Income taxes receivable
Property and equipment, net of depreciation
Deferred taxes
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Accrued incentive compensation
Deferred compensation
Total liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Permanent Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock, no par value
7,000,000 shares authorized; 3,470,428 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017
(inclusive of 191,900 unvested shares); 3,411,556 issued and outstanding at December
31, 2016 (inclusive of 201,800 unvested shares)
Preferred stock, undesignated, 1,000,000 shares authorized and unissued
Deferred equity compensation
Retained Earnings
Total permanent shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Book value per share
December 31,
2017
2016
$ 76,602,108
$ 57,189,876
138,476,022
108,015,635
19,220,279
18,605,209
2,073,343
4,114,962
4,057,901
5,843,704
2,032,726
1,111,890
4,025,758
8,736,767
$ 250,388,319
$ 199,717,861
$ 11,890,403
25,496,500
$
20,480,790
57,867,693
20,076,806
9,787,048
22,683,500
14,182,470
46,653,018
13,840,688
118,209,111
109,293,803
—
(19,134,963)
73,369,672
—
(17,728,106)
47,658,458
172,443,820
139,224,155
$ 250,388,319
$ 199,717,861
$
49.69
$
40.81
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
30
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
REVENUES:
Investment advisory
Mutual fund administration, net
Total revenue
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Compensation and related costs
General and administrative
Sales and marketing
Mutual fund administration
Total operating expenses
NET OPERATING INCOME
Investment income (loss), net
Gain on sale of subsidiary
INCOME BEFORE TAXES
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$ 132,688,462
$ 121,645,149
$ 107,915,557
12,513,267
14,457,926
16,510,429
145,201,729
136,103,075
124,425,986
54,855,972
14,036,681
4,994,525
4,313,185
78,200,363
67,001,366
14,017,593
—
52,264,843
12,621,831
4,263,143
3,884,655
73,034,472
63,068,603
7,517,398
2,675,766
73,261,767
(26,667,635)
46,594,132
(542,209)
$ 46,051,923
47,951,039
10,245,866
4,179,064
3,330,265
65,706,234
58,719,752
(736,590)
—
57,983,162
(20,908,665)
37,074,497
—
$ 37,074,497
NET INCOME
Income tax expense
81,018,959
(29,417,290)
51,601,669
(1,612,712)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 49,988,957
Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest
Basic
Diluted
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic
Diluted
$
$
14.49
14.48
$
$
13.52
13.49
$
$
11.31
11.03
3,448,824
3,451,838
3,407,408
3,413,391
3,277,920
3,359,786
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
31
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Shares
Outstanding
Common
Stock
Deferred Equity
Compensation
Retained
Earnings
Total
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance at January 1, 2015
3,317,728
$ 84,855,693
$ (12,566,133) $
2,029,664
$ 74,319,224
$
Issuance of restricted stock grants
92,050
13,907,286
(13,907,286)
Amortization of restricted stock grants
—
—
6,906,300
Issuance of stock grants
27,192
3,826,458
Issuance of common stock related to
401k plan match
Tax benefit from dividend payments
related to restricted stock grants
Net excess tax benefit from vested
restricted stock grants
9,336
1,645,434
—
—
376,394
2,521,273
Shares withheld related to employee tax
withholding
(28,468)
(4,323,676)
—
—
—
—
—
Forfeiture of restricted stock grants
(3,500)
(272,335)
272,335
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,906,300
3,826,458
1,645,434
376,394
2,521,273
(4,323,676)
—
Cash dividend paid of $5.00 per share
Net income
—
—
—
—
—
—
(17,031,890)
(17,031,890)
37,074,497
37,074,497
Balance at December 31, 2015
3,414,338
$ 102,536,527
$ (19,294,784) $
22,072,271
$105,314,014
$
Cumulative-effect adjustment from the
adoption of ASU 2015-02 (Note 2)
—
—
—
Issuance of restricted stock grants
35,900
7,504,564
(7,504,564)
Amortization of restricted stock grants
—
—
6,466,797
Issuance of stock grants
21,940
3,879,431
Issuance of common stock related to
401k plan match
Tax benefit from dividend payments
related to restricted stock grants
Net excess tax benefit from vested
restricted stock grants
9,466
1,738,287
—
—
1,372,996
4,895,907
Shares withheld related to employee tax
withholding
(53,018)
(10,029,464)
—
—
—
—
—
Forfeiture of restricted stock grants
(17,070)
(2,604,445)
2,604,445
Cash dividend paid of $6.00 per share
Net income
Net subscriptions of consolidated funds
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,466,797
3,879,431
1,738,287
1,372,996
4,895,907
— (10,029,464)
—
—
(20,465,736)
(20,465,736)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,031,756
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
46,051,923
46,051,923
542,209
—
—
9,266,723
Balance at December 31, 2016
3,411,556
$ 109,293,803
$ (17,728,106) $
47,658,458
$139,224,155
$ 13,840,688
Issuance of restricted stock grants
57,350
8,454,411
(8,454,411)
Amortization of restricted stock grants
—
—
6,871,284
Issuance of stock grants
19,219
3,892,424
Issuance of common stock related to
401k plan match
Shares withheld related to employee tax
withholding
8,478
1,710,785
(24,425)
(4,966,042)
—
—
—
Forfeiture of restricted stock grants
(1,750)
(176,270)
176,270
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,871,284
3,892,424
1,710,785
(4,966,042)
—
Cash dividend paid of $7.00 per share
Net income
Net subscriptions of consolidated funds
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(24,277,743)
(24,277,743)
49,988,957
49,988,957
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,612,712
4,623,406
Balance at December 31, 2017
3,470,428
$ 118,209,111
$ (19,134,963) $
73,369,672
$172,443,820
$ 20,076,806
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
32
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income
$ 51,601,669
$ 46,594,132
$ 37,074,497
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
Depreciation
Share-based compensation
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable
Change in current income taxes
Change in deferred income taxes
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Net (gains)/losses on investments
Net change in trading securities held by Consolidated Funds
Increase in accrued incentive compensation
Increase in deferred compensation
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation
Income tax benefit from dividends paid on restricted stock
Other changes in assets and liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment
Purchase of Company sponsored investments
Proceeds from sale of Company sponsored investments
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary, net of cash disposed
Net cash used in investing activities
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Value of shares withheld related to employee tax withholding
Excess income tax benefit from share-based compensation
Income tax benefit from dividends paid on restricted stock
Payment of dividends
Net subscriptions received from redeemable noncontrolling interest
holders
Net cash used in financing activities
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Net change during the year
At beginning of year
At end of year
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
888,197
8,582,069
(1,615,070)
(3,003,072)
2,893,063
—
(9,730,751)
(5,511,669)
6,705,424
6,298,320
—
—
3,811,579
712,112
8,205,084
486,491
6,559,150
469,312
(2,675,766)
(5,471,469)
(41,674,992)
4,578,431
3,945,727
(4,895,907)
(1,372,996)
4,612,437
625,788
8,551,734
(2,065,156)
316,910
(3,547,087)
—
1,860,360
—
5,829,708
4,557,979
(2,521,273)
(376,394)
1,724,253
60,919,759
20,071,746
52,031,319
(1,106,520)
(21,044,429)
2,597,130
1,000,000
(18,553,819)
(484,509)
(25,953,000)
19,543,607
1,163,769
(5,730,133)
(1,550,857)
(22,095,491)
11,770,565
—
(11,875,783)
(4,966,042)
—
—
(24,277,743)
(10,029,464)
4,895,907
1,372,996
(20,465,736)
(4,323,676)
2,521,273
376,394
(17,031,890)
6,290,077
(22,953,708)
9,599,783
(14,626,514)
—
(18,457,899)
19,412,232
57,189,876
(284,901)
57,474,777
21,697,637
35,777,140
$ 76,602,108
$ 57,189,876
$ 57,474,777
$ 29,527,299
$ 19,639,173
$ 24,138,841
Charitable donation of corporate investments and property and equipment
Common stock issued as incentive compensation
Cumulative-effect adjustment from the adoption of ASU 2015-02 (Note 2)
Net redemptions of ETF Shares for marketable securities
1,748,841
3,892,424
—
(1,555,305)
1,729,735
3,879,431
4,031,756
(244,200)
1,401,202
3,826,458
—
—
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
33
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 Business and Organization
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the “Company”), an Ohio corporation, derives its consolidated revenues and net income
from investment advisory and fund administration services.
Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. (“DHCM”), an Ohio corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and a
registered investment adviser. DHCM is the investment adviser to the Diamond Hill Funds (the “Funds”), a series of open-end
mutual funds, private investment funds (“Private Funds”), an exchange traded fund ("ETF"), and other institutional accounts.
In addition, DHCM is administrator for the Funds.
Beacon Hill Fund Services, Inc. (“BHFS”) and BHIL Distributors, Inc. (“BHIL”), collectively operated as "Beacon Hill," were
operating subsidiaries of the Company. The Company sold Beacon Hill on July 31, 2016. Prior to the sale, Beacon Hill
provided compliance, treasury, underwriting and other fund administration services to investment advisers and mutual funds.
See Note 11.
Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations
of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-K. The
Company believes that the disclosures contained herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
These Consolidated Financial Statements reflect, in the opinion of the Company, all material adjustments (which include only
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial
Statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue
and expense during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared on the basis of the most current and best available
information, but actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Book value per share is computed by dividing total shareholders' equity by the number of shares issued and outstanding at the
end of the measurement period.
Reclassification
Certain prior period amounts and disclosures may have been reclassified to conform to the current period's financial
presentation.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the operations of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All
inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company holds certain investments in the Funds and the ETF for general corporate investment purposes, to provide seed
capital for newly formed strategies or to add capital to existing strategies. The Funds are organized in a series fund structure in
which there are multiple mutual funds within one Trust. The Trust is an open-end investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The ETF is an individual series of ETF Series Solutions
which is also an open-end investment company registered under the 1940 Act. Each of the individual mutual funds and the
ETF represent a separate share class of a legal entity organized under the Trust. As of January 1, 2016, the Company adopted
ASU 2015-02 - Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02") and we have
performed our analysis at the individual mutual fund and ETF level and have concluded the mutual funds and ETF are VREs.
The Company has concluded that the mutual funds and the ETF are VREs because the structure of the investment product is
such that the shareholders are deemed to have the power through voting rights to direct the activities that most significantly
impact the entity's economic performance. To the extent material, these investment products are consolidated if Company
ownership, directly or indirectly, represents a majority interest (greater than 50%). The Company records redeemable
noncontrolling interests in consolidated investments for which the Company's ownership is less than 100%. The Company has
consolidated the ETF and the Diamond Hill Core Bond Fund, one of our individual mutual funds (collectively the
"Consolidated Funds") as our ownership was greater than 50% in each as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.
34
We adopted ASU 2015-02 utilizing the modified retrospective transition method and have recorded a cumulative-effect
adjustment to equity of $4.0 million as of January 1, 2016. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-02, we performed our analysis at
the Trust level and concluded we did not need to consolidate the Funds or the ETF as we owned less than 1% of the voting
interest in the respective Trusts.
DHCM is the managing member of Diamond Hill General Partner, LLC (the “General Partner”), the general partner of
Diamond Hill Investment Partners, L.P. (“DHIP”), Diamond Hill Global Fund, L.P. ("DHGF"), and Diamond Hill International
Equity Fund, L.P. ("DHIEF"), each a limited partnership (collectively, the "Partnerships" or "LPs") whose underlying assets
consist primarily of marketable securities.
DHCM is wholly owned by the Company and is consolidated by us. Further, DHCM through its control of the General Partner,
has the power to direct each LP’s economic activities and the right to receive investment advisory fees that may be significant
to the LPs.
The Company concluded we did not have a variable interest in DHIP as the fees paid to the General Partner are considered to
contain customary terms and conditions as found in the market for similar products and the Company has no equity ownership
in DHIP.
The Company concluded DHGF and DHIEF were VIEs as DHCM has disproportionately less voting interests than economic
interests in each LP, given the limited partners have full power to remove the Company as the General Partner due to the
existence of substantive kick-out rights. In addition, substantially all of the LPs' activities are conducted on behalf of the
General Partner which has disproportionately few voting rights. The Company concluded we are not the primary beneficiary of
DHGF or DHIEF as we lack the power to control the entities due to the existence of single-party kick-out rights where the
limited partners have the unilateral ability to remove the General Partner without cause. DHCM’s investments in DHGF and
DHIEF are reported as a component of the Company’s investment portfolio, valued at DHCM’s respective share of the net
income or loss of each LP.
The LPs are not subject to lock-up periods and can be redeemed on demand. Gains and losses attributable to changes in the
value of DHCM’s interests in the LPs are included in the Company’s reported investment income. The Company’s exposure to
loss as a result of its involvement with the LPs is limited to the amount of its investments. DHCM is not obligated to provide,
and has not provided, financial or other support to the LPs, other than its investments to date and its contractually provided
investment advisory responsibilities. The Company has not provided liquidity arrangements, guarantees or other commitments
to support the LPs’ operations, and the LPs’ creditors and interest holders have no recourse to the general credit of the
Company.
Certain board members, officers and employees of the Company invest in the LPs and are not subject to a management fee or
an incentive fee. These individuals receive no remuneration as a result of their personal investment in the LPs. The capital of
the General Partner is not subject to a management fee or an incentive fee.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable noncontrolling interest represents third-party interests in the Consolidated Funds. This interest is redeemable at
the option of the investors and therefore is not treated as permanent equity. Redeemable noncontrolling interest is remeasured
at redemption value, which approximates the fair value each reporting period.
Segment Information
Management has determined that the Company operates in one business segment, providing investment management and
administration services to mutual funds, institutional accounts, and private investment funds. Therefore, no disclosures relating
to operating segments are presented in the annual financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include demand deposits and money market mutual funds.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded when they are due and are presented on the balance sheet net of any allowance for doubtful
accounts. Accounts receivable are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible. Any allowance for doubtful
accounts is estimated based on the Company’s historical losses, existing conditions in the industry, and the financial stability of
35
those individuals or entities that owe the receivable. No allowance for doubtful accounts was deemed necessary at
December 31, 2017 or 2016. Accounts Receivable from the Funds were $11.6 million and $10.4 million as of December 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively.
Investments
Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and re-evaluates its
determination at each reporting period.
Investments classified as trading represent investments in the Funds where the Company has neither control nor the ability to
exercise significant influence, as well as securities held in the Consolidated Funds. These investments are measured at fair
value based on quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as investment income (loss) in the Company's
consolidated statements of income.
Investments classified as equity method investments represent investments in which the Company owns between 20-50% of the
outstanding voting interests in the entity or when it is determined that the Company is able to exercise significant influence but
not control over the investments. When using the equity method, the Company recognizes its respective share of the investee's
net income or loss for the period which is recorded as investment income (loss) in the Company's consolidated statements of
income.
Fair Value Measurements
Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement ("ASC 820") specifies a hierarchy of valuation
classifications based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used in each valuation classification are observable or
unobservable. These classifications are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets
that are not active; and model-driven valuations in which all significant inputs are observable.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from techniques in which significant inputs are unobservable.
Inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy, in which case the Company defaults to
the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. These levels are not necessarily an
indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investments. The following table summarizes investments that are recognized
in our consolidated balance sheet using fair value measurements (excludes investments classified as equity method investments)
determined based upon the differing levels of inputs as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
December 31, 2017
Cash equivalents
Trading Investments
Securities held in Consolidated Funds(a)
Company sponsored investments
December 31, 2016
Cash equivalents
Trading Investments
Securities held in Consolidated Funds(a)
Company sponsored investments
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
$ 72,669,083 $
— $
— $ 72,669,083
24,618,578
41,271,922
36,541,818
47,717,187
—
—
— $ 65,890,500
— $ 36,541,818
— $ 47,717,187
19,835,458
37,520,013
9,322,118
—
— $ 57,355,471
— $ 9,322,118
(a) Of the equity interests in the Consolidated Funds as of December 31, 2017, $42.6 million were held directly by the Company and $23.3
million were held by noncontrolling shareholders. Of the equity interests in the Consolidated Funds as of December 31, 2016, $42.6 million
were held directly by the Company and $14.7 million were held by noncontrolling shareholders.
36
Level 1 investments are all registered investment companies (mutual funds) or equity securities held in the Consolidated Funds
and include, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $72.7 million and $47.7 million, respectively, of investments in money market
mutual funds that the Company classifies as cash equivalents.
Level 2 investments are comprised of investments in debt securities held in the Consolidated Funds, which are valued by an
independent pricing service using pricing techniques which take into account factors such as trading activity, readily available
market quotations, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, call features, credit rates and other
observable inputs.
The Company determines transfers between fair value hierarchy levels at the end of the reporting period. There were no
transfers in or out of the levels during any of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015.
Changes in fair values on the investments are recorded in the Company's consolidated statements of income as investment
income (loss), net.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, consisting of leasehold improvements, computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, are carried at cost
less accumulated depreciation. Accumulated depreciation was $4.0 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the assets.
Revenue Recognition – General
The Company earns substantially all of its revenue from investment advisory and fund administration services. Investment
advisory and administration fees, generally calculated as a percentage of assets under management ("AUM"), are recorded as
revenue as services are performed. In addition to fixed fees based on a percentage of AUM, certain client accounts also provide
periodic variable rate fees. Total revenue from the Funds was $116.7 million, $100.8 million and $93.6 million for the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Revenue Recognition – Variable Rate Fees
The Company manages certain client accounts that provide for variable rate fees. These fees are calculated based on client
investment results over rolling five-year periods. The Company records variable rate fees at the end of the contract
measurement period. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company recorded $0.2 million, $6.4
million, and $0.0 million, respectively, in variable rate fees upon the early termination of variable rate fee contracts.
The table below shows AUM subject to variable rate fees and the amount of variable rate fees that would be recognized based
upon investment results as of December 31, 2017:
Contractual Period Ends:
Quarter Ended December 31, 2018
Quarter Ended September 30, 2019
Quarter Ended March 31, 2020
Quarter Ended September 30, 2021
Total
As of December 31, 2017
AUM subject to
variable rate fees
Unearned
variable rate fees
$
$
105,909,958
36,046,820
12,655,485
280,124,936
1,557,038
548,700
—
2,524,606
$
434,737,199
$
4,630,344
The contractual end dates highlight the time remaining until the variable rate fees are scheduled to be earned. The amount of
variable rate fees that would be recognized based upon investments results as of December 31, 2017 will increase or decrease
based on future client investment results through the contractual period end. There can be no assurance that the unearned
amounts will ultimately be earned.
37
Revenue Recognition – Mutual Fund Administration
DHCM has an administrative and transfer agency services agreement with the Funds under which DHCM performs certain
services for each Fund. These services include mutual fund administration, fund accounting, transfer agency and other related
functions. For performing these services each Fund pays DHCM a fee, which is calculated using an annual rate times the
average daily net assets of each respective share class.
The Funds have selected and contractually engaged certain vendors to fulfill various services to benefit the Funds’ shareholders
or to satisfy regulatory requirements of the Funds. These services include, among others, required shareholder mailings, federal
and state registrations, and legal and audit services. DHCM, in fulfilling a portion of its role under the administration agreement
with the Funds, acts as agent to pay these obligations of the Funds. Each vendor is independently responsible for fulfillment of
the services it has been engaged to provide and negotiates fees and terms with the management and board of trustees of the
Funds. The fee that each Fund pays to DHCM is reviewed annually by the Funds’ board of trustees and specifically takes into
account the contractual expenses that DHCM pays on behalf of the Funds. As a result, DHCM is not involved in the delivery or
pricing of these services and bears no risk related to these services. Revenue has been recorded net of these Fund related
expenses in accordance with FASB ASC 605-45, Revenue Recognition – Principal Agent Considerations. In addition, DHCM
advances the upfront commissions which are paid to brokers who sell Class C shares of the Funds. These advances are
capitalized and amortized over 12 months to correspond with the repayments DHCM receives from the principal underwriter to
recoup this commission advancement.
Prior to the sale of Beacon Hill, the Company, through Beacon Hill, had underwriting and administrative service agreements
with certain clients, including registered mutual funds. The fee arrangements varied from client to client based upon services
provided and have been recorded as revenue under mutual fund administration on the Company's consolidated statements of
income. Part of Beacon Hill’s role as underwriter was to act as an agent on behalf of its mutual fund clients to receive 12b-1/
service fees and commission revenue and facilitate the payment of those fees and commissions to third parties who provide
services to the funds and their shareholders. The majority of 12b-1/service fees were paid to independent third parties and the
remainder were retained by the Company as a reimbursement of expenses the Company had incurred. The amounts of 12b-1/
service fees and commissions were determined by each mutual fund client, and Beacon Hill bore no financial risk related to
these services. As a result, 12b-1/service fees and commission revenue was recorded net of the expense payments to third
parties, in accordance with the appropriate accounting treatment for this agency relationship.
Mutual fund administration gross and net revenue are summarized below:
Mutual fund administration:
Administration revenue, gross
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$ 26,219,881
$ 26,664,635
$ 27,042,861
12b-1/service fees and commission revenue received from fund clients
—
12b-1/service fees and commission expense payments to third parties
Fund related expense
Revenue, net of related expenses
DHCM C-Share financing:
Broker commission advance repayments
Broker commission amortization
Financing activity, net
—
(13,748,445)
12,471,436
6,360,400
(5,660,430)
(12,937,067)
14,427,538
11,087,978
(9,617,568)
(12,031,353)
16,481,918
416,614
(374,783)
41,831
691,228
(660,840)
30,388
991,430
(962,919)
28,511
Mutual fund administration revenue, net
$ 12,513,267
$ 14,457,926
$ 16,510,429
Mutual fund administrative net revenue from the Funds was $12.5 million, $11.9 million and $12.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for current and deferred income taxes through an asset and liability approach. Deferred tax assets are
recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.
Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred
38
tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on
the date of enactment.
The Company is subject to examination by federal and applicable state and local jurisdictions for various tax periods. The
Company’s income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of the income tax laws and rulings in each of the
jurisdictions in which it does business. Due to the subjectivity of interpretations of laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the
differences and interplay in tax laws among those jurisdictions, as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the final
resolution of complex tax audit matters, the Company’s estimates of income tax liabilities may differ from actual payments or
assessments. The Company regularly assesses its position with regard to tax exposures and records liabilities for these uncertain
tax positions and related interest and penalties, if any, according to the principles of FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. As of
December 31, 2017, the Company has not recorded any liability for uncertain tax positions. The Company records interest and
penalties, if any, within income tax expense on the income statement. See Note 8.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the period, which includes participating securities. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution of
EPS due to unvested restricted stock grants with forfeitable rights to dividends and restricted stock units. See Note 9.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09,
"Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which supersedes existing accounting standards for revenue recognition and creates
a single framework. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for
the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. This standard also specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain
or fulfill a contract with a customer. This ASU will supersede much of the existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and
requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. We will adopt the new ASU on its effective
date, January 1, 2018, and expect to utilize the full retrospective approach. Our implementation efforts include a detailed review
of revenue contracts within the scope of the guidance and evaluation of the impact on the Company's revenue recognition
policies. While we are continuing to assess the potential impacts of the ASU on our financial position and results of operations,
we believe that the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on revenue recognition. While we have not identified changes
in the timing of revenue recognition, we continue to evaluate the related disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases", which, among other things, requires lessees to recognize most
leases on-balance sheet. This will increase lessees' reported assets and liabilities - in some cases significantly. Lessor
accounting remains substantially similar to current GAAP. ASU 2016-02 supersedes Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 is
effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-02 mandates a modified
retrospective transition method for all entities. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its
consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
39
Note 3 Investment Portfolio
As of December 31, 2017, the Company held investments (excluding money market funds, which are included with cash and
cash equivalents) worth $138.5 million. The following table summarizes the carrying value of these investments as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Trading investments:
Securities held in Consolidated Funds(a)
Company sponsored investments
Company sponsored equity method investments
Total Investment portfolio
As of December 31,
2017
2016
$
$
65,890,500
$
36,541,818
36,043,704
57,355,471
9,322,118
41,338,046
138,476,022
$
108,015,635
(a) Of the securities held in the Consolidated Funds as of December 31, 2017, $42.6 million were held directly by the Company and $23.3
million were held by noncontrolling shareholders. Of the securities held in the Consolidated Funds as of December 31, 2016, $42.6 million
were held directly by the Company and $14.7 million were held by noncontrolling shareholders.
As of December 31, 2017, our equity method investees consisted of the Diamond Hill Research Opportunities Fund, the
Diamond Hill High Yield Fund, DHGF and DHIEF, and our ownership percentages in these funds were 26%, 48%, 95%, and
30%, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, our equity method investees consisted of the Diamond Hill Mid Cap Fund, the
Diamond Hill Research Opportunities Fund, the Diamond Hill High Yield Fund, and DHGF, and our ownership percentages in
these funds were 33%, 27%, 20%, and 95%, respectively. The Company's equity method investments consist of cash,
marketable equity securities and fixed income securities. The Company met the significant subsidiaries test for total equity
method investments as of December 31, 2017 and is required to provide the summarized financial information for all equity
method investments for all periods presented. The following table includes the condensed summary financial information from
the Company's equity method investments as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2017,
2016 and 2015:
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets
DHCM's portion of net assets
As of December 31,
2017
$
144,118,745
$
38,009,765
106,108,980
36,043,704
2016
189,819,824
45,931,979
143,887,845
41,338,046
Investment income
Expenses
Net realized gains
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
Net income
DHCM's portion of net income
Note 4 Line of Credit
For the Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$
2,944,836
$
3,272,972
$
1,176,896
4,432,850
5,613,627
11,814,417
3,206,702
1,409,896
1,981,185
10,458,073
14,302,334
4,392,636
792,691
5,506
1,219,565
(1,879,047)
127,703
124,825
The Company has an uncommitted Line of Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with a commercial bank that matures in
December of 2018 and permits the Company to borrow up to $25.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear
interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.50%. The Company has not borrowed under the Credit Agreement as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. No interest is payable on the unused portion of the Credit Agreement.
40
The proceeds of the Credit Agreement may be used by the Company and its subsidiaries for ongoing working capital needs, to
seed new and existing investment strategies and other general corporate purposes. The line of credit agreement contains
representations, warranties and covenants that are customary for agreements of this type.
Note 5 Capital Stock
Common Shares
The Company has only one class of securities outstanding, common shares, no par value per share.
Authorization of Preferred Shares
The Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of 1,000,000 “blank check” preferred
shares with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s Board of
Directors. The Board of Directors is authorized, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend,
liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights, which could adversely affect the voting or other rights of the holders of the
common shares. There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding at December 31, 2017 or 2016.
Note 6 Compensation Plans
Equity Incentive Plans
2014 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan
At the Company’s annual shareholder meeting on April 30, 2014, shareholders approved the 2014 Equity and Cash Incentive
Plan (“2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan is intended to facilitate the Company’s ability to attract and retain staff, provide additional
incentive to employees and directors, and promote the success of the Company’s business. The 2014 Plan authorizes the
issuance of 600,000 common shares of the Company in various forms of equity awards. The 2014 Plan also authorizes cash
incentive awards. As of December 31, 2017, there were 355,726 common shares available for awards under the 2014 Plan. The
2014 Plan provides that the Board of Directors, or a committee appointed by the Board, may grant awards and otherwise
administer the 2014 Plan. Restricted stock units and restricted stock grants issued under the 2014 Plan, which vest over time,
are recorded as deferred compensation in the equity section of the balance sheet on the grant date and then recognized as
compensation expense based on the grant date price over the vesting period of the respective grant. Stock grants issued under
the 2014 Plan are recorded as compensation expense based on the grant date price.
2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan
There are no longer any common shares available for future awards under the 2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan (the "2011
Plan") , although awards under this plan remain issued and outstanding. Restricted stock grants issued under the 2011 Plan,
which vest over time, were recorded as deferred compensation in the equity section of the balance sheet on the grant date and
then recognized as compensation expense based on the grant date price over the vesting period of the respective grant. Stock
grants issued under the 2011 Plan were recorded as compensation expense based on the grant date price.
Share-Based Payment Transactions
The Company issues restricted stock units and restricted stock awards (collectively, "Restricted Stock") under the 2014 Plan.
Restricted stock units represent shares which may be issued in the future, whereas restricted stock awards represent common
shares issued and outstanding upon grant subject to vesting restrictions. The following table represents a roll-forward of
outstanding Restricted Stock and related activity during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
41
Outstanding Restricted Stock as of December 31, 2015
Grants issued
Grants vested
Grants forfeited
Outstanding Restricted Stock as of December 31, 2016
Grants issued
Grants vested
Grants forfeited
Outstanding Restricted Stock as of December 31, 2017
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date Price
per Share
Shares
329,356
$
38,900
(127,386)
(17,070)
223,800
41,350
(65,500)
(1,750)
197,900
$
$
108.46
183.14
83.50
143.69
132.96
204.46
98.81
100.73
165.60
Total deferred equity compensation related to unvested Restricted Stock grants was $19.1 million as of December 31, 2017.
Compensation expense related to Restricted Stock grants is calculated based upon the fair market value of the common shares
on the grant date. The Company's policy is to adjust compensation expense for forfeitures as they occur. The recognition of
compensation expense related to deferred compensation over the remaining vesting periods is as follows:
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
$
6,098,558
$
5,362,104
$
3,689,576
$
2,209,739
$
1,176,507
$
598,479
$
19,134,963
Stock Grant Transactions
The following table represents stock issued as part of our incentive compensation program during the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015
401(k) Plan
Shares Issued
Grant Date Value
19,219
$
21,940
27,192
3,892,424
3,879,431
3,826,458
The Company sponsors a 401(k) plan in which all employees are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute a portion of
their compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The Company makes matching contributions of common
shares of the Company with a value equal to 200 percent of the first six percent of an employee’s compensation contributed to
the plan. Employees become fully vested in the matching contributions after six plan years of employment. The following table
summarizes the Company’s expenses attributable to the 401(k) plan during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
December 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015
Shares Issued
Company
Contribution
$
8,478
9,466
9,336
1,710,785
1,738,287
1,645,434
42
Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company offers two deferred compensation plans, the Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred Compensation Plan and the
Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan (collectively the “Plans”). Under the Plans, participants may elect to
voluntarily defer, for a minimum of five years, certain incentive compensation, which the Company then contributes into the
Plans. Each participant is responsible for designating investment options for assets they contribute, and the distribution paid to
each participant reflects any gains or losses on the assets realized while in the Plans. Assets held in the Plans are included in the
Company’s investment portfolio, and the associated obligation to participants is included in deferred compensation liability.
Assets held in the Plans are recorded at fair value. Deferred compensation liability was $20.5 million and $14.2 million at
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Note 7 Operating Leases
The Company currently leases office space of approximately 37,829 square feet at one location. The following table
summarizes the total lease and operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
For the year ended December 31,
2017
936,008
$
2016
882,231
$
2015
928,440
$
The approximate future minimum lease payments under the operating lease are as follows:
Total
4,146,694
$
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
$
586,350
$
595,807
$
624,179
$
624,179
$
624,179
$
1,092,000
Future Minimum Lease Payments by Year
In addition to the above lease payments, the Company is also responsible for normal operating expenses of the property. Such
annual operating expenses were approximately $0.4 million in each of 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Note 8 Income Taxes
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed on December 22, 2017. Among other federal tax law changes, for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2017, the new law establishes a flat corporate income tax rate of 21% to replace our current rate
of 35% and eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax. In accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"),
the Company has recorded tax expense of $3.6 million resulting from the re-measurement of the Company's estimated net
deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017.
The following table represents the Company's provision for income taxes:
Current city income tax provision
Current state income tax provision
Current federal income tax provision
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)
Provision for income taxes
As of December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$
1,463,669
$
1,321,675
$
1,245,285
310,726
642,598
335,897
24,749,832
24,234,050
2,893,063
469,312
$ 29,417,290
$ 26,667,635
22,874,571
(3,547,088)
$ 20,908,665
43
A reconciliation of income tax expense at the statutory federal rate to the Company’s income tax expense is as follows:
Income tax computed at statutory rate
Benefit attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests(a)
City and state income taxes, net of federal benefit
Revaluation adjustment of net deferred tax assets
Excess tax benefits on vesting of Restricted Stock
Income tax benefit from dividends paid on Restricted Stock
Other
Income tax expense
2017
2016
2015
$ 28,356,636
(564,449)
1,153,357
$ 25,641,618
(189,773)
1,276,777
$ 20,294,107
—
1,027,768
3,557,039
(2,420,250)
(418,583)
(246,460)
$ 29,417,290
—
—
—
—
—
(60,987)
$ 26,667,635
—
(413,210)
$ 20,908,665
(a) The provision for income taxes includes a benefit attributable to the fact that the Company's operations include the Consolidated Funds
which are not subject to federal income taxes. Accordingly, a portion of the Company's earnings are not subject to corporate tax levels.
Net deferred tax assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
Stock-based compensation
Accrued compensation
Unrealized gains
Property and equipment
Other assets and liabilities
Net deferred tax assets
2017
2016
$
2,868,719
$
4,450,129
5,795,204
(2,260,673)
(467,127)
(92,419)
5,843,704
$
7,355,744
(1,802,708)
(779,391)
(487,007)
8,736,767
$
The net temporary differences incurred to date will reverse in future periods as the Company generates taxable earnings. The
Company believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to
realize the net deferred tax assets recorded. The Company records a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of December 31, 2017, no valuation allowance was
deemed necessary.
The Company implemented ASU 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" on January 1,2017.
Beginning January 1, 2017, any excess tax benefits or deficiencies from the vesting of stock awards are recognized through the
income tax provision as opposed to common stock. For Restricted Stock, the Company receives an excess income tax benefit
calculated as the tax effect of the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant and vesting. The
Company also records income tax benefits from dividends paid on Restricted Stock. This change was required to be applied
prospectively to all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies after the date of adoption of the ASU. No adjustment is recorded for
any windfall benefits previously recorded in common stock. In addition, all tax-related cash flows resulting from share based
payments are now reported as operating activities in the statement of cash flows under the new guidance, rather than the prior
requirement to present windfall tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an outflow from operating activities. The
Company elected to adopt this change in cash flow presentation prospectively after the date of adoption of the ASU beginning
January 1, 2017.
Prior to January 1, 2017, the Company's income taxes payable has been reduced by the tax benefits from equity incentive plan
awards. These tax benefits were considered windfall tax benefits and were recognized as an increase to common stock. For
Restricted Stock, the Company receives an excess income tax benefit calculated as the tax effect of the difference between the
fair market value of the stock at the time of grant and vesting. The Company also records a tax benefit on dividends paid on
Restricted Stock during the vesting period. The Company had net tax benefits from equity awards of $6.3 million, and $2.9
million, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement
of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification,
interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company did not record an accrual for tax
related uncertainties or unrecognized tax positions as of December 31, 2017. The Company does not expect a change to the
reserve for uncertain tax positions within the next twelve months that would have a material impact on the consolidated
financial statements.
44
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. It is the policy of the Company to allocate the consolidated tax
provision to subsidiaries as if each subsidiary’s tax liability or benefit were determined on a separate company basis. As part of
the consolidated group, subsidiaries transfer to the Company their current federal tax liabilities or assets. The Company also
files income tax returns in all applicable state and local jurisdictions. The Company is subject to federal, state and local
examinations by tax authorities for the tax years ended December 31, 2014 through 2017.
Note 9 Earnings Per Share
The Company’s common shares outstanding consist of all shares issued and outstanding, including unvested restricted shares.
Basic and diluted EPS are calculated under the two-class method. Pursuant to the two-class method, the Company’s unvested
Restricted Stock grants with nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered participating securities. Dividends are paid on all
common shares outstanding at the same rate. Accordingly, the Company has evaluated the impact of earnings per share of all
participating securities under the two-class method, noting no impact on earnings per share. Restricted stock awards with
forfeitable rights to dividends and restricted stock units are considered dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation
for basic and diluted EPS and reconciliation between basic and diluted shares outstanding:
Net Income
Less: Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest
Net income attributable to common shareholders
Year Ended December 31,
2017
2016
2015
$ 51,601,669
(1,612,712)
$ 49,988,957
$ 46,594,132
(542,209)
$ 46,051,923
$ 37,074,497
—
$ 37,074,497
Weighted average number of outstanding shares
Dilutive impact of restricted stock grants with forfeitable rights to dividends
Dilutive impact of restricted stock units
3,448,824
3,407,408
3,277,920
—
3,014
—
5,983
74,957
6,909
Weighted average number of outstanding shares - Diluted
3,451,838
3,413,391
3,359,786
Earnings per share attributable to common shareholders
Basic
Diluted
Note 10 Commitments and Contingencies
$
$
14.49
14.48
$
$
13.52
13.49
$
$
11.31
11.03
The Company indemnifies its directors, officers and certain of its employees for certain liabilities that might arise from their
performance of their duties to the Company. From time to time, the Company is involved in legal matters relating to claims
arising in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no such matters pending that the Company believes could have a
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that contain a variety of representations
and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company’s
liability and could involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. Therefore, it is not
possible to estimate the Company’s potential liability under these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance
policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities.
Note 11 Sale of Beacon Hill
On June 15, 2016, the Company sold the entirety of Beacon Hill's business. The Company received $1.2 million in cash
consideration, net of cash disposed, as well as contingent consideration with a fair value of $1.5 million in the form of a
promissory note. The Company recorded a gain on sale of approximately $2.7 million during 2016. During 2017, the Company
received $1.0 million of proceeds from the scheduled collection of the promissory note. The promissory note is included in
accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets and the carrying value of the promissory note was $0.5 million and $1.5
million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
45
ITEM 9.
Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
Management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the
effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange
Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation, the Chief
Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that
it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files
or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the year ended December 31,
2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. The
Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of its consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, management
assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on criteria
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has audited the Company’s 2017 and 2016
consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, and has issued its Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on
Consolidated Financial Statements, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
None.
46
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
PART III
Information required by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its
2018 annual meeting of shareholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act (the “2018
Proxy Statement”), under the captions: “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, “Proposal 1 – Election of
Directors”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – The Board of Directors and Committees”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors
– Corporate Governance”, and “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Executive Officers and Compensation Information”.
ITEM 11.
Executive Compensation
Information required by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement under the
captions: “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors—The Board of Directors and Committees”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors –
Corporate Governance”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee Interlocks
and Insider Participation”, “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Executive Officers and Compensation Information”, and
“Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Compensation Committee Report”.
ITEM 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The following table sets forth certain information concerning our equity compensation plans at December 31, 2017:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
(a)
(b)
(c)
Number of securities to
be issued upon the
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a)
— $
—
355,726 1
1
This amount relates to common shares that may be issued under our 2014 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan.
The other information required by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement
under the captions: “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Proposal 1 – Election of
Directors – Executive Officers and Compensation Information”.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement under the
caption: “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Director Independence” and “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – Corporate
Governance”.
ITEM 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s 2018 Proxy Statement under the
caption: “Proposal 2 – Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”.
47
ITEM 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
(a) (1) Financial Statements: See “Part II. Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules: All financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the SEC are omitted because they are not required or the required information is included
in the accompanying financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits:
3.1
3.2
3.3
10.1
10.2
10.3*
10.4*
10.5*
10.6*
10.7*
10.8*
10.9*
10.10*
10.11*
10.12
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(i)
to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 7, 2002; File No. 000-24498.)
Certificate of Amendment by Shareholders to the Articles of Incorporation of the Company (Incorporated by
reference from Form 8-K Current Report for the event on April 28, 2017; File No. 000-24498.)
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of the Company (Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K
Current Report, Exhibit 3.2, filed with the SEC on April 28, 2017; File No. 000-24498.)
Amended and Restated Investment Management Agreement between Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc.
and the Diamond Hill Funds dated November 17, 2011, as amended November 21, 2013. (Incorporated by
reference from Exhibit 28(d)(xi) to Form N-1A filed by Diamond Hill Funds as a 485BPOS on October 10,
2017; File Nos. 333-22075 and 811-08061)
Amended and Restated Administrative and Transfer Agency Services Agreement dated as of May 31, 2002, as
amended January 1, 2016, between Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. and the Diamond Hill Funds.
(Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 28(h)(vii) to Form N-1A filed by Diamond Hill Funds as a 485BPOS
on October 10, 2017; File Nos. 333-22075 and 811-08061)
2014 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on June 27, 2014; File No 333-197064.)
2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan referenced therein. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 29, 2011; File No. 000-24498.)
Employment Agreement between Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc. and Roderick H. Dillon, Jr. dated
January 1, 2016. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with
the SEC on January 4, 2016; File No. 000-24498.)
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. Compensation Recoupment and Restitution Policy. (Incorporated by
reference from Exhibit 99 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2013; File
No. 000-24498.)
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. Compensation Recoupment and Restitution Policy Acknowledgment
and Agreement. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the
SEC on February 20, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 30, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
First Amendment to the Diamond Hill Fixed Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference
from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 28, 2013; File No.
000-24498.)
First Amendment to the Diamond Hill Variable Term Deferred Compensation Plan. (Incorporated by reference
from Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 28, 2013; File No.
000-24498.)
Loan Agreement by and between Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc., Diamond Hill Investment Group,
Inc. and The Huntington National Bank dated November 8, 2013. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit
10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 14, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
48
10.13
14.1
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
Line of Credit Demand Note with Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc., Diamond Hill Investment Group,
Inc. and The Huntington National Bank dated November 8, 2013. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit
10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 14, 2013; File No. 000-24498.)
Amended Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 14.1 to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 7, 2014; File No. 000-24498.)
Subsidiaries of the Company. (Filed herewith)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP. (Filed herewith)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a). (Filed herewith)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a). (Filed herewith)
Section 1350 Certifications. (Furnished herewith)
101.ins
XBRL Instance Document.
101.sch
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.cal
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.def
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.lab
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.pre
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
* Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(b) Exhibits: Reference is made to Item 15(a)(3) above.
(c) Financial Statement Schedules: None required.
ITEM 16.
Form 10-K Summary
None.
49
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized:
DIAMOND HILL INVESTMENT GROUP, INC.
By:
/s/ Christopher M. Bingaman
Christopher M. Bingaman, Chief Executive Officer
February 22, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Christopher M. Bingaman
Christopher M. Bingaman
Chief Executive Officer and
February 22, 2018
President
/s/ Thomas E. Line
Thomas E. Line
/s/ Jeffrey J. Cook
Jeffrey J. Cook
/s/ R. H. Dillon
R. H. Dillon
/s/ James F. Laird
James F. Laird
/s/ Randolph J. Fortener
Randolph J. Fortener
/s/ Paul A. Reeder, III
Paul A. Reeder, III
/s/ Bradley C. Shoup
Bradley C. Shoup
/s/ Frances A. Skinner
Frances A. Skinner
Chief Financial Officer and
February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
February 22, 2018
Treasurer
Controller
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
50
INVESTOR
INFORMATION
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
KPMG LLP
Columbus, OH
FORM 10-K AND OTHER FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which
includes the complete financial statements of the company,
has been included with the proxy materials mailed to each
shareholder. Additional copies are available without charge
by contacting the Company at:
325 John H. McConnell Blvd., Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43215
614.255.3333
info@diamond-hill.com
LEGAL COUNSEL
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Columbus, OH
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
325 John H. McConnell Blvd., Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43215
614.255.3333
info@diamond-hill.com
www.diamond-hill.com
STOCK LISTING
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc. is listed
on the NASDAQ Global Select Market
Ticker Symbol: DHIL
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
The Transfer Agent for Diamond Hill is Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company. Shareholders who wish to
transfer their stock or change the name in which the shares
are registered should contact:
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Co.
1 State Street, 30th Floor
New York, NY 10004
212.509.4000
www.diamond-hill.com