DigitalBridge Group, Inc 10-Q for FY2024 Q3
DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (DBRHP)
10-Q
2024-11-01
For: 2024-09-30
View Original
Added on
April 05, 2026
About this 10-Q
DigitalBridge Group, Inc filed this 10-Q on November 1, 2024, covering the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (FY2024 Q3).
Headline figures
Quarter ended September 30, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $76.13M
- down 71.0% from $262.7M a year earlier
- Net income
- $13.78M
- down 95.0% from net income of $276.47M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- -$0.01
- compared with $1.51 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024
or
| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
Commission file number: 001-37980
| (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) | ||||||||||||||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||||||||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
(561 ) 570-4644
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||||||||||||
| Title of Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ 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.
| ☒ | Accelerated Filer | ☐ | ||||||||||||
| Non-Accelerated Filer | ☐ | Smaller Reporting Company | ||||||||||||
| Emerging Growth Company | ||||||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of October 28, 2024, 174,022,711 shares of the Registrant's class A common stock and 165,507 shares of class B common stock were outstanding.
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Form 10-Q
Table of Contents
| PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | Page | ||||||||||
| Item 1. | |||||||||||
| Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 3. | |||||||||||
| Item 4. | |||||||||||
| PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | |||||||||||
| Item 1. | |||||||||||
| Item 1A. | |||||||||||
| Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 3. | |||||||||||
| Item 4. | |||||||||||
| Item 5. | |||||||||||
| Item 6. | |||||||||||
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share data)
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||||||||
Investments ($ | ||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | ||||||||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||||||||
| Due from affiliates | ||||||||||||||
| Assets of discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Debt | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities ($ | ||||||||||||||
| Liabilities of discontinued operations | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | ||||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) | ||||||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||
Equity | ||||||||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||
Preferred stock, $ | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, $ | ||||||||||||||
Class A, | ||||||||||||||
Class B, | ||||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests in investment entities | ||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests in Operating Company | ||||||||||||||
Total equity | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
4
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fee revenue ($ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation (reversal) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investment income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income ($ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation expense—cash and equity-based | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation expense—incentive fee and carried interest allocation (reversal) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative and other expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction-related costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gain (loss), net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment entities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Company | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock repurchases | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) per share—basic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations per common share—basic | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per common share—basic | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) per share—diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from continuing operations per common share—diluted | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per common share—diluted | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared per common share | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
5
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment entities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
6
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities | Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock repurchases | ( | — | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested equity awards | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of equity (Notes 2 and 9) | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in common stock par value (Note 8) | — | ( | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock repurchases | ( | — | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of OP Units for class A common stock | — | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested equity awards | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of equity (Notes 2 and 9) | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
7
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Continued)
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities | Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DataBank recapitalization | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deconsolidation of investment entities | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested equity awards | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of equity (Notes 2 and 9) | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
8
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Continued)
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities | Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of Wafra contingent consideration (Note 6) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of warrants (Note 10) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exchange of notes for common stock (Note 7) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of OP Units for class A common stock | — | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested equity awards | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of equity (Notes 2 and 9) | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exchange of notes for common stock (Note 7) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deconsolidation of sponsored funds (Note 10) | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested equity awards | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared ($ | — | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of equity (Notes 2 and 9) | — | — | ( | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
9
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Continued)
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Stockholders’ Equity | Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities | Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of OP Units for class A common stock | — | — | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested equity awards | — | ( | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock dividends declared ($ | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reallocation of equity (Notes 2 and 9) | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
10
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount and premium, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized carried interest allocation | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized principal investment income | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other equity method (earnings) losses | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions of income from equity investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax (benefit) expense | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other (gain) loss, net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other adjustments, net | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in other assets and due from affiliates | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in other liabilities and due to affiliates | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) operating activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions to and acquisition of equity investments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Return of capital from equity and debt investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of equity investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayment of loans receivable | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of and additions to real estate, related intangibles and leasing commissions | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investment deposits | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net receipt (payment) on settlement of derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of InfraBridge, net of cash acquired (Note 3) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of fixed assets | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash derecognized in deconsolidation of sponsored funds | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from DataBank recapitalization | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
11
DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid to preferred stockholders | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid to common stockholders | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Repayment or redemption of senior notes | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings from investment level debt | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of investment level debt | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of deferred financing costs and prepayment penalties on investment level debt | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to and redemption of noncontrolling interests | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Payment of contingent consideration to Wafra | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of preferred stock | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholdings on vested equity awards | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) financing activities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to consolidated balance sheets
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning of period | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of discontinued operations—cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of discontinued operations—restricted cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| End of period | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of discontinued operations—cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of discontinued operations—restricted cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash received (paid) for income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease payments for corporate offices | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends and distributions payable | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Receivables from asset sales | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration for acquisition of InfraBridge | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Redemption of OP Units for common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange of notes into shares of Class A common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of Wafra contingent consideration through issuance of Class A common stock | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities established for corporate offices | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of investment entities disposed of in sale of equity and/or deconsolidated(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of investment entities disposed of in sale of equity and/or deconsolidated(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests of investment entities disposed of in sale of equity and/or deconsolidated(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of sponsored funds deconsolidated (Note 10) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of sponsored funds deconsolidated (Note 10) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests of sponsored funds deconsolidated (Note 10) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
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DigitalBridge Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2024
(Unaudited)
1. Business and Organization
DigitalBridge Group, Inc. ("DBRG," and together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company") is a leading global digital infrastructure investment manager. The Company deploys and manages capital on behalf of its investors and shareholders across the digital infrastructure ecosystem, including data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, small cells, and edge infrastructure. The Company's investment management platform is anchored by its flagship value-add digital infrastructure equity offerings, and has expanded to include offerings in core equity, credit, liquid securities, and mid-market global infrastructure equity through InfraBridge (Note 3).
Organization
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies of the Company are described below.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. However, the results of operations for the interim period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024, or any other future period. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in, or presented as exhibits to, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The portions of equity, net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable to the parent are presented separately as amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interests represent predominantly carried interest allocation to certain senior executives of the Company (Note 15), limited partners of consolidated funds, and membership interests in the OP primarily held by certain current and former employees of the Company.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Principles of Consolidation
The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest by first considering if an entity meets the definition of a variable interest entity ("VIE") for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, or if the Company has the power to control an entity through a majority of voting interest or through other arrangements.
Variable Interest Entities—A VIE is an entity that either (i) lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; (ii) whose equity holders lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest; and/or (iii) is established with non-substantive voting rights. A VIE is consolidated by its
14
primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE through (a) power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. This assessment may involve subjectivity in the determination of which activities most significantly affect the VIE’s performance, and estimates about current and future fair value of the assets held by the VIE and financial performance of the VIE. In assessing its interests in the VIE, the Company also considers interests held by its related parties, including de facto agents. Additionally, the Company assesses whether it is a member of a related party group that collectively meets the power and benefits criteria and, if so, whether the Company is most closely associated with the VIE. In performing the related party analysis, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the characteristics and size of its investment relative to the related party; the Company’s and the related party's ability to control or significantly influence key decisions of the VIE including consideration of involvement by de facto agents; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or the related party to fund operating losses of the VIE; and the similarity and significance of the VIE’s business activities to those of the Company and the related party. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE, and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary, may involve significant judgment, and depends upon facts and circumstances specific to an entity at the time of the assessment.
Voting Interest Entities—Unlike VIEs, voting interest entities have sufficient equity to finance their activities and equity investors exhibit the characteristics of a controlling financial interest through their voting rights. The Company consolidates such entities when it has the power to control these entities through ownership of a majority of the entities' voting interests or through other arrangements.
Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests—This represents noncontrolling interests in sponsored open-end funds in the liquid securities strategy that are consolidated by the Company. The limited partners of these funds have the ability to withdraw all or a portion of their interests from the funds in cash with advance notice.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests is presented outside of permanent equity. Allocation of net income or loss to redeemable noncontrolling interests is based upon their ownership percentage during the period. The carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests is adjusted to its redemption value at the end of each reporting period to an amount not less than its initial carrying value, except for amounts contingently redeemable which will be adjusted to redemption value only when redemption is probable. Such adjustments will be recognized in additional paid-in capital.
Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities—This represents limited partners of consolidated closed-end funds, and carried interest allocation to certain senior executives of the Company (Note 15) and to a lesser extent, to a third party investor, Wafra. Excluding carried interests, allocation of net income or loss is generally based upon relative ownership interests.
Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company—This represents membership interests in OP held primarily by certain current and former employees of the Company. Noncontrolling interests in OP are allocated a share of net income or loss in OP based upon their weighted average ownership interest in OP during the period. Noncontrolling interests in OP have the right to require OP to redeem part or all of such member’s membership units in OP ("OP Units") for cash based on the market value of an equivalent number of shares of class A common stock of the Company at the time of redemption, or at the Company's election as managing member of OP, through issuance of shares of class A common stock (registered or unregistered) on a one -for-one basis. At the end of each reporting period, noncontrolling interests in OP is adjusted to reflect their ownership percentage in OP at the end of the period, through a reallocation between controlling and noncontrolling interests in OP, as applicable.
15
Business Combinations
Definition of a Business—The Company evaluates each purchase transaction to determine whether the acquired assets meet the definition of a business. If substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, then the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. For an acquisition to be considered a business, it would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs (i.e., there is a continuation of revenue before and after the transaction). A substantive process is not ancillary or minor, cannot be replaced without significant costs, effort or delay or is otherwise considered unique or scarce. To qualify as a business without outputs, the acquired assets would require an organized workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to perform a substantive process.
Business Combinations—The Company accounts for acquisitions that qualify as business combinations by applying the acquisition method. Transaction costs related to acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred. The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values, except as discussed below. The excess of the consideration transferred over the value of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions.
With respect to contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination, these are not accounted for under the fair value basis at the time of acquisition. Instead, the Company determines the value of these revenue contracts as if it had originated the acquired contracts by evaluating the associated performance obligations, transaction price and relative stand-alone selling price at the original contract inception date or subsequent modification dates.
The estimated fair values and allocation of consideration are subject to adjustments during the measurement period, not to exceed one year, based upon new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at time of acquisition.
Discontinued Operations
If the disposition of a component, being an operating or reportable segment, business unit, subsidiary or asset group, represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, the operating profits or losses of the component when classified as held for sale, and the gain or loss upon disposition of the component, are presented as discontinued operations in the statements of operations.
A business or asset group acquired in connection with a business combination that meets the criteria to be accounted for as held for sale at the date of acquisition is reported as discontinued operations, regardless of whether it meets the strategic shift criterion.
The Company's discontinued operations in the periods presented herein represent the following:
•In 2024 and 2023, the Company's former real estate investments along with an adjacent investment management business, which have predominantly been disposed as part of the Company's transformation into an investment manager with a digital infrastructure focus.
•In 2023, the Company's equity method investment in BrightSpire Capital, Inc. (NYSE: BRSP), which was sold in March 2023 for net proceeds totaling $201.6 million, with an impairment of $9.7 million recorded in 2023 prior to its disposition. The Company's investment in BRSP qualified as discontinued operations in March 2023.
16
Income (loss) from discontinued operations is summarized as follows.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gain (loss) | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment entities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Company | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations
The Company initially measures assets classified as held for disposition at the lower of their carrying amounts or fair value less disposal costs. For bulk sale transactions, the unit of account is the disposal group, with any excess of the aggregate carrying value over estimated fair value less costs to sell allocated to the individual assets within the group.
At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, all assets and related liabilities held for disposition relate to discontinued operations and consisted of remaining equity investments excluded from the December 2021 bulk sale of the Company's real estate related investments.
Reclassifications
As discussed in "—Discontinued Operations," the Company's investment in the portfolio companies previously consolidated in the Company's former Operating segment qualified as discontinued operations in December 2023, and their results of operations have been reclassified to income (loss) from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Beginning 2024, investment-related expenses, which primarily include reimbursable costs from affiliates, have been recorded within administrative and other expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Prior period amounts were immaterial and have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.
17
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
There were no recently adopted accounting pronouncements that had a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Future Accounting Standards
Reportable Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which expands the breadth and frequency of segment disclosures to require all annual disclosures on an interim basis and provide for incremental disclosures, including the following:
•Category and amount of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to (even if not regularly reviewed by) the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") and included in each reported segment profit (loss) measure, otherwise the nature of expense information (for example, consolidated, forecasted, budgeted) used by the CODM;
•An amount (without individual quantification) for other segment items (represents difference between segment revenue less segment expense disclosed and reported segment profit (loss) measure), including description of the composition, nature and type of the other segment items;
•Description of how CODM uses each reported segment profit (loss) measure to assess segment performance and determine resource allocation; and
•Title and position of individual or name of group or committee identified as CODM.
The ASU changes current guidance by permitting multiple measures of segment profit (loss) to be reported provided that the measure most consistent with GAAP is reported. The ASU also clarifies that a single reportable segment entity is subject to segment disclosures in its entirety, which would require reporting of segment profit (loss) measure that is not a consolidated GAAP measure and not clearly evident from existing disclosures. The ASU does not change existing guidance around identification of operating segments and determination of reportable segments. The requirements under this ASU are to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented unless impracticable.
The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning January 1, 2024 (that is, Form 10-K as of and for the year ending December 31, 2024), and interim periods within fiscal years beginning January 1, 2025 (that is, Form 10-Q as of and for the three months ending March 31, 2025). Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU for its 2024 fiscal year with the filing of its Form 10-K as of and for the year ending December 31, 2024. The Company does not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on its segment disclosures.
Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances existing annual income tax disclosures, primarily disaggregation of: (i) effective tax rate reconciliation using both percentages and amounts into specific categories, with further disaggregation by nature and/or jurisdiction of certain categories that meet the threshold of 5% of expected tax; and (ii) income taxes paid (net of refunds received) between federal, state/local and foreign, with further disaggregation by jurisdiction if 5% or more of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). The ASU also eliminates existing disclosures related to: (a) reasonably possible significant changes in total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of reporting date; and (b) cumulative amount of each type of temporary difference for which deferred tax liability has not been recognized (due to exception to recognizing deferred taxes related to subsidiaries and corporate joint ventures).
3. Business Combinations
InfraBridge
In February 2023, the Company acquired the global infrastructure equity investment management business of AMP Capital Investors International Holdings Limited, which was rebranded as InfraBridge at closing. Consideration for the acquisition consisted of $314.3 million cash consideration (net of cash assumed), subject to customary post-closing working capital adjustments, plus a contingent amount based upon achievement of future fundraising targets for InfraBridge's new global infrastructure funds. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration is subject to remeasurement each reporting period, as discussed in Note 10.
18
The following table summarizes the total consideration and allocation to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The initial cash consideration was determined, in part, based upon estimated net working capital of the acquired entities at closing. The Company finalized the purchase price allocation in the first quarter of 2024, as presented below.
| (In thousands) | As Reported At December 31, 2023 | Measurement Period Adjustments | Final | |||||||||||||||||
| Consideration | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contingent consideration at fair value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets acquired and liabilities assumed | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investments | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value of net assets acquired | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
•Principal investments represent acquired interests in InfraBridge funds, valued at their most recent NAV at closing.
•The intangible assets of InfraBridge were composed of the following:
•Management contracts were valued based upon estimated net cash flows expected to be generated from the contracts, with remaining term of the contracts ranging between 1 and 4 years, discounted at 8.0 %.
•Investor relationships represent the fair value of potential future investment management fees, net of operating costs, to be generated from repeat InfraBridge investors in future sponsored vehicles, with a weighted average estimated useful life of 12 years, discounted at 14.0 %.
•Deferred tax liabilities were recognized for the book-to-tax basis difference of identifiable intangible assets acquired, net of deferred tax assets assumed.
•Other assets acquired and liabilities assumed include management fee receivable and compensation payable associated with the pre-acquisition period, amounts due to InfraBridge funds and receivable from seller, all of which have largely been settled or relieved.
•Goodwill is the value of the business acquired that is not already captured in identifiable assets, largely represented by the potential synergies from combining the capital raising resources of DBRG and the mid-market infrastructure specialization of the InfraBridge team.
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4. Investments
The Company's equity and debt investments are represented by the following:
| (In thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Equity method investments | ||||||||||||||
| Principal investments | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation | ||||||||||||||
| Marketable equity securities | ||||||||||||||
| Other equity investments | ||||||||||||||
| CLO subordinated notes | ||||||||||||||
| Equity investments of consolidated funds | ||||||||||||||
| Marketable equity securities | ||||||||||||||
| Other investments | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Equity Method Investments
Principal Investments
Principal investments represent investments in the Company's sponsored investment vehicles, accounted for as equity method investments as the Company exerts significant influence in its role as general partner. The Company typically has a small percentage interest in its sponsored funds as general partner or special limited partner. The Company also has additional investment as general partner affiliate alongside the funds' limited partners, primarily with respect to the Company's flagship value-add funds, InfraBridge funds and funds invested in DataBank and Vantage SDC.
The Company's proportionate share of net income (loss) from investments in its sponsored investment vehicles, primarily unrealized gain (loss) from changes in fair value of the underlying fund investments, and any distributions received therefrom, are recorded in principal investment income on the consolidated statements of operations.
Carried Interest Allocation
Carried interest allocation represents a disproportionate allocation of returns to the Company, as general partner or special limited partner (which may be paid to the special limited partner entity owned by the Company in place of the general partner entity), based upon the extent to which cumulative performance of a sponsored fund exceeds minimum return hurdles. Carried interest allocation generally arises when appreciation in value of the underlying investments of the fund exceeds the minimum return hurdles, after factoring in a return of invested capital and a return of certain costs of the fund pursuant to terms of the governing documents of the fund. The amount of carried interest allocation recognized is based upon the cumulative performance of the fund if it were liquidated as of the reporting date. Unrealized carried interest allocation is driven primarily by changes in fair value of the underlying investments of the fund, which may be affected by various factors, including but not limited to: the financial performance of the portfolio company, economic conditions, foreign exchange rates, comparable transactions in the market, and equity prices for publicly traded securities. For funds that have exceeded the minimum return hurdle but have not returned all capital to the limited partners, unrealized carried interest allocation may be subject to reversal over time as preferred returns continue to accrue on unreturned capital. Realization of carried interest allocation occurs upon disposition of all underlying investments of the fund, or in part with each disposition.
Generally, carried interest allocation is distributed upon profitable disposition of an investment if at the time of distribution, cumulative returns of the fund exceed minimum return hurdles. Depending on the final realized value of all investments at the end of the life of a fund (and, with respect to certain funds, periodically during the life of the fund), if it is determined that cumulative carried interest allocation distributed has exceeded the final carried interest allocation amount earned (or amount earned as of the calculation date), the Company is obligated to return the excess carried interest allocation received. Therefore, carried interest allocation distributed may be subject to clawback if decline in investment values results in cumulative performance of the fund falling below minimum return hurdles in the interim period. If it is determined that the Company has a clawback obligation, a liability would be established based upon a hypothetical liquidation of the net assets of the fund at reporting date. The actual determination and required payment of any clawback obligation would generally occur after final disposition of the investments of the fund or otherwise as set forth in the governing documents of the fund.
20
Carried interest allocation on the balance sheet date represents unrealized carried interest allocation in connection with sponsored funds that are currently in the early stage of their lifecycle. Carried interest allocation is presented gross of management allocation.
Carried Interest Distributed
There was no carried interest distributed in the three months ended September 30, 2024, and an immaterial distribution in the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, carried interest of $27.9 million and $28.4 million, respectively, were distributed and recognized in carried interest allocations, of which $0.8 million of the distributed carried interest in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was allocated to current and former employees and to Wafra, recorded as carried interest compensation, other loss, and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 15).
Clawback Obligation
The Company did not have a liability for clawback obligations on carried interest distributed as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
With respect to funds that have distributed carried interest, if in the event all of their investments are deemed to have no value, all of the carried interest distributed to-date of $181.0 million would be subject to clawback as of September 30, 2024, of which $120.7 million would be the responsibility of the employee/former employee recipients and Wafra. For this purpose, a portion of carried interest distributed is generally held back from employees and former employees at the time of distribution. The amount withheld resides in entities outside of the Company. Generally, the Company, through the OP, has guaranteed the clawback obligation of its subsidiaries that act as general partner or special limited partner of its respective sponsored funds, for the benefit of these funds and their limited partners.
Marketable Equity Securities
Marketable equity securities at September 30, 2024 included securities in a healthcare REIT that was non-traded at December 31, 2023 and became publicly traded through an initial public offering in February 2024. The publicly traded securities in the healthcare REIT have been substantially liquidated following expiration of the underwriters' lock-up in August 2024.
Dividends or other distributions from marketable equity securities are recorded in other income, while changes in fair value are recorded in other gain (loss) on the consolidated statements of operations.
Other Equity Investments
Other equity investments include investments warehoused potentially for future sponsored funds and an investment in a managed account.
Warehoused investments are generally carried at fair value or under the measurement alternative, which is at cost, adjusted for impairment and observable price changes. Changes in the value of these investments are recorded in other gain (loss) on the consolidated statements of operations.
Debt Investments
Interest income on debt investments is recorded in other income.
CLO Subordinated Notes
In the third quarter of 2022, bank syndicated loans that the Company previously warehoused were transferred into a
third party warehouse entity at their acquisition price, and securitized through the issuance of securities in a collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") structure. The CLO is sponsored and managed by the third party. The Company acquired all of the subordinated notes of the CLO, which are classified as available-for-sale ("AFS") debt securities.
In October 2024, the secured notes of the CLO were refinanced, with no change in the underlying collateral asset pool. The legal final maturity date, and reinvestment and non-call periods of the CLO were extended by two years . All of the Company’s subordinated notes remain outstanding. The Company received $10.4 million of excess net proceeds from the refinance as the subordinated note holder, which was applied as a return of capital in October 2024.
The stated legal final maturity of the CLO has been extended to 2037. Following the end of the non-call period of the CLO, which is now October 2026, the subordinated notes may be redeemed (in whole, not in part) at the option of the collateral manager or the Company with consent of the collateral manager, if there is sufficient proceeds from sale of collateral assets, including payment of expenses therewith. The redemption price for the subordinated notes is equal to the excess interest and principal proceeds payable at the time of redemption.
21
The balance of the CLO subordinated notes is summarized as follows:
Amortized Cost without Allowance for Credit Loss | Allowance for Credit Loss | Gross Cumulative Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Gains | Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In estimating fair value of the CLO subordinated notes, the Company used a benchmarking approach by looking to the implied credit spreads derived from observed prices on recent comparable CLO issuances, and also considering the current size and diversification of the CLO collateral pool, and projected return on the subordinated notes. Based upon these data points, the Company determined that the issued price of the subordinated notes, net of capital distributions of $1.2 million and $3.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, was a reasonable representation of its fair value at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Equity Investments of Consolidated Funds
5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The following table presents changes in goodwill.
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Business combination (Note 3) | ( | |||||||||||||
Ending balance (1) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
__________
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are composed of the following:
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Carrying Amount (1)(2) | Accumulated Amortization(1)(2) | Net Carrying Amount(1) | Carrying Amount (1)(2) | Accumulated Amortization(1)(2) | Net Carrying Amount(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment management contracts | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investor relationships | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade name | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (3) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
__________
(1) Presented net of impairments and write-offs, if any.
(2) Exclude intangible assets that were fully amortized in prior years.
(3) Represents primarily the value of an acquired domain name.
Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets totaled $7.6 million and $8.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $23.4 million and $25.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. There was no
22
Future Amortization of Intangible Assets
The following table presents the expected future amortization of finite-lived intangible assets:
| Year Ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Remaining 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 and thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization expense | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6. Restricted Cash, Other Assets and Other Liabilities
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents principally cash reserves that are maintained pursuant to the governing agreements of the securitized debt of the Company.
Other Assets
The following table summarizes the Company's other assets.
| (In thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid taxes and deferred tax assets, net | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||||||||
Fixed assets, net (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Total other assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
__________
(1) Net of accumulated depreciation of $9.5 million at September 30, 2024 and $7.3 million at December 31, 2023.
Other Liabilities
The following table summarizes the Company's other liabilities:
| (In thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Deferred investment management fees (1) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Interest payable on corporate debt | ||||||||||||||
| Common and preferred stock dividends payable | ||||||||||||||
Securities sold short—consolidated funds | ||||||||||||||
Due to custodians—consolidated funds | ||||||||||||||
Current and deferred income tax liability | ||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration payable—InfraBridge (Note 10) | ||||||||||||||
Contingent consideration payable—Wafra (2) | ||||||||||||||
Warrants issued to Wafra (Note 10) | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued incentive fee and carried interest compensation | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ||||||||||||||
Due to affiliates (Note 15) | ||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
(1) Deferred investment management fees are expected to be recognized as fee revenue over a weighted average period of 3.5 years and 2.8 years as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Deferred investment management fees recognized as income of $1.8 million and $1.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $4.5 million and $2.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, pertain to the deferred management fee balance at the beginning of each respective period.
(2) In connection with the 2022 redemption of Wafra's investment in the Company's investment management business, contingent consideration was payable to Wafra based upon the Company achieving certain fundraising targets through December 31, 2023. The contingent amount was fully paid out, with $90 million paid in cash in March 2023, and the remaining $35 million in March 2024, settled 50
23
Deferred Income Taxes
The Company has significant deferred tax assets, related principally to capital loss carryforwards, outside basis difference in DBRG's interest in the OP, outside basis difference in investment in partnerships and net operating losses generated by a taxable U.S. subsidiary. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, a full valuation allowance has been established as the realizability of these deferred tax assets did not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. As a result, income tax expense in 2024 and 2023 generally reflects the income tax effect of foreign subsidiaries.
7. Debt
The Company's corporate debt is composed of a securitized financing facility and, prior to their full exchange or redemption in 2024, senior notes issued by the OP that are recourse to the Company, as discussed further below.
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Principal | Deferred Financing Cost | Amortized Cost | Principal | Premium (Discount), net | Deferred Financing Cost | Amortized Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securitized financing facility | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchangeable senior notes | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securitized Financing Facility
In July 2021, special-purpose subsidiaries of the OP (the "Co-Issuers") issued Series 2021-1 Secured Fund Fee Revenue Notes, composed of: (i) $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.933 % Secured Fund Fee Revenue Notes, Series 2021-1, Class A-2 (the “Class A-2 Notes”); and (ii) up to $300 million (following a $100 million increase in April 2022) Secured Fund Fee Revenue Variable Funding Notes, Series 2021-1, Class A-1 (the “VFN” and, together with the Class A-2 Notes, the “Series 2021-1 Notes”). The VFN allow the Co-Issuers to borrow on a revolving basis. The Series 2021-1 Notes were issued under an Indenture dated July 2021, as amended in April 2022, that allows the Co-Issuers to issue additional series of notes in the future, subject to certain conditions.
The Series 2021-1 Notes represent obligations of the Co-Issuers and certain other special-purpose subsidiaries of DBRG, and neither DBRG, the OP nor any of its other subsidiaries are liable for the obligations of the Co-Issuers. The Series 2021-1 Notes are secured by net investment management fees earned by subsidiaries of DBRG, equity interests in certain sponsored funds and portfolio companies held by subsidiaries of DBRG, as collateral.
The following table summarizes certain key terms of the securitized financing facility:
| ($ in thousands) | Outstanding Principal | Interest Rate (Per Annum)(1) | Anticipated Repayment Date(2) | Years Remaining to Maturity(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A-2 Notes | $ | % | September 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Variable Funding Notes | — | Adjusted 1-month Term SOFR + | September 2025 | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||
__________
(1) Adjusted 1-month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") is the equivalent of 1-month Term SOFR plus 0.11448 %. Unused capacity under the VFN facility is subject to a commitment fee of 0.5 % per annum.
The Series 2021-1 Notes may be optionally prepaid, in whole or in part, prior to their anticipated repayment dates. There is no prepayment penalty on the VFN. However, prepayment of the Class A-2 Notes will be subject to additional consideration based upon the difference between the present value of future payments of principal and interest and the outstanding principal of such Class A-2 Note that is being prepaid; or 1 % of the outstanding principal of such Class A-2 Note that is being prepaid in connection with a disposition of collateral.
The Indenture of the Series 2021-1 Notes contains various covenants, including financial covenants that require the maintenance of minimum thresholds for debt service coverage ratio and maximum loan-to-value ratio, as defined. As of the date of this filing, the Co-Issuers are in compliance with all of the financial covenants.
Exchangeable Senior Notes
In 2024, the remaining 5.75 % exchangeable senior notes issued by the OP with outstanding principal of $78.4 million was extinguished, of which $73.4 million was exchanged for 8.2 million shares of the Company's class A common stock, and $5.0 million was redeemed for cash. In connection with the exchange, shares of Class A common stock were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended.
24
8. Stockholders' Equity
The table below summarizes the share activities of the Company's preferred stock and common stock.
| Number of Shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Preferred Stock | Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock(1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares outstanding at December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock repurchases | ( | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon redemption of OP Units | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity awards issued, net of forfeitures | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested equity awards | — | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares outstanding at September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange of notes for class A common stock | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon redemption of OP Units | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of contingent consideration (Note 6) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity awards issued, net of forfeitures | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares canceled for tax withholding on vested equity awards | — | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares outstanding at September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
__________
(1) In the third quarter of 2024, there was a conversion of Class B common stock into Class A common stock for less than a thousand shares.
Preferred Stock
In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, preferred stockholders have priority over common stockholders for payment of dividends and distribution of net assets.
The table below summarizes the preferred stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024:
| Description | Dividend Rate Per Annum | Initial Issuance Date | Shares Outstanding (in thousands) | Par Value (in thousands) | Liquidation Preference (in thousands) | Earliest Redemption Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series H | % | April 2015 | $ | $ | Currently redeemable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series I | % | June 2017 | Currently redeemable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series J | % | September 2017 | Currently redeemable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All series of preferred stock are at parity with respect to dividends and distributions, including distributions upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears in January, April, July and October.
Each series of preferred stock is redeemable on or after the earliest redemption date for that series at $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) prorated to their redemption dates, exclusively at the Company’s option. The redemption period for each series of preferred stock is subject to the Company’s right under limited circumstances to redeem the preferred stock upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the articles supplementary relating to each series of preferred stock).
Preferred stock generally does not have any voting rights, except if the Company fails to pay the preferred dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive). Under such circumstances, the preferred stock will be entitled to vote, together as a single class with any other series of parity stock upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, to elect two additional directors to the Company’s board of directors, until all unpaid dividends have been paid or declared and set aside for payment. In addition, certain changes to the terms of any series of preferred stock cannot be made without the affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of each such series of preferred stock voting separately as a class for each series of preferred stock.
Common Stock
Except with respect to voting rights, class A common stock and class B common stock have the same rights and privileges and rank equally, share ratably in dividends and distributions, and are identical in all respects as to all matters. Class A common stock has one vote per share and class B common stock has thirty-six and one-half votes per share.
25
This gives the holders of class B common stock a right to vote that reflects the aggregate outstanding non-voting economic interest in the Company (in the form of OP Units) attributable to class B common stock holders and therefore, does not provide any disproportionate voting rights. Class B common stock was issued as consideration in the Company's acquisition in April 2015 of the investment management business and operations of its former manager, which was previously controlled by the Company's former Executive Chairman. Each share of class B common stock shall convert automatically into one share of class A common stock if the former Executive Chairman or his beneficiaries directly or indirectly transfer beneficial ownership of class B common stock or OP Units held by them, other than to certain qualified transferees, which generally includes affiliates and employees. In addition, each holder of class B common stock has the right, at the holder’s option, to convert all or a portion of such holder’s class B common stock into an equal number of shares of class A common stock.
Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan
The Company's Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the “DRIP Plan”) provides existing common stockholders and other investors the opportunity to purchase shares (or additional shares, as applicable) of the Company's class A common stock by reinvesting some or all of the cash dividends received on their shares of the Company's class A common stock or making optional cash purchases within specified parameters. The DRIP Plan involves the acquisition of the Company's class A common stock either in the open market, directly from the Company as newly issued common stock, or in privately negotiated transactions with third parties. No
Stock Repurchases
The Company does not currently have an authorized stock repurchase program.
Pursuant to a $200 million stock repurchase program announced in July 2022 that expired in June 2023, the Company repurchased 235,223 shares in aggregate across Series H, I and J preferred stock in 2023 for approximately $4.7 million, or a weighted average price of $20.18 per share.
The excess or deficit of the repurchase price over the carrying value of the preferred stock results in a decrease or increase to net income attributable to common stockholders, respectively.
26
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables present the changes in each component of AOCI attributable to stockholders and noncontrolling interests in investment entities, net of immaterial tax effect. There were no changes in components of AOCI attributed to noncontrolling interests in investment entities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interests in Operating Company is immaterial.
Changes in Components of AOCI—Stockholders
(In thousands) | Company's Share in AOCI of Equity Method Investments | Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOCI at December 31, 2022 | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from AOCI | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deconsolidation of investment entities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOCI at September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOCI at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from AOCI | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOCI at September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in Components of AOCI—Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities
| (In thousands) | Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOCI at December 31, 2022 | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from AOCI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deconsolidation of investment entities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AOCI at September 30, 2023 | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassifications out of AOCI—Stockholders
Information about amounts reclassified out of AOCI attributable to stockholders by component is presented below. Such amounts are included in other gain (loss) in continuing and discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations, as applicable, except for amounts related to equity method investments, which are included in equity method losses in discontinued operations.
(In thousands) | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Component of AOCI reclassified into earnings | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Release of foreign currency cumulative translation adjustments | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deconsolidation of investment entities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Release of AOCI of equity method investments | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9. Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The following table presents the activities in redeemable noncontrolling interests in open-end funds in the liquid securities strategy consolidated by the Company.
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions paid and payable, including redemptions | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
27
Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company
Certain current and former employees of the Company directly or indirectly own interests in OP, presented as noncontrolling interests in the Operating Company. Noncontrolling interests in OP have the right to require OP to redeem part or all of such member’s OP Units for cash based on the market value of an equivalent number of shares of the Company's class A common stock at the time of redemption, or at the Company's election as managing member of OP, through issuance of shares of class A common stock (registered or unregistered) on a one -for-one basis. At the end of each period, noncontrolling interests in OP is adjusted to reflect their ownership percentage in OP at the end of the period, through a reallocation between controlling and noncontrolling interests in OP.
10. Fair Value
Recurring Fair Values
Financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis include financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected, but exclude financial assets under the NAV practical expedient. Fair value is categorized into a three tier hierarchy that is prioritized based upon the level of transparency in inputs used in the valuation techniques, as follows.
Level 1—Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in non-active markets, or valuation techniques utilizing inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable data directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3—At least one assumption or input is unobservable and it is significant to the fair value measurement, requiring significant management judgment or estimate.
Due to the inherently judgmental nature of Level 3 fair value, changes in assumptions or inputs applied as of reporting date could result in a higher or lower fair value, and realized value may differ from the estimated unrealized fair value.
28
| Fair Value Measurement Hierarchy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments (Note 4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable equity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CLO subordinated notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity investments of consolidated funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Option: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
InfraBridge contingent consideration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities of consolidated funds sold short | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments (Note 4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable equity securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| CLO subordinated notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity investments of consolidated funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Option: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
InfraBridge contingent consideration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities of consolidated funds sold short | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Investments of Consolidated Funds
Equity investments of consolidated funds include marketable equity securities held by our liquid strategy funds, valued based upon listed prices in active markets, classified as Level 1; and equity investments in digital infrastructure portfolio companies held by single asset funds. The marketable equity securities comprise publicly listed stocks primarily in the U.S. and to a lesser extent, in Europe, and primarily in the technology, media and telecommunications sectors. The other equity investment, classified as level 3, was valued at September 30, 2024 using a market approach that considers revenue multiples of other comparable companies, and at December 31, 2023, was carried at its recent transacted price. Additionally, at December 31, 2023, fair value of an underlying portfolio company held by two single asset funds, prior to deconsolidation of the funds, was determined using a discounted cash flow model based upon projected net operating income of the investee with exit capitalization rate of 5.5 % and discounted at 10.4 %, classified as level 3.
In April 2024, the two single asset funds were deconsolidated as the Company no longer holds a controlling financial interest in these funds. The Company's co-investment in the portfolio company of the funds was restructured and is no longer held through the funds, but invested in the portfolio company through a parallel vehicle. The Company's co-investment in the portfolio company is reflected as an equity method investment under the fair value option effective April 2024. The deconsolidation of the funds resulted in a removal of approximately $263.0 million of net assets attributed to the limited partners of the funds that had represented noncontrolling interests in investment entities.
Prior to December 31, 2023, equity investments of consolidated funds included equity interests in pooling entities that hold a portfolio of loans, invested alongside other parallel funds within the same credit fund complex. In December 2023, following a reorganization of the Company's ownership interest within the fund structure, the consolidated credit fund was deconsolidated. Fair value of the fund's equity interests in the pooling entities was based upon its share of expected cash flows from the loan assets held by the pooling entities, classified as level 3. In estimating fair value of the underlying loans, the pooling entities considered the prevailing market yields at which a third party might expect to receive on equivalent loans with similar credit risk. Based upon a comparison to market yields, it was determined that the transacted price or par value of the loans held by the pooling entities approximated their fair value.
29
Fair Value Option
Equity Method Investments
The Company has elected to account for certain equity method investments under the fair value option. Fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow model based upon projected earnings, with discount rates ranging between 11.0 % and 21.0 % (weighted average discount rate based upon relative fair value of 11.0 %) at September 30, 2024, and using a discount rate of 18.3 %, and also taking into consideration a comparison to market values of similar public companies at December 31, 2023. The fair value is classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and changes in fair value are recorded in principal investment income.
Loans Receivable
There was no 133.3 million following the foreclosure of certain assets within the sold Wellness Infrastructure portfolio by its mezzanine lender.
Warrants
The Company had previously issued five warrants to affiliates of Wafra Inc. (collectively "Wafra"), a private investment firm, in connection with Wafra's investment in the Company's investment management business in 2020. Wafra's investment was subsequently redeemed in 2022, with the warrants remaining outstanding. Each warrant entitled Wafra to purchase up to 1,338,000 shares of the Company's class A common stock at staggered strike prices between $9.72 and $24.00 each, exercisable through July 17, 2026.
The terms of the warrant purchase agreement provided for net cash settlement upon exercise of the warrants, at election of either the Company or Wafra, if such exercise would result in Wafra beneficially owning in excess of 9.8 % of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's class A common stock. Inclusion of the cash settlement feature resulted in the warrants being classified as liability. Accordingly, the warrants were carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in other gain (loss) on the consolidated statements of operations.
In March 2024, three of the warrants were reclassified to equity at their prevailing fair value following a removal of the net cash settlement feature, as the terms of the warrants were amended in connection with a sale of the three warrants by Wafra to a third party. The equity-classified warrants are no longer subject to fair value remeasurement.
At September 30, 2024, the liability-classified warrants were carried at fair value, measured using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, applying the following inputs: (a) estimated volatility for DBRG's class A common stock of 31.4 % (37.8 % at December 31, 2023); (b) closing stock price of DBRG's class A common stock on the last trading day of the quarter; (c) the strike price for each warrant; (d) remaining term to expiration of the warrants; and (e) risk free rate of 3.72 % per annum (4.11 % per annum at December 31, 2023), derived from the daily U.S. Treasury yield curve rates to correspond to the remaining term to expiration of the warrants.
Contingent Consideration
In connection with the acquisition of InfraBridge, contingent consideration is payable if prescribed fundraising targets are met. In measuring the contingent consideration at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company applied a probability-weighted approach to the likelihood of meeting various fundraising targets and discounted the estimated future contingent consideration payment at 6.6 % and 4.9 %, respectively, to derive a present value amount, classified as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
30
Changes in Level 3 Fair Value
The following table presents changes in recurring Level 3 fair value assets held for investment. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are included in other gain (loss).
__________
| Level 3 Assets | Level 3 Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Option | Equity Investment of Consolidated Funds | Warrants | InfraBridge Contingent Consideration | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Loans Receivable | Equity Method Investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidation of sponsored funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business combination | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in consolidated fund's share of equity investment (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paydown of underlying loans held by equity investment of consolidated fund | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in accrued interest and capitalization of paid-in-kind interest | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) in earnings, net | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value at September 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gain (loss) in earnings on instruments held at September 30, 2023 | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Election of fair value option | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain (loss) in earnings, net | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification to equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deconsolidation of sponsored funds | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value at September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gain (loss) in earnings on instruments held at September 30, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nonrecurring Fair Values
The Company measures fair value of certain assets on a nonrecurring basis: (i) on the acquisition date for business combinations; (ii) when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable; and (iii) upon deconsolidation of a subsidiary for any retained interest. Adjustments to fair value generally result from application of the lower of amortized cost or fair value for assets held for disposition or otherwise, a write-down of asset values due to impairment.
At September 30, 2024, certain warehoused investments, previously carried at cost under the measurement alternative, were determined to be impaired and written down to an aggregate fair value of $15.0 million, classified as level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair value of these investments were estimated based upon pricing from a recent funding or applying a probability-weighted approach to different recovery outcomes.
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Fair Value of Financial Instruments Reported at Cost
Fair value of financial instruments reported at amortized cost are presented below.
| Fair Value Measurements | Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secured fund fee revenue notes | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secured fund fee revenue notes | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchangeable senior notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt—Senior notes and secured fund fee revenue notes were valued based on indicative quotes.
Other—The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, due from and to affiliates, interest payable and accounts payable generally approximate fair value due to their short term nature, and credit risk, if any, is negligible.
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11. Earnings per Share
The following table presents the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred stock repurchases/redemptions (Note 8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred dividends | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) allocated to participating securities | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from continuing operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders—basic | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense attributable to exchangeable notes (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) allocated to common stockholders—diluted | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—basic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average effect of dilutive shares (1)(2)(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding—diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) per share—basic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per common share—basic | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) per share—diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from continuing operations | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders per common share—diluted | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
__________
(1) With respect to the assumed conversion or exchange of the Company's senior notes which are no longer outstanding effective April 2024, the following is excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would be antidilutive: for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the effect of adding back $6.9 million of interest expense and 9,744,700 of weighted average dilutive common share equivalents.
(2) The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effects of the following as their inclusion would be antidilutive: (i) class A common shares that are contingently issuable in relation to performance stock units (Note 13) with weighted average shares of 509,200 for the three months ended September 30, 2024; and (ii) class A common shares that are issuable to net settle the exercise of warrants (Note 10) with weighted average shares of 485,800 and 957,600 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023; and 816,600 and 569,600 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(3) OP Units may be redeemed for registered or unregistered class A common stock of the Company on a one -for-one basis and are not dilutive. At September 30, 2024 and 2023, 12,123,400 and 12,375,800 of OP Units, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share in the respective periods presented.
12. Fee Revenue
The following table presents the Company's fee revenue by type.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management fees | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other fees | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fee revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management Fees—Management fees are generally calculated based upon the following ranges of per annum contractual rates
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•Equity funds—0.25 % to 2.00 % of investors' committed capital during the commitment period, and thereafter, contributed or invested capital (subject to certain reductions for NAV write-downs);
•Credit and co-investment vehicles—0.11 % to 1.15 % of contributed or invested capital from inception; and
•Liquid Strategies and InfraBridge co-investment vehicles—0.30 % to 1.25 % of NAV or gross asset value, respectively.
Also, co-investment vehicles may charge a one-time fee upfront at contractual rates between 0.15 % and 2.00 % of committed or invested capital, generally to be paid in tranches, but with recognition of fee revenue over the life of the vehicle. Certain co-investment vehicles may be non fee-bearing.
Incentive Fees—The Company is entitled to incentive fees from sub-advisory accounts in its liquid securities strategy. Incentive fees are determined based upon the performance of the respective accounts, subject to the achievement of specified return thresholds in accordance with the terms set out in their respective governing agreements. A portion of incentive fees earned by the Company is allocable to certain employees and former employees, included in carried interest and incentive fee compensation expense.
Other Fee Revenue—Other fees include primarily service fees for information technology, facilities and operational support provided to certain portfolio companies, and on a non-recurring basis, loan origination fees from co-investors.
Revenue Concentration
Revenue concentration is defined as a single fund or investment vehicle that generates 10% or more of the Company's total management fees. Four funds met the concentration criteria, in aggregate, accounting for 71.4 % and 69.1 % of total management fees in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
13. Equity-Based Compensation
Equity-based awards granted prior to the end of March 2024, including the Company's annual equity awards, were granted under the DigitalBridge Group, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the "2014 Equity Incentive Plan), which expired at the end of March 2024.
At the end of April 2024, the Company's shareholders approved the 2024 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (the "2024 Equity Incentive Plan"). The 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, consistent with the previous plan, provides for the grant of restricted stock, performance stock units ("PSUs"), Long Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") units, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), deferred stock units ("DSUs"), options, warrants or rights to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, cash incentives and other equity-based awards to the Company's officers, directors (including non-employee directors), employees, co-employees, consultants or advisors of the Company or of any parent or subsidiary who provides services to the Company, but excluding employees of portfolio companies. Shares reserved for the issuance of awards under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan are subject to equitable adjustment upon the occurrence of certain corporate events. The number of shares of Class A common stock reserved and available for issuance under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan as of its adoption in April 2024 is 5.5 million shares.
Restricted Stock—Restricted stock awards in the Company's class A common stock are granted to senior executives, directors and certain employees, subject to a service condition or a combination of both a service and performance condition, with annual time-based vesting in equal tranches, generally over a three-year period. Vesting of performance-based restricted stock awards occur upon achievement of certain Company-specific metrics over a specified performance measurement period. Restricted stock is entitled to dividends declared and paid on the Company's class A common stock and such dividends are not forfeitable prior to vesting of the award. Restricted stock awards are valued based on the Company's class A common stock price on grant date and equity-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
Restricted Stock Units—RSUs in the Company's class A common stock are subject to a performance condition. Vesting of performance-based RSUs occur upon achievement of certain Company-specific metrics over a specified performance measurement period. Only vested RSUs are entitled to accrued dividends declared and paid on the Company's class A common stock during the time period the RSUs are outstanding. RSUs are initially valued based upon the Company's class A common stock price on grant date and not subsequently remeasured for equity-classified awards, while liability-classified awards are remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period until the award is fully vested. Equity-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period if and when it is probable that the performance condition will be met, subject to reversal if no longer probable. For liability classified awards that met their performance conditions and became fully vested, $3.3 million of awards were cash settled in 2023, and approximately $1.0 million of awards are expected to be cash settled.
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Performance Stock Units—PSUs are granted to senior executives, and are subject to a service condition in combination with either a market condition or a performance condition.
Following the end of the measurement period, the recipients of PSUs who remain employed will vest in, and be issued a number of shares of the Company's class A common stock, generally ranging from 0 % to 200 % of the number of PSUs granted. For market condition awards, this is determined based upon the performance of the Company's class A common stock over a three-year measurement period relative to a specified peer group (such measurement metric the "relative total shareholder return"). With respect to performance condition awards, vesting is determined based upon achievement of three-year cumulative distributable earnings ("DE") per share targets, and the relative total shareholder return metric is then applied to determine the final number of shares vested.
Recipients of PSUs whose employment is terminated after the first anniversary of their PSU grant are eligible to vest in a portion of the PSU award following the end of the measurement period based upon the final number of shares vested for that award. PSUs also contain dividend equivalent rights which entitle the recipients to a payment equal to the amount of dividends that would have been paid on the shares that are ultimately issued at the end of the measurement period.
The relative total shareholder return metric was valued using a Monte Carlo simulation under a risk-neutral premise, applying the following assumptions. This forms the fair value of market condition awards. The fair value of performance condition awards also incorporate, in addition to the relative total shareholder return metric, the probability of achieving the cumulative DE per share targets.
| 2024 PSU Grants | 2023 PSU Grants | 2022 PSU Grants | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected volatility of the Company's class A common stock (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expected annual dividend yield (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Risk-free rate (per annum) (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||
__________
(1) Based upon the historical volatility of the Company's stock and those of a specified peer group.
(2) Based upon the Company's expected annualized dividends. Expected dividend yield was zero for the March 2022 PSU awards as common dividends were suspended beginning the second quarter of 2020 and reinstated in the third quarter of 2022.
(3) Based upon the continuously compounded zero-coupon U.S. Treasury yield for the term coinciding with the measurement period of the award as of valuation date.
Fair value of PSU awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over their measurement period as compensation expense. With respect to performance condition awards, expense recognition occurs only if and when it is probable that the cumulative DE per share targets will be achieved and subject to reversal if no longer probable. In contrast, expense recognized on market condition awards is not subject to reversal even if the total shareholder return metric is not achieved.
The dividend equivalent right is accounted for as a liability-classified award. The fair value of the dividend equivalent right is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the measurement period, and is subject to adjustment to fair value at each reporting period.
LTIP Units—LTIP units are units in the Operating Company that are designated as profits interests for federal income tax purposes. Unvested LTIP units that are subject to market conditions do not accrue distributions. Each vested LTIP unit is convertible, at the election of the holder (subject to capital account limitation), into one common OP Unit and upon conversion, subject to the redemption terms of OP Units (Note 8).
LTIP units issued have both a service condition and a market condition based upon the Company's class A common stock achieving a target price over a predetermined measurement period, subject to continuous employment to the time of vesting, and valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.
The following assumptions were applied in the Monte Carlo model under a risk-neutral premise:
| 2022 LTIP Grant | ||||||||
Expected volatility of the Company's class A common stock (1) | ||||||||
Expected dividend yield (2) | ||||||||
Risk-free rate (per annum) (3) | ||||||||
__________
(1) Based upon historical volatility of the Company's stock and those of a specified peer group.
(2) Based upon the Company's most recently issued dividend prior to grant date and closing price of the Company's class A common stock on grant date. Expected dividend yield was zero for the June 2022 award as common dividends were suspended beginning the second quarter of 2020 and reinstated in the third quarter of 2022.
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(3) Based upon the continuously compounded zero-coupon US Treasury yield for the term coinciding with the measurement period of the award as of valuation date.
Equity-based compensation cost on LTIP units is recognized on a straight-line basis either over (1) the service period for awards with a service condition only; or (2) the derived service period for awards with both a service condition and a market condition, irrespective of whether the market condition is satisfied. The derived service period is a service period that is inferred from the application of the simulation technique used in the valuation of the award, and represents the median of the terms in the simulation in which the market condition is satisfied.
Deferred Stock Units—Certain non-employee directors may elect to defer the receipt of annual base fees and/or restricted stock awards, and in lieu, receive awards of DSUs. DSUs awarded in lieu of annual base fees are fully vested on their grant date, while DSUs awarded in lieu of restricted stock awards vest one year from their grant date. DSUs are entitled to a dividend equivalent, in the form of additional DSUs based on dividends declared and paid on the Company's class A common stock, subject to the same restrictions and vesting conditions, where applicable. Upon separation of service from the Company, vested DSUs will be settled in shares of the Company’s class A common stock. Fair value of DSUs are determined based upon the price of the Company's class A common stock on grant date and recognized immediately if fully vested upon grant, or on a straight-line basis over the vesting period as equity based compensation expense and equity.
Equity-based compensation cost is presented on the consolidated statement of operations, as follows.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation expense | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in unvested equity awards are summarized below.
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted Stock | LTIP Units (1) | DSUs | RSUs (2) | PSUs (3) | Total | PSUs | All Other Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unvested shares and units at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unvested shares and units at September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
__________
(1) Represents the number of LTIP units granted subject to vesting upon achievement of market condition. LTIP units that do not meet the market condition within the measurement period are forfeited.
(2) Represents the number of RSUs granted subject to vesting upon achievement of performance condition. RSUs that do not meet the performance condition at the end of the measurement period are forfeited.
(3) Number of PSUs granted does not reflect potential increases or decreases that could result from the final outcome based upon the DE target or total shareholder return measured at the end of the performance period. PSUs for which the DE target or total shareholder return was not met at the end of the performance period are forfeited.
Fair value of equity awards that vested, determined based upon their respective fair values at vesting date, totaled $1.7 million and $13.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $31.7 million and $47.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
14. Variable Interest Entities
A VIE is an entity that either (i) lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; (ii) has equity holders who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest; and/or (iii) is established with non-substantive voting rights. The following discusses the Company's involvement with VIEs where the Company is the primary beneficiary and consolidates the VIEs or where the Company is not the primary beneficiary and does not consolidate the VIEs.
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Operating Subsidiary
The Company's operating subsidiary, OP, is a limited liability company that has governing provisions that are the functional equivalent of a limited partnership. The Company holds the majority of membership interest in OP, acts as the managing member of OP and exercises full responsibility, discretion and control over the day-to-day management of OP. The noncontrolling interests in OP do not have substantive liquidation rights, substantive kick-out rights without cause, or substantive participating rights that could be exercised by a simple majority of noncontrolling interest members (including by such a member unilaterally). The absence of such rights, which represent voting rights in a limited partnership equivalent structure, would render OP to be a VIE. The Company, as managing member, has the power to direct the core activities of OP that most significantly affect OP's performance, and through its majority interest in OP, has both the right to receive benefits from and the obligation to absorb losses of OP. Accordingly, the Company is the primary beneficiary of OP and consolidates OP. As the Company conducts its business and holds its assets and liabilities through OP, the total assets and liabilities, earnings (losses), and cash flows of OP represent substantially all of the total consolidated assets and liabilities, earnings (losses), and cash flows of the Company.
Company-Sponsored Funds
The Company sponsors funds and other investment vehicles as general partner for the purpose of providing investment management services in exchange for management fees and carried interest. These funds are established as limited partnerships or equivalent structures. Limited partners of the funds do not have either substantive liquidation rights, or substantive kick-out rights without cause, or substantive participating rights that could be exercised by a simple majority of limited partners or by a single limited partner. Accordingly, the absence of such rights, which represent voting rights in a limited partnership, results in the funds being considered VIEs. The nature of the Company's involvement with its sponsored funds comprise fee arrangements and equity interests in its capacity as general partner and general partner affiliate. The fee arrangements are commensurate with the level of management services provided by the Company, and contain terms and conditions that are customary to similar at-market fee arrangements.
Consolidated Company-Sponsored Funds—The Company currently consolidates sponsored funds in which it has more than an insignificant equity interest in the fund as general partner. As a result, the Company is considered to be acting in the capacity of a principal of the sponsored fund and is therefore the primary beneficiary of the fund. The Company’s exposure is limited to its capital account balance in the consolidated funds of $77.7 million at September 30, 2024 and $200.8 million at December 31, 2023. The liabilities of the consolidated funds may only be settled using assets of the consolidated funds, and the Company, as general partner, is not obligated to provide any financial support to the consolidated funds. The Company does not have unfunded commitments to consolidated funds.
The following table presents the assets and liabilities of the consolidated funds:
| (In thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Investments (Note 4) | ||||||||||||||
| Other assets | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ||||||||||||||
| Securities sold short | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Due to custodian | ||||||||||||||
| Other | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
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15. Transactions with Affiliates
Affiliates include (i) investment vehicles that the Company sponsors and/or manages, and in which the Company may have an equity interest; (ii) portfolio companies of sponsored funds; (iii) certain of the Company's other equity investments outside of sponsored funds; and (iv) directors and employees of the Company.
Amounts due from and due to affiliates consist of the following:
| (In thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Due from Affiliates | ||||||||||||||
| Investment vehicles and portfolio companies | ||||||||||||||
| Fee revenue | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Cost reimbursements and recoverable expenses | ||||||||||||||
| Employees and other affiliates | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Due to Affiliates (Note 6) | ||||||||||||||
Investment vehicles—InfraBridge (Note 3) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Employees and other affiliates | ||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||
Significant transactions with affiliates include the following:
Fee Revenue—Fee revenue earned from investment vehicles that the Company manages and/or sponsors, and may have an equity interest, are presented in Note 12. Substantially all fee revenue are from affiliates, except for management fees and incentive fee from sub-advisory accounts and generally, other fee revenue.
Cost Reimbursements and Recoverable Expenses—The Company receives reimbursements and recovers certain costs paid on behalf of investment vehicles sponsored by the Company, which include: (i) organization and offering costs related to formation and capital raising of the investment vehicles up to specified thresholds; (ii) professional fees incurred in performing investment due diligence; and (iii) direct and indirect operating costs for managing the operations of certain investment vehicles and their portfolio companies.
To the extent the Company determines it acts in the capacity of principal in the incurrence of such costs, the related reimbursements and recoverable expenses are included in other income, which totaled $2.1 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $8.0 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. To the extent the Company determines that it acts in the capacity of an agent, the cost reimbursement is presented on a net basis in the consolidated statements of operations.
Warehoused Investments—The Company may acquire and temporarily warehouse investments on behalf of prospective sponsored investment vehicles that are actively fundraising (Note 4). The warehoused investments are transferred to the investment vehicle when sufficient third party capital, including debt, is raised. The Company is generally paid a fee by the investment vehicle, akin to an interest charge, typically calculated as a percentage of the acquisition price of the investment, to compensate the Company for its cost of holding the investment during the warehouse period. The terms of such arrangements may differ for each sponsored investment vehicle and by investment.
Digital Bridge Holdings —Marc Ganzi, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Ben Jenkins, President and Chief Investment Officer of the Company, were former owners of Digital Bridge Holdings, LLC ("DBH") prior to its merger into the Company in July 2019. Messrs. Ganzi and Jenkins had retained their equity investments and general partner interests in the portfolio companies of DBH, which included, but were not limited to, DataBank and Vantage Data Centers ("Vantage"). Vantage SDC, which the Company has a direct investment in, is a carve out of the stabilized data center portfolio of Vantage's North American business.
As a result of the personal investments made by Messrs. Ganzi and Jenkins in DataBank and Vantage prior to the Company’s acquisition of DBH, additional investments made by the Company in DataBank and Vantage SDC subsequent to their initial acquisitions may trigger future carried interest payments to Messrs. Ganzi and Jenkins upon the occurrence of future realization events. Such investments made by the Company include ongoing payments for the build-out of expansion capacity, including lease-up of the expanded capacity and existing inventory, in Vantage SDC.
With respect to investment vehicles sponsored by the Company for which Messrs. Ganzi and Jenkins are invested in their capacity as former owners of DBH, and not in their capacity as employees of the Company, any carried interest entitlement attributed to such investments by Messrs. Ganzi and Jenkins as general partner are not subject to continuing vesting provisions and do not represent compensatory arrangements to the Company. Such carried interest allocation to Messrs. Ganzi and Jenkins that are unrealized or distributed but unpaid are included in noncontrolling interests on the
38
balance sheet in the amount of $121.1 million at September 30, 2024 and $112.2 million at December 31, 2023. Carried interest allocated is recorded as net income attributable to noncontrolling interests totaling $1.6 million and $18.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $8.9 million and $40.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 respectively.
Investment in Managed Investment Vehicles—Subject to the Company's related party policies and procedures, certain employees (who may thereafter become former employees) may invest on a discretionary basis in investment vehicles sponsored by the Company, either directly in the vehicle or indirectly through the Company's general partner entity. These investments are generally not subject to management fees or carried interest, but otherwise bear their proportionate share of other operating expenses of the investment vehicles. Such investments in consolidated investment vehicles and general partner entities totaled $53.0 million at September 30, 2024 and $22.7 million at December 31, 2023, reflected in redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests on the balance sheet. The employees' and former employees' share of net income was $3.8 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $5.7 million and $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 respectively. Such amounts are reflected in net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests on the consolidated statement of operations and exclude their share of carried interest allocation, which is reflected in incentive fee and carried interest compensation expense.
16. Segment Reporting
Beginning in 2024, the entirety of the Company's business, inclusive of all income and expense from continuing operations of the Company as a whole, is reported as a single reportable segment. The Company no longer distinguishes income (loss) items and attributes costs between its investment management business and corporate activities. The approach of managing the whole Company as a single business is consistent with the manner in which its chief operating decision makers assess the allocation of resources and performance of the Company.
Prior to December 31, 2023, the Company had conducted its business through two reportable segments, that is, Investment Management and Operating. On December 31, 2023 the Operating segment was discontinued following a full deconsolidation of the portfolio companies in the Operating segment, which qualified as discontinued operations (Note 2).
At December 31, 2023, subsequent to the discontinuation of the Operating segment, the Company had conducted its business through one reportable segment of Investment Management, reflecting the Company's investment management business, which bore only operating costs that were directly attributable or otherwise can be subjected to a reasonable and systematic attribution to the investment management business. Remaining unallocated operating costs, along with corporate level financing and transaction activities, as well as income (loss) from the Company's investment in its sponsored funds as general partner affiliate, and warehoused/seed investments were not attributed to the investment management business and previously presented as Corporate and Other.
The segment earnings measure of net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. remains consistent with prior periods, except that this measure was previously applied to the Investment Management segment, and beginning 2024, is applied to the Company as a whole.
Segment information for all prior periods presented have been conformed to current year presentation.
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Segment Results of Operations
The following table presents net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. for the Company's single reportable segment and reconciled to the consolidated statement of operations.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee revenue | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation (reversal) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investment income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation expense—cash and equity-based | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation expense—incentive fee and carried interest allocation (reversal) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative and other expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction-related costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gain (loss), net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment entities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Company | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of segment earnings measure to consolidated statement of operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
17. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
The Company may be involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business. As of September 30, 2024, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings that are expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
18. Subsequent Events
Other than as disclosed elsewhere, no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the accompanying notes.
40
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Quarterly Report") constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and we intend such statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained therein. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or “potential” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases which are predictions of or indicate future events or trends and which do not relate solely to historical matters. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report reflect our current views about future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause our actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:
•difficult market and political conditions, including those resulting from supply chain difficulties, inflation, higher interest rates, a general economic slowdown or a recession;
•our ability to raise capital from investors for our Company, our funds and the companies that we manage;
•the performance of our funds and investments relative to our expectations and the highly variable nature of our revenues, earnings and cash flow;
•our exposure to risks inherent in the ownership and operation of infrastructure and digital infrastructure assets, including our reliance on third-party suppliers to provide power, network connectivity and certain other services to our managed companies;
•our exposure to business risks in Europe, Asia, Latin America and other foreign markets;
•our ability to increase assets under management ("AUM") and expand our existing and new investment strategies while maintaining consistent standards and controls;
•our ability to appropriately manage conflicts of interest;
•our ability to expand into new investment strategies, geographic markets and businesses, including through acquisitions in the infrastructure and investment management industries;
•the impact of climate change and regulatory efforts associated with environmental, social and governance matters;
•our ability to maintain effective information and cybersecurity policies, procedures and capabilities and the impact of any cybersecurity incident affecting our systems or network or the system and network of any of our managed companies or service providers;
•the ability of our portfolio companies to attract and retain key customers and to provide reliable services without disruption;
•any litigation and contractual claims against us and our affiliates, including potential settlement and litigation of such claims;
•our ability to obtain and maintain financing arrangements, including securitizations, on favorable or comparable terms or at all;
•the general volatility of the securities markets in which we participate;
•the market value of our assets and effects of hedging instruments on our assets;
•the impact of legislative, regulatory and competitive changes, including those related to privacy and data protection and new SEC rules governing investment advisers;
•whether we will be able to utilize existing tax attributes to offset taxable income to the extent contemplated;
•our ability to maintain our exemption from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;
41
•changes in our board of directors or management team, and availability of qualified personnel;
•our ability to make or maintain distributions to our stockholders; and
•our understanding of and ability to successfully navigate the competitive landscape in which we and our managed companies operate.
While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, they are not guarantees of future performance. Furthermore, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. Moreover, because we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, new risk factors are likely to emerge from time to time. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully review the disclosures we make concerning risks in Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Quarterly Report. Readers of this Quarterly Report should also read our other periodic filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and other publicly filed documents for further discussion regarding such factors.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto, which are included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report, as well as information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
In this Quarterly Report, unless specifically stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise, the terms " the "Company," "DBRG," "we," "our" and "us" refer to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to the “Operating Partnership,” our “Operating Company” and the “OP” refer to DigitalBridge Operating Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the operating company of the Company, and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Our Business
We are a leading global digital infrastructure investment manager, deploying and managing capital across the digital ecosystem, including data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, small cells, and edge infrastructure. Our diverse global investor base includes public and private pensions, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, insurance companies, and endowments. At September 30, 2024, we had $34.1 billion of fee earning equity under management ("FEEUM").
We are headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with key offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Luxembourg and Singapore, and have approximately 300 employees.
We operate as a taxable C Corporation and conduct substantially all of our activities and hold substantially all of our assets and liabilities through our Operating Company. At September 30, 2024, we owned 93% of the Operating Company as its sole managing member.
Our Investment Management Platform
Our investment management platform is anchored by our value-add funds within the DigitalBridge Partners ("DBP") infrastructure equity offerings. In providing institutional investors access to investments across different segments of the digital infrastructure ecosystem, our investment offerings have expanded to include core equity, credit and liquid securities.
•Our DBP series of funds focus on value-add digital infrastructure, investing in and building businesses across the digital infrastructure sector.
•Core Equity invests in digital infrastructure businesses and assets with long-duration cash flow profiles, primarily in more developed geographies ("SAF").
•DigitalBridge Credit is our private credit strategy that delivers credit solutions to corporate borrowers in the digital infrastructure sector globally through credit financing products such as first and second lien term loans, mezzanine debt, preferred equity and construction/delay-draw loans, among other products.
42
•Our Liquid Strategies are fundamental long-only and long-short public equities strategies with well-defined mandates, leveraging the network and intellectual capital of our platform to build liquid portfolios of high quality, undervalued businesses across digital infrastructure, real estate, and technology, media, and telecom.
•InfraBridge is focused on mid-market investments in the digital infrastructure and related sectors of transportation and logistics, and energy transition (the Global Infrastructure Fund ("GIF") series of funds).
Significant Developments
The following summarizes significant developments that affected our business and results of operations in 2024 through the date of this filing.
Capital Raise
•In the year to-date period through October 2024, we have raised $6.1 billion of capital, primarily for the third series in our flagship value-add strategy and syndications through various co-investment vehicles.
Financing
•In 2024, we further reduced our leverage with the full exchange/redemption of our remaining $78.4 million of 5.75% senior notes, which results in annual interest savings of approximately $4.5 million. $73.4 million of note principal was exchanged for 8.2 million shares of the Company's class A common stock and $5.0 million of note principal was redeemed for cash.
Return of Capital
•We monetized a substantial portion of marketable equity securities that form DBRG's non-core investments for total net proceeds of $35.0 million.
•In October 2024, as the subordinated note holder of a third party managed CLO, we received $10.4 million of excess net proceeds from a refinancing of the CLO.
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Fund Performance Metrics
Certain performance metrics for our key investment funds from inception through September 30, 2024 are presented in the table below. Excluded are funds with less than one year of performance history as of September 30, 2024, funds and separately managed accounts in the liquid strategy, co-investment vehicles and separately capitalized portfolio companies. The historical performance of our funds is not indicative of their future performance nor indicative of the performance of our other existing funds or of any of our future funds. An investment in DBRG is not an investment in any of our funds and these fund performance metrics are not indicative of the performance of DBRG.
| ($ in millions) | Inception Date (2) | Total Commitments | Invested Capital (3) | Available Capital (4) | Investment Value | MOIC (7) (9) | IRR (8) (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund (1) | Unrealized | Realized (5) | Total (6) | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Value-Add | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DBP I | Mar-2018 | $ | 4,059 | $ | 4,838 | $ | 138 | $ | 6,303 | $ | 1,287 | $ | 7,590 | 1.6x | 1.4x | 14.4% | 10.2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DBP II | Nov-2020 | 8,286 | 7,409 | 1,380 | 9,059 | 818 | 9,877 | 1.3x | 1.2x | 12.6% | 8.5% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Core | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SAF | Nov-2022 | 1,110 | 951 | 174 | 1,014 | 22 | 1,036 | 1.1x | 1.1x | 7.0% | 4.6% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| InfraBridge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GIF I | Mar-2015 | 1,411 | 1,504 | 388 | 1,336 | 1,093 | 2,429 | 1.6x | 1.4x | 9.8% | 7.3% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GIF II | Jun-2018 | 3,382 | 3,118 | 26 | 2,294 | 245 | 2,539 | 0.8x | 0.7x | <0% | <0% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit I | Dec-2022 | 697 | 428 | 391 | 346 | 140 | 486 | 1.1x | 1.1x | 13.8% | 9.1% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
__________
(1) Performance metrics are presented in aggregate for main fund vehicle, its parallel vehicles and alternative investment vehicles.
(2) Inception date represents first close date of the fund, except for Credit I which is the first capital call date. The manager/general partner of the InfraBridge funds were acquired in February 2023.
(3) Invested capital represents the original cost and subsequent fundings to investments. Invested capital includes financing costs and investment related expenses which are capitalized. With respect to InfraBridge funds, such costs are expensed during the period and excluded from their determination of invested capital.
(4) Available capital represents unfunded commitments, including recallable capital.
(5) Realized value represents proceeds from dispositions that have closed and all earnings from both realized and unrealized investments, including interest, dividend and ticking fees.
(6) Total value is the sum of unrealized fair value and realized value of investments.
(7) Total investment gross multiple of invested capital ("MOIC") is calculated as total value of investments, that is realized proceeds and unrealized fair value, divided by invested capital, without giving effect to allocation of management fee expense, other fund expenses and general partner carried interest (both distributed and unrealized).
Total investment net MOIC is calculated as total value of investments, that is realized proceeds and unrealized fair value, divided by invested capital, after giving effect to allocation of management fee expense, other fund expenses and general partner carried interest (both distributed and unrealized).
MOIC calculations exclude capital not subject to fees and/or carried interest, including general partner and general partner affiliate capital. MOICs are calculated at the fund level and do not reflect MOICs at the individual investor level.
(8) Gross internal rate of return ("IRR") represents annualized time-weighted return on invested capital based upon total value of investments, that is realized proceeds and unrealized fair value, without giving effect to allocation of management fee expense, other fund expenses and general partner carried interest (both distributed and unrealized). Gross IRR is calculated from the date of investment fundings (taking into account the benefit of any credit facility at the fund level) to the date of investment distributions. For unrealized investments, gross IRR assumes a liquidating distribution equal to the investment fair value, net of amounts funded through the fund's credit facility, if any. Gross IRR is calculated at the fund level and does not reflect gross IRR of any individual investor due to timing of investor level inflows and outflows, among other factors.
Net IRR is gross IRR after giving effect to allocation of management fee expense, other fund expenses and general partner carried interest (both distributed and unrealized). Net IRR is calculated at the individual investor level based upon timing and amount of fee-paying third party investor level inflows and outflows, and excludes capital not subject to fees and/or carried interest, including general partner and general partner affiliate capital.
If an investment is later syndicated to third-party investor(s), the IRRs will include cash flows associated with such syndication. This treatment with respect to syndications was implemented in fiscal year 2024 and applied on a life-to-date basis for all funds presented.
(9) Our funds generally permit us to recycle certain capital distributed to limited partners during certain time periods. The exclusion of recycled capital generally causes invested and realized amounts to be lower and MOICs to be higher than had recycled capital been included. In addition, for funds that utilize a subscription line credit facility in advance of receiving capital contributions from investors, reported IRRs may be higher or lower than if such facility had not been utilized.
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Results of Operations
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee revenue | $ | 76,582 | $ | 65,240 | $ | 11,342 | $ | 228,142 | $ | 190,108 | $ | 38,034 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation (reversal) | (15,799) | 168,891 | (184,690) | 263,967 | 193,389 | 70,578 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investment income | 9,955 | 17,943 | (7,988) | 28,782 | 51,914 | (23,132) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income | 5,387 | 10,629 | (5,242) | 19,963 | 35,662 | (15,699) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 76,125 | 262,703 | (186,578) | 540,854 | 471,073 | 69,781 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation expense—cash and equity-based | 43,426 | 53,116 | (9,690) | 146,271 | 157,144 | (10,873) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation expense—incentive fee and carried interest allocation (reversal) | (8,474) | 72,865 | (81,339) | 163,242 | 72,110 | 91,132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Administrative and other expenses | 27,193 | 17,741 | 9,452 | 78,011 | 59,693 | 18,318 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 4,129 | 5,518 | (1,389) | 12,457 | 19,314 | (6,857) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction-related costs | 1,771 | 896 | 875 | 3,202 | 10,536 | (7,334) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 8,227 | 9,319 | (1,092) | 25,491 | 27,547 | (2,056) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 76,272 | 159,455 | (83,183) | 428,674 | 346,344 | 82,330 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gain (loss), net | 47,927 | 256,439 | (208,512) | 50,843 | 100,044 | (49,201) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) before income taxes | 47,780 | 359,687 | (311,907) | 163,023 | 224,773 | (61,750) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | (887) | (59) | (828) | (2,126) | (3,927) | 1,801 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from continuing operations | 46,893 | 359,628 | (312,735) | 160,897 | 220,846 | (59,949) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations | 1,439 | (80,851) | 82,290 | (13,403) | (286,929) | 273,526 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 48,332 | 278,777 | (230,445) | 147,494 | (66,083) | 213,577 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 580 | 132 | 448 | 1,471 | 4,634 | (3,163) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment entities | 34,024 | (17,746) | 51,770 | 68,412 | (142,241) | 210,653 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Company | (50) | 19,918 | (19,968) | 2,038 | 1,511 | 527 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | 13,778 | 276,473 | (262,695) | 75,573 | 70,013 | 5,560 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock repurchases | — | — | — | — | (927) | 927 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock dividends | 14,661 | 14,645 | 16 | 43,981 | 43,996 | (15) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (883) | $ | 261,828 | (262,711) | $ | 31,592 | $ | 26,944 | 4,648 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Revenues
Total revenues were $76.1 million and $262.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $540.9 million and $471.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease of $186.6 million in the quarter-to-date comparison and increase of $69.8 million in the year-to-date comparison was driven largely by significant variability in carried interest.
Excluding carried interest, revenues were higher in both periods under comparison, driven by an increase in fee income of $11.3 million quarter-to-date and $38.0 million year to-date. Principal investment income and other income were lower in 2024, and these decreases largely offset the higher fee revenue in the quarter-to-date and year-to-date comparison.
The key components of revenue are discussed in more detail below.
Fee Revenue
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management fees | $ | 76,011 | $ | 65,236 | $ | 10,775 | $ | 223,542 | $ | 187,138 | $ | 36,404 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive fees | 291 | — | 291 | 2,823 | 1,040 | 1,783 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other fee revenue | 280 | 4 | 276 | 1,777 | 1,930 | (153) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 76,582 | $ | 65,240 | 11,342 | $ | 228,142 | $ | 190,108 | 38,034 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fee revenue increased $11.3 million or 17% in the quarter-to-date comparison and $38.0 million or 20% in the year-to-date comparison, consistent with increase in FEEUM of $4.2 billion or 14% in the 12-month period to $34.1 billion at September 30, 2024.
Management fees were $10.8 million and $36.4 million higher in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, driven by our third flagship fund that held its first close in November 2023, contributing $16.7 million and $39.6 million of fees, respectively (including catch-up fees), as well as additional deployments and commitments in other funds. These increases were partially offset by lower fees in DBP II following a change in fee basis to invested capital and syndication of an investment in 2024, as well as recapitalization of a portfolio company in a co-invest vehicle (aggregate decrease of $6.9 million and $15.9 million, respectively).
Higher incentive fees earned in 2024 are attributed to our liquid securities strategy.
Carried Interest Allocation (Reversal)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carried interest allocation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributed | $ | — | $ | 27,927 | $ | (27,927) | $ | 118 | $ | 28,403 | $ | (28,285) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized | (15,799) | 140,964 | (156,763) | 263,849 | 164,986 | 98,863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | (15,799) | $ | 168,891 | (184,690) | $ | 263,967 | $ | 193,389 | 70,578 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carried interest allocation represents gross carried interest from our general partner interests in sponsored investment vehicles prior to allocations to management and Wafra. Unrealized carried interest is subject to adjustments each period, including reversals, based upon the cumulative performance of the underlying investments of these vehicles that are measured at fair value, until such time as the carried interest is distributed.
The distributed carried interest in 2023 arose from the recapitalization of DataBank.
In the quarter-to-date comparison, 2024 included a reversal of unrealized carried interest, while a large unrealized carried interest was recognized in 2023, attributed primarily to DBP funds and a DataBank investment that was not subject to recapitalization.
In the year-to-date comparison, unrealized carried interest was higher in 2024, driven by DBP funds and partially offset by a reversal of carried interest in DataBank funds.
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Principal Investment Income
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principal investment income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized | $ | 2,647 | $ | — | $ | 2,647 | $ | 13,193 | $ | — | $ | 13,193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized | 7,308 | 17,943 | (10,635) | 15,589 | 51,914 | (36,325) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 9,955 | $ | 17,943 | (7,988) | $ | 28,782 | $ | 51,914 | (23,132) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal investment income represents the Company's proportionate share of net income (loss) from investments in its sponsored investment vehicles, which is predominantly unrealized gain (loss) from changes in fair value of underlying fund investments.
Realized principal investment income in 2024 arose largely from gains related to syndication of investments in DBP funds and distribution of interest income. Additionally, the year-to-date period included $4.2 million of previously escrowed proceeds received from the partial sale of our interest in DataBank in prior years.
However, in both the quarter-to-date and year-to-date periods, the realized income in 2024 was more than offset by lower unrealized income from fair value decreases or lower fair value increases in underlying investments of other funds.
Other Income
Other income decreased $5.2 million in the quarter-to-date comparison and $15.7 million in the year-to-date comparison. In 2023, there was higher interest income from our subordinated notes in a collateralized loan obligation ("CLO") and money market deposits, and dividend income from our credit fund which was deconsolidated in the fourth quarter of 2023 (aggregate effect of $4.8 million and $18.2 million, respectively). This was partially offset by incremental costs reimbursable by InfraBridge funds in 2024 that are grossed up as other income and administrative expense ($0.9 million and $3.5 million, respectively).
Expenses
Total expenses were $76.3 million and $159.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $428.7 million and $346.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, with the changes attributed primarily to significant variability in unrealized carried interest compensation.
Excluding incentive fee and carried interest compensation, expenses were lower in both periods under comparison, attributed largely to lower compensation expense, partially offset by higher administrative costs. The year-to-date period also benefited from lower interest expense and transaction costs.
Changes in the various expense items are discussed below.
Compensation Expense
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and equity-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash compensation | $ | 34,598 | $ | 38,776 | $ | (4,178) | $ | 110,588 | $ | 111,343 | $ | (755) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 8,828 | 14,340 | (5,512) | 35,683 | 45,801 | (10,118) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 43,426 | $ | 53,116 | (9,690) | $ | 146,271 | $ | 157,144 | (10,873) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Incentive fee and carried interest compensation allocation (reversal) | $ | (8,474) | $ | 72,865 | (81,339) | $ | 163,242 | $ | 72,110 | 91,132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and equity-based compensation—Cash compensation was $4.2 million lower in the quarter-to-date comparison and $0.8 million lower in the year-to-date comparison, as a result of lower estimated bonus, severance and retention costs (decreased $6.5 million and $5.8 million, respectively), partially offset by the effects of a higher headcount in 2024 to support our growing investment management business.
Equity-based compensation was lower in both periods under comparison as 2023 had higher expenses associated with performance-based awards that had achieved their targets.
Incentive fee and carried interest compensation allocation—The change in compensation expense for both periods is consistent with the change in carried interest, as discussed above.
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Administrative and Other Expenses
Administrative and other expenses increased $9.5 million in the quarter-to-date comparison and $18.3 million in the year-to-date comparison. In both periods under comparison, the increase can be attributed largely to higher third party professional service costs and also, reimbursable costs from our funds ($5.9 million and $11.3 million, respectively) that are grossed up in other income and administrative expense.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased $1.4 million in the quarter-to-date comparison and $6.9 million in the year-to-date comparison as a result of the Company's full exchange or redemption of its remaining 5.75% exchangeable senior notes in 2024 (decreased $1.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively). Additionally, interest expense decreased in the year-to-date comparison due to the full repayment of the $200 million 5.00% convertible notes upon maturity in April 2023 ($3.1 million).
Transaction-Related Costs
Transaction-related costs increased $0.9 million in the quarter-to-date comparison due to higher unconsummated deal costs, and decreased $7.3 million in the year-to-date comparison as 2023 included higher costs related to the InfraBridge acquisition.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.1 million in the quarter-to-date comparison and $2.1 million in the year-to-date comparison, primarily due to management contract intangible assets which have a declining amortization rate over time based upon projected cash flows to be generated from these contracts.
Other Gain (Loss), Net
Other gain of $47.9 million and $50.8 million was recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $256.4 million and $100.0 million was recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
The net gain in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily driven by (i) net fair value increase in investments held by consolidated funds ($44.4 million and $46.0 million, respectively), (ii) net gain from partial sale and price changes on our non-core marketable equity securities ($6.5 million and $9.3 million, respectively), and (iii) fair value decrease of warrant liability ($1.2 million and $4.2 million, respectively), all of which were partially offset by impairment of warehoused investments ($8.9 million and $12.5 million, respectively).
The net gain in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 is mainly attributed to a $278.7 million gain recognized in connection with the deconsolidation of DataBank in September 2023 (of which $3.7 million was realized and $275.0 million unrealized), which was largely offset in the year-to-date period by a $133.3 million write-off of an unsecured promissory note from the 2022 sale of our Wellness Infrastructure business. Both periods in 2023 also included losses related to fair value increase of warrant liability ($12.4 million and $23.7 million, respectively), and net decreases in investment values, including those held by our consolidated funds ($8.0 million and $16.1 million, respectively).
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
Income tax expense was $0.9 million and $0.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $2.1 million and $3.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. This reflects the income tax expense of foreign subsidiaries, partially offset in year-to-date 2024 by various U.S. state tax refunds. The Company otherwise has operating losses and capital loss carryforwards that can be applied against current income tax expense for its domestic entities, and has established a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets of these entities, resulting in no net federal income tax effect for its domestic entities.
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Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 2,269 | $ | 216,147 | $ | (213,878) | $ | 6,025 | $ | 686,708 | $ | (680,683) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expenses | (2,204) | (295,540) | 293,336 | (7,924) | (960,174) | 952,250 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other gain (loss) | 1,356 | (1,696) | 3,052 | (11,601) | (13,269) | 1,668 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes | 1,421 | (81,089) | 82,510 | (13,500) | (286,735) | 273,235 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 18 | 238 | (220) | 97 | (194) | 291 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations | $ | 1,439 | $ | (80,851) | 82,290 | $ | (13,403) | $ | (286,929) | 273,526 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment entities | — | (68,798) | 68,798 | — | (236,287) | 236,287 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Company | 94 | (849) | 943 | (944) | (3,654) | 2,710 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from discontinued operations attributable to DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | $ | 1,345 | $ | (11,204) | 12,549 | $ | (12,459) | $ | (46,988) | 34,529 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included primarily a loss on a guarantee related to the previous bulk sale of the Company's real estate investments. The loss in 2023 represents primarily the operations of the former Operating segment and $9.7 million impairment of BRSP shares prior to disposition in March 2023, as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Operating Metrics
Assets Under Management and Fee Earning Equity Under Management
We present below our AUM and FEEUM, which are key operating metrics in the alternative investment management industry. Our calculation of AUM and FEEUM may differ from other investment managers, and as a result, may not be directly comparable to similar measures presented by other investment managers.
Assets Under Management
AUM represents the total capital for which we provide investment management services and our general partner capital. AUM is generally composed of third party capital managed by the Company and its affiliates, including capital that is not yet fee earning, or not subject to fees and/or carried interest; and our general partner and general partner affiliate capital committed to our funds. AUM is largely determined based upon invested capital as of the reporting date, including capital funded through third party financing at the underlying portfolio companies; and committed capital for funds in their commitment stage. Our AUM is not based upon any definitions that may be set forth in the governing documents of our managed funds or other investment vehicles, and not calculated pursuant to any regulatory definitions.
Fee Earning Equity Under Management
FEEUM represents the total capital managed by the Company and its affiliates which earns management fees and/or incentive fees or carried interest. FEEUM is generally based upon committed capital, invested capital, NAV or GAV, pursuant to the terms of each underlying investment management agreement.
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Presented below are total AUM and FEEUM by product:
| (In billions) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||
Assets Under Management | $ | 88.0 | $ | 80.1 | ||||||||||
Fee Earning Equity Under Management | ||||||||||||||
| DBP Series | $ | 14.7 | $ | 13.0 | ||||||||||
| Co-Investment Vehicles | 10.1 | 9.5 | ||||||||||||
| InfraBridge | 5.1 | 5.1 | ||||||||||||
| Core, Credit and Liquid Strategies | 3.0 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||
| Separately Capitalized Portfolio Companies | 1.2 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||
| $ | 34.1 | $ | 32.8 | |||||||||||
The following table summarizes changes in FEEUM:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In billions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fee Earning Equity Under Management | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 32.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Inflows (1) | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Outflows (2) | (2.9) | |||||||||||||||||||
Market activity and other (3) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30 | $ | 34.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
________
(1) Inflows include closing on new capital raised where fees are earned on committed capital, deployment of capital where fees are earned on invested capital, new subscriptions where fees are based on NAV, other changes in invested capital such as the effect of recapitalization and syndication, and FEEUM from acquired investment vehicles.
(2) Outflows include redemptions and withdrawals in Liquid Strategies, realizations where fees are based on invested capital, other changes in invested capital such as the effect of recapitalization and syndication, change in fee basis from committed to invested capital and expiration of fee paying capital.
(3) Market activity and other include changes in investment value based on NAV or GAV, and the effect of foreign exchange rates. Amount was less than $100 million in 2024.
FEEUM increased $1.3 billion in 2024 to $34.1 billion at September 30, 2024, driven by capital raise for our third flagship fund and deployments in other DBP funds, partially offset by the effects of various recapitalization and syndication of investments.
Non-GAAP Supplemental Financial Measures
We report the following non-GAAP financial measures attributable to the Operating Company: Fee Related Earnings (“FRE”) and Distributable Earnings (“DE”). FRE and DE are common metrics utilized in the investment management sector.
We present FRE and DE at the Operating Company level, which is net of amounts attributed to noncontrolling interests, composed largely of the limited partners' share of our consolidated funds and Wafra's share of earnings attributed to our general partner interest in certain funds.
Beginning in 2024, FRE is reported on a Company-wide basis, consistent with the entirety of the Company's business representing a single reportable segment (as discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements). Prior to 2024, the Company had reported Investment Management FRE, which was an FRE measure specific to its previously reported Investment Management segment. The Investment Management segment previously bore only operating costs that were directly attributable or otherwise can be subjected to a reasonable and systematic attribution to the Investment Management segment. Company-wide FRE includes all operating costs of the Company as a whole that fall within the definition of FRE.
Additionally, Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is no longer reported as a non-GAAP financial measure in 2024 following the discontinuance of the Operating segment effective December 31, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was previously reported to facilitate an evaluation of the relative contribution of the Company's former Operating segment absent the effect of leverage as the Operating segment had higher leverage relative to the Company's own capital structure.
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We believe the non-GAAP financial measures of FRE and DE supplement and enhance the overall understanding of our underlying financial performance and trends, and facilitate comparison among current, past and future periods and to other companies in similar lines of business. We use FRE and DE in evaluating the Company’s ongoing business performance and in making operating decisions. For the same reasons, we believe FRE and DE are useful financial measures to the Company’s investors and analysts.
As we evaluate profitability based upon continuing operations, these non-GAAP measures exclude results from discontinued operations. DE presented for the 2023 comparative period has been recast to exclude the Operating segment which qualified as discontinued operations on December 31, 2023.
These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to and not an alternative or in lieu of GAAP net income (loss) as measures of operating performance, or to cash flows from operating activities as indicators of liquidity. Our calculation of these non-GAAP measures may differ from methodologies utilized by other companies for similarly titled performance measures and, as a result, may not be fully comparable to those calculated by our peers.
Fee-Related Earnings
FRE is used to assess the extent to which direct base compensation and core operating expenses are covered by recurring fee revenues in a stabilized investment management business. FRE represents recurring fee revenue, including incentive fees that are not subject to realization events related to underlying fund investments, net of compensation and administrative expenses. Such expenses generally exclude non-cash equity-based compensation, carried interest compensation, and placement fee expense. Also, consistent with DE, FRE excludes non-core items, and presents costs reimbursable by our managed funds on a net basis (as opposed to a gross-up of other income and administrative costs). Where applicable, FRE is adjusted for Start-Up FRE as defined below.
Fee revenues earned from consolidated funds and other investment vehicles are eliminated in consolidation. However, because the fees are funded by and earned from third party investors in these consolidated vehicles who represent noncontrolling interests, our allocated share of net income from the consolidated funds and other vehicles is increased by the amount of fees that are eliminated. The elimination of these fees, therefore, does not affect net income (loss) attributable to DBRG. Accordingly, FRE is presented without giving effect to the elimination of fee revenue to the extent such fees meet the definition of FRE.
FRE does not include distributed carried interest as these are not recurring revenues and are subject to variability given that they are dependent upon realization events related to underlying fund investments. Placement fees are also excluded from FRE as they are inconsistent in amount and frequency depending upon timing of fundraising for our funds. Other items excluded from FRE include realized principal investment income (loss); and interest, dividend and other income, all of which are not core to the investment management service business. Unlike DE, which is a post-tax measure, FRE does not incorporate the effect of income taxes as it is a pre-tax measure.
To reflect a stabilized investment management business, FRE is further adjusted to exclude Start-Up FRE, where applicable. Start-Up FRE is FRE associated with new investment strategies that have 1) not yet held a first close raising FEEUM; or 2) not yet achieved break-even FRE only for investment products that may be terminated solely at the Company’s discretion. The Company regularly evaluates new investment strategies and exclude Start-Up FRE until such time a new strategy is determined to form part of the Company’s core investment management business.
We believe that FRE is a useful measure to investors as it reflects the Company’s profitability based upon recurring fee streams that are not subject to realization events related to underlying fund investments, and without the effects of income taxes, leverage, non-cash expenses, income (loss) items that are unrealized and other items that may not be indicative of core operating results in an investment management service business. This allows for better comparability of the Company's profitability on a recurring and sustainable basis and relative to its peers.
Distributable Earnings
DE generally represents the net realized earnings of the Company and is an indicative measure used by the Company to assess ongoing operating performance and in making decisions related to distributions and reinvestments. Accordingly, we believe DE provides investors and analysts transparency into the measure of performance used by the Company in its decision making.
DE is an after-tax measure that reflects the ongoing operating performance of the Company’s core business by including earnings that are realized and generally excluding non-cash expenses, other income (loss) items that are unrealized and items that may not be indicative of core operating results. This allows the Company, and its investors and analysts, to assess its operating results on a more comparable basis period-over-period.
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Realized earnings included in DE are generally comprised of fee revenue, including all incentive fees, realized principal investment income (loss), distributed carried interest, interest and dividend income. Income (loss) on principal investments is realized when the Company redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Company receives or is due income such as dividends, interest or distributions of income.
The following items are excluded from DE: transaction-related costs; non-core items; other gain (loss); unrealized principal investment income (loss); non-cash depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash impairment charges (if any); amortization of deferred financing costs, debt premiums and discounts; our share of unrealized carried interest allocation, net of associated expense; non-cash equity-based compensation costs; and preferred stock redemption gain (loss).
Transaction-related costs are incurred in connection with acquisitions, including legal costs post-acquisition, and costs of unconsummated transactions. Non-core items primarily include acquisition-related compensation and certain severance costs, as well as litigation and settlement-related matters, which are presented within compensation expense—cash and equity-based, administrative and other expenses, and other gain (loss), net on GAAP income statement. These costs, along with certain other gain (loss) amounts, are excluded from DE as they are related to discrete items, are not considered part of our ongoing operating cost structure, and are not reflective of our core operating performance.
Other items excluded from DE are generally non-cash in nature, including income (loss) items that are unrealized, or otherwise do not represent current or future cash obligations such as amortization of deferred financing costs and straight-line lease adjustment. These items are excluded from DE as they do not contribute to the measurement of DE as a net realized earnings measure that is used in decision making related to distributions and reinvestments.
Income taxes applied in the determination of DE generally represents GAAP income tax related to continued operations, and includes the benefit of deductions available to the Company on certain expense items excluded from DE (for example, equity-based compensation). As the income tax benefit arising from these excluded expense items do affect actual income tax paid or payable by the Company in any one period, the Company believes their inclusion in DE is appropriate to more accurately reflect amounts available for distribution.
Non-GAAP Results
Results of our non-GAAP measures attributable to the Operating Company were determined as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||||||||||||
| Fee revenue | $ | 76,664 | $ | 66,058 | $ | 10,606 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash compensation | (33,774) | (34,316) | 542 | |||||||||||||||||
| Administrative and other expenses | (16,736) | (14,493) | (2,243) | |||||||||||||||||
| Start-Up FRE | — | 1,155 | (1,155) | |||||||||||||||||
Fee-Related Earnings—attributable to Operating Company | 26,154 | 18,404 | 7,750 | |||||||||||||||||
Realized principal investment income (1) | 2,129 | 1,994 | 135 | |||||||||||||||||
| Distributed carried interest and incentive fees subject to realization events, net of associated expense allocation | — | 27,927 | (27,927) | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest, dividend and other income | 2,828 | 6,436 | (3,608) | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense and preferred dividends | (18,245) | (19,261) | 1,016 | |||||||||||||||||
| Placement fee and other expenses | (1,247) | (1,668) | 421 | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | (887) | (59) | (828) | |||||||||||||||||
| Start-up FRE | — | (1,155) | 1,155 | |||||||||||||||||
Distributable Earnings, after tax—attributable to Operating Company | $ | 10,732 | $ | 32,618 | (21,886) | |||||||||||||||
(1) For purposes of DE, 2023 included distributions from a portfolio company in the former Operating segment.
Fee-Related Earnings.
FRE increased $7.8 million, or 42%, to $26.2 million, resulting from continued growth in our investment management business as FEEUM increased 14% from $29.9 billion at September 30, 2023 to $34.1 billion at September 30, 2024. This reflects primarily fee revenue from new capital raised for our third flagship fund, partially offset by decreases in fees in other funds due to change in fee basis, syndications and recapitalizations. Additionally, higher administrative costs were incurred in 2024 in supporting our growing investment management business.
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Distributable Earnings.
DE in the third quarter of 2023 of $32.6 million had benefited from $27.9 million of realized carried interest from the recapitalization of DataBank. As a result, notwithstanding a $7.8 million increase in FRE, DE decreased $21.9 million to $10.7 million in the third quarter of 2024.
Distributable Earnings and Fee-Related Earnings Reconciliation
| Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders | $ | (883) | $ | 261,828 | ||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in Operating Company | (50) | 19,918 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Operating Company | (933) | 281,746 | ||||||||||||
Transaction-related costs and non-core items (1) | 9,541 | 6,515 | ||||||||||||
Other (gain) loss, net (2) | (47,906) | (256,439) | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized principal investment income | (7,308) | (17,943) | ||||||||||||
Unrealized carried interest, net of associated expense (allocation) reversal (3) | 7,658 | (24,874) | ||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 8,828 | 14,340 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 8,227 | 9,319 | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs, debt premiums and discounts | 524 | 660 | ||||||||||||
| Preferred stock redemption (gain) loss | — | — | ||||||||||||
Adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests in investment entities (4) | 33,540 | 5,243 | ||||||||||||
OP share of (income) loss from discontinued operations (5) (6) | (1,439) | 14,051 | ||||||||||||
Distributable Earnings, after tax—attributable to Operating Company | 10,732 | 32,618 | ||||||||||||
Realized principal investment income (6) | (2,129) | (1,994) | ||||||||||||
Distributed carried interest and incentive fees subject to realization events, net of associated expense allocation (3) | — | (27,927) | ||||||||||||
| Interest, dividend and other income | (2,828) | (6,436) | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense and preferred dividends | 18,245 | 19,261 | ||||||||||||
| Placement fee and other expenses | 1,247 | 1,668 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | 887 | 59 | ||||||||||||
| Start-up FRE | — | 1,155 | ||||||||||||
Fee-Related Earnings—attributable to Operating Company | $ | 26,154 | $ | 18,404 | ||||||||||
__________
(1) Non-core items primarily include acquisition-related compensation and certain severance costs, as well as litigation and settlement-related matters, which are presented within compensation expense—cash and equity-based, administrative and other expenses, and other gain (loss), net on GAAP income statement.
(2) Comprises (i) all unrealized gains and losses; and (ii) realized gains and losses recorded by consolidated funds or associated with non-core investments.
(3) Carried interest and incentive fees are presented net of expense allocation or reversal. The expense component is included within compensation expense—incentive fees and carried interest allocation (reversal), other gain (loss), and net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in investment entities on the GAAP income statement.
(4) Adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests in investment entities pertain to other gain/loss attributed to limited partners of consolidated funds, and a third party investor's share of principal investment income attributed to our general partner interest in certain sponsored funds. Allocation of unrealized carried interest to management and a third party investor is netted against "unrealized carried interest, net of expense (allocation) reversal" for all periods presented (recasted for periods prior to the second quarter of 2024 when it was previously presented gross in "adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests in investment entities").
(5) OP share of discontinued operations represents primarily operating results of portfolio companies consolidated in the former Operating segment prior to 2024, net of associated noncontrolling interests in investment entities.
(6) For purposes of DE, 2023 included distributions from a portfolio company in the former Operating segment.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We regularly evaluate our liquidity position, and anticipated cash needs to fund our business and operations based upon our projected financial performance. Our evaluation of future liquidity requirements is regularly reviewed and updated for changes in internal projections, economic conditions, and other factors as applicable.
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Liquidity Needs and Sources of Liquidity
Our primary liquidity needs, both short term and long term, are to fund:
•our operations, including compensation, administrative and overhead costs;
•our general partner and general partner affiliate commitments to our investment vehicles;
•principal and interest payments on our debt;
•dividends to our preferred and common stockholders;
•our liability for corporate and other taxes;
•acquisitions of target investment management businesses;
•warehouse investments pending the raising of third party capital for future investment vehicles; and
•obligation for lease payments on our corporate offices.
Our primary sources of liquidity are:
•cash on hand;
•fees received from our investment management business, including our share of distributed net incentive fees and carried interest;
•cash flow generated from our investments, both from operations and return of capital, including proceeds from full or partial realization of investments;
•availability under our Variable Funding Notes ("VFN");
•issuance of additional term notes under our corporate securitization; and
•proceeds from public or private equity and debt offerings.
Overview
At September 30, 2024, our liquidity position was approximately $427 million, composed of available corporate cash and including the full $300 million under our VFN. Available corporate cash generally represents cash at our OP entity after allocating cash for certain compensatory liabilities, and excludes cash held at subsidiaries of the OP, including cash maintained to satisfy regulatory capital requirements in applicable foreign jurisdictions.
We believe we have sufficient cash on hand, and anticipated cash generated from operating activities and availability of external financing sources, to meet our short term and long term liquidity and capital requirements.
While we have sufficient liquidity to meet our operational needs, we continuously evaluate alternatives to manage our capital structure and market opportunities to strengthen our liquidity and to provide further operational and strategic flexibility.
Significant Liquidity and Capital Activities in 2024
•We continued to reduce higher cost corporate indebtedness through the full exchange or redemption of the remaining $78.4 million of 5.75% senior notes, which results in annual interest savings of approximately $4.5 million.
•We settled the remaining $35 million contingent consideration payable to Wafra in connection with the 2022 redemption of their investment in the Company's investment management business, 50% each in shares of the Company's Class A common stock and in cash.
•We monetized marketable equity securities that form non-core investments for total net proceeds of $35.0 million.
•As the subordinated note holder of a third party managed CLO, we received $10.4 million of excess net proceeds from a refinancing of the CLO in October 2024, which we applied as a return of capital.
Liquidity Needs and Capital Activities
Dividends
Common Stock—The payment of common stock dividends and determination of the amount thereof is at the discretion of our Board of Directors.
Preferred Stock—We have outstanding preferred stock totaling $822 million, bearing a weighted average dividend rate of 7.135% per annum, with aggregate dividend payments of $14.7 million per quarter.
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Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies
Debt Obligations
As of the date of this filing, our corporate debt is composed of our securitized financing facility, as summarized below.
| ($ in thousands) | Outstanding Principal | Interest Rate (Per Annum) | Anticipated Repayment Date | Years Remaining to Maturity | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A-2 Notes | $ | 300,000 | 3.93 | % | September 2026 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Investment Commitments
Fund Commitments—As general partner, we typically have minimum capital commitments to our sponsored funds. With respect to our flagship value-add DBP fund series, and InfraBridge funds, we have made additional capital commitments as a general partner affiliate alongside our limited partner investors. Our fund capital investments further align our interests to our investors. As of September 30, 2024, we have unfunded equity commitments to our unconsolidated funds as general partner and general partner affiliate of $262.5 million (including commitments attributed to the ownership by employees and former employees in the general partner entities). Generally, the timing for funding of these commitments is not known and the commitments are callable on demand at any time prior to their respective expirations.
Contingent Consideration
InfraBridge Acquisition—In connection with the InfraBridge acquisition in February 2023, contingent consideration of up to AUD 180 million may become payable based upon achievement of future fundraising targets for the third and fourth flagship InfraBridge funds. The current estimated fair value of the contingent consideration is $9.1 million.
Warehoused Investments
We temporarily warehouse investments on behalf of prospective sponsored investment vehicles that are actively fundraising. The warehoused investments are transferred to the investment vehicle if and when sufficient third party capital, including debt, is raised. Generally, the timing of future warehousing activities is not known. Nevertheless, investment warehousing is undertaken only if it is determined that we will have sufficient liquidity through the anticipated warehousing period.
At September 30, 2024, warehoused investments have an aggregate carrying value of $22 million.
Carried Interest Clawback
Depending on the final realized value of all investments at the end of the life of a fund (and, with respect to certain funds, periodically during the life of the fund), if it is determined that cumulative carried interest distributions have exceeded the final carried interest amount earned (or amount earned as of the calculation date), we are obligated to return the excess carried interest received. Therefore, carried interest distributions may be subject to clawback if a decline in investment values results in the cumulative performance of the fund falling below minimum return hurdles in the interim period. If it is determined that the Company has a clawback obligation, a liability would be established based upon a hypothetical liquidation of the net assets of the fund at reporting date. The actual determination and required payment of any clawback obligation would generally occur after final disposition of the investments of the fund or otherwise as set forth in the governing documents of the fund.
If the related carried interest distributions received by the Company are subject to clawback, the previously distributed carried interest would be similarly subject to clawback. The Company withholds a portion of the distribution of carried interest to employees to satisfy their potential clawback obligation.
Generally, the Company, through the OP, has guaranteed the clawback obligation of its subsidiaries that act as general partner or special limited partner of its respective sponsored funds, for the benefit of these funds and their limited partners.
At September 30, 2024, the Company had no liability for clawback obligations on distributed carried interest.
Lease Obligations
At September 30, 2024, we had $45 million of operating lease obligations on our corporate offices, which will be funded through corporate operating cash. The lease obligation amount represents fixed lease payments, excluding any contingent or other variable lease payments, and factor in lease renewal or termination options only if it is reasonably certain that such options would be exercised.
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Sources of Liquidity
Debt Funding
As of the date of this filing, we have $300 million of outstanding principal on our corporate debt, as discussed above under "—Debt Obligation."
Our securitized financing facility is subject to various covenants, including financial covenants that require the maintenance of minimum thresholds for debt service coverage ratio and maximum loan-to-value ratio, as defined. As of the date of this filing, we are in compliance with all of the financial covenants, and the full $300 million is available to be drawn on our VFN.
Our securitized financing facility allows for the issuance of additional term notes in the future to supplement our liquidity. The decision to enter into a particular financing arrangement is made after consideration of various factors including future cash needs, current sources of liquidity, demand for the Company’s debt or equity, and prevailing interest rates.
Cash From Operations
Fee-Related Earnings—We generate FRE from our investment management business, generally encompassing recurring fee revenue net of associated compensation and administrative expenses. Management fee revenue is generally a predictable and stable revenue stream. Our ability to generate new management fee streams through establishing new investment vehicles and raising investor capital depends on general market conditions and availability of attractive investment opportunities as well as availability of debt capital.
Incentive Fees—Incentive fees, net of employee allocations, are earned based upon the financial performance of a vehicle above a specified return threshold, which is largely driven by appreciation in value of underlying investments. Incentive fees are recognized as fee revenue when they are no longer probable of significant reversal. As investment fair values and changes thereof could be affected by various factors, including market and economic conditions, incentive fees are by nature less predictable in amount and timing.
Carried Interest Distributions—Carried interest is distributed generally upon profitable disposition of an investment if at the time of distribution, cumulative returns of the fund exceed minimum return hurdles. Carried interest distributions are recognized in earnings net of clawback obligations, if any. The amount and timing of carried interest distributions received may vary substantially from period to period depending upon the occurrence and size of investments realized by our sponsored funds.
Investments—Our investments, primarily in our sponsored funds as general partner affiliate, generate cash largely through capital appreciation upon liquidation, and interest income from our credit fund.
Asset Monetization
We intend to monetize and recycle capital from our non-core investments through opportunistic asset sales. Following monetization of a substantial portion of our holdings in the third quarter of 2024, remaining marketable equity securities available for future monetization totaled $6.4 million at September 30, 2024.
Public Offerings
We may offer and sell various types of securities from time to time at our discretion based upon our needs and depending upon market conditions and available pricing.
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Consolidated Cash Flows
The following table summarizes the activities from our consolidated statements of cash flows, including discontinued operations.
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period | $ | 350,250 | $ | 1,036,739 | ||||||||||||||||
Net cash generated by (used in): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating activities | 31,418 | 192,080 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investing activities | (6,847) | (768,072) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Financing activities | (77,806) | 78,596 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 1,461 | (673) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period | $ | 298,476 | $ | 538,670 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating Activities
Cash inflows from operating activities are generated primarily through fee-related earnings, distributions of our share of net carried interest, distribution of earnings from our general partner affiliate interests in our sponsored funds, and prior to deconsolidation of the portfolio companies in the former Operating segment during 2023, net operating income from investment properties.
Our operating activities generated net cash inflows of $31.4 million and $192.1 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. 2023 cash inflows were driven largely by the operating activities of portfolio companies in the former Operating segment.
Investing Activities
Investing activities relate to general partner and general partner affiliate investments in sponsored funds, including drawdown of commitments and return of capital from realized fund investments; business combinations; and prior to deconsolidation of portfolio companies in the Operating segment in 2023, acquisition of real estate.
Our investing activities generated net cash outflows of $6.8 million in 2024 and $768.1 million in 2023.
•Net cash outflows in 2024 were driven by $76.8 million of fundings for our general partner and general partner affiliate commitments in our sponsored funds, net of return of capital, largely offset by $35.0 million of net proceeds from sale of our non-core investments and $38.0 million of net inflows from the investing activities of our consolidated liquid funds which hold marketable equity securities.
•The large net cash outflows in 2023 can be attributed to (i) real estate investing activities which generated net cash outflows of $613.1 million, attributable to capital expenditures in the data center portfolio of our former Operating segment; (ii) derecognition of $102.4 million of cash and restricted cash following the deconsolidation of a portfolio company in our former Operating segment, and (iii) $314.3 million paid, net of cash assumed, for the acquisition of InfraBridge. These outflows were partially offset by net cash inflows of $232.3 million from equity investments, largely representing $201.6 million proceeds from the sale of BRSP shares, return of capital from a non-digital equity investment following a final sale of its underlying assets, and investing activities of our consolidated liquid funds which hold marketable equity securities, partially offset by funding of our general partner and general partner affiliate commitments, net of return of capital.
Financing Activities
We may draw upon our securitized financing facility to finance our operating activities, and have the ability to raise capital in the public markets through issuances of preferred stock, common stock and private placement notes. We incur cash outlays primarily for payments on our corporate debt, and dividends to our preferred stockholders and common stockholders. Prior to deconsolidation in 2023, portfolio companies in the former Operating segment financed their activities largely through investment-level secured debt and incurred cash outlays for debt servicing and distributions to their third party investors who represented noncontrolling interests.
Financing activities generated net cash outflows in 2024 and inflows in 2023.
•In 2024, net cash outflows of $77.8 million were driven by preferred dividend payments of $44.0 million, cash settlement of contingent consideration to Wafra of $17.5 million, and limited partner redemptions in our consolidated liquid funds, partially offset by syndication of our interest in a consolidated fund and funding by Wafra for its share of our general partner commitment in DBP I.
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•Net cash inflows of $78.6 million in 2023 represent primarily $489.9 million of additional investment-level debt in the former Operating segment, largely offset by the full repayment of our $200 million 5.00% convertible senior notes, $90 million contingent consideration payment to Wafra, $73.5 million redemption by a limited partner in a consolidated liquid fund, and income distribution to noncontrolling interests in our former Operating segment.
Guarantees and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no guarantees or off-balance sheet arrangements that we believe are reasonable likely to have a material effect on our financial condition.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the use of estimates and
assumptions that involve the exercise of judgment and that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are integral to understanding and evaluating our reported financial results as they require subjective or complex management judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable.
There have been no changes to our critical accounting policies or those of our unconsolidated joint ventures since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
With respect to all critical estimates, we have established policies and control procedures which seek to ensure that estimates and assumptions are appropriately governed and applied consistently from period to period. We believe that all of the decisions and assessments applied were reasonable at the time made, based upon information available to us at that time. Due to the inherently judgmental nature of the various projections and assumptions used, and unpredictability of economic and market conditions, actual results may differ from estimates, and changes in estimates and assumptions could have a material effect on our financial statements in the future.
Recent Accounting Updates
The effects of accounting standards adopted in 2024 and the potential effects of accounting standards to be adopted in the future are described in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of financial loss from adverse movement in market prices. The primary sources of market risk are interest rates, foreign currency rates, equity prices and commodity prices.
Our business is exposed primarily to the effect of market risk on our fee revenue, principal investment income and net carried interest allocation, foreign currency risk on non-U.S. investment management business and foreign denominated warehoused investments (if any), interest rate risk on our VFN and other variable rate debt financing warehoused investments (if any), and, equity price risk on marketable equity securities, held primarily by consolidated investment vehicles.
Market Risk Effect on Fee Revenue, Principal Investment Income and Net Carried Interest Allocation
Management Fees—To the extent management fees are based upon fair value of the underlying investments of our managed investment vehicles, an increase or decrease in fair value will directly affect our management fee revenue. Generally, our management fee revenue is calculated based upon investors' committed capital during the commitment period of the vehicle, and thereafter, contributed or invested capital during the investing and liquidating periods, or invested capital from inception for Credit and co-investment vehicles. To a lesser extent, management fees are based upon the NAV of vehicles in our Liquid Strategies or GAV for certain InfraBridge vehicles, measured at fair value. At September 30, 2024, vehicles with NAV or GAV fee basis made up 5% of our $34.1 billion FEEUM. Accordingly, most of our management fee revenue will not be directly affected by changes in investment fair values.
Principal Investment Income (Loss)—This is our share of income (loss) from equity interests in our sponsored funds, which in turn is largely driven by fair value changes in the underlying investments of the funds.
A hypothetical 10% decline in the fair value of fund investments at September 30, 2024 would decrease the OP's share of principal investment income by approximately $124 million.
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Incentive Fees and Carried Interest—Incentive fees and carried interest, net of management allocations, are earned based upon the financial performance of a vehicle above a specified return threshold, which is largely driven by appreciation in value of underlying investments. The amount of carried interest allocation recognized is based upon the cumulative performance of the fund if it were liquidated as of the reporting date. Carried interest is subject to reversal until such time it is distributed. The extent of the effect of fair value changes to the amount of incentive fees and carried interest earned will depend upon the cumulative performance of an investment vehicle relative to its return threshold, the performance measurement period used to calculate incentives and carried interest, and the stage of the vehicle's lifecycle.
A hypothetical 10% decline in the fair value of fund investments at September 30, 2024 would decrease carried interest by approximately $168 million, representing the OP's share of carried interest net of allocations to employees, former employees and Wafra. In the same scenario, generally no incentive fees would be realized.
Foreign Currency Risk
As of September 30, 2024, we have limited direct foreign currency exposure from our foreign operations and foreign currency denominated investments warehoused on the balance sheet for future sponsored vehicles. Changes in foreign currency rates can adversely affect earnings and the value of our foreign currency denominated investments, including investments in our foreign subsidiaries.
We have exposure to foreign currency risk from the operations of our foreign subsidiaries to the extent these subsidiaries do not transact in U.S. dollars. Generally, this is limited to our InfraBridge advisor subsidiary which receives fee revenue predominantly in U.S. dollars but incur operating costs in Pound Sterling.
We may have foreign currency denominated investments held by our U.S. subsidiaries that are temporarily warehoused on the balance sheet. At September 30, 2024, our foreign currency exposure is limited to only one AUD equity investment (cost of investment at AUD 35 million). Based upon book value of the investment (which is lower than cost), a hypothetical 100 basis point decline in the AUD/USD rate at September 30, 2024 would have an immaterial effect on earnings.
Interest Rate Risk
Instruments bearing variable interest rates include debt obligations, which are subject to interest rate fluctuations that will affect future cash flows, specifically interest expense.
Our corporate debt exposure to variable interest rates is limited to our VFN revolver, which had no outstanding balance as of September 30, 2024.
Equity Price Risk
At September 30, 2024, we had $91 million of long positions and $47 million of short positions in marketable equity securities, held predominantly by our consolidated sponsored liquid funds. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from marketable equity securities are recorded in other gain (loss) on the consolidated statement of operations. Market prices for publicly traded equity securities may fluctuate due to a myriad of factors, including but not limited to, financial performance of the investee, industry conditions, economic and political environment, trade volume, and general sentiments in the equity markets. Therefore the level of volatility and price fluctuations are unpredictable. Our funds constantly rebalance their investment portfolio to take advantage of market opportunities and to manage risk. Additionally, one of our funds employs a long/short equity strategy, taking long positions that serve as collateral for short positions, which in combination, reduces its market risk exposure. The effect of equity price decreases to earnings attributable to our stockholders is further reduced as our consolidated liquid funds are partially owned by third party capital, which represent redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and
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procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at September 30, 2024.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
The Company may be involved in litigation and claims in the ordinary course of business. As of September 30, 2024, the Company was not involved in any material legal proceedings.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in response to "Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
Shares of class A common stock, as described below, were issued in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Redemption of Membership Units in OP ("OP Units")
Holders of OP Units have the right to require the OP to redeem all or a portion of their OP Units for cash or, at our option, shares of our class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. In the third quarter of 2024, in satisfaction of redemption requests by a former employee OP Unit holder, we issued 167,344 shares of our class A common stock.
Conversion of Class B Common Stock
In the third quarter of 2024, 987 shares of class B common stock were converted to class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the quarter ended September 30, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted terminated
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Item 6. Exhibits.
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit Number | Description | |||||||||||||
| 3.1 | ||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | ||||||||||||||
| 3.3 | ||||||||||||||
| 3.4 | ||||||||||||||
| 31.1* | ||||||||||||||
| 31.2* | ||||||||||||||
| 32.1* | ||||||||||||||
| 32.2* | ||||||||||||||
| 101.INS** | XBRL Instance Document | |||||||||||||
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema | |||||||||||||
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase | |||||||||||||
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase | |||||||||||||
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase | |||||||||||||
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase | |||||||||||||
| 104** | Cover Page Interactive Data File | |||||||||||||
__________
† Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan contract or arrangement.
* Filed herewith.
** The document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: November 1, 2024
| DigitalBridge Group, Inc. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Marc C. Ganzi | |||||||
| Marc C. Ganzi | ||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Mayrhofer | |||||||
Thomas Mayrhofer | ||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Tracey Teh | |||||||
| Tracey Teh | ||||||||
| Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Marc C. Ganzi, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DigitalBridge Group, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | November 1, 2024 | /s/ Marc C. Ganzi | ||||||
| Marc C. Ganzi Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Thomas Mayrhofer , certify that:
1.I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of DigitalBridge Group, Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | November 1, 2024 | /s/ Thomas Mayrhofer | ||||||
Thomas Mayrhofer Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Marc C. Ganzi, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(i) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| Date: | November 1, 2024 | /s/ Marc C. Ganzi | ||||||
| Marc C. Ganzi Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C §1350 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Exhibit 32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the three months ended September 30, 2024 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Thomas Mayrhofer , Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:
(i) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| Date: | November 1, 2024 | /s/ Thomas Mayrhofer | ||||||
Thomas Mayrhofer Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C §1350 and shall not be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or incorporated by reference in any registration statement of the Company filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.