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Legg Mason Inc.

lm · NYSE Financial Services
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Sector Financial Services
Industry Asset Management
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2015 Annual Report · Legg Mason Inc.
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AR2015

EXPANDING

 OPPORTUNITIES

One should learn to sail in all winds.

— Italian proverb

Our Investment 
Affiliates

Key Highlights

$703
BILLION

Assets under management  
as of March 31, 2015

$2.8

BILLION

Operating revenues

By asset class

54%

Fixed Income

By client domicile

64%

U.S.

By asset class

47%

Equity

38%

Fixed Income

18%

Liquidity

28%

Equity

36%

Elsewhere

4%

Liquidity

11%

Alternatives

Financial Highlights (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating results

Operating revenues

Operating income (loss)

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$  2,819,106 

2,741,757

2,612,650

2,662,574

2,784,317

 498,219 

430,893

(434,499)

338,753

386,808

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax provision (benefit)

 367,993 

419,641

(510,607)

303,083

365,197

Net income (loss) attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

 237,080 

284,784

(353,327)

220,817

253,923

Adjusted income(1)

Per share

Net income (loss), diluted

Adjusted income, diluted (1)

Dividends declared

Book value

Financial condition 

Total assets

Total stockholders’ equity

 378,751 

417,805

347,169

397,030

439,248

$

 2.04 

 3.26 

 0.64 

2.33

3.41

0.52

(2.65)

2.61

0.44

1.54

2.77

0.32

1.63

2.83

0.20

 40.23 

40.32

38.44

40.59

38.41

$  7,073,977 

7,111,349

7,269,660

8,555,747

8,707,756

 4,484,901  4,724,724

4,818,351

5,677,291

5,770,384

(1)  Adjusted income per diluted share represents a performance measure that is based on a methodology other than generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”). For more information 

regarding this non-GAAP financial measure, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this Annual Report.

Total Return Performance (Dollars)

Index

Legg Mason, Inc.

SNL Asset Manager Index

S&P 500

250

200

150

100

50

0

MAR 10

MAR 11

MAR 12

MAR 13

MAR 14

MAR 15

Years Ended March 31,

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

$

100.00

100.00

100.00

126.62

117.03

115.65

99.14

114.39

125.52

116.04

146.92

143.05

179.45

204.53

184.94

174.31

201.65

196.50

  The graph to the left compares the cumulative total stockholder return on Legg Mason’s 
common stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return of the S&P 
500 Stock Index and the SNL Asset Manager Index over the same period (assuming the 
investment of $100 in each on March 31, 2010). The SNL Asset Manager Index consists  
of 41 asset management firms.

  Source: © 2015 SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA (www.snl.com)

About Legg Mason

Global asset  
management firm
FOUNDED IN 1899

Headquartered in
BALTIMORE, 
MD, USA

Listed as a public 
company for
32 YEARS

Our global network
31 LOCATIONS 
WORLDWIDE

Nearly
3000  
EMPLOYEES

Dear clients and  
fellow shareholders,

I am pleased to report another year of  
important financial and strategic progress  
for our Legg Mason.

My Affiliate and corporate Legg Mason colleagues 
have successfully delivered a year of growth in 
revenue, anchored by positive long-term flows. 

Most importantly, the investment performance 
that we have delivered for our clients broadly 
remains strong, with over 80% of strategy AUM 
beating benchmarks for the critically important 
three, five and 10 year time periods. 

Building upon this success will take continued 
hard work and discipline. I know that I speak  
for all at Legg Mason when I say that we  
embrace both the responsibility and the  
challenge associated with the pursuit of 
continuous improvement.

Joseph A. Sullivan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Opportunities for those firms that can respond  
to this dynamic landscape are plentiful. 

We are fortunate to have the right people, culture 
and mission and a business model that adapts 
as our industry is being redefined. Ours is a 
Company that has been created, over many years, 
for just this purpose and for just this moment; we 
accept this important responsibility and we are 
committed to seizing the opportunity before us.

As we look ahead, we see an industry in  
the midst of substantial challenge and change  
and we believe Legg Mason is very well 
positioned to perform and succeed for all  
of our critical stakeholders.

The people of Legg Mason have long embraced  
a “client first” culture, while recognizing that we 
are stewards of our shareholders’ capital. These 
two ideals are not at all in conflict but are,  
instead, complementary. 

What makes us so confident?

In a world rife with conflict, and markets 
characterized by increasing volatility and 
uncertainty, investors are demanding more. 
They expect…and deserve…to know that those 
they have entrusted with their financial future 
have their best interests foremost in mind. 

And it is our mission, investing to improve lives, 
which ultimately ties together our people, our 
culture and our model, in pursuit of delivering 
exceptional results for our stakeholders.

The confluence of need and opportunity  
make this an important and exciting time  
for our Legg Mason. 

Legg Mason AR2015

3

About Legg Mason

Global asset  
management firm
FOUNDED IN 1899

Headquartered in
BALTIMORE, 
MD, USA

Listed as a public 
company for
32 YEARS

Our global network
31 LOCATIONS 
WORLDWIDE

Nearly
3000  
EMPLOYEES

Dear clients and  
fellow shareholders,

I am pleased to report another year of  
important financial and strategic progress  
for our Legg Mason.

My Affiliate and corporate Legg Mason colleagues 
have successfully delivered a year of growth in 
revenue, anchored by positive long-term flows. 

Most importantly, the investment performance 
that we have delivered for our clients broadly 
remains strong, with over 80% of strategy AUM 
beating benchmarks for the critically important 
three, five and 10 year time periods. 

Building upon this success will take continued 
hard work and discipline. I know that I speak  
for all at Legg Mason when I say that we  
embrace both the responsibility and the  
challenge associated with the pursuit of 
continuous improvement.

Joseph A. Sullivan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Opportunities for those firms that can respond  
to this dynamic landscape are plentiful. 

We are fortunate to have the right people, culture 
and mission and a business model that adapts 
as our industry is being redefined. Ours is a 
Company that has been created, over many years, 
for just this purpose and for just this moment; we 
accept this important responsibility and we are 
committed to seizing the opportunity before us.

As we look ahead, we see an industry in  
the midst of substantial challenge and change  
and we believe Legg Mason is very well 
positioned to perform and succeed for all  
of our critical stakeholders.

The people of Legg Mason have long embraced  
a “client first” culture, while recognizing that we 
are stewards of our shareholders’ capital. These 
two ideals are not at all in conflict but are,  
instead, complementary. 

What makes us so confident?

In a world rife with conflict, and markets 
characterized by increasing volatility and 
uncertainty, investors are demanding more. 
They expect…and deserve…to know that those 
they have entrusted with their financial future 
have their best interests foremost in mind. 

And it is our mission, investing to improve lives, 
which ultimately ties together our people, our 
culture and our model, in pursuit of delivering 
exceptional results for our stakeholders.

The confluence of need and opportunity  
make this an important and exciting time  
for our Legg Mason. 

Legg Mason AR2015

3

The confluence of need and opportunity make this  
an important and exciting time for our Legg Mason. 

A year of continuous improvement
For fiscal year 2015, we delivered our second 
consecutive year of growth in both our operating 
revenues and adjusted operating margin, even 
while making significant investments in our 
Global Distribution Platform, which we believe 
will increase sales and persistency of Assets  
Under Management in the long run.

We continue to lead the industry in the rate of 
return of capital to shareholders, spending over 
$350 million to repurchase our shares during 
fiscal year 2015, while increasing our dividend  
rate by 23%. 

We took several strategic actions during the year, 
consistent with building a better Legg Mason. 

First, we added QS Investors, a quantitative 
multi-asset class solutions provider, which when 
combined with Batterymarch Financial and Legg 
Mason Global Asset Allocation, creates a powerful 
quantitative manager in the rapidly growing 
“solutions” category. 

Next, we added Edinburgh, Scotland-based 
Martin Currie to provide us with a non-U.S. 
equity platform, filling a longstanding investment 
capability need for Legg Mason and our clients. 

QS and Martin Currie are terrific firms, with 
highly talented professionals, who share our core 
cultural tenets and make us better. We are thrilled 
that they have joined our family of Affiliates. 

We divested our wealth management Affiliate, 
Legg Mason Investment Counsel, which no longer 
fit within our strategic vision. We are grateful 
for the contributions of the team over the years 
and know that their new ownership is a better 
platform for promoting their growth.

We also took advantage of historically low interest 
rates to extend our debt and lock in low long-term 
rates, a move we believe will look very prescient 
over the long term. We were extremely pleased 
that our debt offerings were so well received in  
the marketplace, reflecting the attractiveness  
of Legg Mason as a credit to lenders. 

Capping it all, we achieved nearly $17 billion  
in long-term inflows. This was the first year  
of positive net long-term flows in the past eight 
and an improvement approaching $50 billion 
in just two years…a breathtaking performance 
at a time when flows for active managers were 
meaningfully challenged. 

Our global distribution platform was broadly 
positive in flows across clients, channels and 
geographies, highlighting the importance of  
the diversification we currently enjoy and  
are working to extend.

Legg Mason’s culture of respect:  
An important differentiator
Legg Mason has long enjoyed a special  
culture that reflects a deep respect for  
our many stakeholders. 

One core element of that culture we define  
as “No Chalk.” 

Evolved over 100 years of serving investors,  
“No Chalk” is understood and practiced worldwide 
by all Legg Mason colleagues. It expresses the 
expectation that we conduct our business well  
“in-bounds,” never so much as nearing the  
“out of bounds” chalk lines of unethical territory. 

4

Legg Mason AR2015 
 
 
 
 
This culture has been protected, passionately 
and without compromise, throughout many 
challenging market environments and remains  
a bedrock of the Company today.

It is my job…and that of all Legg Mason 
employees…to take this “client first” culture,  
so engrained in the Company’s corporate DNA, 
and extend it in an even more proactive fashion. 

This “No Chalk” mindset and our unique 
business model position us to best serve the 
evolving financial needs of our clients with new 
and differentiated solutions in an increasingly 
interconnected and complex world.

Another of our core cultural elements recognizes 
that we are stewards of our shareholder’s capital. 

Over the past two years, we have undertaken 
productivity training, embracing six-sigma 
concepts to ensure that Legg Mason operates 
with a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness. 
As our CFO, Pete Nachtwey, likes to remind 
our colleagues: We all must hold dear our 
shareholders’ checkbooks! 

Like “No Chalk,” this cost-stewardship mentality 
has embedded itself in our corporate DNA.

These are two of the cultural characteristics  
that define and guide Legg Mason in pursuit  
of our mission to improve the lives of our  
clients through investing.

The Legg Mason Model:  
A competitive advantage 
We are firmly committed to our “best of both 
worlds” business model to deliver optimal results 
for both our clients and shareholders. A few other 
firms embrace the “multi-manager” model…but 
none execute it as uniquely as Legg Mason. 

We are a pure-play asset manager. We honor 
the investment independence and operating 
autonomy of our Affiliates, while offering world 
class retail distribution, product development  
and certain other shared services on a centralized 
basis. This yields meaningful advantages of scale. 

Executive Committee

(Left to right)
Ursula Schliessler,  
Chief Administrative Officer 
Pete Nachtwey,  
Chief Financial Officer 
Tom Hoops,  
Head of Business Development 
Joe Sullivan,  
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 
Tom Merchant,  
General Counsel
Terry Johnson,  
Head of Global Distribution

5

Legg Mason AR2015 
 
 
This model, combining the best of what 
multi-managers and integrated firms have to 
offer, affords the benefits of scale without the 
investment mediocrity that can often accompany 
it — hence the “best of both worlds.” This model 
increasingly resonates with investors and  
potential new Affiliates. 

A critical component of our multi-Affiliate model 
is the diversification of our business. 

We continue to diversify our business investments 
across asset classes and over a multitude of client 
channels and geographies. This purposefully 
avoids leaving us dependent upon any single 
investment strategy or market. 

It is likely that we may often have one or more 
Affiliate or asset classes performing well, while 
others might be challenged. We firmly believe 
that such a diversified business delivers better 
results for both clients and shareholders through 
market cycles. 

Critical to the successful execution of our 
business model is a foundation rooted in mutual 
accountability. We recognize the symbiotic 

relationship we enjoy with our Affiliates but  
it is our mutual commitment to accountability  
to one another that drives execution and results. 

Legg Mason intends to be the firm of choice  
for investors globally, for current and future 
Affiliates, and for talented professionals. 
Exceptional execution of our model will  
make this intention a reality. 

While not perfected…we have significantly 
improved the execution of our model; to that  
end, we are seeing significantly heightened 
interest in Legg Mason by investors, asset 
managers and professionals. 

A clear and enduring mission  
for Legg Mason is essential
We aspire to be a great global company in 
the asset management business that, through 
investing, meaningfully impacts the lives of  
all the constituencies with whom we interact.

That’s a tall order but one with a consequential 
purpose. Reaching high and declaring bold 
ambitions are only meaningful if we deliver  
...and we eagerly accept that accountability. 

Environmental, Social and Governance Investing — ESG

More investors each day are coming to believe  
that focusing on ESG principles can help deliver 
what everyone wants: superior, risk-adjusted 
performance over the long term.

Assets under management in ESG investments  
are growing steadily, as both the number and  
type of options increase across asset classes. 
Some large global consulting firms have even 
explicitly incorporated ESG into their investment 
belief statements.

ESG investing has moved far beyond its origins  
in the late 1800s, when it was primarily a way for 
religious organizations to avoid owning “sin stocks.” 
The emphasis now is on actively finding companies 
with quality attributes — environmental and product 
safety, workforce diversity, employee retention and 
strong corporate governance — that can positively 
impact future shareholder value. 

ESG choices have grown not only in AUM but  
in sheer variety. These include everything from 
index and smart beta funds to quant strategies and 
different approaches to shareholder engagement. 
Entire asset allocations can be constructed 
consistent with ESG principles, including public and 
private equity, fixed income and alternative assets.

At ClearBridge Investments, all companies 
considered for investment are given an ESG  
rating, updated annually. Likewise, at Martin Currie, 
governance and sustainability considerations are 
fully integrated into the investment process. This 
can be collaborative: portfolio managers work with 
companies that want to improve ESG performance 
through direct engagement and proxy voting. 

ClearBridge Investments, Martin Currie and  
Permal are all signatories to the Principals 
for Responsible Investment, reflecting the 
importance of that commitment.

6

Legg Mason AR2015

 
 
 
We aspire to be a great global company in the asset management 
business that, through investing, meaningfully impacts the lives 
of all the constituencies with whom we interact.

We must act proactively and “invest to improve 
the lives” of our constituents; adding to and 
strengthening our deep corporate “No Chalk” 
culture with a mission, a purpose…a “why?”...
that drives everything we do, every day. 

And this “why?” — combined with an emphasis 
on execution excellence — is what will distinguish 
Legg Mason in both the short term and over the 
long run, making us an enduring global leader  
in asset management. 

We are sober about the challenges we will face, 
as we execute against this standard: it requires 
a sensitive balancing of a delicate ecosystem to 
achieve success. 

Multiple constituencies must be satisfied: clients, 
regulators, shareholders and bondholders, along 
with our employees and the communities in which 
we operate. All have a stake in the outcomes we 
deliver and our success as a firm. 

The themes we have chosen for this and our past 
two Annual Reports have been quite intentional. 

Two years ago we declared that we could only 
succeed if we moved “Forward Together” and  
we have done just that. 

This year, we pursue “Expanding Opportunities.” 
Our goal is to make this happen for our multiple 
constituencies, starting with clients and ultimately 
ending with my Legg Mason colleagues. 

We intend to deliver. 

Expanding opportunities is about enriching the 
lives of our stakeholders through the exceptional 
execution of our business, investing in the careers 
of our employees, engaging in activities that 
strengthen our communities, and building  
a strong and lasting Legg Mason for us all. 

Expanding opportunities for this ecosystem  
and investing to improve the lives of all within  
it is our deepest passion, our driving force and  
our lasting commitment. 

On behalf of all of my colleagues at Legg Mason, 
I am grateful that you are joining us on this 
important journey. I thank you for your continued 
trust and support and please know that we are 
committed to continue earning both in this coming 
year and beyond.

Last year, we recognized that we were “Building 
Momentum” and we clearly are. 

Joseph A. Sullivan,  
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

7

Legg Mason AR2015 
 
 
 
Global value investing 
Pursuing value since 1986 across equity and 
fixed income, globally and in the U.S. Historically 
institutionally focused, the firm has both a boutique’s 
agility and an industry leader’s stability and resources.

2

10

12

Assets by strategy (%)

  Fixed Income
  Diversified Equity 
  Large Cap Equity 
  Small/Mid Cap Equity

76

Brandywine Global experienced growth in fiscal 
2015 while continuing to focus on culture and 
reinvestment in the business. Assets under 
management over the year increased by more than 
25% to $66.5 billion, as of March 31, 2015 — the 
highest level in firm history. 

By the close of the fiscal year, the firm experienced 
its fourteenth consecutive quarter of asset growth, 
added 37 talented professionals to our team, 
and earned a “Best Places to Work” award from 
The Philadelphia Business Journal. To broaden 
the investor base with which it can partner, 
Brandywine launched seven new hedge fund, 
UCITS, or mutual fund vehicles. Brandywine’s 
asset base remains globally diversified with over 
42% of AUM originating from over 50 countries 
outside of the U.S. and more than 75% of AUM 
being managed in global mandates.

We are one of the world’s 
largest asset managers.  
We have a local presence  
in 31 cities around the  
globe, serving individual  
and institutional investors  
located in 190 countries  
across six continents. Our 
global distribution network, 
combined with our diverse 
family of specialized 
investment managers,  
creates a strong platform  
to deliver performance.

8

Legg Mason AR2015 
Quality-focused equity
Global investment manager with over 50 years  
of experience and long-tenured portfolio managers 
who seek to build income, high active share  
or low volatility portfolios.

Active equity specialists 
An active equity specialist that builds global, stock-driven 
portfolios based on fundamental research, devoting all of 
its resources to delivering optimum investment outcomes 
and superior client relationships.

18

Assets by product type (%)

  High Active Share 
  Income Solutions 
  Low Volatility

23

59

Assets by strategy (%)

  Diversified Equity 
  Small Cap Equity

3

97

ClearBridge Investments is an established  
global investment manager focusing on active  
stock selection that is guided by proprietary,  
bottom-up research. With over 50 years of 
experience building client portfolios, long- 
tenured portfolio managers provide strong 
leadership in a centralized investment structure.

Consistently strong investment performance 
helped ClearBridge extend its market leadership 
position across its platform of high active share, 
income and low volatility strategies. During the 
fiscal year, ClearBridge’s Aggressive Growth 
Strategy won numerous Lipper country awards 
and ClearBridge was named one of Pension & 
Investments’ “Best Places to Work in Money 
Management” for the third year in a row. 
ClearBridge remains focused on delivering a 
distinguished client experience and on building  
new investment strategies intended to help 
investors achieve their goals.

Martin Currie joined Legg Mason in October 
2014 as our international active equity specialist. 
Headquartered in Edinburgh, the firm is driven  
by investment expertise and focused on managing 
money for a wide range of global institutional 
and retail clients. Martin Currie is innovative in its 
approach and able to take a long-term view. The 
firm offers high conviction investment strategies 
that are distinctive and based on detailed in-depth 
fundamental research.

As part of Legg Mason, Martin Currie accesses 
new markets and client segments through its  
global retail distribution network. Martin Currie  
also successfully integrated Legg Mason’s 
Australian Equities team into its company, creating 
Martin Currie Australia, with the goal of being one 
of the leading investors in Australia. Martin Currie 
Australia, with total AUM of A$4.6 billion (US$3.6 
billion) as of March 31, 2015, is attracting clients 
from both Australia and Japan. 

9

Legg Mason AR2015Global alternative funds-of-funds 
A global pioneer in multi-manager, multi-strategy 
alternative investing. The firm has made investments 
in new and established hedge fund managers across 
strategies, asset classes and regions since 1973.

Quantitative equity and multi-asset manager 
Applies a diversified, systematic and adaptive approach  
to its investment discipline to provide consistent,  
repeatable and risk-managed returns across multiple  
market environments.

9

3

1

20

21

25

21

Multi-manager funds’  
assets by strategy (%)

  Global Macro
  Global Long/Short
  Event Driven
  Fixed Income
  Thematic 
  Equity Long 
  Cash/Other

Total AUM by product (%)

36

  Customized Solutions
  Global Equities
  U.S. Equities
  Liquid Alternatives

13

25

26

Permal Group is a pioneer in multi-manager, multi-
strategy alternative investing. Established in 1973, 
the firm has offices in nine international financial 
centers and extensive networks of experienced 
managers and relationships around the globe. 
Permal is recognized for hedge fund investments 
across strategies, asset classes and regions.

The year saw some sizeable institutional wins,
including a billion dollar mandate from a U.S. 
pension fund, along with encouraging growth in 
the Chinese and Korean markets. There were new 
products covering the liquidity spectrum, with the 
launch of a variable insurance trust portfolio for a 
key distributor, as well as the launch of Permal’s 
latest longer lock-up fund. On the managed 
account platform (PMAP), which at over $9 billion 
ranked 3rd overall, and is the largest buyside 
platform,1 Permal was among the first asset 
managers to create an ICAV onshore structure 
for a number of its BVI offshore accounts.

1  InvestHedge: Investor activity in hedge funds, 1 March 2015.

10

QS Investors partners with clients to create 
innovative solutions within a quantitative framework. 
Taking a consultative approach to global asset 
management, they apply a diversified, systematic 
and adaptive approach to managing portfolios with 
a repeatable, risk-aware process. Strategies include 
global equities, liquid alternatives, multi-asset and 
customized solutions.

Fiscal year 2015 was a notable year for QS Investors. 
The combination of QS Investors’ innovative multi-
asset and solutions platform with Legg Mason’s 
strong distribution capabilities and diversified multi-
affiliate model produced substantial momentum 
under the leadership of Adam Petryk, Head of Multi-
Asset and Solutions. Working with larger institutional 
clients, the team has just begun to expand the 
business across Target Date, Lifestyle and other 
Outcome-Oriented strategies. Meanwhile, equity 
performance has been strong, demonstrating the 
benefits of QS Investors’ systematic, diversified and 
adaptive approach to investing. Looking ahead, CIO 
Rosy Macedo is driving the firm forward with new 
alternative equity strategies that directly address 
market volatility and an investor’s need for growth.

Legg Mason AR2015Small-cap equity 
Known for its disciplined, value-oriented approach to 
managing small-caps. An asset class pioneer, the firm’s 
founder is one of the longest-tenured active managers.

Fixed income 
One of the world’s leading global fixed income  
managers. Founded in 1971, the firm is known  
for team management, proprietary research  
and a long-term fundamental value approach.

Assets by strategy (%)

  U.S. Equity
  Rest of the World Equity 
  European Equity 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents

3 4

7

86

Total AUM by mandate (%)

  Specialized Mandates
  Taxable Liquidity/
  Enhanced Cash 
  Broad Portfolio 
  Municipals

46

5

21

28

For more than 40 years, Royce & Associates,
investment advisor to The Royce Funds, has focused 
on small-cap portfolios. Royce’s portfolio managers 
use disciplined, consistent investment approaches 
that emphasize close attention to risk. CEO Chuck 
Royce is one of the pioneers in small-cap value 
investing and enjoys one of the longest tenures  
of any active manager.

Royce strengthened its executive leadership team
during fiscal year 2015. On January 1 Chris Clark
and Francis Gannon, who together have more  
than 40 years of investment industry experience, 
became Co-CIOs. In July, Chris Clark became 
President while Chuck remains Royce Chairman 
and CEO. In December, Peter Hoglund joined 
as Principal, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief 
Administrative Officer. Fund and manager 
recognitions included: Royce Opportunity Fund 
added to the Money 50 List, Morningstar listed 
Royce Micro-Cap Trust among the best-performing 
closed end equity funds for 2013, and Chuck 
mentioned in Morningstar’s “The Few, the 
Proud, the 30-Year Veterans With Good Results.” 
Roycefunds.com was ranked #1 in Kasina’s 
annual Top Mutual Fund Websites for Financial 
Intermediaries report. The marketing team  
also received MFEA’s coveted Overall 
Communications award.

Western Asset Management is one of the world’s 
leading fixed income managers. With a focus on 
long-term fundamental value investing that employs 
a top-down and bottom-up approach, the firm has 
nine offices around the globe and deep experience 
across the range of fixed income sectors. Founded  
in 1971, Western Asset’s approach emphasizes 
team management and intensive proprietary 
research, supported by robust risk management.

Strong investment performance at Western Asset 
garnered recognition from prestigious industry 
sources in the fiscal year. Institutional Investor 
Magazine named Western Asset a repeat winner  
as U.S. Fixed-Income Core Manager of the Year, and 
expanded the distinction to the Core Plus strategy for 
2014. The Firm was also named Morningstar’s 2014 
Fixed-Income U.S. Fund Manager of the Year for the 
Core and Core Plus Funds.† To meet investor need for 
absolute return and unconstrained fixed income 
products, Western Asset launched the High-Yield 
Credit Energy Fund and the Global Total Return 
strategy, and celebrated the Macro Opportunities 
strategy reaching $6 billion in AUM. Not only did 
Western Asset receive recognition for its investment 
expertise, it was named to Pension & Investments’ 
2014 “Best Places to Work in Money Management.”

†  Awarded to Ken Leech, Carl Eichstaedt, and Mark Lindbloom for Western Asset 
Core Bond Fund (WACSX) and Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund (WAPSX) 
named Morningstar 2014 U.S. Fixed Income Manager of the Year, United States 
of America. Morningstar Awards 2015 © Morningstar, Inc.

11

Legg Mason AR2015PRODUCT & DISTRIBUTION 

As we look to the future, we know one thing — the needs  
of investors will be more complex and more diverse. 

Around the world, retail investors will need to take a more
active role in their financial futures to meet their goals. We
intend to lead the way, in conjunction with our distribution
partners, to help them meet those myriad needs.

Respondents to Legg Mason’s Global Investment Survey of 
individuals with $200,000 or more in investible assets, not 
including their home, identified reasons both practical and
personal for their investment and cited a number of factors  
that could impact achieving those goals.

the borders of regional geographies in new and different 
ways to achieve their investment objectives.

Findings like this have significant implications for how  
we view our portfolio of investment affiliates, how we work 
with those affiliates on new product initiatives and how  
we manage our current product offering.

It also informs how we engage with clients, how we  
use technology and data to better understand their needs,  
and how we partner with intermediaries to serve them.

One theme is clear — investors face volatile markets and  
an interconnected and, at times, challenging global economy 
as they look to build financial security. They need to 
consider looking across multiple asset classes and beyond 

Size, a global reach, diversity of investment capabilities  
and commitment to listening to our clients are essential 
to success.

2015 Trending Conversations (www.leggmason.com/trendingconversations)

Key findings from our 2015 
Global Investment Survey
Bullish optimism and a domestic 
bias sum up the findings from 
our 2015 survey of 4,208 
investors worldwide. Investors 
were more bullish going into 
2015, with 51% expecting 
to increase their allocation 
of assets to equities — up 
14% from 2014. Over 80% 
felt optimistic about their 
investments, while the majority 
was also more confident in 
their ability to manage their 
investments and to retire at the 
age they want. Home bias was 
revealed by the 77% of investors 
who said their domestic equity 
markets presented the top 
investment opportunities for 
2015 — an 18% increase over 
2014. International investments 
made up 16% of investors’ 
portfolios; 63% said global 
uncertainty was the major 
barrier preventing global 
investments. Investors saw the 
U.S., Hong Kong and Australia 
as the best opportunities for 
international investments.

12

Legg Mason AR2015

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

ITALY

Top three investor 
worries for 2015

Global economic instability
Economic instability in the U.S.
Increasing market volatility

Bottom three investor 
worries for 2015

Inflation
Interest rates/yields
Deflation

How long UK investors 
expect to stay invested 
post retirement

YEARS19

Italians have highest financial 
adviser usage in Europe (%)

40

35

29

15

Italy

UK

Spain

Germany

GERMANY

SINGAPORE

CHINA

Appetite for income 
investments growing (%)

2014

2015

Singapore investors say 
generating income for living 
expenses is a primary goal (%)

49

69

52

31

Though about a 
third feel that they 
are not progressing 
in achieving this 
goal (%)

Focus on international  
investments  
in the next year  
compared to  
last year (%)

79

Top markets for international  
investments (%)

U.S.: 63

Hong Kong: 48

 
 
The Legg Mason Global Sales Leadership meeting in March 2015 at the Baltimore headquarters brought together colleagues from Legg Mason  
and its Affiliates spanning six continents to collaborate, review best practices, and set growth priorities.

Product

Distribution

When we look at our business opportunity today, we see  
a bifurcated world. Rather than join the debate about active  
vs. passive, we recognize that to serve investors well, it’s  
about active AND passive. 

The world’s demographics are changing, which creates  
opportunities for investment managers who both 
understand their responsibility to the investors they serve 
and are willing to embrace innovative ways to reach them.

Legg Mason identifies three broad opportunity  
sets in product development 
Traditional, classic active 
Here, Legg Mason has investment strength across fixed 
income and equities in markets around the world. 

Next generation active 
These are flexible, alternative and outcome oriented 
strategies that are increasingly in demand from investors.  
In just two years, we have grown the number of products 
we offer by 27% and are accelerating that effort. 

The evolution of the ETF vehicle  
beyond traditional passive
This year, we added an ETF team who is evaluating 
opportunities to extend existing active strategies  
and add new strategies into ETF wrappers. 

In fiscal year 2015, Legg Mason’s global retail product  
team launched 23 products and streamlined 69 existing 
products to create a more relevant, focused product set. 
Through the acquisitions of Martin Currie and QS Investors, 
Legg Mason added significant new investment capabilities 
and additional opportunities yet to be commercialized  
into new retail products.

Our product development agenda will always be driven  
by our clients’ needs and preferences. 

We believe our global distribution organization is a strategic
asset that will enable us to do just that.

Today we and our intermediary partners are working 
together in multiple ways to solve the diverse financial 
needs of a global investor population. We’ve realigned 
our client facing teams to maximize their time in front of 
clients and expanded our team globally. We’ve invested in 
technology and predictive analytics to better understand 
client needs. Finally, we’re partnering with rogenSi for our 
Global Sales Academy to connect our sales teams around  
the globe and create the same high quality consultative  
sales approach in every region in which we operate.

Partnership is the guiding principle of our work with our
investment affiliates. Collectively, our seven primary 
investment Affiliates bring significant capabilities across 
asset classes and geographies to our clients. We believe 
that we can best position clients for success when we are 
working with them to identify investment opportunities 
early and tailor them across all of the regions we serve.

By expanding opportunities throughout the organization,
we’re seeing strong momentum everywhere we operate. 
Legg Mason’s Global Distribution Group recorded record 
gross and net sales of nearly $83 and $19 billion respectively. 
Furthermore, the growing diversity of our business is 
evident is six straight quarters of positive net sales by our 
Distribution Group, both internationally and in the U.S.

13

Legg Mason AR2015BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Standing (left to right)

John H. Myers
Senior Advisor, Gordon & Co.;  
Former CEO, GE Asset Management

Dennis M. Kass
Private Investor; Retired CEO, 
Jennison Associates

Joseph A. Sullivan
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,  
Legg Mason, Inc.

John V. Murphy
Former CEO, Oppenheimer Funds Inc.;  
(Lead Independent Director, Chairman  
of the Nominating & Corporate  
Governance Committees)

Cheryl Gordon Krongard
Private Investor; Former CEO, Rothschild  
Asset Management; (Chair of the  
Compensation Committee)

Barry W. Huff
Retired Vice Chairman, Deloitte; 
(Chairman of the Audit Committee)

Seated (left to right)

Margaret Milner Richardson
Private Consultant and Investor; Former  
U.S. Commissioner of Internal Revenue 

Kurt L. Schmoke
President of the University of Baltimore;  
Former Mayor of Baltimore

Carol Anthony (“John”) Davidson
Private investor; Former Controller and Chief 
Accounting Officer, Tyco International, LTD.

Robert E. Angelica
Private Investor; Former Chairman and CEO, 
AT&T Investment Management Corporation; 
(Chairman of the Risk Committee)

W. Allen Reed
Private Investor; Retired CEO, 
GM Asset Management Corporation;  
(Chairman of the Finance Committee)

14

Legg Mason AR2015 
SELECTED  FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts or unless otherwise noted)

Operating Results

Operating Revenues

Operating expenses, excluding impairment
Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill

Operating Income (Loss)

Other non-operating expense, net, including 
$107,074 debt extinguishment loss in  
July 2014 and $68,975 in May 2012

Other non-operating income (expense) of  
consolidated investment vehicles, net

Income (Loss) before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

Income tax provision (benefit)

Net Income (Loss)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable 

to noncontrolling interests

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

$ 2,819,106
2,320,887
–
498,219
(136,114)

$ 2,741,757
2,310,864
–
430,893
(13,726)

$ 2,612,650
2,313,149
734,000
(434,499)
(73,287)

$ 2,662,574
2,323,821
–
338,753
(54,006)

$ 2,784,317
2,397,509
–
386,808
(23,315)

5,888

2,474

(2,821)

18,336

1,704

367,993
125,284
242,709
5,629

419,641
137,805
281,836
(2,948)

(510,607)
(150,859)
(359,748)
(6,421)

303,083
72,052
231,031
10,214

365,197
119,434
245,763
(8,160)

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. $

237,080

$

284,784

$ (353,327)

$

220,817

$

253,923

Per Share

Net Income (Loss) per Share Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Shareholders:

Basic
Diluted

Weighted-Average Number of Shares Outstanding:(1)

Basic
Diluted

Dividends Declared

Balance Sheet

Total Assets
Long-term debt
Total Stockholders' Equity

Financial Ratios and Other Data

Adjusted Income(2)
Adjusted Income per diluted share(2)
Operating Margin
Operating Margin, as Adjusted(3)
Total debt to total capital(4)
Assets under management (in millions)
Full-time employees

$
$

$

2.06
2.04

112,019
113,246
0.64

$
$

$

2.34
2.33

121,941
122,383
0.52

$
$

$

(2.65)
(2.65)

133,226
133,226
0.44

$
$

$

1.54
1.54

143,292
143,349
0.32

$
$

$

1.63
1.63

155,321
155,484
0.20

$ 7,073,977
1,058,089
4,484,901

$ 7,111,349
1,039,264
4,724,724

$ 7,269,660
1,144,954
4,818,351

$ 8,555,747
1,136,892
5,677,291

$ 8,707,756
1,201,868
5,770,384

$
$

$

378,751
3.26
17.7%
23.0%
19.1%

702,724
2,982

$
$

$

417,805
3.41
15.7%
22.0%
18.0%

701,774
2,843

$
$

$

347,169
2.61
(16.6)%
17.5%
19.2%

664,609
2,975

$
$

$

397,030
2.77
12.7%
22.3%
19.6%

643,318
2,979

$
$

$

439,248
2.83
13.9%
24.3%
20.1%

677,646
3,395

(1)  Excludes weighted-average unvested restricted shares deemed to be participating securities for the year ended March 31, 2015. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)  Adjusted Income is a non-GAAP performance measure. We define Adjusted Income as Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc., plus amortization and deferred taxes related to 

intangible assets and goodwill, and imputed interest and tax benefits on contingent convertible debt less deferred income taxes on goodwill and indefinite-life intangible asset impairment,  
if any. We also adjust for certain non-core items, such as intangible asset impairments, the impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, the impact of tax rate 
adjustments on certain deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite-life intangible assets, and loss on extinguishment of contingent convertible debt. The calculation of Adjusted Income per 
diluted share includes weighted-average unvested restricted shares. See Supplemental Non-GAAP Information in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations.

(3)  Operating Margin, as Adjusted, is a non-GAAP performance measure we calculate by dividing (i) Operating Income (Loss), adjusted to exclude the impact on compensation expense of 
gains or losses on investments made to fund deferred compensation plans, the impact on compensation expense of gains or losses on seed capital investments by our affiliates under 
revenue sharing agreements, amortization related to intangible assets, transition-related costs of streamlining our business model, if any, income (loss) of consolidated investment 
vehicles, the impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, and impairment charges by (ii) our Operating Revenues, adjusted to add back net investment 
advisory fees eliminated upon consolidation of investment vehicles, less distribution and servicing expenses which we use as an approximate measure of revenues that are passed 
through to third parties, which we refer to as “Operating Revenues, as Adjusted.” See Supplemental Non-GAAP Information in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations.

(4)  Calculated based on total debt as a percentage of total capital (total stockholders’ equity plus total debt) as of March 31.

15

Legg Mason AR2015MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF  
 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Overview
Legg Mason, Inc., a holding company, with its subsidiaries 
(which collectively comprise “Legg Mason”) is a global 
asset management firm. Acting through our subsidiaries, 
we provide investment management and related services 
to institutional and individual clients, company-sponsored 
mutual funds and other investment vehicles. We offer these 
products and services directly and through various financial 
intermediaries. We have operations principally in the U.S. and 
the U.K. and also have offices in Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, 
Canada, Chile, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, 
Luxembourg, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and 
Taiwan. All references to fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013, refer to 
our fiscal year ended March 31 of that year. Terms such as 
“we,” “us,” “our,” and “Company” refer to Legg Mason.

Our operating revenues primarily consist of investment 
advisory fees from separate accounts and funds, and 
distribution and service fees. Investment advisory fees 
are generally calculated as a percentage of the assets of 
the investment portfolios that we manage. In addition, 
performance fees may be earned under certain investment 
advisory contracts for exceeding performance benchmarks 
or hurdle rates. The largest portion of our performance fees 
is earned based on 12-month performance periods that end 
in differing quarters during the year, with a portion based 
on quarterly performance periods. Distribution and service 
fees are received for distributing investment products and 
services, for providing other support services to investment 
portfolios, or for providing non-discretionary advisory 
services, and are generally calculated as a percentage of 
the assets in an investment portfolio or as a percentage 
of new assets added to an investment portfolio. Our 
revenues, therefore, are dependent upon the level of our 
assets under management (“AUM”) and assets under 
advisement (“AUA”) and fee rates, and thus are affected by 
factors such as securities market conditions, our ability to 
attract and maintain AUM and key investment personnel, 
and investment performance. Our AUM primarily vary from 
period to period due to inflows and outflows of client assets 
as well as market performance. Client decisions to increase 
or decrease their assets under our management, and 
decisions by potential clients to utilize our services, may be 
based on one or more of a number of factors. These factors 
include our reputation in the marketplace, the investment 
performance (both absolute and relative to benchmarks or 
competitive products) of our products and services, the fees 

we charge for our investment services, the client or potential 
client’s situation, including investment objectives, liquidity 
needs, investment horizon and amount of assets managed, 
our relationships with distributors and the external economic 
environment, including market conditions.

The fees that we charge for our investment services 
vary based upon factors such as the type of underlying 
investment product, the amount of AUM, the asset 
management affiliate that provides the services, and 
the type of services (and investment objectives) that are 
provided. Fees charged for equity asset management 
services are generally higher than fees charged for fixed 
income or liquidity asset management services. Accordingly, 
our revenues and average advisory revenue yields will be 
affected by the composition of our AUM, with changes in 
the relative level of equity assets and alternatives typically 
more significantly impacting our revenues and average 
advisory revenue yields. Average advisory revenue yields 
are calculated as the ratio of annualized investment advisory 
fees, excluding performance fees, to average AUM. In 
addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we may 
reduce or waive investment management fees, or limit total 
expenses, on certain products or services for particular time 
periods to manage fund expenses, or for other reasons, 
and to help retain or increase managed assets. We have 
revenue sharing agreements in place for most of our asset 
management affiliates, under which specified percentages 
of the affiliates’ revenues are required to be distributed to us 
and the balance of the revenues is retained by the affiliates 
to pay their operating expenses, including compensation 
expenses, but excluding certain expenses and income  
taxes. Under these agreements, our asset management 
affiliates retain different percentages of revenues to cover 
their costs. As such, our Net Income (Loss) Attributable  
to Legg Mason, Inc., operating margin and compensation  
as a percentage of operating revenues are impacted based 
on which affiliates and products generate our AUM, and  
a change in AUM at one affiliate or with respect to one 
product or class of products can have a dramatically different 
effect on our revenues and earnings than an equal change 
at another affiliate or in another product or class of products. 
In addition, from time to time, we may agree to changes  
in revenue sharing agreements and other arrangements  
with our asset management personnel, which may  
impact our compensation expenses and profitability.

16

Legg Mason AR2015The most significant component of our cost structure  
is employee compensation and benefits, of which a 
majority is variable in nature and includes incentive 
compensation that is primarily based upon revenue 
levels, non-compensation related operating expense 
levels at revenue share-based affiliates, and our overall 
profitability. The next largest component of our cost 
structure is distribution and servicing expense, which 
consists primarily of fees paid to third-party distributors 
for selling our asset management products and services 
and are largely variable in nature. Certain other operating 
costs are typically consistent from period to period, such 
as occupancy, depreciation and amortization, and fixed 
contract commitments for market data, communication 
and technology services, and usually do not decline with 
reduced levels of business activity or, conversely, usually  
do not rise proportionately with increased business activity.

Our financial position and results of operations are 
materially affected by the overall trends and conditions 
of the financial markets, particularly in the U.S., but 
increasingly in the other countries in which we operate. 
Results of any individual period should not be considered 
representative of future results. Our profitability is 
sensitive to a variety of factors, including the amount and 
composition of our AUM, and the volatility and general 
level of securities prices and interest rates, among other 
things. Periods of unfavorable market conditions are likely 
to have an adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, 
the diversification of services and products offered, 
investment performance, access to distribution channels, 
reputation in the market, attracting and retaining key 
employees and client relations are significant factors  
in determining whether we are successful in attracting  
and retaining clients. In the last few years, the industry  
has seen flows into products for which we do not 
currently garner significant market share. 

The financial services business in which we are engaged is 
extremely competitive. Our competition includes numerous 
global, national, regional and local asset management firms, 
commercial banks, insurance companies and other financial 
services companies. The industry has been impacted by 
continued economic uncertainty, the constant introduction 
of new products and services, and the consolidation of 
financial services firms through mergers and acquisitions. 
The industry in which we operate is also subject to 
extensive regulation under federal, state, and foreign laws. 
Like most firms, we have been impacted by regulatory 
and legislative changes. Responding to these changes and 
keeping abreast of regulatory developments, has required, 
and will continue to require, us to incur costs that continue 
to impact our profitability.

Our strategic priorities are focused on four primary areas 
listed below. Management keeps these strategic priorities 
in mind when it evaluates our operating performance and 
financial condition. Consistent with this approach, we 
have also presented in the table below the most important 
initiatives on which management currently focuses in 
evaluating our performance and financial condition.

Strategic Priorities Initiatives

Products

•  Create an innovative portfolio of 

investment products and promote 
revenue growth through new product 
development and leveraging the 
capabilities of our affiliates

•  Identify and execute strategic acquisitions 
to increase product offerings and fill gaps  
in products and services

•  Deliver compelling and consistent 
performance against both relevant 
benchmarks and the products and  
services of our competitors

Performance

Distribution

•  Evaluate and reallocate resources  

within and to our distribution platform  
to continue to maintain and enhance our 
leading distribution function with the 
capability to offer solutions to relevant 
investment challenges and grow market 
share worldwide

Productivity

•  Operate with a high level of effectiveness 

and improve ongoing efficiency

•  Manage expenses

•  Align affiliate economic relationships

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

In connection with these strategic priorities, on October 1, 
2014, we acquired Martin Currie (Holdings) Limited (“Martin 
Currie”). Martin Currie is a leading global equities specialist 
based in the United Kingdom with approximately $9.5 billion 
of AUM as of the date of acquisition. In connection with this 
acquisition, as of January 1, 2015, our legacy Australian asset 
manager became part of Martin Currie and was renamed 
Martin Currie Australia (“MC Australia”).

17

Legg Mason AR2015Strong overall investment performance and improved sales 
from our global distribution function contributed to net 
client inflows in long-term AUM in the year ended March 
31, 2015, while total net client flows were negative as 
a result of outflows in liquidity AUM. Increases in AUM 
due to the Martin Currie and QS Investors acquisitions, 
net client inflows in long-term AUM, and positive market 
performance, were offset in part by the reclassification of 
certain client assets previously reported as AUM to AUA, 
as further discussed below, net client outflows in liquidity 
AUM, and the impact of the sale of LMIC.

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

Business Environment  
and Results of Operations
During fiscal 2015, the economic environment was 
characterized by continued domestic growth with improved 
economic data in the U.S., with overall markets remaining 
sensitive to increasing concern over economic conditions  
in other countries.

All three major U.S. equity market indices increased during 
the past three fiscal years, while bond indices were mixed, 
as illustrated in the table below:

% Change for the  
Year Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

Indices(1)

Dow Jones Industrial Average

8.0%

12.9% 10.3%

S&P 500

10.4%

19.3% 11.4%

NASDAQ Composite Index

16.7%

28.5%

5.7%

(0.1)%

5.7%

3.8%

Barclays Capital U.S.  

Aggregate Bond Index

Barclays Capital Global  
Aggregate Bond Index

(3.7)%

1.9%

1.3%

(1)  Indices are trademarks of Dow Jones & Company, McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 
NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc., and Barclays Capital, respectively, which are not  
affiliated with Legg Mason.

Also in connection with these strategic priorities, effective 
May 31, 2014, we acquired QS Investors Holdings, LLC 
(“QS Investors”). During the year ended March 31, 2015, 
we incurred approximately $35.8 million in expenses related 
to the integration over time of two of our existing affiliates, 
Batterymarch Financial Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”) 
and Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”) 
into QS Investors. Additional costs related to the integration 
are not expected to be material.

In addition, on November 7, 2014, we completed the sale 
of all of our equity interests in Legg Mason Investment 
Counsel & Trust Company N.A. (“LMIC”), to Stifel Financial 
Corporation’s Global Wealth Management business, which 
did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
condition or results of operations.

See Notes 2 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional information regarding acquisitions 
and dispositions.

During the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we 
also incurred $1.6 million and $29.4 million, respectively, 
in expenses related to various corporate initiatives 
implemented in fiscal 2014, including closing down and 
reorganizing certain businesses, and ongoing efforts to 
increase efficiency and effectiveness. Savings realized as  
a result of these corporate initiatives are being reinvested 
into our centralized global distribution business. As a 
result of reinvesting these savings and other additional 
investments, we incurred expenses of approximately  
$11 million in the year ended March 31, 2015 and 
expect these expenses to continue at an annual rate of 
approximately $28 million to $32 million going forward.

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the year 
ended March 31, 2015 was $237.1 million, or $2.04 per 
diluted share, as compared to $284.8 million, or $2.33 per 
diluted share for the year ended March 31, 2014. Average 
AUM and total revenues increased in fiscal 2015, as 
compared to fiscal 2014, as further discussed below.

18

Legg Mason AR2015The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)  
as a percentage of operating revenues and the increase (decrease) by item as a percentage of the amount for the  
previous period:

Percentage of Operating Revenues

Period to Period Change (1)

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

2015
Compared
to 2014

2014
Compared
to 2013

Operating Revenues

Investment advisory fees

Separate accounts

Funds

Performance fees

Distribution and service fees

Other

Total Operating Revenues

Operating Expenses

Compensation and benefits

Distribution and servicing

Communications and technology

Occupancy

Amortization of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Other

Total Operating Expenses

Operating Income (Loss)

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Interest income

Interest expense

Other income (expense), net

Other non-operating income (expense) of consolidated 

investment vehicles, net

Total other non-operating expense

Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

Income tax provision (benefit)

Net Income (Loss)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

29.2%

28.4%

28.0%

54.8

3.0

12.8

0.2

54.7

3.9

12.7

0.3

55.3

3.8

12.6

0.3

100.0

100.0

100.0

43.7

21.1

6.5

3.9

0.1

–

7.0

82.3

17.7

0.3

(2.1)

(3.0)

0.2

(4.6)

13.1

4.5

8.6

0.2

44.1

22.6

5.8

4.2

0.4

–

7.2

84.3

15.7

0.2

(1.9)

1.2

0.1

(0.4)

15.3

5.0

10.3

(0.1)

45.5

23.0

5.7

6.6

0.5

28.1

7.2

116.6

(16.6)

0.3

(2.4)

(0.7)

(0.1)

(2.9)

(19.5)

(5.7)

(13.8)

(0.3)

6.0%

2.9

(22.0)

3.9

(32.1)

2.8

1.9

(3.9)

15.5

(4.8)

(78.9)

 n/m

1.3

0.4

15.6

17.2

10.2

 n/m

 n/m

 n/m

(12.3)

(9.1)

(13.9)

 n/m

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

8.4%

10.4%

(13.5)%

(16.8)%

  n/m — not meaningful
(1)  Calculated based on the change in actual amounts between fiscal years as a percentage of the prior year amount.

6.4%

3.8

8.6

5.2

16.7

4.9

1.8

3.1

5.5

(33.0)

(12.1)

 n/m

4.0

(24.2)

 n/m

(15.8)

(15.9)

 n/m

 n/m

(85.2)

 n/m

 n/m

 n/m

(54.1)

 n/m

19

Legg Mason AR2015Assets Under Management and Assets Under Advisement
Assets Under Management

Our AUM is primarily managed across the following asset classes:

Equity

•  Large Cap Growth
•  Small Cap Core
•  Large Cap Value
•  Equity Income
•  International Equity
•  Sector Equity
•  Mid Cap Core
•  Emerging Markets Equity
•  Global Equity
•  Large Cap Core

Fixed Income

•  U.S. Intermediate Investment Grade
•  U.S. Credit Aggregate
•  Global Opportunistic Fixed Income
•  Global Government
•  U.S. Municipal
•  Global Fixed Income
•  U.S. Long Duration
•  U.S. Limited Duration
•  U.S. High Yield
•  Emerging Markets

Liquidity

•  U.S. Managed Cash
•  U.S. Municipal Cash

The components of the changes in our AUM (in billions) for the years ended March 31, were as follows:

Beginning of period

Net client cash flows

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds(1)

Subscriptions

Redemptions

Separate account flows, net

Total long-term flows

Liquidity fund flows, net

Separate account flows, net

Total liquidity flows

Total net client cash flows

Market performance and other(2)

Acquisitions (dispositions), net(3)

End of period

2015

2014

2013

$

701.8

$

664.6

$

643.3

72.1

(61.2)

5.6

16.5

(21.3)

(0.9)

(22.2)

(5.7)

1.6

5.0

52.1

(58.1)

2.2

(3.8)

11.8

0.3

12.1

8.3

30.2

(1.3)

44.9

(49.0)

(27.3)

(31.4)

19.8

(0.1)

19.7

(11.7)

34.2

(1.2)

$

702.7

$

701.8

$

664.6

(1)  Subscriptions and redemptions reflect the gross activity in the funds and include assets transferred between funds and between share classes.
(2)  Includes the positive impact of market performance and other, including the reinvestment of dividends and other, of $32.9 billion, $35.1 billion, and $42.5 billion, for the years ended 
March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements of $18.5 billion, $4.9 billion, and $8.3 billion, primarily related  
to fixed income securities, for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fiscal 2015 also includes the reclassification of $12.8 billion of client assets from AUM  
to AUA in the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

(3)  The year ended March 31, 2015 includes $9.5 billion related to the acquisition of Martin Currie and $5.0 billion related to the acquisition of QS Investors, offset in part by $9.5 billion 

related to the disposition of LMIC.

AUM at March 31, 2015 was $702.7 billion, an increase of 
$0.9 billion, or 0.1%, from March 31, 2014. Total net client 
outflows were $5.7 billion, as net client outflows of $22.2 
billion from the liquidity asset class were substantially 
offset by $16.5 billion of net client inflows into long-term 
asset classes. In fiscal 2015, we experienced net inflows 
into long-term asset classes for the first time since fiscal 
2007. Net long-term asset inflows were comprised of fixed 

income inflows of $19.2 billion offset in part by equity 
outflows of $2.7 billion. Fixed income inflows were primarily 
in products managed by Brandywine Global Investment 
Management, LLC (“Brandywine”) and Western Asset 
Management Company (“Western Asset”). Equity net 
outflows were primarily in products managed at Royce  
& Associates (“Royce”), for which outflows are expected 
to continue for the near-term, and QS Investors, including 

20

Legg Mason AR2015legacy Batterymarch, and were partially offset by equity 
inflows at ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge”) 
and Brandywine. We generally earn higher fees and 
profits on equity AUM, and outflows in the equity asset 
class will more negatively impact our revenues and Net 
Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. than would 
outflows in other asset classes. Market performance and 
other totaled $1.6 billion, as the positive impact of market 
performance and other of $32.9 billion was substantially 
offset by the negative impact of foreign currency exchange 
rate fluctuations of $18.5 billion and the reclassification 
of $12.8 billion of client assets from AUM to AUA in the 
first quarter of fiscal 2015, as further discussed below. 
Acquisitions (dispositions), net, totaled $5.0 billion, with 
$9.5 billion related to the acquisition of Martin Currie and 
$5.0 billion related to the acquisition of QS Investors, offset 
in part by $9.5 billion related to the disposition of LMIC.

AUM at March 31, 2014 was $701.8 billion, an increase 
of $37.2 billion, or 6%, from March 31, 2013. Total net 
client inflows were $8.3 billion, as $12.1 billion of net client 
inflows into the liquidity asset class were offset in part  
by $3.8 billion of net client outflows from long-term asset 
classes. Net long-term asset outflows were comprised 
of equity outflows of $5.0 billion, offset in part by fixed 
income inflows of $1.2 billion. Equity outflows occurred  
in products managed at Royce, legacy Batterymarch,  

The Permal Group, Ltd. (“Permal”), and Legg Mason 
Capital Management (renamed ClearBridge, LLC), and 
were partially offset by equity inflows at ClearBridge. 
Fixed income inflows were primarily in products managed 
by Brandywine, and were partially offset by outflows 
principally at Western Asset, including $4.8 billion in 
outflows from a single, low-fee global sovereign mandate. 
Market performance and other totaled $30.2 billion, as the 
positive impact of market performance and other of $35.1 
billion was offset in part by the negative impact of foreign 
currency exchange fluctuations of $4.9 billion. Dispositions 
of $1.3 billion resulted from the sale of a small affiliate.

Our investment advisory and administrative contracts are 
generally terminable at will or upon relatively short notice, 
and investors in the mutual funds that we manage may 
redeem their investments in the funds at any time without 
prior notice. Institutional and individual clients can terminate 
their relationships with us, reduce the aggregate amount 
of assets under management, or shift their funds to other 
types of accounts with different rate structures for any 
number of reasons, including investment performance, 
changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in our repu-
tation in the marketplace, changes in management or 
control of clients or third-party distributors with whom we 
have relationships, loss of key investment management 
personnel or financial market performance.

AUM by Asset Class

AUM by asset class (in billions) for the years ended March 31 were as follows:

Equity

Fixed Income

Liquidity

Total

2015

% of Total

2014

% of Total

2013

% of Total

$ 199.4

28%

$ 186.4

27% $ 161.8

376.1

127.2

54

18

365.2

150.2

52

21

365.1

137.7

24%

55

21

$ 702.7

100%

$ 701.8

100% $ 664.6

100%

Average AUM by asset class (in billions) for the years ended March 31 were as follows:

Equity

Fixed Income

Liquidity

Total

2015

% of Total

2014

% of Total

2013

% of Total

$ 195.4

28%

$ 172.8

26% $ 152.1

367.1

140.0

52

20

358.7

135.9

54

20

364.5

128.9

24%

56

20

$ 702.5

100%

$ 667.4

100% $ 645.5

100%

% Change

2015  
Compared  
to 2014

2014  
Compared  
to 2013

7%

3

(15)

–%

15%

–

9

6%

% Change

2015  
Compared  
to 2014

2014  
Compared  
to 2013

13%

2

3

5%

14%

(2)

5

3%

21

Legg Mason AR2015The component changes in our AUM by asset class (in billions) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2015,  
2014 and 2013, were as follows:

March 31, 2012

$

163.4

$

356.1

$

123.8

$

643.3

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds

Equity

Fixed
Income

Liquidity

Total

Subscriptions

Redemptions(1)

Separate account flows, net

Liquidity fund flows, net

Net client cash flows

Market performance and other (2)

Acquisitions (dispositions), net

March 31, 2013

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds

Subscriptions

Redemptions(1)

Separate account flows, net

Liquidity fund flows, net

Net client cash flows

Market performance and other (2)

Acquisitions (dispositions), net

March 31, 2014

Investment funds, excluding liquidity funds

Subscriptions

Redemptions

Separate account flows, net

Liquidity fund flows, net

Net client cash flows

Market performance and other(2)

Acquisitions (dispositions), net (3)

March 31, 2015

18.9

(26.4)

(12.9)

–

(20.4)

13.4

5.4

161.8

27.0

(30.1)

(1.9)

–

(5.0)

30.9

(1.3)

26.0

(22.6)

(14.4)

–

(11.0)

20.0

–

365.1

25.1

(28.0)

4.1

–

1.2

(1.1)

–

–

–

(0.1)

19.8

19.7

0.8

(6.6)

137.7

–

–

0.3

11.8

12.1

0.4

–

186.4

365.2

150.2

29.4

(33.7)

1.6

–

(2.7)

8.7

7.0

42.7

(27.5)

4.0

–

19.2

(6.3)

(2.0)

–

–

(0.9)

(21.3)

(22.2)

(0.8)

–

44.9

(49.0)

(27.4)

19.8

(11.7)

34.2

(1.2)

664.6

52.1

(58.1)

2.5

11.8

8.3

30.2

(1.3)

701.8

72.1

(61.2)

4.7

(21.3)

(5.7)

1.6

5.0

$

199.4

$

376.1

$

127.2

$

702.7

(1)  Fixed income redemptions include $4.7 billion and $6.4 billion for the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to a single, low-fee global sovereign mandate client. 

Assets related to this client were reclassified from AUM to AUA during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, as further discussed below.

(2)  Total market performance and other includes the positive impact of market performance and other, including the reinvestment of dividends and other, of $32.9 billion, $35.1 billion,  

and $42.5 billion, for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and the negative impact of foreign currency exchange rate movements of $18.5 billion, $4.9 billion, 
and $8.3 billion, for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, primarily related to fixed income securities. The year ended March 31, 2015, also includes  
the reclassification of $12.8 billion of client assets from AUM to AUA during the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

(3)  Total acquisitions (dispositions), net, for the year ended March 31, 2015, includes $9.5 billion and $5.0 billion related to the acquisitions of Martin Currie and QS Investors, respectively, 

offset in part by $9.5 billion related to the disposition of LMIC.

22

Legg Mason AR2015AUM by Distribution Channel

Broadly, we have two principal distribution channels, 
Global Distribution and Affiliate/Other, through which 
we sell a variety of investment products and services. 
Global Distribution, which consists of our centralized 
global distribution operations, principally sells U.S. and 
international mutual funds and other commingled vehicles, 

retail separately managed account programs, and sub-
advisory accounts for insurance companies and similar 
clients. Affiliate/Other consists of the distribution operations 
within our asset managers which principally sell institutional 
separate account management, liquidity (money market) 
funds, and funds-of-hedge funds.

The component changes in our AUM by distribution channel (in billions) for the years ended March 31, 2015,  
2014 and 2013, were as follows:

March 31, 2012

Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds

Liquidity fund flows, net

Net client cash flows

Market performance and other

Acquisitions (dispositions), net

March 31, 2013

Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds

Liquidity fund flows, net

Net client cash flows

Market performance and other

Acquisitions (dispositions), net

March 31, 2014

Net client cash flows, excluding liquidity funds

Liquidity fund flows, net

Net client cash flows

Market performance and other

Acquisitions (dispositions), net

March 31, 2015

Global  
Distribution

Affiliate/ 
Other

Total

$

220.6

$

422.7

$

643.3

2.2

–

2.2

9.3

–

232.1

(1.2)

–

(1.2)

16.5

–

247.4

16.4

–

16.4

6.2

–

(33.7)

19.8

(13.9)

24.9

(1.2)

432.5

(2.3)

11.8

9.5

13.7

(1.3)

454.4

(0.8)

(21.3)

(22.1)

(4.6)

5.0(1)

(31.5)

19.8

(11.7)

34.2

(1.2)

664.6

(3.5)

11.8

8.3

30.2

(1.3)

701.8

15.6

(21.3)

(5.7)

1.6

5.0

$

270.0

$

432.7

$

702.7

(1)  Includes $9.5 billion related to the acquisition of Martin Currie, $5.0 billion related to the acquisition of QS Investors, offset in part by $9.5 billion related to the disposition of LMIC.

Effective Fee Rates

Our overall effective fee rate across all asset classes and 
distribution channels was approximately 34 basis points 
for each of the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013. Fees for managing equity assets are generally higher, 
averaging approximately 65 basis points for the year ended 
March 31, 2015, 70 basis points for the year ended March 
31, 2014, and 75 basis points for the year ended March 31, 
2013. The average fees rate for managing equity assets has 
declined over the last three years due to a shift in the mix 
of equity assets from higher fee equity products to lower 
fee equity products. This compares to fees for managing 
fixed income assets, which averaged approximately 30 basis 

points for the year ended March 31, 2015, and 25 basis 
points for each of the years ended March 31, 2014, and 
2013, and liquidity assets, which averaged under 10 basis 
points (reflecting the impact of current advisory fee waivers 
due to the low interest rate environment) for each of the 
years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. Equity assets 
are primarily managed by ClearBridge, Royce, Brandywine, 
Permal, QS Investors (including legacy Batterymarch assets), 
and Martin Currie; fixed income assets are primarily managed 
by Western Asset, Brandywine, and Permal; and liquidity 
assets are managed by Western Asset. Fee rates for assets 
distributed through Legg Mason Global Distribution, which 

23

Legg Mason AR2015are predominately retail in nature, averaged approximately 
50 basis points for each of the years ended March 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, while fee rates for assets distributed through 
the Affiliate/Other channel averaged approximately 30 basis 
points for each of the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014  
and 2013.

Investment Performance

Overall investment performance of our AUM for the years 
ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was generally 
positive compared to relevant benchmarks.

Year ended March 31, 2015
For the year ended March 31, 2015, most U.S. indices 
produced positive returns. The best performing was the 
NASDAQ Composite, returning 16.7%. These returns 
were achieved in an economic environment characterized 
by uneven global growth and heightened sensitivity to 
economic news such as declining oil prices and unrest  
in the Middle East.

In the fixed income markets, the Federal Reserve kept  
the target rate and discount rate steady while signaling  
an increase in the Federal Reserve funds target rate in  
the near term. Overall, the yield curve flattened over  
the year as many long-dated yields declined.

The lowest performing fixed income sector for the year  
was high yield bonds, as measured by the Barclays 
U.S. High Yield Index, which returned 2.0%. The best 
performing fixed income sector for the year was corporate 
bonds as measured by the Barclays U.S. Credit Index, 
which returned 6.7%.

Year ended March 31, 2014
For the year ended March 31, 2014, most U.S. indices 
produced positive returns. The best performing was the 
NASDAQ Composite, returning 28.5%. These returns 
were achieved in an economic environment characterized 
by uneven global growth and heightened sensitivity to 
economic news, such as concerns for economic growth  
in China and the ongoing Ukraine/Russia crisis.

In the fixed income markets, the Federal Reserve kept 
the target rate and discount rate steady while tapering the 
bond-buying program. The yield curve steepened over the 
year but flattened in the last quarter as many long-dated 
yields declined.

The lowest performing fixed income sector for the year  
was U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”),  
as measured by the Barclays U.S. TIPS Index which 
declined 6.5%. The best performing fixed income sector  
for the year was high yield bonds as measured by the 
Barclays U.S. High Yield Bond Index, which returned  
7.5% as of March 31, 2014.

Year ended March 31, 2013
For the year ended March 31, 2013, most U.S. indices 
produced positive returns. The best performing was the 
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index, which returned 17.8%. These 
returns were achieved in an economic environment 
characterized by uneven domestic growth and heightened 
sensitivity to economic news which included improving 
unemployment and housing figures, the anticipation and 
implementation of the sequestration, concerns surrounding 
the fiscal cliff, and periodic developments in the continuing 
European sovereign debt crisis.

In the fixed income markets, the Federal Reserve affirmed 
its commitment to hold the federal funds rate at historic 
lows, by beginning a third round of quantitative easing and 
continuing support of the secondary mortgage market. 
These actions were taken to keep interest rates low and 
stimulate economic growth, and resulted in a downward 
shift in the yield curve over the year.

The lowest performing fixed income sector for the year 
was U.S. government bonds, as measured by the Barclays 
U.S. Government Bond Index, which returned 3.0%. The 
best performing fixed income sector for the year was high 
yield bonds as measured by the Barclays U.S. High Yield 
Bond Index, which returned 13.1%.

24

Legg Mason AR2015The following table presents a summary of the percentages of our AUM by strategy (1) that outpaced their respective 
benchmarks as of March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, for the trailing 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods:

As of March 31, 2015 (%)

As of March 31, 2014 (%)

As of March 31, 2013 (%)

1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year 1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year 1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year

Total (includes liquidity)

Equity:

Large cap

Small cap

Total equity  

(includes other equity)

Fixed Income:

U.S. taxable

U.S. tax-exempt

Global taxable

Total fixed income

67

24

10

30

74

100

77

76

84

64

11

58

94

100

89

93

86

74

26

66

93

100

88

92

88

94

42

81

88

100

84

88

75

87

84

92

84

85

88

67

33

54

94

0

54

74

91

26

69

94

100

82

91

52

29

45

94

100

98

96

76

82

77

97

100

93

96

65

13

48

96

100

89

94

68

15

50

94

100

94

94

88

27

62

91

100

95

93

91

80

62

71

90

100

98

94

The following table presents a summary of the percentages of our U.S. mutual fund assets (2) that outpaced their  
Lipper category averages as of March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, for the trailing 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods:

As of March 31, 2015 (%)

As of March 31, 2014 (%)

As of March 31, 2013 (%)

1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year 1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year 1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year

Total (excludes liquidity)

Equity:

Large cap

Small cap

Total equity  

(includes other equity)

Fixed Income:

U.S. taxable

U.S. tax-exempt

Global taxable

Total fixed income

55

46

15

38

80

83

79

80

65

82

19

57

87

57

86

78

63

73

21

53

86

60

81

77

70

69

59

63

86

88

55

84

44

63

56

68

59

57

70

49

27

39

80

27

27

54

86

19

55

85

61

86

78

55

25

42

92

68

84

83

54

72

60

85

86

86

86

90

27

56

74

50

71

64

79

16

44

92

57

74

76

77

48

59

85

86

95

87

64

40

68

53

90

84

54

85

(1)  For purposes of investment performance comparisons, strategies are an aggregation of discretionary portfolios (separate accounts, investment funds, and other products) into a single 
group that represents a particular investment objective. In the case of separate accounts, the investment performance of the account is based upon the performance of the strategy 
to which the account has been assigned. Each of our asset managers has its own specific guidelines for including portfolios in their strategies. For those managers which manage both 
separate accounts and investment funds in the same strategy, the performance comparison for all of the assets is based upon the performance of the separate account.

  As of March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 90%, 91% and 90% of total AUM is included in strategy AUM, respectively, although not all strategies have three-, five-, and ten-year histories. 
Total strategy AUM includes liquidity assets. Certain assets are not included in reported performance comparisons. These include: accounts that are not managed in accordance with 
the guidelines outlined above; accounts in strategies not marketed to potential clients; accounts that have not yet been assigned to a strategy; and certain smaller products at some 
of our affiliates.

  Past performance is not indicative of future results. For AUM included in institutional and retail separate accounts and investment funds included in the same strategy as separate 

accounts, performance comparisons are based on gross-of-fee performance. For investment funds (including fund-of-hedge funds) which are not managed in a separate account format, 
performance comparisons are based on net-of-fee performance. These performance comparisons do not reflect the actual performance of any specific separate account or investment 
fund; individual separate account and investment fund performance may differ.

(2)  Source: Lipper Inc. includes open-end, closed-end, and variable annuity funds. As of March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the U.S. long-term mutual fund assets represented in the data 

accounted for 21%, 20% and 19%, respectively, of our total AUM. The performance of our U.S. long-term mutual fund assets is included in the strategies.

25

Legg Mason AR2015The following table presents a summary of the absolute and 
relative performance compared to the applicable benchmark 
for a representative sample of funds within our AUM, 
net of management and other fees as of the end of the 
period presented, for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year 
periods, and from each fund’s inception. The table includes a 
representative sample of funds from each significant subclass 
of our investment strategies (i.e., large cap equity, small cap 
equity, etc.). The funds within this group are representative 
of the performance of significant investment strategies we 
offer, that as of March 31, 2015, constituted an aggregate 

of approximately $436.1 billion, or approximately 62% 
of our total AUM. The only meaningful exclusion of 
funds are our funds-of-hedge funds strategies, which 
involve privately placed hedge funds, and represent only 
3% of our total AUM as of March 31, 2015, for which 
investment performance is not made publicly available. 
Providing investment returns of funds provides a relevant 
representation of our performance while avoiding the 
many complexities relating to factors such as multiple fee 
structures, bundled pricing, and asset level break points, 
that would arise in reporting performance for strategies  
or other product aggregations.

Fund Name/Index (1)

Equity

Annualized Absolute (%) / 
Relative Total Return vs. Benchmark (%)

Inception 
Date

Performance 
Type (2)

1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year Inception

10/24/1983 Absolute
Relative
11/6/1992 Absolute
Relative
3/10/1970 Absolute
Relative
4/16/1982 Absolute
Relative
11/12/1981 Absolute
Relative
8/29/1997 Absolute
Relative
12/31/1988 Absolute
Relative
Absolute
Relative

Large Cap
ClearBridge Aggressive Growth Fund
Russell 3000 Growth
ClearBridge Equity Income
Russell 3000 Value
ClearBridge Appreciation Fund
S&P 500
ClearBridge Value Trust
S&P 500
ClearBridge All Cap Value
Russell 3000 Value
ClearBridge Large Cap Growth Fund
Russell 1000 Growth
ClearBridge Large Cap Value Fund
Russell 1000 Value
Legg Mason Brandywine Diversified Large Cap Value Fund 9/7/2010
Russell 1000 Value
Small Cap
Royce Pennsylvania Mutual
Russell 2000
Royce Premier Fund
Russell 2000
Royce Total Return Fund
Russell 2000
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth
Russell 2000 Growth
Royce Special Equity
Russell 2000

7/1/1998

6/30/1967 Absolute
Relative
12/31/1991 Absolute
Relative
12/15/1993 Absolute
Relative
Absolute
Relative
Absolute
Relative

5/1/1998

11.38
(4.38)
9.61
0.67
10.57
(2.16)
9.09
(3.64)
6.58
(2.35)
15.82
(0.27)
9.28
(0.05)
8.61
(0.72)

0.11
(8.11)
(0.01)
(8.22)
2.57
(5.64)
4.83
(7.23)
4.32
(3.89)

20.93
4.48
13.63
(2.67)
14.55
(1.56)
16.15
0.04
13.41
(2.89)
18.85
2.51
15.54
(0.89)
14.76
(1.68)

11.57
(4.70)
9.06
(7.21)
12.90
(3.37)
15.11
(2.63)
11.68
(4.59)

18.65
2.94
13.26
(0.40)
12.83
(1.63)
11.68
(2.79)
10.40
(3.26)
14.67
(0.97)
13.64
(0.12)
n/a
n/a

11.64
(2.93)
11.23
(3.34)
12.12
(2.45)
16.58
0.00
11.45
(3.11)

9.61
0.19
7.21
(0.03)
7.90
(0.11)
2.49
(5.52)
6.02
(1.22)
8.59
(0.77)
7.73
0.52
n/a
n/a

8.17
(0.64)
9.85
1.03
7.80
(1.02)
10.16
0.14
8.74
(0.08)

12.62
2.47
8.70
(1.50)
10.44
(0.10)
12.06
0.08
10.33
(1.75)
8.12
2.01
9.69
(0.83)
16.44
0.49

11.93
n/a
12.03
2.08
11.16
1.99
10.84
3.97
9.77
2.18

26

Legg Mason AR2015Fund Name/Index (1)

Fixed Income

U.S. Taxable
Western Asset Core Plus Fund
Barclays US Aggregate
Western Asset Core Bond Fund
Barclays US Aggregate
Western Asset Total Return Unconstrained
Barclays US Aggregate
Western Asset Short Term Bond Fund
Citi Treasury Gov't/Credit 1-3 YR
Western Asset Intermediate Bond Fund
Barclays Intermediate Gov't/Credit
Western Asset Inflation Index Plus Bond
Barclays US TIPS
Western Asset High Yield Fund
Barclays US Corp High Yield
Western Asset Mortgage Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.
BOFAML Floating Rate Home Loan Index
Western Asset Corporate Bond Fund
Barclays US Credit
Western Asset Adjustable Rate Income
Citi T-Bill 6-Month

U.S. Tax-Exempt

Annualized Absolute (%) / 
Relative Total Return vs. Benchmark (%)

Inception 
Date

Performance 
Type (2)

1-year 3-year 5-year 10-year Inception

7/1/1994

7/8/1998

9/4/1990

7/6/2006

Absolute
Relative
Absolute
Relative
Absolute
Relative
11/11/1991 Absolute
Relative
Absolute
Relative
Absolute
Relative
9/28/2001 Absolute
Relative
2/24/2010 Absolute
Relative
11/6/1992 Absolute
Relative
6/22/1992 Absolute
Relative

3/1/2001

7.07
1.35
6.85
1.13
1.74
(3.98)
0.96
(0.11)
4.24
0.65
2.45
(0.65)
(0.69)
(2.69)
14.07
11.69
7.47
0.72
0.81
0.75

4.94
1.84
4.26
1.15
3.10
(0.01)
1.32
0.36
3.26
0.95
0.46
(0.17)
6.73
(0.73)
19.58
12.36
6.70
1.82
1.87
1.77

6.20
1.79
5.84
1.43
3.82
(0.60)
2.25
0.92
4.56
1.04
3.85
(0.44)
7.90
(0.69)
17.61
11.35
7.20
0.97
2.48
2.36

6.11
1.18
5.47
0.55
n/a
n/a
2.06
(0.89)
5.05
0.71
4.33
(0.23)
7.09
(1.09)
n/a
n/a
5.10
(0.70)
1.74
0.19

6.58
1.15
7.24
0.70
4.99
(0.29)
3.74
(0.68)
6.08
0.61
5.58
(0.20)
7.75
(1.32)
17.66
11.42
6.79
0.07
2.85
(0.09)

Western Asset Managed Municipals Fund
Barclays Municipal Bond

3/4/1981

Absolute
Relative

7.93
1.31

4.52
0.47

5.54
0.43

5.44
0.59

7.98
0.53

Global Taxable

11/1/2006 Absolute
Relative
10/31/2003 Absolute
Relative
8/31/2002 Absolute
Relative

Legg Mason Brandywine Global Opportunities Bond
Citi World Gov't Bond
Legg Mason Brandywine Global Fixed Income
Citi World Gov't Bond
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Multi Strategy Fund
50% Barclays Global Aggregate/ 25% Barclays High Yield 
2%/25% JP Morgan Emerging Market Bond Index
2/22/1995 Absolute
Western Asset Global High Yield Bond Fund
Relative
Barclays Global High Yield
10/17/1996 Absolute
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt
Relative
JPM EMBI Global
6/30/1983 Absolute
Legg Mason Western Asset Australian Bond Trust
UBS Australian Composite Bond Index
Relative
Legg Mason Western Asset Global Core Plus Bond Fund 12/31/2010 Absolute
Relative
Barclays Global Aggregate Index

Liquidity

1.37
6.87
(0.81)
4.69
2.73
2.97

(3.17)
(0.92)
(0.49)
(4.57)
10.94
(0.18)
10.26
2.88

3.68
5.32
1.21
2.85
2.53
(0.22)

5.35
(1.03)
1.23
(3.15)
8.11
0.99
6.83
2.27

6.49
5.07
3.92
2.50
3.65
(1.32)

6.58
(1.35)
4.64
(2.19)
8.45
0.82
n/a
n/a

n/a
n/a
4.23
1.15
4.83
(1.12)

6.10
(2.12)
7.23
(0.82)
7.25
0.54
n/a
n/a

6.52
3.22
4.89
1.03
6.87
(0.63)

7.36
(1.92)
9.81
0.52
6.68
0.59
6.12
1.34

Western Asset Institutional Liquid Reserves Ltd.
Citi 3-Month T-Bill

12/31/1989 Absolute
Relative

0.07
0.05

0.11
0.06

0.15
0.08

1.73
0.32

3.42
0.30

(1)  Listed in order of size based on AUM of fund within each subcategory.
(2)  Absolute performance is the actual performance (i.e., rate of return) of the fund. Relative performance is the difference (or variance) between the performance of the fund and its stated benchmark.

27

Legg Mason AR2015Assets Under Advisement

During the quarter ended June 30, 2014, we began 
reporting AUA as a result of the acquisition of approximately 
$98 billion of AUA from QS Investors. Also during the 
first quarter of fiscal 2015, approximately $12.8 billion of 
assets previously reported as AUM, primarily related to a 
low-fee global sovereign mandate for which investment 
discretion had abated over time, were reclassified to AUA. 
We experienced significant AUA outflows during the year 
ended March 31, 2015 as a result of one client redeeming 
approximately $80 billion. These redemptions did not have 
a material impact on our net income due to their low fee 
nature. As of March 31, 2015, AUA was approximately 
$35 billion, primarily comprised of approximately $17 
billion related to QS Investors, approximately $11 billion 
related to Western Asset and approximately $7 billion 
related to ClearBridge. AUA fee rates vary with the level 
of non-discretionary service provided, and, as of March 
31, 2015, our average annualized fee rate related to AUA 
was in the low single digit basis points. Fees for AUA, 
aggregating $30 million, are considered servicing fees and 
are therefore recorded in Distribution and service fees in 

the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended 
March 31, 2015. Prior to fiscal 2015, fees for AUA were  
not material.

Results of Operations
In accordance with financial accounting standards on 
consolidation, we consolidate and separately identify 
certain sponsored investment vehicles. The consolidation 
of these investment vehicles has no impact on Net Income 
(Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and does not have 
a material impact on our consolidated operating results. 
We also hold investments in other consolidated sponsored 
investment funds and the change in the value of these 
investments, which is recorded in Other non-operating 
income (expense), is reflected in our Net Income (Loss), 
net of amounts allocated to noncontrolling interests, if any. 
See Notes 1, 3, and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional information regarding the 
consolidation of investment vehicles.

Operating Revenues

The components of total operating revenues (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods  
were as follows:

Years Ended March 31,

2015 Compared to 2014

2014 Compared to 2013

2015

2014

2013

$ Change % Change

$ Change

% Change

Investment advisory fees:

Separate accounts

$

824.2

$

777.4

$

730.3

$

Funds

Performance fees

Distribution and service fees

Other

1,544.5

1,501.3

1,446.1

83.5

361.2

5.7

107.1

347.6

8.4

98.6

330.5

7.2

Total operating revenues

$ 2,819.1

$ 2,741.8

$ 2,612.7

$

46.8

43.2

(23.6)

13.6

(2.7)

77.3

6.0% $

2.9

(22.0)

3.9

(32.1)

47.1

55.2

8.5

17.1

1.2

6.4%

3.8

8.6

5.2

16.7

2.8% $

129.1

4.9%

Total operating revenues for the year ended March 31, 
2015, were $2.82 billion, an increase of 2.8% from $2.74 
billion for the year ended March 31, 2014. This increase 
was primarily due to the impact of a 6% increase in average 
long-term AUM, offset in part by a decrease in performance 
fees. Although equity AUM comprised a higher percentage 
of our total AUM as of March 31, 2015, as compared to 
March 31, 2014, average AUM advisory revenue yields, 
excluding performance fees, were 34 basis points in both 
the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, due to a slightly 
less favorable product mix, with lower yielding products 

comprising a higher percentage of our total average  
AUM for the year ended March 31, 2015, as compared  
to the year ended March 31, 2014.

Total operating revenues for the year ended March 31, 
2014, were $2.74 billion, an increase of 4.9% from $2.61 
billion for the year ended March 31, 2013. This increase 
was primarily due to the impact of a 3% increase in average 
long-term AUM. Average AUM advisory revenue yields, 
excluding performance fees, were 34 basis points in both 
the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

28

Legg Mason AR2015Investment Advisory Fees from Separate Accounts

For the year ended March 31, 2015, investment advisory 
fees from separate accounts increased $46.8 million,  
or 6.0%, to $824.2 million, as compared to $777.4 million 
for the year ended March 31, 2014. Of this increase,  
$34.7 million was due to higher average equity assets 
managed by ClearBridge, $29.5 million was due to higher 
average fixed income assets managed by Western 
Asset and Brandywine, and $17.4 million was due to 
Martin Currie, including an increase in revenues related 
to MC Australia. These increases were offset in part by 
approximately $25 million of revenues associated with 
certain existing client assets which were reclassified from 
AUM to AUA during the year ended March 31, 2015, as 
previously discussed. These revenues are now included in 
Distribution and service fees for fiscal 2015. The increases 
were also offset in part by a decrease of $15.8 million 
resulting from the sale of LMIC in November 2014.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, investment advisory 
fees from separate accounts increased $47.1 million, or 
6.4%, to $777.4 million, as compared to $730.3 million 
for the year ended March 31, 2013. Of this increase, 
$32.8 million was the result of higher average equity 
assets managed by ClearBridge, $23.2 million resulted 
from higher revenues at Permal, including those resulting 
from the acquisition of Fauchier Partners Management 
Limited (“Fauchier”) in March 2013, and $7.9 million was 
due to higher average fixed income assets managed by 
Brandywine. These increases were offset in part by a 
decrease of $17.6 million due to lower average equity 
assets managed by Batterymarch and a decrease of $6.8 
million due to the sale of a small affiliate in August 2013.

Investment Advisory Fees from Funds

For the year ended March 31, 2015, investment advisory 
fees from funds increased $43.2 million, or 2.9%, to  
$1.54 billion, as compared to $1.50 billion for the year 
ended March 31, 2014. Of this increase, $80.1 million 
was due to higher average equity assets managed by 
ClearBridge, $30.5 million was due to higher average fixed 
income assets managed by Brandywine and Western 
Asset, and $14.7 million was due to Martin Currie, 
including the increase in revenues related to MC Australia. 
These increases were offset in part by a decrease of $40.5 
million due to lower average equity assets managed by 
Royce, a decrease of $33.8 million due to lower average 
assets managed by Permal, and a net decrease of $9.3 
million in fees from liquidity assets, due to fee waivers  
on liquidity funds managed by Western Asset, primarily  
to maintain certain yields to investors.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, investment advisory 
fees from funds increased $55.2 million, or 3.8%, to  
$1.5 billion, as compared to $1.4 billion for the year ended 
March 31, 2013. Of this increase, $85.6 million was  
due to higher average equity assets managed by 
ClearBridge and $16.5 million was due to higher average 
fixed income assets managed by Brandywine, offset  
in part by a decrease of $48.7 million due to lower  
average fixed income assets managed by Western Asset.

Investment Advisory Performance Fees

Of our total AUM as of March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 
approximately 7%, 6%, and 6% was in accounts that were 
eligible to earn performance fees. For the year ended 
March 31, 2015, performance fees decreased $23.6 million 
to $83.5 million, as compared to $107.1 million for the year 
ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to lower fees earned 
on assets managed at Permal, offset in part by an increase 
in fees earned on assets managed at Brandywine.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, performance fees 
increased $8.5 million to $107.1 million, as compared to 
$98.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2013, primarily 
due to higher fees earned on assets managed at Permal, 
including those resulting from the Fauchier acquisition, 
offset in part by the impact of $32.0 million of fees received 
by Western Asset in the prior year, related to the wind-
down of its participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Public-
Private Investment Program (“PPIP”). Strong performance 
fees were heavily influenced by strong equity markets  
in fiscal 2014.

Distribution and Service Fees

For the year ended March 31, 2015, distribution and service 
fees increased $13.6 million, or 3.9%, to $361.2 million, 
as compared to $347.6 million for the year ended March 
31, 2014, primarily as a result of approximately $25 million 
of revenues related to client assets that were reclassified 
from AUM to AUA, as previously discussed, the revenues 
associated with which are now included in Distribution 
and service fees for fiscal 2015, as well as an increase 
in average mutual fund AUM subject to distribution and 
service fees. These increases were offset in part by the 
impact of increased fee waivers related to liquidity funds 
managed by Western Asset.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, distribution and service 
fees increased $17.1 million, or 5.2%, to $347.6 million, 
as compared to $330.5 million for the year ended March 
31, 2013, resulting from an increase in average fee rates 
received on mutual fund AUM subject to distribution and 
service fees.

29

Legg Mason AR2015Operating Expenses

The components of total operating expenses (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods  
were as follows:

Years Ended March 31,

2015 Compared to 2014 2014 Compared to 2013

2015

2014

2013

$ Change % Change

$ Change % Change

Compensation and benefits

$ 1,232.8

$ 1,210.4

$

1,188.5

$

Distribution and servicing

Communications and technology

Occupancy

Amortization of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

594.8

182.4

109.7

2.6

–

619.1

157.9

115.2

12.3

–

Other

198.6

196.0

600.6

149.7

171.9

14.0

734.0

188.4

Total operating expenses

$ 2,320.9

$ 2,310.9

$

3,047.1

$

22.4

(24.3)

24.5

(5.5)

(9.7)

–

2.6

10.0

1.9% $

(3.9)

15.5

(4.8)

(78.9)

n/m

1.3

21.9

18.5

8.2

(56.7)

(1.7)

(734.0)

7.6

1.8%

3.1

5.5

(33.0)

(12.1)

n/m

4.0

0.4% $

(736.2)

(24.2)%

  n/m — not meaningful

Total operating expenses for the year ended March 31, 
2015, remained relatively flat at $2.32 billion, as compared 
to $2.31 billion, for the year ended March 31, 2014. Total 
operating expenses for the year ended March 31, 2014, 
were $2.31 billion, a decrease of 24.2% from $3.05 billion, 
for the year ended March 31, 2013, with the decrease 
primarily attributable to $734.0 million of intangible asset 
impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2013, as  
further discussed below.

Operating expenses for the years ended March 31, 
2015, 2014, and 2013 incurred at the investment 
management affiliate level comprised approximately 
70% of total operating expenses in each year, excluding 
the impairment charges, which are deemed to be 
corporate expenses. The remaining operating expenses 
are comprised of corporate costs, including Legg Mason 
Global Distribution (“LMGD”) costs.

Compensation and Benefits

The components of Total Compensation and Benefits (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes between periods 
were as follows:

Years Ended March 31,

2015 Compared to 2014 2014 Compared to 2013

2015

2014

2013

$ Change % Change

$ Change % Change

Salaries and incentives

$ 976.9

$ 949.5

$ 926.6

$

Benefits and payroll taxes  

214.7

214.5

204.8

(including deferred compensation)

Transition costs and severance

Gains on deferred compensation  
and seed capital investments

31.8

9.4

29.4

17.0

20.6

36.5

27.4

0.2

2.4

(7.6)

2.9% $

0.1

8.2

(44.7)

22.9

9.7

8.8

(19.5)

2.5%

4.7

42.7

(53.4)

Total Compensation and Benefits

$ 1,232.8

$ 1,210.4

$ 1,188.5

$

22.4

1.9% $

21.9

1.8%

30

Legg Mason AR2015Total Compensation and Benefits for the year ended 
March 31, 2015, increased 1.9% to $1.23 billion, as 
compared to $1.21 billion for the year ended March 31, 
2014; and for the year ended March 31, 2014, increased 
1.8% to $1.21 billion, as compared to $1.19 billion  
for the year ended March 31, 2013:

•  Salaries and incentives increased $27.4 million, to $976.9 
million for the year ended March 31, 2015, as compared 
to $949.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2014, 
principally due to an increase of $15.8 million in incentive-
based compensation for distribution and corporate 
personnel, primarily related to increased retail sales in our 
global distribution group. A $9.7 million increase in net 
compensation at investment affiliates also contributed 
to the increase. The increase in net compensation at 
investment affiliates was primarily due to the acquisition 
of Martin Currie and the impact of increased revenues at 
certain revenue-share based affiliates, offset in part by 
the impact of the sale of LMIC in November 2014 and  
the sale of a small affiliate and the closing down of certain 
businesses in connection with our previously discussed 
corporate initiatives in fiscal 2014.

•  Salaries and incentives increased $22.9 million, to 

$949.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2014, as 
compared to $926.6 million for the year ended March 
31, 2013, principally due to a $14.7 million increase in  
net compensation at investment affiliates, primarily 
resulting from higher revenues, and a net increase 
of $8.3 million in incentive-based compensation and 
salaries for corporate and distribution personnel,  
partially as a result of increased retail sales.

•  Benefits and payroll taxes increased slightly to $214.7 

million for the year ended March 31, 2015, as compared 
to $214.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2014, 
primarily as a result of an increase in payroll taxes  
and recruiting costs.

•  Benefits and payroll taxes increased $9.7 million 

to $214.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2014,  
as compared to $204.8 million for the year ended March  
31, 2013, primarily as a result of a $3.5 million increase  
in costs associated with certain employee benefit plans,  
a $2.5 million increase in health insurance expense,  
and a $2.2 million increase in payroll-related taxes.

•  Transition costs and severance increased $2.4 million, 
to $31.8 million for the year ended March 31, 2015, as 
compared to $29.4 million for the year ended March 
31, 2014, primarily due to higher compensation costs 
associated with the previously discussed integration of 
Batterymarch and LMGAA over time into QS Investors, 
as compared to compensation costs associated with 
various corporate initiatives recognized in the prior year.

•  Transition costs and severance increased $8.8 million,  
to $29.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2014,  
as compared to $20.6 million for the year ended March 
31, 2013, primarily due to higher compensation costs 
recognized in fiscal 2014 associated with the previously 
discussed corporate initiatives and integration of 
Batterymarch and LMGAA over time into QS Investors, 
as compared to compensation costs recognized in 
fiscal 2013 associated with retention awards granted 
in fiscal 2012 to certain executives and key employees 
in connection with our prior Chief Executive Officer 
stepping down in September 2012 and the subsequent 
reorganization of our executive committee. 

For the year ended March 31, 2015, compensation as  
a percentage of operating revenues decreased to 43.7%  
from 44.1% for the year ended March 31, 2014, due 
to the impact of decreased revenues at certain revenue 
share-based affiliates that retain a higher percentage  
of revenues as compensation, offset in part by the  
impact of higher compensation costs for corporate  
and distribution personnel.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, compensation as a 
percentage of operating revenues decreased to 44.1% 
from 45.5% for the year ended March 31, 2013, due to the 
impact of compensation decreases related to a reduction 
in net market gains on assets invested for deferred 
compensation plans and seed capital investments and 
the compensation impact of the wind-down of Western 
Asset’s participation in the PPIP in fiscal 2013.

Distribution and Servicing

For the year ended March 31, 2015, distribution and 
servicing expenses decreased 3.9% to $594.8 million, as 
compared to $619.1 million for the year ended March 31, 
2014, primarily due to a net decrease of $20.9 million in 
structuring fees related to closed-end fund launches.

31

Legg Mason AR2015For the year ended March 31, 2014, amortization of 
intangible assets decreased 12.1% to $12.3 million, as 
compared to $14.0 million for the year ended March 31, 
2013, primarily due to certain management contracts 
becoming fully amortized in December 2013.

Impairment of intangible assets was $734.0 million in the 
year ended March 31, 2013. The impairment charges related 
to our domestic mutual fund contracts asset, Permal funds-
of-hedge fund contracts asset, and Permal trade name. 
The impairment charges resulted from a number of trends 
and factors, which resulted in a reduction of the projected 
cash flows and our overall assessment of fair value of the 
assets, such that the domestic mutual fund contracts asset, 
Permal funds-of-hedge funds contracts asset, and Permal 
trade name asset, declined below their carrying values, and 
accordingly were impaired by $396.0 million, $321.0 million, 
and $17.0 million, respectively in fiscal 2013. See Note 5 
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
discussion of the impairment charges.

Other

For the year ended March 31, 2015, other expenses 
increased $2.6 million, or 1.3%, to $198.6 million, as 
compared to $196.0 million for the year ended March 
31, 2014, primarily due to a $5.9 million increase in travel 
and entertainment expenses, a $5.3 million increase 
in advertising expenses, and a $4.7 million increase in 
professional fees. These increases were offset in part  
by a $14.2 million decrease in expense reimbursements 
paid to certain mutual funds.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, other expenses 
increased $7.6 million, or 4.0%, to $196.0 million, as 
compared to $188.4 million for the year ended March 31, 
2013, primarily due to a $14.7 million increase in expense 
reimbursements paid to certain mutual funds and a $5.0 
million charge for a fair value adjustment to increase the 
Contingent consideration liability related to the acquisition 
of Fauchier, as the acquired business had performed better 
than initially projected. These increases were offset in part 
by an $8.0 million decrease in franchise taxes, as well  
as a $5.3 million decrease in professional fees.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, distribution and 
servicing expenses increased 3.1% to $619.1 million,
as compared to $600.6 million for the year ended  
March 31, 2013, with $15.2 million of the increase due  
to an increase in average AUM in certain products for  
which we pay fees to third-party distributors.

Communications and Technology

For the year ended March 31, 2015, communications and 
technology expense increased 15.5% to $182.4 million,  
as compared to $157.9 million for the year ended March 31, 
2014, primarily due to increases in technology consulting, 
data management, depreciation expenses, and market 
data costs, principally resulting from cyber-security and  
data governance enhancements and the addition of  
Martin Currie and QS Investors expenses.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, communications and 
technology expense increased 5.5% to $157.9 million, as 
compared to $149.7 million for the year ended March 31, 
2013, primarily as a result of an increase in technology 
consulting, market data, and telephone expenses.

Occupancy

For the year ended March 31, 2015, occupancy expense 
decreased 4.8% to $109.7 million, as compared to $115.2 
million for the year ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to 
a decrease of $2.0 million in depreciation on furniture and 
leaseholds and a $1.9 million decrease in rent expense, 
principally as a result of lease reserves taken on vacant 
space in fiscal 2014.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, occupancy expense 
decreased 33.0% to $115.2 million, as compared to $171.9 
million for the year ended March 31, 2013, primarily due 
to the impact of real estate related charges totaling $52.8 
million recognized in fiscal 2013 and a $4.6 million decrease 
in rent expense, primarily as a result of lease reserves taken 
on vacant space in fiscal 2013. These decreases were 
offset in part by $7.9 million in real estate related charges 
taken during fiscal 2014 in connection with the previously 
discussed corporate initiatives.

Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

For the year ended March 31, 2015, amortization of 
intangible assets decreased 78.9% to $2.6 million, as 
compared to $12.3 million for the year ended March 31, 
2014, primarily due to certain management contracts 
becoming fully amortized in October 2014 and December 
2013 and the sale of LMIC, offset in part by additional 
amortization expense related to the acquisitions of QS 
Investors and Martin Currie.

32

Legg Mason AR2015Non-Operating Income (Expense)

The components of total other non-operating income (expense) (in millions), and the dollar and percentage changes 
between periods were as follows:

Interest income

Interest expense

Other income (expense), net
Other non-operating income (expense) of 
consolidated investment vehicles, net

Years Ended March 31,

2015 Compared to 2014 2014 Compared to 2013

2015

2014

2013

$ Change % Change

$ Change % Change

$

7.5

$

6.4

$

7.6

$

(58.3)

(85.3)
5.9

(52.9)

32.8
2.4

(62.9)

(18.0)
(2.8)

1.1

(5.4)

(118.1)
3.5

17.2% $

(1.2)

10.2

 n/m
 n/m

10.0

50.8
5.2

(15.8)%

(15.9)

n/m
n/m

Total other non-operating expense

$ (130.2)

$

(11.3)

$

(76.1)

$

(118.9)

 n/m

$

64.8

(85.2)%

  n/m — not meaningful

Interest Income

For the year ended March 31, 2015, interest income 
increased 17.2% to $7.5 million, as compared to $6.4  
million for the year ended March 31, 2014, driven by  
higher yields earned on investment balances.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, interest income 
decreased 15.8% to $6.4 million, as compared to  
$7.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2013, driven 
by the impact of lower average interest-bearing 
investment balances.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, other income 
(expense), net, improved $50.8 million, to income of  
$32.8 million, from an expense of $18.0 million in fiscal 
2013. This increase was primarily a result of the impact  
of a $69.0 million loss on debt extinguishment recognized 
in connection with the repurchase of the Convertible 
Notes in May 2012, offset in part by a $19.5 million 
decrease in net market gains on seed capital investments 
and assets invested for deferred compensation plans, 
which are offset by corresponding decreases in 
compensation discussed above.

Interest Expense

For the year ended March 31, 2015, interest expense 
increased 10.2% to $58.3 million, as compared to $52.9 
million for the year ended March 31, 2014, primarily due to 
an increase in interest accruals for uncertain tax positions 
and interest accretion on Contingent consideration liabilities 
related to the acquisitions of QS Investors and Martin Currie.

Other Non-operating Income (Loss) of  
Consolidated Investment Vehicles

For the year ended March 31, 2015, other non-operating 
income (expense) of consolidated investment vehicles 
(“CIVs”), net, increased $3.5 million to income of $5.9 
million, primarily due to an increase in net market gains  
on investments of certain CIVs.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, interest expense 
decreased 15.9% to $52.9 million, as compared to $62.9 
million for the year ended March 31, 2013, primarily as a 
result of a $5.6 million decrease in the interest accruals for 
uncertain tax positions and a $4.4 million decrease due to 
the refinancing of the 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes (the 
“Convertible Notes”) in May 2012 and the five-year term 
loan in January 2014.

Other Income (Expense), Net

For the year ended March 31, 2015, other income 
(expense), net, decreased $118.1 million, to expense of 
$85.3 million, as compared to income of $32.8 million in 
fiscal 2014. This decrease was primarily due to a $107.1 
million charge related to the refinancing of the 5.5%  
Senior Notes in July 2014. A reduction in net market gains 
of $7.6 million on seed capital investments and assets 
invested for deferred compensation plans, which are offset 
by corresponding decreases in compensation mentioned 
above, and a reduction in net market gains of $5.3  
million on corporate investments, which are not offset  
in compensation, also contributed to the decrease.

For the year ended March 31, 2014, other non-operating 
income (expense) of CIVs, net, improved $5.2 million 
to income of $2.4 million, from expense of $2.8 million 
in fiscal 2013, primarily due to net market gains on 
investments of certain CIVs.

Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

For the year ended March 31, 2015, the provision for 
income taxes was $125.3 million, as compared $137.8 
million in the year ended March 31, 2014. The effective 
tax rate was 34.0% for the year ended March 31, 2015, 
as compared to 32.8% for the year ended March 31, 2014. 
The change in the effective rate was primarily related to 
the impact of income tax benefits recorded in fiscal 2014 
with respect to the U.K. corporate rate reductions, as 
further discussed below. The impact of CIVs decreased the 
effective rate by 0.5 percentage points for the year ended 
March 31, 2015, and increased the effective rate by 0.2 
percentage points for the year ended March 31, 2014.

33

Legg Mason AR2015For the year ended March 31, 2014, the provision for 
income taxes was $137.8 million, compared to an income 
tax benefit of $150.9 million in the year ended March 31, 
2013. The effective tax rate was 32.8% for the year ended 
March 31, 2014, compared to an effective benefit rate of 
29.5% in the year ended March 31, 2013. The change in 
the effective rate was primarily related to a higher relative 
proportion of pre-tax income (loss) in jurisdictions with 
higher tax rates as a result of the lower statutory rates in 
jurisdictions where certain intangible assets which were 
impaired in fiscal 2013 were held, substantially offset by 
adjustments to deferred tax balances and other reserves.

In July 2012, the U.K. Finance Act 2012 was enacted,  
which reduced the main U.K. corporate tax rate from 25% 
to 24% effective April 1, 2012 and to 23% effective April 
1, 2013. In July 2013, the Finance Bill 2013 was enacted, 
further reducing the main U.K. corporate tax rate to 21% 
effective April 1, 2014 and to 20% effective April 1, 2015. 
The impact of tax rate changes on certain existing deferred 
tax assets and liabilities resulted in a tax benefit of $19.2 
million and $18.1 million on the revaluation of deferred tax 
assets and liabilities for the years ended March 31, 2014 
and 2013, respectively; and impacted the effective rate by 
4.6 percentage points in the year ended March 31, 2014, 
and 3.5 percentage points in the year ended March 31, 
2013. The impact of CIVs increased the effective rate by  
0.2 percentage points for the year ended March 31, 2014, 
and reduced the effective rate by 0.5 percentage points  
for the year ended March 31, 2013.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable  
to Legg Mason, Inc. and Operating Margin

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the year 
ended March 31, 2015, totaled $237.1 million, or $2.04 
per diluted share, compared to $284.8 million, or $2.33 
per diluted share, in the year ended March 31, 2014. The 
decrease was primarily attributable to the pre-tax, non-
operating charge of $107.1 million ($68.5 million, net of 
income tax benefits, or $0.59 per diluted share) related 
to the refinancing of the 5.5% Senior Notes in fiscal year 
ended March 31, 2015, offset in part by a $20.7 million 
decrease in costs related to closed-end fund launches, and 
the net impact of increased operating revenues. Operating 
margin was 17.7% for the year ended March 31, 2015, 
compared to 15.7% for the year ended March 31, 2014.

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. for the year 
ended March 31, 2014, totaled $284.8 million, or $2.33 
per diluted share, compared to Net Loss Attributable to 
Legg Mason, Inc. of $353.3 million, or $2.65 per diluted 
share, in the year ended March 31, 2013. The increase 
was primarily attributable to the impact of the pre-tax 

impairment charges of $734.0 million ($508.3 million, 
net of income tax benefits, or $3.81 per diluted share), 
recorded in fiscal 2013, the impact of the $69.0 million 
pre-tax loss ($44.8 million, net of income tax benefits, 
or $0.34 per diluted share) on debt extinguishment 
recognized in connection with the repurchase of the 
2.5% Convertible Notes in May 2012, the impact of 
$52.8 million of real estate related charges recognized 
in fiscal 2013, and the net impact of increased operating 
revenues, as previously discussed. In addition, Net 
Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. per diluted share 
benefited from a reduction in weighted-average shares 
outstanding as a result of share repurchases. Operating 
margin was 15.7% for the year ended March 31, 2014, 
compared to (16.6)% for the year ended March 31, 2013.

Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Information

As supplemental information, we are providing performance 
measures that are based on methodologies other than 
generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) for 
“Adjusted Income” and “Operating Margin, As Adjusted” 
that management uses as benchmarks in evaluating and 
comparing our period-to-period operating performance.

Adjusted Income decreased to $378.8 million, or $3.26 
per diluted share, for the year ended March 31, 2015, from 
$417.8 million, or $3.41 per diluted share, for the year ended 
March 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily attributable to 
the pre-tax, non-operating charge of $107.1 million ($68.5 
million, net of income tax, or $0.59 per diluted share) related 
to the refinancing of the 5.5% Senior Notes in the year 
ended March 31, 2015, offset in part by the net impact 
of increased operating revenues. Operating Margin, as 
Adjusted, for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014,  
was 23.0% and 22.0%, respectively. Operating Margin,  
as Adjusted, for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 
was reduced by 1.7 and 1.5 percentage points, respectively, 
due to costs associated with the integration of Batterymarch 
and LMGAA over time into QS Investors and various other 
corporate initiatives, as previously discussed. Operating 
Margin, as Adjusted, for the year ended March 31, 2014,  
was also reduced by 1.0 percentage point due to structuring 
fees related to closed-end fund and real estate investment 
trust launches during that fiscal year. 

Adjusted Income increased to $417.8 million, or $3.41 per 
diluted share, for the year ended March 31, 2014, from 
$347.2 million, or $2.61 per diluted share, for the year 
ended March 31, 2013. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for 
the years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, was 22.0% and 
17.5%, respectively. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the 
year ended March 31, 2014, was reduced by 1.5 percentage 
points due to costs associated with the previously 

34

Legg Mason AR2015discussed corporate initiatives and restructuring charges 
related to the integration of Batterymarch and LMGAA over 
time into QS Investors, and by 1.0 percentage point due to 
structuring fees related to a closed-end fund launch during 
that fiscal year. Operating Margin, as Adjusted, for the year 
ended March 31, 2013, was reduced by 3.5 percentage 
points due to real estate related charges and management 
transition compensation costs recorded during that fiscal 
year, and by 1.0 percentage point due to structuring fees 
related to closed-end fund and real estate investment  
trust launches during that fiscal year.

Adjusted Income

We define “Adjusted Income” as Net Income (Loss) 
Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc., plus amortization and 
deferred taxes related to intangible assets and goodwill, 
imputed interest and tax benefits on contingent convertible 
debt less deferred income taxes on goodwill and indefinite-
life intangible asset impairment, if any. We also adjust for 
non-core items that are not reflective of our economic 
performance, such as intangible asset impairments, the 
impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration 
liabilities, if any, the impact of tax rate adjustments on 
certain deferred tax liabilities related to indefinite-life 
intangible assets, and loss on extinguishment of  
contingent convertible debt.

We believe that Adjusted Income provides a useful repre-
sentation of our operating performance adjusted for non-
cash acquisition related items and other items that facilitate 
comparison of our results to the results of other asset 
management firms that have not issued/extinguished 
contingent convertible debt or made significant acquisitions. 
We also believe that Adjusted Income is an important metric 
in estimating the value of an asset management business.

Adjusted Income only considers adjustments for certain items 
that relate to operating performance and comparability, and 
therefore, is most readily reconcilable to Net Income (Loss) 
Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. determined under GAAP. 
This measure is provided in addition to Net Income (Loss) 
Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc., but is not a substitute for 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. and may 
not be comparable to non-GAAP performance measures, 
including measures of adjusted earnings or adjusted 
income, of other companies. Further, Adjusted Income is 
not a liquidity measure and should not be used in place of 
cash flow measures determined under GAAP. Fair value 
adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities may or may 
not provide a tax benefit, depending on the tax attributes of 
the acquisition transaction. We consider Adjusted Income 
to be useful to investors because it is an important metric in 
measuring the economic performance of asset management 

companies, as an indicator of value, and because it facilitates 
comparison of our operating results with the results of other 
asset management firms that have not issued/extinguished 
contingent convertible debt or made significant acquisitions.

In calculating Adjusted Income, we adjust for the impact 
of the amortization of management contract assets and 
impairment of indefinite-life intangible assets, and add 
(subtract) the impact of fair value adjustments on contingent 
consideration liabilities, if any, all of which arise from 
acquisitions, to Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg 
Mason, Inc. to reflect the fact that these items distort 
comparisons of our operating results with the results of other 
asset management firms that have not engaged in significant 
acquisitions. Deferred taxes on indefinite-life intangible assets 
and goodwill include actual tax benefits from amortization 
deductions that are not realized under GAAP absent an 
impairment charge or the disposition of the related business. 
Because we fully expect to realize the economic benefit of 
the current period tax amortization, we add this benefit to 
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. in the 
calculation of Adjusted Income. However, because of our 
net operating loss carry-forward, we will receive the benefit 
of the current tax amortization over time. Conversely, we 
subtract the non-cash income tax benefits on goodwill and 
indefinite-life intangible asset impairment charges and U.K. 
tax rate adjustments on excess book basis on certain acquired 
indefinite-life intangible assets, if applicable, that have been 
recognized under GAAP. We also add back, if applicable, 
non-cash imputed interest and the extinguishment loss on 
contingent convertible debt adjusted for amounts allocated 
to the conversion feature, as well as adding the actual tax 
benefits on the imputed interest that are not realized under 
GAAP. We do not adjust for debt extinguishment losses 
resulting from prepayment fees. These adjustments reflect 
that these items distort comparisons of our operating results 
to prior periods and the results of other asset management 
firms that have not engaged in significant acquisitions, 
including any related impairments, or issued/extinguished 
contingent convertible debt.

Should a disposition, impairment charge or other non-core 
item occur, its impact on Adjusted Income may distort  
actual changes in the operating performance or value of  
our firm. Accordingly, we monitor these items and their 
related impact, including taxes, on Adjusted Income to  
ensure that appropriate adjustments and explanations 
accompany such disclosures.

Although depreciation and amortization of fixed assets 
are non-cash expenses, we do not add these charges in 
calculating Adjusted Income because these charges are 
related to assets that will ultimately require replacement.

35

Legg Mason AR2015A reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. to Adjusted Income (in thousands except  
per share amounts) is as follows:

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

237,080

$

284,784

$

(353,327)

For the Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

Plus (less):

Amortization of intangible assets

Loss on extinguishment of 2.5% senior notes

Impairment of intangible assets

Contingent consideration fair value adjustment

Deferred income taxes on intangible assets:

Impairment charges

Tax amortization benefit

U.K. tax rate adjustment

Imputed interest on convertible debt (2.5% senior notes)

Adjusted Income

Net Income (Loss) per Diluted Share Attributable  

to Legg Mason, Inc. Shareholders

Plus (less):(1)

Amortization of intangible assets

Loss on extinguishment of 2.5% senior notes

Impairment of intangible assets

Contingent consideration fair value adjustment

Deferred income taxes on intangible assets:

Impairment charges

Tax amortization benefit

U.K. tax rate adjustment

Imputed interest on convertible debt (2.5% senior notes)

2,625

12,314

–

–

–

–

139,046

–

–

–

–

5,000

–

134,871

(19,164)

–

$

$

378,751

2.04

$

$

417,805

2.33

$

$

0.02

–

–

–

–

1.20

–

–

0.10

–

–

0.04

–

1.10

(0.16)

–

Adjusted Income per Diluted Share

$

3.26

$

3.41

$

14,019

54,873

734,000

–

(225,748)

135,588

(18,075)

5,839

347,169

(2.65)

0.11

0.41

5.51

–

(1.69)

1.02

(0.14)

0.04

2.61

(1)  In calculating Adjusted Income per diluted share, we include the weighted-average of unvested restricted shares deemed to be participating securities and the earnings allocated to 

these participating securities. For purposes of this non-GAAP performance measure, earnings are allocated in the same ratio to participating securities and common shares. As a result, 
the inclusion of these participating securities and the earnings allocated thereto do not impact the per share amounts of the adjustments made to Net Income (Loss) per diluted share 
Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Shareholders.

Operating Margin, as Adjusted

We calculate “Operating Margin, as Adjusted,” by dividing 
(i) Operating Income (Loss), adjusted to exclude the 
impact on compensation expense of gains or losses on 
investments made to fund deferred compensation plans, 
the impact on compensation expense of gains or losses 
on seed capital investments by our affiliates under revenue 
sharing agreements, amortization related to intangible 
assets, income (loss) of CIVs, the impact of fair value 
adjustments of contingent consideration liabilities, if any, 
and impairment charges by (ii) our operating revenues, 
adjusted to add back net investment advisory fees 
eliminated upon consolidation of investment vehicles, less 
distribution and servicing expenses which we use as an 
approximate measure of revenues that are passed through 

to third parties, which we refer to as “Operating Revenues, 
as Adjusted.” The compensation items are removed from 
Operating Income (Loss) in the calculation because they are 
offset by an equal amount in Other non-operating income 
(expense), and thus have no impact on Net Income (Loss) 
Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. We adjust for the impact 
of amortization of management contract assets and the 
impact of fair value adjustments of contingent consideration 
liabilities, if any, which arise from acquisitions to reflect the 
fact that these items distort comparison of our operating 
results with results of other asset management firms that 
have not engaged in significant acquisitions. Impairment 
charges and income (loss) of CIVs are removed from 
Operating Income (Loss) in the calculation because these 

36

Legg Mason AR2015items are not reflective of our core asset management 
operations. We use Operating Revenues, as Adjusted, 
in the calculation to show the operating margin without 
distribution and servicing expenses, which we use to 
approximate our distribution revenues that are passed 
through to third parties as a direct cost of selling our 
products, although distribution and servicing expenses  
may include commissions paid in connection with the 
launching of closed-end funds for which there is no 
corresponding revenue in the period. Operating Revenues, 
as Adjusted, also include our advisory revenues we receive 
from CIVs that are eliminated in consolidation under GAAP.

products, amortization related to intangible assets, 
changes in the fair value of contingent consideration 
liabilities, if any, impairment charges, and the impact of 
the consolidation of certain investment vehicles described 
above. The consolidation of these investment vehicles does 
not have an impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to 
Legg Mason, Inc. This measure is provided in addition  
to our operating margin calculated under GAAP, but is  
not a substitute for calculations of margins under GAAP 
and may not be comparable to non-GAAP performance 
measures, including measures of adjusted margins  
of other companies.

We believe that Operating Margin, as Adjusted, is a 
useful measure of our performance because it provides a 
measure of our core business activities. It excludes items 
that have no impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to 
Legg Mason, Inc. and indicates what our operating margin 
would have been without the distribution revenues that are 
passed through to third parties as a direct cost of selling our 

Effective April 1, 2013, we revised our definition 
of Operating Margin, as Adjusted, to add back the 
amortization of intangible assets. We have applied  
this change to all periods presented, and the impact  
on results or the year ended March 31, 2013 was  
an increase of 0.7 percentage points.

The calculation of Operating Margin and Operating Margin, as Adjusted, is as follows (dollars in thousands):

Operating Revenues, GAAP basis

Plus (less):

For the Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$ 2,819,106

$ 2,741,757

$ 2,612,650

Operating revenues eliminated upon consolidation of investment vehicles

721

1,950

2,397

Distribution and servicing expense excluding consolidated investment vehicles

(594,746)

(619,022)

(600,582)

Operating Revenues, as Adjusted

Operating Income (Loss), GAAP basis

Plus (less):

$ 2,225,081

$ 2,124,685

$ 2,014,465

$

498,219

$

430,893

$ (434,499)

Gains (losses) on deferred compensation and seed investments, net

9,369

16,987

Impairment of intangible assets

Contingent consideration fair value adjustment

Amortization of intangible assets

Operating income and expenses of consolidated investment vehicles

–

–

2,625

899

–

5,000

12,314

2,370

36,497

734,000

–

14,019

2,959

Operating Income, as Adjusted

Operating Margin, GAAP basis

Operating Margin, as Adjusted

$

511,112

$

467,564

$

352,976

17.7%

23.0

15.7%

22.0

(16.6)%

17.5

Liquidity and Capital Resources
The primary objective of our capital structure is to 
appropriately support our business strategies and to provide 
needed liquidity at all times, including maintaining required 
capital in certain subsidiaries. Liquidity and the access 
to liquidity is important to the success of our ongoing 
operations. Our overall funding needs and capital base 
are continually reviewed to determine if the capital base 
meets the expected needs of our businesses. We intend 

to continue to explore potential acquisition opportunities 
as a means of diversifying and strengthening our asset 
management business. These opportunities may from  
time to time involve acquisitions that are material in size 
and may require, among other things, and subject to 
existing covenants, the raising of additional equity capital 
and/or the issuance of additional debt.

37

Legg Mason AR2015The consolidation of variable interest entities discussed 
above does not impact our liquidity and capital resources. 
We have no rights to the benefits from, nor do we bear 
the risks associated with, the assets and liabilities of the 
CIVs beyond our investments in and investment advisory 
fees generated from these vehicles, which are eliminated 
in consolidation. Additionally, creditors of the CIVs have 
no recourse to our general credit beyond the level of our 
investment, if any, so we do not consider these liabilities  
to be our obligations.

Our assets consist primarily of intangible assets, goodwill, 
cash and cash equivalents, investment securities, and 
investment advisory and related fee receivables. Our assets 
have been principally funded by equity capital, long-term 

debt and the results of our operations. At March 31, 2015, 
cash and cash equivalents, total assets, long-term debt 
and stockholders’ equity were $0.7 billion, $7.1 billion, $1.1 
billion and $ 4.5 billion, respectively. Total assets include 
amounts related to CIVs of $0.1 billion.

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

The following table summarizes our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31 (in millions):

2015

2014

2013

Cash flows provided by operating activities

$

568.1

$

Cash flows provided by/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows used in financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

(208.0)

(507.0)

(41.5)

(188.4)

858.0

669.6

$

437.3

137.6

(639.0)

(10.9)

(75.0)

933.0

858.0

$

$

303.3

(11.0)

(735.9)

(5.7)

(449.3)

1,382.3

933.0

Cash inflows provided by operating activities during fiscal 
2015 were $568.1 million, primarily related to Net Income, 
adjusted for non-cash items, and net activity related to CIVs. 
Cash inflows provided by operating activities during fiscal 
2014 were $437.3 million, primarily related to Net Income, 
adjusted for non-cash items, offset in part by net purchases 
of trading and other investments and a decrease in net 
activity related to CIVs, primarily due to the wind-down 
of a consolidated loan obligation (“CLO”). See Note 16 of 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
information regarding the CLO. Cash inflows provided by 
operating activities during fiscal 2013 were $303.3 million, 
primarily related to net sales of trading and other investments 
and results of operations, adjusted for non-cash items, offset 
in part by the allocation of extinguished debt repayment  
and payments for accrued compensation. 

Cash outflows used in investing activities during fiscal 2015, 
were $208.0 million, primarily related to payments associated 
with the acquisitions of Martin Currie and QS Investors of 
$183.7 million (net of acquired cash) and payments made for 
fixed assets of $45.8 million; offset in part by the proceeds 
from businesses sold of $47.0 million. Cash inflows provided 
by investing activities during fiscal 2014, were $137.6 million, 
primarily related to net activity related to CIVs, offset in part 
by payments made for fixed assets. Cash outflows used 

in investing activities during fiscal 2013 were $11.0 million, 
primarily related to payments related to the acquisition  
of Fauchier and payments made for fixed assets, offset  
in part by net activity related to CIVs. 

Cash outflows used in financing activities during fiscal 2015 
were $507.0 million, primarily related to the repayment of 
long-term debt of $645.8 million, the repurchases of 6.9 
million shares of our common stock for $356.5 million, the 
repayment of long-term debt of CIVs of $79.2 million, and 
dividends paid of $70.8 million, offset in part by the proceeds 
from the issuance of $658.8 million of long-term debt. Cash 
outflows used in financing activities during fiscal 2014 were 
$639.0 million, primarily related to the repayment of long-
term debt of $500.4 million, the repayment of long-term debt 
of CIVs of $133.0 million, the repurchase of 9.7 million shares 
of our common stock for $360.0 million, and dividends paid 
of $62.0 million, offset in part by the proceeds from the long-
term debt issuances of $393.7 million. Cash outflows used 
in financing activities during fiscal 2013 were $735.9 million, 
primarily related to the repayment of long-term debt of $1.05 
billion, the repurchase of 16.2 million shares of our common 
stock for $425.5 million, the $250.0 million repayment of 
short-term debt, and dividends paid of $55.3 million, offset 
in part by the proceeds from the subsequent long-term debt 
issuances of $1.14 billion.

38

Legg Mason AR2015Financing Transactions

The table below reflects our primary sources of financing (in thousands) as of March 31, 2015:

Type

Available at  
March 31, 
2015

Amount Outstanding  
at March 31,

2015

2014

Interest Rate

2.7% Senior Notes due July 2019

$

250,000

$ 250,000

$

–

5.5% Senior Notes due May 2019

 –

 –

650,000

3.95% Senior Notes due July 2024

5.625% Senior Notes due January 2044

Revolving credit agreements

250,000

550,000

750,000

250,000

550,000

 –

 –

400,000

 –

2.70%

5.50%

3.95%

5.625%

LIBOR + 1.5% + 0.20% 
annual commitment fee

Maturity

July 2019

Redeemed 
July 2014

July 2024

January 2044

June 2017

Capital Plan and Other Financing Transactions

In May 2012, we announced a capital plan that included 
refinancing our then outstanding Convertible Notes. The 
refinancing was effected through the issuance of $650 
million of 5.5% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “5.5% Senior 
Notes”), the net proceeds of which, together with cash 
on hand and $250 million of remaining borrowing capacity 
under a then existing revolving credit facility, were used 
to repurchase all $1.25 billion of the Convertible Notes. 
The terms of the repurchase included the repayment 
of the Convertible Notes at par plus accrued interest, 
a prepayment fee of $6.3 million, and the issuance of 
warrants to the holders of the Convertible Notes. The 
warrants replaced a conversion feature of the Convertible 
Notes, and provide for the purchase, in the aggregate 
and subject to adjustment, of 14.2 million shares of our 
common stock, on a net share settled basis, at an exercise 
price of $88 per share. The warrants expire in July 2017 and 
can be settled, at our election, in either shares of common 
stock or cash. In connection with the extinguishment of 
the Convertible Notes, hedge transactions (purchased call 
options and warrants) executed in connection with the initial 
issuance of the Convertible Notes were also terminated.

Also, pursuant to the capital plan, in June 2012, we entered 
into an unsecured credit agreement which provided for a 
$500 million revolving credit facility and a $500 million term 
loan, which was repaid in fiscal 2014, as further discussed 
below. The proceeds of the term loan were used to repay  
the $500 million of outstanding borrowings under the 
previous revolving credit facility, which was then terminated.

In January 2014, we issued $400 million of 5.625% Senior 
Notes due 2044, the net proceeds of which, together 
with cash on hand, were used to repay the $450 million 
of outstanding borrowings under the five-year term loan 
entered into in conjunction with the unsecured credit 
agreement noted above. The 5.625% Senior Notes were 
sold at a discount of $6.3 million, which is being amortized 
to interest expense over the 30 year term.

Also in January 2014, we entered into a $250 million 
incremental revolving credit facility, which was 
contemplated in, and is in addition to the $500 million 
revolving credit facility available under, the existing credit 
agreement. These revolving credit facilities are available 
to fund working capital needs and for general corporate 
purposes and expire in June 2017. There were no 
borrowings outstanding under either of our revolving  
credit facilities as of either March 31, 2015 or 2014.

In June 2014, we issued $250 million of 2.7% Senior  
Notes due 2019 at a discount of $0.6 million, $250 million  
of 3.95% Senior Notes due 2024 at a discount of $0.5 
million, and an additional $150 million of 5.625% Senior 
Notes due 2044 at a premium of $9.8 million. In July 2014, 
these proceeds of $659 million, net of related fees, together 
with cash on hand, were used to redeem the outstanding 
$650 million of the 5.5% Senior Notes. The retirement of 
the 5.5% Senior Notes resulted in a pre-tax, non-operating 
charge of $107.1 million in July 2014, consisting of a cash 
make-whole premium payment of $98.6 million, net of  
$0.6 million from a reverse treasury lock, to call the 5.5% 
Senior Notes and $8.5 million associated with existing 
deferred costs and original issue discount.

The financial covenants under our bank debt agreement 
include: maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.5 to 1  
and minimum EBITDA to interest expense ratio of 4.0 to 
1. Debt is defined to include all obligations for borrowed 
money, excluding non-recourse debt of CIVs, and capital 
leases. Under these net debt covenants, our debt is 
reduced by the amount of our unrestricted cash in excess 
of the greater of subsidiary cash or $375 million. EBITDA 
is defined as consolidated net income (loss) plus/minus 
tax expense (benefit), interest expense, depreciation and 
amortization, amortization of intangibles, any extraordinary 
expense or losses, and any non-cash charges, as defined  
in the agreements. As of March 31, 2015, our net debt  
to EBITDA ratio was 1.3 to 1 and EBITDA to interest 

39

Legg Mason AR2015expense ratio was 13.5 to 1, and, therefore, we have 
maintained compliance with the applicable covenants.

If our net income (loss) significantly declines, or if we spend 
our available cash, it may impact our ability to maintain 
compliance with the financial covenants. If we determine 
that our compliance with these covenants may be under 
pressure at a time when we either have outstanding 
borrowings under these facilities, want to utilize available 
borrowings, or otherwise desire to keep borrowings available, 
we may elect to take a number of actions, including reducing 
our expenses in order to increase our EBITDA, using 
available cash to repay all or a portion of our outstanding 
debt subject to these covenants or seeking to negotiate with 
our lenders to modify the terms or to restructure our debt. 
Using available cash to repay indebtedness would make the 
cash unavailable for other uses and might affect the liquidity 
discussions and conclusions. Entering into any modification 
or restructuring of our debt would likely result in additional 
fees or interest payments.

Our outstanding bank debt agreement is currently impacted 
by the ratings of two rating agencies. The interest rate and 
annual commitment fee on our revolving lines of credit are 
based on the higher credit rating of the two rating agencies. 
In June 2011, our rating by one of these agencies was 
downgraded one grade below the other. Should the other 
agency downgrade our rating, absent an upgrade from  
the former agency, our interest costs will rise modestly.

In addition, our Board of Directors authorized $1.0 billion for 
additional purchases of our common stock, $14 million of 
which remained available as of March 31, 2015. The capital 
plan contemplates using up to 65% of cash generated from 
future operations to purchase shares of our common stock, 
and our current approach is to use $90 million per quarter 
on share repurchases, subject to market conditions and 
other potential uses of cash. In January 2015, our Board  
of Directors authorized $1.0 billion for additional purchases  
of our common stock.

Other Transactions

We expect that over the next 12 months cash generated 
from our operating activities and available cash on hand 
will be adequate to support our operating and investing 
cash needs, and planned share repurchases, however we 
would likely need to raise financing, potentially by utilizing 
borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, if we 
elect to make any acquisitions. We currently intend to utilize 
our other available resources for any number of potential 
activities, including, but not limited to, acquisitions, seed 
capital investments in new products, repurchase of shares 
of our common stock, repayment of outstanding debt, or 
payment of increased dividends. In addition to our ordinary 
operating cash needs, we anticipate other cash needs 
during the next 12 months, as discussed below.

40

On October 1, 2014, we acquired all outstanding equity 
interests of Martin Currie. The acquisition required an initial 
payment of approximately $203 million (using the foreign 
exchange rate as of October 1, 2014 for the £125 million 
contract amount), which we funded from existing cash 
resources. In addition, contingent consideration payments 
may be due on the March 31 following the first, second and 
third anniversaries of closing, aggregating up to approximately 
$483 million (using the foreign exchange rate as of March 
31, 2015 for the maximum £325 million contract amount), 
inclusive of the payment of certain potential pension and 
other obligations, and dependent on the achievement of 
certain financial metrics, as specified in the share purchase 
agreement, at March 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 
Contingent consideration liability established at closing had  
an acquisition date fair value of $75.2 million (using the foreign 
exchange rate as of October 1, 2014). Actual payments to be 
made may also include amounts for certain potential pension 
and other obligations that are accounted for separately. As of 
March 31, 2015, the fair value of the Contingent consideration 
liability was $70.1 million, a decrease of $5.1 million from 
October 1, 2014, substantially all of which is attributable to 
changes in the exchange rate, net of accretion. In addition, 
Martin Currie and the trustees of the pension plan referenced 
above have recently received a notice that the Pensions 
Regulator in the U.K. is reviewing the plan’s current structure 
and funding status. While the review is just commencing, 
there can be no assurance that the review will not result in 
accelerated funding. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information.

Effective May 31, 2014, we completed the acquisition 
of QS Investors. The transaction included an initial cash 
payment of $11 million, which was funded from existing 
cash resources. In addition, contingent consideration 
of up to $10 million and $20 million for the second and 
fourth anniversary payments may be due in July 2016 and 
July 2018, respectively, dependent on the achievement 
of certain net revenue targets, and subject to a potential 
catch-up adjustment in the fourth anniversary payment  
for any second anniversary payment shortfall. The 
Contingent consideration liability established at closing  
had an acquisition date fair value of $13.4 million, and 
has accreted to $13.6 million as of March 31, 2015.

In connection with the integration over time of two existing 
affiliates, Batterymarch and LMGAA, into QS Investors, we 
have incurred approximately $38 million in total restructuring 
and transition costs, of which approximately 10% were 
non-cash charges, and approximately $29 million have been 
paid to date. Any additional charges related to the integration 
are not expected to be material. See Note  2 of Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Legg Mason AR2015In March 2013, we completed the acquisition of all of the 
outstanding share capital of Fauchier, a leading European 
based manager of funds-of-hedge funds, from BNP Paribas 
Investment Partners, S.A. The transaction included an 
initial cash payment of $63.4 million, which was funded 
from existing cash resources. As of March 31, 2015, 
approximately $22 million (using the exchange rate as of 
March 31, 2015 for the maximum £15 million payment 
amount) was due under the agreements governing 
the acquisition of Fauchier for the second anniversary 
contingent consideration. This amount was funded from 
existing cash resources and paid in May 2015. In addition, 
contingent consideration of up to approximately $30 million 
(using the exchange rate as of March 31, 2015 for the 
£20 million maximum contractual amount), may be due 
on or about the fourth anniversary of closing, dependent 
on achieving certain levels of revenue, net of distribution 
costs. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability 
was approximately $27.1 million as of March 31, 2015, 
$22.2 million of which relates to the previously discussed 
second anniversary payment. The decrease of $2.4 million 
from March 31, 2014, was attributable to changes in the 
exchange rate, net of accretion. We have executed currency 
forwards to economically hedge the risk of movements in 
the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British 
pound in which the estimated contingent liability payment 
amounts are denominated.

In June 2013 and March 2014, we implemented affiliate 
management equity plans that will entitle certain key 
employees of Permal and ClearBridge, respectively,  
to participate in 15% of the future growth of the 
respective enterprise value (subject to appropriate 
discounts), if any, as further discussed in Notes 1  
and 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 
Repurchases of units granted under the plans may  
impact future liquidity requirements.

Certain of our asset management affiliates maintain  
various credit facilities for general operating purposes. 
Certain affiliates are subject to the capital requirements  
of various regulatory agencies. All such affiliates met  
their respective capital adequacy requirements during  
the periods presented.

See Notes 2 and 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional information related to the 
acquisitions of Fauchier, QS Investors, and Martin  
Currie and our debt, respectively.

Future Outlook

As described above, we currently project that our cash 
flows from operating activities will be sufficient to fund 
our present and foreseeable, near-term liquidity needs. 

As of March 31, 2015, we had approximately $400 million 
in cash and cash equivalents in excess of our working 
capital requirements. As previously discussed, we intend 
to utilize up to $90 million of cash generated from future 
operations to purchase shares of our common stock during 
each quarter of the year ending March 31, 2016, subject to 
market conditions and other cash needs. As of March 31, 
2015, we also had undrawn revolving credit facilities totaling 
$750 million, expiring June 2017. We do not currently 
expect to raise incremental debt or equity financing over 
the next 12 months beyond our current levels, unless we 
enter into one or more acquisitions. However, there can 
be no assurances of these expectations as our projections 
could prove to be incorrect, events may occur that 
require additional liquidity in excess of amounts under our 
revolving credit facility, such as an opportunity to refinance 
indebtedness, or market conditions might significantly 
worsen, affecting our results of operations and generation 
of available cash. If these events result in our operations 
and available cash being insufficient to fund liquidity 
needs, we would likely seek to manage our available 
resources by taking actions such as reducing future share 
repurchases, reducing operating expenses, reducing our 
expected expenditures on investments, selling assets 
(such as investment securities), repatriating earnings from 
foreign subsidiaries, reducing our dividend, or modifying 
arrangements with our affiliates and/or employees.  
Should these types of actions prove insufficient, or 
should an acquisition or refinancing opportunity arise,  
we would likely utilize borrowing capacity under our 
revolving credit facility or seek to raise additional equity  
or debt.

Our liquid assets include cash, cash equivalents, and certain 
current investment securities. At March 31, 2015, our total 
liquid assets of approximately $1.0 billion included $378 
million of cash and investments held by foreign subsidiaries. 
Other net working capital amounts of foreign subsidiaries 
are not significant. In order to increase our cash available in 
the U.S. for general corporate purposes, we plan to utilize up 
to $257 million of foreign cash over the next several years, 
of which only $16 million is accumulated foreign earnings. 
Due to certain tax planning strategies, we anticipate that 
we will generate a tax benefit of approximately $12 million 
with respect to this repatriation and adjusted the tax 
reserve accordingly in fiscal 2014. No further repatriation 
of accumulated prior period foreign earnings is currently 
planned. However, if circumstances change, we will provide 
for and pay any applicable additional U.S. taxes in connection 
with repatriation of offshore funds. It is not practical at this 
time to determine the income tax liability that would result 
from any further repatriation of accumulated foreign earnings.

41

Legg Mason AR2015Credit and Liquidity Risk

Cash and cash equivalent deposits involve certain credit and 
liquidity risks. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents 
with a number of high quality financial institutions or funds 
and from time to time may have concentrations with one or 
more of these institutions. The balances with these financial 
institutions or funds and their credit quality are monitored  
on an ongoing basis.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), 
include certain contractual arrangements pursuant to 
which a company has an obligation, such as certain 
contingent obligations, certain guarantee contracts, 
retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to 
an unconsolidated entity, certain derivative instruments 
classified as equity or material variable interests in 
unconsolidated entities that provide financing, liquidity, 

market risk or credit risk support. Disclosure is required 
for any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are 
reasonably likely to have, a material current or future effect 
on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity  
or capital resources. We generally do not enter into off-
balance sheet arrangements, as defined, other than those 
described in the Contractual Obligations section that 
follows and Consolidation discussed in Critical Accounting 
Policies and Notes 1 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Contractual and Contingent Obligations

We have contractual obligations to make future payments, 
principally in connection with our long-term debt, non-
cancelable lease agreements, acquisition agreements  
and service agreements. See Notes 6 and 8 of Notes  
to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
disclosures related to our commitments.

The following table sets forth these contractual obligations (in millions) by fiscal year, and excludes contractual obligations 
of CIVs, as we are not responsible or liable for these obligations:

Contractual Obligations

Long-term borrowings by contract maturity

$

– $

– $

– $

– $ 250.0 $

800.0 $ 1,050.0

Interest on long-term borrowings and credit 

49.1

49.1

48.0

47.6

44.2

786.9

1,024.9

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

facility commitment fees

Minimum rental and service commitments

Total Contractual Obligations

Contingent Obligations

Payments related to business acquisitions(1)

134.0

183.1

112.6

161.7

97.7

81.6

75.2

291.1

792.2

145.7

129.2

369.4

1,878.0

2,867.1

 Martin Currie

 Other

483.0

22.3

Total payments related to business acquisitions

505.3

–

40.0

40.0

–

–

–

–

20.0

20.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

483.0

82.3

565.3

Total Obligations(2)(3)(4)(5)

$ 688.4 $ 201.7 $ 145.7 $ 149.2 $ 369.4 $

1,878.0 $ 3,432.4

(1)  The amount of contingent payments reflected for any year represents the maximum amount that could be payable at the earliest possible date under the terms of the business purchase 

agreements, using the applicable exchange rate as of March 31, 2015, for amounts denominated in other than the U.S. dollar. The related contingent consideration liabilities had a fair value  
of $110.8 million as of March 31, 2015, net of certain potential pension and other obligations related to Martin Currie. See Notes 2 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)  The table above does not include approximately $34.3 million in capital commitments to investment partnerships in which Legg Mason is a limited partner. These obligations will be 

outstanding, or funded as required, through the end of the commitment periods running through fiscal 2021.

(3)  The table above does not include amounts for uncertain tax positions of $68.1 million (net of the federal benefit for state tax liabilities), because the timing of any related cash outflows 

cannot be reliably estimated.

(4)  The table above does not include redeemable noncontrolling interests, primarily related to CIVs, of $45.5 million, because the timing of any related cash outflows cannot be reliably estimated.
(5)  The table above excludes potential obligations arising from the ultimate settlement of awards under the affiliate management equity plans with key employees of Permal and ClearBridge due to 
the uncertainty of the timing and amounts ultimately payable. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding affiliate management equity plans.

42

Legg Mason AR2015Market Risk
We maintain an enterprise risk management program to 
oversee and coordinate risk management activities of Legg 
Mason and its subsidiaries. Under the program, certain risk 
activities are managed at the subsidiary level. The following 
describes certain aspects of our business that are sensitive 
to market risk.

Revenues and Net Income (Loss)

The majority of our revenue is calculated from the market 
value of our AUM. Accordingly, a decline in the value of 
the underlying securities will cause our AUM, and thus 
our revenues, to decrease. In addition, our fixed income 
and liquidity AUM are subject to the impact of interest 
rate fluctuations, as rising interest rates may tend to 
reduce the market value of bonds held in various mutual 
fund portfolios or separately managed accounts. In the 
ordinary course of our business, we may also reduce 
or waive investment management fees, or limit total 
expenses, on certain products or services for particular 
time periods to manage fund expenses, or for other 
reasons, and to help retain or increase managed assets. 
Market conditions, such as the current historical low 
interest rate environment, may lead us to take such 

actions. Performance fees may be earned on certain 
investment advisory contracts for exceeding performance 
benchmarks, and strong markets tend to increase these 
fees. Declines in market values of AUM will result in 
reduced fee revenues and net income. We generally earn 
higher fees on equity assets than fees charged for fixed 
income and liquidity assets. Declines in market values of 
AUM in this asset class will have a greater impact on our 
revenues. In addition, under revenue sharing agreements, 
certain of our affiliates retain different percentages of 
revenues to cover their costs, including compensation. 
Our net income (loss), profit margin and compensation as 
a percentage of operating revenues are impacted based 
on which affiliates generate our revenues, and a change 
in AUM at one subsidiary can have a dramatically different 
effect on our revenues and earnings than an equal change 
at another subsidiary.

Trading and Non-trading Assets

Our trading and non-trading assets are comprised of 
investment securities, including seed capital in sponsored 
mutual funds and products, limited partnerships, limited 
liability companies and certain other investment products.

Trading and other current investments, excluding CIVs, at March 31, 2015 and 2014, subject to risk of security price 
fluctuations are summarized in the table below (in thousands):

Investment securities, excluding CIVs:

Trading investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans

$

80,529

$

109,648

Trading investments of proprietary fund products and other trading investments

Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans,  

358,034

16,172

335,456

22,622

proprietary fund products and other investments

Total current investments, excluding CIVs

$

454,735

$

467,726

2015

2014

Approximately $31.8 million and $33.7 million of trading 
and other current investments related to long-term 
incentive compensation plans as of March 31, 2015 and 
2014, respectively, have offsetting liabilities such that 
fluctuation in the market value of these assets and the 
related liabilities will not have a material effect on our net 
income (loss) or liquidity. However, it will have an impact 
on our compensation expense with a corresponding 
offset in other non-operating income (expense). Trading 
and other current investments of $57.4 million and $90.0 
million at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, relate 
to other long-term incentive plans for which the related 
liabilities do not completely offset due to vesting provisions. 
Therefore, fluctuations in the market value of these trading 
investments will impact our compensation expense, non-
operating income (expense) and net income (loss).

Approximately $365.5 million and $344.0 million of trading 
and other current investments at March 31, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively, are investments in proprietary fund products 
and other investments for which fluctuations in market 
value will impact our non-operating income (expense). Of 
these amounts, the fluctuations in market value related to 
approximately $37.5 million and $19.9 million of proprietary 
fund products as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, 
have offsetting compensation expense under revenue 
share agreements. The fluctuations in market value related 
to approximately $163.0 million and $109.8 million in 
proprietary fund products as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively, are substantially offset by gains (losses) on 
market hedges and therefore do not materially impact Net 
Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Investments 
in proprietary fund products are not liquidated before the 
related fund establishes a track record, has other investors, 
or a decision is made to no longer pursue the strategy.

43

Legg Mason AR2015Non-trading assets, excluding CIVs, at March 31, 2015 and 2014, subject to risk of security price fluctuations  
are summarized in the table below (in thousands):

Investment securities, excluding CIVs:

Available-for-sale

Investments in partnerships, LLCs and other

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs

Other investments

Total non-trading assets, excluding CIVs

2015

2014

$

–

$

14,511

48,344

77

12,072

24,464

62,973

90

$

62,932

$

99,599

Investment securities of CIVs totaled $48.0 million and 
$50.5 million as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, 
and investments of CIVs totaled $31.8 million as of 
March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, we held 
equity investments in the CIVs of $15.6 million and $39.4 
million, respectively. Fluctuations in the market value of 
investments of CIVs in excess of our equity investment will 
not impact Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, 
Inc. However, it may have an impact on other  

non-operating income (expense) of CIVs with a  
corre sponding offset in Net income (loss) attributable 
to non-controlling interests.

Valuation of trading and non-trading investments is 
described below within Critical Accounting Policies 
under the heading “Valuation of Financial Instruments.” 
See Notes 1 and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for further discussion of derivatives.

The following is a summary of the effect of a 10% increase or decrease in the market values of our financial instruments 
subject to market valuation risks at March 31, 2015 (in thousands):

Carrying  
Value

Fair Value
Assuming a
10% Increase(1)

Fair Value
Assuming a
10% Decrease(1)

Investment securities, excluding CIVs:

Trading investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans

$

80,529

$

88,582

$

Trading investments of proprietary fund products and other trading investments

358,034

Equity method investments relating to long-term incentive compensation plans, 

16,172

393,837

17,789

72,476

322,231

14,555

proprietary fund products and other investments

Total current investments, excluding CIVs

Investments in CIVs

Investments in partnerships, LLCs and other

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs

Other investments

454,735

500,208

409,262

15,553

14,511

48,344

77

17,108

15,962

53,178

85

13,998

13,060

43,510

69

Total investments subject to market risk

$ 533,220

$

586,541

$

479,899

(1)  Gains and losses related to certain investments in deferred compensation plans and proprietary fund products are directly offset by a corresponding adjustment to compensation 
expense and related liability. In addition, investments in proprietary fund products of approximately $163.0 million have been economically hedged to limit market risk. As a result,  
a 10% increase or decrease in the unrealized market value of our financial instruments subject to market valuation risks would result in a $26.4 million increase or decrease in our  
pre-tax earnings as of March 31, 2015.

Also, as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, cash and cash equivalents included $353.3 million and $456.6 million, respectively, 
of money market funds. 

44

Legg Mason AR2015Foreign Exchange Sensitivity

Consolidation

We operate primarily in the U.S., but provide services, earn 
revenues and incur expenses outside the U.S. Accordingly, 
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates for currencies, 
principally in the U.K., Brazil, Japan, Canada, Singapore, 
Australia, and those denominated in the euro, may impact 
our AUM, revenues, expenses, comprehensive income 
(loss) and net income (loss). We and certain of our affiliates 
have entered into forward contracts to manage a portion of 
the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on their 
results of operations. We do not expect foreign currency 
fluctuations to have a material effect on our net income 
(loss) or liquidity.

Interest Rate Risk

Exposure to interest rate changes on our outstanding  
debt is substantially mitigated as our $250 million of 3.95% 
Senior Notes due July 2024 and $550 million of 5.625% 
Senior Notes due July 2044 are at fixed interest rates. In 
June 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap contract, 
designated as a fair value hedge, to effectively convert our 
$250 million of 2.7% Senior Notes due July 2019 from fixed 
rate debt to floating rate debt. As of March 31, 2015, and 
as a result of the interest rate swap, we estimate that a 1% 
change in interest rates would result in a net annual change 
to interest expense of $2.5 million. On an economic basis, 
the interest rate swap contract wholly or partially hedges 
interest rate exposure on operating cash. See Notes 6  
and 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  
for additional discussion of debt and derivatives and 
hedging, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies  
and Estimates
Accounting policies are an integral part of the preparation 
of our financial statements in accordance with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America. Understanding these policies, therefore, is 
a key factor in understanding our reported results of 
operations and financial position. See Note 1 of Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of 
our significant accounting policies and other information. 
Certain critical accounting policies require us to make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in the 
financial statements. Due to their nature, estimates involve 
judgment based upon available information. Therefore, 
actual results or amounts could differ from estimates 
and the difference could have a material impact on the 
consolidated financial statements.

We consider the following to be our critical accounting 
policies that involve significant estimates or judgments.

In the normal course of our business, we sponsor and 
manage various types of investment vehicles. For our 
services, we are entitled to receive management fees and 
may be eligible, under certain circumstances, to receive 
additional subordinate management fees or other incentive 
fees. Our exposure to risk in these entities is generally limited 
to any equity investment we have made or are required to 
make, and any earned but uncollected management fees. 
Uncollected management fees from managed investment 
vehicles were not material at March 31, 2015, we have not 
issued any investment performance guarantees to these 
investment vehicles or their investors, and we did not sell 
or transfer assets to any of these investment vehicles. 
In accordance with financial accounting standards, we 
consolidate certain sponsored investment vehicles,  
some of which are designated as CIVs.

Certain investment vehicles we sponsor and are the 
manager of are considered to be variable interest entities 
(“VIEs”) (further described below) while others are 
considered to be voting rights entities (“VREs”) subject 
to traditional consolidation concepts based on ownership 
rights. Investment vehicles that are considered VREs are 
consolidated if we have a controlling financial interest in 
the investment vehicle, absent substantive investor rights 
to replace the manager of the entity (kick-out rights). 
We may also fund the initial cash investment in certain 
VRE investment vehicles to generate an investment 
performance track record in order to attract third-party 
investors in the product. Our initial investment in a new 
product typically represents 100% of the ownership in that 
product. As further discussed below, these “seed capital 
investments” are consolidated as long as we maintain a 
controlling financial interest in the product, but they are not 
designated as CIVs unless the investment is longer-term.

A VIE is an entity which does not have adequate equity 
to finance its activities without additional subordinated 
financial support; or the equity investors, as a group,  
do not have the normal characteristics of equity for a 
potential controlling financial interest.

Investment Company VIEs

For most sponsored investment funds deemed to be 
investment companies, including money market funds,  
we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE if  
we absorb a majority of the VIE’s expected losses, or 
receive a majority of the VIE’s expected residual returns, 
if any. Our determination of expected residual returns 
excludes gross fees paid to a decision maker if certain 
criteria are met. In determining whether we are the primary 
beneficiary of an investment company VIE, we consider 

45

Legg Mason AR2015both qualitative and quantitative factors such as the voting 
rights of the equity holders; economic participation of 
all parties, including how fees are earned and paid to us; 
related party (including employees’) ownership; guarantees 
and implied relationships.

In determining the primary beneficiary, we must make 
assumptions and estimates about, among other things,  
the future performance of the underlying assets held by  
the VIE, including investment returns, cash flows, and  
credit and interest rate risks. In determining whether a VIE 
is significant for disclosure purposes, we consider the same 
factors used for determination of the primary beneficiary.

Other VIEs

For other sponsored investment funds that do not meet  
the investment company criteria, such as collateralized 
debt obligation entities and CLO entities, we determine  
on a fund by fund basis if we are the primary beneficiary  
of a VIE if we have both the power to direct the activities  
of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s 
economic performance, the obligation to absorb losses, 
or the right to receive benefits, that potentially could be 
significant to the VIE. We consider the management 
fee structure, including the seniority level of our fees, 
the current and expected economic performance of the 
entity, as well as other provisions included in the governing 
documents that might restrict or guarantee an expected 
loss or residual return.

In evaluating whether we have the obligation to absorb 
losses, or the right to receive benefits, that could potentially 
be significant to a VIE, we consider factors regarding 
the design, terms, and characteristics of the investment 
vehicles, including the following qualitative factors: if we 
have involvement with the investment vehicle beyond 
providing management services; if we hold equity or debt 
interests in the investment vehicle; if we have transferred 
any assets to the investment vehicle; if the potential 
aggregate fees in future periods are insignificant relative 
to the potential cash flows of the investment vehicle; and 
if the variability of the expected fees in relation to the 
potential cash flows of the investment vehicle is more  
than insignificant.

We must consolidate any VIE for which we are deemed  
to be the primary beneficiary.

See Notes 1, 3 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional discussion of CIVs and other VIEs.

Revenue Recognition

The vast majority of our revenues are calculated as a 
percentage of the fair value of our AUM. The underlying 

securities within the portfolios we manage, which are not 
reflected within our consolidated financial statements, are 
generally valued as follows: (i) with respect to securities for 
which market quotations are readily available, the market 
value of such securities; and (ii) with respect to other 
securities and assets, fair value as determined in good faith.

For most of our mutual funds and other pooled products, 
their boards of directors or similar bodies are responsible for 
establishing policies and procedures related to the pricing 
of securities. Each board of directors generally delegates 
the execution of the various functions related to pricing 
to a fund valuation committee which, in turn, may rely 
on information from various parties in pricing securities 
such as independent pricing services, the fund accounting 
agent, the fund manager, broker-dealers, and others (or a 
combination thereof). The funds have controls reasonably 
designed to ensure that the prices assigned to securities 
they hold are accurate. Management has established 
policies to ensure consistency in the application of  
revenue recognition.

As manager and advisor for separate accounts, we are 
generally responsible for the pricing of securities held 
in client accounts (or may share this responsibility with 
others) and have established policies to govern valuation 
processes similar to those discussed above for mutual 
funds that are reasonably designed to ensure consistency in 
the application of revenue recognition. Management relies 
extensively on the data provided by independent pricing 
services and the custodians in the pricing of separate 
account AUM. Separate account customers typically  
select the custodian.

Valuation processes for AUM are dependent on the nature 
of the assets and any contractual provisions with our 
clients. Equity securities under management for which 
market quotations are available are usually valued at the 
last reported sales price or official closing price on the 
primary market or exchange on which they trade. Debt 
securities under management are usually valued at bid, or 
the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices, 
provided by independent pricing services that are based 
on transactions in debt obligations, quotations from bond 
dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and 
various other relationships between securities. Short-term 
debt obligations are generally valued at amortized cost, 
which approximates fair value. The vast majority of our 
AUM is valued based on data from third parties such as 
independent pricing services, fund accounting agents, 
custodians and brokers. This varies slightly from time to 
time based upon the underlying composition of the asset 
class (equity, fixed income and liquidity) as well as the 
actual underlying securities in the portfolio within each 

46

Legg Mason AR2015asset class. Regardless of the valuation process or pricing 
source, we have established controls reasonably designed 
to assess the reasonableness of the prices provided. Where 
market prices are not readily available, or are determined 
not to reflect fair value, value may be determined in 
accordance with established valuation procedures based 
on, among other things, unobservable inputs. Management 
fees on AUM where fair values are based on unobservable 
inputs are not material. As of March 31, 2015, equity, fixed 
income and liquidity AUM values aggregated $199.4 billion, 
$376.1 billion and $127.2 billion, respectively.

As the vast majority of our AUM is valued by independent 
pricing services based upon observable market prices 
or inputs, we believe market risk is the most significant 
risk underlying the value of our AUM. Economic events 
and financial market turmoil have increased market price 
volatility; however, the valuation of the vast majority of 
the securities held by our funds and in separate accounts 
continues to be derived from readily available market price 
quotations. As of March 31, 2015, less than 1% of total 
AUM is valued based on unobservable inputs.

Valuation of Financial Instruments

Substantially all financial instruments are reflected in 
the financial statements at fair value or amounts that 
approximate fair value, except a portion of our long-term 
debt. Trading investments, investment securities and 
derivative assets and liabilities included in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets include forms of financial instruments. 
Unrealized gains and losses related to these financial 
instruments are reflected in Net Income (Loss) or Other 
Comprehensive Income (Loss), depending on the 
underlying purpose of the instrument.

For equity investments where we do not control the 
investee, and where we are not the primary beneficiary 
of a variable interest entity, but can exert significant 
influence over the financial and operating policies of the 
investee, we follow the equity method of accounting. 
The evaluation of whether we exert control or significant 
influence over the financial and operational policies of an 
investee requires significant judgment based on the facts 
and circumstances surrounding each individual investment. 
Factors considered in these evaluations may include 
investor voting or other rights, any influence we may have 
on the governing board of the investee, the legal rights of 
other investors in the entity pursuant to the fund’s operating 
documents and the relationship between us and other 
investors in the entity. Substantially all of our equity method 
investees are investment companies which record their 
underlying investments at fair value. Therefore, under the 
equity method of accounting, our share of the investee’s 
underlying net income or loss predominantly represents  

fair value adjustments in the investments held by the equity 
method investee. Our share of the investee’s net income or 
loss is based on the most current information available and 
is recorded as a net gain (loss) on investments within non-
operating income (expense).

For investments, we value equity and fixed income 
securities using closing market prices for listed instruments 
or broker or dealer price quotations, when available. Fixed 
income securities may also be valued using valuation 
models and estimates based on spreads to actively traded 
benchmark debt instruments with readily available market 
prices. We evaluate our non-trading investment securities 
for “other than temporary” impairment. Impairment may 
exist when the fair value of an investment security has 
been below the adjusted cost for an extended period 
of time. If an “other than temporary” impairment is 
determined to exist, the difference between the adjusted 
cost of the investment security and its current fair value is 
recognized as a charge to earnings in the period in which 
the impairment is determined.

For investments in illiquid or privately-held securities for 
which market prices or quotations are not readily available, 
the determination of fair value requires us to estimate 
the value of the securities using a variety of methods and 
resources, including the most current available financial 
information for the investment and the industry. As of 
both March 31, 2015 and 2014, excluding investments in 
CIVs, we owned approximately $0.3 million of financial 
investments that were valued on our assumptions or 
estimates and unobservable inputs.

At March 31, 2015 and 2014, we also had approximately 
$62.9 million and $87.4 million, respectively, of other 
investments, such as investment partnerships, that are 
included in Other noncurrent assets on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets, of which approximately $48.3 million 
and $63.0 million, respectively, are accounted for under 
the equity method. The remainder is accounted for under 
the cost method, which considers if factors indicate there 
may be an impairment in the value of these investments. 
In addition, as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $16.2 
million and $22.6 million, respectively, of equity method 
investments that are included in Investment securities on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and 
disclosures defines fair value and establishes a framework 
for measuring fair value. The accounting guidance defines 
fair value as the exchange price that would be received 
for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or 
most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants on the 

47

Legg Mason AR2015measurement date. A fair value measurement should 
reflect all of the assumptions that market participants would 
use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions 
about the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique, 
the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset,  
and the risk of non-performance.

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements 
establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs for 
valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The  
fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted 
prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities  
and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs.

Our financial instruments measured and reported  
at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the  
following categories:

•  Level 1 — Financial instruments for which prices 

are quoted in active markets, which, for us, include 
investments in publicly traded mutual funds with quoted 
market prices and equities listed in active markets.

•  Level 2 — Financial instruments for which prices are 

quoted for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; 
prices are quoted for identical or similar assets in inactive 
markets; or prices are based on observable inputs, other 
than quoted prices, such as models or other valuation 
methodologies. For us, this category may include 
repurchase agreements, fixed income securities and 
certain proprietary fund products. This category also 
includes CLO loans and derivative liabilities of a CIV.

•  Level 3 — Financial instruments for which values are 

based on unobservable inputs, including those for which 
there is little or no market activity. This category includes 
investments in partnerships, limited liability companies, 
private equity funds and CLO debt of a CIV. This category 
may also include certain proprietary fund products with 
redemption restrictions.

The valuation of an asset or liability may involve inputs  
from more than one level of the hierarchy. The level in the 
fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement 
in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level 
input that is significant to the fair value measurement  
in its entirety.

Proprietary fund products and certain investments held  
by CIVs are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) determined 
by the fund administrator. These funds are typically invested 
in exchange traded investments with observable market 
prices. Their valuations may be classified as Level 1, Level  
2 or Level 3 based on whether the fund is exchange traded, 
the frequency of the related NAV determinations and the 

impact of redemption restrictions. For investments in illiquid 
and privately-held securities (private equity and investment 
partnerships) for which market prices or quotations may 
not be readily available, including certain investments 
held by CIVs, management must estimate the value of 
the securities using a variety of methods and resources, 
including the most current available financial information 
for the investment and the industry to which it applies in 
order to determine fair value. These valuation processes 
for illiquid and privately-held securities inherently require 
management’s judgment and are therefore classified  
in Level 3.

Futures contracts are valued at the last settlement price 
at the end of each day on the exchange upon which they 
are traded and are classified as Level 1.

As a practical expedient, we rely on the NAVs of certain 
investments as their fair value. The NAVs that have been 
provided by investees are derived from the fair values  
of the underlying investments as of the reporting date.

As of March 31, 2015, approximately 1% of total assets  
(8% of financial assets measured at fair value) and 4% of 
total liabilities (30% of financial liabilities measured at fair 
value) meet the definition of Level 3. Excluding the assets 
and liabilities of CIVs, approximately 1% of total assets  
(7% of financial assets measured at fair value) and 4%  
of liabilities (30% of financial liabilities measured at fair 
value) meet the definition of Level 3.

Any transfers between categories are measured  
at the beginning of the period.

See Note 3 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional information.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Balances as of March 31, 2015, are as follows 
(in thousands):

Amortizable intangible asset management contracts $

21,729

Indefinite-life intangible assets

Trade names

Goodwill

3,232,271

59,334

1,339,510

$ 4,652,844

Our identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of asset 
management contracts, contracts to manage proprietary 
mutual funds or funds-of-hedge funds, and trade names 
resulting from acquisitions. Asset management contracts 
are amortizable intangible assets that are capitalized at 

48

Legg Mason AR2015acquisition and amortized over the expected life of the 
contract. Contracts to manage proprietary mutual funds  
or funds-of-hedge funds are indefinite-life intangible assets 
because we assume that there is no foreseeable limit 
on the contract period due to the likelihood of continued 
renewal at little or no cost. Similarly, trade names are 
considered indefinite-life intangible assets because they  
are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.

In allocating the purchase price of an acquisition to 
intangible assets, we must determine the fair value of  
the assets acquired. We determine fair values of intangible 
assets acquired based upon projected future cash flows, 
which take into consideration estimates and assumptions 
including profit margins, growth or attrition rates for 
acquired contracts based upon historical experience and 
other factors, estimated contract lives, discount rates, 
projected net client flows and market performance. The 
determination of estimated contract lives requires judgment 
based upon historical client turnover and attrition rates and 
the probability that contracts with termination provisions 
will be renewed. The discount rate employed is a weighted-
average cost of capital that takes into consideration a 
premium representing the degree of risk inherent in  
the asset, as more fully described below.

Goodwill represents the residual amount of acquisition  
cost in excess of identified tangible and intangible assets 
and assumed liabilities.

Given the relative significance of our intangible assets 
and goodwill to our consolidated financial statements, 
on a quarterly basis we consider if triggering events 
have occurred that may indicate a significant change 
in fair values. Triggering events may include significant 
adverse changes in our business or the legal or regulatory 
environment, loss of key personnel, significant business 
dispositions, or other events, including changes in 
economic arrangements with our affiliates that will impact 
future operating results. If a triggering event has occurred, 
we perform quantitative tests, which include critical reviews 
of all significant assumptions, to determine if any intangible 
assets or goodwill are impaired. If we have not qualitatively 
concluded that it is more likely than not that the respective 
fair values exceed the related carrying values, we perform 
these tests for indefinite-life intangible assets and goodwill 
annually at December 31.

We completed our annual impairment tests of goodwill 
and indefinite-life intangible assets as of December 31, 
2014, and determined that there was no impairment in the 
value of these assets as of December 31, 2014. Further, no 
impairments in the values of amortizable intangible assets 
were recognized during the year ended March 31, 2015,  
as our estimates of the related future cash flows exceeded 

the asset carrying values. We have also determined that 
no triggering events have occurred as of March 31, 2015, 
therefore, no additional indefinite-life intangible asset and 
goodwill impairment testing was necessary. As a result of 
uncertainty regarding future market conditions, assessing 
the fair value of the reporting unit and intangible assets 
requires management to exercise significant judgment.

The acquisition of Martin Currie by Legg Mason resulted 
in the addition of an indefinite-life mutual fund contracts 
asset, an amortizable separate accounts asset, a trade 
name asset and goodwill of $135 million, $15 million, $7 
million, and $158 million (£84 million, £9 million, £4 million, 
and £98 million), respectively, using the foreign exchange 
rate as of October 1, 2014. Because the fair values of the 
Martin Currie indefinite-life mutual fund contracts asset 
and amortizable separate accounts asset fair values were 
established as of the October 1, 2014 acquisition date, our 
December 31, 2014 impairment consideration was limited 
to a review of AUM trends and other critical valuation 
inputs, which noted no significant changes.

Amortizable Intangible Assets

Intangible assets subject to amortization are considered for 
impairment at each reporting period using an undiscounted 
cash flow analysis. Significant assumptions used in 
assessing the recoverability of management contract 
intangible assets include projected cash flows generated 
by the contracts and the remaining lives of the contracts. 
Projected cash flows are based on fees generated by 
current AUM for the applicable contracts. Contracts are 
generally assumed to turnover evenly throughout the life of 
the intangible asset. The remaining life of the asset is based 
upon factors such as average client retention and client 
turnover rates. If the amortization periods are no longer 
appropriate, the expected lives are adjusted and the impact 
on the fair value is assessed. Actual cash flows in any one 
period may vary from the projected cash flows without 
resulting in an impairment charge because a variance  
in any one period must be considered in conjunction with 
other assumptions that impact projected cash flows.

The estimated remaining useful lives of amortizable 
intangible assets currently range from four to 12 years 
with a weighted-average life of approximately 9.3 years.

Indefinite-life Intangible Assets

For intangible assets with lives that are indeterminable 
or indefinite, fair value is determined from a market 
participant’s perspective based on projected discounted 
cash flows, taking into account the values market 
participants would pay in a taxable transaction to acquire 
the respective assets. We have two primary types  
of indefinite-life intangible assets: proprietary fund  
contracts and, to a lesser extent, trade names.

49

Legg Mason AR2015We determine the fair value of our intangible assets based 
upon discounted projected cash flows, which take into 
consideration estimates of future fees, profit margins, 
growth rates, taxes, and discount rates. The determination 
of the fair values of our indefinite-life intangible assets is 
highly dependent on these estimates and changes in these 
inputs could result in a material impairment of the related 
carrying values. An asset is determined to be impaired if the 
current implied fair value is less than the recorded carrying 
value of the asset. If an asset is impaired, the difference 
between the current implied fair value and the carrying 
value of the asset reflected on the financial statements  
is recognized as an Operating expense in the period in 
which the impairment is determined to exist.

Contracts that are managed and operated as a single unit, 
such as contracts within the same family of funds, are 
reviewed in aggregate and are considered interchangeable 
because investors can transfer between funds with limited 
restrictions. Similarly, cash flows generated by new funds 
added to the fund group are included when determining the 
fair value of the intangible asset. The Fauchier acquisition 
completed by Permal in March 2013 included a funds-of-
hedge fund business, which, as intended, has been merged 
with the existing Permal fund business through common 
management, shared resources (including infrastructure, 
employees and processes) and co-branding initiatives. 
Accordingly, the related carrying values and cash flows of 
these funds have been aggregated for impairment testing.

Projected cash flows are based on annualized cash flows 
for the applicable contracts projected forward 40 years, 
assuming annual cash flow growth from estimated net 
client flows and projected market performance. To estimate 
the projected cash flows, projected growth rates by 
affiliate are used to project their AUM. Cash flow growth 
rates consider estimates of both AUM flows and market 
expectations by asset class (equity, fixed income and 
liquidity) and by investment manager based upon, among 
other things, historical experience and expectations of 
future market and investment performance from internal 
and external sources. Currently, our market growth 
assumptions are 6% for equity, 3% for fixed income,  
and 0% for liquidity products, with a general assumption  
of 2% organic growth for all products, subject to exceptions 
for organic growth (contraction) in near-term periods.

The starting point for these assumptions is our corporate 
planning process that includes three-year AUM projections 
from the management of each operating affiliate that 
consider the specific business circumstances of each 
affiliate, with near-year flow assumptions for certain 
affiliates adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect a market 
participant view. Beyond year three, the estimates move 
towards our general organic growth assumption of 2%,  
as appropriate for each affiliate and asset class, through 

year 20. The resulting cash flow growth rate for year 20 
is held constant and used to further project cash flows 
through year 40. Based on projected AUM by affiliate 
and asset class, affiliate advisory fee rates are applied to 
determine projected revenues. The domestic mutual fund 
contracts projected revenues are applied to a weighted-
average margin for the applicable affiliates that manage 
the AUM. Margins are based on arrangements currently  
in place at each affiliate. Projected operating income is 
further reduced by an appropriate tax rate to calculate  
the projected cash flows.

We believe our growth assumptions are reasonable given 
our consideration of multiple inputs, including internal and 
external sources, although our assumptions are subject 
to change based on fluctuations in our actual results and 
market conditions. Our assumptions are also subject to 
change due to, among other factors, poor investment 
performance by one or more of our operating affiliates, the 
withdrawal of AUM by clients, changes in business climate, 
adverse regulatory actions, or loss of key personnel. We 
consider these risks in the development of our growth 
assumptions and discount rates, discussed further below. 
Further, actual cash flows in any one period may vary from 
the projected cash flows without resulting in an impairment 
charge because a variance in any one period must be 
considered in conjunction with other assumptions that 
impact projected cash flows.

Our process includes comparison of actual results to 
prior growth projections. However, differences between 
actual results and our prior projections are not necessarily 
indicative of a need to reassess our estimates given that: 
our discounted projected cash flow analyses include 
projections well beyond three years and variances in the 
near-years may be offset in subsequent years; fair value 
assessments are point-in-time, and the consistency of a  
fair value assessment with other indicators of value that 
reflect expectations of market participants at that point-in-
time is critical evidence of the soundness of the estimate  
of value. In subsequent periods, we consider the 
differences in actual results from our prior projections  
in considering the reasonableness of the growth 
assumptions used in our current impairment testing.

Discount rates are based on appropriately weighted 
estimated costs of debt and equity capital using a market 
participant perspective. We estimate the cost of debt based 
on published debt rates. We estimate the cost of equity 
capital based on the Capital Asset Pricing Model, which 
considers the risk-free interest rate, peer-group betas,  
and company and equity risk premiums. The equity risk  
is further adjusted to consider the relative risk associated 
with each Legg Mason indefinite-life intangible asset and 
our reporting unit. The discount rates are also calibrated 
based on an assessment of relevant market values.

50

Legg Mason AR2015Consistent with standard valuation practices for taxable 
transactions, the projected discounted cash flow analysis 
also factors in a tax benefit value, as appropriate. This tax 
benefit represents the discounted tax savings a third party 
that purchased an asset on a given valuation date would 
receive from future tax deductions for the amortization  
of the purchase price over 15 years.

The Permal funds-of-hedge funds contracts of $698 
million account for approximately 20% of our indefinite-life 
intangible assets, and are supported by Permal’s fund-
of-hedge funds business. These funds have experienced 
outflows over recent years and increased risk associated 
with this portion of Permal’s business. The past several 
years have seen declines in the traditional high net worth 
client fund-of-hedge funds business, Permal’s historical 
focus, which Permal has offset to some extent with inflows 
in their institutional business. Further, fund-of-hedge fund 
managers are subject to certain regulatory and market 
influences, as evidenced in Permal’s growth in institutional 
funds and separate accounts, adding additional uncertainty 
to our estimates.

Based upon our projected discounted cash flow analyses, 
the fair value of the Permal funds-of-hedge funds contracts 
asset exceeded its carrying value by $88 million and 
continues to have the lowest level of excess fair value over 
carrying value of our more significant mutual fund contract 
intangible assets. Cash flows on the Permal funds-of-hedge 
funds contracts are assumed to have an average annual 
growth rate of approximately 7%. However, given current 
experience, projected cash flows reflect moderate AUM 
outflows in year one, and no net AUM flows in year two, 
trending to moderate AUM inflows in year three. Investment 
performance, including its expected impact on future asset 
flows, is a significant factor in our growth projections for 
the Permal funds-of-hedge funds contracts. Our market 
performance projections are supported by the fact that 
Permal’s two largest funds that comprise approximately 
half of the contracts asset AUM, have 10-year average 
returns approximating 5%. Our market projections are 
further supported by industry statistics. The projected cash 
flows from the Permal funds-of-hedge funds contracts are 
discounted at 14.5%, reflecting the factors noted above. 
Results for the 12 months through December 31, 2014,  
were slightly lower than the growth assumptions  
related to the Permal funds-of-hedge funds contracts  
assets impairment testing at December 31, 2013.

Assuming all other factors remain the same, our actual 
results and/or changes in assumptions for the Permal 
funds-of-hedge funds contracts cash flow projections over 
the long-term would have to deviate more than 10% from 
the previous projections, or the discount rate would have 
to be raised from 14.5% to more than 15.5%, for the asset 

to be deemed impaired. Given the relatively small excess 
of fair value over the related carrying value, and the current 
uncertainty regarding future market conditions, including 
the funds-of-hedge funds environment, as discussed 
above, it is reasonably possible that fund performance, 
flows and AUM levels may decrease in the near term such 
that actual cash flows from the Permal funds-of-hedge 
funds contracts could deviate from the projections by more 
than 10% and the asset could be deemed to be impaired  
by a material amount.

The domestic mutual fund contracts acquired in the 
Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”) transaction of $2,106 
million, account for approximately 65% of our indefinite-life 
intangible assets. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 
$157 billion of AUM, primarily managed by ClearBridge 
and Western Asset, are associated with this asset, with 
approximately 40% in equity AUM and 30% in each of long-
term fixed AUM and liquidity AUM. Although our domestic 
mutual funds overall have maintained strong recent market 
performance, previously disclosed uncertainties regarding 
market conditions and asset flows and risks related to 
potential regulatory changes in the liquidity business, are 
reflected in our projected discounted cash flow analyses. 
Based on our projected discounted cash flow analyses, 
the related fair value exceeded its carrying value by 
approximately $865 million. For our impairment test, cash 
flows from the domestic mutual fund contracts are assumed 
to have annual growth rates that average approximately 
6%, and reflect moderate AUM inflows in years 1 and 2. 
Projected cash flows of the domestic mutual fund contracts 
are discounted at 13.5%. Results for the 12 months through 
December 31, 2014, compared favorably to the growth 
assumptions related to the domestic mutual fund contracts 
asset impairment testing at December 31, 2013.

Assuming all other factors remain the same, our actual 
results and/or changes in assumptions for the domestic 
mutual fund contracts cash flow projections over the long-
term would have to deviate more than 30% from previous 
projections, or the discount rate would have to be raised 
from 13.5% to more than 16.5%, for the asset to be deemed 
impaired. Despite the higher excess of fair value over the 
related carrying value, given the current uncertainty regarding 
future market conditions, it is reasonably possible that fund 
performance, flows and AUM levels may decrease in the 
near term such that actual cash flows from the domestic 
mutual funds contracts could deviate from the projections 
by more than 30% and the asset could be deemed to be 
impaired by a material amount.

Trade names account for 2% of indefinite-life intangible 
assets and are primarily related to Permal. We tested  
these intangible assets using assumptions similar  

51

Legg Mason AR2015to those described above for indefinite-life contracts. 
The resulting fair values of the trade names significantly 
exceeded the related carrying amounts.

Discount rates are based on appropriately weighted 
estimated costs of debt using a market participant 
perspective, also consistent with the methodology 
discussed above for indefinite-life intangible assets.

Goodwill

Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level and is 
considered for impairment when the carrying amount of the 
reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting 
unit. In estimating the implied fair value of the reporting 
unit, we use valuation techniques based on discounted 
projected cash flows and EBITDA multiples, similar to 
techniques employed in analyzing the purchase price of an 
acquisition. Legg Mason continues to be managed as one 
Global Asset Management operating segment. Internal 
management reporting of discrete financial information 
regularly received by the chief operating decision maker, 
our Chief Executive Officer, is at the consolidated Global 
Asset Management business level. As a result, goodwill is 
recorded and evaluated at one Global Asset Management 
reporting unit level. Our Global Asset Management 
reporting unit consists of the operating businesses of 
our asset management affiliates and our centralized 
global distribution operations. In our impairment testing 
process, all consolidated assets (except for certain tax 
benefits) and liabilities are allocated to our single Global 
Asset Management reporting unit. Similarly, the projected 
operating results of the reporting unit include our holding 
company corporate costs and overhead, including costs 
associated with executive management, finance, human 
resources, legal and compliance, internal audit and other 
central corporate functions.

Goodwill principally originated from the acquisitions of 
CAM, Permal and Royce, and more recently Martin Currie. 
The value of the reporting unit is based in part, on projected 
consolidated net cash flows, including all cash flows of 
assets managed in our mutual funds, closed-end funds  
and other proprietary funds, in addition to separate  
account assets of our managers.

Significant assumptions used in assessing the implied fair 
value of the reporting unit under the discounted cash flow 
method are consistent with the methodology discussed 
above for indefinite-life intangible assets. Also, at the 
reporting unit level, future corporate costs are estimated 
and consolidated with the projected operating results  
of all our affiliates.

Actual cash flows in any one period may vary from the 
projected cash flows without resulting in an impairment 
charge because a variance in any one period must be 
considered in conjunction with other assumptions that 
impact projected cash flows.

We also perform a market-based valuation of our reporting 
unit value, which applies an average of EBITDA multiples 
paid in change of control transactions for peer companies 
to our EBITDA. The results of our two estimates of 
value for the reporting unit (the discounted cash flow 
and EBITDA multiple analyses) are compared and any 
significant differences, if any, are assessed to determine 
the reasonableness of each value and whether any 
adjustment to either result is warranted. Once the values 
are accepted, the appropriately weighted-average of the 
two reporting unit valuations (the discounted cash flow and 
EBITDA multiple analyses) is used as the implied fair value 
of our Global Asset Management reporting unit, which 
at December 31, 2014, exceeded the carrying value by 
a material amount. Considering the relative merits of the 
details involved in each valuation process, we used an equal 
weighting of the two values for the December 2014 testing.

We further assess the accuracy of the reporting unit value 
determined from these valuation methods by comparing 
their results to our market capitalization to determine 
an implied control premium. The reasonableness of this 
implied control premium is considered by comparing it  
to control premiums that have been paid in relevant actual 
change of control transactions. This assessment provides 
evidence that our underlying assumptions in our analyses  
of our reporting unit fair value are reasonable.

In calculating our market capitalization for these purposes, 
market volatility can have a significant impact on our 
capitalization, and if appropriate, we may consider the 
average market prices of our stock for a period of one  
or two months before the test date to determine market 
capitalization. A control premium arises from the fact that 
in an acquisition, there is typically a premium paid over 
current market prices of publicly traded companies that 
relates to the ability to control the operations of an acquired 
company. Further, assessments of control premiums in 
the asset management industry are difficult because many 
acquisitions involve privately held companies, or involve 
only portions of a public company, such that no control 
premium can be calculated.

Based on our analysis and consideration, we believe the 
implied control premium determined by our reporting unit 
value estimation at December 31, 2014, which is at the 
lower end of the observed range, is reasonable.

52

Legg Mason AR2015Contingent Consideration Liabilities

In connection with business acquisitions, we may be 
required to pay additional future consideration based on  
the achievement of certain designated financial metrics.  
We estimate the fair value of these potential future 
obligations at the time a business combination is 
consummated and record a Contingent consideration 
liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair values 
of Contingent consideration liabilities are revised as of each 
quarterly reporting date. As of March 31, 2015, the fair 
values of our Contingent consideration liabilities aggregate 
$111 million, relating to our acquisitions of Martin Currie, 
Fauchier and QS Investors.

We estimate the fair value of Contingent consideration 
liabilities using probability-weighted modeling specific 
to each business acquisition and its arrangement for 
contingent consideration. Estimated payments are 
discounted to their present value at the measurement date.

The Martin Currie purchase agreement requires us to pay 
additional consideration based on the achievement of 
certain financial metrics, as specified in the share purchase 
agreement, at certain future dates over the three and 
one-half year earn-out term. Our modeling of the Martin 
Currie contingent payment arrangement includes Monte 
Carlo simulation of projected AUM, performance fees and 
product performance to determine the related estimated 
payment amounts. If the expected payment amounts 
subsequently change, the Contingent consideration 
liabilities are (reduced) or increased in the current period, 
resulting in a (gain) or loss, which is reflected within Other 
operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income. Significant increases (decreases) in projected AUM 
or performance fee levels for Martin Currie would result in 
significantly higher (lower) Contingent consideration liability 
fair value and the resulting changes could be material to our 
operating results. The Fauchier and QS Investors purchase 
agreements require us to pay additional consideration based 
on whether certain future revenue thresholds are achieved. 
Likewise, significant increases (decreases) in projected 
revenue levels for Fauchier or QS Investors would result  
in significantly higher (lower) Contingent consideration 
liability fair value and the resulting changes could be 
material to our operating results.

Stock-based Compensation

Our stock-based compensation plans include stock 
options, an employee stock purchase plan, market-based 
performance shares payable in common stock, restricted 
stock awards and units, affiliate management equity plans 
and deferred compensation payable in stock. Under our 
stock compensation plans, we issue equity awards to 
directors, officers, and key employees.

In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, 
compensation expense for the years ended March 31, 
2015, 2014 and 2013, includes compensation cost for 
all non-vested share-based awards at their grant date 
fair value amortized over the respective vesting periods 
on the straight-line method. Also, under the accounting 
guidance, cash flows related to income tax deductions 
in excess of or less than the stock-based compensation 
expense are classified as financing cash flows.

We granted 0.9 million, 1.2 million, and 1.0 million stock 
options in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 
During fiscal 2014, we also implemented management 
equity plans for two of our affiliates and granted units to 
certain of their employees that entitle them to participate 
in 15% of the future growth of the respective affiliate’s 
enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts). For 
additional information on share-based compensation, see 
Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

We determine the fair value of each option grant using 
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, except for 
market-based grants, for which we use a Monte Carlo 
option-pricing model. Both models require management 
to develop estimates regarding certain input variables. 
The inputs for the Black-Scholes model include: stock 
price on the date of grant, exercise price of the option, 
dividend yield, volatility, expected life and the risk-free 
interest rate, all of which, with the exception of the 
grant date stock price and the exercise price, require 
estimates or assumptions. We calculate the dividend 
yield based upon the average of the historical quarterly 
dividend payments over a term equal to the expected life 
of the options. We estimate volatility equally weighted 
between the historical prices of our stock over a period 
equal to the expected life of the option and the implied 
volatility of market listed options at the date of grant. The 
expected life is the estimated length of time an option 
will be held before it is either exercised or canceled, 
based upon our historical option exercise experience. The 
risk-free interest rate is the rate available for zero-coupon 
U.S. Government issues with a remaining term equal 
to the expected life of the options being valued. If we 
used different methods to estimate our variables for the 
Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo models, or if we used a 
different type of option-pricing model, the fair value of 
our option grants might be different.

We also determine the fair value of affiliate management 
equity plan grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model, subject to any post-vesting illiquidity discounts. 
Inputs to the Black-Scholes model are generally deter-
mined in a fashion similar to the fair value of grants of 

53

Legg Mason AR2015options in our own stock, described above. However, 
because our affiliates are private companies without quoted 
stock prices, we utilize discounted cash flow analyses 
and market-based valuations, similar to those discussed 
above under the heading “Intangible Assets and Goodwill”, 
to determine the respective business enterprise values, 
subject to appropriate discounts for lack of control  
and marketability.

In addition, a valuation allowance was established in prior 
years for a substantial portion of our deferred tax assets 
relating to the U.K. and other foreign taxing jurisdictions. 
While tax planning may enhance our tax positions, the 
realization of tax benefits on deferred tax assets for  
which valuation allowances have not been provided  
is not dependent on implementation of any significant  
tax strategies.

Income Taxes

We are subject to the income tax laws of the federal, 
state and local jurisdictions of the U.S. and numerous 
foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. We file income 
tax returns representing our filing positions with each 
jurisdiction. Due to the inherent complexities arising from 
conducting business and being taxed in a substantial 
number of jurisdictions, we must make certain estimates 
and judgments in determining our income tax provision 
for financial statement purposes.

These estimates and judgments are used in determining 
the tax basis of assets and liabilities and in the calculation of 
certain tax assets and liabilities that arise from differences 
in the timing of revenue and expense recognition for tax  
and financial statement purposes. Management assesses 
the likelihood that we will be able to realize our deferred  
tax assets. If it is more likely than not that the deferred  
tax asset will not be realized, then a valuation allowance  
is established with a corresponding increase to deferred  
tax provision.

Substantially all of our deferred tax assets relate to U.S. 
federal and state, and U.K. taxing jurisdictions. As of March 
31, 2015, U.S. federal deferred tax assets aggregated 
$702.2 million, realization of which is expected to require 
$3.5 billion of future U.S. earnings. Deferred tax assets 
generated in U.S. jurisdictions resulting from net operating 
losses generally expire 20 years after they are generated 
and those resulting from foreign tax credits generally expire 
10 years after they are generated. Based on estimates of 
future taxable income, using assumptions consistent with 
those used in our goodwill impairment testing, it is more 
likely than not that substantially all of the current federal 
tax benefits relating to net operating losses are realizable. 
With respect to those resulting from foreign tax credit 
carryforwards, it is more likely than not that tax benefits 
relating to the utilization of approximately $40.0 million 
foreign taxes as credits will not be realized and a valuation 
allowance was established in a prior period. Except as it 
relates to Martin Currie’s deferred tax assets, no additional 
federal valuation allowance was required in fiscal 2015. 

As of March 31, 2015, U.S. state deferred tax assets 
aggregated $186.9 million. Due to limitations on the 
utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and taking 
into consideration state tax planning strategies, a valuation 
allowance of $34.6 million was established in prior  
years for state net operating loss benefits generated  
in certain jurisdictions in cases where it is not more likely 
than not that these benefits will ultimately be realized. 
A valuation allowance of $9.4 million was released in 
fiscal 2015 due to updated forecasts, state law changes, 
and planned future implementation of various tax 
planning strategies. Due to the uncertainty of future state 
apportionment factors and future effective state tax  
rates, the value of state net operating loss benefits 
ultimately realized may vary.

As of March 31, 2015, we also had a valuation allowance of 
approximately $18 million for the deferred tax assets related 
to Martin Currie entities. Of this amount, approximately 
$17 million was established as a purchase accounting 
adjustment recorded upon acquisition based on historical 
and current net operating losses of Martin Currie.

To the extent our analysis of the realization of deferred tax 
assets relies on deferred tax liabilities, we have considered 
the timing, nature and jurisdiction of reversals, as well 
as, future increases relating to the tax amortization of 
goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets. In the event 
we determine all or any portion of our deferred tax assets 
that are not already subject to a valuation allowance are 
not realizable, we will be required to establish a valuation 
allowance by a charge to the income tax provision in the 
period in which that determination is made. Depending on 
the facts and circumstances, the charge could be material 
to our earnings.

The calculation of our tax liabilities involves uncertainties  
in the application of complex tax regulations. We recognize 
liabilities for anticipated tax uncertainties in the U.S. and 
other tax jurisdictions based on our estimate of whether, 
and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due.

54

Legg Mason AR2015Recent Accounting Developments
See discussion of Recent Accounting Developments  
in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Effects of Inflation
The rate of inflation can directly affect various expenses, 
including employee compensation, communications and 
technology and occupancy, which may not be readily 
recoverable in charges for services provided by us. Further, 
to the extent inflation adversely affects the securities 
markets, it may impact revenues and recorded intangible 
asset and goodwill values. See discussion of “Market 
Risk — Revenues and Net Income (Loss)” and “Critical 
Accounting Policies — Intangible Assets and Goodwill” 
previously discussed.

Forward-looking Statements
We have made in this 2015 Annual Report, and from 
time to time may otherwise make in our public filings, 
press releases and statements by our management, 
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the 
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including 
information relating to anticipated growth in revenues, 
margins or earnings per share, anticipated changes in 
our business or in the amount of our client AUM or AUA, 
anticipated future performance of our business, including 
expected earnings per share in future periods, anticipated 
future investment performance of our affiliates, our 
expected future net client cash flows, anticipated expense 
levels, changes in expenses, the expected effects of 
acquisitions and expectations regarding financial market 
conditions. The words or phrases “can be,” “may be,” 
“expects,” “may affect,” “may depend,” “believes,” 
“estimate,” “project,” “anticipate” and similar words and 
phrases are intended to identify such forward-looking 
statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject 
to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties and 
we caution readers that any forward-looking information 
provided by or on behalf of Legg Mason is not a guarantee 
of future performance.

on Form 10-K and our other public filings, press releases 
and statements by our management. Due to such risks, 
uncertainties and other factors, we caution each person 
receiving such forward-looking information not to place 
undue reliance on such statements. Further, such forward-
looking statements speak only as of the date on which such 
statements are made, and we undertake no obligations  
to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events 
or circumstances after the date on which such statement is 
made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Our future revenues may fluctuate due to numerous 
factors, such as: the total value and composition of our 
AUM; the mix of our AUM among our affiliates, asset 
classes, client type and geography; the revenue yield  
of our AUM; the volatility and general level of securities  
prices and interest rates; the relative investment 
performance of company-sponsored investment funds  
and other asset management products both in absolute 
terms and relative to competing offerings and market 
indices; investor sentiment and confidence; general 
economic conditions; our ability to maintain investment 
management and administrative fees at current levels; 
competitive conditions in our business; the ability to  
attract and retain key personnel and the effects of 
acquisitions, including prior acquisitions.

Our future operating results are also dependent upon  
the level of operating expenses, which are subject to 
fluctuation for the following or other reasons: variations  
in the level of compensation expense incurred as a result 
of changes in the number of total employees, competitive 
factors, changes in the percentages of revenues paid as 
compensation or other reasons; increases in distribution 
expenses; variations in expenses and capital costs, 
including depreciation, amortization and other non-cash 
charges incurred by us to maintain our administrative 
infrastructure; unanticipated costs that may be incurred by 
Legg Mason from time to time to protect client goodwill, 
to otherwise support investment products or in connection 
with litigation or regulatory proceedings; and the effects  
of acquisitions and dispositions.

Actual results may differ materially from those in forward-
looking information as a result of various factors, some 
of which are beyond our control, including but not limited 
to those discussed below and those discussed under the 
heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report 

Our business is also subject to substantial governmental 
regulation and changes in legal, regulatory, accounting, tax 
and compliance requirements that may have a substantial 
effect on our business and results of operations.

55

Legg Mason AR2015REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL 
 CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Legg Mason, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate 
internal control over financial reporting.

Legg Mason’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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America. Legg Mason’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and 
procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and 
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Legg Mason; (ii) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements 
in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and 
that receipts and expenditures of Legg Mason are being made only in accordance with authorizations 
of management and directors of Legg Mason; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding 
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of Legg Mason’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.

Management assessed the effectiveness of Legg Mason’s internal control over financial reporting as 
of March 31, 2015, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013). Based on 
that assessment, management concluded that, as of March 31, 2015, Legg Mason’s internal control 
over financial reporting is effective based on the criteria established in the COSO framework.

The effectiveness of Legg Mason’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2015, 
has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting 
firm, as stated in their report appearing herein, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the 
effectiveness of Legg Mason’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2015.

Joseph A. Sullivan

Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer

Peter H. Nachtwey

Senior Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

56

Legg Mason AR2015REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  
 PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Legg Mason, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated 
statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and 
cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Legg Mason, Inc. and 
its subsidiaries (“the Company”) at March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2015 
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 
Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control 
over financial reporting as of March 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
— Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial 
statements, 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 
Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to  
express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over  
financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with  
the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over 
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements 
included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made 
by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 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 audits also included 
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe 
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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 (i) pertain to the 
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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.

Baltimore, Maryland
May 22, 2015 

57

Legg Mason AR2015CONSOLIDATED  BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

Assets

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents of consolidated investment vehicles
Restricted cash
Receivables:

Investment advisory and related fees
Other

Investment securities
Investment securities of consolidated investment vehicles
Deferred income taxes
Other
Other assets of consolidated investment vehicles

Total Current Assets
Fixed assets, net
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Investments of consolidated investment vehicles
Deferred income taxes
Other

Total Assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Accrued compensation
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Current portion of long-term debt
Contingent consideration
Other
Debt and other current liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles

Total Current Liabilities
Deferred compensation
Deferred income taxes
Contingent consideration
Other
Long-term debt
Total Liabilities
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Consolidated investment vehicles
Affiliate management equity plan interests
Total Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Stockholders’ Equity

March 31,

2015

2014

$

669,552
2,808
32,114

$

858,022
56,372
13,455

368,399
118,850
454,735
48,000
169,706
51,750
6,121
1,922,035
179,606
3,313,334
1,339,510
–
161,978
157,514
$ 7,073,977

$

400,245
208,210
–
22,276
177,879
6,436
815,046
51,706
362,209
88,508
167,998
1,058,089
2,543,556

348,633
68,186
467,726
50,463
186,147
47,677
31,910
2,128,591
189,241
3,171,773
1,240,523
31,810
165,705
183,706
$ 7,111,349

$

425,466
214,819
438
–
91,586
88,936
821,245
49,618
265,583
29,553
136,656
1,038,826
2,341,481

38,498
7,022
45,520

43,328
1,816
45,144

Common stock, par value $.10; authorized 500,000,000 shares; issued 111,469,142  

11,147

11,717

shares in March 2015 and 117,173,639 shares in March 2014

Additional paid-in capital
Employee stock trust
Deferred compensation employee stock trust
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

Total Stockholders’ Equity

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

58

2,844,441
(29,570)
29,570
1,690,055
(60,742)
4,484,901
$ 7,073,977

$

3,148,396
(29,922)
29,922
1,526,662
37,949
4,724,724
7,111,349

Legg Mason AR2015CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Operating Revenues

Investment advisory fees:

Separate accounts

Funds

Performance fees

Distribution and service fees

Other

Total Operating Revenues

Operating Expenses

Compensation and benefits

Distribution and servicing

Communications and technology

Occupancy

Amortization of intangible assets

Impairment charges

Other

Total Operating Expenses

Operating Income (Loss)

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

824,211

$

777,420

$

730,326

1,544,494

1,501,278

1,446,066

83,519

361,188

5,694

107,087

347,598

8,374

98,568

330,480

7,210

2,819,106

2,741,757

2,612,650

1,232,770

1,210,387

1,188,470

594,788

182,438

109,708

2,625

–

619,070

157,872

115,234

12,314

–

198,558

195,987

600,644

149,645

171,941

14,019

734,000

188,430

2,320,887

2,310,864

3,047,149

498,219

430,893

(434,499)

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Interest income

Interest expense

Other income (expense), net, including debt extinguishment losses  

of $107,074 in July 2014 and $68,975 in May 2012

Other non-operating income (expense) of consolidated investment vehicles, net

Total Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

Income tax provision (benefit)

Net Income (Loss)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

7,440

(58,274)

(85,280)

5,888

(130,226)

367,993

125,284

242,709

5,629

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

237,080

Net Income (Loss) per Share Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Shareholders:

Basic

Diluted

  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

$

$

2.06

2.04

6,367

(52,911)

32,818

2,474

(11,252)

419,641

137,805

281,836

(2,948)

7,590

(62,919)

(17,958)

(2,821)

(76,108)

(510,607)

(150,859)

(359,748)

(6,421)

$

$

$

284,784

$ (353,327)

2.34

2.33

$

$

(2.65)

(2.65)

59

Legg Mason AR2015CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in thousands)

Net Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss):

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:

Unrealized holding losses, net of tax benefit  

of $3, $123 and $1, respectively

Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (loss)

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities

Net actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plan

Unrealized gains on reverse treasury rate lock, net of tax provision of $233

Reclassification for realized gain on termination of reverse  

treasury rate lock, net of tax provision of $233

Reclassification to assets held for sale

Total other comprehensive loss

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

242,709

$

281,836

$

(359,748)

(88,982)

(9,424)

(23,945)

(5)

5

–

(9,595)

405

(405)

(114)

(98,691)

144,018

5,629

(184)

18

(166)

–

–

–

–

(1)

13

12

–

–

–

–

(9,590)

272,246

(2,948)

(23,933)

(383,681)

(6,421)

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

138,389

$

275,194

$

(377,260)

  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

60

Legg Mason AR2015CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF  CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)

Common Stock

Beginning balance
Stock options and other stock-based compensation
Deferred compensation employee stock trust
Deferred compensation, net
Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions
Shares repurchased and retired
Ending balance

Additional Paid-In Capital

Beginning balance
Stock options and other stock-based compensation
Deferred compensation employee stock trust
Deferred compensation, net
Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions
Shares repurchased and retired
Redeemable noncontrolling interest reclassification  

for affiliate management equity plans

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

11,717
74
5
91
(47)
(693)
11,147

12,534
83
5
118
(55)
(968)
11,717

13,987
8
8
192
(41)
(1,620)
12,534

3,148,396
31,910
2,218
45,019
(22,067)
(355,829)
(5,206)

3,449,190
29,537
1,779
48,143
(19,409)
(359,028)
(1,816)

3,864,216
5,198
1,803
44,246
(11,303)
(423,855)
–

Allocation from 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes repurchase, net of tax
Ending balance

–
2,844,441

–
3,148,396

(31,115)
3,449,190

Employee Stock Trust
Beginning balance
Shares issued to plans
Distributions and forfeitures
Ending balance

Deferred Compensation Employee Stock Trust

Beginning balance
Shares issued to plans
Distributions and forfeitures
Ending balance
Retained Earnings
Beginning balance
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.
Dividends declared
Ending balance

Appropriated Retained Earnings for Consolidated Investment Vehicle

Beginning balance
Net income reclassified to appropriated retained earnings
Ending balance

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net

Beginning balance
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities
Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plan
Reclassification to assets held for sale
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Ending balance

Total Stockholders’ Equity

  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(29,922)
(2,223)
2,575
(29,570)

29,922
2,223
(2,575)
29,570

(32,623)
(1,784)
4,485
(29,922)

32,623
1,784
(4,485)
29,922

(32,419)
(1,811)
1,607
(32,623)

32,419
1,811
(1,607)
32,623

1,526,662
237,080
(73,687)
1,690,055

1,304,259
284,784
(62,381)
1,526,662

1,715,395
(353,327)
(57,809)
1,304,259

–
–
–

4,829
(4,829)
–

12,221
(7,392)
4,829

37,949
–
(9,595)
(114)
(88,982)
(60,742)
$ 4,484,901

47,539
(166)
–
–
(9,424)
37,949
$ 4,724,724

71,472
12
–
–
(23,945)
47,539
$ 4,818,351

61

Legg Mason AR2015CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF  CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net Income (Loss)

Senior Notes:

Loss on extinguishments

Allocation of redemption payments

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

Impairment of intangible assets

Depreciation and amortization

Imputed interest for 2.5% Convertible Senior Notes

Accretion and amortization of securities discounts and premiums, net

Stock-based compensation

Net gains on investments

Net (gains) losses of consolidated investment vehicles

Deferred income taxes

Other

Decrease (increase) in assets:

Investment advisory and related fees receivable

Net sales (purchases) of trading and other investments

Other receivables

Other assets

Other assets of consolidated investment vehicles

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

Accrued compensation

Deferred compensation

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Other liabilities

Other liabilities of consolidated investment vehicles

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

242,709

$

281,836

$

(359,748)

107,074

(98,418)

–

–

–

–

55,086

62,845

–

4,275

66,245

(13,912)

(1,308)

100,387

(12,939)

(28,668)

47,357

19,547

(9,936)

114,934

(17,727)

10,314

(14,763)

1,182

(3,321)

–

3,037

66,488

(26,805)

(643)

118,430

3,276

(2,061)

(44,293)

14,105

(24,042)

(62,916)

76,968

(7,191)

319

(18,310)

(3,719)

68,975

(216,038)

734,000

87,848

5,839

3,295

58,983

(43,684)

5,358

(157,355)

1,725

(11,045)

189,347

(9,712)

(1,605)

(14,378)

(54,964)

(530)

8,690

3,112

5,219

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$

568,118

$

437,324

$

303,332

62

Legg Mason AR2015CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF  CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(Dollars in thousands)

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Payments for fixed assets

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Proceeds from sale of businesses and assets

Change in restricted cash

Purchases of investment securities

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities

Purchases of investments by consolidated investment vehicles

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments  

by consolidated investment vehicles

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

(45,773)

$

(40,452)

$

(38,351)

(183,747)

47,001

(25,571)

(2,641)

2,688

–

–

–

(55,277)

1,351

(5,801)

(4,335)

4,306

(17,328)

199,886

–

(7,245)

(5,787)

5,272

(98,374)

188,739

Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

(208,043)

137,627

(11,023)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Repayments of debt

(645,780)

(500,439)

(1,299,218)

Repayment of long-term debt of consolidated investment vehicles

(79,179)

(133,047)

(75,561)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

Debt issuance costs

Issuances of common stock for stock-based compensation

Employee tax withholdings by settlement of net share transactions

Repurchases of common stock

Dividends paid

Net (redemptions/distributions paid to)/subscriptions received  

from noncontrolling interests

Cash Used in Financing Activities

Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

658,769

393,740

1,143,246

(5,250)

24,288

(22,114)

(3,940)

25,603

(19,464)

(10,289)

1,986

(11,302)

(356,522)

(359,996)

(425,516)

(70,815)

(10,459)

(61,966)

20,438

(55,250)

(3,993)

(507,062)

(639,071)

(735,897)

(41,483)

(188,470)

858,022

(10,894)

(75,014)

(5,639)

(449,227)

933,036

1,382,263

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$

669,552

$

858,022

$

933,036

Supplemental Disclosure

Cash paid for:

Income taxes, net of refunds of $(865), $(13,835), and $(2,313), respectively

$

19,578

$

10,140

$

32,318

Interest

  See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

59,039

44,295

40,262

63

Legg Mason AR2015NOTES TO  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts or unless otherwise noted)

1. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation

Legg Mason, Inc. (“Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, 
“Legg Mason” or “the Company”) are principally engaged  
in providing asset management and related financial services 
to individuals, institutions, corporations and municipalities.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts 
of the Parent and its subsidiaries in which it has a controlling 
financial interest. Generally, an entity is considered to have 
a controlling financial interest when it owns a majority 
of  the voting interest in an entity. Legg Mason is also 
required to consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”) 
in which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary. See 
“Consolidation” below and Note 16 for a further discussion 
of VIEs. All material intercompany balances and transactions 
have been eliminated.

Certain amounts in prior year financial statements 
have been reclassified to conform to the current year 
presentation, including contingent consideration liabilities 
and redeemable noncontrolling interests for affiliate 
management equity plans.

All references to fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013, refer to  
Legg Mason’s fiscal year ended March 31 of that year.

Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements are prepared 
in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and 
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission, which require management to 
make assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts 
reported in the consolidated financial statements and 
accompanying notes, including revenue recognition, 
valuation of financial instruments, intangible assets and 
goodwill, stock-based compensation, income taxes, and 
consolidation. Management believes that the estimates 
used are reasonable, although actual amounts could differ 
from the estimates and the differences could have a 
material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation

In the normal course of its business, Legg Mason sponsors 
and manages various types of investment vehicles. For its 
services, Legg Mason is entitled to receive management 
fees and may be eligible, under certain circumstances, 
to receive additional subordinated management fees or 
other incentive fees. Legg Mason’s exposure to risk in 

these entities is generally limited to any equity investment 
it has made or is required to make, and any earned but 
uncollected management fees. Legg Mason did not sell 
or transfer assets to any of these investment vehicles. In 
accordance with financial accounting standards, Legg Mason 
consolidates certain sponsored investment vehicles, some 
of which are designated as consolidated investment vehicles 
(“CIVs”). The consolidation of investment vehicles has no 
impact on Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, 
Inc. and does not have a material impact on Legg Mason’s 
consolidated operating results. The change in the value 
of these CIVs, which is recorded in Other Non-Operating 
Income (Expense), is reflected in Net Income (Loss),  
net of amounts allocated to noncontrolling interests.

Certain investment vehicles Legg Mason sponsors and 
is the manager of are considered to be VIEs (as further 
described below) while others are considered to be voting 
rights entities (“VREs”) subject to traditional consolidation 
concepts based on ownership rights. Investment vehicles 
that are considered VREs are consolidated if Legg Mason 
has a controlling financial interest in the investment vehicle, 
absent substantive investor rights to replace the manager of 
the entity (kick-out rights). Legg Mason may also fund the 
initial cash investment in certain VRE investment vehicles to 
generate an investment performance track record in order 
to attract third-party investors in the product. Legg Mason’s 
initial investment in a new product typically represents 100% 
of the ownership in that product. As further discussed below, 
these “seed capital investments” are consolidated as long as 
Legg Mason maintains a controlling financial interest in the 
product, but they are not designated as CIVs by Legg Mason 
unless the investment is longer-term. Legg Mason held a 
longer-term controlling financial interest in one sponsored 
investment fund VRE, which has third-party investors and 
was consolidated and included as a CIV as of March 31, 
2014, and 2013. During fiscal 2015, Legg Mason redeemed 
a significant portion of its investment in this fund and as a 
result no longer had a controlling financial interest in the  
fund, therefore, the fund was not included as a CIV as  
of March 31, 2015.

A VIE is an entity which does not have adequate equity to 
finance its activities without additional subordinated financial 
support; or the equity investors, as a group, do not have the 
normal characteristics of equity for a potential controlling 
financial interest.

Investment Company VIEs

For most sponsored investment fund VIEs deemed to 
be investment companies, including money market funds, 

64

Legg Mason AR2015Legg Mason determines it is the primary beneficiary of  
a VIE if it absorbs a majority of the VIE’s expected losses,  
or receives a majority of the VIE’s expected residual 
returns, if any. Legg Mason’s determination of expected 
residual returns excludes gross fees paid to a decision 
maker if certain criteria relating to the fees are met. In 
determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of an 
investment company VIE, Legg Mason considers both 
qualitative and quantitative factors such as the voting rights 
of the equity holders; economic participation of all parties, 
including how fees are earned and paid to Legg Mason; 
related party (including employees) ownership;  
guarantees and implied relationships.

Legg Mason concluded it was the primary beneficiary 
of one sponsored investment fund VIE, which was 
consolidated (and designated as a CIV) as of March 31, 
2015, 2014, and 2013, despite significant third party 
investments in this product. As of March 31, 2015, and 
2014, Legg Mason also concluded it was the primary 
beneficiary of 17 employee-owned funds it sponsors, 
which were consolidated and reported as CIVs.

Other VIEs

For other sponsored investment funds that do not meet 
the investment company criteria, Legg Mason determines 
on a fund by fund basis if it is the primary beneficiary of a 
VIE if it has both the power to direct the activities of the 
VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic 
performance; and the obligation to absorb losses, or the 
right to receive benefits, that potentially could be significant 
to the VIE.

As of March 31, 2015, Legg Mason had a variable interest in 
three collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”). Legg Mason 
concluded it was not the primary beneficiary of these CLOs, 
which were not consolidated, as it holds no equity interest 
in these investment vehicles and the level of fees they are 
estimated to pay to Legg Mason is insignificant. As of March 
31, 2014 and 2013, Legg Mason had a variable interest in two 
of these CLOs, which also were not consolidated in either  
of those periods.

As of March 31, 2014 and 2013, Legg Mason concluded 
that it was the primary beneficiary of another CLO in which 
it held a variable interest. Although it held no equity interest 
in this investment vehicle, it had both the power to control 
and had a significant variable interest because of the level of 
its expected subordinated fees. As of March 31, 2014 and 
2013, the balances related to this CLO were consolidated 
and reported as a CIV in the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements. During the three months ended June 
30, 2014, this CLO was substantially liquidated and therefore 
was not consolidated by Legg Mason as of, or subsequent 
to, June 30, 2014.

Legg Mason’s investment in CIVs as of March 31, 2015 
and 2014 was $15,553 and $39,434, respectively, which 
represents its maximum risk of loss, excluding uncollected 
advisory fees, which were not material. The assets of these 
CIVs are primarily comprised of investment securities. 
Investors and creditors of these CIVs have no recourse 
to the general credit or assets of Legg Mason beyond its 
investment in these funds.

See Note 16 for additional information regarding VIEs  
and VREs.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original 
maturities of 90 days or less.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash represents long-term escrow deposits,  
cash collateral required for market hedge arrangements,  
and other cash that is not available to Legg Mason for  
general corporate use.

Financial Instruments

Substantially all financial instruments are reflected in 
the financial statements at fair value or amounts that 
approximate fair value, except Legg Mason’s long-term 
debt not designated for a hedging transaction.

As discussed above in “Consolidation,” seed capital 
investments in proprietary fund products are initially 
consolidated and the individual securities within the portfolio 
are accounted for as trading investments. Legg Mason 
consolidates these products as long as it holds a controlling 
financial interest in the product. Upon deconsolidation, 
which typically occurs after several years, Legg Mason 
accounts for its investments in proprietary fund products 
as equity method investments (further described below) 
if its ownership is between 20% and 50%, or it otherwise 
has the ability to significantly influence the financial and 
operating policies of the investee. For partnerships and 
LLCs, where third-party investors may have less ability 
to influence operations, the equity method of accounting 
is considered if Legg Mason’s ownership is greater than 
3%. Changes in the fair value of proprietary fund products 
classified as trading or equity method investments are 
recognized in Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)  
on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Legg Mason generally redeems its investment in proprietary 
fund products when the related product establishes a 
sufficient track record, when third-party investments in 
the related product are sufficient to sustain the strategy, or 
when a decision is made to no longer pursue the strategy. 
The length of time Legg Mason holds a majority interest in a 
product varies based on a number of factors, such as market 
demand, market conditions and investment performance.

65

Legg Mason AR2015See Notes 3 and 16 for additional information regarding Legg 
Mason’s seed capital investments and the determination of 
whether investments in proprietary fund products represent 
VIEs, respectively.

For equity investments in which Legg Mason does not 
control the investee and is not the primary beneficiary of 
a VIE, but can exert significant influence over the financial 
and operating policies of the investee, Legg Mason follows 
the equity method of accounting. The evaluation of whether 
Legg Mason can exert control or significant influence over 
the financial and operational policies of an investee requires 
significant judgment based on the facts and circumstances 
surrounding each individual investment. Factors considered 
in these evaluations may include investor voting or other 
rights, any influence Legg Mason may have on the governing 
board of the investee, the legal rights of other investors in  
the entity pursuant to the fund’s operating documents and 
the relationship between Legg Mason and other investors  
in the entity. Substantially all of Legg Mason’s equity method 
investees are investment companies which record their 
underlying investments at fair value. Therefore, under the 
equity method of accounting, Legg Mason’s share of the 
investee’s underlying net income or loss predominantly 
represents fair value adjustments in the investments held 
by the equity method investee. Legg Mason’s share of the 
investee’s net income or loss is based on the most current 
information available and is recorded as a net gain (loss) 
on investments within Non-Operating Income (Expense). 
A significant portion of earnings (losses) attributable to 
Legg Mason’s equity method investments has offsetting 
compensation expense adjustments under revenue sharing 
agreements and deferred compensation arrangements, 
therefore, fluctuations in the market value of these invest-
ments will not have a material impact on Net Income (Loss) 
Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

Legg Mason also holds debt and marketable equity 
investments which are classified as available-for-sale, 
held-to-maturity or trading. Debt and marketable equity 
securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at 
fair value and resulting unrealized gains and losses are 
reflected in stockholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests, 
and comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income 
taxes. Debt securities for which there is positive intent and 
ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity 
and are recorded at amortized cost. Amortization of discount 
or premium is recorded under the interest method and is 
included in interest income. Certain investment securities, 
including those held by CIVs, are classified as trading 
securities. These investments are recorded at fair value and 
unrealized gains and losses are included in current period 
earnings. Realized gains and losses for all investments are 
included in current period earnings.

Equity and fixed income securities classified as trading  
or available-for-sale are valued using closing market prices 
for listed instruments or broker price quotations, when 
available. Fixed income securities may also be valued  
using valuation models and estimates based on spreads  
to actively traded benchmark debt instruments with  
readily available market prices.

Legg Mason evaluates its non-trading investment securities 
for “other-than-temporary” impairment. Impairment may 
exist when the fair value of an investment security has been 
below the adjusted cost for an extended period of time. If 
an “other-than-temporary” impairment is determined to 
exist, the amount of impairment that relates to credit losses 
is recognized as a charge to income. As of March 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, the amount of temporary unrealized losses 
for investment securities not recognized in income was  
not material.

For investments in illiquid or privately-held securities  
for which market prices or quotations may not be readily 
available, management estimates the value of the securities 
using a variety of methods and resources, including the 
most current available financial information for the invest-
ment and the industry.

In addition to the financial instruments described above and 
the derivative instruments and CLO loans, bonds and debt, 
described below, other financial instruments that are carried 
at fair value or amounts that approximate fair value include 
Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term borrowings. 
The fair values of Long-term debt at March 31, 2015 and 
2014, aggregated $1,166,697 and $1,135,103, respectively. 
Except for long-term debt designated for a hedging 
transaction, these fair values were estimated using publicly 
quoted market prices or discounted cash flow analyses, as 
appropriate, and were classified as Level 2 in the fair value 
hierarchy, as described below. The 2.7% Senior Notes due 
2019 designated for a hedging transaction are valued as the 
sum of the amortized cost of the debt and the fair value of 
the related interest rate contract designated for a hedging 
transaction which approximates the debt fair value, and was 
classified as a Level 2 measurement, as discussed below.

Derivative Instruments

The fair values of derivative instruments are recorded as 
assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Legg Mason has used foreign exchange forwards and 
interest rate swaps to hedge the risk of movement in 
exchange rates or interest rates on financial assets and 
liabilities on a limited basis. Also, Legg Mason has used 
futures contracts on index funds to hedge the market  
risk of certain seed capital investments.

66

Legg Mason AR2015With the exception of a reverse treasury rate lock contract 
and an interest rate swap, as further discussed in Note 6, 
Legg Mason has not designated any financial instruments 
for hedge accounting, as defined in the accounting 
literature, during the periods presented. The gains or 
losses on derivative instruments not designated for hedge 
accounting are included as Other operating income 
(expense) or Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), 
depending on the strategy. Gains and losses on derivative 
instruments of CIVs are recorded as Other non-operating 
income (expense) of consolidated investment vehicles, net,  
in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). See  
Note 14 for additional information regarding derivatives  
and hedging.

Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidance for fair value measurements defines 
fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair 
value. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would 
be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the 
principal or most advantageous market for the asset or 
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants 
on the measurement date. Under accounting guidance, a fair 
value measurement should reflect all of the assumptions that 
market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, 
including assumptions about the risk inherent in a particular 
valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale 
or use of an asset, and the risk of non-performance.

The objective of fair value accounting measurements is to 
reflect, at the date of the financial statements, how much an 
asset would be sold for in an orderly transaction (as opposed 
to a distressed or forced transaction) under current market 
conditions. Specifically, it requires the use of judgment to 
ascertain if a formerly active market has become inactive 
and in determining fair values when markets have become 
inactive. This accounting guidance also relates to other-than-
temporary impairments and is intended to bring greater 
consistency to the timing of impairment recognition. It is 
also intended to provide greater clarity to investors about the 
credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities 
that are not expected to be sold. The guidance also requires 
timely disclosures regarding expected cash flows, credit 
losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses.

Fair value accounting guidance also establishes a hierarchy 
that prioritizes the inputs for valuation techniques used 
to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the 
highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to 
unobservable inputs.

Legg Mason’s financial instruments are measured and 
reported at fair value (except debt not designated for  
a hedging transaction) and are classified and disclosed  
in one of the following categories:

•  Level 1 — Financial instruments for which prices are 

quoted in active markets, which, for Legg Mason, include 
investments in publicly traded mutual funds with quoted 
market prices and equities listed in active markets and 
certain derivative instruments.

•  Level 2 — Financial instruments for which: prices are 

quoted for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; 
prices are quoted for identical or similar assets in inactive 
markets; or prices are based on observable inputs, other 
than quoted prices, such as models or other valuation 
methodologies. For Legg Mason, this category may 
include fixed income securities, certain proprietary fund 
products and long-term debt.

•  Level 3 — Financial instruments for which values are 

based on unobservable inputs, including those for which 
there is little or no market activity. This category includes 
investments in partnerships, limited liability companies, 
private equity funds and prior to June 2014, CLO debt of 
a CIV. This category may also include certain proprietary 
fund products with redemption restrictions.

The valuation of an asset or liability may involve inputs from 
more than one level of the hierarchy. The level in the fair 
value hierarchy in which a fair value measurement falls in its 
entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that 
is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Certain proprietary fund products and investments held by 
CIVs are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) determined by 
the applicable fund administrator. These funds are typically 
invested in exchange traded investments with observable 
market prices. Their valuations may be classified as Level 1, 
Level 2 or Level 3 based on whether the fund is exchange 
traded, the frequency of the related NAV determinations 
and the impact of redemption restrictions. For investments 
in illiquid and privately-held securities (private equity and 
investment partnerships) for which market prices or 
quotations may not be readily available, including certain 
investments held by CIVs prior to June 2014, management 
must estimate the value of the securities using a variety of 
methods and resources, including the most current available 
financial information for the investment and the industry 
to which it applies in order to determine fair value. These 
valuation processes for illiquid and privately-held securities 
inherently require management’s judgment and are therefore 
classified in Level 3.

The fair value of CLO debt, which existed only through 
June 2014, was valued using a discounted cash flow 
methodology. Inputs used to determine the expected 
cash flows included assumptions about forecasted default 
and recovery rates that a market participant would use in 
determining the fair value of the CLO’s underlying collateral 
assets. Given the significance of the unobservable inputs 
to the fair value measurement, the CLO debt valuation  
was classified as Level 3.

67

Legg Mason AR2015Futures contracts are valued at the last settlement price at 
the end of each day on the exchange upon which they are 
traded and are classified as Level 1.

As a practical expedient, Legg Mason relies on the NAV 
of certain investments, classified as Level 2 or Level 3, 
as their fair value. The NAVs that have been provided by 
investees are derived from the fair values of the underlying 
investments as of the reporting date.

Any transfers between categories are measured at the 
beginning of the period.

See Note 3 for additional information regarding fair  
value measurements.

Fair Value Option

As of March 31, 2014, Legg Mason elected the fair value 
option for certain eligible assets and liabilities, including 
corporate loans and debt, of the consolidated CLO (see 
“Consolidation” above and Note 16). Management believed 
that the use of the fair value option mitigated the impact of 
certain timing differences and better matched the changes 
in fair value of assets and liabilities related to the CLO. 
Unrealized gains and losses on assets and liabilities for 
which the fair value option was elected have been reported 
in earnings. The decision to elect the fair value option is 
determined on an instrument by instrument basis, must 
be applied to an entire instrument, and is irrevocable once 
elected. Liabilities measured at fair value pursuant to the fair 
value option were included in Debt and other current liabilities 
of consolidated investment vehicles in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2014. The CLO substantially 
liquidated and was deconsolidated as of June 2014. 
Subsequently, Legg Mason has not elected the fair value 
option for any other financial assets or liabilities.

Appropriated Retained Earnings

Upon the election of the fair value option for eligible assets 
and liabilities of the CLO described above, Legg Mason 
recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to Appropriated 
retained earnings for consolidated investment vehicle on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets equal to the difference 
between the fair values of the CLO’s assets and liabilities. 
This difference was recorded as “Appropriated retained 
earnings for consolidated investment vehicle” because the 
investors in the CLO, not Legg Mason shareholders, would 
ultimately realize any benefits or losses associated with 
the CLO. Changes in the fair values of the CLO assets and 
liabilities were recorded as Net income (loss) attributable 
to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements 
of Income (Loss) and Appropriated retained earnings for 
consolidated investment vehicle in the Consolidated Balance 

Sheets. At March 31, 2014, the CLO was in the final stage 
of liquidation, and the fair value of its assets and liabilities 
were substantially equal, and there were no Appropriated 
retained earnings. As of June 30, 2014, the CLO was 
deconsolidated.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets primarily consist of equipment, software and 
leasehold improvements. Equipment consists primarily of 
communications and technology hardware and furniture 
and fixtures. Capitalized software includes both purchased 
software and internally developed software. The cost 
of software used under a service contract where Legg 
Mason does not own or control the software is expensed 
over the term of the contract. Fixed assets are reported at 
cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. 
Depreciation and amortization are determined by use of 
the straight-line method. Equipment is depreciated over 
the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging 
from three to eight years. Software is amortized over the 
estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three years. 
Leasehold improvements are amortized or depreciated 
over the initial term of the lease unless options to extend 
are likely to be exercised. Maintenance and repair costs 
are expensed as incurred. Internally developed software 
is reviewed periodically to determine if there is a change 
in the useful life, or if an impairment in value may exist. If 
impairment is deemed to exist, the asset is written down 
to its fair value or is written off if the asset is determined  
to no longer have any value.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Legg Mason’s identifiable intangible assets consist 
principally of asset management contracts, contracts 
to manage proprietary mutual funds or funds-of-hedge 
funds, and trade names resulting from acquisitions. 
Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated 
useful lives, using the straight-line method, unless the 
asset is determined to have an indefinite useful life. Asset 
management contracts are amortizable intangible assets 
that are capitalized at acquisition and amortized over the 
expected life of the contract. The value of contracts to 
manage assets in proprietary mutual funds or funds-of-
hedge funds and the value of trade names are classified 
as indefinite-life intangible assets. The assignment of 
indefinite lives to proprietary fund contracts is based  
upon the assumption that there is no foreseeable limit  
on the contract period to manage proprietary funds 
due to the likelihood of continued renewal at little or no 
cost. The assignment of indefinite lives to trade names 
is based on the assumption that they are expected to 
generate cash flows indefinitely.

68

Legg Mason AR2015Goodwill represents the residual amount of acquisition 
cost in excess of identified tangible and intangible assets 
and assumed liabilities. Indefinite-life intangible assets 
and goodwill are not amortized for financial statement 
purposes. Given the relative significance of intangible 
assets and goodwill to the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements, on a quarterly basis Legg Mason 
considers if triggering events have occurred that may 
indicate that the fair values have declined below their 
respective carrying amounts. Triggering events may include 
significant adverse changes in the Company’s business or 
the legal or regulatory environment, loss of key personnel, 
significant business dispositions, or other events, including 
changes in economic arrangements with our affiliates that 
will impact future operating results. If a triggering event 
has occurred, the Company will perform quantitative tests, 
which include critical reviews of all significant factors 
and assumptions, to determine if any intangible assets 
or goodwill are impaired. Legg Mason considers factors 
such as projected cash flows and revenue multiples, to 
determine whether the value of the assets is impaired 
and the indefinite-life assumptions are appropriate. If an 
asset is impaired, the difference between the value of the 
asset reflected on the consolidated financial statements 
and its current fair value is recognized as an expense in 
the period in which the impairment is determined. If a 
triggering event has not occurred, the Company performs 
quantitative tests annually at December 31, for indefinite-
life intangible assets and goodwill, unless the Company can 
qualitatively conclude that it is more likely than not that the 
respective fair values exceed the related carrying values. 
The fair values of intangible assets subject to amortization 
are considered for impairment at each reporting period 
using an undiscounted cash flow analysis. For intangible 
assets with indefinite lives, fair value is determined from 
a market participant’s perspective based on projected 
discounted cash flows, which take into consideration 
estimates of future fees, profit margins, growth rates, 
taxes, and discount rates. Proprietary fund contracts that 
are managed and operated as a single unit and meet other 
criteria may be aggregated for impairment testing. Goodwill 
is evaluated at the reporting unit level, and is considered 
for impairment when the carrying value of the reporting 
unit exceeds the implied fair value of the reporting unit. 
In estimating the implied fair value of the reporting 
unit, Legg Mason uses valuation techniques principally 
based on discounted projected cash flows and EBITDA 
multiples, similar to techniques employed in analyzing the 
purchase price of an acquisition. Goodwill is deemed to 
be recoverable at the reporting unit level, which is also 
the operating segment level that Legg Mason defines 
as the Global Asset Management segment. This results 
from the fact that the chief operating decision maker, Legg 

Mason’s Chief Executive Officer, regularly receives discrete 
financial information at the consolidated Global Asset 
Management business level and does not regularly receive 
discrete financial information, such as operating results, at 
any lower level, such as the asset management affiliate 
level. Allocations of goodwill for management restructures, 
acquisitions, and dispositions are based on relative fair 
values of the respective businesses restructured, acquired, 
or divested.

See Note 5 for additional information regarding intangible 
assets and goodwill and Note 15 for additional business 
segment information.

Contingent Consideration Liabilities

In connection with business acquisitions, Legg Mason  
may be required to pay additional future consideration 
based on the achievement of certain designated financial 
metrics. Legg Mason estimates the fair value of these 
potential future obligations at the time a business 
combination is consummated and records a Contingent 
consideration liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Legg Mason accretes contingent consideration liabilities to 
the expected payment amounts over the related earn-out 
terms until the obligations are ultimately paid, resulting in 
Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income 
(Loss). If the expected payment amounts subsequently 
change, the Contingent consideration liabilities are reduced 
or increased in the current period, resulting in a gain or 
loss, which is reflected within Other operating expense  
in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

See Notes 2 and 8 for additional information regarding 
contingent consideration liabilities.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that are 
denominated in non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are 
translated at exchange rates as of the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at 
average exchange rates during the period. The gains or 
losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial 
statements into U.S. dollars are included in stockholders’ 
equity and comprehensive income (loss). Gains or losses 
resulting from foreign currency transactions are included  
in Net Income (Loss).

69

Legg Mason AR2015Investment Advisory Fees

Legg Mason earns investment advisory fees on assets in 
separately managed accounts, investment funds, and other 
products managed for Legg Mason’s clients. These fees 
are primarily based on predetermined percentages of the 
market value of the assets under management (“AUM”), 
and are recognized over the period in which services are 
performed and may be billed in advance of the period 
earned based on AUM at the beginning of the billing period 
in accordance with the related advisory contracts. Revenue 
associated with advance billings is deferred and included in 
Other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 
and is recognized over the period earned. Performance fees 
may be earned on certain investment advisory contracts for 
exceeding performance benchmarks on a relative or absolute 
basis, depending on the product, and are recognized at the 
end of the performance measurement period. Accordingly, 
neither advanced billings nor performance fees are subject 
to reversal. The largest portion of performance fees are 
earned based on 12-month performance periods that end in 
differing quarters during the year, with a portion also based 
on quarterly performance periods.

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

Distribution and Service Fees Revenue and Expense

Distribution and service fees represent fees earned from 
funds to reimburse the distributor for the costs of marketing 
and selling fund shares and servicing proprietary funds and 
are generally determined as a percentage of client assets. 
Reported amounts also include fees earned from providing 
client or shareholder servicing, including record keeping 
or administrative services to proprietary funds, and non-
discretionary advisory services. Distribution fees earned 
on company-sponsored investment funds are reported 
as revenue. When Legg Mason enters into arrangements 
with broker-dealers or other third parties to sell or market 
proprietary fund shares, distribution and servicing expense 
is accrued for the amounts owed to third parties, including 
finders’ fees and referral fees paid to unaffiliated broker-
dealers or introducing parties. Distribution and servicing 
expense also includes payments to third parties for certain 
shareholder administrative services and sub-advisory fees 
paid to unaffiliated asset managers.

Deferred Sales Commissions

Commissions paid to financial intermediaries in connection 
with sales of certain classes of company-sponsored mutual 
funds are capitalized as deferred sales commissions. The 
asset is amortized over periods not exceeding six years, 

which represent the periods during which commissions 
are generally recovered from distribution and service fee 
revenues and from contingent deferred sales charges 
(“CDSC”) received from shareholders of those funds upon 
redemption of their shares. CDSC receipts are recorded 
as distribution and service fee revenue when received and 
a reduction of the unamortized balance of deferred sales 
commissions, with a corresponding expense.

Management periodically tests the deferred sales 
commission asset for impairment by reviewing the changes 
in value of the related shares, the relevant market conditions 
and other events and circumstances that may indicate an 
impairment in value has occurred. If these factors indicate 
an impairment in value, management compares the 
carrying value to the estimated undiscounted cash flows 
expected to be generated by the asset over its remaining 
life. If management determines that the deferred sales 
commission asset is not fully recoverable, the asset will be 
deemed impaired and a loss will be recorded in the amount 
by which the recorded amount of the asset exceeds its 
estimated fair value. For the years ended March 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, no impairment charges were recorded. 
Deferred sales commissions, included in Other non-current 
assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $10,422 
and $8,031 at March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided for the effects of 
temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or 
liability and its reported amount in the financial statements. 
Deferred income tax assets are subject to a valuation 
allowance if, in management’s opinion, it is more likely 
than not that these benefits will not be realized. Legg 
Mason’s deferred income taxes principally relate to net 
operating loss and other carryforward benefits, business 
combinations, amortization of intangible assets and  
accrued compensation.

Under applicable accounting guidance, a tax benefit should 
only be recognized if it is more likely than not that the position 
will be sustained based on its technical merits. A tax position 
that meets this threshold is measured as the largest amount 
of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being 
realized upon settlement by the appropriate taxing authority 
having full knowledge of all relevant information.

The Company’s accounting policy is to classify interest 
related to tax matters as interest expense and related 
penalties, if any, as other operating expense.

See Note 7 for additional information regarding income taxes.

70

Legg Mason AR2015Loss Contingencies

Legg Mason accrues estimates for loss contingencies related 
to legal actions, investigations, and proceedings, exclusive 
of legal fees, when it is probable that a liability has been 
incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. 
Related insurance recoveries are recorded separately when 
the underwriter has confirmed coverage of a specific claim 
amount. See Note 8 for additional information.

Stock-Based Compensation

Legg Mason’s stock-based compensation includes stock 
options, an employee stock purchase plan, market-based 
performance shares payable in common stock, restricted 
stock awards and units, management equity plans for certain 
affiliates and deferred compensation payable in stock. Under 
its stock compensation plans, Legg Mason issues equity 
awards to directors, officers, and other key employees.

In accordance with the applicable accounting guidance, 
compensation expense includes costs for all non-vested 
share-based awards classified as equity at their grant date 
fair value amortized over the respective vesting periods on 
the straight-line method. Legg Mason determines the fair 
value of stock options and affiliate management equity plan 
grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the 
exception of market-based performance grants, which are 
valued with a Monte Carlo option-pricing model. See “Other 
Developments” below and Note 11 for additional information 
regarding stock-based compensation.

In conjunction with the December 2012 modification of 
employment and other arrangements with certain employees 
of its subsidiary, The Permal Group, Ltd (“Permal”), Legg 
Mason completed implementation of a management equity 
plan during the quarter ended June 30, 2013. On March 31, 
2014, a similar management equity plan was implemented 
by Legg Mason for certain employees of its subsidiary 
ClearBridge Investments, LLC (“ClearBridge”). The plans 
better align the interests of each affiliate’s management 
with those of Legg Mason and its shareholders, and provide 
for, among other things, higher margins at specified higher 
revenue levels. The affiliate management equity plans 
entitle certain key employees of each affiliate to participate 
in 15% of the future growth, if any, of the respective 
affiliates’ enterprise value (subject to appropriate discounts) 
subsequent to the date of grant. Current and future grants 
under the plans vest 20% annually for five years, over 
which the related grant-date fair values will be recognized as 
Compensation expense in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income. Once vested, plan units can be put to Legg Mason 
for settlement at fair value, beginning one year after the 
holder terminates their employment. Legg Mason can also 
call plan units, generally post employment, for settlement at 
fair value. Changes in control of Legg Mason or either affiliate 
do not impact vesting, settlement or other provisions of the 

units. However, upon sale of substantially all of the affiliate’s 
assets, the vesting of the respective units would accelerate 
and participants would receive a fair value payment in respect 
of their interests under the plan. Future grants of additional 
plan units will dilute the participation of existing outstanding 
units in 15% of the future growth of the respective affiliates’ 
enterprise value, if any, subsequent to the related future 
grant date, for which additional compensation expense 
would be incurred. Further, future grants under either plan 
will not entitle the plan participants, collectively, to more than 
an aggregate 15% of the future growth of the respective 
affiliate’s enterprise value. Upon vesting, the grant-date fair 
value of vested plan units will be reflected in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests 
through an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Thereafter, 
redeemable noncontrolling interests will continue to be 
adjusted to the ultimate maximum estimated redemption 
value over the expected term, through retained earnings 
adjustments. See Note 11 for additional information on 
affiliate management equity plans.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share attributable to Legg Mason, 
Inc. shareholders (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing Net 
Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. (adjusted 
by earnings allocated to participating securities) by the 
weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Legg 
Mason issues to employees restricted stock that are 
deemed to be participating securities prior to vesting, 
because the unvested restricted shares entitle their holder 
to nonforfeitable dividend rights. In this circumstance, 
accounting guidance requires a “two-class method” for 
EPS calculations that excludes earnings allocated (both 
distributed and undistributed) to participating securities.

Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS, but adjusts for the effect 
of potential common shares unless they are antidilutive.  
For periods with a net loss, potential common shares, other 
than potentially unvested restricted shares, are considered 
antidilutive. See Note 12 for additional discussion of EPS.

Restructuring Costs

As further discussed in Note 2, in March 2014, Legg 
Mason entered into a definitive agreement to acquire QS 
Investors Holdings, LLC (“QS Investors”). Legg Mason is 
integrating its two existing affiliates, Batterymarch Financial 
Management, Inc. (“Batterymarch”) and Legg Mason 
Global Asset Allocation, LLC (“LMGAA”) into QS Investors 
over time to leverage the best aspects of each subsidiary. 
The costs anticipated with this integration primarily relate 
to employee termination benefits, including severance and 
retention incentives, which are recorded as Compensation 
and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income 
(Loss). See Note 2 for additional information.

71

Legg Mason AR2015Noncontrolling Interests

For CIVs with third-party investors, the related 
noncontrolling interests are classified as redeemable 
noncontrolling interests if investors in these funds 
may request withdrawals at any time. Also included in 
redeemable noncontrolling interests are vested affiliate 
management equity plan interests. There were no 
nonredeemable noncontrolling interests as of March 31, 

2015 or 2014. Net income attributable to noncontrolling 
interests in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) 
for the year ended March 31, 2013 also includes Net 
income reclassified to Appropriated retained earnings 
for consolidated investment vehicle in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet. 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the years ended March 31, included the following amounts:

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Net income reclassified to appropriated retained earnings  

for consolidated investment vehicle

Total

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

5,629

$

1,881

$

971

 –

(4,829)

(7,392)

5,629

$

(2,948)

$

(6,421)

$

$

Total Redeemable noncontrolling interests as of and for the years ended March 31, included the following amounts:

Balance, beginning of period

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests

Net (redemptions/distributions paid to)/subscriptions  

received from noncontrolling interests
Affiliate management equity plan interests

Balance, end of period

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

45,144

$

21,009

$

24,031

5,629

(10,459)

1,881

20,438

971

(3,993)

5,206

1,816

 –

$

45,520

$

45,144

$

21,009

Recent Accounting Developments

In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) updated the guidance on fair value measurement. 
The updated guidance removes the requirement to 
categorize within the fair value hierarchy and related 
sensitivity disclosures, all investments for which fair value  
is measured using the NAV practical expedient. The  
amount of such investments would instead be disclosed  
as a reconciling item between the fair value hierarchy table 
and the investment amounts reported on the balance sheet.  
This guidance will be effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 
2017, unless adopted earlier. Legg Mason is evaluating  
the impact of its adoption.

In February 2015, the FASB updated the guidance  
for consolidation requirements. The updated guidance 
eliminates the presumption that a general partner  
should consolidate a limited partnership, and modifies 
the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar 
legal entities are VIEs or VREs. Additionally, the updated 
guidance affects the conclusion such that certain fees 

paid to decision makers are no longer variable interests, 
and certain related party relationships with a sponsored 
investment fund may no longer require its consolidation. 
The update also eliminates the deferral of accounting 
guidance that requires separate evaluation for investment 
company VIEs and other VIEs. This update will be effective 
for Legg Mason in fiscal 2017, unless adopted earlier. Legg 
Mason is evaluating the timing and impact of its adoption.

In August 2014, the FASB updated the guidance on 
measuring the financial assets and financial liabilities of 
consolidated collateralized financing entities. The update 
requires that an entity electing to apply the guidance should 
measure both the financial assets and financial liabilities 
using the fair value of the consolidated collateralized financing 
entity’s financial assets or financial liabilities, whichever 
is more observable. This update also requires certain 
disclosures by entities that apply its provisions and will be 
effective for Legg Mason in fiscal 2017, unless adopted 
earlier. Legg Mason is evaluating the impact of its adoption.

72

Legg Mason AR2015In May 2014, the FASB updated the guidance on revenue 
recognition. The updated guidance improves comparability 
and removes inconsistencies in revenue recognition 
practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and 
capital markets. This update will be tentatively effective  
for Legg Mason in fiscal 2018 and Legg Mason is 
evaluating the impact of its adoption.

2. Acquisitions and Disposition
Acquisitions

Martin Currie

On October 1, 2014, Legg Mason acquired all outstanding 
equity interests of Martin Currie (Holdings) Limited (“Martin 
Currie”), pursuant to a share purchase agreement dated 
July 24, 2014. Martin Currie is an international equity 
specialist based in the United Kingdom with approximately 
$9,500,000 in AUM on the date of acquisition. The 
acquisition required an initial payment of $202,577 
(using the foreign exchange rate as of October 1, 2014 
for the £125,000 contract amount), which was funded 
from existing cash. In addition, contingent consideration 
payments may be due March 31 following the first, second 
and third anniversaries of closing, aggregating up to 
approximately $483,000 (using the foreign exchange rate 
as of March 31, 2015 for the maximum £325,000 contract 
amount), inclusive of the payment of certain potential 
pension and other obligations, and dependent on the 
achievement of certain financial metrics, as specified in  
the share purchase agreement, at March 31, 2016, 2017, 
and 2018. The Contingent consideration liability established 
at closing had an acquisition date fair value of $75,211 (using 
the foreign exchange rate as of October 1, 2014). Actual 
payments to be made may also include amounts for certain 
potential pension and other obligations that are accounted 
for separately. As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of the 
Contingent consideration liability was $70,114, a decrease 
of $5,097 from October 1, 2014, all of which is attributable 
to changes in the exchange rate, net of accretion, which is 
included in Accumulated other comprehensive income as 
Foreign currency translation adjustment. The Contingent 
consideration liability is included in non-current Contingent 
consideration in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 
31, 2015. The Contingent consideration liability is recorded 
at an entity with a British pound functional currency, such 
that related changes in the exchange rate do not impact  
net income.

Purchase price

Cash

Contingent consideration

Total Consideration

Identifiable assets and liabilities

Cash

Indefinite-life intangible fund  

management contracts

Amortizable intangible asset  

management contracts

Indefinite-life trade name

Fixed assets

Liabilities, net

Pension liability

Deferred tax liabilities

Total identifiable assets and liabilities

$

202,577

75,211

277,788

29,389

135,321

15,234

7,130

784

(4,388)

(32,433)

(31,537)

119,500

Goodwill

$

158,288

The fair value of the amortizable intangible asset 
management contracts asset is being amortized over  
a period of 12 years. Goodwill is principally attributable  
to synergies expected to arise with Martin Currie.  
These acquired intangible assets and goodwill are  
not deductible for U.K. tax purposes.

Management estimated the fair values of the indefinite-life 
intangible fund management contracts and indefinite-life 
trade name, and amortizable intangible asset management 
contracts based upon discounted cash flow analyses, 
using unobservable market data inputs, which are Level 3 
measurements. The significant assumptions used in these 
analyses at acquisition including projected annual cash 
flows, projected AUM growth rates and discount rates, are 
summarized as follows:

Projected Cash  
Flow Growth

0% to 25% (weighted-
average — 11%)

Discount 
Rate

15.0%

Indefinite-life intangible 
fund management 
contracts and indefinite-
life trade name

A summary of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, after certain measurement 
period adjustments, are as follows:

Amortizable intangible 
asset management 
contracts

Projected AUM 
Growth / (Attrition)

6% / (17)%

Discount 
Rate

15.0%

73

Legg Mason AR2015The fair value of the contingent consideration was 
measured using Monte Carlo simulation with various 
unobservable market data inputs, which are Level 3 
measurements. The simulation considered variables, 
including AUM growth, performance fee levels and relevant 
product performance. Projected AUM, performance fees 
and earn-out payments were discounted as appropriate. 
A summary of various assumption values follows:

The resulting net benefit obligation, comprised as follows,  
is included in the March 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance 
Sheet as Other non-current liabilities:

Fair value of plan assets (at 6.3% expected 

$

59,404

weighted-average long-term return)
Benefit obligation (at 3.3% discount rate)

(98,110)

Unfunded status (excess of benefit  

$

(38,706)

obligation over plan assets)

AUM growth rates

Performance fees 
growth rates

Discount rates:

0% to 28%  
(weighted-average — 14%)

0% to 30%  
(weighted-average — 15%)

Projected AUM

13.0%

Projected performance fees

15.0%

Earn-out payments

AUM volatility

1.3%

18.8%

Significant increases (decreases) in projected AUM or 
performance fees would result in a significantly higher 
(lower) Contingent consideration liability fair value.

The Company has not presented pro forma combined 
results of operations for this acquisition because the 
results of operations as reported in the accompanying 
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) would not have 
been materially different. The financial results of Martin 
Currie included in Legg Mason’s consolidated financial 
results for the year ended March 31, 2015, include revenues 
of $32,293 and did not have a material impact on Net 
Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

Martin Currie Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Martin Currie sponsors a retirement and death benefits 
plan, a defined benefit pension plan, with assets held  
in a separate trustee-administered fund. Plan assets, 
comprised of 58% equities (Level 1) and 42% bonds 
 (Level 2), are measured at fair value. Assumptions used  
to determine the expected return on plan assets targets 
a 55% / 45% equity/bond allocation with reference to 
the 15-year FTSE UK Gilt yield for equities and UK long-
dated bond yields for bonds. Plan liabilities are measured 
on an actuarial basis using the projected unit method and 
discounted at a rate equivalent to the current rate on a high 
quality bond in the local UK market and currency. As of 
March 31, 2015, there were no significant concentrations  
of risk in plan assets. The most recent actuarial valuation 
was performed as of May 31, 2013, which was updated 
through the acquisition and balance sheet dates. Accrual  
of service credit under the plan ceased on October 3, 2014.

The change in the benefit obligation for the period from 
acquisition through March 31, 2015 is summarized below:

Beginning benefit obligation

Interest costs

Actuarial loss

Benefits paid

Plan curtailments

Exchange rate changes

Period from
Acquisition

$

91,750

1,730

14,461

(762)

(789)

(8,280)

Ending benefit obligation

$

98,110

The change in plan assets for the period from acquisition 
through March 31, 2015 is summarized below:

Beginning plan assets

Actual return on plan assets

Employer contributions

Benefits paid

Exchange rate changes

Ending plan assets

Period from
Acquisition

$

59,317

6,028

1

(762)

(5,180)

$

59,404

For the year ended March 31, 2015, a net periodic benefit 
gain of $815 was included in Compensation and benefits 
expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

The components of the net periodic benefit gain for  
the period from acquisition through March 31, 2015  
are as follows:

Interest costs

Expected return on plan assets

Curtailment gain recognized

Net periodic benefit gain

Period from
Acquisition

$

$

1,730

(1,756)

(789)

(815)

74

Legg Mason AR2015Net actuarial losses of $9,595, were included in 
Accumulated other comprehensive income in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2015. 

A summary of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, after certain measurement 
period adjustments, are as follows:

As of March 31, 2015, the plan expects to make benefit 
payments over the next 10 fiscal years as follows:

Purchase price

Cash

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021–2025

$

1,184

1,235

1,324

1,611

1,588

13,788

The contingent consideration payments are expected to 
provide some, if not all, funding of the net plan benefit 
obligation, through a provision requiring certain amounts to be 
paid to the plan. Any contingent consideration payments to the 
plan are based on determination of the plan benefit obligation 
under local technical provisions utilized by the plan trustees. 
Absent any such funding or any regulatory requirement  
to accelerate funding, Martin Currie expects to contribute 
$2,228 to the plan during the year ending March 31, 2016.

The contingent consideration provisions of the share 
purchase agreement also require a designated percentage 
of the earn-out payments, net of any pension contribution, 
to be allocated to fund an incentive plan for Martin Currie’s 
management. No payments to employees under the 
arrangement will be made until the end of the earn-out 
period. The estimated payment (adjusted quarterly)  
is being amortized over the earn-out term.

QS Investors, LLC

Effective May 31, 2014, Legg Mason acquired all of the 
outstanding equity interests of QS Investors, a customized 
solutions and global quantitative equities provider. At the time 
of acquisition, QS Investors had approximately $5,000,000 in 
AUM and nearly $100,000,000 in assets under advisement.

The initial purchase price was a cash payment of $11,000, 
funded from existing cash. In addition, contingent 
consideration of up to $10,000 and $20,000 for the second 
and fourth anniversary payments may be due in July 2016 
and July 2018, respectively, dependent on the achievement 
of certain net revenue targets, and subject to a potential 
catch-up adjustment in the fourth anniversary payment for 
any second anniversary payment shortfall. The Contingent 
consideration liability established at closing had an acquisition 
date fair value of $13,370, which represented the present 
value of the contingent consideration expected to be paid. 
The Contingent consideration liability is included in non-
current Contingent consideration in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet at March 31, 2015 and has accreted to $13,553. 

Contingent consideration

Total Consideration

Identifiable assets and liabilities

Cash

Investments

Receivables

Amortizable intangible asset  

management contracts

Fixed assets

Liabilities, net

Total identifiable assets and liabilities

$

11,000

13,370

24,370

441

3,281

2,699

7,060

599

(6,620)

7,460

Goodwill

$

16,910

The fair value of the amortizable intangible asset 
management contracts had a useful life of 10 years  
at acquisition. Purchase price allocated to goodwill  
is expected to be deductible for U.S. tax purposes  
over a period of 15 years.

Management estimated the fair values of the amortizable 
intangible asset management contracts based upon 
a discounted cash flow analysis, and the contingent 
consideration expected to be paid and discounted, based 
upon probability-weighted revenue projections, using 
unobservable market data inputs, which are Level 3 
measurements. The significant assumptions used in  
these analyses at acquisition including projected annual 
cash flows, revenues and discount rates, are summarized  
as follows:

Projected Cash  
Flow Attrition, Net

Amortizable intangible 
asset management 
contracts

(10)%

Projected Revenue 
Growth Rates

Contingent  

consideration

0% to 10% (weighted-
average — 6%)

Discount 
Rate

15.0%

Discount 
Rates

1.2% / 2.1%

Goodwill is principally attributable to synergies expected 
to arise with QS Investors.

75

Legg Mason AR2015The Company has not presented pro forma combined 
results of operations for this acquisition because the 
results of operations as reported in the accompanying 
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) would not  
have been materially different. The financial results of  
QS Investors included in Legg Mason’s consolidated 
financial results for the year ended March 31, 2015,  
include revenues of $12,340, and did not have a material 
impact on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. 

Over time, Legg Mason is integrating two existing 
affiliates, Batterymarch and LMGAA, into QS Investors 

to capture synergies and leverage the best capabilities of 
each entity. In connection with the integration, total charges 
for restructuring and transition costs of $38,404 have 
been recognized through March 31, 2015, which includes 
$35,846 and $2,558 for the years ended March 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively, primarily recorded in Compensation 
and benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income 
(Loss). These costs are primarily comprised of charges for 
employee termination benefits, including severance and 
retention incentives, as well as real estate related charges. 
Any additional charges related to the integration are not 
expected to be material.

The table below presents a summary of changes in the restructuring and transition-related liability from December 31, 2013 
through March 31, 2015 and cumulative charges incurred to date:

Balance as of December 31, 2013

Accrued charges

Balance as of March 31, 2014

Accrued charges

Payments

Balance as of March 31, 2015

Non-cash charges(2)

Year ended March 31, 2014

Year ended March 31, 2015

Total

Cumulative charges incurred as of March 31, 2015

(1)  Includes lease loss reserve of $6,760 for space permanently abandoned. 
(2)  Includes stock-based compensation expense and accelerated fixed asset depreciation.

Fauchier Partners Management, Limited

Compensation

Other

Total

$

$

$

$

$

 –

$

2,161

2,161

22,897

(24,658)

400

 –

1,659

1,659

26,717

$

$

$

$

 –

111

111

9,720(1)

(3,940)

5,891

286

1,570

1,856

11,687

$

$

$

$

$

 –

2,272

2,272

32,617

(28,598)

6,291

286

3,229

3,515

38,404

On March 13, 2013, Permal acquired all of the outstanding 
share capital of Fauchier Partners Management, Limited 
(“Fauchier”), a European based manager of funds-of-
hedge funds, from BNP Paribas Investment Partners, S.A. 
At the time of acquisition, Fauchier managed assets of 
approximately $5,400,000.

The initial purchase price was a cash payment of $63,433, 
which was funded from existing cash resources. As of March 
31, 2015, $22,276 (using the exchange rate as of March 
31, 2015 for the maximum £15,000 payment amount) was 
due under the agreements governing the acquisition for the 
second anniversary contingent consideration payment, and 

76

Legg Mason AR2015was paid in May 2015. In addition, contingent consideration 
of up to approximately $30,000 (using the exchange rate 
as of March 31, 2015 for the £20,000 maximum contract 
amount), may be due on or about the fourth anniversary of 
closing, dependent on achieving certain levels of revenue, 
net of distribution costs. As of March 31, 2015, the fair value 
of the related Contingent consideration liability was $27,117, 
$22,276 of which relates to the second anniversary payment 
and is included in current Contingent consideration in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet, with the remainder included  
in non-current Contingent consideration in the consolidated 
Balance Sheet. The decrease of $2,436 from March 31, 
2014, was attributable to changes in the exchange rate,  
net of accretion. Legg Mason has executed currency 
forwards to economically hedge the risk of movements  
in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British 
pound in which the estimated contingent liability payment 
amounts are denominated. See Note 14 for additional 
information regarding derivatives and hedging.

A summary of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed are as follows:

Purchase price

Cash

Contingent consideration

Total Consideration

Identifiable assets and liabilities

Cash

Receivables

Amortizable intangible asset  

management contracts

Indefinite-life intangible fund  

management contracts

Other current liabilities, net

Deferred tax liability

Total identifiable assets and liabilities

$

63,433

21,566

84,999

8,156

12,174

2,865

65,126

(16,667)

(15,638)

56,016

Goodwill

$

28,983

The fair value of the amortizable intangible asset 
management contracts is being amortized over a period  
of six years. These acquired intangible assets and goodwill 
are not deductible for U.K. tax purposes.

Management estimated the fair values of the indefinite- 
life intangible fund management contracts based upon 
discounted cash flow analyses, and the contingent 
consideration expected to be paid based upon probability-
weighted revenue project ions, using unobservable market 
data inputs, which are Level 3 measurements. As is typical 
with the acquisition of a portion of a business from a larger 
financial services firm with other related operations, Legg 
Mason expected some initial contraction in the acquired 
business. The significant assumptions used in these 
analyses at acquisition included projected annual cash 
flows, revenues and discount rates, are summarized  
as follows:

Projected Cash  
Flow Growth Rates

(35)% to 11% (weighted-
average — 6% )

Discount 
Rate

16.0%

Indefinite-life intangible 
fund management 
contracts

Projected Revenue 
Growth Rates

Discount 
Rate

Contingent consideration (16)% to 3% (weighted-

2.0%

average — (5)%)

The contingent consideration estimate was revised as of 
March 31, 2014, to consider the higher level of Fauchier 
performance fees through March 31, 2014 and included 
various scenarios with net revenue growth rates ranging 
from 0% to 8% (weighted-average 2%) and a discount  
rate of 2.7%.

77

Legg Mason AR2015The net unrealized and realized gain (loss) for investment 
securities classified as trading was $10,545, $22,963 and 
$18,260 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

All available-for-sale investments were held by Legg 
Mason’s subsidiary LMIC. In connection with the previously 
discussed sale of LMIC, all of its related assets and liabilities 
were reclassified to assets held for sale effective in the first 
quarter of fiscal 2015, therefore, as of March 31, 2015, Legg 
Mason no longer held any available-for-sale investments. At 
March 31, 2014, available-for-sale investments consisted of 
mortgage backed securities, U.S. government and agency 
securities and equity securities. Gross unrealized gains and 
(losses) for investments classified as available-for-sale were 
$203 and $(451), respectively, as of March 31, 2014.

For available-for-sale investments, Legg Mason used the 
specific identification method to determine the cost of a 
security sold and the amount reclassified from accumulated 
other comprehensive income into earnings. The proceeds 
and gross realized gains and losses from sales and 
maturities of available-for-sale investments were as follows:

Available-for-sale:

Proceeds

Gross realized gains

Gross realized losses

Years Ended March 31,

2014

2013

$

4,306

$

5,272

–

(29)

22

(43)

Legg Mason had no investments classified as held-to-
maturity as of March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company has not presented pro forma combined 
results of operations for this acquisition because the 
results of operations as reported in the accompanying 
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) would not  
have been materially different. The financial results of 
Fauchier included in Legg Mason’s consolidated financial 
results for the year ended March 31, 2014, included 
revenues of $72,088, and did not have a material impact  
on Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

Disposition

Legg Mason Investment Counsel & Trust

On November 7, 2014, Legg Mason completed the 
previously announced sale of all of its equity interests 
in Legg Mason Investment Counsel & Trust Company 
N.A. (“LMIC”) for proceeds of $47,000 to Stifel Financial 
Corporation’s Global Wealth Management segment.  
The sale did not have a material impact on Legg Mason’s 
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

3. Investments and Fair Value  
of Assets and Liabilities
The disclosures below include details of Legg Mason’s 
financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured 
at fair value, excluding the financial assets and financial 
liabilities of CIVs. See Note 16 Variable Interest Entities 
and Consolidation of Investment Vehicles, for information 
related to the assets and liabilities of CIVs that are 
measured at fair value.

Legg Mason has investments in debt and equity  
securities that are generally classified as trading as 
described in Note 1. Investments as of March 31, 2015  
and 2014, are as follows:

2015

2014

Investment securities:

Current investments

$ 454,735

$ 467,726

Available-for-sale

Other(1)

Total

–

77

12,072

90

$ 454,812

$ 479,888

(1)  Includes investments in private equity securities that do not have readily determinable 

fair values.

78

Legg Mason AR2015The fair values of financial assets and (liabilities) of the Company were determined using the following categories of inputs:

As of March 31, 2015

Quoted prices 
in active 
markets
(Level 1)

Significant 
other 
observable 
inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs
(Level 3)

Total

Assets:

Cash equivalents:(1)

Money market funds

Time deposits and other

Total cash equivalents

Current investments:

$

353,265

$

–

$

–

353,265

47,035

47,035

Trading investments relating to long-term incentive 

80,529

–

compensation plans(2)

–

–

–

–

$

353,265

47,035

400,300

80,529

Trading investments of proprietary fund products  

269,647

88,201

186

358,034

and other trading investments(3)

Equity method investments relating to long-term  
incentive compensation plans, proprietary fund  
products and other investments(4)(5)

2,148

14,024

–

16,172

Total current investments

352,324

102,225

Investments in partnerships, LLCs and other(6)

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs(4)(6)

Derivative assets(7)

Other investments(6)

Total

Liabilities:

Long-term debt(8)

Contingent consideration liabilities(9)

Derivative liabilities(7)

Total

–

–

580

–

–

–

5,462

–

706,169

$

154,722

–

–

(8,665)

$ (255,462)

–

–

$

$

186

14,511

48,344

–

77

454,735

14,511

48,344

6,042

77

$

$

63,118

$

924,009

–

$ (255,462)

(110,784)

(110,784)

–

(8,665)

$

(8,665)

$ (255,462)

$

(110,784)

$

(374,911)

79

Legg Mason AR2015As of March 31, 2014

Quoted prices 
in active 
markets
(Level 1)

Significant 
other 
observable 
inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs
(Level 3)

Total

Assets:

Cash equivalents:(1)

Money market funds

Time deposits and other

Total cash equivalents

Current investments:

$

456,631

$

–

$

–

456,631

106,226

106,226

Trading investments relating to long-term incentive 

109,648

–

compensation plans(2)

–

–

–

–

$

456,631

106,226

562,857

109,648

Trading investments of proprietary fund products  

260,251

75,015

190

335,456

and other trading investments(3)

Equity method investments relating to long-term  
incentive compensation plans, proprietary fund  
products and other investments(4)(5)

Total current investments

Available-for-sale investment securities(6)

Investments in partnerships, LLCs and other(6)

Equity method investments in partnerships and LLCs(4)(6)

Derivative assets(7)

Other investments(6)

Total

Liabilities:

Contingent consideration liability(9)

Derivative liabilities(7)

Total

8,497

14,125

–

22,622

378,396

2,048

–

–

3,584

–

$

840,659

$

$

–

(2,335)

(2,335)

$

$

$

89,140

10,024

2,878

–

–

–

208,268

–

–

–

190

–

21,586

62,973

–

90

467,726

12,072

24,464

62,973

3,584

90

$

$

$

84,839

$ 1,133,766

(29,553)

–

(29,553)

$

$

(29,553)

(2,335)

(31,888)

(1)  Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash investments in actively traded money market funds are measured at NAV and are 
classified as Level 1. Cash investments in time deposits and other are measured at amortized cost, which approximates fair value because of the short time between the purchase  
of the instrument and its expected realization, and are classified as Level 2.

(2)  Primarily mutual funds where there is minimal market risk to the Company as any change in value is primarily offset by an adjustment to compensation expense and related deferred 

compensation liability.

(3)  Trading investments of proprietary fund products and other trading investments consist of approximately 63% and 37% in equity and debt securities, respectively, as of March 31, 2015, 

and approximately 53% and 47% in equity and debt securities, respectively, as of March 31, 2014. 

(4)  Substantially all of Legg Mason’s equity method investments are investment companies which record their underlying investments at fair value. Fair value is measured using Legg 

Mason’s share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss, which is predominately representative of fair value adjustments in the investments held by the equity method investee.

(5) Includes investments under the equity method (which approximate fair value) relating to long-term incentive compensation plans of $8,728 and $14,125 as of March 31, 2015 and  

March 31, 2014, respectively, and proprietary fund products and other investments of $7,444 and $8,497 as of March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively, which are classified  
as Investment securities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(6)  Amounts are included in Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for each of the periods presented.
(7) See Note 14.
(8)  Long-term debt amount is the sum of the amortized cost of long-term debt and the fair value of an interest rate swap contract designated as a fair value hedge. See Note 6.
(9)  See Note 2.

80

Legg Mason AR2015Proprietary fund products include seed capital investments 
made by Legg Mason to fund new investment strategies 
and products. Legg Mason had investments in proprietary 
fund products, which totaled $392,039 and $405,918,  
as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which are 
substantially comprised of investments in 52 funds and  
46 funds, respectively, that are individually greater than 
$1,000, with minimal third-party investment, and together 
comprise over 90% of the total seed capital investments  
in each period.

See Notes 1 and 16 for information regarding the 
determination of whether investments in proprietary  
fund products represent VIEs and consolidation.

Substantially all of the above financial instruments where 
valuation methods rely on other than observable market 
inputs as a significant input utilize the equity method, the 
cost method, or NAV practical expedient discussed below, 
such that measurement uncertainty has little relevance.

The changes in financial assets and (liabilities) measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)  
for the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, are presented in the tables below:

Value as of 
March 31, 
2014

Purchases

Sales

Redemptions/ 
Settlements/ 
Other

Transfers

Realized and 
unrealized 
gains/ 
(losses), net

Value as of 
March 31, 
2015

Assets:

Trading investments of 

$

190 $

2 $

(27) $

– $

– $

21 $

186

proprietary fund products  
and other trading investments

Investments in partnerships, 

21,586

–

(24)

LLCs and other

Equity method investments  
in partnerships and LLCs

62,973

2,048

(14,101)

(5,108)

(1,121)

Other investments

90

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1,943)

14,511

(1,455)

48,344

(13)

77

$ 84,839 $

2,050 $ (14,152) $

(6,229) $

– $

(3,390) $

63,118

Liabilities:

Contingent consideration liabilities $ (29,553) $ (88,581) $

–

$

– $

– $

7,350 $ (110,784)

Value as of 
March 31, 
2013

Purchases

Sales

Redemptions/
Settlements/ 
Other

Transfers

Realized and 
unrealized 
gains/ 
(losses), net

Value as of 
March 31, 
2014

Assets:

Trading investments of 

$

246 $

1 $

–

$

(77) $

– $

20 $

190

proprietary fund products 
and other trading investments

Investments in partnerships, 

27,762

–

(731)

(4,869)

LLCs and other

Equity method investments  
in partnerships and LLCs

66,338

5,154

(750)

(9,258)

Other investments

111

–

(12)

–

–

–

–

(576)

21,586

1,489

62,973

(9)

90

$ 94,457 $

5,155 $ (1,493) $

(14,204) $

– $

924 $

84,839

Liabilities:

Contingent consideration liability

$ (21,900) $

– $

–

$

– $

– $

(7,653) $ (29,553)

81

Legg Mason AR2015Realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for 
Level 3 investments are primarily included in Other 
Non-Operating Income (Expense) in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income (Loss). The change in unrealized 
gains (losses) for Level 3 investments and liabilities still  

held at the reporting date was $2,439 and $(5,210) for  
the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

There were no significant transfers between Level 1 and 
Level 2 during the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

As a practical expedient, Legg Mason relies on the NAV of certain investments as their fair value. The NAVs that have 
been provided by the investees have been derived from the fair values of the underlying investments as of the respective 
reporting dates. The following table summarizes, as of March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, the nature of these 
investments and any related liquidation restrictions or other factors which may impact the ultimate value realized:

Category of 
Investment

Funds-of-hedge 

funds

Hedge funds

Private equity 

funds

Other

Total

Investment Strategy

Global macro, fixed income, long/short 
equity, natural resources, systematic, 
emerging market, European hedge
Fixed income — developed market, 
event driven, fixed income — hedge, 
relative value arbitrage, European hedge
Long/short equity

Fair Value Determined Using NAV

As of March 31, 2015

March 31, 
2015

$

23,787(1)

$

March 31, 
2014
34,771(1)

Unfunded 
Commitments

Remaining 
Term

$

n/a n/a

14,515

19,461

20,000 n/a

23,563(2)

22,759(2)

9,654 Up to 9 years

Various

1,129

2,434

n/a Various(3)

$

62,994(4)

$

79,425(4)

$

29,654

  n/a — not applicable
(1)  Liquidation restrictions: 9% monthly redemption and 91% quarterly redemption as of March 31, 2015. 40% monthly redemption and 60% quarterly redemption as of March 31, 2014.
(2)  Liquidations are expected over the remaining term.
(3)  Of this balance, 21% has a remaining term of less than one year and 79% has a remaining term of 18 years.
(4)  Comprised of 38% and 62% of Level 2 and Level 3 assets, respectively, as of March 31, 2015 and 31% and 69% of Level 2 and Level 3 assets, respectively, as of March 31, 2014.

  There are no current plans to sell any of these investments held as of March 31, 2015.

Depreciation and amortization expense related to fixed 
assets was $52,461, $50,531, and $73,829 for the years 
ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. This 
includes accelerated depreciation and amortization of $1,265 
in fiscal 2015 primarily arising from the integration over time 
of Batterymarch into QS Investors, $2,542 in 2014, primarily 
arising from various corporate initiatives, and $21,020 in fiscal 
2013, arising from an initiative to reduce space requirements. 

4. Fixed Assets
The following table reflects the components  
of fixed assets as of:

Equipment

Software

Leasehold improvements

Total cost

2015

2014

$ 152,893

$ 147,663

269,745

203,420

626,058

249,368

209,747

606,778

(417,537)

Less: accumulated depreciation 

(446,452)

and amortization

Fixed assets, net

$ 179,606

$ 189,241

82

Legg Mason AR20155. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets are not 
amortized, and the values of other identifiable intangible 
assets are amortized over their useful lives, unless the 
assets are determined to have indefinite useful lives. 
Goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets are analyzed 
to determine if the fair value of the assets exceeds the 
book value. Intangible assets subject to amortization are 
considered for impairment at each reporting period. If the 
fair value is less than the book value, Legg Mason will 
record an impairment charge.

The following table reflects the components of intangible 
assets as of:

March 31, 
 2015

March 31,  
2014

Amortizable intangible asset management contracts

Cost

$ 188,312 $ 207,224

Accumulated amortization

(166,583)

(197,255)

Net

21,729

9,969

Legg Mason completed its annual impairment testing 
process of goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets 
and determined that there was no impairment in the value 
of these assets as of December 31, 2014. As a result 
of uncertainty regarding future market conditions and 
economic results, assessing the fair value of the reporting 
unit and intangible assets requires management to exercise 
significant judgment. The current assessed fair value of 
the indefinite-life funds-of-hedge funds contracts asset 
related to the Permal and Fauchier acquisitions exceeds 
the combined carrying values by 13%. Should market 
performance, flows, or related AUM levels decrease in the 
near term, or other factors change, such that cash flow 
projections deviate from current projections, it is reasonably 
possible that the assets could be deemed to be impaired 
by a material amount. The current assessed fair value of the 
indefinite-life domestic mutual funds contracts asset related 
to the Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”) acquisition 
exceeds the carrying value by 41%. Legg Mason also 
determined that no triggering events occurred as of March 
31, 2015 that would require further impairment testing.

Indefinite-life intangible assets

U.S. domestic mutual fund 
management contracts

Permal/Fauchier funds-of-hedge 
fund management contracts

2,106,351

2,106,351

698,104

698,104

As of March 31, 2015, amortizable intangible asset 
management contracts are being amortized over a 
weighted-average remaining life of 9.3 years.

Other fund management contracts(1)

427,816

304,549

Trade names(1)

59,334

52,800

3,291,605

3,161,804

Intangible assets, net

$ 3,313,334 $ 3,171,773

(1)  As of March 31, 2015, Other fund management contracts and Trade names include 

$124,002 and $6,524, respectively, related to the acquisition of Martin Currie.

In connection with the previously discussed sale of LMIC, 
amortizable intangible asset management contracts with  
a cost of $36,864 and accumulated amortization of  
$30,205 were sold on November 7, 2014. Also, the 
acquisitions of Martin Currie and QS Investors included 
amortizable asset management contracts of $15,234  
and $7,060, respectively. The acquisition of Martin Currie 
also included an indefinite-life trade name with a value  
of $7,130. See Note 2 for additional information on the 
acquisitions and disposition.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the next  
five fiscal years is as follows:

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

$

2,710

2,710

2,710

2,710

2,227

8,662

$

21,729

83

Legg Mason AR2015The change in the carrying value of goodwill is summarized below:

Balance as of March 31, 2013

Impact of excess tax basis amortization

Changes in foreign exchange rates and other

Balance as of March 31, 2014

Impact of excess tax basis amortization

Gross Book 
Value

Accumulated 
Impairment

Net Book  
Value

$ 2,431,065

$ (1,161,900)

$ 1,269,165

(21,675)

(6,967)

–

–

(21,675)

(6,967)

$ 2,402,423

$ (1,161,900)

$ 1,240,523

(21,742)

–

–

–

(21,742)

165,927

(45,198)

Business acquisitions, net of $(9,271) relating to the sale of LMIC (See Note 2)

165,927

Changes in foreign exchange rates and other

(45,198)

Balance as of March 31, 2015

$ 2,501,410

$ (1,161,900)

$ 1,339,510

Legg Mason recognizes the tax benefit of the amortization 
of excess tax benefit related to the CAM acquisition. In 
accordance with accounting guidance for income taxes, 
the tax benefit is recorded as a reduction of goodwill and 
deferred tax liabilities as the benefit is realized.

6. Short-term Borrowings  
and Long-term Debt
The disclosures below include details of Legg Mason’s 
debt, excluding the debt of CIVs. See Note 16, Variable 
Interest Entities and Consolidation of Investment Vehicles, 
for information related to the debt of CIVs.

As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, Legg Mason had $750,000 
of revolving credit facility capacity. Pursuant to a capital 
plan, in June 2012, Legg Mason entered into an unsecured 
credit agreement which provided for a $500,000 revolving 
credit facility and a $500,000 term loan, which was repaid 
in fiscal 2014, as further discussed below. The proceeds 
of the term loan were used to repay the $500,000 of 
outstanding borrowings under the previous revolving credit 

facility, which was then terminated. In January 2014, Legg 
Mason entered into a $250,000 incremental borrowing 
credit facility, which was contemplated in, and is in addition 
to the $500,000 revolving credit facility. Both revolving 
credit facilities expire in June 2017. The revolving credit 
facilities have interest rates of LIBOR plus 150 basis points 
and annual commitment fees of 20 basis points. The 
interest rates may change in the future based on changes in 
Legg Mason’s credit ratings. These revolving credit facilities 
are available for capital needs and for general corporate 
purposes. There were no borrowings outstanding under 
either of these facilities as of March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The revolving credit facilities have standard financial 
covenants, including a maximum net debt to EBITDA ratio 
(as defined in the documents) of 2.5 to 1 and minimum 
EBITDA to interest ratio (as defined in the documents) of 
4.0 to 1. As of March 31, 2015, Legg Mason’s net debt to 
EBITDA ratio was 1.3 to 1 and EBITDA to interest expense 
ratio was 13.5 to 1, and therefore, Legg Mason has 
maintained compliance with the applicable covenants.

84

Legg Mason AR2015Long-term debt consists of the following:

March 31, 2015

March 31, 2014

Carrying 
Value

Fair Value 
Hedge 
Adjustment

Unamortized 
Discount 
(Premium)

Maturity 
Amount

Carrying 
Value

5.5% Senior Notes

$

–

$

–

$

–

$

–

$

645,042

2.7% Senior Notes due July 2019

3.95% Senior Notes due July 2024

5.625% Senior Notes due January 2044

Other term loans

Subtotal

254,993

249,577

553,519

–

(5,462)

–

–

–

469

423

(3,519)

–

250,000

250,000

550,000

–

–

–

393,784

438

1,058,089

(5,462)

(2,627)

1,050,000

1,039,264

Less: current portion

–

–

–

–

438

Total

$ 1,058,089

$

(5,462)

$

(2,627)

$ 1,050,000

$ 1,038,826

In May 2012, Legg Mason announced a capital plan that 
included refinancing the Company’s then outstanding 2.5% 
convertible notes (the “Convertible Notes”). The refinancing 
was effected through the issuance of $650,000 of 5.5% 
Senior Notes due 2019 (the “5.5% Senior Notes”), the 
net proceeds of which, together with cash on hand and 
$250,000 of remaining borrowing capacity under a then 
existing revolving credit facility, were used to repurchase 
all $1,250,000 of the Convertible Notes. The terms of the 
repurchase included the repayment of the Convertible 
Notes at par plus accrued interest, a prepayment fee of 
$6,250 and a non-cash exchange of warrants to the holders 
of the Convertible Notes that replicated and extended the 
contingent conversion feature of the Convertible Notes. The 
cash payment of $1,256,250 to repurchase the Convertible 
Notes was allocated between their liability and equity 
components based on a liability fair value of $1,193,971, 
determined using a then current market interest rate of 
4.1%, resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment of $68,975, 
including $7,851 of accelerated deferred issue costs. The 
remaining balance of the cash payment was allocated to the 
equity component of the Convertible Notes for a $62,279 
reduction of additional paid-in capital, offset by related 
tax benefits of $31,446. The $1,193,971 amount of cash 
repurchase payment allocated to the liability component of 
the Convertible Notes upon their extinguishment exceeded 
the initial allocated value at issuance of $977,933, requiring 
the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year 
ended March 31, 2013 to include an allocation of the 
$216,038 excess to operating activities.

The warrants issued to the holders of the Convertible Notes 
in connection with the repurchase of the Convertible Notes 
provide for the purchase, in the aggregate and subject to 
adjustment, of 14,205 shares of our common stock, on 
a net share settled basis, at an exercise price of $88 per 
share. The warrants expire in July 2017 and can be settled, 
at the Company’s election, in either shares of common 
stock or cash. Accordingly, the warrants are accounted 
for as equity. In connection with the extinguishment of 
the Convertible Notes, hedge transactions (purchased call 
options and warrants) executed in connection with the initial 
issuance of the Convertible Notes were also terminated.

The $650,000 of 5.5% Senior Notes, were sold at a 
discount of $6,754, which was being amortized to interest 
expense over the seven-year term, prior to the redemption 
of the 5.5% Senior Notes in July 2014, as further discussed 
below. The 5.5% Senior Notes could be redeemed at 
any time prior to their scheduled maturity, in part or in 
aggregate, at the greater of the related principal amount at 
that time or the sum of the remaining scheduled payments 
discounted at the Treasury rate (as defined) plus 0.5%, 
together with any related accrued and unpaid interest. 

In January 2014, Legg Mason issued $400,000 of 5.625% 
Senior Notes due January 2044, the net proceeds of 
which, together with cash on hand, were used to repay the 
$450,000 of outstanding borrowings under the five-year 
term loan entered into in conjunction with the unsecured 
credit agreement noted above. The 5.625% Senior Notes 
were sold at a discount of $6,260, which is being amortized 
to interest expense over the 30-year term.

85

Legg Mason AR2015In June 2014, Legg Mason issued $250,000 of 2.7% 
Senior Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”), $250,000 of 
3.95% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”), and an 
additional $150,000 of the existing 5.625% Senior Notes 
due 2044 (the “2044 Notes” and, together with the 2019 
Notes and the 2024 Notes, the “Notes”). In July 2014,  
the Company used $658,769 in proceeds from the sale  
of the Notes, net of related fees, together with cash on 
hand, to call the outstanding $650,000 of 5.5% Senior 
Notes and pay a related make-whole premium of  
$98,418, as discussed below.

On June 23, 2014, Legg Mason entered into a reverse 
treasury rate lock contract with a financial intermediary 
with a notional amount of $650,000, which was designated 
as a cash flow hedge. The contract was issued in 
connection with the retirement of the 5.5% Senior Notes. 
The Company entered into the reverse treasury rate lock 
agreement in order to hedge the variability in the retirement 
payment on the entire principal amount of debt. The reverse 
treasury rate lock contract effectively fixed the present 
value of the forecasted debt make-whole payment which 
was priced on July 18, 2014, to eliminate risk associated 
with changes in the five-year U.S. treasury yield.

The 5.5% Senior Notes were retired on July 23, 2014,  
and resulted in a pre-tax, non-operating charge of $107,074, 
consisting of a make-whole premium of $98,418 to call  
the 5.5% Senior Notes, net of $638 from the settlement  
of the reverse treasury lock before related administrative 
fees, and $8,656 associated with existing deferred  
charges and original issue discount.

2.7% Senior Notes due July 2019

The $250,000 2019 Notes were sold at a discount of $553, 
which is being amortized to interest expense over the five-
year term. The 2019 Notes can be redeemed at any time 
prior to the scheduled maturity in part or in aggregate, at 
the greater of the related principal amount at that time or 
the sum of the remaining scheduled payments discounted 
at the treasury rate (as defined) plus 0.20%, together with 
any related accrued and unpaid interest.

On June 23, 2014, Legg Mason entered into an interest rate 
swap contract with a financial intermediary with a notional 
amount of $250,000, which was designated as a fair value 
hedge. The interest rate swap is being used to effectively 
convert the 2019 Notes from fixed rate debt to floating rate 
debt and has identical terms as the underlying debt being 
hedged, so no ineffectiveness is expected. The swap has 
a five-year term, and matures on July 15, 2019. The fair 

value of the contract at March 31, 2015, was a derivative 
asset of $5,462, which is classified as Other assets with 
a corresponding fair value adjustment recorded as Other 
income (gain on hedging activity) in the Consolidated 
Statement of Income for the year ended March 31, 2015. 
The carrying value of the debt in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet is likewise increased by $5,462 with a corresponding 
fair value adjustment recorded as Other expense (loss on 
hedging activity) in the Consolidated Statement of Income 
for the year ended March 31, 2015. The related hedging 
gains and losses offset one another for no net income or 
loss impact. The swap payment dates coincide with the 
debt payment dates on July 15 and January 15. The related 
receipts/payments by Legg Mason are recorded as Interest 
expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Since 
the original terms and conditions of the hedged instruments 
are unchanged, the swap continues to be an effective  
fair value hedge.

3.95% Senior Notes due July 2024

The $250,000 2024 Notes were sold at a discount of  
$458, which is being amortized to interest expense over  
the 10-year term. The 2024 Notes can be redeemed at any 
time prior to the scheduled maturity in part or in aggregate, 
at the greater of the related principal amount at that time or 
the sum of the remaining scheduled payments discounted 
at the treasury rate (as defined) plus 0.25%, together with 
any related accrued and unpaid interest.

5.625% Senior Notes due January 2044

As previously discussed, in January 2014, Legg Mason 
issued $400,000 of 5.625% Senior Notes. An additional 
$150,000 of 2044 Notes were issued in June 2014 and 
were sold at a premium of $9,779, which is also being 
amortized to interest expense over the 30-year term. All of 
the 2044 Notes can be redeemed at any time prior to their 
scheduled maturity in part or in aggregate, at the greater of 
the related principal amount at that time or the sum of the 
remaining scheduled payments discounted at the treasury 
rate (as defined) plus 0.30%, together with any related 
accrued and unpaid interest. 

As of March 31, 2015, $250,000 of long-term debt matures 
in fiscal 2020, and $800,000 matures thereafter.

At March 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of long-term debt 
was approximately $1,166,697, including $255,462 for the 
2019 Notes which are carried at an amount that approximates 
fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The debt fair 
value was estimated using publicly quoted market prices  
and was classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

86

Legg Mason AR20157. Income Taxes
The components of income (loss) before income tax provision (benefit) are as follows:

Domestic

Foreign

Total

The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

Federal

Foreign

State and local

Total income tax provision (benefit)

Current

Deferred

Total income tax provision (benefit)

2015

249,380

118,613

367,993

$

$

2014

2013

$

$

320,890

$ (264,342)

98,751

(246,265)

419,641

$

(510,607)

2015

2014

2013

$

95,499

$

125,494

$

(74,185)

20,365

9,420

125,284

24,897

100,387

125,284

$

$

$

(1,450)

13,761

(85,677)

9,003

$

$

$

137,805

$ (150,859)

19,375

$

6,496

118,430

(157,355)

137,805

$ (150,859)

A reconciliation of the difference between the effective income tax (benefit) rate and the statutory  
federal income tax (benefit) rate is as follows:

Tax provision (benefit) at statutory U.S. federal income tax rate

35.0%

35.0%

(35.0)%

2015

2014

2013

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit(1)

Effect of foreign tax rates(1)

Changes in U.K. tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

Other, net(1)

Effective income tax (benefit) rate

1.5

(4.9)

–

(0.5)

2.9

2.0

(4.2)

(4.6)

0.3

4.3

1.5

3.8

(3.5)

0.5

3.2

34.0%

32.8%

(29.5)%

(1)  State income taxes include changes in related valuation allowances, net of the impact on deferred tax assets of changes in state apportionment factors and planning strategies.  
The effect of foreign tax rates also includes changes in related valuation allowances. Other includes changes in federal valuation allowances and permanent tax adjustments.  
See schedule below for the change in valuation allowances by jurisdiction.

In July 2012, The U.K. Finance Act 2012 was enacted, which 
reduced the main U.K. corporate tax rate from 25% to 24% 
effective April 1, 2012 and 23% effective April 1, 2013. In July 
2013, the Finance Bill 2013 was enacted, further reducing 
the main U.K. corporate tax rate to 21% effective April 1, 

2014 and 20% effective April 1, 2015. The reductions in the 
U.K. corporate tax rate resulted in tax benefits of $19,164 and 
$18,075, recognized in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively, as 
a result of the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities 
at the new rates. 

87

Legg Mason AR2015Deferred income taxes are provided for the effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability 
and its reported amount in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These temporary differences result in taxable or deductible 
amounts in future years. A summary of Legg Mason’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

Deferred Tax Assets

Accrued compensation and benefits

Accrued expenses

Operating loss carryforwards

Capital loss carryforwards

Foreign tax credit carryforward

Federal benefit of uncertain tax positions

Mutual fund launch costs

Martin Currie defined benefit pension liability

Other

Deferred tax assets

Valuation allowance

2015

2014

$

158,369

$

154,074

60,282

290,765

5,335

247,027

18,461

30,968

7,741

3,817

822,765

(96,687)

61,575

267,940

10,015

235,661

16,914

31,774

–

303

778,256

(90,832)

Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

$

726,078

$

687,424

Deferred Tax Liabilities

Basis differences, principally for intangible assets and goodwill

Depreciation and amortization

Net unrealized gains from investments

Other

Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

2015

2014

$

82,636

$

72,596

666,057

523,595

7,832

78

4,743

221

756,603

601,155

$

(30,525)

$

86,269

Certain tax benefits associated with Legg Mason’s employee 
stock plans are recorded directly in Stockholders’ Equity. No 
tax benefit was recorded to equity in fiscal 2015, 2014 or 
2013, due to the net operating loss position of the Company. 
As of March 31, 2015, an aggregate $15,444 of tax benefit 
will be recognized as an increase in Stockholders’ Equity 
when the related net operating losses are ultimately realized.

Legg Mason has various loss and tax credit carryforwards 
that may provide future tax benefits. Related valuation 
allowances are established in accordance with accounting 
guidance for income taxes, if it is management’s opinion 
that it is more likely than not that these benefits will not 
be realized. To the extent the analysis of the realization of 
deferred tax assets relies on deferred tax liabilities, Legg 
Mason has considered the timing, nature, and jurisdiction 
of reversals, as well as, future increases relating to the tax 
amortization of goodwill and indefinite-life intangible assets.

Substantially all of Legg Mason’s deferred tax assets 
relate to U.S. federal, state and U.K. taxing jurisdictions. 
As of March 31, 2015, U.S. federal deferred tax assets 
aggregated $702,233, realization of which is expected to 
require approximately $3,500,000 of future U.S. earnings. 
Based on estimates of future taxable income, using 
assumptions consistent with those used in Legg Mason’s 
goodwill impairment testing, it is more likely than not that 
substantially all of the current federal tax benefits relating to 
net operating losses are realizable. With respect to deferred 
tax assets relating to foreign tax credit carryforwards, it is 
more likely than not that tax benefits relating to the utilization 
of approximately $40,000 of foreign taxes as credits will not 
be realized and a valuation allowance was established in a 
prior period. Except as it relates to Martin Currie’s deferred 
tax assets discussed below, no additional federal valuation 
allowance was established in fiscal 2015. In addition, a 
valuation allowance was established in prior years for a 

88

Legg Mason AR2015substantial portion of our deferred tax assets relating to U.K. 
and other foreign taxing jurisdictions. While tax planning 
may enhance Legg Mason’s tax positions, the realization 
of tax benefits on deferred tax assets for which valuation 
allowances have not been provided is not dependent on 
implementation of any significant tax strategies.

As of March 31, 2015, U.S. state deferred tax assets 
aggregated approximately $186,944. Due to limitations  
on utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and taking 
into consideration certain state tax planning strategies, a 
valuation allowance of $34,600 was established in prior 
years for state net operating loss benefits generated in 
certain jurisdictions in cases where it is not more likely 

than not that these benefits will ultimately be realized. A 
valuation allowance of $9,359 was released in fiscal 2015 
due to updated forecasts, state law changes, and planned 
implementation of various tax planning strategies. Due 
to the uncertainty of future state apportionment factors 
and future effective state tax rates, the value of state net 
operating loss benefits ultimately realized may vary.

As of March 31, 2015, the Company has a valuation 
allowance of $18,441 for the deferred tax assets related 
to Martin Currie entities. Of this amount, approximately  
$17,000 was established as a purchase accounting 
adjustment recorded upon acquisition based on historical 
and current net operating losses of Martin Currie.

The following deferred tax assets and valuation allowances relating to carryforwards have been recorded at March 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively.

2015

2014

Expires Beginning
After Fiscal Year

Deferred Tax Assets

U.S. federal net operating losses

U.S. federal capital losses

U.S. federal foreign tax credits

U.S. charitable contributions

U.S. state net operating losses(1)(2)

U.S. state capital losses

Foreign net operating losses

Foreign capital losses

Total deferred tax assets for carryforwards

Valuation Allowances

U.S. federal net operating losses

U.S. federal capital losses

U.S. federal foreign tax credits

U.S. state net operating losses

U.S. state capital losses

Foreign net operating losses

Foreign capital losses

Valuation allowances for carryforwards

Foreign other deferred assets

Total valuation allowances

2031

n/a

2015

2020

2016

2016

2027

n/a

$

96,774

$

80,515

–

247,027

233

168,069

44

25,877

5,290

543,314

1,282

–

25,429

26,828

44

23,504

5,290

82,377

14,310

96,687

$

$

$

$

$

3,545

235,661

–

168,173

532

19,252

5,938

513,616

–

74

25,947

34,590

129

15,738

5,938

82,416

8,416

$

90,832

(1)  Substantially all of the U.S. state net operating losses carryforward through fiscal 2029.
(2)  Due to potential for change in the factors relating to apportionment of income to various states, Legg Mason’s effective state tax rates are subject to fluctuation which will impact  

the value of the Company’s deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, and could have a material impact on the future effective tax rate of the Company.

89

Legg Mason AR2015Legg Mason had total gross unrecognized tax benefits of 
approximately $92,344, $77,892 and $72,650 as of March 
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of these totals, 
approximately $62,775, $51,518 and $46,340, respectively, 
(net of the federal benefit for state tax liabilities) are the 

amounts of unrecognized benefits which, if recognized, 
would favorably impact future income tax provisions and 
effective tax rates. During fiscal 2015, as a result of the 
net impact of effective settlement of tax examinations, 
previously unrecognized benefits of $6,719 were realized.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized gross tax benefits for the years ended March 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, is as follows:

Balance, beginning of year

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities

Expiration of statutes of limitations

Balance, end of year

2015

2014

2013

$

77,892

$

72,650

$

90,831

9,919

13,054

–

5,659

12,610

(138)

(8,521)

(12,889)

–

–

11,726

8,439

(13,083)

(25,205)

(58)

$

92,344

$

77,892

$

72,650

Although management cannot predict with any degree of 
certainty the timing of ultimate resolution of matters under 
review by various taxing jurisdictions, it is reasonably possible 
that the Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits balance 
may change within the next 12 months by up to $17,000 as 
a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations and the 
completion of tax authorities examinations.

On April 13, 2015, reforms to New York City’s corporate 
tax structure were enacted which included changes in the 
calculation of net operating loss carryforwards and changes 
in the way sales revenue is sourced. Legg Mason currently 
estimates that the revaluation of deferred tax assets and 
liabilities under the new rules will result in the recognition  
of a one-time income tax benefit of approximately  
$10,000 to $20,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.

The Company accrues interest related to unrecognized 
tax benefits in interest expense and recognizes penalties 
in other operating expense. During the years ended 
March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized 
approximately $1,492, $(580), and $5,500, respectively, 
which was substantially all interest. At March 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, Legg Mason had approximately $8,570, 
$7,300, and $14,000, respectively, accrued for interest  
and penalties on tax contingencies in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets.

Legg Mason’s prior year tax returns are subject to 
examination by the Internal Revenue Service, Her Majesty’s 
Revenue & Customs, Brazilian and other tax authorities in 
various other countries and states. The following tax years 
remain open to income tax examination for each of the 

more significant jurisdictions where Legg Mason is subject 
to income taxes: after fiscal 2009 for U.S. federal; after 
fiscal 2013 for the U.K.; after calendar year 2006 for Brazil; 
after fiscal 2009 for the state of California; after fiscal  
2008 for the state of New York; and after fiscal 2010 for 
the states of Connecticut, Maryland and Massachusetts.  
The Company does not anticipate making any significant 
cash payments with the settlement of these audits in 
excess of amounts that have been reserved.

Except as noted below, Legg Mason intends to 
permanently reinvest overseas substantially all of 
the cumulative undistributed earnings of its foreign 
subsidiaries. Accordingly, no additional U.S. federal 
income taxes have been provided for undistributed 
earnings to the extent that they are permanently 
reinvested in Legg Mason’s foreign operations. It is  
not practical at this time to determine the income  
tax liability that would result upon repatriation of  
additional accumulated foreign earnings.

In order to increase the amount of cash available in the 
U.S. for general corporate purposes, Legg Mason plans 
to utilize up to $257,000 of foreign cash over the next 
several years, of which only $16,000 is accumulated 
foreign earnings. Due to certain tax planning strategies, 
Legg Mason anticipates that it will generate a tax  
benefit of approximately $12,000 with respect to this 
repatriation and adjusted the tax reserve accordingly in 
fiscal 2014. No further repatriation of accumulated prior 
period foreign earnings is currently planned. However,  
if circumstances change, Legg Mason will provide for 
and pay any applicable additional U.S. taxes in connection 

90

Legg Mason AR2015with repatriation of offshore funds. It is not practical  
at this time to determine the income tax liability that  
would result from any further repatriation of accumulated 
foreign earnings. As of March 31, 2015, Legg Mason  
had available domestically cash and cash equivalents  
of approximately $400,000 and a $750,000 undrawn 
credit facility to meet domestic liquidity needs and to 
provide flexibility in maximizing cost effective capital 
deployment without repatriating additional accumulated 
foreign earnings.

8. Commitments and Contingencies
Legg Mason leases office facilities and equipment under 
non-cancelable operating leases, and also has multi-year 
agreements for certain services. These leases and service 
agreements expire on varying dates through fiscal 2028. 
Certain leases provide for renewal options and contain 
escalation clauses providing for increased rentals based  
upon maintenance, utility and tax increases.

As of March 31, 2015, the minimum annual aggregate  
rentals under operating leases and service agreements  
are as follows:

The minimum rental commitments shown above include 
$5,176 for commitments related to space that has been 
vacated, but for which subleases are being pursued. The 
related lease reserve liability, also included in the table below, 
was $2,213 and $19,330 as of March 31, 2015 and March 
31, 2014, respectively, and remains subject to adjustment 
based on circumstances in the real estate markets that may 
require a change in assumptions or the actual terms of a 
sublease that is ultimately secured. The lease reserve liability 
takes into consideration various assumptions, including the 
expected amount of time it will take to secure a sublease 
agreement and prevailing rental rates in the applicable real 
estate markets. 

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

Balance as of March 31, 2012

$ 44,763

Accrued charges for vacated and subleased space(1)

39,080

Payments, net

Adjustments and other

$

134,034

Balance as of March 31, 2013

(15,341)

(1,590)

$ 66,912

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

Total

112,593

97,711

81,557

75,188

291,070

$

792,153

The minimum rental commitments shown above have 
not been reduced by $162,826 for minimum sublease 
rentals to be received in the future under non-cancelable 
subleases, of which approximately 35% is due from one 
counterparty. The lease reserve liability, which is included 
in the table below, for space subleased as of March 31, 
2015 and March 31, 2014 was $43,726 and $36,170, 
respectively. If a sub-tenant defaults on a sublease, Legg 
Mason may incur operating charges to adjust the existing 
lease reserve liability to reflect expected future sublease 
rentals at reduced amounts, as a result of the then current 
commercial real estate market.

The above minimum rental commitments include $703,481 
in real estate and equipment leases and $88,672 in service 
and maintenance agreements.

Accrued charges for vacated and subleased space(1)

7,371

Payments, net

Adjustments and other

Balance as of March 31, 2014

(17,117)

(1,666)

$ 55,500

Accrued charges for vacated and subleased space(1)

9,023

Payments, net

Adjustments and other

Balance as of March 31, 2015

(15,001)

(3,583)

$ 45,939

(1)  Included in Occupancy expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

The following table reflects rental expense under  
all operating leases and servicing agreements:

2015

2014

2013

Rental expense

$ 136,414

$ 130,880

$ 138,488

Less: sublease income

19,672

16,289

14,750

Net rent expense

$ 116,742

$ 114,591

$ 123,738

91

Legg Mason AR2015Legg Mason recognizes rent expense ratably over the lease 
period based upon the aggregate lease payments. The 
lease period is determined as the original lease term without 
renewals, unless and until the exercise of lease renewal 
options is reasonably assured, and also includes any periods 
provided by the landlord as a “free rent” period. Aggregate 
lease payments include all rental payments specified in 
the contract, including contractual rent increases, and are 
reduced by any lease incentives received from the landlord, 
including those used for tenant improvements.

As of March 31, 2015, Legg Mason had commitments 
to invest approximately $34,261 in limited partnerships 
that make private investments. These commitments are 
expected to be outstanding, or funded as required, through 
the end of their respective investment periods ranging 
through fiscal 2021. 

As of March 31, 2015, Legg Mason had various 
commitments to pay contingent consideration relating to 
business acquisitions, the fair value of which aggregates 
$110,784, of which $22,276 is a current liability. These 
commitments are further described below.

In connection with the acquisition of Martin Currie in 
October 2014, as further discussed in Note 2, contingent 
consideration payments may be due March 31 following the 
first, second and third anniversaries of closing, aggregating 
up to approximately $483,000 (using the foreign exchange 
rate as of March 31, 2015 for the maximum £325,000 
contract amount), inclusive of the payment of certain 
potential pension and other obligations, and dependent on 
the achievement of certain financial metrics, as specified 
in the share purchase agreement, at March 31, 2016, 2017, 
and 2018. The Contingent consideration liability established 
at closing had an acquisition date fair value of $75,211 (using 
the foreign exchange rate as of October 1, 2014). Actual 
payments to be made will also include amounts for certain 
potential pension and other obligations that are accounted 
for separately. As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of the 
Contingent consideration liability was $70,114, a decrease 
of $5,097 from October 1, 2014, substantially all of which is 
attributable to changes in the exchange rate, net of accretion.

In connection with the acquisition of QS Investors in 
May 2014, as further discussed in Note 2, contingent 
consideration of up to approximately $10,000 and 
approximately $20,000 for the second and fourth anniver-
sary payments may be due in July 2016 and July 2018, 
respectively, dependent on the achievement of certain 
net revenue targets, and subject to a potential catch-up 
adjustment in the fourth anniversary payment for any second 
anniversary payment shortfall. The Contingent consideration 

liability established at closing had an acquisition date fair 
value of $13,370, which represented the present value  
of the contingent consideration expected to be paid, and  
has accreted to $13,553 as of March 31, 2015. 

In connection with the acquisition of Fauchier in March 
2013, as further discussed in Note 2, contingent 
consideration of $22,276 (using the foreign exchange 
rate as of March 31, 2015, for the maximum £15,000 
payment amount) was due as of March 31, 2015, for the 
second anniversary contingent consideration payment, 
and was paid in May 2015. In addition, up to approximately 
$30,000 (using the foreign exchange rate as of March 
31, 2015 for the £20,000 maximum contractual amount), 
may be due on or about the fourth anniversary of closing, 
which is dependent upon the achievement of certain 
levels of revenue, net of distribution costs. The fair value 
of the Contingent consideration liability was $27,117 as of 
March 31, 2015, $22,276 of which relates to the second 
anniversary payment. The decrease of $2,436 from March 
31, 2014, was attributable to changes in the exchange 
rate, net of accretion. Legg Mason has executed currency 
forwards to economically hedge the risk of movements in 
the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British 
pound in which the estimated contingent liability payment 
amounts are denominated. See Note 14 for additional 
information regarding derivatives and hedging.

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

Legg Mason has been the subject of customer complaints 
and has also been named as a defendant in various legal 
actions arising primarily from securities brokerage, asset 
management and investment banking activities, including 
certain class actions, which primarily allege violations of 
securities laws and seek unspecified damages, which 
could be substantial. In the normal course of its business, 
Legg Mason has also received subpoenas and is currently 
involved in governmental and industry self-regulatory agency 
inquiries, investigations and, from time to time, proceedings 
involving asset management activities. In accordance with 
guidance for accounting for contingencies, Legg Mason has 
established provisions for estimated losses from pending 
complaints, legal actions, investigations and proceedings 
when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and a 
reasonable estimate of loss can be made.

92

Legg Mason AR2015Legg Mason cannot estimate the reasonably possible loss 
or range of loss associated with matters of litigation and 
other proceedings, including those described above as 
customer complaints, legal actions, inquiries, proceedings 
and investigations. The inability to provide a reasonably 
possible amount or range of losses is not because there 
is uncertainty as to the ultimate outcome of a matter, but 
because liability and damage issues have not developed 
to the point where Legg Mason can conclude that there 
is both a reasonable possibility of a loss and a meaningful 
amount or range of possible losses. There are numerous 
aspects to customer complaints, legal actions, inquiries, 
proceedings and investigations that prevent Legg Mason 
from estimating a related amount or range of reasonably 
possible losses. These aspects include, among other 
things, the nature of the matters; that significant relevant 
facts are not known, are uncertain or are in dispute; and 
that damages sought are not specified, are uncertain, 
unsupportable or unexplained. In addition, for legal actions, 
discovery may not yet have started, may not be complete 
or may not be conclusive, and meaningful settlement 
discussions may not have occurred. Further, for regulatory 
matters, investigations may run their course without any 
clear indication of wrongdoing or fault until their conclusion.

In management’s opinion, an adequate accrual has 
been made as of March 31, 2015, to provide for any 
probable losses that may arise from matters for which  
the Company could reasonably estimate an amount. 
Legg Mason’s financial condition, results of operations 
and cash flows could be materially affected during a 
period in which a matter is ultimately resolved. In addition, 
the ultimate costs of litigation-related charges can vary 
significantly from period-to-period, depending on factors 
such as market conditions, the size and volume of 
customer complaints and claims, including class action 
suits, and recoveries from indemnification, contribution, 
insurance reimbursement, or reductions in compensation 
under revenue share arrangements. 

As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, Legg Mason’s liability for 
losses and contingencies was $200 and $500, respectively. 
During fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, Legg Mason had charges 
relating to litigation and other proceedings of approximately 
$200, $200, and $5,200, respectively (net of recoveries of 
$19,300 and $15,200 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively).

9. Employee Benefits
Legg Mason, through its subsidiaries, maintains various 
defined contribution plans covering substantially all 
employees. Through these plans, Legg Mason can make 
two types of discretionary contributions. One is a profit 
sharing contribution to eligible plan participants based on 
a percentage of qualified compensation and the other is a 
match of employee 401(k) contributions. Matches range 
from 50% to 100% of employee 401(k) contributions, 
up to a maximum of the lesser of up to 6% of employee 
compensation or a specified amount up to $16 per year. 
Corporate profit sharing and matching contributions, 
together with contributions made under subsidiary plans, 
totaled $27,888, $29,355 and $25,868 in fiscal 2015, 2014 
and 2013, respectively. In addition, employees can make 
voluntary contributions under certain plans.

In connection with the acquisition of Martin Currie on 
October 1, 2014, Legg Mason assumed the obligations 
of Martin Currie’s defined benefit pension plan, more  
fully discussed in Note 2.

10. Capital Stock
At March 31, 2015, the authorized numbers of common  
and preferred shares were 500,000 and 4,000, respectively. 
At March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were 8,815 and 10,333 
shares of common stock, respectively, reserved for issuance 
under Legg Mason’s equity plans. 

In May 2012, Legg Mason’s Board of Directors authorized 
$1,000,000 for additional purchases of Legg Mason 
common stock, $13,515 of which remained as of March 31, 
2015. In January 2015, Legg Mason’s Board of Directors 
authorized $1,000,000 for additional purchases of Legg 
Mason common stock, which is in addition to the $13,515 
remaining under the prior authorized share repurchase 
program. There is no expiration date attached to either 
authorization. During fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013, Legg 
Mason purchased and retired 6,931, 9,677, and 16,199 
shares of its common stock, respectively, for $356,522, 
$359,996, and $425,475, respectively, through open 
market purchases. 

As discussed in Note 6, warrants issued in connection  
with the repurchase of the Convertible Notes could result 
in the issuance of a maximum of 14,205 shares of Legg 
Mason common stock, subject to adjustment, if certain 
conditions are met.

93

Legg Mason AR2015Changes in common stock for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are as follows:

Common Stock

Beginning balance

Shares issued for:

Stock option exercises and other stock-based compensation

Deferred compensation employee stock trust

Deferred compensation, net

Shares repurchased and retired

Employee tax withholding by settlement of net share transactions

Ending balance

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

117,173

125,341

139,874

749

44

907

(6,931)

(473)

839

50

1,175

(9,677)

(555)

80

71

1,925

(16,199)

(410)

111,469

117,173

125,341

Dividends declared per share were $0.64, $0.52 and $0.44 
for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Dividends 
declared but not paid at March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
were $17,837, $14,945 and $14,185, respectively, and are 
included in Other current liabilities of the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets.

11. Stock-based Compensation
Legg Mason’s stock-based compensation includes stock 
options, an employee stock purchase plan, market-based 
performance shares payable in common stock, restricted 

stock awards and units, affiliate management equity plans 
and deferred compensation payable in stock. Effective July 
26, 2011, the number of shares authorized to be issued 
under Legg Mason’s active equity incentive stock plan was 
41,500. Remaining shares available for issuance under the 
active equity incentive stock plan as of March 31, 2015, 
were 8,267. Options under Legg Mason’s employee stock 
plans have been granted at prices not less than 100% of 
the fair market value. Options are generally exercisable in 
equal increments over four or five years and expire within 
eight to ten years from the date of grant.

As further discussed below, the components of our total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended March 31, 
2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:

Stock options

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

Employee stock purchase plan

Affiliate management equity plans

Non-employee directors

Performance share units

Employee stock trust

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

2013

$

11,584

$

13,530

$

45,975

48,263

673

5,206

1,550

1,056

201

315

2,270

1,950

–

160

10,979

46,351

238

–

1,250

–

165

Total stock-based compensation expense

$

66,245

$

66,488

$

58,983

94

Legg Mason AR2015Stock Options

Compensation expense relating to stock options for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $11,584, 
$13,530, and $10,979 respectively. The related income tax benefit for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 
was $4,681, $5,244, and $4,293, respectively.

Stock option transactions under Legg Mason’s equity incentive plans during the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014,  
and 2013 are summarized below:

Options outstanding at March 31, 2012

Granted

Exercised

Canceled/forfeited

Options outstanding at March 31, 2013

Granted

Exercised

Canceled/forfeited

Options outstanding at March 31, 2014

Granted

Exercised

Canceled/forfeited

Options outstanding at March 31, 2015

Number  
of Shares

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price  
per Share

5,624

966

(25)

(1,204)

5,361

1,215

(804)

(971)

4,801

918

(694)

(593)

4,432

$57.78

23.72

21.80

51.87

$53.13

33.64

30.52

97.49

$43.02

47.65

30.75

90.31

$39.58

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, was $14,351,  
$6,064, and $168, respectively. At March 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding was $85,351.

The following information summarizes Legg Mason’s stock options outstanding at March 31, 2015:

Exercise Price Range

$ 14.81–$ 25.00

25.01–35.00

35.01–94.00

94.01–122.93

Option Shares
Outstanding

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
per Share

Weighted-Average 
Remaining Life 
(in years)

710

1,873

1,495

354

4,432

$22.80

31.91

42.67

100.77

4.73

4.26

6.73

0.31

95

Legg Mason AR2015At March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, options were exercisable 
for 2,202, 2,531, and 3,254 shares, respectively, and the 
weighted-average exercise prices were $41.50, $54.04,  
and $69.07, respectively. Stock options exercisable at March 
31, 2015, have a weighted-average remaining contractual life 
of 3.3 years. At March 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value 
of exercisable shares was $46,303. 

The weighted-average fair value of service-based stock 
option grants during the years ended March 31, 2015, 
2014, and 2013, excluding those granted to our Chief 
Executive Officer in May 2013 discussed below, using  
the Black-Scholes option pricing model, was $12.03, 
$12.13, and $9.47 per share, respectively.

The following summarizes Legg Mason’s stock options 
exercisable at March 31, 2015:

Exercise Price Range

$ 14.81–$ 25.00

25.01–35.00

35.01–94.00

94.01–122.93

Option 
Shares
Exercisable

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise Price  
per Share

332

1,398

118

354

2,202

$21.76

31.70

35.16

100.77

The following information summarizes unvested stock 
options under Legg Mason’s equity incentive plans  
for the year ended March 31, 2015:

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date  
Fair Value

Number
of Shares

Shares unvested at March 31, 2014

2,270

$11.58

Granted

Vested

Canceled/forfeited

918

(888)

(70)

12.03

11.62

11.86

Shares unvested at March 31, 2015

2,230

$11.73

Unamortized compensation cost related to unvested 
options at March 31, 2015, was $15,371 and is expected to 
be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Cash received from exercises of stock options under Legg 
Mason’s equity incentive plans was $22,069, $23,818, and 
$660 for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 
respectively. The tax benefit expected to be realized for the 
tax deductions from these option exercises totaled $4,856, 
$1,815, and $45 for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, 
and 2013, respectively. 

The following weighted-average assumptions were used  
in the model for grants in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013:

Years Ended March 31,

2015

2014

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

1.04%

1.51%

1.54%

0.80%

2013

1.44%

0.81%

Expected volatility

29.53%

45.08%

51.80%

Expected life (in years)

4.94

4.93

5.02

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

In May 2013, Legg Mason awarded options to purchase 
500 shares of Legg Mason, Inc. common stock at an 
exercise price of $31.46, equal to the then current market 
value of Legg Mason’s common stock, to its Chief 
Executive Officer, which are included in the outstanding 
options table above. The award had a grant date fair  
value of $5,525 and is subject to vesting requirements, 
25% of which vests over a two-year service period; 25% 
of which vests over a two-year service period and is 
subject to Legg Mason’s common stock price equaling  
or exceeding $36.46 for 20 consecutive trading days;  
25% of which was subject to Legg Mason’s common 
stock price equaling or exceeding $41.46 for 20 
consecutive trading days; and 25% of which was subject 
to Legg Mason’s common stock price equaling or 
exceeding $46.46 for 20 consecutive trading days; as 
well as a requirement that certain shares received upon 
exercise are retained for a two-year period. In each of 
January and June 2014, 25% (50% in aggregate) of this 
award vested when the Legg Mason stock price met 
and exceeded $41.46 and $46.46, respectively, for 20 
consecutive trading days. The weighted-average fair value 
per share for these awards of $11.05 was estimated as of 
the grant date using a grant price of $31.46, and a Monte 
Carlo option pricing model with the following assumptions:

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

Expected volatility

1.48%

0.86%

44.05%

96

Legg Mason AR2015Restricted Stock

Other

Restricted stock and restricted stock unit transactions 
during the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 
are summarized below:

Number 
of Shares

Weighted-
Average Grant 
Date Value

Unvested shares at March 31, 2012

Granted

Vested

Canceled/forfeited

Unvested shares at March 31, 2013

Granted

Vested

Canceled/forfeited

Unvested shares at March 31, 2014

Granted

Vested

Canceled/forfeited

2,873

2,185

(1,177)

(143)

3,738

1,369

(1,622)

(151)

3,334

1,236

(1,330)

(190)

Unvested shares at March 31, 2015

3,050

$33.83

24.04

31.22

58.30

$27.99

35.66

28.66

29.04

$30.77

48.03

30.92

35.95

$37.38

The restricted stock and restricted stock units were 
non-cash transactions. For the years ended March 31, 
2015, 2014, and 2013, Legg Mason recognized $45,975, 
$48,263, and $46,351, respectively, in compensation 
expense and related tax benefits of $18,246, $18,575,  
and $17,697, respectively, for restricted stock and restricted 
stock unit awards. Unamortized compensation cost related 
to unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit 
awards for 3,050 shares not yet recognized at March 31, 
2015, was $70,478 and is expected to be recognized  
over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.

In connection with the change in Legg Mason’s Chief 
Executive Officer in September 2012, 325 shares of 
restricted stock were granted to certain executives and key 
employees, with an aggregate value of $8,400. In March 
2013, the vesting of 85 of these shares was accelerated 
in connection with the termination of the recipients’ 
employment. The remaining shares vested on March 31, 
2014. Compensation expense for the year ended March 
31, 2013, includes approximately $6,400 of accelerated 
stock-based net compensation costs associated with the 
departure of Legg Mason executive officers during fiscal 
2013, of which $1,400 relates to the accelerated vesting 
of shares in March 2013. 

Legg Mason has a qualified Employee Stock Purchase 
Plan covering substantially all U.S. employees. Shares of 
common stock are purchased in the open market on behalf 
of participating employees, subject to a 4,500 total share 
limit under the plan. Purchases are made through payroll 
deductions and Legg Mason provides a 15% contribution 
towards purchases, which is charged to earnings. Legg 
Mason’s contribution increased from 10% to 15% in 
January 2014. During the fiscal years ended March 31, 
2015, 2014 and 2013, approximately 107, 85, and 107 
shares, respectively, have been purchased in the open 
market on behalf of participating employees. In fiscal 
2015, 2014 and 2013, Legg Mason recognized $673,  
$315, and $238, respectively, in compensation expense 
related to the stock purchase plan.

On June 28, 2013, Legg Mason implemented a 
management equity plan and granted units to key 
employees of Permal that entitle them to participate in 
15% of the future growth of the Permal enterprise value 
(subject to appropriate discounts), if any, subsequent to 
the grant date. On March 31, 2014, a similar management 
equity plan was implemented by Legg Mason with a grant 
to certain key employees of ClearBridge. Independent 
valuations determined the aggregate cost of the awards 
to be approximately $9,000 and $16,000 for Permal and 
ClearBridge, respectively, which will be recognized as 
Compensation and benefits expense in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income over the related vesting periods, 
through December 2017 and March 2019, respectively. 
Both arrangements provide that one-half of the respective 
cost will be absorbed by the affiliates’ incentive pool. Total 
compensation expense related to affiliate management 
equity plans was $5,206 and $2,270 for the years ended 
March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of March 31, 
2015, the redemption amount of vested units under both 
plans, as if they were currently redeemable, aggregated 
approximately $10,000. 

Legg Mason also has an equity plan for non-employee 
directors. Under the current equity plan, directors may elect 
to receive shares of stock or restricted stock units. Prior to a 
July 19, 2007 amendment to the Plan, directors could also 
elect to receive stock options. Options granted under the 
old plan are immediately exercisable at a price equal to the 
market value of the shares on the date of grant and have a 
term of not more than ten years. In fiscal 2015, 2014, and 
2013, Legg Mason recognized expense of $1,550, $1,950, 
and $1,250, respectively, for awards under this plan. Shares, 
options, and restricted stock units issuable under this equity 
plan are limited to 625 in aggregate, of which 359 shares 

97

Legg Mason AR2015were issued as of March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, 
non-employee directors held no stock options, and as of 
March 31, 2014 and 2013, non-employee directors held 
32 and 112 stock options, respectively, which are included 
in the outstanding options table. During the years ended 
March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, non-employee directors 
did not exercise any stock options. During the years ended 
March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were 32 and 26 stock 
options canceled or forfeited from the current equity plan 
for non-employee directors, respectively, and during the 
year ended March 31, 2013, there were no stock options 
canceled or forfeited from the current equity plan. For the 
years ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 54 
and 72 stock options canceled or forfeited, respectively, 
related to an equity plan for non-employee directors which 
was discontinued in July 2005. As of March 31, 2015, 
2014, and 2013, non-employee directors held 45, 64, and 
91 restricted stock units, respectively, which vest on the 
grant date and are, therefore, not included in the unvested 
shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units in the 
table above. During the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014 
and 2013, non-employee directors were granted 8, 12, and 
17 restricted stock units, respectively, and 23, 47, and 35 
shares of common stock, respectively. During the years 
ended March 31, 2015, and 2014, there were 27 and 39 
restricted stock units distributed, respectively, and during 
the year ended March 31, 2013, there were no restricted 
stock units distributed.

In May 2014, Legg Mason granted certain executive 
officers a total of 78 performance share units as part of 
their fiscal 2014 incentive award with an aggregate value 
of $3,457. The vesting of performance share units and the 
number of shares payable at vesting, are determined based 
on Legg Mason’s relative total stockholder return over a 
three-year period ending April 30, 2017. Compensation 
expense relating to the performance units for the year 
ended March 31, 2015 was $1,056. The grant date fair 
value per unit for these awards of $44.11 was estimated  
as of the grant date using a Monte Carlo pricing model  
with the following assumptions:

Expected dividend yield

Risk-free interest rate

Expected volatility

1.33%

0.75%

30.81%

During fiscal 2012, Legg Mason established a long-term 
incentive plan (the “LTIP”) under its equity incentive plan, 
which provided an additional element of compensation that 
is based on performance, determined as the achievement of 
a pre-defined amount of Legg Mason’s cumulative adjusted 
earnings per share over the respective performance periods. 
Under the LTIP, executive officers were granted cash value 
performance units in the quarter ended June 2011 and the 
quarter ended September 2012 for target amounts up to 
$1,850 in each period. Awards granted under the LTIP that 
vest may be settled in cash and/or shares of Legg Mason 
common stock, at the discretion of Legg Mason. The 
September 2012 grant performance period ended on March 
31, 2015, and resulted in a payment amount of $1,000 to 
be settled in cash by June 15, 2015. The June 2011 grant 
performance period ended March 31, 2014, and no cash  
and/or shares were due.

Deferred compensation payable in shares of Legg Mason 
common stock has been granted to certain employees in an 
elective plan. The vesting in the plan is immediate and the 
plan provides for discounts of up to 10% on contributions 
and dividends. Effective January 1, 2015, there will be no 
additional contributions to the plan, with the remaining 283 
shares reserved for future dividend distributions. In fiscal 
2015, 2014 and 2013, Legg Mason recognized $201, $160, 
and $165, respectively, in compensation expense related to 
this plan. During fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, Legg Mason 
issued 44, 51, and 71 shares, respectively, under the plan 
with a weighted-average fair value per share at the grant 
date of $45.83, $31.90, and $23.07, respectively. The 
undistributed shares issued under this plan are held in a 
rabbi trust. Assets of the rabbi trust are consolidated with 
those of the employer, and the value of the employer’s 
stock held in the rabbi trust is classified in stockholders’ 
equity and accounted for in a manner similar to treasury 
stock. Therefore, the shares Legg Mason has issued to 
the rabbi trust and the corresponding liability related to the 
deferred compensation plan are presented as components  
of stockholders’ equity as Employee stock trust and 
Deferred compensation employee stock trust, respectively. 
Shares held by the trust at March 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
were 660, 672 and 726, respectively.

98

Legg Mason AR201512. Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share attributable to Legg Mason, 
Inc. shareholders (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing Net 
Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. (adjusted 
by earnings allocated to participating securities) by the 
weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Legg 
Mason issues to employees restricted stock that are 
deemed to be participating securities prior to their vesting, 
because the unvested restricted shares entitle their holder 
to nonforfeitable dividend rights. In this circumstance, 
accounting guidance requires a “two-class method” for EPS 
calculations that excludes earnings (both distributed and 
undistributed) allocated to participating securities.

Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS, but adjusts for the  
effect of potential common shares unless they are 
antidilutive. For periods with a net loss, potential common 
shares other than potentially unvested restricted shares,  
are considered antidilutive.

In May 2012, Legg Mason’s Board of Directors authorized 
$1,000,000 for additional purchases of Legg Mason common 
stock, $13,515 of which remained as of March 31, 2015. In 
January 2015, Legg Mason’s Board of Directors authorized 
$1,000,000 for additional purchases of Legg Mason common 
stock, which is in addition to the $13,515 remaining under  
the prior authorization. There is no expiration date attached  
to either share repurchase authorization.

During the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, 
Legg Mason repurchased and retired 6,931, 9,677, and  
16,199 shares of its common stock, respectively, for 
$356,522, $359,996, and $425,475, respectively, through 
open market purchases. The par value of the shares 
repurchased is charged to common stock, with the excess 
of the purchase price over par first charged against additional 
paid-in capital, with the remaining balance, if any, charged 
against retained earnings.

The following table presents the computations of basic and diluted EPS:

Basic weighted-average shares for EPS

Potential common shares:

Dilutive employee stock options

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for EPS

Years Ended March 31,

2015

112,019

2014

2013

121,941

133,226

1,227

442

–

113,246

122,383

133,226

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$ 237,080

$ 284,784

$ (353,327)

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

6,340

–

–

Net income (loss) (distributed and undistributed) allocated to shareholders  

$ 230,740

$ 284,784

$ (353,327)

(excluding participating securities)

Net Income (Loss) per share Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Shareholders

Basic

Diluted

$

$

2.06

2.04

$

$

2.34

2.33

$

$

(2.65)

(2.65)

The weighted-average shares for the year ended March 
31, 2015, excludes 3,065 of weighted-average unvested 
restricted shares deemed to be participating securities.  
The exclusion of weighted-average unvested restricted 
shares deemed to be participating securities and any 
allocation of earnings to participating securities would not 
materially impact the calculation of basic or diluted earnings 
per share in either fiscal 2014 or 2013.

The diluted EPS calculations for the years ended March 
31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, exclude any potential common 
shares issuable under the 14,205 warrants issued in 
connection with the repurchase of the Convertible Notes 
in May 2012 because the market price of Legg Mason 
common stock did not exceed the exercise price,  
and therefore, the warrants would be antidilutive.

Options to purchase 1,319 and 2,620 shares for the years 
ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were not 
included in the computation of diluted EPS because the 
presumed proceeds from exercising such options, including 
the related income tax benefits, exceed the average price 
of the common shares for the period and therefore, the 
options are deemed antidilutive. Further, market- and 
performance-based awards are excluded from potential 
dilution until the designated market or performance 
condition is met. The diluted EPS calculation for the year 
ended March 31, 2013, excludes 5,730 potential common 
shares that are antidilutive due to the net loss for the fiscal 
year. Unvested restricted shares for the years ended March 
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were antidilutive and therefore  
do not further impact diluted EPS.

99

Legg Mason AR201513. Accumulated Other  
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income includes 
cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments  
and net of tax, gains and losses on investment securities. 
The change in the accumulated translation adjustments  
for fiscal 2015 and 2014, primarily resulted from the 
impact of changes in the British pound, Brazilian real,  
the Australian dollar, and the Japanese yen, in relation 
to the U.S. dollar on the net assets of Legg Mason’s 
subsidiaries in the U.K., Brazil, Australia, and Japan,  
for which the pound, the real, the Australian dollar,  
and the yen, are the functional currencies, respectively.

A summary of Legg Mason’s accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2015  
and 2014, is as follows: 

Foreign currency translation adjustment $ (51,147)

$ 37,835

2015

2014

Unrealized gains on investment 
securities, net of tax provision 
of $76 in fiscal 2014

–

114

Net actuarial losses on defined  

(9,595)

–

benefit pension plan

Total

$ (60,742)

$ 37,949

There were no significant amounts reclassified from 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the 
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years 
ended March 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013, except for $405,  
net of income tax provision of $233, realized on the 
termination of a reverse treasury rate lock contract, in the 
year ended March 31, 2015 as further described in Note 6.

14. Derivatives and Hedging
The disclosures below detail Legg Mason’s derivatives  
and hedging activities excluding the derivatives and hedging 
activities of CIVs. See Note 16, Variable Interest Entities 
and Consolidation of Investment Vehicles, for information 
related to the derivatives and hedging of CIVs.

Legg Mason uses currency forwards to economically  
hedge the risk of movements in exchange rates, primarily 
between the U.S. dollar, British pound, Japanese yen, 
Australian dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, Indian rupee, 
Indonesian rupiah, Malaysian ringgit, Philippine peso, 
Chilean peso, and South Korean won. All derivative 
transactions for which Legg Mason has certain legally 
enforceable rights of setoff are governed by International 
Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) Master 
Agreements. For these derivative transactions, we have 
one ISDA Master Agreement with each of the significant 
counterparties, which cover our transactions with that 
counterparty. Each of the respective ISDA agreements 
provide for settlement netting and close-out netting 
between Legg Mason and that counterparty, which are 
legally enforceable rights to setoff. Other assets and Other 
liabilities recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as 
of March 31, 2015, were $6,042 and $8,665, respectively. 
Net Other assets from these activities recorded on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet as March 31, 2014 was $1,249. 

Legg Mason also uses market hedges on certain seed 
capital investments by entering into futures contracts to 
sell index funds that benchmark the hedged seed capital 
investments. Open futures contracts required cash 
collateral of $8,343 and $12,985 as of March 31, 2015  
and 2014, respectively.

With the exception of the reverse treasury rate lock  
contract and interest rate swap contract discussed in  
Note 6, Legg Mason has not designated any derivatives  
as hedging instruments for accounting purposes during the 
periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. As of March 31, 
2015, Legg Mason had open currency forward contracts 
and open futures and forwards contracts relating to seed 
capital investments with aggregate notional values totaling 
$165,291 and $162,965, respectively. As of March 31, 
2015, the weighted-average remaining contract terms 
for currency forward contracts and futures and forward 
contracts relating to seed capital investments were four 
months and three months, respectively.

100

Legg Mason AR2015The following table presents the derivative assets and related offsets, if any, as of March 31, 2015:

Gross amounts not offset  
in the Balance Sheet

Gross amounts 
of recognized 
assets

Gross amounts 
offset in the 
Balance Sheet

Net amount of 
derivative assets 
presented in the 
Balance Sheet

Financial 
instruments

Cash  
collateral

Derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments (See Note 6)

Interest rate swap

$

–

$

–

$

–

$

5,462

$

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

Currency forward contracts

Futures and forward  

contracts relating to  
seed capital investments
Total derivative instruments  

not designated as  
hedging instruments

781

75

856

(259)

(17)

(276)

522

58

580

–

–

–

Total derivative instruments

$

856

$

(276)

$

580

$

5,462

$

–

–

–

–

–

The following table presents the derivative liabilities and related offsets, if any, as of March 31, 2015:

Net amount  
as of
March 31, 2015

$

5,462

522

58

580

$

6,042

Gross amounts not offset  
in the Balance Sheet

Gross amounts 
of recognized 
liabilities

Gross amounts 
offset in the 
Balance Sheet

Net amount 
of derivative 
liabilities 
presented in the 
Balance Sheet

Financial 
instruments

Cash  
collateral

Net amount  
as of
March 31, 2015

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

Currency forward contracts

$

(8,623)

$

2,327

$

(6,296)

$

–

$

–

$

(6,296)

Futures and forward  

contracts relating to  
seed capital investments
Total derivative instruments  

not designated as  
hedging instruments

–

–

–

(2,369)

8,343

5,974

$

(8,623)

$

2,327

$

(6,296)

$

(2,369)

$

8,343

$

(322)

The following table presents the fair values as of March 31, 2014, of derivative instruments, classified as Other assets  
and Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

Currency forward contracts

Futures and forward contracts relating to seed capital investments

Total derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments

2014

Assets

Liabilities

$

$

3,271

313

3,584

$

$

(825)

(1,510)

(2,335)

101

Legg Mason AR2015The following tables present gains (losses) recognized 
in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) on 
derivative instruments. As described above, the currency 
forward contracts and futures and forward contracts for 
seed capital investments included below are economic 

hedges of interest rate and market risk of certain operating 
and investing activities of Legg Mason, including foreign 
exchange risk on acquisition contingent consideration. Gains 
and losses on these derivative instruments substantially 
offset gains and losses of the economically hedged items. 

Income Statement 
Classification

2015

2014

2013

Gains

Losses

Gains

Losses

Gains

Losses

Years Ended March 31,

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Currency forward contracts for:

Operating activities

Other expense

$ 5,150

$ (16,518)

$

7,098

$ (2,617) $ 3,650

$ (1,858)

Seed capital investments

Futures and forward contracts 

relating to seed capital 
investments

Other non-operating  
income (expense)
Other non-operating  
income (expense)

Total gain (loss) from derivatives not  
designated as hedging instruments

2,491

(259)

56

(1,719)

1,090

(380)

10,801

(15,413)

2,471

(19,403)

1,914

(5,597)

18,442

(32,190)

9,625

(23,739)

6,654

(7,835)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (See Note 6)

Interest rate swap

Reverse treasury 

rate lock

Total

Interest expense

Other non-operating  
income (expense)

5,462

638

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$ 24,542

$ (32,190)

$

9,625

$ (23,739) $ 6,654

$ (7,835)

15. Business Segment Information
Legg Mason is a global asset management company that 
provides investment management and related services 
to a wide array of clients. The company operates in one 
reportable business segment, Global Asset Management. 
Global Asset Management provides investment advisory 
services to institutional and individual clients and to 
company-sponsored investment funds. The primary 
sources of revenue in Global Asset Management are 
investment advisory, distribution and administrative fees, 
which typically are calculated as a percentage of AUM 

and vary based upon factors such as the type of underlying 
investment product and the type of services that are 
provided. In addition, performance fees may be earned 
under certain investment advisory contracts for exceeding 
performance benchmarks.

Revenues by geographic location are primarily based  
on the geographic location of the advisor or the domicile  
of fund families managed by Legg Mason.

The table below reflects our revenues and long-lived assets by geographic region as of March 31:

Operating Revenues

United States

United Kingdom

Other International

Total

Intangible Assets, Net and Goodwill

United States

United Kingdom

Other International

Total

102

2015

2014

2013

$

1,977,975

$

1,874,328

$ 1,800,539

398,729

442,402

436,542

430,887

387,966

424,145

$

2,819,106

$

2,741,757

$

2,612,650

$

3,135,226

$

3,127,654

$

3,139,050

1,062,332

455,286

879,946

404,696

895,767

411,910

$ 4,652,844

$

4,412,296

$ 4,446,727

Legg Mason AR201516. Variable Interest Entities and  
Consolidated Investment Vehicles
As further discussed in Notes 1 and 3, in accordance with 
financial accounting standards, Legg Mason consolidates 
certain sponsored investment vehicles, some of which 
are designated as CIVs. As of March 31, 2015, Legg 
Mason concluded it was the primary beneficiary of one 
sponsored investment fund VIE, which was consolidated 
(and designated a CIV) as of March 31, 2015, 2014, and 
2013, despite significant third party investments in this 
product. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, Legg Mason also 
concluded it was the primary beneficiary of 17 employee-
owned funds it sponsors, which were consolidated and 
reported as CIVs. 

Legg Mason also held a longer-term controlling financial 
interest in one sponsored investment fund VRE, which has 
third-party investors and was consolidated and included 
as a CIV as of March 31, 2014, and 2013. In January 
2015, Legg Mason redeemed a significant portion of its 
investment in this fund and as a result no longer had a 
controlling financial interest in the fund, therefore, the  
fund was not included as a CIV as of March 31, 2015.

In addition, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, Legg Mason 
concluded it was the primary beneficiary of one of three 
CLOs in which it had a variable interest. As of March 31, 
2014 and 2013, the balances related to this CLO were 
consolidated and reported as a CIV in the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements. During the three months 
ended June 30, 2014, this CLO substantially liquidated  
and therefore it was not consolidated by Legg Mason  
as of, or subsequent to, June 30, 2014.

Legg Mason’s investment in CIVs, as of March 31, 2015 
and 2014, was $15,553 and $39,434, respectively, including 
VREs of $19,659 as of March 31, 2014, which represents 
its maximum risk of loss, excluding uncollected advisory 
fees. The assets of these CIVs are primarily comprised of 
investment securities. Investors and creditors of these CIVs 
have no recourse to the general credit or assets of Legg 
Mason beyond its investment in these funds.

The following tables reflect the impact of CIVs in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, 
and the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years ended March 31, 2015, 2014, and, 2013, respectively:

Consolidating Balance Sheets

March 31, 2015

March 31, 2014

Balance Before
Consolidation 
of CIVs

CIVs

Eliminations

Consolidated 
Totals

Balance Before
Consolidation 
of CIVs

CIVs

Eliminations

Consolidated 
Totals

Current Assets

$ 1,880,689

$ 56,929

$ (15,583) $ 1,922,035

$ 2,032,827

$ 138,745

$ (42,981) $ 2,128,591

Non-current assets

5,151,942

–

–

5,151,942

4,950,948

31,810

–

4,982,758

Total Assets

$ 7,032,631

$ 56,929

$ (15,583) $ 7,073,977

$ 6,983,775

$ 170,555

$ (42,981) $ 7,111,349

Current Liabilities

$

808,640

$ 6,436

$

(30) $

815,046

$

735,737

$ 89,055

$ (3,547) $ 821,245

Non-current liabilities

1,728,510

Total Liabilities

Redeemable Non-

controlling interests

2,537,150

10,787

–

6,436

27,581

–

1,728,510

1,520,236

(30)

2,543,556

2,255,973

7,152

45,520

3,172

–

89,055

26,325

–

1,520,236

(3,547)

2,341,481

15,647

45,144

Total Stockholders’ 

4,484,694

22,912

(22,705)

4,484,901

4,724,630

55,175

(55,081)

4,724,724

Equity

Total Liabilities  
and Equity

$ 7,032,631

$ 56,929

$ (15,583) $ 7,073,977

$ 6,983,775

$ 170,555

$ (42,981) $ 7,111,349

103

Legg Mason AR2015Consolidating Statements of Income (Loss)

Total Operating Revenues

Total Operating Expenses

Operating Income (Loss)

Total Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Income Before Income Tax Provision

Income tax provision

Net Income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Year Ended March 31, 2015

Balance Before
Consolidation of CIVs

CIVs

Eliminations

Consolidated 
Totals

$

2,819,827

$

–

$

(721) $ 2,819,106

2,320,709

499,118

(136,186)

362,932

125,284

237,648

568

906

(906)

5,883

4,977

–

4,977

(728)

2,320,887

7

77

84

–

84

498,219

(130,226)

367,993

125,284

242,709

5,629

–

5,061

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

237,080

$

4,977

$

(4,977) $

237,080

Total Operating Revenues

Total Operating Expenses

Operating Income (Loss)

Total Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Income Before Income Tax Provision (Benefit)

Income tax provision

Net Income (Loss)

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Year Ended March 31, 2014

Balance Before
Consolidation of CIVs

CIVs

Eliminations

Consolidated 
Totals

$

2,743,707

$

–

$

(1,950) $ 2,741,757

2,310,444

433,263

(10,333)

422,930

137,805

285,125

341

2,376

(2,376)

2,445

69

–

69

–

(1,956)

2,310,864

6

430,893

(3,364)

(3,358)

–

(3,358)

(3,289)

(11,252)

419,641

137,805

281,836

(2,948)

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

284,784

$

69

$

(69) $

284,784

Total Operating Revenues

Total Operating Expenses

Operating Income (Loss)

Total Other Non-Operating Expense

Income Before Income Tax Benefit

Income tax benefit

Net Loss

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Year Ended March 31, 2013

Balance Before
Consolidation of CIVs

CIVs

Eliminations

Consolidated 
Totals

$

2,615,047

$

–

$

(2,397) $ 2,612,650

3,046,587

(431,540)

(72,177)

(503,717)

(150,859)

(352,858)

469

2,965

(2,965)

(2,864)

(5,829)

–

(5,829)

–

(2,403)

3,047,149

6

(434,499)

(1,067)

(1,061)

–

(1,061)

(6,890)

(76,108)

(510,607)

(150,859)

(359,748)

(6,421)

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

(353,327)

$

(5,829) $

5,829

$ (353,327)

Other non-operating income (expense) includes interest income, interest expense and net gains (losses) on investments 
and long-term debt of CIVs determined on an accrual basis.

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

104

Legg Mason AR2015The fair value of the financial assets and (liabilities) of CIVs were determined using the following categories of inputs  
as of March 31, 2015 and 2014:

Assets:

Trading investments:

Hedge funds

Proprietary funds

Total trading investments

Assets:

Trading investments:

Hedge funds

Proprietary funds

Total trading investments

Investments:

Private equity funds

Liabilities:

CLO debt

Derivative liabilities

Quoted prices in 
active markets
(Level 1)

Significant other 
observable inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs
(Level 3)

Value as of  
March 31, 2015

$

$

1,108

28,387

29,495

$

$

4,412

–

4,412

$

$

14,093

–

14,093

$

$

19,613

28,387

48,000

Quoted prices in 
active markets
(Level 1)

Significant other 
observable inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs
(Level 3)

Value as of  
March 31, 2014

$

$

$

$

1,110

$

3,941

$

17,888

$

27,524

28,634

–

28,634

–

–

–

$

$

$

–

3,941

–

3,941

–

(1,888)

(1,888)

$

$

$

–

17,888

31,810

49,698

(79,179)

–

(79,179)

$

$

$

22,939

27,524

50,463

31,810

82,273

(79,179)

(1,888)

(81,067)

Except for the CLO debt, substantially all of the above 
financial instruments where valuation methods rely on 
other than observable market inputs as a significant input 
utilize the NAV practical expedient, such that measurement 
uncertainty has little relevance. During the quarter ended 

June 30, 2014, the CLO substantially liquidated  
and was not consolidated as of March 31, 2015. As of 
March 31, 2014, the carrying value of the CLO debt 
approximated the amount to be paid to investors, and  
there was no appreciable measurement uncertainty. 

105

Legg Mason AR2015The changes in assets and (liabilities) of CIVs measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the 
years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, are presented in the tables below: 

Value as of 

March 31, 2014 Purchases

Sales

Settlements/ 
Other

Transfers

Realized and 
unrealized 
gains/ 
(losses), net

Value as of 
March 31, 2015

17,888

$

2,580

$

(5,761) $

–

$

78

$

(692) $

14,093

31,810

4,727

(3,124)

(34,042)

–

629

–

49,698

$

7,307

$ (8,885) $

(34,042) $

78

$

(63) $

14,093

Assets:

Hedge funds

Private equity funds

Liabilities:

CLO debt

$

$

$

(79,179) $

–

$

–

$

79,179

$

–

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), net

Value as of 

March 31, 2013 Purchases

Sales

Settlements/ 
Other

Transfers

$

$

–

$

(63)

–

Realized and 
unrealized 
gains/(losses), 
net

Value as of 
March 31, 2014

Assets:

Hedge funds

Private equity funds

Liabilities:

CLO debt

$

$

$

19,448

$

3,516

$ (8,037) $

26,982

1,811

–

46,430

$

5,327

$ (8,037) $

–

–

–

$

$

(207,835) $

–

$

–

$

133,047

$

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses), net

–

–

–

–

$

$

$

$

2,961

$

3,017

17,888

31,810

5,978

$

49,698

(4,391) $

(79,179)

1,587

Realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level 
3 assets and liabilities of CIVs are included in Other non-
operating income (expense) of CIVs in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income (Loss). Total unrealized losses for 
Level 3 investments and liabilities of CIVs relating only to 
those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date  
were $79 and $2,284 for the years ended March 31, 2015 
and 2014, respectively. 

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 
either of the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. 

The NAVs used as a practical expedient by CIVs have been 
provided by the investees and have been derived from the 
fair values of the underlying investments as of the respective 
reporting dates. The following table summarizes, as of March 
31, 2015 and 2014, the nature of these investments and any 
related liquidation restrictions or other factors, which may 
impact the ultimate value realized:

Category of 
Investment

Hedge funds

Investment Strategy

Global macro, fixed income, long/short 
equity, systematic, emerging market, 
U.S. and European hedge

Private equity funds Long/short equity

Total

Fair Value Determined Using NAV

As of March 31, 2015

March 31, 
2015

March 31, 
2014

Unfunded 
Commitments

Remaining 
Term

$

$

19,613(1) $

22,939(2)

n/a

–(3)

19,613

$

31,810

54,749

n/a

n/a

n/a

  n/a — not applicable
(1)  Redemption restrictions: 8% daily redemption; 5% monthly redemption; 3% quarterly redemption; and 84% are subject to three to five year lock-up or side pocket provisions.
(2)  Redemption restrictions: 10% daily redemption; 6% monthly redemption; 2% quarterly redemption; and 82% are subject to three to five year lock-up or side pocket provisions.
(3)  Fund was no longer consolidated as of March 31, 2015.

106

Legg Mason AR2015There are no current plans to sell any of these investments 
held as of March 31, 2015.

As of March 31, 2014, Legg Mason elected the fair value 
option for certain eligible assets and liabilities, including 
corporate loans and debt, of the consolidated CLO. 

Management believed that the use of the fair value option 
mitigated the impact of certain timing differences and better 
matched the changes in fair value of assets and liabilities 
related to the CLO. Legg Mason did not elect the fair value 
option for any assets or liabilities as of March 31, 2015,  
as the CLO was no longer consolidated.

The following table presents the fair value and unpaid principal balance of CLO debt carried at fair value under the fair value 
option as of March 31, 2014:

Principal amounts outstanding

Excess unpaid principal over fair value

Fair value

March 31, 2014

$

$

92,114

(12,935)

79,179

During the year ended March 31, 2014, total net losses  
of $5,914, were recognized in Other non-operating income 
(losses) of CIVs, net, in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income (Loss) related to assets and liabilities for which 
the fair value option was elected. CLO loans and CLO 
debt measured at fair value have floating interest rates, 
therefore, substantially all of the estimated gains and losses 
included in earnings for the year ended March 31, 2014, 
were attributable to instrument specific credit risk.

As of March 31, 2015, there were no derivative liabilities 
of CIVs. Total derivative liabilities of CIVs of $1,888 as of 
March 31, 2014, are recorded in Other liabilities of CIVs. 
Gains and (losses) of $1,311 and $(1,537), respectively, 
for the year ended March 31, 2014, related to derivative 
liabilities of CIVs are included in Other non-operating 
income (loss) of CIVs.

As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, for VIEs in which Legg Mason holds a variable interest or is the sponsor and holds  
a variable interest, but for which it was not the primary beneficiary, Legg Mason’s carrying value and maximum risk  
of loss were as follows:

CLOs

Real Estate Investment Trust

Other sponsored investment funds

Total

As of March 31, 2015

As of March 31, 2014

Equity Interests
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet(1)

Maximum
Risk of Loss(2)

Equity Interests
on the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet(1)

Maximum
Risk of Loss(2)

$

$

–

$

1,146

$

–

$

13,026

21,983

18,096

34,463

1,442

34,126

35,009

$

53,705

$

35,568

$

911

3,715

78,521

83,147

(1)  Includes $27,463 and $23,404 related to investments in proprietary funds products as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2)  Includes equity investments the Company has made or is required to make and any earned but uncollected management fees.

The Company’s total AUM of unconsolidated VIEs was 
$19,527,670 and $16,032,764 as of March 31, 2015  
and 2014, respectively. 

The assets of these VIEs are primarily comprised of cash 
and cash equivalents and investment securities, and the 
liabilities are primarily comprised of debt and various 

expense accruals. These VIEs are not consolidated because 
either (1) Legg Mason does not have the power to direct 
significant economic activities of the entity and rights/
obligations associated with benefits/losses that could be 
significant to the entity, or (2) Legg Mason does not absorb 
a majority of each VIE’s expected losses or does not receive 
a majority of each VIE’s expected residual gains.

107

Legg Mason AR2015QUARTERLY  FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts or unless otherwise noted)
(Unaudited)

Fiscal 2015(1)

Operating Revenues

Operating Expenses

Operating Income

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Income before Income Tax Provision

Income tax provision

Net Income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

82,959

Net Income per share Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Shareholders:

Basic

Diluted

Cash dividend declared per share

Stock price range:

High

Low

Assets Under Management (in millions):

End of period

Average

(1)  Due to rounding of quarterly results, total amounts for fiscal year may differ immaterially from the annual results.

As of May 19, 2015, the closing price of Legg Mason’s common stock was $54.30.

Fiscal 2014(1)

Operating Revenues

Operating Expenses

Operating Income

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Income before Income Tax Provision

Income tax provision

Net Income

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net Income Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc.

$

68,947

Net Income per share Attributable to Legg Mason, Inc. Shareholders:

Quarter Ended

Mar. 31

Dec. 31

Sept. 30

June 30

$

702,346

$

718,984

$

703,895

$

693,881

573,396

128,950

(2,115)

126,835

42,807

84,028

1,069

$

0.73

0.73

0.16

59.19

52.16

599,616

119,368

573,540

130,355

(1,303)

(121,530)

$

$

118,065

38,017

80,048

3,012

77,036

0.67

0.67

0.16

57.15

45.78

$

$

$

$

8,825

3,804

5,021

124

4,897

0.04

0.04

0.16

52.00

45.68

574,335

119,546

(5,278)

114,268

40,656

73,612

1,424

72,188

0.62

0.61

0.16

51.80

43.25

$

702,724

$

709,086

$

707,834

$

704,295

707,143

710,948

704,148

691,337

Quarter Ended

Mar. 31

Dec. 31

Sept. 30

June 30

$

681,396

$

720,092

$

669,852

$

670,417

562,055

119,341

(7,393)

111,948

46,856

65,092

(3,855)

$

0.58

0.58

0.13

49.50

39.60

598,440

121,652

4,303

125,955

46,004

79,951

(1,783)

81,734

0.68

0.67

0.13

44.09

32.44

$

$

563,486

106,366

485

106,851

19,153

87,698

1,410

86,288

0.70

0.70

0.13

35.85

30.28

586,883

83,534

(8,647)

74,887

25,792

49,095

1,280

47,815

0.38

0.38

0.13

37.04

29.28

$

$

$

$

$

701,774

$

679,475

$

656,023

$

644,511

689,003

670,019

650,428

654,737

Basic

Diluted

Cash dividend declared per share

Stock price range:

High

Low

Assets Under Management (in millions):

End of period

Average

(1)  Due to rounding of quarterly results, total amounts for fiscal year may differ immaterially from the annual results.

108

Legg Mason AR2015Corporate Data

Executive Officers

Joseph A. Sullivan
Chairman  
& Chief Executive Officer

Peter H. Nachtwey
Senior Executive Vice President  
& Chief Financial Officer

Thomas K. Hoops
Executive Vice President  
& Head of Business Development

Terence A. Johnson
Executive Vice President  
& Head of Global Distribution 

Thomas C. Merchant
Executive Vice President  
& General Counsel

Ursula A. Schliessler
Executive Vice President  
& Chief Administrative Officer

Executive Offices
100 International Drive 
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 
(410) 539-0000 
www.leggmason.com

Form 10-K
Legg Mason’s Annual Report on  
Form 10-K for the year ended March 
31, 2015, filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission and containing 
audited financial statements, is available 
upon request without charge by writing 
to the Corporate Secretary at the 
Executive Offices of the Company.

Copies can also be obtained  
by accessing our website  
at www.leggmason.com

Independent Registered  
Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
100 E. Pratt Street 
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 
(410) 783-7600 
www.pwc.com

Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer  
& Trust Company 
6201 15th Avenue 
Brooklyn, NY 11219 
(212) 936-5100 
www.amstock.com

Common Stock
Shares of Legg Mason, Inc.  
common stock are listed and traded  
on the New York Stock Exchange 
(symbol: LM). As of March 31,  
2015, there were approximately  
1,300 shareholders of record of  
the Company’s common stock.

leggmason.com

youtube.com/leggmason

linkedin.com/company/legg-mason

@leggmason

100%
From well-
managed forests

C000000