Document


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________________ 
FORM 10-Q
______________________________________ 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017
Commission File Number: 000-32191
______________________________________ 
T. ROWE PRICE GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland
 
52-2264646
(State of incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(Address, including Zip Code, of principal executive offices)
(410) 345-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
______________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months.    x  Yes    ¨  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (do not check if smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨  Yes    x  No
The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock ($.20 par value), as of the latest practicable date, October 24, 2017, is 242,310,036.
The exhibit index is at Item 6 on page 40.
 




PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share data)
 
 
 
12/31/2016
 
9/30/2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,204.9

 
$
1,869.4

Accounts receivable and accrued revenue
 
455.1

 
507.9

Investments
 
1,257.5

 
1,359.3

Assets of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios ($1,446.1 million at December 31, 2016, and $1,845.5 million at September 30, 2017, related to variable interest entities)
 
1,680.5

 
2,082.1

Property and equipment, net
 
615.1

 
635.0

Goodwill
 
665.7

 
665.7

Other assets
 
346.2

 
260.2

Total assets
 
$
6,225.0

 
$
7,379.6

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
180.8

 
$
193.5

Liabilities of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios ($56.8 million at December 31, 2016, and $43.3 million at September 30, 2017, related to variable interest entities)
 
65.6

 
53.8

Accrued compensation and related costs
 
92.6

 
453.8

Supplemental savings plan liability
 
150.9

 
179.9

Income taxes payable
 
39.3

 
16.8

Total liabilities
 
529.2

 
897.8

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable non-controlling interests
 
687.2

 
953.8

 
 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, undesignated, $.20 par value – authorized and unissued 20,000,000 shares
 

 

Common stock, $.20 par value—authorized 750,000,000; issued 244,784,000 shares at December 31, 2016, and 242,214,000 at September 30, 2017
 
49.0

 
48.4

Additional capital in excess of par value
 
654.5

 
751.9

Retained earnings
 
4,293.6

 
4,728.2

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
11.5

 
(.5
)
Total permanent stockholders’ equity
 
5,008.6

 
5,528.0

Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests, and permanent stockholders’ equity
 
$
6,225.0

 
$
7,379.6


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Page 2



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except per-share amounts)
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment advisory fees
$
970.5

 
$
1,096.7

 
$
2,761.9

 
$
3,131.7

Administrative fees
85.7

 
87.6

 
263.6

 
266.2

Distribution and servicing fees
36.7

 
37.4

 
106.2

 
109.0

Net revenues
1,092.9

 
1,221.7

 
3,131.7

 
3,506.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and related costs
386.2

 
417.4

 
1,112.4

 
1,218.6

Advertising and promotion
14.7

 
14.0

 
52.7

 
58.2

Distribution and servicing costs
36.7

 
37.4

 
106.2

 
109.0

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
34.0

 
35.0

 
100.0

 
106.9

Occupancy and facility costs
45.3

 
49.0

 
127.5

 
141.2

Other operating expenses
100.3

 
120.4

 
296.6

 
345.2

Nonrecurring charge (insurance recoveries) related to Dell appraisal rights matter

 

 
166.2

 
(50.0
)
Total operating expenses
617.2

 
673.2

 
1,961.6

 
1,929.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating income
475.7

 
548.5

 
1,170.1

 
1,577.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-operating income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net investment income on investments
14.5

 
28.9

 
91.1

 
165.1

Net investment income on consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
73.8

 
37.5

 
124.0

 
125.8

Other income (expense)

 
.9

 
(.2
)
 
3.4

Total non-operating income
88.3

 
67.3

 
214.9

 
294.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
564.0

 
615.8

 
1,385.0

 
1,872.1

Provision for income taxes
201.3

 
211.6

 
497.8

 
677.5

Net income
362.7

 
404.2

 
887.2

 
1,194.6

Less: net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests
34.9

 
13.3

 
52.0

 
43.9

Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
327.8

 
$
390.9

 
$
835.2

 
$
1,150.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share on common stock of T. Rowe Price Group
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.30

 
$
1.59

 
$
3.32

 
$
4.67

Diluted
$
1.28

 
$
1.56

 
$
3.25

 
$
4.60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per share
$
.54

 
$
.57

 
$
1.62

 
$
1.71



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Page 3



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Net income
$
362.7

 
$
404.2

 
$
887.2

 
$
1,194.6

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments
10.3

 
4.9

 
9.4

 
37.1

Reclassification adjustments recognized in non-operating income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net gains realized on dispositions determined using average cost

 
(.1
)
 
(52.3
)
 
(78.0
)
Net unrealized gains recognized upon the transfer to trading investments

 

 

 
(23.6
)
Total net unrealized holding gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income
10.3

 
4.8

 
(42.9
)
 
(64.5
)
Currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated sponsored investment portfolios - variable interest entities
16.8

 
16.7

 
30.8

 
53.7

Reclassification gain recognized in non-operating investment income upon deconsolidation of sponsored fund subsidiary
(1.1
)
 
(.1
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(.1
)
Consolidated sponsored investment portfolios - variable interest entities
15.7

 
16.6

 
29.7

 
53.6

Equity method investments
(2.7
)
 
1.0

 
(3.5
)
 
4.5

Total currency translation adjustments
13.0

 
17.6

 
26.2

 
58.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
23.3

 
22.4

 
(16.7
)
 
(6.4
)
Net deferred tax benefits (income taxes)
(4.7
)
 
(7.1
)
 
13.5

 
8.2

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
18.6

 
15.3

 
(3.2
)
 
1.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total comprehensive income
381.3

 
419.5

 
884.0

 
1,196.4

Less: comprehensive income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests
46.5

 
17.5

 
69.6

 
57.7

Comprehensive income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
334.8

 
$
402.0

 
$
814.4

 
$
1,138.7



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Page 4



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(1)
(in millions)
 
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
887.2

 
$
1,194.6

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
100.0

 
106.9

Stock-based compensation expense
117.9

 
110.6

Realized gains on dispositions of available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
(52.3
)
 
(78.0
)
Gains recognized upon transfer of an available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolio to sponsored investment portfolios held as trading

 
(23.6
)
Net gains recognized on other investments
(28.1
)
 
(40.4
)
Investments in sponsored investment portfolios held as trading to economically hedge supplemental savings plan liability

 
(129.0
)
Net change in trading securities held by consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
(1,084.1
)
 
(1,210.5
)
Other changes in assets and liabilities
327.6

 
422.2

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
268.2

 
352.8

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
(.1
)
 
(16.0
)
Dispositions of available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
89.2

 
294.0

Net cash of sponsored investment portfolios on consolidation (deconsolidation)
54.3

 
(46.0
)
Additions to property and equipment
(112.5
)
 
(129.1
)
Other investing activity
79.4

 
(27.5
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
110.3

 
75.4

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Repurchases of common stock
(525.7
)
 
(456.7
)
Common share issuances under stock-based compensation plans
88.8

 
142.8

Dividends paid to common stockholders of T. Rowe Price Group
(406.6
)
 
(420.8
)
Net subscriptions received from redeemable non-controlling interest holders
798.2

 
1,005.3

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(45.3
)
 
270.6

 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
(18.2
)
 
6.9

 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents during period
315.0

 
705.7

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,172.3

 
1,270.5

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period, including $86.3 million at September 30, 2016, and $106.8 million at September 30, 2017, held by consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
$
1,487.3

 
$
1,976.2

(1) See note 12 for a supplementary consolidating cash flow schedule.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Page 5



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(shares in thousands; dollars in millions)
 
 
Common
shares
outstanding
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
capital in
excess of
par value
 
Retained
earnings
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Total
stockholders’
equity
 
Redeemable non-controlling interests
Balances at December 31, 2016
244,784

 
$
49.0

 
$
654.5

 
$
4,293.6

 
$
11.5

 
$
5,008.6

 
$
687.2

Net income

 

 

 
1,150.7

 

 
1,150.7

 
43.9

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

 

 

 
(12.0
)
 
(12.0
)
 
13.8

Dividends declared

 

 

 
(420.3
)
 

 
(420.3
)
 
 
Common stock-based compensation plans activity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares issued upon option exercises
4,001

 
.8

 
147.5

 

 

 
148.3

 

Restricted shares issued, net of shares withheld for taxes
15

 

 
(.1
)
 

 

 
(.1
)
 

Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for taxes
24

 

 
(1.1
)
 

 

 
(1.1
)
 

Forfeiture of restricted awards
(13
)
 

 


 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 
110.6

 

 

 
110.6

 

Restricted stock units issued as dividend equivalents

 

 
.1

 
(.1
)
 

 

 
 
Common shares repurchased
(6,597
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(159.6
)
 
(295.7
)
 

 
(456.7
)
 

Net subscriptions into sponsored investment portfolios

 

 

 

 

 

 
988.2

Net deconsolidations of sponsored investment portfolios

 

 

 

 

 

 
(779.3
)
Balances at September 30, 2017
242,214

 
$
48.4

 
$
751.9

 
$
4,728.2

 
$
(.5
)
 
$
5,528.0

 
$
953.8



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
Page 6



NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1
– THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PREPARATION.

T. Rowe Price Group (Price Group) derives its consolidated revenues and net income primarily from investment advisory services that its subsidiaries provide to individual and institutional investors in the sponsored T. Rowe Price U.S. mutual funds and other investment portfolios, including separately managed accounts, subadvised funds, and other sponsored investment portfolios. We also provide our investment advisory clients with related administrative services, including distribution, mutual fund transfer agent, accounting, and shareholder services; participant recordkeeping and transfer agent services for defined contribution retirement plans; brokerage; and trust services.

Investment advisory revenues depend largely on the total value and composition of assets under our management. Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of assets under management impact our revenues and results of operations.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require the use of estimates and reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to a fair statement of our results for the interim periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Actual results may vary from our estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.

The unaudited interim financial information contained in these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in our 2016 Annual Report.


NOTE 2
– INFORMATION ABOUT RECEIVABLES, REVENUES, AND SERVICES.

Accounts receivable from our sponsored investment portfolios, including our U.S. mutual funds, for advisory fees and advisory-related administrative services aggregate $303.1 million at December 31, 2016, and $332.4 million at September 30, 2017.

Revenues (in millions) from advisory services provided under agreements with our sponsored U.S. mutual funds and other investment clients include:
 
Three months ended
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Sponsored U.S. mutual funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset
$
579.3

 
$
656.8

$
1,649.9

 
$
1,879.5

Bond and money market
124.2

 
127.1

354.8

 
374.5

 
703.5

 
783.9

2,004.7

 
2,254.0

Other investment portfolios
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset
222.2

 
259.6

630.4

 
727.8

Bond, money market, and stable value
44.8

 
53.2

126.8

 
149.9

 
267.0

 
312.8

757.2

 
877.7

Total
$
970.5

 
$
1,096.7

$
2,761.9

 
$
3,131.7

 
Other investment portfolios include advisory revenues of $101.1 million and $125.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively, that were earned from other sponsored investment portfolios. Fees earned during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, total $283.3 million and $339.8 million respectively.

We voluntarily waived $2.1 million and $9.4 million in money market related fees, including advisory fees and fund expenses, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, in order to maintain a positive yield for investors. We did not waive any money market related fees during 2017.



Page 7



The following table summarizes the investment portfolios and assets under management (in billions) on which we earn advisory fees.
 
Average during
 
Average during
 
the third quarter of
 
the first nine months of
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
Sponsored U.S. mutual funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset
$
399.3

 
$
452.9

 
$
381.5

 
$
438.2

Bond and money market
112.0

 
123.2

 
108.2

 
119.6

 
511.3

 
576.1

 
489.7

 
557.8

Other investment portfolios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset
218.2

 
264.6

 
208.2

 
247.0

Bond, money market, and stable value
74.1

 
86.7

 
70.4

 
81.5

 
292.3

 
351.3

 
278.6

 
328.5

Total
$
803.6

 
$
927.4

 
$
768.3

 
$
886.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of
 
 
 
 
 
12/31/2016
 
9/30/2017
Sponsored U.S. mutual funds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset
 
 
 
 
$
401.3

 
$
461.9

Bond and money market
 
 
 
 
112.9

 
123.4

 
 
 
 
 
514.2

 
585.3

Other investment portfolios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset
 
 
 
 
220.8

 
273.1

Bond, money market, and stable value
 
 
 
 
75.8

 
89.5

 
 
 
 
 
296.6

 
362.6

Total
 
 
 
 
$
810.8

 
$
947.9


Investors that we serve are primarily domiciled in the U.S.; investment advisory clients outside the U.S. account for 4.7% and 5.4% of our assets under management at December 31, 2016, and September 30, 2017, respectively.

The following table summarizes other fees (in millions) we earn from our sponsored U.S. mutual funds.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Administrative fees
$
66.6

 
$
69.2

 
$
208.6

 
$
210.6

Distribution and servicing fees
$
36.7

 
$
37.4

 
$
106.2

 
$
109.0




Page 8



NOTE 3 – INVESTMENTS.

The carrying values of investments (in millions) we do not consolidate are as follows:
 
12/31/2016
 
9/30/2017
Available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
$
709.0

 
$
573.0

Equity method investments
 
 
 
Sponsored investment portfolios
252.3

 
287.7

26% interest in UTI Asset Management Company Limited (India)
140.9

 
154.6

Investment partnerships
5.3

 
4.9

Trading investments
 
 
 
Sponsored investment portfolios designated as economic hedge of
supplemental savings plan liability

 
178.4

Other sponsored investment portfolios
75.4

 
82.3

Cost method investments
73.6

 
77.4

U.S. Treasury note
1.0

 
1.0

Total
$
1,257.5

 
$
1,359.3


At the end of the second quarter 2017, we made the decision to economically hedge the market exposure associated with our supplemental savings plan liability with certain sponsored investment portfolios. In order to fund the hedge portfolio, we used the proceeds from the sale of certain available-for-sale sponsored investment holdings as well as designated a sponsored fund that was held as available-for-sale.

During the first nine months of 2016 and 2017, certain sponsored investment portfolios in which we provided initial seed capital at the time of formation were deconsolidated, as we no longer had a controlling interest. Additionally, during the first nine months of 2016 and 2017, certain sponsored investment portfolios that were being accounted for as equity method investments were consolidated, as we regained a controlling interest. The net impact of these changes on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and income statements as of the dates the portfolios were deconsolidated or reconsolidated is detailed below.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Net increase (decrease) in assets of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
$
(315.1
)
 
$
13.5

 
$
(678.3
)
 
$
(1,060.5
)
Net increase (decrease) in liabilities of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
$
(28.8
)
 
$

 
$
(31.0
)
 
$
(133.6
)
Net increase (decrease) in redeemable non-controlling interests
$
(237.3
)
 
$
7.9

 
$
(398.6
)
 
$
(779.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain recognized upon deconsolidation
$
1.1

 
$
.1

 
$
1.1

 
$
.1

The gains recognized upon deconsolidation were the result of reclassifying currency translation adjustments accumulated on investment portfolios’ with non-USD functional currencies from accumulated other comprehensive income to non-operating income. Depending on our ownership interest, we are now reporting our residual interests in these sponsored investment portfolios as either an equity method or available-for-sale investment.


Page 9




AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SPONSORED INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS.

The available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios (in millions) include:
 
Aggregate cost
 
Unrealized holding
 
Aggregate
fair value
 
 
gains
 
losses
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset funds
$
162.9

 
$
88.0

 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
249.0

Bond funds
463.3

 
1.7

 
(5.0
)
 
460.0

Total
$
626.2

 
$
89.7

 
$
(6.9
)
 
$
709.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset funds
$
118.8

 
$
16.5

 
$

 
$
135.3

Bond funds
436.3

 
4.3

 
(2.9
)
 
437.7

Total
$
555.1

 
$
20.8

 
$
(2.9
)
 
$
573.0


The following table details the number of holdings, the unrealized holding losses, and the aggregate fair value of available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios with unrealized losses categorized by the length of time they have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
 
Number of holdings
 
Unrealized 
holding losses
 
Aggregate
fair value
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
8

 
$
(4.2
)
 
$
328.1

12 months or more
2

 
(2.7
)
 
169.5

Total
10

 
$
(6.9
)
 
$
497.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
Less than 12 months
2

 
$
(.7
)
 
$
24.5

12 months or more
1

 
(2.2
)
 
168.3

Total
3

 
$
(2.9
)
 
$
192.8


In addition to the duration of the impairments, we reviewed the severity of the impairment as well as our intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of time sufficient for an anticipated recovery in fair value. Accordingly, impairment of these investment holdings is considered temporary at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES.
Our investments at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, include interests in variable interest entities that we do not consolidate as we are not deemed the primary beneficiary. Our maximum risk of loss (in millions) related to our involvement with these entities is as follows:
 
12/31/2016
 
9/30/2017
Investment carrying values
$
149.2

 
$
132.9

Unfunded capital commitments
46.4

 
43.3

Uncollected investment advisory and administrative fees
5.9

 
6.4

 
$
201.5

 
$
182.6


The unfunded capital commitments totaling $43.3 million relate primarily to investment partnerships in which we have an existing investment. In addition to such amounts, a percentage of prior distributions may be called under certain circumstances.



Page 10



NOTE 4
– FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.

We determine the fair value of our cash equivalents and certain investments using the following broad levels of inputs as defined by related accounting standards:

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk. These inputs are based on market data obtained from independent sources.
Level 3 – unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions based on the best information available. We do not value any investments using Level 3 inputs.

These levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with our investments. There have been no transfers between the levels. The following table summarizes our investments (in millions) that are recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheets using fair value measurements determined based on the differing levels of inputs.
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
1,052.3

 
$

Available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
709.0

 

Sponsored investment portfolios held as trading
60.3

 
15.1

Total
$
1,821.6

 
$
15.1

 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
$
1,606.3

 
$

Available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
573.0

 

Sponsored investment portfolios held as trading
242.9

 
17.8

Total
$
2,422.2

 
$
17.8


The table above excludes investments held by consolidated sponsored investment portfolios which are presented separately on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and are detailed in Note 5.


NOTE 5 – CONSOLIDATED SPONSORED INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS.

The sponsored investment portfolios that we consolidate in our condensed consolidated financial statements are generally those products we provided initial seed capital at the time of their formation and have a controlling interest. Our U.S. sponsored investment portfolios are considered voting interest entities, while those regulated outside the U.S. are considered variable interest entities.



Page 11



The following table details the net assets of the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios:

 
December 31, 2016
 
September 30, 2017
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents(1)
$
10.3

 
$
55.3

 
$
65.6

 
$
9.5

 
$
97.3

 
$
106.8

Investments(2)
219.3

 
1,340.6

 
1,559.9

 
220.7

 
1,720.0

 
1,940.7

Other assets
4.8

 
50.2

 
55.0

 
6.4

 
28.2

 
34.6

Total assets
234.4

 
1,446.1

 
1,680.5

 
236.6

 
1,845.5

 
2,082.1

Liabilities
8.8

 
56.8

 
65.6

 
10.5

 
43.3

 
53.8

Net assets
$
225.6

 
$
1,389.3

 
$
1,614.9

 
$
226.1

 
$
1,802.2

 
$
2,028.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
156.1

 
$
771.6

 
$
927.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
908.8

 
$
1,074.5

Attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests
69.5

 
617.7

 
687.2

 
60.4

 
893.4

 
953.8

 
$
225.6

 
$
1,389.3

 
$
1,614.9

 
$
226.1

 
$
1,802.2

 
$
2,028.3

(1)Cash and cash equivalents includes $8.8 million and $8.2 million at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, of investments in sponsored money market mutual funds that are considered related parties.
(2)Investments includes $4.2 million and $14.4 million at December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017, respectively, of investments in sponsored portfolios that are considered related parties.

Although we can redeem our net interest in these sponsored investment portfolios at any time, we cannot directly access or sell the assets held by the portfolios to obtain cash for general operations. Additionally, the assets of these investment portfolios are not available to our general creditors.

Since third party investors in these investment funds have no recourse to our credit, our overall risk related to the net assets of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios is limited to valuation changes associated with our net interest. We, however, are required to recognize the valuation changes associated with all underlying investments held by these portfolios in our condensed consolidated statements of income, and disclose the portion attributable to third party investors as net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests.

The operating results (in millions) of the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios for the three- and nine- months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, are reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
Operating expenses reflected in net operating income
$
(.4
)
 
$
(3.4
)
 
$
(3.8
)
 
$
(.4
)
 
$
(2.8
)
 
$
(3.2
)
Net investment income reflected in non-operating income
8.7

 
65.1

 
73.8

 
4.6

 
32.9

 
37.5

Impact on income before taxes
$
8.3

 
$
61.7

 
$
70.0

 
$
4.2

 
$
30.1

 
$
34.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
6.2

 
$
28.9

 
$
35.1

 
$
3.1

 
$
17.9

 
$
21.0

Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests
2.1

 
32.8

 
34.9

 
1.1

 
12.2

 
13.3

 
$
8.3

 
$
61.7

 
$
70.0

 
$
4.2

 
$
30.1

 
$
34.3



Page 12




 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
Operating expenses reflected in net operating income
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(8.7
)
 
$
(9.9
)
 
$
(.9
)
 
$
(7.6
)
 
$
(8.5
)
Net investment income reflected in non-operating income
20.8

 
103.2

 
124.0

 
14.7

 
111.1

 
125.8

Impact on income before taxes
$
19.6

 
$
94.5

 
$
114.1

 
$
13.8

 
$
103.5

 
$
117.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
13.9

 
$
48.2

 
$
62.1

 
$
10.4

 
$
63.0

 
$
73.4

Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests
5.7

 
46.3

 
52.0

 
3.4

 
40.5

 
43.9

 
$
19.6

 
$
94.5

 
$
114.1

 
$
13.8

 
$
103.5

 
$
117.3


The operating expenses of these consolidated portfolios are reflected in other operating expenses. In preparing our condensed consolidated financial statements, we eliminated operating expenses of $2.2 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, respectively, against the investment advisory and administrative fees earned from these portfolios. Operating expenses eliminated for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, were $5.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The net investment income reflected in non-operating income includes dividend and interest income and realized and unrealized gains and losses on the underlying securities held by the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios.

The table below details the impact of these consolidated investment portfolios on the individual lines of our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (in millions) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017.
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30, 2016
 
September 30, 2017
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
 
Voting
interest entities
 
Variable interest entities
 
Total
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(48.0
)
 
$
(915.1
)
 
$
(963.1
)
 
$
(28.0
)
 
$
(1,078.1
)
 
$
(1,106.1
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
22.2

 
32.1

 
54.3

 
(6.1
)
 
(39.9
)
 
(46.0
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
38.4

 
974.9

 
1,013.3

 
33.3

 
1,153.1

 
1,186.4

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios

 
(18.2
)
 
(18.2
)
 

 
6.9

 
6.9

Net change in cash and cash equivalents during period
12.6

 
73.7

 
86.3

 
(.8
)
 
42.0

 
41.2

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

 

 
10.3

 
55.3

 
65.6

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
12.6

 
$
73.7

 
$
86.3

 
$
9.5

 
$
97.3

 
$
106.8


The net cash provided by financing activities during the first nine months of 2016 and 2017 includes $215.1 million and $181.1 million, respectively, of net subscriptions we made into the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios, net of dividends received. These cash flows were eliminated in consolidation.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS.

We determine the fair value of investments held by consolidated sponsored investment portfolios using the following broad levels of inputs as defined by related accounting standards:

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk. These inputs are based on market data obtained from independent sources.


Page 13



Level 3 – unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions based on the best information available. The value of investments using Level 3 inputs is insignificant.

These levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investment holdings. There have been no material transfers between the levels. The following table summarizes the investment holdings held by our consolidated sponsored investment portfolios (in millions) using fair value measurements determined based on the differing levels of inputs.
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
  Cash equivalents
$
8.8

 
$
.8

Equity securities
281.8

 
325.3

Fixed income securities

 
918.1

Other investments
.4

 
34.3

 
$
291.0

 
$
1,278.5

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
$
(.6
)
 
$
(13.6
)
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
  Cash equivalents
$
8.2

 
$
1.1

  Equity securities
511.4

 
508.6

  Fixed income securities

 
895.4

  Other investments
2.0

 
23.3

 
$
521.6

 
$
1,428.4

 
 
 
 
Liabilities
$
(.5
)
 
$
(14.5
)


NOTE 6 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY.

Regular cash dividends declared per share during the first nine months of 2016 and 2017 were $1.62 and $1.71, respectively.


NOTE 7
– STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION.

STOCK OPTIONS.

The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, our stock options during the first nine months of 2017.
 
 
Options
 
Weighted-
average
exercise
price
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
24,364,322

 
$
61.90

Exercised
(5,803,025
)
 
$
50.09

Forfeited
(66,936
)
 
$
74.41

Expired
(39,631
)
 
$
76.06

Outstanding at September 30, 2017
18,454,730

 
$
65.54

Exercisable at September 30, 2017
11,731,672

 
$
60.65




Page 14



RESTRICTED SHARES AND STOCK UNITS.

The following table summarizes the status of, and changes in, our nonvested restricted shares and restricted stock units during the first nine months of 2017.
 
Restricted
shares
 
Restricted
stock
units
 
Weighted-average
fair value
Nonvested at December 31, 2016
931,508

 
4,634,461

 
$
72.19

Time-based grants
17,022

 
78,484

 
$
69.60

Vested
(10,717
)
 
(48,319
)
 
$
71.73

Forfeited
(13,007
)
 
(50,996
)
 
$
72.84

Nonvested at September 30, 2017
924,806

 
4,613,630

 
$
72.15


Nonvested at September 30, 2017, includes 14,400 performance-based restricted shares and 401,138 performance-based restricted stock units. The performance period has lapsed and the performance threshold has been met for all nonvested performance-based restricted shares and units as of September 30, 2017.

FUTURE STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE.

The following table presents the compensation expense (in millions) to be recognized over the remaining vesting periods of the stock-based awards outstanding at September 30, 2017. Estimated future compensation expense will change to reflect future grants of restricted stock awards and units, future option grants, changes in the probability of performance thresholds being met, and adjustments for actual forfeitures.
 
Fourth quarter 2017
$
34.3

2018
86.3

2019 through 2022
73.1

Total
$
193.7



NOTE 8
– EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATIONS.

The following table presents the reconciliation (in millions) of net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group to net income allocated to our common stockholders and the weighted-average shares (in millions) that are used in calculating the basic and diluted earnings per share on our common stock. Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution reflect the potential dilution, determined using the treasury stock method, that could occur if outstanding stock options were exercised and non-participating stock awards vested.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
327.8

 
$
390.9

 
$
835.2

 
$
1,150.7

Less: net income allocated to outstanding restricted stock and stock unit holders
7.3

 
8.8

 
17.1

 
26.0

Net income allocated to common stockholders
$
320.5

 
$
382.1

 
$
818.1

 
$
1,124.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding
245.6

 
240.3

 
246.4

 
240.7

Outstanding assuming dilution
250.1

 
244.4

 
251.5

 
244.3




Page 15



The following table shows the weighted-average outstanding stock options (in millions) that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as the inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Weighted-average outstanding stock options excluded
10.3

 
2.1

 
9.9

 
6.7



NOTE 9 – OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.

The following table presents the impact of the components (in millions) of other comprehensive income or loss on deferred tax benefits (income taxes).
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Net deferred tax benefits (income taxes) on:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains or losses
$
(4.0
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
(3.6
)
 
$
(14.4
)
Reclassification adjustments recognized in the provision for income taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Net gains realized on dispositions

 

 
20.6

 
30.5

 Net gains recognized upon transfer to trading
 investments

 

 

 
9.2

Net deferred tax benefits (income taxes) on net unrealized holding gains or losses
(4.0
)
 
(1.9
)
 
17.0

 
25.3

Currency translation adjustments
(1.1
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(17.1
)
Reclassification adjustment recognized in the provision for income taxes upon deconsolidation of sponsored fund subsidiary
.4

 

 
.4

 

Total deferred tax benefits (income taxes) on currency translation adjustments
(.7
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(3.5
)
 
(17.1
)
Total net deferred tax benefits (income taxes)
$
(4.7
)
 
$
(7.1
)
 
$
13.5

 
$
8.2

The changes (in millions) in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), including reclassification adjustments for the first nine months of 2017 are presented in the table below.
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
Net unrealized holding gains
 
Equity method investments
 
Consolidated sponsored investment portfolios - variable interest entities
 
Total currency translation adjustments
 
Total
Balances at December 31, 2016
$
52.2

 
$
(32.3
)
 
$
(8.4
)
 
$
(40.7
)
 
$
11.5

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications and income taxes
37.1

 
4.5

 
39.9

 
44.4

 
81.5

Reclassification adjustments recognized in non-operating income
(101.6
)
 

 
(.1
)
 
(.1
)
 
(101.7
)
 
(64.5
)
 
4.5

 
39.8

 
44.3

 
(20.2
)
Net deferred tax benefits (income taxes)
25.3

 
(1.6
)
 
(15.5
)
 
(17.1
)
 
8.2

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(39.2
)
 
2.9

 
24.3

 
27.2

 
(12.0
)
Balances at September 30, 2017
$
13.0

 
$
(29.4
)
 
$
15.9

 
$
(13.5
)
 
$
(.5
)




Page 16



NOTE 10 – DELL APPRAISAL RIGHTS MATTER.

In 2016, we paid $166.2 million to compensate certain T. Rowe Price mutual funds, trusts, separately managed accounts, and subadvised clients (collectively, Clients) for the denial of their appraisal rights by the Delaware Chancery Court (Court) in connection with the 2013 leveraged buyout of Dell, Inc. (Dell).

The Court ruled on May 11, 2016, that the Clients could not pursue an appraisal of any shares they held that were voted in favor of the Dell merger. The appraisal statute governing the transaction required the record holder to vote against or abstain from voting on the transaction in order to assert appraisal rights. After previously voting against prior transaction proposals, the voting instructions submitted on behalf of the Clients in connection with voting on the final proposed transaction were incorrectly submitted in favor of the transaction. On May 31, 2016, the Court determined that the fair value of Dell at the time of the merger was $17.62 per share, as opposed to the $13.75 price offered in the transaction. As a result, any shareholder perfecting appraisal rights is entitled to a payment at $17.62 per share plus statutory interest from the date the Dell transaction closed. The compensation to Clients was intended to make them whole for the voting discrepancy that resulted in the denial of their appraisal rights.

On December 30, 2016, we signed a settlement agreement with our insurance carrier for insurance proceeds totaling $100.0 million related to this matter. We recognized the proceeds as a reduction to the $166.2 million nonrecurring charge that we recognized in the second quarter of 2016 and as a receivable in other assets at December 31, 2016. We received the insurance proceeds on January 24, 2017. In the first quarter of 2017, we recognized a reduction in operating expenses from insurance recoveries from other insurance carriers totaling an additional $50 million, of which $40 million was paid during the first quarter and the remaining $10 million was paid during the second quarter.

In accordance with the compensation payment, the Clients agreed that in the event the findings made by the Court regarding the fair value of Dell or the amount of interest to be applied were modified by the Supreme Court of Delaware on appeal, T. Rowe Price and the Clients would make an appropriate adjustment between themselves, calculated in a manner that is consistent with the methodology used to compensate Clients. In December 2016, several parties, including Dell and the successful appraisal petitioners, filed appeals to the Delaware Supreme Court to challenge the Chancery Court’s valuation ruling. Our settlement agreements with our insurance carriers provide that if the fair value of Dell is reduced, we would work together to make appropriate adjustments.


NOTE 11 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.

On February 14, 2017, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price Trust Company, current and former members of the management committee, and trustees of the T. Rowe Price U.S. Retirement Program were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The lawsuit alleges breaches of ERISA’s fiduciary duty and prohibited transaction provisions on behalf of a class of all participants and beneficiaries of the T. Rowe Price 401(k) Plan from February 14, 2011, to the time of judgment. The plaintiffs are seeking certification of the complaint as a class action. T. Rowe Price believes the claims are without merit and is vigorously defending the action. This matter is in the early stages of litigation and we cannot predict the eventual outcome or whether it will have a material negative impact on our financial results, or estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from any negative outcome.
 
On April 27, 2016, certain shareholders in the T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund, T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Fund, T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund, T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund, T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund, T. Rowe Price High Yield Fund, T. Rowe Price New Income Fund and T. Rowe Price Small Cap Stock Fund (the “Funds”) filed a Section 36(b) complaint under the caption Zoidis v. T. Rowe Price Assoc., Inc., against T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges that the management fees for the identified funds are excessive because T. Rowe Price charges lower advisory fees to subadvised clients with funds in the same strategy. The complaint seeks to recover the allegedly excessive advisory fees received by T. Rowe Price in the year preceding the start of the lawsuit, along with investments’ returns and profits. In the alternative, the complaint seeks the rescission of each fund’s investment management agreement and restitution of any allegedly excessive management fees. T. Rowe Price believes the claims are without merit and is vigorously defending the action. This matter is in the early stages of litigation and we cannot predict the eventual outcome or whether it will have a material negative impact on our financial results, or estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from any negative outcome.

In addition to the matters discussed above, various claims against us arise in the ordinary course of business, including employment-related claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the likelihood of an adverse determination in one or more of these pending ordinary course of business claims that would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations is remote.


Page 17



NOTE 12 – SUPPLEMENTARY CONSOLIDATING CASH FLOW STATEMENT.

The following tables summarize the cash flows (in millions) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, that are attributable to T. Rowe Price Group, our consolidated sponsored investment portfolios and the related eliminations required in preparing the statements.
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
Cash flow attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
 
Cash flow attributable to consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
 
Eliminations
 
As reported
 
Cash flow attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
 
Cash flow attributable to consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
 
Eliminations
 
As reported
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
835.2

 
$
114.1

 
$
(62.1
)
 
$
887.2

 
$
1,150.7

 
$
117.3

 
$
(73.4
)
 
$
1,194.6

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
100.0

 

 

 
100.0

 
106.9

 

 

 
106.9

Stock-based compensation expense
117.9

 

 

 
117.9

 
110.6

 

 

 
110.6

Realized gains on dispositions of available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
(52.3
)
 

 

 
(52.3
)
 
(78.0
)
 

 

 
(78.0
)
Gains recognized upon transfer of an available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolio to sponsored investment portfolios held as trading

 

 

 

 
(23.6
)
 

 

 
(23.6
)
Net gains recognized on investments
(90.2
)
 

 
62.1

 
(28.1
)
 
(113.8
)
 

 
73.4

 
(40.4
)
Investments in sponsored investment portfolios held as trading to economically hedge supplemental savings plan liability

 

 

 

 
(129.0
)
 

 

 
(129.0
)
Net change in trading securities held by consolidated sponsored investment portfolios

 
(1,084.1
)
 

 
(1,084.1
)
 

 
(1,210.5
)
 

 
(1,210.5
)
Other changes in assets and liabilities
324.7

 
6.9

 
(4.0
)
 
327.6

 
438.6

 
(12.9
)
 
(3.5
)
 
422.2

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
1,235.3

 
(963.1
)
 
(4.0
)
 
268.2

 
1,462.4

 
(1,106.1
)
 
(3.5
)
 
352.8

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(163.1
)
 
54.3

 
219.1

 
110.3

 
(63.2
)
 
(46.0
)
 
184.6

 
75.4

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(843.5
)
 
1,013.3

 
(215.1
)
 
(45.3
)
 
(734.7
)
 
1,186.4

 
(181.1
)
 
270.6

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios

 
(18.2
)
 

 
(18.2
)
 

 
6.9

 

 
6.9

Net change in cash and cash equivalents during period
228.7

 
86.3

 

 
315.0

 
664.5

 
41.2

 

 
705.7

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,172.3

 

 

 
1,172.3

 
1,204.9

 
65.6

 

 
1,270.5

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,401.0

 
$
86.3

 
$

 
$
1,487.3

 
$
1,869.4

 
$
106.8

 
$

 
$
1,976.2



Page 18



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.:

We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (“the Company”) as of September 30, 2017, the related condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the related condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017. These condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 7, 2017, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ KPMG LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
October 26, 2017
 


Page 19



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

GENERAL.

Our revenues and net income are derived primarily from investment advisory services provided to individual and institutional investors in our sponsored U.S. mutual funds and other investment portfolios. The other investment portfolios include: separately managed accounts, subadvised funds, and other sponsored investment portfolios including collective investment trusts, target-date retirement trusts, open-ended investment products offered to investors outside the U.S., and portfolios offered through variable annuity life insurance plans in the U.S. Investment advisory clients domiciled outside the U.S. account for about 5% of our assets under management at September 30, 2017.

We manage a broad range of U.S., international and global stock, bond, and money market mutual funds and other investment portfolios, which meet the varied needs and objectives of individual and institutional investors. Investment advisory revenues depend largely on the total value and composition of assets under our management. Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of assets under management affect our revenues and results of operations. We incur significant expenditures to develop new products and services, and improve and expand our capabilities and distribution channels in order to attract new investment advisory clients and additional investments from our existing clients. These efforts often involve costs that precede any future revenues that we may recognize from an increase to our assets under management.

We remain debt-free with ample liquidity and resources that allow us to take advantage of attractive growth opportunities; invest in key capabilities, including investment professionals, technologies, and new product offerings; and, most importantly, provide our clients with strong investment management expertise and service both now and in the future. We expect to continue our investment in long-term initiatives to sustain and deepen our investment talent, add investment capabilities both in terms of new strategies and new investment vehicles, expand capabilities through enhanced technology, and broaden our distribution reach globally.

We expect to sustain our current pace of spending on a series of key strategic priorities to address evolving client needs and to grow and further diversify our business. Based on these planned initiatives, we currently expect non-GAAP operating expenses will grow about 11% in 2017 versus 2016. This increase from previous guidance of about 10% results primarily from certain expenses, such as variable compensation, that have increased as a result of stronger than anticipated market performance.

BACKGROUND.

U.S. stocks continued to rise in the third quarter of 2017, with most major indexes finishing the period at or near record highs. Equities were lifted by favorable economic data and solid second-quarter corporate earnings reports. Investors were also encouraged that Congressional Republicans were making progress in developing a plan to reform the tax code and reduce corporate and individual tax rates. While market volatility remained generally low, stocks occasionally suffered sharp but brief pullbacks in response to rising geo-political tensions.

Developed non-U.S. equity markets outperformed large-cap U.S. shares, helped by a weaker dollar versus the euro and pound sterling, which lifted eurozone and UK returns in dollar terms. Major European markets rose, lifted in part by the region’s ongoing economic recovery. UK shares returned just over 5% in dollar terms, as the pound strengthened amid expectations that the Bank of England would soon raise short-term interest rates in response to rising inflation. Markets in Asia produced more moderate gains. Japanese shares returned slightly more than 4% in dollar terms, as the yen edged lower versus the greenback.

Emerging markets equities outperformed developed markets in dollar terms, helped by global economic growth and strengthening in some non-U.S. currencies. All broad emerging regions produced gains.



Page 20



Returns of several major equity market indexes for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, are as follows:
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
Index
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2017
S&P 500 Index
 
4.5%
 
14.2%
NASDAQ Composite Index (1)
 
5.8%
 
20.7%
Russell 2000 Index
 
5.7%
 
10.9%
MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australasia, and Far East) Index
 
5.5%
 
20.5%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index
 
8.0%
 
28.1%
 (1) returns exclude dividends

Global bond returns in the third quarter were broadly positive. In the U.S., longer-term Treasury yields declined for most of the quarter, but yields rebounded in September as President Trump and Congress agreed to fund the federal government and push back the debt ceiling for three months. The Federal Reserve did not raise short-term interest rates in the quarter but did announce, as expected, that it would begin to reduce the size of its balance sheet starting in October. The 10-year Treasury note yield started and ended the quarter around 2.3%. Among high-quality taxable bonds, longer-term corporate bonds did best. Municipal bonds outperformed taxable securities, helped by steady demand and limited new issuance. High yield issues outpaced higher-quality debt.

Bonds in developed non-U.S. markets outperformed domestic bonds, as a weaker dollar versus the pound and the euro lifted European bond returns in dollar terms. In the UK, bond yields fell through early September, but yields spiked toward the end of the quarter as the Bank of England cautioned that “some withdrawal of monetary stimulus” was likely in the next few months. In the eurozone, German bond yields followed a similar pattern, declining for much of the quarter but rising in the latter part of September. In Asia, the Bank of Japan, which continues to target a 10-year government bond yield of 0%, offered in early July to purchase an unlimited quantity of bonds to keep yields from rising. Emerging markets bonds produced good returns, with local currency bonds faring better than dollar-denominated issues.

Returns for several major bond market indexes for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, are as follows:
 
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
Index
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2017
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
 
.9%
 
3.1%
JPMorgan Global High Yield Index    
 
2.2%
 
7.4%
Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index
 
1.1%
 
4.7%
Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Ex-U.S. Dollar Bond Index
 
2.5%
 
8.7%
JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus
 
2.2%
 
8.6%
 

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT.

Assets under management ended the third quarter of 2017 at $947.9 billion, an increase of $44.3 billion from June 30, 2017 and $137.1 billion from December 31, 2016. We had net cash inflows of $5.9 billion in the third quarter of 2017 and $10.3 billion for the first nine months of 2017. The following table presents our assets under management (in billions) at December 31, 2016, and September 30, 2017, by investment portfolio and asset class.
 
As of
 
12/31/2016
 
9/30/2017
Sponsored U.S. mutual funds
$
514.2

 
$
585.3

Other investment portfolios
296.6

 
362.6

Total assets under management
$
810.8

 
$
947.9



Page 21



 
As of
 
12/31/2016
 
9/30/2017
Equity
$
450.6

 
$
537.2

Fixed income
121.2

 
130.9

Asset allocation
239.0

 
279.8

Total assets under management
$
810.8

 
$
947.9


Our target date retirement portfolios, which invest in a broadly diversified portfolio of other T. Rowe Price funds or T. Rowe Price collective investment trusts and automatically rebalance to maintain their specific asset allocation weightings, are included in the asset allocation line above. These portfolios continue to be a significant part of our assets under management. Assets in these portfolios at September 30, 2017, totaled $223.3 billion, including $166.0 billion in target date retirement funds and $57.3 billion in target date retirement trusts.

The following table details the changes in our assets under management (in billions) during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017:
 
Three months ended 9/30/2017
 
Nine months ended 9/30/2017
 
Sponsored U.S. mutual funds
 
Other investment portfolios
 
Total
 
Sponsored U.S. mutual funds
 
Other investment portfolios
 
Total
Assets under management at beginning of period
$
566.5

 
$
337.1

 
$
903.6

 
$
514.2

 
$
296.6

 
$
810.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash flows before client transfers
3.0

 
2.9

 
5.9

 
7.4

 
2.9

 
10.3

Client transfers from mutual funds to other portfolios
(8.1
)
 
8.1

 

 
(16.0
)
 
16.0

 

Net cash flows after client transfers
(5.1
)
 
11.0

 
5.9

 
(8.6
)
 
18.9

 
10.3

Net market appreciation and income
23.9

 
14.5

 
38.4

 
79.7

 
47.1

 
126.8

Change during the period
18.8

 
25.5

 
44.3

 
71.1

 
66.0

 
137.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets under management at September 30, 2017
$
585.3

 
$
362.6

 
$
947.9

 
$
585.3

 
$
362.6

 
$
947.9


The client transfers from mutual funds to other investment portfolios noted in the table above were primarily transfers from the target date retirement funds to target date retirement trusts.

Net cash flows (in billions) during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, include the following:

 
Three months ended 9/30/2017
 
Nine months ended 9/30/2017
Sponsored U.S. mutual funds
 
 
 
 Stock and blended asset funds
$
(6.3
)
 
$
(14.9
)
 Bond funds
(.4
)
 
4.3

 Money market funds
1.6

 
2.0

  
(5.1
)
 
(8.6
)
Other investment portfolios
 
 
 
 Stock and blended assets
5.7

 
9.0

 Fixed income, money market, and stable value
5.3

 
9.9

 
11.0

 
18.9

Total net cash flows after client transfers
$
5.9

 
$
10.3

 
 
 
 
Stock and blended asset
$
(.6
)
 
$
(5.9
)
Bond, money market, and stable value
6.5

 
16.2

Total net cash flows
$
5.9

 
$
10.3



Page 22




Net cash inflows into our target date retirement portfolios were $1.0 billion in the third quarter of 2017 and $6.4 billion in the first nine months of 2017. The components of net cash flows, by vehicle and asset class, shown above are affected by the mutual fund to trust transfers and the net cash flows by assets class are affected by the equity and fixed income portfolio rebalancing done to align allocations within the target date portfolios.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The table below presents financial results on a U.S. GAAP basis as well as a non-GAAP basis that adjusts for the impact of the Dell appraisal rights matter, the firm's consolidated sponsored investment portfolios, the supplemental savings plan, and other non-operating income. We believe the non-GAAP financial measures below provide relevant and meaningful information to investors about our core operating results.
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
 
(in millions, except per-share data)
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
Dollar
change
 
Percentage change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. GAAP basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment advisory fees
$
970.5

 
$
1,096.7

 
$
126.2

 
13.0
 %
Net revenues
$
1,092.9

 
$
1,221.7

 
$
128.8

 
11.8
 %
Operating expenses
$
617.2

 
$
673.2

 
$
56.0

 
9.1
 %
Net operating income
$
475.7

 
$
548.5

 
$
72.8

 
15.3
 %
Non-operating income
$
88.3

 
$
67.3

 
$
(21.0
)
 
(23.8
)%
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
327.8

 
$
390.9

 
$
63.1

 
19.2
 %
Diluted earnings per share on common stock of T. Rowe Price Group
$
1.28

 
$
1.56

 
$
.28

 
21.9
 %
Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution
250.1

 
244.4

 
(5.7
)
 
(2.3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted non-GAAP basis(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
$
615.6

 
$
665.7

 
$
50.1

 
8.1
 %
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
299.9

 
$
362.1

 
$
62.2

 
20.7
 %
Diluted earnings per share on common stock of T. Rowe Price Group
$
1.17

 
$
1.45

 
$
.28

 
23.9
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets under management (in billions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average assets under management
$
803.6

 
$
927.4

 
$
123.8

 
15.4
 %
Ending assets under management
$
812.9

 
$
947.9

 
$
135.0

 
16.6
 %
(1)See the reconciliation to the comparable U.S. GAAP measures at the end of the results of operations sections of this management discussion and analysis.

Investment advisory fees earned in the third quarter of 2017 increased over the comparable 2016 quarter as average assets under our management increased $123.8 billion, or 15.4%, to $927.4 billion. Recent increases in money market fund yields have resulted in no fee waivers for those portfolios in the third quarter of 2017. Comparably, we waived $2.1 million in advisory fees from certain of our money market mutual funds in the third quarter of 2016.

The average annualized effective fee rate earned on our assets under management during the third quarter of 2017 was 46.9 basis points, compared with 48.0 basis points earned during the third quarter of 2016. Our effective fee rate has declined in part due to fee reductions we made to certain mutual funds and other portfolios since the mid-2016 coupled with higher market valuations that have resulted in a greater proportion of incremental assets under management earning lower fee rates. The impact of the fee reductions was offset in part by higher equity valuations, which resulted in a greater percentage of our assets under management being attributable to higher fee equity portfolios. We regularly assess the competitiveness of our investment advisory fees and will continue to make adjustments as deemed appropriate.

Our operating margin in the third quarter of 2017 was 44.9%, compared to 43.5% earned in the 2016 quarter, as higher market returns and net new cash flows have driven our net revenues to pace faster than operating expenses.


Page 23




Net revenues

Investment advisory revenues earned in the third quarter of 2017 from the T. Rowe Price mutual funds distributed in the U.S. were $783.9 million, an increase of $80.4 million, or 11.4%, from the comparable 2016 quarter. Average mutual fund assets under management in the third quarter of 2017 were $576.1 billion, an increase of 12.7% from the average in the third quarter of 2016.

Investment advisory revenues earned in the third quarter of 2017 from the other investment portfolios were $312.8 million, an increase of $45.8 million, or 17.2%, from the comparable 2016 quarter. Average assets under management for these portfolios in the third quarter of 2017 were $351.3 billion, an increase of 20.2% from the average in the third quarter of 2016.

The third quarter of 2016 and 2017 include the elimination of $2.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in advisory and administrative fees earned from our consolidated sponsored investment portfolios. The related management fee expense was also eliminated from operating expenses.

Operating expenses

Compensation and related costs were $417.4 million in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of $31.2 million, or 8.1%, compared to the third quarter of 2016. Our base salaries and related benefits have increased $30.9 million from the third quarter of 2016 primarily as a result of a 7.0% increase in our average staff size and modest increases in base salaries at the beginning of 2017. Our interim accrual for annual variable compensation increased $8.9 million from the 2016 quarter. Our interim accrual for annual variable compensation program is recognized ratably over the year using the ratio of recognized quarterly net revenues to forecasted annual net revenues. Higher market valuations on a larger supplemental savings plan liability resulted in $3.4 million in additional compensation expense in the third quarter of 2017 compared with the 2016 period. We began economically hedging the exposure to these market movements in the third quarter of 2017 and show the effectiveness of these hedges in our non-GAAP measures’ reconciliation at the end of the management discussion and analysis. These higher compensation costs were offset, in part, by a $7.3 million increase in labor capitalization related to internally developed software as we continue to invest in technology capabilities. We also had a $5.9 million decrease in non-cash stock based compensation expenses as the timing of our annual grant shifted in 2017 from twice a year to a single grant in December. We employed 6,796 associates at September 30, 2017, an increase of 467 associates from the 6,329 associates employed at December 31, 2016.

Occupancy and facility costs, together with depreciation expense, were $84.0 million in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of $4.7 million, or 5.9%, compared to the third quarter of 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to costs to update and enhance technology capabilities, including related maintenance programs.

Other operating expenses in the third quarter of 2017 were up $20.1 million from the comparable 2016 quarter. Nearly half of the increase is attributable to professional fees incurred to support the firm’s continued investment in its operating capabilities. The remainder of the change from the third quarter of 2016 results primarily from increases in other operating costs to meet the growing operational and regulatory business demands. These costs include those related to our defined contribution recordkeeping business, third-party service costs, market information services, and other general and administrative costs.



Page 24



Non-operating income

Net non-operating income in the third quarter of 2017 was $67.3 million, a decrease of $21.0 million from the 2016 quarter. The following table details the components of non-operating income (in millions) during the third quarter of 2016 and 2017 and the related dollar change.
 
Three months ended
 

 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
Dollar change
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net gains realized on dispositions of available-for-sale investments
$

 
$
.1

 
$
.1

Ordinary dividend distributions from sponsored fund investments
1.7

 
5.3

 
3.6

Net gains recognized on deconsolidation of sponsored fund investments
1.1

 
.1

 
(1.0
)
Unrealized gains on sponsored investment portfolios used to hedge the supplemental savings plan liability

 
6.1

 
6.1

Unrealized gains on sponsored equity method and other trading investments
9.0

 
7.3

 
(1.7
)
Net investment income on sponsored fund investments not consolidated
11.8

 
18.9

 
7.1

Other investment income
2.7

 
10.0

 
7.3

Total earned from investments
14.5

 
28.9

 
14.4

Net investment income of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
73.8

 
37.5

 
(36.3
)
Other non-operating income, including net foreign currency gains

 
.9

 
.9

Non-operating income
$
88.3

 
$
67.3

 
$
(21.0
)

The $36.3 million decrease from the 2016 quarter in net investment income of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios for the three months ended September 30, 2017, was primarily a result of net investment income recognized in the 2016 quarter on a fund that was deconsolidated in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The impact (in millions) of consolidating certain sponsored investment portfolios on the individual lines of our condensed consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Operating expenses reflected in net operating income
$
(3.8
)
 
$
(3.2
)
Net investment income reflected in non-operating income
73.8

 
37.5

Impact on income before taxes
$
70.0

 
$
34.3

 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group’s interest in the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
$
35.1

 
$
21.0

Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests (unrelated third party investors)
34.9

 
13.3

Impact on income before taxes
$
70.0

 
$
34.3


Provision for income taxes

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was 34.4%, compared with the full-year 2017 rate of 37.4% we expected at the end of the second quarter of 2017. The number of stock option exercises and the related tax benefits recognized were higher than originally expected. We currently estimate our effective tax rate for the full-year 2017 will be 35.9%. The following table provides the components of our effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 and our current estimate for the full-year 2017.


Page 25



 
Three months ended 9/30/2017
 
Full-year
2017
Estimate
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State income taxes for current year, net of federal income tax benefits
4.0

 
4.0

Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests
(.8
)
 
(.8
)
Net excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans activity
(3.6
)
 
(2.1
)
Other items
(.2
)
 
(.2
)
Effective income tax rate
34.4
 %
 
35.9
 %

We expect there to be continued volatility in our effective tax rate in future periods as the net excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation recognized in our tax provision are impacted by market fluctuations in our stock price and the timing of when option holders exercise their awards. Our effective tax rate will also be impacted by changes in our consolidated sponsored investment portfolios that are driven by the market and changes affecting net income attributable to non-controlling interests. Our effective income tax rate also reflects the relative contribution of pre-tax income generated by our foreign subsidiaries that are subject to tax rates lower than our U.S. rates. Changes in the relative contribution of pre-tax income from U.S. and foreign sources or changes in tax rates in relevant jurisdictions may affect our effective income tax rate and overall net income in the future.


First nine months of 2016 versus first nine months of 2017.

The table below presents financial results on a U.S. GAAP basis as well as a non-GAAP basis that adjusts for the impact of the Dell appraisal rights matter, the firm's consolidated sponsored investment portfolios, the supplemental savings plan, and other non-operating income. We believe the non-GAAP financial measures below provide relevant and meaningful information to investors about our core operating results.
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
 
(in millions, except per-share data)
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
Dollar
change
 
Percentage change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. GAAP basis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment advisory fees
$
2,761.9

 
$
3,131.7

 
$
369.8

 
13.4
 %
Net revenues
$
3,131.7

 
$
3,506.9

 
$
375.2

 
12.0
 %
Operating expenses
$
1,961.6

 
$
1,929.1

 
$
(32.5
)
 
(1.7
)%
Net operating income
$
1,170.1

 
$
1,577.8

 
$
407.7

 
34.8
 %
Non-operating income
$
214.9

 
$
294.3

 
$
79.4

 
36.9
 %
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
835.2

 
$
1,150.7

 
$
315.5

 
37.8
 %
Diluted earnings per share on common stock of T. Rowe Price Group
$
3.25

 
$
4.60

 
$
1.35

 
41.5
 %
Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution
251.5

 
244.3

 
(7.2
)
 
(2.9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted non-GAAP basis(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
$
1,790.8

 
$
1,968.1

 
$
177.3

 
9.9
 %
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
845.7

 
$
977.2

 
$
131.5

 
15.5
 %
Diluted earnings per share on common stock of T. Rowe Price Group
$
3.29

 
$
3.91

 
.62

 
18.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets under management (in billions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average assets under management
$
768.3

 
$
886.3

 
$
118.0

 
15.4
 %
Ending assets under management
$
812.9

 
$
947.9

 
$
135.0

 
16.6
 %

(1)See the reconciliation to the comparable U.S. GAAP measures at the end of the results of operations sections of this management discussion and analysis.


Page 26




Investment advisory revenues earned in the first nine months of 2017 increased 13.4% over the comparable 2016 period as average assets under our management increased $118.0 billion, or 15.4%, to $886.3 billion. We waived no money market fees in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $9.4 million in the 2016 period. The average annualized fee rate earned on our assets under management was 47.2 basis points in the first nine months of 2017, compared with 48.0 basis points earned in the first nine months of 2016. Our effective fee rate has declined in part due to fee reductions we made to certain mutual funds and other portfolios since the end of 2015. The impact of the fee reductions was offset in part by higher equity valuations, which resulted in a greater percentage of our assets under management being attributable to higher fee equity portfolios, and the elimination of money market fee waivers in 2017.

Our operating results for the first nine-months of 2016 include a nonrecurring operating charge of $166.2 million related to our decision to compensate certain clients in regard to the Dell appraisal rights matter. During the first nine months of 2017, we recognized insurance recoveries totaling $50 million from claims filed in 2016 related to this matter. A quarterly summary of the financial impact of the Dell matter on our pre-tax operating expenses and pre-tax operating cash flows (in millions) since the matter arose is as follows:
Three months ended
Pre-tax operating expense
 
Pre-tax operating cash flow
June 30, 2016
$
166.2

 
$
(164.0
)
September 30, 2016

 
(.9
)
December 31, 2016
(100.0
)
 
(1.3
)
Total - 2016
66.2

 
(166.2
)
March 31, 2017
(50.0
)
 
140.0

June 30, 2017

 
10.0

Total impact from Dell appraisal rights matter
$
16.2

 
$
(16.2
)

Our operating margin in the first nine months of 2017 was 45.0%, compared to 37.4% in the 2016 period. Excluding the impact of the Dell matter, our operating margin was 43.6% in the first nine months of 2017, and 42.7% for the comparable 2016 period.

Net revenues

Investment advisory revenues earned from the T. Rowe Price mutual funds distributed in the U.S. increased 12.4%, or $249.3 million, to $2.3 billion. Average mutual fund assets in the first nine months of 2017 were $557.8 billion, an increase of 13.9% from the average for the comparable 2016 period. The increase in advisory revenues was also due in part to the reduction in money market fee waivers made in the first nine months of 2017 compared with the 2016 period.

Investment advisory revenues earned on the other investment portfolios for the first nine months of 2017 were $877.7 million, an increase of $120.5 million, or 15.9%, from the $757.2 million earned in the comparable 2016 period. Average assets in these portfolios were $328.5 billion during the first nine months of 2017, up 17.9% from the comparable 2016 period.

The results for the first nine months of 2017 include the elimination of $3.2 million in advisory and administrative fees against the related management fee expense recorded by our consolidated sponsored investment portfolios, a decrease of $2.1 million from the $5.3 million eliminated during the comparable 2016 period.

Operating expenses

Compensation and related costs were $1,218.6 million in the first nine months of 2017, an increase of $106.2 million, or 9.5%, compared to the 2016 period. The largest part of the increase is attributable to a $78.5 million increase in base salaries and related benefits which resulted from an increase of 6.1% in average headcount from the 2016 period combined with a modest increase in salaries at the beginning of 2017. The increase in average headcount also drove higher recruiting costs in the 2017 year-to-date period. The interim accrual for our annual variable compensation in the 2017 period rose $37.0 million over the interim accrual in the 2016 period. Higher market valuations on a larger supplemental savings plan liability resulted in $14.5 million in additional compensation expense in the first nine months of 2017 compared with the 2016 period. The increases in these compensation and related expenses were offset in part by an increase of $25.8 million in the level of labor capitalized in 2017 compared with the 2016 period and lower non-cash stock based compensation expense as we shifted our annual grant from twice a year to a single grant in December and experienced an increase in forfeitures over the prior comparable period.


Page 27




Advertising and promotion costs were $58.2 million in the first nine months of 2017, an increase of $5.5 million, or 10.4%, compared to the 2016 period. We currently expect advertising and promotion costs for 2017 will be up to 10% higher than the 2016 year as we execute on a number of our strategic initiatives.

Occupancy and facility costs, together with depreciation expense, increased $20.6 million, or 9.1%, compared to the first nine months of 2016. The increase is attributable to higher facilities costs as well as the added costs to update and enhance technology capabilities, including related maintenance programs.

Other operating expenses were $345.2 million in the first nine months of 2017, an increase of $48.6 million from the comparable 2016 period. About half of the increase is attributable to professional fees incurred to support the firm’s continued investment in its operating capabilities. The remainder of the change from the first nine months of 2016 is a result of increases in other operating costs to meet the growing operational and regulatory business demands. These costs include those related to our defined contribution recordkeeping business, travel costs, third-party service costs, and other general and administrative costs.

Non-operating income

Net non-operating investment activity during the first nine months of 2017 resulted in income of $294.3 million, an increase of $79.4 million from the 2016 period. The following table details the components of non-operating income (in millions) during the first nine months of 2016 and 2017.
 
Nine months ended
 
 
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
Dollar change
Net gains realized on dispositions of available-for-sale investments
$
52.3

 
$
78.0

 
$
25.7

Ordinary dividend distributions from sponsored fund investments
5.0

 
11.2

 
6.2

Net gain recognized on deconsolidation of sponsored fund investments
1.1

 
.1

 
(1.0
)
Gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income upon transfer of an available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolio to sponsored investment portfolios held as trading

 
23.6

 
23.6

Unrealized gains on sponsored investment portfolios used to hedge the supplemental savings plan liability

 
6.1

 
6.1

Unrealized gains on sponsored equity method and other trading investments
21.8

 
26.0

 
4.2

Net investment income on sponsored fund investments not consolidated
80.2

 
145.0

 
64.8

Other investment income
10.9

 
20.1

 
9.2

Total earned from investments
91.1

 
165.1

 
74.0

Net investment income of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
124.0

 
125.8

 
1.8

Other non-operating expenses, including net foreign currency gains
(.2
)
 
3.4

 
3.6

Non-operating income
$
214.9

 
$
294.3

 
$
79.4


During the first nine months of 2017, non-operating income includes $30.8 million in gains realized from the disposition of certain available-for-sale investments and $23.6 million in unrealized gains recognized on sponsored trading investments that result from our decision to economically hedge the market exposure associated with our supplemental savings plan liability. In order to fund the hedge portfolio, we used the proceeds from the sale of certain available-for-sale sponsored investment holdings as well as designated a sponsored fund that was held as available-for-sale. The designation of the sponsored fund as an economic hedge transferred its accounting classification from an available-for-sale security to a trading security and resulted in the reclassification of the investment's unrealized holding gain at the date of designation to the income statement from the balance sheet where it was previously recognized.



Page 28



The impact (in millions) of consolidating certain sponsored investment portfolios on the individual lines of our condensed consolidated statements of income for the first nine months of 2016 and 2017 is as follows:

 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Operating expenses reflected in net operating income
$
(9.9
)
 
$
(8.5
)
Net investment income reflected in non-operating income
124.0

 
125.8

Impact on income before taxes
$
114.1

 
$
117.3

 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group’s interest in the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
$
62.1

 
$
73.4

Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests (unrelated third party investors)
52.0

 
43.9

Impact on income before taxes
$
114.1

 
$
117.3






Page 29



Non-GAAP information and reconciliation

We believe the non-GAAP financial measures below provide relevant and meaningful information to investors about our core operating results. These measures have been established in order to increase transparency for the purpose of evaluating our core business, for comparing current results with prior period results, and to enable more appropriate comparison with industry peers. However, non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be calculated differently by other companies. The following schedule reconciles (in millions, except for per-share amounts) U.S. GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP measures for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2017.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Operating expenses, GAAP basis
$
617.2

 
$
673.2

 
$
1,961.6

 
$
1,929.1

Non-GAAP adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expenses of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios, net of elimination of its related management fee(1)
(1.6
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(4.6
)
 
(5.3
)
Compensation expense related to market valuation changes in supplemental savings plan liability(2)
 
 
(5.7
)
 
 
 
(5.7
)
Insurance recoveries (nonrecurring charge) related to Dell appraisal rights matter(4)

 

 
(166.2
)
 
50.0

Adjusted operating expenses
$
615.6

 
$
665.7

 
$
1,790.8

 
$
1,968.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group, GAAP basis
$
327.8

 
$
390.9

 
$
835.2

 
$
1,150.7

Non-GAAP adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios, net of redeemable non-controlling interests(1)
(35.1
)
 
(21.0
)
 
(62.1
)
 
(73.4
)
Non-operating income of investments designated as an economic hedge of supplemental savings plan liability less related compensation expense(2)
 
 
(.4
)
 
 
 
(.4
)
Non-operating income, excluding impacts of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios and investments designated as an economic hedge of supplemental savings plan liability(3)
(14.5
)
 
(23.7
)
 
(90.9
)
 
(162.4
)
Nonrecurring charge (insurance recoveries) related to Dell appraisal rights matter(4)

 

 
166.2

 
(50.0
)
Income tax impacts of non-GAAP adjustments(5)
21.7

 
16.3

 
(2.7
)
 
112.7

Adjusted net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
$
299.9

 
$
362.1

 
$
845.7

 
$
977.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share, GAAP basis
$
1.28

 
$
1.56

 
$
3.25

 
$
4.60

Non-GAAP adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated sponsored investment portfolios(1)
(.07
)
 
(.05
)
 
(.13
)
 
(.18
)
Non-operating income, excluding impacts of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios and investments designated as an economic hedge of supplemental savings plan liability(3)
(.04
)
 
(.06
)
 
(.22
)
 
(.39
)
Nonrecurring charge (insurance recoveries) related to Dell appraisal rights matter(4)

 

 
.39

 
(.12
)
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share(6)
$
1.17

 
$
1.45

 
$
3.29

 
$
3.91




Page 30



(1) We implemented new consolidation accounting guidance on January 1, 2016, that resulted in a larger number of our sponsored investment portfolios, that we provide seed capital to at formation, to be consolidated in our financial statements as we were deemed to have a controlling financial interest. The non-GAAP adjustments add back the management fees we earn from the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios and remove the investment income and operating expenses of these portfolios that have been included in our U.S. GAAP condensed consolidated statements of income. We believe the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios may impact the reader's ability to understand our core operating results.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Net investment income of consolidated sponsored portfolios
$
73.8

 
$
37.5

 
$
124.0

 
$
125.8

Operating expenses of consolidated sponsored portfolios
(3.8
)
 
(3.2
)
 
(9.9
)
 
(8.5
)
Net income of consolidated sponsored portfolios
70.0

 
34.3

 
114.1

 
117.3

Less: net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests
34.9

 
13.3

 
52.0

 
43.9

T. Rowe Price's portion of net income
$
35.1

 
$
21.0

 
$
62.1

 
$
73.4


(2) This non-GAAP adjustment removes the impact of market movements on the supplemental savings plan liability and related investments designated as economic hedges of the liability beginning July 1, 2017. Amounts deferred under the supplemental savings plan are adjusted for appreciation (depreciation) of hypothetical investments chosen by the employee. Since we economically hedged the exposure to these market movements, we believe it is useful to offset the non-operating investment income earned on the hedges against the related compensation expense to increase comparability period to period.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Non-operating income of investments designated as an economic hedge of supplemental savings plan liability
$

 
$
6.1

 
$

 
$
6.1

Compensation expense from market valuation changes in supplemental savings plan liability

 
(5.7
)
 

 
(5.7
)
Non-operating income of investments designated as an economic hedge of supplemental savings plan liability less compensation expense
$

 
$
.4

 
$

 
$
.4


(3) This non-GAAP adjustment removes the non-operating income that remains after backing out the portion related to the consolidated sponsored investment portfolios and investments designated as an economic hedge of our supplemental savings plan liability. We believe excluding non-operating income helps the reader's ability to understand the firm’s core operating results and increases comparability to prior years. Additionally, we do not emphasize the impact of non-operating income when managing our firm and evaluating our performance.
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
 
9/30/2016
 
9/30/2017
Total non-operating income
$
88.3

 
$
67.3

 
$
214.9

 
$
294.3

Less: net investment income of consolidated sponsored portfolios
73.8

 
37.5

 
124.0

 
125.8

Less: non-operating income from investments designated as an economic hedge of supplemental savings plan liability

 
6.1

 

 
6.1

Total other non-operating income
$
14.5

 
$
23.7

 
$
90.9

 
$
162.4

 
(4) In the second quarter of 2016, we recognized a nonrecurring charge of $166.2 million related to our decision to compensate certain clients in regard to the Dell appraisal rights matter. In the first quarter of 2017, we recognized insurance recoveries of $50 million as a reduction in operating expenses from claims that were filed in relation to the matter. We believe it is useful to readers of our consolidated statements of income to adjust for these charges and non-recurring insurance recoveries in arriving at adjusted operating expenses and net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. and diluted earnings per share, as this will aid with comparability to prior periods and analyzing our core business results.
 
(5) These were calculated using the effective tax rate applicable to the related items.

(6) This non-GAAP measure was calculated by applying the two-class method to adjusted net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. divided by the weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution.


Page 31




CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY.

We increased our quarterly recurring dividend per share in March 2017 by 5.6% to $.57 per share. Additionally, we expended $456.7 million to repurchase 6.6 million shares, or 2.7%, of our outstanding common stock in the first nine months of 2017. These dividends and repurchases were expended using existing cash balances and cash generated from operations. We will generally repurchase our common stock over time to offset the dilution created by our equity-based compensation plans.

Since the end of 2014, we have returned $4.1 billion to stockholders through stock repurchases, our regular quarterly dividends, and a special dividend in 2015.
(in millions)
Recurring dividend
 
Special dividend
 
Stock repurchases
 
Total cash returned to stockholders
2015
$
534.5

 
$
524.5

 
$
987.8

 
$
2,046.8

2016
541.2

 

 
676.9

 
1,218.1

Nine months ended 9/30/2017
420.3

 

 
456.7

 
877.0

Total
$
1,496.0

 
$
524.5

 
$
2,121.4

 
$
4,141.9


We remain debt-free with ample liquidity, including cash and sponsored investment portfolio holdings (in millions) as follows:
 
 
12/31/2016
 
9/30/2017
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,204.9

 
$
1,869.4

Discretionary investments in sponsored investment portfolios
 
700.6

 
867.2

Total discretionary investments
 
1,905.5

 
2,736.6

Redeemable seed capital investments in sponsored investment portfolios
 
1,263.8

 
1,150.3

Investments in sponsored investment portfolios used to hedge the supplemental savings plan liability
 

 
178.4

Total cash and sponsored investment portfolio holdings
 
$
3,169.3

 
$
4,065.3


The cash and discretionary sponsored investment holdings held by our subsidiaries outside the U.S. is $394.4 million at September 30, 2017.

The following table details (in millions) the line items of the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017, where our cash and sponsored portfolio investment holdings are presented as well as the amount of other investments that make up the remainder of the investments line. The investment presentation on the balance sheet is based on the type of investment, as well as how we account for the item.

 
Interest Held by T. Rowe Price Group
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and discretionary investments in sponsored portfolios
 
Redeemable Seed capital investments in sponsored portfolios
 
Investments in sponsored investment portfolios to hedge supplemental savings plan liability
 
 Investment in UTI and other investments
 
Total
 
Redeemable non-controlling interest
 
As reported on consolidated balance sheet 9/30/2017
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,869.4

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,869.4

 
$

 
$
1,869.4

Investments
713.3

 
229.7

 
178.4

 
237.9

 
1,359.3

 

 
1,359.3

Net assets of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
153.9

 
920.6

 

 

 
1,074.5

 
953.8

 
2,028.3

 
$
2,736.6

 
$
1,150.3

 
$
178.4

 
$
237.9

 
$
4,303.2

 
$
953.8

 
$
5,257.0


Our condensed consolidated balance sheet reflects the cash and cash equivalents, investments, other assets and liabilities of those sponsored portfolios we consolidate, as well as redeemable non-controlling interests for the portion of these sponsored portfolios that are held by unrelated third party investors. Although we can redeem our net interest in these sponsored investment portfolios at any time, we cannot directly access or sell the assets held by the portfolios to obtain cash for general


Page 32



operations. Additionally, the assets of these investment portfolios are not available to our general creditors. Our interest in these sponsored investment portfolios was used as initial seed capital and is recategorized as discretionary when it is determined by management that the seed capital is no longer needed. We assess the discretionary investment portfolio and seek to liquidate our interest, if decided, in a way as to not impact the portfolio and ultimately, the unrelated third party investors.

We anticipate property and equipment expenditures for the full-year 2017 to be up to $200 million, of which about two-thirds is planned for technology initiatives. Given the availability of our financial resources, we expect to fund our anticipated capital expenditures with operating resources, and do not maintain an available external source of additional liquidity.



Page 33



The following table summarizes the cash flows (in millions) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017, that are attributable to T. Rowe Price Group, our consolidated sponsored investment portfolios, and the related eliminations required in preparing the statement.
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30, 2016
 
September 30, 2017
 
Cash flow attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
 
Cash flow attributable to consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
 
Eliminations
 
As reported
 
Cash flow attributable to T. Rowe Price Group
 
Cash flow attributable to consolidated sponsored investment portfolios
 
Eliminations
 
As reported
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
835.2

 
$
114.1

 
$
(62.1
)
 
$
887.2

 
$
1,150.7

 
$
117.3

 
$
(73.4
)
 
$
1,194.6

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment
100.0

 

 

 
100.0

 
106.9

 

 

 
106.9

Stock-based compensation expense
117.9

 

 

 
117.9

 
110.6

 

 

 
110.6

Realized gains on dispositions of available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolios
(52.3
)
 

 

 
(52.3
)
 
(78.0
)
 

 

 
(78.0
)
Gains recognized upon transfer of an available-for-sale sponsored investment portfolio to sponsored investment portfolios held as trading

 

 

 

 
(23.6
)
 

 

 
(23.6
)
Net gains recognized on investments
(90.2
)
 

 
62.1

 
(28.1
)
 
(113.8
)
 

 
73.4

 
(40.4
)
Investments in sponsored investment portfolios held as trading to economically hedge supplemental savings plan liability

 

 

 

 
(129.0
)
 

 

 
(129.0
)
Net change in trading securities held by consolidated sponsored investment portfolios

 
(1,084.1
)
 

 
(1,084.1
)
 

 
(1,210.5
)
 

 
(1,210.5
)
Other changes in assets and liabilities
324.7

 
6.9

 
(4.0
)
 
327.6

 
438.6

 
(12.9
)
 
(3.5
)
 
422.2

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
1,235.3

 
(963.1
)
 
(4.0
)
 
268.2

 
1,462.4

 
(1,106.1
)
 
(3.5
)
 
352.8

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(163.1
)
 
54.3

 
219.1

 
110.3

 
(63.2
)
 
(46.0
)
 
184.6

 
75.4

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(843.5
)
 
1,013.3

 
(215.1
)
 
(45.3
)
 
(734.7
)
 
1,186.4

 
(181.1
)
 
270.6

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents of consolidated sponsored investment portfolios

 
(18.2
)
 

 
(18.2
)
 

 
6.9

 

 
6.9

Net change in cash and cash equivalents during period
228.7

 
86.3

 

 
315.0

 
664.5

 
41.2

 

 
705.7

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,172.3

 

 

 
1,172.3

 
1,204.9

 
65.6

 

 
1,270.5

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,401.0

 
$
86.3

 
$

 
$
1,487.3

 
$
1,869.4

 
$
106.8

 
$

 
$
1,976.2




Page 34



Operating activities attributable to T. Rowe Price Group during the first nine months of 2017 provided cash flows of $1,462.4 million, an increase of $227.1 million from the 2016 period. The increase is largely attributable to the timing differences of cash flows related to the Dell appraisal rights matter as we paid $164.9 million to certain T. Rowe Price clients in the first nine months of 2016 and received related insurance recoveries of $150.0 million in the first nine-months of 2017. This change in cash flows from the Dell appraisal rights matter was offset by cash outflows in the 2017 period for new investments made into sponsored investment portfolios held as trading in order to economically hedge our supplemental savings plan liability. Our interim operating cash flows do not include the cash impact of variable compensation that is accrued throughout the year before being substantially paid out in December. The net cash provided by operating activities attributable to T. Rowe Price Group was offset in part by the net change in trading securities held in our consolidated sponsored investments’ underlying investment portfolios.

Net cash used in investing activities that are attributable to T. Rowe Price Group totaled $63.2 million in the first nine months of 2017, an increase of $99.9 million from the comparable 2016 period. During the first nine months of 2017, we realized $188.9 million more net proceeds from the purchases and sales of our available-for-sale investments compared with the 2016 period. Additionally, the amount of seed capital investments we provided in the first nine months of 2017 decreased by $34.5 million compared with the 2016 period. Since we consolidate these sponsored investment portfolios, our investment was eliminated in preparing our consolidated condensed statement of cash flow. These net increases in investing cash flows were offset by an $82.8 million decrease in proceeds from the sales of equity method investments and a $16.6 million increase in property and equipment expenditures during the first nine months of 2017 compared with the 2016 period. The cash flow attributable to consolidated sponsored investment portfolios of $46.0 million represents the aggregate net cash removed from our balance sheet from consolidating and deconsolidating portfolios during the first nine months of 2017. During the 2016 period the equivalent cash flow activity added $54.3 million to our balance sheet.

Net cash used in financing activities attributable to T. Rowe Price Group were $734.7 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared with $843.5 million in the 2016 period. The decrease in cash used in financing activities is related in part to a reduction of $69.0 million for common stock repurchases as the higher stock price led to fewer shares being repurchased in the 2017 period. Additionally, the higher stock price in 2017 led to a larger number of stock option exercises resulting in a $54.0 million increase in related cash proceeds compared with the 2016 period. The remaining change in reported cash flows from financing activities is primarily attributable to a $207.2 million increase in net subscriptions received from redeemable non-controlling interest holders of our consolidated sponsored investment portfolios during the first nine months of 2017 compared to the 2016 period.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES.

The preparation of financial statements often requires the selection of specific accounting methods and policies from among several acceptable alternatives. Further, significant estimates and judgments may be required in selecting and applying those methods and policies in the recognition of the assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets, the revenues and expenses in our consolidated statements of income, and the information that is contained in our significant accounting policies and notes to consolidated financial statements. Making these estimates and judgments requires the analysis of information concerning events that may not yet be complete and of facts and circumstances that may change over time. Accordingly, actual amounts or future results can differ materially from those estimates that we include currently in our consolidated financial statements, significant accounting policies, and notes.

There have been no material changes in the critical accounting policies previously identified in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.



Page 35



NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 — Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and subsequently has issued five related accounting standard updates clarifying several aspects of ASU 2014-09, including technical corrections and improvements. The overall objective of the new standards updates is to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within industries, across industries, and across capital markets. The revenue standard contains principles that will be applied to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. We will adopt the new standard on its effective date, January 1, 2018, though we have not yet selected whether we will adopt using the retrospective approach with adjustments to each prior period or the retrospective method with the cumulative effect of initial application recognized at the date of initial application. Our implementation efforts include a detailed review of revenue contracts within the scope of the guidance and evaluation of the impact on the Company's revenue recognition policies. While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts these standards will have on our financial position and results of operations, our initial conclusions indicate that these standards will not materially change the timing of revenue recognition. However, the presentation of about $60 million in certain revenue related costs will change from being reported net against related-revenues to being reported in operating expenses. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance on disclosures.

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 — Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments in this update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017, and requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The new guidance will require the change in fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be recognized through the income statements. We are currently evaluating the full impact of the standard, however, upon adoption the change in the fair value of our available-for-sale investments after January 1, 2018, will be recognized in our consolidated income statement rather than our consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 — Leases (Topic 842). The objective of the update is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our financial position and results of operations.
 
We have considered all other newly issued accounting guidance that is applicable to our operations and the preparation of our condensed consolidated statements, including those we have not yet adopted. We do not believe that any such guidance has or will have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION.

From time to time, information or statements provided by or on behalf of T. Rowe Price, including those within this report, may contain certain forward-looking information, including information or anticipated information relating to: our revenues, net income and earnings per share of common stock; changes in the amount and composition of our assets under management; our expense levels; our estimated effective income tax rate; and our expectations regarding financial markets, future transactions and strategic initiatives, dividends, investments, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, and other conditions. Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking information provided by or on behalf of T. Rowe Price is not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information because of various factors including, but not limited to, those discussed below and in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Form 10-K Annual Report for 2016. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Our future revenues and results of operations will fluctuate primarily due to changes in the total value and composition of assets under our management. Such changes result from many factors including, among other things: cash inflows and outflows in the T. Rowe Price U.S. mutual funds (Price funds) and other managed investment portfolios; fluctuations in global financial markets that result in appreciation or depreciation of the assets under our management; our introduction of new products, including mutual funds and investment portfolios, and services; and changes in retirement savings trends relative to participant-directed investments and defined contribution plans. The ability to attract and retain investors’ assets under our management is dependent on investor sentiment and confidence; the relative investment performance of the Price funds and other managed investment portfolios as compared to competing offerings and market indexes; the ability to maintain our investment


Page 36



management and administrative fees at appropriate levels; competitive conditions in the mutual fund, asset management, and broader financial services sectors; and our level of success in implementing our strategy to expand our business. Our revenues are substantially dependent on fees earned under contracts with the Price funds and could be adversely affected if the independent directors of one or more of the Price funds terminated or significantly altered the terms of the investment management or related administrative services agreements. Non-operating income will also fluctuate as a result of the consolidation of certain of our investment portfolios as well as the size of our investments, changes in their market valuations, and any other-than-temporary impairments that may arise, or in the case of our equity method investments, our proportionate share of the investees net income.

Our future results are also dependent upon the level of our expenses, which are subject to fluctuation for the following or other reasons: changes in the level of our advertising expenses in response to market conditions, including our efforts to expand our investment advisory business to investors outside the U.S., and to further penetrate our distribution channels within the U.S.; the pace and level of our planned increase in spending to support key strategic priorities; variations in the level of total compensation expense due to, among other things, bonuses, restricted stock units and other equity grants, other incentive awards, fluctuations in our supplemental savings plan liability due to changes in market valuations, changes in our employee count and mix, and competitive factors; any goodwill or other asset impairment that may arise; fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to our investment in and the costs of our international operations; expenses and capital costs, such as technology assets, depreciation, amortization, and research and development, incurred to maintain and enhance our administrative and operating services infrastructure; unanticipated costs that may be incurred to protect investor accounts and the goodwill of our clients; and disruptions of services, including those provided by third parties, such as fund accounting and other recordkeeping services, facilities, communications, power, and the mutual fund transfer agent and accounting systems.

Our business is also subject to substantial governmental regulation, and changes in legal, regulatory, accounting, tax, and compliance requirements may have a substantial effect on our operations and results, including but not limited to effects on costs that we incur and effects on investor interest in mutual funds and investing in general, or in particular classes of mutual funds or other investments.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

There has been no material change in the information provided in Item 7A of the Form 10-K Annual Report for 2016.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.

Our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2017 are effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including this Form 10-Q quarterly report, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, has evaluated any change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the third quarter of 2017, and has concluded that there was no change during the third quarter of 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



Page 37


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.

On February 14, 2017, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., T. Rowe Price Trust Company, current and former members of the management committee, and trustees of the T. Rowe Price U.S. Retirement Program were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The lawsuit alleges breaches of ERISA’s fiduciary duty and prohibited transaction provisions on behalf of a class of all participants and beneficiaries of the T. Rowe Price 401(k) Plan from February 14, 2011, to the time of judgment. The plaintiffs are seeking certification of the complaint as a class action. T. Rowe Price believes the claims are without merit and is vigorously defending the action. This matter is in the early stages of litigation and we cannot predict the eventual outcome or whether it will have a material negative impact on our financial results, or estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from any negative outcome.

On April 27, 2016, certain shareholders in the T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund, T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Fund, T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund, T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund, T. Rowe Price International Stock Fund, T. Rowe Price High Yield Fund, T. Rowe Price New Income Fund and T. Rowe Price Small Cap Stock Fund (the “Funds”) filed a Section 36(b) complaint under the caption Zoidis v. T. Rowe Price Assoc., Inc., against T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges that the management fees for the identified funds are excessive because T. Rowe Price charges lower advisory fees to subadvised clients with funds in the same strategy. The complaint seeks to recover the allegedly excessive advisory fees received by T. Rowe Price in the year preceding the start of the lawsuit, along with investments’ returns and profits. In the alternative, the complaint seeks the rescission of each fund’s investment management agreement and restitution of any allegedly excessive management fees. T. Rowe Price believes the claims are without merit and is vigorously defending the action. This matter is in the early stages of litigation and we cannot predict the eventual outcome or whether it will have a material negative impact on our financial results, or estimate the possible loss or range of loss that may arise from any negative outcome.

In addition to the matters discussed above, various claims against us arise in the ordinary course of business, including employment-related claims. In the opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, the likelihood of an adverse determination in one or more of these pending ordinary course of business claims that would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations is remote.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors.

With the exception of the following additions or updates to the Legal and Regulatory Risks discussed in Item 1A of our Form 10-K Annual Report for 2016, there have been no material changes in the risk factors previously provided.

Legal and regulatory developments in the mutual fund and investment advisory industry could increase our regulatory burden, impose significant financial and strategic costs on our business, and cause a loss of, or impact the servicing of, our clients and fund shareholders.

Our regulatory environment is frequently altered by new regulations and by revisions to, and evolving interpretations of, existing laws and regulations. New laws and regulations present areas of uncertainty susceptible to alternative interpretations; regulators and prospective litigants may not agree with reasoned interpretations we adopt. Future changes could require us to modify or curtail our investment offerings and business operations, or impact our expenses and profitability. Additionally, some laws and regulations may not directly apply to our business but may impact the capital markets, service providers or have other indirect effects on our ability to provide services to our clients.

Potential impacts of current or proposed legal or regulatory requirements include, without limitation, the following:

The revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II Directive) and Regulation (MiFIR) (together “MiFID II”) will apply across the European Union (“EU”) and member states of the European Economic Area beginning on January 3, 2018, unless this date is extended. Implementation of MiFID II will significantly impact both the structure and operation of EU financial markets. Some of the main changes introduced under MiFID II include applying enhanced disclosure requirements, enhancing conduct of business and governance requirements, broadening the scope of pre and post trade transparency, increasing transaction reporting requirements, transforming the relationship between client commissions and research, and further regulation of trading venues. We expect that the implementation of MiFID II will increase our costs, though not materially, as we made the decision in the third quarter of 2017 that we would pay for third-party investment research used by our UK-based investment manager, T. Rowe Price International Ltd. 



Page 38



We cannot predict the nature of future changes to the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business, nor the extent of the impacts that will result from current or future proposals. However, any such changes are likely to increase the costs of compliance and the complexity of our operations. They may also result in changes to our product or service offerings. The changing regulatory landscape may also impact a number of our service providers and, to the extent such providers alter their services or increase their fees, it may impact our expenses or those of the products we offer.

We are subject to regulatory and governmental inquiries and civil litigation. An adverse outcome of any such proceeding could involve substantial financial penalties. From time to time, various claims against us arise in the ordinary course of business, including employment-related claims. There also has been an increase in litigation and in regulatory investigations in the financial services industry in recent years, including customer claims, class action suits, and government actions alleging substantial monetary damages and penalties.

We carry insurance in amounts and under terms that we believe are appropriate. We cannot be assured that our insurance will cover every liability and loss to which we may be exposed, or that our insurance policies will continue to be available at acceptable terms and fees. Certain insurance coverage may not be available or may be prohibitively expensive in future periods. As our insurance policies come up for renewal, we may need to assume higher deductibles or co-insurance liabilities, or pay higher premiums, which would increase our expenses and reduce our net income.

In 2016, we paid $166.2 million to compensate certain T. Rowe Price mutual funds, trusts, separately managed accounts, and subadvised clients (collectively, “Clients”) for the denial of their appraisal rights by the Delaware Chancery Court (Court) in connection with the 2013 leveraged buyout of Dell, Inc. (Dell). The Court ruled on May 11, 2016, that the Clients could not pursue an appraisal of any shares they held that were voted in favor of the Dell merger. The appraisal statute governing the transaction required the record holder to vote against or abstain from voting on the transaction in order to assert appraisal rights. After previously voting against prior transaction proposals, the voting instructions submitted on behalf of the Clients in connection with voting on the final proposed transaction were incorrectly submitted in favor of the transaction. On May 31, 2016, the Court determined that the fair value of Dell at the time of the merger was $17.62 per share, as opposed to the $13.75 price offered in the transaction. As a result, any shareholder perfecting appraisal rights is entitled to a payment at $17.62 per share plus statutory interest from the date the Dell transaction closed. The compensation to Clients was intended to make them whole for the voting discrepancy that resulted in the denial of their appraisal rights. On December 30, 2016, we signed a settlement agreement with our insurance carrier for insurance proceeds totaling $100 million related to this matter. We received the settlement in the first quarter of 2017. Additionally, we signed settlement agreements totaling $50 million in the first quarter of 2017. As of June 30, 2017, we have received the entire $150 million in related proceeds.

In accordance with the compensation payment, the Clients agreed that in the event the findings made by the Court regarding the fair value of Dell or the amount of interest to be applied were modified by the Supreme Court of Delaware on appeal, T. Rowe Price and the Clients would make an appropriate adjustment between themselves, calculated in a manner that is consistent with the methodology used to compensate Clients. In December 2016, several parties, including Dell and the successful appraisal petitioners, filed appeals to the Delaware Supreme Court to challenge the Chancery Court’s valuation ruling. Our settlement agreements with our insurance carriers provide that if the fair value of Dell is reduced, we would work together to make appropriate adjustments.

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

(c) Repurchase activity during the third quarter of 2017 is as follows:
 
Month
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
July
 
438,287

 
$
80.74

 

 
15,315,793

August
 
211,732

 
$
83.41

 

 
15,315,793

September
 
327,736

 
$
85.23

 
117,014

 
15,198,779

Total
 
977,755

 
$
82.82

 
117,014

 
 

Shares repurchased by us in a quarter may include repurchases conducted pursuant to publicly announced board authorization, outstanding shares surrendered to the company to pay the exercise price in connection with swap exercises of employee stock options, and shares withheld to cover the minimum tax withholding obligation associated with the vesting of restricted stock awards. Of the total number of shares purchased during the third quarter of 2017, 860,473 were related to shares surrendered in


Page 39



connection with employee stock option exercises and 268 were related to shares withheld to cover tax withholdings associated with the vesting of restricted stock awards.

The 117,014 shares of our common stock were repurchased pursuant to the Board of Directors’ December 10, 2015, publicly announced authorization. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased as of September 30, 2017, under the Board of Directors’ December 10, 2015, and December 6, 2016, publicly announced authorizations is 15,198,779.


Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.
Other Information.

On October 26, 2017, we issued an earnings release reporting our results of operations for the third quarter of 2017 and first nine months of 2017. A copy of that earnings release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99. This information shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933.

SEC FILINGS.
We make available free of charge through our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with, or furnish them to, the SEC. To obtain any of this information, access our website at troweprice.com. We use our website as a channel of distribution for material company information, including our monthly disclosure of preliminary assets under management.

Item 6.
Exhibits.

The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are furnished herewith.
3(i).1
 
 
 
 
3(ii)
 
 
 
 
10.03
 
 
 
 
10.04
 
 
 
 
10.05
 
 
 
 
10.22.1
 
 
 
 
10.23
 
 
 
 
10.23.1
 
 
 
 
15
 
 
 
 
31(i).1
 
 
 
 
31(i).2
 
 
 
 
32
 
 
 
 


Page 40



99.1
 
 
 
 
101
 
The following series of unaudited XBRL-formatted documents are collectively included herewith as Exhibit 101. The financial information is extracted from T. Rowe Price Group’s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and notes that are included in this Form 10-Q Report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS XBRL Instance Document (File name: trow-20170930.xml).
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (File name: trow-20170930.xsd).
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document (File name: trow-20170930_cal.xml).
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document (File name: trow-20170930_lab.xml).
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document (File name: trow-20170930_pre.xml).
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document (File name: trow-20170930_def.xml).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on October 26, 2017.
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

By:    /s/ Kenneth V. Moreland
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 


Page 41