10-Q

SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019

or

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

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File No. 001-14761

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	13-4007862
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
140 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT One Corporate Center, Rye, NY	06830 10580-1422
(Address of principle executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(203) 629-2726

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes   No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☒
Non-accelerated filer ☐	Smaller reporting company o Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes   No 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001	GBL	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practical date.

Class		Outstanding at April 30, 2019
Class A Common Stock, .001 par value	(Including 425,150 restricted stock awards)	8,586,327
Class B Common Stock, .001 par value		19,024,117

INDEX
GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:
	- March 31, 2019
	- December 31, 2018
	- March 31, 2018
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
	- Three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Included in Item 2)
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 6.	Exhibits
SIGNATURES

2

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019			2018
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees	$	65,888		$	77,348
Distribution fees and other income		8,448			10,149
Total revenues		74,336			87,497
Expenses
Compensation		30,347			25,950
Management fee		1,449			4,634
Distribution costs		8,670			10,204
Other operating expenses		5,257			5,453
Total expenses		45,723			46,241
Operating income		28,613			41,256
Other income (expense)
Net gain (loss) from investments		(1,895	)		(5,347	)
Interest and dividend income		724			492
Interest expense		(655	)		(1,200	)
Total other expense, net		(1,826	)		(6,055	)
Income before income taxes		26,787			35,201
Income tax provision		6,895			7,940
Net income	$	19,892		$	27,261
Net income:
Basic	$	0.70		$	0.94
Diluted	$	0.70		$	0.94
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		28,507			28,916
Diluted		28,539			28,916

See accompanying notes.

3

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019			2018
Net income		$	19,892		$	27,261
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation			20			89
Other comprehensive gain			20			89
Comprehensive income		$	19,912		$	27,350

See accompanying notes.

4

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

UNAUDITED

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,
	2019			2018			2018
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	64,389		$	41,202		$	27,383
Investments in securities		31,623			33,789			31,407
Receivable from brokers		3,529			3,423			1,876
Investment advisory fees receivable		23,058			25,677			27,150
Receivable from affiliates		4,435			4,194			4,794
Deferred tax asset and income tax receivable		15,661			15,001			12,878
Other assets		11,534			11,326			11,505
Total assets	$	154,229		$	134,612		$	116,993
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Payable to brokers	$	478		$	112		$	164
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities		8,068			2,388			7,491
Lease liability obligations		5,300			4,794			4,908
Compensation payable		59,142			60,408			84,333
Payable to affiliates		-			1,041			864
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		30,196			32,091			27,706
Sub-total		103,184			100,834			125,466
AC 4% PIK Note (due November 30, 2020) (Note G)		-			-			40,000
5.875% Senior notes (net of issuance costs of $51, $57 and $75, respectively)
(due June 1, 2021) (Note G)		24,174			24,168			24,150
Total liabilities		127,358			125,002			189,616
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)		-			-			-
Equity
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $.001 par value;10,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued and outstanding		-			-			-
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
15,966,926, 15,969,303 and 15,541,489 issued, respectively;9,828,570,
9,957,301 and 9,830,148 outstanding, respectively		14			14			14
Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
24,000,000 shares issued; 19,024,117, 19,024,240 and 19,024,404 shares
outstanding, respectively		19			19			19
Additional paid-in capital		14,769			14,192			12,759
Retained earnings		302,139			282,928			194,732
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(220	)		(240	)		(145	)
Treasury stock, at cost (6,138,356, 6,012,002 and 5,711,341 shares, respectively)		(289,850	)		(287,303	)		(280,002	)
Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)		26,871			9,610			(72,623	)
Total liabilities and equity	$	154,229		$	134,612		$	116,993

See accompanying notes.

5

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

	GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders
								Accumulated
			Additional					Other
	Common		Paid-in		Retained			Comprehensive			Treasury
	Stock		Capital		Earnings			Income			Stock			Total
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	33	$	14,192	$	282,928		$	(240	)	$	(287,303	)	$	9,610
Net income		-		-		19,892			-			-			19,892
Adoption of ASU 2016-02		-		-		(106	)		-			-			(106	)
Foreign currency translation		-		-		-			20			-			20
Dividends declared ($0.02 per
share)		-		-		(575	)		-			-			(575	)
Stock based compensation
expense		-		577		-			-			-			577
Purchase of treasury stock		-		-		-			-			(2,547	)		(2,547	)
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	33	$	14,769	$	302,139		$	(220	)	$	(289,850	)	$	26,871

See accompanying notes.

6

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

	GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders
								Accumulated
			Additional					Other
	Common		Paid-in		Retained			Comprehensive			Treasury
	Stock		Capital		Earnings			Income			Stock			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	33	$	12,572	$	155,939		$	11,876		$	(276,693	)	$	(96,273	)
Net income		-		-		27,261			-			-			27,261
Reclassification pursuant to
adoption of ASU 2016-01,
net of tax		-		-		12,110			(12,110	)		-			-
Foreign currency translation		-		-		-			89			-			89
Dividends declared ($0.02 per
share)		-		-		(578	)		-			-			(578	)
Stock based compensation
expense		-		187		-			-			-			187
Purchase of treasury stock		-		-		-			-			(3,309	)		(3,309	)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	33	$	12,759	$	194,732		$	(145	)	$	(280,002	)	$	(72,623	)

See accompanying notes.

7

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019			2018
Operating activities
Net income	$	19,892		$	27,261
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		313			146
Stock based compensation expense		577			187
Deferred income taxes		4,015			(1,409	)
Foreign currency translation loss		20			89
Cost basis of donated securities		1,691			-
Unrealized (gain)/loss on available for sale securities		920			-
Net realized (gain)/loss on available for sale securities		6			-
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Investments in securities		2,686			5,384
Receivable from affiliates		(239	)		935
Receivable from brokers		(106	)		(298	)
Investment advisory fees receivable		2,619			11,562
Income taxes receivable and deferred tax assets		(660	)		2,738
Other assets		(623	)		490
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Payable to affiliates		(1,041	)		9
Payable to brokers		366			(282	)
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities		1,664			5,772
Compensation payable		(1,267	)		1,424
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(1,393	)		(988	)
Total adjustments		9,548			25,759
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	29,440		$	53,020

8

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

UNAUDITED (continued)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2019			2018
Investing activities
Purchases of available for sale securities	$	(3,393	)	$	-
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities		252			-
Return of capital on available for sale securities		5			-
Net cash used in investing activities		(3,136	)		-
Financing activities
Dividends paid		(571	)		(578	)
Purchase of treasury stock		(2,547	)		(3,309	)
Repayment of AC 4% PIK Note		-			(10,000	)
Repayment of AC 1.6% Note		-			(15,000	)
Margin loan borrowings		-			5,000
Margin loan payments		-			(19,479	)
Amortization of debt issuance costs		6			6
Net cash used in financing activities		(3,112	)		(43,360	)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(5	)		(98	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		23,187			9,562
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		41,202			17,821
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	64,389		$	27,383
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	279		$	384
Cash paid for taxes	$	764		$	960

Non-cash activity:

- For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, the Company accrued dividends on restricted stock awards of $8 and $0, respectively.

See accompanying notes.

9

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2019

(Unaudited)

A.  Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “GAMCO Investors, Inc.,” “GAMCO,” “the Company,” “GBL,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to GAMCO Investors, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of GAMCO included herein have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of GAMCO for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GAMCO and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Developments

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP for the accounting for leases.  ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities arising from most operating leases in the condensed consolidated statement of financial position. It requires these operating leases to be recorded on the balance sheet as right of use assets and offsetting lease liability obligations.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019.  We have elected the transition method allowed under ASU 2018-11, which does not require restatement of comparative periods but instead requires a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings at the January 1, 2019 adoption date.  The Company has performed the analysis on the transition to this new guidance and recorded a $106,000 reduction to retained earnings, a $650,000 increase to other assets and a $756,000 increase to lease liability obligations as a result.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the process used to test for goodwill impairment.  A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.  This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2020.  The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

10

B.  Revenue Recognition

The revenue streams in the discussion below and in the table at the end of this Note include those that are within the scope of ASU 2014-09.  In all cases for all revenue streams discussed below, the revenue generated is from a single transaction price, and there is no need to allocate the amounts across more than a single revenue stream.  The customer for all revenues derived from open-end and closed-end funds described in detail below has been determined to be the fund itself and not the ultimate underlying investor in the fund.  The Company has identified similar performance obligations under ASU 2014-09 as compared with ASC Topic 605.  As a result, the timing of the recognition of our revenue remains the same under this new guidance as it was under ASC Topic 605.

Significant judgments that affect the amounts and timing of revenue recognition:

The Company’s analysis of the timing of revenue recognition for each revenue stream is based upon an analysis of current contract terms.  Performance obligations could, however, change from time to time if and when existing contracts are modified or new contracts are entered into.  These changes could potentially affect the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, the determination of the transaction price, and the allocation of the price to performance obligations.  In the case of the revenue streams discussed below, the performance obligation is satisfied either at a point in time or over time.  For performance correlated and conditional revenues, the performance obligation (advising a client portfolio) is satisfied over time, while recognition of revenues effectively occurs at the end of the measurement period as defined within the contract, as such amounts are subject to reduction to zero on the date where the measurement period ends even if the performance benchmarks were exceeded during the intervening period.  The judgments outlined below, where the determination as to these factors is discussed in detail, are continually reviewed and monitored by the Company when new contracts or contract modifications occur.  Transaction price is in all instances formulaic and not subject to significant (or any) judgment at the current time.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is subject to judgment.  There were no impairment losses (allowance for doubtful accounts) on any receivables from any revenue stream at the end of the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Advisory Fee Revenues

Advisory fees for open-end funds, closed-end funds, sub-advisory accounts, SICAVs, and Exchange Traded Managed Funds (“ETMFs”) are earned based on predetermined percentages of the average net assets of the individual funds and are recognized as revenues as the related services are performed.  Fees for open-end funds, one non-U.S. closed-end fund, sub-advisory accounts, SICAVs, and ETMFs are computed on a daily basis on average net assets under management (“AUM”).  Fees for U.S. closed-end funds are computed on average weekly net AUM, and fees for one non-U.S. closed-end fund are computed on a daily basis based on market value.  These fees are received in cash after the end of each monthly period within 30 days.  The revenue recognition occurs ratably as the performance obligation (advising the fund) is met continuously over time.  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Advisory fees for Institutional & Private Wealth Management accounts are earned based on predetermined percentages of the AUM and are generally computed quarterly based on account values at the end of the preceding quarter.  The revenue recognition occurs daily as the performance obligation (advising the client portfolio) is met continuously.  These fees are received in cash, typically within 60 days of the client being billed.  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Performance Correlated and Conditional Revenues

Investment advisory fees earned on a portion of the closed-end funds' preferred shares are earned at year-end if the total return to common shareholders of the closed-end fund for the calendar year exceeds the dividend rate of the preferred shares.  These fees are recognized at the end of the measurement period which coincides with the calendar year.  The fee would also be earned and the contract period ended at any interim point in time that the preferred shares are redeemed.  These fees are received in cash after the end of the measurement period, within 30 days.

We also receive incentive fees from certain institutional clients which are based upon exceeding a specific benchmark index.  These fees are recognized at the end of the stipulated contract period, which is generally annually, for the respective account.  The fee would also be earned and the contract period ended at any interim point in time that the client terminated its relationship with us.  These fees are received in cash after the end of the measurement period, typically within 60 days.

11

One fund within the SICAV structure charges a performance fee.  That fee is recognized at the end of the measurement period which coincides with the calendar year.  The fee would also be earned and the measurement period ended at any interim point in time that the client redeemed their shares.  That fee is received in cash after the end of the measurement period, within 30 days.

We also receive conditional fees from certain institutional clients which are based upon exceeding a defined return for these accounts.  These fees are recognized at the end of the stipulated contract period, which is generally annually, for the respective account.  The fee would also be earned and the contract period ended at any interim point in time that the client terminated its relationship with us.  These fees are received in cash after the end of the measurement period, typically within 60 days.

In all cases of the performance correlated and conditional revenue, because of the variable nature of the consideration, revenue recognition is delayed until it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, which is generally when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved (for example, the measurement period has concluded and the hurdle has been exceeded).  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Distribution Fees and Other Income

Distribution fees and other income primarily includes distribution fee revenue earned in accordance with Rule 12b-1 of the Company Act, as amended, along with sales charges and underwriting fees associated with the sale of the mutual funds.  Distribution plan fees are computed based on average daily net assets of each fund and are accrued for during the period in which they are earned.  These fees are received in cash after the end of each monthly period within 30 days.  In evaluating the appropriate timing of the recognition of these fees, we applied the guidance on up-front fees to determine whether such fees are related to the transfer of a promised service (a distinct performance obligation).  Our conclusion is that the service being provided by G.distributors to the customer in exchange for the fee is for the initial distribution of the funds and is completed at the time of the sale.  Any fixed amounts are recognized on the trade date, and variable amounts are recognized to the extent it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur once the uncertainty is resolved. For variable amounts, as the uncertainty is dependent on the value of the shares at future points in time as well as the length of time the investor remains in the fund, both of which are highly susceptible to factors outside the Company’s influence, the Company does not believe that it can overcome this constraint until the market value of the fund and the investor activities are known, which are usually monthly.  Sales charges and underwriting fees associated with the sale of the mutual funds are recognized on the trade date of the sale of the shares.  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Revenue Disaggregated

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by account type:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2019		2018
Advisory Fees:
Open-end Funds	$	26,925	$	31,834
Closed-end Funds		15,789		17,145
Sub-advisory accounts		935		1,092
Institutional & Private Wealth Management		20,726		25,965
SICAVs		1,335		1,289
Performance-based		178		23
Distribution and other income		8,448		10,149
Total revenues	$	74,336	$	87,497

C.  Investment in Securities

Effective with the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, the Company carries all investments in equity securities at fair value through net income (“FVTNI”) which approximates market value.  The Company has no securities that qualify for the equity method or for consolidation of the investee for which the Company has elected the practicality exception to fair value measurement.

12

Investments in securities at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				March 31, 2018
			Estimated				Estimated				Estimated
	Cost		Market Value		Cost		Market Value		Cost		Market Value
	(In thousands)
Securities carried at FVTNI:
Common stocks	$	40,562	$	30,408	$	38,865	$	32,414	$	17,467	$	31,291
Closed-end funds		1,181		1,173		1,414		1,337		99		105
Mutual funds		44		42		44		38		12		11
Total securities carried at FVTNI	$	41,787	$	31,623	$	40,323	$	33,789	$	17,578	$	31,407

There were no securities sold, not yet purchased at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018.

Investments in United States Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are classified as investments in securities, and those with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.   Securities carried at FVTNI for the March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, and March 31, 2018 period-end are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses reported in current period earnings.

D. Fair Value

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2019 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2019
Cash equivalents	$	63,985	$	-	$	-	$	63,985
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		30,408		-		-		30,408
Closed-end Funds		1,173		-		-		1,173
Mutual Funds		42		-		-		42
Total investments in securities		31,623		-		-		31,623
Total assets at fair value	$	95,608	$	-	$	-	$	95,608

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		December 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2018
Cash equivalents	$	40,905	$	-	$	-	$	40,905
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		32,414		-		-		32,414
Closed-end Funds		1,337		-		-		1,337
Mutual Funds		38		-		-		38
Total investments in securities		33,789		-		-		33,789
Total assets at fair value	$	74,694	$	-	$	-	$	74,694

13

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2018 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2018
Cash equivalents	$	27,034	$	-	$	-	$	27,034
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		31,291		-		-		31,291
Closed-end Funds		105		-		-		105
Mutual Funds		11		-		-		11
Total investments in securities		31,407		-		-		31,407
Total assets at fair value	$	58,441	$	-	$	-	$	58,441

During the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no transfers between any Level 1 and Level 2 holdings, or between Level 1 and Level 3 holdings.

E. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was 25.7% and 22.6%, respectively.  The ETR for the first quarter of 2019 included an accrual of $1.5 million related to an adjustment in an uncertain tax position.  The ETR absent this accrual was 20.4%.

F. Earnings Per Share

Thecomputations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2019		2018
Basic:
Net income	$	19,892	$	27,261
Weighted average shares outstanding		28,507		28,916
Basic net income	$	0.70	$	0.94
Diluted:
Net income	$	19,892	$	27,261
Weighted average shares outstanding		28,507		28,916
Restricted stock awards		32		-
Total		28,539		28,916
Diluted net income	$	0.70	$	0.94

G. Debt

Debt consists of the following:

	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				March 31, 2018
	Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
	Value		Level 2		Value		Level 2		Value		Level 2
(In thousands)
AC 4% PIK Note	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	40,000	$	39,860
5.875% Senior notes		24,174		24,020		24,168		23,061		24,150		23,742
Total	$	24,174	$	24,020	$	24,168	$	23,061	$	64,150	$	63,602

14

AC 4% PIK Note

In connection with the Spin-off of Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC”) on November 30, 2015, the Company issued a $250 million promissory note (the “AC 4% PIK Note”) payable to AC. The AC 4% PIK Note bore interest at 4.0% per annum.  The original principal amount had a maturity date of November 30, 2020.  The Company was, under the terms of the note, able to prepay the AC 4% PIK Note (in whole or in part) prior to maturity without penalty.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company prepaid $10 million of principal of the AC 4% PIK Note against the principal amount due on November 30, 2020.  The AC 4% PIK Note was fully repaid on August 28, 2018 prior to maturity without penalty.

5.875% Senior Notes

On May 31, 2011, the Company issued 10-year, $100 million senior notes (“Senior Notes”).  The Senior Notes mature on June 1, 2021 and bear interest at 5.875% per annum, payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year and commenced on December 1, 2011.  Upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, the Company would be required to offer to repurchase the Senior notes at 101% of their principal amount.

At March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, the debt was recorded at its face value, net of issuance costs, of $24.2 million, $24.2 million and $24.2 million, respectively.

The Company’s debt, which is a Level 2 valuation, is carried at amortized cost on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position.  The Company has not elected the fair value option for its debt, and, therefore, the provisions of ASU 2016-01 (adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018) related to instrument-specific credit risk are not applicable.

H. Stockholders’ Equity

Shares outstanding were 28.9 million, 29.0 million and 28.9 million on March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

Dividends

	Record	Payment
	Date	Date	Amount
Three months ended March 31, 2019	April 16, 2019	April 30, 2019	$	0.02
Three months ended March 31, 2018	March 13, 2018	March 27, 2018	$	0.02

Voting Rights

The holders of Class A Stock and Class B Common stock (“Class B Stock”) have identical rights except that (i) holders of Class A Stock are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B Stock are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by shareholders in general, and (ii) holders of Class A Stock are not eligible to vote on matters relating exclusively to Class B Stock and vice versa.

Stock Award and Incentive Plan

The Company maintains one Plan approved by the shareholders, which is designed to provide incentives which will attract and retain individuals key to the success of GBL through direct or indirect ownership of our common stock. Benefits under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash based awards. A maximum of 7.5 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan by a committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plan (“Compensation Committee”). Under the Plan, the committee may grant restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and either incentive or nonqualified stock options with a term not to exceed ten years from the grant date and at an exercise price that the committee may determine.

On January 5, 2018, the Compensation Committee of GBL accelerated the vesting relating to the remaining 19,400 RSAs outstanding at that time.  As a result, GBL recorded an incremental $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense during the first quarter of 2018.

15

On April 4, 2018, 270,500 RSAs were issued at a grant price of $24.77.  On August 7, 2018, 162,450 RSAs were issued at a grant price of $25.16.  On September 17, 2018, 5,000 RSAs were issued at a grant price of $25.74.  As of March 31, 2019, there were 425,150 of these RSA shares outstanding with a weighted average grant price of $24.93.There were no RSAs outstanding as of March 31, 2018. All grants of the RSA shares were recommended by the Company's Chairman, who did not receive a RSA, and approved by the Compensation Committee. This expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the vesting period for these awards which is either (1) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 70% over five years from the date of grant or (2) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 10% each year over years four through ten from the date of grant.  During the vesting period, dividends to RSA holders are held for them until the RSA vesting dates and are forfeited if the grantee is no longer employed by the Company on the vesting dates.  Dividends declared on these RSAs, less estimated forfeitures, are charged to retained earnings (deficit) on the declaration date.

 During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company reduced previously recorded tax benefits relating to RSA expense by $0.1 million on RSAs that vested.  There were no RSAs that vested for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Actual and projected stock-based compensation expense for RSA shares for the years ended December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):

		2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		2023
	Q1	$	187	$	577	$	577	$	577	$	330	$	329
	Q2		354		577		577		426		330		128
	Q3		501		577		577		362		329		43
	Q4		577		577		577		330		329		-
Full Year		$	1,619	$	2,308	$	2,308	$	1,695	$	1,318	$	500

The total compensation costs related to non-vested RSAs not yet recognized is approximately $7.6 million as of March 31, 2019.

Stock Repurchase Program

In March 1999, GAMCO’s Board of Directors established the Stock Repurchase Program to grant management the authority to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 126,354 shares at an average price per share of $20.15.  At March 31, 2019, the total shares available under the program to be repurchased in the future were 738,456.

Shelf Registration

In April 2018, the SEC declared effective the Company’s “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 giving the Company the flexibility to sell any combination of senior and subordinate debt securities, convertible debt securities and equity securities (including common and preferred securities) up to a total amount of $500 million.  The shelf is available through April 2021, at which time it may be renewed.

I. Identifiable Intangible Assets

As a result of becoming the advisor to the Gabelli Enterprise Mergers and Acquisitions Fund and the associated consideration paid, the Company maintains an identifiable intangible asset of $1.9 million within other assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018. The investment advisory agreement is subject to annual renewal by the fund's Board of Directors, which the Company expects to be renewed, and the Company does not expect to incur additional expense as a result, which is consistent with other investment advisory agreements entered into by the Company.  The advisory contract is next up for renewal in February 2020. As a result of becoming the advisor to the Bancroft Fund Ltd. and the Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. and the associated consideration paid, the Company maintains an identifiable intangible asset of $1.6 million within other assets in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018.  The advisory contracts for the Bancroft Fund Ltd. and the Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. are next up for renewal in August 2019. The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset at least annually, or more often should events warrant. There were no indicators of impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 or March 31, 2018, and as such there was no impairment analysis performed or charge recorded.

16

J. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exists losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures.  However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at March 31, 2019.

K. Related Party Transactions

On February 23, 2018, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company elected to waive all of his compensation that he would have otherwise been entitled to for the period of March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.  On December 26, 2018, the CEO elected to continue to waive all of his compensation that he would otherwise have been entitled to for the period from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, the waiver reduced compensation by $12.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively, and management fee by $1.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

L. Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2019, GAMCO and AC agreed to extend AC’s lease agreement, that expired on March 31, 2019, on the same terms and conditions on a month-to-month basis commencing on April 1, 2019.

On April 1, 2019, the deferred cash compensation agreement (“DCCA”) with the CEO covering compensation from the fourth quarter of 2017 vested in accordance with the terms of the agreement.  The CEO earned $15.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 resulting in the issuance of 530,662 RSUs based on the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of GBL stock over the fourth quarter of 2017.

Under the terms of the agreement, if the RSUs were settled in cash, the amount paid to the CEO upon vesting would be capped and calculated as the number of net RSUs vesting (530,662) valued at the lesser of the VWAP over the fourth quarter of 2017 or the VWAP on the date of vesting.  The Company elected to settle the DCCA in cash, as had been the stated intention at the time the DCCA was entered into, notwithstanding the Compensation Committee’s ability to settle it by issuing stock. This resulted in a cash payment of $11.0 million by the Company in April 2019, which, because of the cap, was $4.5 million less than what he had been entitled to receive absent the DCCA.

On April 16, 2019, GAMCO repurchased 1.2 million shares of GBL class A stock at $21.00 per share in a private transaction.  This transaction resulted in a 12.4% reduction in Class A shares outstanding from 9.8 million to 8.6 million and a 4.2% reduction in total shares outstanding from 28.8 million to 27.6 million.

From April 1, 2019 to May 7, 2019, and excluding the private transaction, the Company repurchased 29,484 shares at $20.90 per share.

On May 7, 2019, the Board of Directors declared its regular quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share to all of its shareholders, payable on June 25, 2019 to shareholders of record on June 11, 2019.

17

ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (INCLUDING QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK)

Overview

GAMCO, through the Gabelli brand, well known for its Private Market Value (PMV) with a Catalyst^TM investment approach, is a widely-recognized provider of investment advisory services to open-end funds, closed-end funds, and institutional and private wealth management investors principally in the United States.  Through G.distributors, LLC (“G.distributors”), we provide distribution for open-end funds.  We generally manage assets on a fully discretionary basis and invest in a variety of U.S. and international securities through various investment styles including value, growth, non-market correlated, and convertible securities.  Our revenues are based primarily on the Company’s levels of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products.

Our revenues are highly correlated to the level of assets under management and fees associated with our various investment products, rather than our own corporate assets.  Assets under management, which are influenced by the level and changes of the overall equity markets, can also fluctuate through acquisitions, the creation of new products, the addition of new accounts, or the loss of existing accounts.  Since various equity products have different fees, changes in our business mix may also affect revenues.  At times, the performance of our equity products may differ markedly from popular market indices, and this can also impact our revenues.  General stock market trends will have an impact on our level of assets under management and hence, on revenues.

We conduct our investment advisory business principally through the following subsidiaries: GAMCO Asset Management Inc. (Institutional and Private Wealth Management) and Gabelli Funds, LLC (Funds).  The distribution of our open-end funds is conducted through G.distributors, our broker-dealer subsidiary.

Assets under management (“AUM”) were $37.3 billion as of March 31, 2019, an increase of $2.9 billion, or 8.4%, from the December 31, 2018 AUM of $34.4 billion and a decrease of $3.6 billion, or 8.8%, from the March 31, 2018 AUM of $40.9 billion.  The first quarter 2019 activity consisted of $3.7 billion of market appreciation partially reduced by net cash outflows of $685 million and recurring distributions, net of reinvestments, from open-end and closed-end funds of $136 million.  Average total AUM was $36.8 billion in the 2019 quarter versus $42.5 billion in the prior year period, a decrease of 13.4%.

In addition to management fees, we earn incentive fees for certain institutional client assets, certain assets attributable to preferred issues of our closed-end funds, two closed-end funds, and one SICAV.  As of March 31, 2019, assets under management with incentive based fees were $1.8 billion, $0.9 billion less than the $2.7 billion on March 31, 2018. 

18

The Company reported Assets Under Management as follows (in millions):

Table I: Fund Flows - 1st Quarter 2019

								Fund
			Market					distributions,
	December 31,		appreciation/		Net cash			net of			March 31,
	2018		(depreciation)		flows			reinvestments			2019
Equities:
Open-end Funds	$	10,589	$	1,190	$	(319	)	$	(8	)	$	11,452
Closed-end Funds		6,959		725		(6	)		(128	)		7,550
Institutional & PWM		14,078		1,803		(638	)		-			15,243
SICAV		507		8		7			-			522
Total Equities		32,133		3,726		(956	)		(136	)		34,767
Fixed Income:
100% U.S. Treasury Fund		2,195		14		278			-			2,487
Institutional & PWM		26		-		(7	)		-			19
Total Fixed Income		2,221		14		271			-			2,506
Total Assets Under Management	$	34,354	$	3,740	$	(685	)	$	(136	)	$	37,273

Table II: Assets Under Management by Quarter

							% Change From
	March 31,		December 31,		March 31,		December 31,			March 31,
	2019		2018		2018		2018			2018
Equities:
Open-end Funds	$	11,452	$	10,589	$	12,964		8.2	%		(11.7	%)
Closed-end Funds		7,550		6,959		7,768		8.5			(2.8	)
Institutional & PWM		15,243		14,078		17,643		8.3			(13.6	)
SICAV		522		507		527		3.0			(0.9	)
Total Equities		34,767		32,133		38,902		8.2			(10.6	)
Fixed Income:
100% U.S. Treasury Fund		2,487		2,195		1,922		13.3			29.4
Institutional & PWM		19		26		30		(26.9	)		(36.7	)
Total Fixed Income		2,506		2,221		1,952		12.8			28.4
Total Assets Under Management	$	37,273	$	34,354	$	40,854		8.5			(8.8	)

Institutional & PWM includes $251 million, $247 million and $212 million of Money Market Fund AUM at March 31, 2019,

December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

19

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

As previously disclosed, the Company has deferred the cash compensation of the Chief Executive Officer relating to all of 2016 (“2016 DCCA”), the first half of 2017 (“First Half 2017 DCCA”), and the fourth quarter of 2017 (“Fourth Quarter 2017 DCCA”) to provide the Company with flexibility to pay down debt and enhance our ability to execute lift-outs, make acquisitions, and seed new products.  We have made substantial progress toward this objective, having reduced our debt since the November 2015 spin-off of AC, resulting in Standard & Poor’s July 2018 reaffirmation of our investment grade rating of BBB- and stable outlook.

Notwithstanding its ability to settle these agreements in stock, GAMCO currently intends to make a cash payment to Mr. Gabelli on the respective vesting date.  While the agreements did not change Mr. Gabelli’s compensation, generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) reporting for his compensation did change due to the ratable vesting.

The DCCAs defer the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation expense by amortizing it over each DCCA’s respective vesting period.  The Chief Executive Officer is not entitled to receive the compensation until the end of the vesting period, so GAAP specify this treatment of the expense.  The 2016 DCCA is expensed ratably over 4 years, the First Half 2017 DCCA was expensed ratably over 18 months, and the Fourth Quarter 2017 DCCA was expensed ratably over 18 months.

Because the GAAP reporting of the DCCAs granted to the CEO tracks vesting, compensation expense and management fee expense in the year of grant is lower than compensation expense and management fee expense in future periods to the extent that future periods contain the vesting of the prior year’s DCCA compensation in addition to normal non-deferred compensation for the current year period.  In 2016, the full amount of the compensation was deferred, and expense was recorded for the 25% vesting in that year.  In the first six months of 2017, the ratable vesting continued for the 2016 compensation, and the new First Half 2017 DCCA grant resulted in compensation for the first six months of 2017 being deferred and expense being recorded for 33% vesting in that period.  The CEO’s third quarter 2017 compensation was not deferred so 100% of the CEO’s compensation for that period was recorded together with the ratable portions of the vestings of the 2016 DCCA and the First Half 2017 DCCA.  This results in a compounding effect in future periods when non-deferred current period compensation and prior period deferred compensation is ratably vested.  On May 23, 2018, the CEO waived receipt of $6 million of the First Half 2017 DCCA, and a reduction in expense was recognized. On July 2, 2018, the First Half 2017 DCCA vested in accordance with the terms of the agreement and a cash payment in the amount of $28.3 million was made to the CEO.  On April 1, 2019, the Fourth Quarter 2017 DCCA vested in accordance with the terms of the agreement, and a cash payment in the amount of $11.0 million was made to the CEO.

Accordingly, this vesting schedule resulted in a $13.0 million increase in compensation expense in the first quarter 2019 versus the comparable 2018 period’s amounts as well as a $1.4 million decrease in management fee expense in the first quarter 2019 as compared to the 2018 period’s amounts.

The following tables show the amortization and EPS impact of the DCCAs by quarter.  The amortization amount of future periods assumes that the stock price of GBL of $20.50 is unchanged from March 31, 2019.  For every $1.00 change in the GBL stock price, up to a GBL stock price of $32.8187, the 2016 DCCA would increase by $2,314,695.

Amortization by quarter (increase / (decrease)):													EPS impact by quarter:
		2017				2018			2019		2020				2017				2018			2019			2020
		(amounts in thousands)
	Q1		$	(8,126	)	$	979		$	12,615	$	-		Q1		$	0.16		$	(0.03	)	$	(0.34	)	$	-
	Q2			(7,389	)		11,232			2,966		-		Q2			0.15			(0.29	)		(0.07	)		-
	Q3			9,805			183			2,966		-		Q3			(0.20	)		-			(0.07	)		-
	Q4			(1,857	)		(8,764	)		2,966		-		Q4			0.04			0.23			(0.07	)		-
Year			$	(7,567	)	$	3,630		$	21,513	$	-	Year			$	0.15		$	(0.09	)	$	(0.55	)	$	-

The GAAP based balance sheets are also impacted as only the vested portion of the compensation subject to the DCCAs is included in compensation payable.  At March 31, 2019, the amount of unrecognized compensation was $8.9 million.

The following tables show a reconciliation of our results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 and our balance sheet at March 31, 2019 between the GAAP basis and a non-GAAP adjusted basis as if all of the 2016 DCCA was recognized in 2016, and the First Half 2017 DCCA and the Fourth Quarter 2017 DCCA expense were recognized in 2017 without regard to the vesting schedule.  We believe the non-GAAP financial measures below provide relevant and meaningful information to investors about our core operating results.  These measures have been established in order to increase transparency for the purpose of evaluating our core business, for comparing results with prior period results, and to enable more appropriate comparisons with industry peers.  However, non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for financial measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may be calculated differently by other companies.  The following schedules reconcile U.S. GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP measures for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 as well as at March 31, 2019.

20

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
				Impact of
	Reported			Fourth Quarter			Impact of
	GAAP			2017 DCCA			2016 DCCA			Non-GAAP
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees	$	65,888		$	-		$	-		$	65,888
Distribution fees and other income		8,448			-			-			8,448
Total revenues		74,336			-			-			74,336
Expenses
Compensation		30,347			(2,983	)		(8,184	)		19,180
Management fee		1,449			(419	)		(1,030	)		-
Distribution costs		8,670			-			-			8,670
Other operating expenses		5,257			-			-			5,257
Total expenses		45,723			(3,402	)		(9,214	)		33,107
Operating income		28,613			3,402			9,214			41,229
Other income (expense)
Net gain (loss) from investments		(1,895	)		-			-			(1,895	)
Interest and dividend income		724			-			-			724
Interest expense		(655	)		-			-			(655	)
Total other expense, net		(1,826	)		-			-			(1,826	)
Income before income taxes		26,787			3,402			9,214			39,403
Income tax provision		6,895			816			2,211			9,922
Net income	$	19,892		$	2,586		$	7,003		$	29,481
Net income:
Basic	$	0.70		$	0.09		$	0.25		$	1.03
Diluted		0.70			0.09			0.25			1.03

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
				Impact of			Impact of
	Reported			Fourth Quarter			First Half			Impact of
	GAAP			2017 DCCA			2017 DCCA			2016 DCCA			Non-GAAP
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees	$	77,348		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	77,348
Distribution fees and other income		10,149			-			-			-			10,149
Total revenues		87,497			-			-			-			87,497
Expenses
Compensation		25,950			(1,391	)		213			3,016			27,788
Management fee		4,634			(419	)		(1,368	)		(1,030	)		1,817
Distribution costs		10,204			-			-			-			10,204
Other operating expenses		5,453			-			-			-			5,453
Total expenses		46,241			(1,810	)		(1,155	)		1,986			45,262
Operating income		41,256			1,810			1,155			(1,986	)		42,235
Other income (expense)
Net gain (loss) from investments		(5,347	)		-			-			-			(5,347	)
Interest and dividend income		492			-			-			-			492
Interest expense		(1,200	)		-			-			-			(1,200	)
Total other expense, net		(6,055	)		-			-			-			(6,055	)
Income before income taxes		35,201			1,810			1,155			(1,986	)		36,180
Income tax provision		7,940			453			289			(497	)		8,185
Net income	$	27,261		$	1,357		$	866		$	(1,489	)	$	27,995
Net income:
Basic	$	0.94		$	0.05		$	0.03		$	(0.05	)	$	0.97
Diluted	$	0.94		$	0.05		$	0.03		$	(0.05	)	$	0.97

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	March 31, 2019
	Reported			Impact of
	GAAP			2016 DCCA			Non-GAAP
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	64,389		$	-		$	64,389
Investments in securities		31,623			-			31,623
Receivable from brokers		3,529			-			3,529
Investment advisory fees receivable		23,058			-			23,058
Receivable from affiliates		4,435			-			4,435
Deferred tax asset and income tax receivable		15,661			2,135			17,796
Other assets		11,534			-			11,534
Total assets	$	154,229		$	2,135		$	156,364
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Payable to brokers		478			-			478
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities		8,068			-			8,068
Lease liability obligations		5,300			-			5,300
Compensation payable		59,142			8,897			68,039
Payable to affiliates		-			-			-
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		30,196			-			30,196
Sub-total		103,184			8,897			112,081
5.875% Senior notes (due June 1, 2021)		24,174			-			24,174
Total liabilities		127,358			8,897			136,255
Equity
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
Class A Common Stock		14			-			14
Class B Common Stock		19			-			19
Additional paid-in capital		14,769			-			14,769
Retained earnings		302,139			(6,762	)		295,377
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(220	)		-			(220	)
Treasury stock, at cost		(289,850	)		-			(289,850	)
Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity		26,871			(6,762	)		20,109
Total liabilities and equity	$	154,229		$	2,135		$	156,364

22

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in Item 1 to this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared To Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
	2019			2018
Revenues
Investment advisory and incentive fees	$	65,888		$	77,348
Distribution fees and other income		8,448			10,149
Total revenues		74,336			87,497
Expenses
Compensation		30,347			25,950
Management fee		1,449			4,634
Distribution costs		8,670			10,204
Other operating expenses		5,257			5,453
Total expenses		45,723			46,241
Operating income		28,613			41,256
Other income (expense)
Net loss from investments		(1,895	)		(5,347	)
Interest and dividend income		724			492
Interest expense		(655	)		(1,200	)
Total other expense, net		(1,826	)		(6,055	)
Income before income taxes		26,787			35,201
Income tax provision		6,895			7,940
Net income	$	19,892		$	27,261
Net income:
Basic	$	0.70		$	0.94
Diluted	$	0.70		$	0.94

Overview

Net income for the quarter was $19.9 million, or $0.70 per fully diluted share, versus $27.3 million, or $0.94 per fully diluted share, in the prior year’s quarter.  The quarter to quarter comparison was impacted by lower revenues and higher variable compensation partially offset by lower other expense, net.

Revenues

Investment advisory and incentive fees for the first quarter 2019 were $65.9 million, 14.7% lower than the 2018 comparative figure of $77.3 million.  Open-end fund revenues decreased by 15.2% to $27.9 million from $32.9 million in the first quarter of 2018.  Our closed-end fund revenues decreased 7.6% to $15.8 million in the first quarter 2019 from $17.1 million in 2018.  Institutional and private wealth management account revenues, excluding incentive fees, which are generally based on beginning of quarter AUM, declined $5.3 million to $20.7 million from $26.0 million in the first quarter of 2018.  There were no incentive fees earned during the first quarters of 2019 or 2018.  We recognize incentive fees only when the earning period for them is complete.  Revenues relating to the SICAV were $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2019 versus $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2018.

Open-end fund distribution fees and other income were $8.4 million for the first quarter 2019, a decrease of $1.7 million or 16.8% from $10.1 million in the prior year period, primarily due to lower average AUM in open-end equity funds that generate distribution fees.

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Expenses

Compensation costs, which are largely variable, were $30.3 million, or 16.5%, higher than prior year compensation costs of $26.0 million.  The amortization of the DCCAs resulted in a $13.0 million increase in compensation year over year.  The CEO’s waiver of his compensation for January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019 and March 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018 reduced compensation by $12.2 million and $4.9 million in the first quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The remainder of the quarter over quarter increase was comprised of a $0.4 million increase in stock compensation expense, a $2.9 million decrease in variable compensation and a $1.1 million increase in fixed compensation.

Management fee expense, which is wholly variable and based on pretax income, decreased to $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2019 from $4.6 million in the 2018 period.  $1.8 million of this decrease was due to the CEO waiver for 2018 only being in effect for March 2018 while the waiver for 2019 was in effect for the entire first quarter.  The DCCAs affected management fee expense, which is part of the CEO’s DCCAs, in a fashion similar to the compensation expense with the vesting schedule resulting in a $1.4 million decrease in management fee expense in the first quarter 2019 as compared with the first quarter 2018.

Distribution costs were $8.7 million, a decrease of $1.5 million or 14.7% from $10.2 million in the prior year’s period.

Other operating expenses were $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2019, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3.6%, from $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2018.

Operating income for the first quarter of 2019 was $28.6 million, a decrease of $12.7 million, or 30.8%, from the $41.3 million in the first quarter of 2018.  Operating income, as a percentage of revenues, was 38.5% in the 2019 quarter as compared to 47.2% in the 2018 quarter.

Other income (expense)

Total other income (expense), net was an expense of $1.8 million for the first quarter 2019 versus an expense of $6.1 million in the prior year’s quarter.  Net losses from investments were $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2019 versus losses of $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2018.  Interest and dividend income increased to $0.7 million from $0.5 million in the 2018 quarter.  Interest expense was $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2019 versus $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2018.

The effective tax rates (“ETR”) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 were 25.7% and 22.6%, respectively.  The ETR for the first quarter of 2019 included an accrual of $1.5 million related to an adjustment in an uncertain tax position.  The ETR absent this accrual was 20.4%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal assets are highly liquid in nature and consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and securities held for investment purposes.  Cash and cash equivalents are comprised primarily of 100% U.S. Treasury money market funds managed by GAMCO.

Summary cash flow data is as follows:

	Three months ended
	March 31,
	2019			2018
Cash flows provided by/(used in) continuing operations :	(in thousands)
Operating activities	$	29,440		$	53,020
Investing activities		(3,136	)		-
Financing activities		(3,112	)		(43,360	)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations		23,192			9,660
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(5	)		(98	)
Net increase		23,187			9,562
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		41,202			17,821
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	64,389		$	27,383

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Cash and liquidity requirements have historically been met through cash generated by operating income and our borrowing capacity.  We filed a “shelf” registration statement with the SEC that was declared effective in April 2018.  The shelf provides us opportunistic flexibility to sell any combination of senior and subordinate debt securities, convertible debt securities, equity securities (including common and preferred stock), and other securities up to a total amount of $500 million.  The shelf is available through April 2021, at which time it may be renewed.

On February 23, 2018, the Company announced that its CEO elected to waive all of his compensation that he would otherwise have been entitled to for the period from March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.  On December 26, 2018, the Company announced that the CEO elected to continue to waive all of his compensation that he would otherwise have been entitled to for the period from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019.  As a result of this waiver, there was $13.9 million and $6.6 million of compensation and management fee waived by the CEO for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively.  On July 2, 2018, the First Half 2017 DCCA vested in accordance with the terms of the agreement and a cash payment in the amount of $28.3 million was made to the CEO.  On April 1, 2019, the Fourth Quarter 2017 DCCA vested in accordance with the terms of the agreement and a cash payment in the amount of $11.0 million was made to the CEO.

At March 31, 2019, we had total unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $64.4 million, an increase of $23.2 million from December 31, 2018 primarily due to the Company’s operating activities described below.  Total debt outstanding at March 31, 2019 was $24.2 million, consisting of 5.875% senior notes due 2021.  It is anticipated that the majority of our free cash flow will go towards servicing the deferred compensation payable as well as share buybacks in the near future.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, cash provided by operating activities was $29.4 million, a decrease of $23.6 million from cash provided in the prior year period of $53.0 million.  Cash was provided through an increase in deferred income taxes of $5.4 million, an increase of $0.4 million in stock based compensation expense, and $0.9 million from all other sources.   Reducing cash was an increase in investment advisory fees receivable of $8.9 million, a decrease in net income of $7.4 million, a decrease income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities of $4.1 million, a decrease in compensation payable of $2.7 million, an increase in income tax receivable and deferred tax assets of $3.4 million, an increase in investments in trading securities of $2.7 million, and a decrease in payables to affiliates $1.1 million. Cash used in investing activities in the first three months of 2019 was $3.1 million, including $3.4 million in purchased of available for sale securities offset by $0.3 million in proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities.  Cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2019 was $3.1 million, including $2.5 million paid for the purchase of treasury stock and $0.6 million paid in dividends.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, cash provided by operating activities was $53.0 million.  Cash used in financing activities in the first three months of 2018 was $43.4 million.  There was no cash provided by or used in investing activities for the first three months of 2018.

Based upon our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we expect that our current cash balances plus cash flows from operating activities and our borrowing capacity will be sufficient to finance our working capital needs for the foreseeable future.  We have no material commitments for capital expenditures.

We have one broker-dealer, G.distributors, which is subject to certain net capital requirements.  G.distributors computes its net capital under the alternative method permitted, which requires minimum net capital of the greater of $250,000 or 2% of the aggregate debit items in the reserve formula for those broker-dealers subject to Rule 15c3-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The requirement was $250,000 for the broker-dealer at March 31, 2019.  At March 31, 2019, G.distributors had net capital, as defined, of approximately $3.8 million, exceeding the regulatory requirement by approximately $3.5 million.  Net capital requirements for our affiliated broker-dealer may increase in accordance with rules and regulations to the extent they engage in other business activities.

Market Risk

Our primary market risk exposure is to changes in equity prices and interest rates.  Since approximately 95% of our AUM are equities, our financial results are subject to equity market risk as revenues from our investment management services are sensitive to stock market dynamics.  In addition, returns from our proprietary investment portfolio are exposed to interest rate and equity market risk.

The Company’s Chief Investment Officer oversees the proprietary investment portfolios and allocations of proprietary capital among the various strategies.  The Chief Investment Officer and the Board of Directors review the proprietary investment portfolios throughout the year.  Additionally, the Company monitors its proprietary investment portfolios to ensure that they are in compliance with the Company’s guidelines.

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Equity Price Risk

The Company earns substantially all of its revenue as advisory and distribution fees from affiliated open-end and closed-end funds and Institutional and Private Wealth Management assets.  Such fees represent a percentage of AUM, and the majority of these assets are in equity investments.  Accordingly, since revenues are proportionate to the value of those investments, a substantial increase or decrease in equity markets overall will have a corresponding effect on the Company's revenues.

With respect to our proprietary investment activities, investments in securities of $31.6 million, $33.8 million and $31.4 million at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, included investments in common stocks of $30.4 million, $32.4 million and $31.3 million, respectively, and investments in closed-end funds of $30,000, $1.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.  Of the $30.4 million, $32.4 million and $31.3 million, invested in common stocks at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, $19.9 million, $18.8 million and $31.3 million, respectively, was related to our investment in Westwood Holdings Group Inc.  Securities sold, not yet purchased are financial instruments purchased under agreements to resell and financial instruments sold under agreement to repurchase.  These financial instruments are stated at fair value and are subject to market risks resulting from changes in price and volatility.  At March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, there were no securities sold, not yet purchased.

The following table provides a sensitivity analysis for our investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.  The sensitivity analysis assumes a 10% increase or decrease in the value of these investments (in thousands):

				Fair Value			Fair Value
				assuming			assuming
				10% decrease in			10% increase in
(unaudited)	Fair Value			equity prices			equity prices
At March 31, 2019
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value		$	31,623		$	28,460		$	34,785
At December 31, 2018
Equity price sensitive investments, at fair value		$	33,789		$	30,410		$	37,168

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to interest rate risk results, principally, from our investment of excess cash in a sponsored money market fund that holds U.S. Government securities.  These investments are primarily short term in nature, and the carrying value of these investments generally approximates fair value.  Based on the March 31, 2019 cash and cash equivalent balance of $64.3 million, a 1% increase in interest rates would increase our interest income by $0.6 million annually while a 1% decrease would reduce our interest income by $0.6 million annually

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  See Note A and the Company’s Critical Accounting Policies in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in GAMCO’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 11, 2019 for details on Critical Accounting Policies.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the normal course of its business, GAMCO is exposed to risk of loss due to fluctuations in the securities market and general economy. Management is responsible for identifying, assessing and managing market and other risks. 

Our exposure to pricing risk in equity securities is directly related to our role as financial intermediary and advisor for AUM in our affiliated open-end and closed-end funds, institutional and private wealth management accounts, and investment partnerships as well as our proprietary investment and trading activities.  At March 31, 2019, we had equity investments of $31.6 million.  We may alter our investment holdings from time to time in response to changes in market risks and other factors considered appropriate by management.  The equity securities investment portfolio is at fair value and will move in line with the equity markets.  The equity securities investment portfolio changes are recorded as net gain (loss) from investments in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

26

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

We evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2019.  Disclosure controls and procedures as defined under the Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), are designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in SEC rules and regulations.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Co-Principal Financial Officers (“PFOs”), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our CEO and PFOs participated in this evaluation and concluded that, as of the date of March 31, 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined by Rule 13a-15(f) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Forward-Looking Information

Our disclosure and analysis in this report contain some forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements because they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. They also appear in any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future performance of our products, expenses, the outcome of any legal proceedings, and financial results.  Although we believe that we are basing our expectations and beliefs on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of what we currently know about our business and operations, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from what we expect or believe. Some of the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations or beliefs include, without limitation: the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets that adversely affect our assets under management; a decline in the performance of our products; a general downturn in the economy; changes in government policy or regulation; changes in our ability to attract or retain key employees; unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations; and the ongoing impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with respect to tax rates and the non-deductibility of certain portions of NEO compensation. We also direct your attention to any more specific discussions of risk contained in our Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other public filings.  We are providing these statements as permitted by the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We do not undertake to update publicly any forward-looking statements if we subsequently learn that we are unlikely to achieve our expectations or if we receive any additional information relating to the subject matters of our forward-looking statements.

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Part II:  Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings.  These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief.  The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations.  The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief.  For any such matters, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable.  Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exist losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures.  However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at March 31, 2019.

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

The following table provides information with respect to the repurchase of Class A Common Stock of GAMCO during the three months ended March 31, 2019:

					(c) Total Number of		(d) Maximum
	(a) Total		(b) Average		Shares Repurchased as		Number of Shares
	Number of		Price Paid Per		Part of Publicly		That May Yet Be
	Shares		Share, net of		Announced Plans		Purchased Under
Period	Repurchased		Commissions		or Programs		the Plans or Programs
1/01/19 - 1/31/19		13,926	$	18.61		13,926		850,884
2/01/19 - 2/28/19		49,154		20.64		49,154		801,730
3/01/19 - 3/31/19		63,274		20.11		63,274		738,456
Totals		126,354	$	20.15		126,354

Item 6.          (a) Exhibits

 31.1 Certification of CEO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

31.2	Certification of co-PFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
31.3	Certification of co-PFO pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).

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

 32.2 Certification of co-PFOs pursuant pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

28

SIGNATURES

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

GAMCO INVESTORS, INC.

(Registrant)

By: /s/ Kieran Caterina	By: /s/ Diane M. LaPointe
Name: Kieran Caterina	Name: Diane M. LaPointe
Title: Co-Principal Financial Officer	Title: Co-Principal Financial Officer
Date: May 7, 2019	Date: May 7, 2019

29

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certifications

I, Mario J. Gabelli, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of GAMCO Investors, 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 officers 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 officers 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 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 data; 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.

By:	/s/ Mario J. Gabelli
	Mario J. Gabelli
	Chief Executive Officer
Date:	May 7, 2019

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certifications

I, Kieran Caterina, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of GAMCO Investors, 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 officers 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 officers 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 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 data; 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.

By:	/s/ Kieran Caterina
	Kieran Caterina
	co-Principal Financial Officer
Date:	May 7, 2019

EX-31.3

Exhibit 31.3

Certifications

I, Diane M. LaPointe, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of GAMCO Investors, 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 officers 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 officers 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 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 data; 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.

By:	/s/ Diane M. LaPointe
	Diane M. LaPointe
	Co-Principal Financial Officer
Date:	May 7, 2019

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of CEO 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 on Form 10-Q of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Mario J. Gabelli, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/       Mario J. Gabelli

Name: Mario J. Gabelli

Title:   Chief Executive Officer

Date:   May 7, 2019

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of §18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of co-PFOs 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 on Form 10-Q of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Kieran Caterina and Diane M. LaPointe, as Co-Principal Financial Officers of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of their knowledge:

(1)           The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)           The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/       Kieran Caterina		/s/       Diane M. LaPointe
Name:	Kieran Caterina	Name:	Diane M. LaPointe
Title:	Co-Principal Financial Officer	Title:	Co-Principal Financial Officer
Date:	May 7, 2019	Date:	May 7, 2019

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of §18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. ET AL
Entity Central Index Key	0001060349
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Ex Transition Period	false
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Class A [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,586,327
Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,024,117

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME UNAUDITED - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 74,336	$ 87,497
Expenses
Compensation	30,347	25,950
Management fee	1,449	4,634
Distribution costs	8,670	10,204
Other operating expenses	5,257	5,453
Total expenses	45,723	46,241
Operating income	28,613	41,256
Other income (expense)
Net gain (loss) from investments	(1,895)	(5,347)
Interest and dividend income	724	492
Interest expense	(655)	(1,200)
Total other expense, net	(1,826)	(6,055)
Income before income taxes	26,787	35,201
Income tax provision	6,895	7,940
Net income	$ 19,892	$ 27,261
Net income:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.94
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.94
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	28,507	28,916
Diluted (in shares)	28,539	28,916
Dividends declared: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Investment Advisory and Incentive Fees [Member]
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 65,888	$ 77,348
Distribution Fees and Other Income [Member]
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 8,448	$ 10,149

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME UNAUDITED [Abstract]
Net income	$ 19,892	$ 27,261
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	20	89
Other comprehensive gain	20	89
Comprehensive income	$ 19,912	$ 27,350

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 64,389	$ 41,202	$ 27,383
Investments in securities	31,623	33,789	31,407
Receivable from brokers	3,529	3,423	1,876
Investment advisory fees receivable	23,058	25,677	27,150
Receivable from affiliates	4,435	4,194	4,794
Deferred tax asset and income tax receivable	15,661	15,001	12,878
Other assets	11,534	11,326	11,505
Total assets	154,229	134,612	116,993
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Payable to brokers	478	112	164
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities	8,068	2,388	7,491
Capital lease obligation	5,300	4,794	4,908
Compensation payable	59,142	60,408	84,333
Payable to affiliates	0	1,041	864
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	30,196	32,091	27,706
Sub-total	103,184	100,834	125,466
AC 4% PIK Note (due November 30, 2020) (Note G)	0	0	40,000
5.875% Senior notes (net of issuance costs of $51, $57 and $75, respectively) (due June 1, 2021) (Note G)	24,174	24,168	24,150
Total liabilities	127,358	125,002	189,616
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	0	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	14,769	14,192	12,759
Retained earnings	302,139	282,928	194,732
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(220)	(240)	(145)
Treasury stock, at cost (6,138,356, 6,012,002 and 5,711,341 shares, respectively)	(289,850)	(287,303)	(280,002)
Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)	26,871	9,610	(72,623)
Total liabilities and equity	154,229	134,612	116,993
Class A [Member]
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
Common stock	14	14	14
Class B [Member]
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity
Common stock	$ 19	$ 19	$ 19

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0	0
Common Stock, outstanding (in shares)	28,900,000	29,000,000	28,900,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	6,138,356	6,012,002	5,711,341
Class A [Member]
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders equity
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock, issued (in shares)	15,966,926	15,969,303	15,541,489
Common Stock, outstanding (in shares)	9,828,570	9,957,301	9,830,148
Class B [Member]
GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders equity
Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock, issued (in shares)	24,000,000	24,000,000	24,000,000
Common Stock, outstanding (in shares)	19,024,117	19,024,240	19,024,404
AC 4% PIK Note [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Nov. 30, 2020
5.875% Senior Notes [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.875%	5.875%	5.875%
Debt issuance costs	$ 51	$ 57	$ 75
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 01, 2021

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adoption of ASU | ASU 2016-01 [Member]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 12,110	$ (12,110)	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	33	12,572	155,939	11,876	(276,693)	(96,273)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	0	0	27,261	0	0	27,261
Foreign currency translation	0	0	0	89	0	89
Dividends declared	0	0	(578)	0	0	(578)
Stock based compensation expense	0	187	0	0	0	187
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	(3,309)	(3,309)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	33	12,759	194,732	(145)	(280,002)	(72,623)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adoption of ASU | ASU 2016-02 [Member]	0	0	(106)	0	0	(106)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	33	14,192	282,928	(240)	(287,303)	9,610
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	0	0	19,892	0	0	19,892
Foreign currency translation	0	0	0	20	0	20
Dividends declared	0	0	(575)	0	0	(575)
Stock based compensation expense	0	577	0	0	0	577
Purchase of treasury stock	0	0	0	0	(2,547)	(2,547)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 33	$ 14,769	$ 302,139	$ (220)	$ (289,850)	$ 26,871

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating activities
Net income	$ 19,892	$ 27,261
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	313	146
Stock based compensation expense	577	187
Deferred income taxes	4,015	(1,409)
Foreign currency translation loss	20	89
Cost basis of donated securities	1,691	0
Unrealized on available for sale securities	920	0
Net gains on sales of available for sale securities	6	0
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Investments in trading securities	2,686	5,384
Receivable from affiliates	(239)	935
Receivable from brokers	(106)	(298)
Investment advisory fees receivable	2,619	11,562
Income tax receivable and deferred tax assets	(660)	2,738
Other assets	(623)	490
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Payable to affiliates	(1,041)	9
Payable to brokers	366	(282)
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities	1,664	5,772
Compensation payable	(1,267)	1,424
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(1,393)	(988)
Total adjustments	9,548	25,759
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,440	53,020
Investing activities
Purchases of available for sale securities	(3,393)	0
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	252	0
Return of capital on available for sale securities	5	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,136)	0
Financing activities
Dividends paid	(571)	(578)
Purchase of treasury stock	(2,547)	(3,309)
Amortization of debt issuance costs	6	6
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,112)	(43,360)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(5)	(98)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	23,187	9,562
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	41,202	17,821
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	64,389	27,383
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	279	384
Cash paid for taxes	764	960
AC 4% PIK Note [Member]
Financing activities
Repayment of debt	0	(10,000)
AC 1.6% Note [Member]
Financing activities
Repayment of debt	0	(15,000)
Margin Loan [Member]
Financing activities
Issuance of debt	0	5,000
Repayment of debt	$ 0	$ (19,479)

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Non-cash activity:
Accrued restricted stock award dividends	$ 8	$ 0
AC 4% PIK Note [Member]
Financing activities
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.00%
AC 1.6% Note [Member]
Financing activities
Debt instrument, interest rate	1.60%

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Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

A.  Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “GAMCO Investors, Inc.,” “GAMCO,” “the Company,” “GBL,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to GAMCO Investors, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of GAMCO included herein have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of GAMCO for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GAMCO and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Developments

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP for the accounting for leases.  ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities arising from most operating leases in the condensed consolidated statement of financial position. It requires these operating leases to be recorded on the balance sheet as right of use assets and offsetting lease liability obligations.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019.  We have elected the transition method allowed under ASU 2018-11, which does not require restatement of comparative periods but instead requires a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings at the January 1, 2019 adoption date.  The Company has performed the analysis on the transition to this new guidance and recorded a $106,000 reduction to retained earnings, a $650,000 increase to other assets and a $756,000 increase to lease liability obligations as a result.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the process used to test for goodwill impairment.  A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.  This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2020.  The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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Revenue Recognition

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

B.  Revenue Recognition

The revenue streams in the discussion below and in the table at the end of this Note include those that are within the scope of ASU 2014-09.  In all cases for all revenue streams discussed below, the revenue generated is from a single transaction price, and there is no need to allocate the amounts across more than a single revenue stream.  The customer for all revenues derived from open-end and closed-end funds described in detail below has been determined to be the fund itself and not the ultimate underlying investor in the fund.  The Company has identified similar performance obligations under ASU 2014-09 as compared with ASC Topic 605.  As a result, the timing of the recognition of our revenue remains the same under this new guidance as it was under ASC Topic 605.

Significant judgments that affect the amounts and timing of revenue recognition:

The Company’s analysis of the timing of revenue recognition for each revenue stream is based upon an analysis of current contract terms.  Performance obligations could, however, change from time to time if and when existing contracts are modified or new contracts are entered into.  These changes could potentially affect the timing of satisfaction of performance obligations, the determination of the transaction price, and the allocation of the price to performance obligations.  In the case of the revenue streams discussed below, the performance obligation is satisfied either at a point in time or over time.  For performance correlated and conditional revenues, the performance obligation (advising a client portfolio) is satisfied over time, while recognition of revenues effectively occurs at the end of the measurement period as defined within the contract, as such amounts are subject to reduction to zero on the date where the measurement period ends even if the performance benchmarks were exceeded during the intervening period.  The judgments outlined below, where the determination as to these factors is discussed in detail, are continually reviewed and monitored by the Company when new contracts or contract modifications occur.  Transaction price is in all instances formulaic and not subject to significant (or any) judgment at the current time.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is subject to judgment.  There were no impairment losses (allowance for doubtful accounts) on any receivables from any revenue stream at the end of the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Advisory Fee Revenues

Advisory fees for open-end funds, closed-end funds, sub-advisory accounts, SICAVs, and Exchange Traded Managed Funds (“ETMFs”) are earned based on predetermined percentages of the average net assets of the individual funds and are recognized as revenues as the related services are performed.  Fees for open-end funds, one non-U.S. closed-end fund, sub-advisory accounts, SICAVs, and ETMFs are computed on a daily basis on average net assets under management (“AUM”).  Fees for U.S. closed-end funds are computed on average weekly net AUM, and fees for one non-U.S. closed-end fund are computed on a daily basis based on market value.  These fees are received in cash after the end of each monthly period within 30 days.  The revenue recognition occurs ratably as the performance obligation (advising the fund) is met continuously over time.  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Advisory fees for Institutional & Private Wealth Management accounts are earned based on predetermined percentages of the AUM and are generally computed quarterly based on account values at the end of the preceding quarter.  The revenue recognition occurs daily as the performance obligation (advising the client portfolio) is met continuously.  These fees are received in cash, typically within 60 days of the client being billed.  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Performance Correlated and Conditional Revenues

Investment advisory fees earned on a portion of the closed-end funds' preferred shares are earned at year-end if the total return to common shareholders of the closed-end fund for the calendar year exceeds the dividend rate of the preferred shares.  These fees are recognized at the end of the measurement period which coincides with the calendar year.  The fee would also be earned and the contract period ended at any interim point in time that the preferred shares are redeemed.  These fees are received in cash after the end of the measurement period, within 30 days.

We also receive incentive fees from certain institutional clients which are based upon exceeding a specific benchmark index.  These fees are recognized at the end of the stipulated contract period, which is generally annually, for the respective account.  The fee would also be earned and the contract period ended at any interim point in time that the client terminated its relationship with us.  These fees are received in cash after the end of the measurement period, typically within 60 days.

One fund within the SICAV structure charges a performance fee.  That fee is recognized at the end of the measurement period which coincides with the calendar year.  The fee would also be earned and the measurement period ended at any interim point in time that the client redeemed their shares.  That fee is received in cash after the end of the measurement period, within 30 days.

We also receive conditional fees from certain institutional clients which are based upon exceeding a defined return for these accounts.  These fees are recognized at the end of the stipulated contract period, which is generally annually, for the respective account.  The fee would also be earned and the contract period ended at any interim point in time that the client terminated its relationship with us.  These fees are received in cash after the end of the measurement period, typically within 60 days.

In all cases of the performance correlated and conditional revenue, because of the variable nature of the consideration, revenue recognition is delayed until it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, which is generally when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved (for example, the measurement period has concluded and the hurdle has been exceeded).  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Distribution Fees and Other Income

Distribution fees and other income primarily includes distribution fee revenue earned in accordance with Rule 12b-1 of the Company Act, as amended, along with sales charges and underwriting fees associated with the sale of the mutual funds.  Distribution plan fees are computed based on average daily net assets of each fund and are accrued for during the period in which they are earned.  These fees are received in cash after the end of each monthly period within 30 days.  In evaluating the appropriate timing of the recognition of these fees, we applied the guidance on up-front fees to determine whether such fees are related to the transfer of a promised service (a distinct performance obligation).  Our conclusion is that the service being provided by G.distributors to the customer in exchange for the fee is for the initial distribution of the funds and is completed at the time of the sale.  Any fixed amounts are recognized on the trade date, and variable amounts are recognized to the extent it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur once the uncertainty is resolved. For variable amounts, as the uncertainty is dependent on the value of the shares at future points in time as well as the length of time the investor remains in the fund, both of which are highly susceptible to factors outside the Company’s influence, the Company does not believe that it can overcome this constraint until the market value of the fund and the investor activities are known, which are usually monthly.  Sales charges and underwriting fees associated with the sale of the mutual funds are recognized on the trade date of the sale of the shares.  There is a risk of non-payment, and therefore an impairment loss on these receivables is possible at each reporting date.  There were no such impairment losses for the current period.

Revenue Disaggregated

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by account type:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2019		2018
Advisory Fees:
Open-end Funds	$	26,925	$	31,834
Closed-end Funds		15,789		17,145
Sub-advisory accounts		935		1,092
Institutional & Private Wealth Management		20,726		25,965
SICAVs		1,335		1,289
Performance-based		178		23
Distribution and other income		8,448		10,149
Total revenues	$	74,336	$	87,497

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Investment in Securities

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Investment in Securities [Abstract]

Investment in Securities

C.  Investment in Securities

Effective with the Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, the Company carries all investments in equity securities at fair value through net income (“FVTNI”) which approximates market value.  The Company has no securities that qualify for the equity method or for consolidation of the investee for which the Company has elected the practicality exception to fair value measurement.

Investments in securities at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				March 31, 2018
			Estimated				Estimated				Estimated
	Cost		Market Value		Cost		Market Value		Cost		Market Value
	(In thousands)
Securities carried at FVTNI:
Common stocks	$	40,562	$	30,408	$	38,865	$	32,414	$	17,467	$	31,291
Closed-end funds		1,181		1,173		1,414		1,337		99		105
Mutual funds		44		42		44		38		12		11
Total securities carried at FVTNI	$	41,787	$	31,623	$	40,323	$	33,789	$	17,578	$	31,407

There were no securities sold, not yet purchased at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018.

Investments in United States Treasury Bills and Notes with maturities of greater than three months at the time of purchase are classified as investments in securities, and those with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents.   Securities carried at FVTNI for the March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018, and March 31, 2018 period-end are stated at fair value, with any unrealized gains or losses reported in current period earnings.

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Fair Value

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value

D. Fair Value

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2019 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2019
Cash equivalents	$	63,985	$	-	$	-	$	63,985
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		30,408		-		-		30,408
Closed-end Funds		1,173		-		-		1,173
Mutual Funds		42		-		-		42
Total investments in securities		31,623		-		-		31,623
Total assets at fair value	$	95,608	$	-	$	-	$	95,608

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		December 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2018
Cash equivalents	$	40,905	$	-	$	-	$	40,905
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		32,414		-		-		32,414
Closed-end Funds		1,337		-		-		1,337
Mutual Funds		38		-		-		38
Total investments in securities		33,789		-		-		33,789
Total assets at fair value	$	74,694	$	-	$	-	$	74,694

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2018 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2018
Cash equivalents	$	27,034	$	-	$	-	$	27,034
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		31,291		-		-		31,291
Closed-end Funds		105		-		-		105
Mutual Funds		11		-		-		11
Total investments in securities		31,407		-		-		31,407
Total assets at fair value	$	58,441	$	-	$	-	$	58,441

During the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no transfers between any Level 1 and Level 2 holdings, or between Level 1 and Level 3 holdings.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

E. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate (“ETR”) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was 25.7% and 22.6%, respectively.  The ETR for the first quarter of 2019 included an accrual of $1.5 million related to an adjustment in an uncertain tax position.  The ETR absent this accrual was 20.4%.

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Earnings Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

F. Earnings Per Share

Thecomputations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2019		2018
Basic:
Net income	$	19,892	$	27,261
Weighted average shares outstanding		28,507		28,916
Basic net income	$	0.70	$	0.94
Diluted:
Net income	$	19,892	$	27,261
Weighted average shares outstanding		28,507		28,916
Restricted stock awards		32		-
Total		28,539		28,916
Diluted net income	$	0.70	$	0.94

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Debt

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

G. Debt

Debt consists of the following:

	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				March 31, 2018
	Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
	Value		Level 2		Value		Level 2		Value		Level 2
(In thousands)
AC 4% PIK Note	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	40,000	$	39,860
5.875% Senior notes		24,174		24,020		24,168		23,061		24,150		23,742
Total	$	24,174	$	24,020	$	24,168	$	23,061	$	64,150	$	63,602

AC 4% PIK Note

In connection with the Spin-off of Associated Capital Group, Inc. (“AC”) on November 30, 2015, the Company issued a $250 million promissory note (the “AC 4% PIK Note”) payable to AC. The AC 4% PIK Note bore interest at 4.0% per annum.  The original principal amount had a maturity date of November 30, 2020.  The Company was, under the terms of the note, able to prepay the AC 4% PIK Note (in whole or in part) prior to maturity without penalty.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company prepaid $10 million of principal of the AC 4% PIK Note against the principal amount due on November 30, 2020.  The AC 4% PIK Note was fully repaid on August 28, 2018 prior to maturity without penalty.

5.875% Senior Notes

On May 31, 2011, the Company issued 10-year, $100 million senior notes (“Senior Notes”).  The Senior Notes mature on June 1, 2021 and bear interest at 5.875% per annum, payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year and commenced on December 1, 2011.  Upon the occurrence of a change of control triggering event, as defined in the indenture, the Company would be required to offer to repurchase the Senior notes at 101% of their principal amount.

At March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, the debt was recorded at its face value, net of issuance costs, of $24.2 million, $24.2 million and $24.2 million, respectively.

The Company’s debt, which is a Level 2 valuation, is carried at amortized cost on the condensed consolidated statements of financial position.  The Company has not elected the fair value option for its debt, and, therefore, the provisions of ASU 2016-01 (adopted by the Company on January 1, 2018) related to instrument-specific credit risk are not applicable.

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Stockholders' Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

H. Stockholders’ Equity

Shares outstanding were 28.9 million, 29.0 million and 28.9 million on March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

Dividends

	Record	Payment
	Date	Date	Amount
Three months ended March 31, 2019	April 16, 2019	April 30, 2019	$	0.02
Three months ended March 31, 2018	March 13, 2018	March 27, 2018	$	0.02

Voting Rights

The holders of Class A Stock and Class B Common stock (“Class B Stock”) have identical rights except that (i) holders of Class A Stock are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B Stock are entitled to ten votes per share on all matters to be voted on by shareholders in general, and (ii) holders of Class A Stock are not eligible to vote on matters relating exclusively to Class B Stock and vice versa.

Stock Award and Incentive Plan

The Company maintains one Plan approved by the shareholders, which is designed to provide incentives which will attract and retain individuals key to the success of GBL through direct or indirect ownership of our common stock. Benefits under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, dividend equivalents and other stock or cash based awards. A maximum of 7.5 million shares of Class A Stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan by a committee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering the Plan (“Compensation Committee”). Under the Plan, the committee may grant restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and either incentive or nonqualified stock options with a term not to exceed ten years from the grant date and at an exercise price that the committee may determine.

On January 5, 2018, the Compensation Committee of GBL accelerated the vesting relating to the remaining 19,400 RSAs outstanding at that time.  As a result, GBL recorded an incremental $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense during the first quarter of 2018.

On April 4, 2018, 270,500 RSAs were issued at a grant price of $24.77.  On August 7, 2018, 162,450 RSAs were issued at a grant price of $25.16.  On September 17, 2018, 5,000 RSAs were issued at a grant price of $25.74.  As of March 31, 2019, there were 425,150 of these RSA shares outstanding with a weighted average grant price of $24.93.There were no RSAs outstanding as of March 31, 2018. All grants of the RSA shares were recommended by the Company's Chairman, who did not receive a RSA, and approved by the Compensation Committee. This expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized over the vesting period for these awards which is either (1) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 70% over five years from the date of grant or (2) 30% over three years from the date of grant and 10% each year over years four through ten from the date of grant.  During the vesting period, dividends to RSA holders are held for them until the RSA vesting dates and are forfeited if the grantee is no longer employed by the Company on the vesting dates.  Dividends declared on these RSAs, less estimated forfeitures, are charged to retained earnings (deficit) on the declaration date.

 During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company reduced previously recorded tax benefits relating to RSA expense by $0.1 million on RSAs that vested.  There were no RSAs that vested for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Actual and projected stock-based compensation expense for RSA shares for the years ended December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):

		2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		2023
	Q1	$	187	$	577	$	577	$	577	$	330	$	329
	Q2		354		577		577		426		330		128
	Q3		501		577		577		362		329		43
	Q4		577		577		577		330		329		-
Full Year		$	1,619	$	2,308	$	2,308	$	1,695	$	1,318	$	500

The total compensation costs related to non-vested RSAs not yet recognized is approximately $7.6 million as of March 31, 2019.

Stock Repurchase Program

In March 1999, GAMCO’s Board of Directors established the Stock Repurchase Program to grant management the authority to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 126,354 shares at an average price per share of $20.15.  At March 31, 2019, the total shares available under the program to be repurchased in the future were 738,456.

Shelf Registration

In April 2018, the SEC declared effective the Company’s “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 giving the Company the flexibility to sell any combination of senior and subordinate debt securities, convertible debt securities and equity securities (including common and preferred securities) up to a total amount of $500 million.  The shelf is available through April 2021, at which time it may be renewed.

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Identifiable Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Identifiable Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Identifiable Intangible Assets

I. Identifiable Intangible Assets

As a result of becoming the advisor to the Gabelli Enterprise Mergers and Acquisitions Fund and the associated consideration paid, the Company maintains an identifiable intangible asset of $1.9 million within other assets in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018. The investment advisory agreement is subject to annual renewal by the fund's Board of Directors, which the Company expects to be renewed, and the Company does not expect to incur additional expense as a result, which is consistent with other investment advisory agreements entered into by the Company.  The advisory contract is next up for renewal in February 2020. As a result of becoming the advisor to the Bancroft Fund Ltd. and the Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. and the associated consideration paid, the Company maintains an identifiable intangible asset of $1.6 million within other assets in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018.  The advisory contracts for the Bancroft Fund Ltd. and the Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. are next up for renewal in August 2019. The Company assesses the recoverability of this intangible asset at least annually, or more often should events warrant. There were no indicators of impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 or March 31, 2018, and as such there was no impairment analysis performed or charge recorded.

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

J. Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company may be named in legal actions and proceedings. These actions may seek substantial or indeterminate compensatory as well as punitive damages or injunctive relief. The Company is also subject to governmental or regulatory examinations or investigations. The examinations or investigations could result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, injunctions, restitutions or other relief. For any such matters, the condensed consolidated financial statements include the necessary provisions for losses that the Company believes are probable and estimable. Furthermore, the Company evaluates whether there exists losses which may be reasonably possible and will, if material, make the necessary disclosures.  However, management believes such amounts, both those that are probable and those that are reasonably possible, are not material to the Company’s financial condition, operations or cash flows at March 31, 2019.

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Related Party Transactions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

K. Related Party Transactions

On February 23, 2018, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company elected to waive all of his compensation that he would have otherwise been entitled to for the period of March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.  On December 26, 2018, the CEO elected to continue to waive all of his compensation that he would otherwise have been entitled to for the period from January 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019.  For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, the waiver reduced compensation by $12.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively, and management fee by $1.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

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Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

L. Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2019, GAMCO and AC agreed to extend AC’s lease agreement, that expired on March 31, 2019, on the same terms and conditions on a month-to-month basis commencing on April 1, 2019.

On April 1, 2019, the deferred cash compensation agreement (“DCCA”) with the CEO covering compensation from the fourth quarter of 2017 vested in accordance with the terms of the agreement.  The CEO earned $15.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 resulting in the issuance of 530,662 RSUs based on the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of GBL stock over the fourth quarter of 2017.

Under the terms of the agreement, if the RSUs were settled in cash, the amount paid to the CEO upon vesting would be capped and calculated as the number of net RSUs vesting (530,662) valued at the lesser of the VWAP over the fourth quarter of 2017 or the VWAP on the date of vesting.  The Company elected to settle the DCCA in cash, as had been the stated intention at the time the DCCA was entered into, notwithstanding the Compensation Committee’s ability to settle it by issuing stock. This resulted in a cash payment of $11.0 million by the Company in April 2019, which, because of the cap, was $4.5 million less than what he had been entitled to receive absent the DCCA.

On April 16, 2019, GAMCO repurchased 1.2 million shares of GBL class A stock at $21.00 per share in a private transaction.  This transaction resulted in a 12.4% reduction in Class A shares outstanding from 9.8 million to 8.6 million and a 4.2% reduction in total shares outstanding from 28.8 million to 27.6 million.

From April 1, 2019 to May 7, 2019, and excluding the private transaction, the Company repurchased 29,484 shares at $20.90 per share.

On May 7, 2019, the Board of Directors declared its regular quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share to all of its shareholders, payable on June 25, 2019 to shareholders of record on June 11, 2019.

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “GAMCO Investors, Inc.,” “GAMCO,” “the Company,” “GBL,” “we,” “us” and “our” or similar terms are to GAMCO Investors, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of GAMCO included herein have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of GAMCO for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year’s results.

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GAMCO and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Developments

Recent Accounting Developments

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, which amends the guidance in U.S. GAAP for the accounting for leases.  ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize assets and liabilities arising from most operating leases in the condensed consolidated statement of financial position. It requires these operating leases to be recorded on the balance sheet as right of use assets and offsetting lease liability obligations.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019.  We have elected the transition method allowed under ASU 2018-11, which does not require restatement of comparative periods but instead requires a cumulative adjustment to opening retained earnings at the January 1, 2019 adoption date.  The Company has performed the analysis on the transition to this new guidance and recorded a $106,000 reduction to retained earnings, a $650,000 increase to other assets and a $756,000 increase to lease liability obligations as a result.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 to simplify the process used to test for goodwill impairment.  A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.  This new guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2020.  The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect of this new guidance on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Disaggregated

Revenue Disaggregated

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by account type:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2019		2018
Advisory Fees:
Open-end Funds	$	26,925	$	31,834
Closed-end Funds		15,789		17,145
Sub-advisory accounts		935		1,092
Institutional & Private Wealth Management		20,726		25,965
SICAVs		1,335		1,289
Performance-based		178		23
Distribution and other income		8,448		10,149
Total revenues	$	74,336	$	87,497

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Investment in Securities (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Investment in Securities [Abstract]

Investments in Securities

Investments in securities at March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				March 31, 2018
			Estimated				Estimated				Estimated
	Cost		Market Value		Cost		Market Value		Cost		Market Value
	(In thousands)
Securities carried at FVTNI:
Common stocks	$	40,562	$	30,408	$	38,865	$	32,414	$	17,467	$	31,291
Closed-end funds		1,181		1,173		1,414		1,337		99		105
Mutual funds		44		42		44		38		12		11
Total securities carried at FVTNI	$	41,787	$	31,623	$	40,323	$	33,789	$	17,578	$	31,407

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Fair Value (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Fair Value [Abstract]

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities by major categories measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2018 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2019 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2019
Cash equivalents	$	63,985	$	-	$	-	$	63,985
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		30,408		-		-		30,408
Closed-end Funds		1,173		-		-		1,173
Mutual Funds		42		-		-		42
Total investments in securities		31,623		-		-		31,623
Total assets at fair value	$	95,608	$	-	$	-	$	95,608

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		December 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2018
Cash equivalents	$	40,905	$	-	$	-	$	40,905
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		32,414		-		-		32,414
Closed-end Funds		1,337		-		-		1,337
Mutual Funds		38		-		-		38
Total investments in securities		33,789		-		-		33,789
Total assets at fair value	$	74,694	$	-	$	-	$	74,694

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of March 31, 2018 (in thousands)

	Quoted Prices in Active		Significant Other		Significant		Balance as of
	Markets for Identical		Observable		Unobservable		March 31,
Assets	Assets (Level 1)		Inputs (Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)		2018
Cash equivalents	$	27,034	$	-	$	-	$	27,034
Investments in securities:
Common stocks		31,291		-		-		31,291
Closed-end Funds		105		-		-		105
Mutual Funds		11		-		-		11
Total investments in securities		31,407		-		-		31,407
Total assets at fair value	$	58,441	$	-	$	-	$	58,441

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Earnings Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computations of Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share

Thecomputations of basic and diluted net income per share are as follows:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2019		2018
Basic:
Net income	$	19,892	$	27,261
Weighted average shares outstanding		28,507		28,916
Basic net income	$	0.70	$	0.94
Diluted:
Net income	$	19,892	$	27,261
Weighted average shares outstanding		28,507		28,916
Restricted stock awards		32		-
Total		28,539		28,916
Diluted net income	$	0.70	$	0.94

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Debt (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

Debt consists of the following:

	March 31, 2019				December 31, 2018				March 31, 2018
	Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value		Carrying		Fair Value
	Value		Level 2		Value		Level 2		Value		Level 2
(In thousands)
AC 4% PIK Note	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	40,000	$	39,860
5.875% Senior notes		24,174		24,020		24,168		23,061		24,150		23,742
Total	$	24,174	$	24,020	$	24,168	$	23,061	$	64,150	$	63,602

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Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2019

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Dividends

Dividends

	Record	Payment
	Date	Date	Amount
Three months ended March 31, 2019	April 16, 2019	April 30, 2019	$	0.02
Three months ended March 31, 2018	March 13, 2018	March 27, 2018	$	0.02

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Increase to other assets	$ 623	$ (490)
ASU 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Impact of ASU adoption on retained earnings	(106)
Increase to other assets	650
Increase to lease liability obligations	$ 756

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Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 74,336	$ 87,497
Closed-end Funds [Member] | Performance Correlated [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	30 days
Advisory Fees [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 65,888	77,348
Advisory Fees [Member] | Performance Correlated [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	178	23
Advisory Fees [Member] | Conditional [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 0	0
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	60 days
Advisory Fees [Member] | Open-end Funds [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 26,925	31,834
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	30 days
Advisory Fees [Member] | Closed-end Funds [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 15,789	17,145
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	30 days
Advisory Fees [Member] | Closed-end Funds [Member] | Performance Correlated [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	30 days
Advisory Fees [Member] | Sub-advisory Accounts [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 935	1,092
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	30 days
Advisory Fees [Member] | Institutional and Private Wealth Management Clients [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 20,726	25,965
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	60 days
Advisory Fees [Member] | Institutional and Private Wealth Management Clients [Member] | Performance Correlated [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	60 days
Advisory Fees [Member] | SICAVs [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 1,335	1,289
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	30 days
Distribution Fees [Member]
Revenue Streams [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 8,448	$ 10,149
Number of days for customer to make payment after being invoiced	30 days

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Investment in Securities, Investment in Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Securities carried at FVTNI [Abstract]
Cost	$ 41,787	$ 40,323	$ 17,578
Fair Value	31,623	33,789	31,407
Common Stock [Member]
Securities carried at FVTNI [Abstract]
Cost	40,562	38,865	17,467
Fair Value	30,408	32,414	31,291
Closed End Funds [Member]
Securities carried at FVTNI [Abstract]
Cost	1,181	1,414	99
Fair Value	1,173	1,337	105
Mutual Funds [Member]
Securities carried at FVTNI [Abstract]
Cost	44	44	12
Fair Value	$ 42	$ 38	$ 11

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Investment in Securities, Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Securities carried at FVTNI [Abstract]
Investment sold, not yet purchased	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
ASU 2016-01 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Reclassification pursuant to adoption of ASU 2016-01, net of tax				$ 0
ASU 2016-01 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Reclassification pursuant to adoption of ASU 2016-01, net of tax				12,110
ASU 2016-01 [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Reclassification pursuant to adoption of ASU 2016-01, net of tax				$ (12,110)

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Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	$ 31,623	$ 31,407	$ 33,789
Fair Value, Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 and between Level 1 and Level 3 [Abstract]
Level 1 to level 2 transfers	0	0
Level 2 to level 1 transfers	0	0
Level 1 to level 3 transfers	0	0
Level 3 to level 1 transfers	0	0
Common Stocks [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	30,408	31,291	32,414
Closed-end Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	1,173	105	1,337
Mutual Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	42	11	38
Recurring Basis [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	63,985	27,034	40,905
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	31,623	31,407	33,789
Total assets at fair value	95,608	58,441	74,694
Recurring Basis [Member] | Common Stocks [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	30,408	31,291	32,414
Recurring Basis [Member] | Closed-end Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	1,173	105	1,337
Recurring Basis [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	42	11	38
Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	63,985	27,034	40,905
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	31,623	31,407	33,789
Total assets at fair value	95,608	58,441	74,694
Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common Stocks [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	30,408	31,291	32,414
Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Closed-end Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	1,173	105	1,337
Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	42	11	38
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0	0
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	0	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common Stocks [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	0	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Closed-end Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	0	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	0	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Cash equivalents	0	0	0
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	0	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common Stocks [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	0	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Closed-end Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	0	0	0
Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]
Investments in securities [Abstract]
Investments in securities	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Effective tax rate [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	25.70%	22.60%
Accrual adjustment of uncertain tax position	$ 1.5
Adjusted effective income tax rate	20.40%

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Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Basic [Abstract]
Net income	$ 19,892	$ 27,261
Weighted average share outstanding (in shares)	28,507	28,916
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.94
Diluted [Abstract]
Net income	$ 19,892	$ 27,261
Weighted average share outstanding (in shares)	28,507	28,916
Restricted stock awards (in shares)	32	0
Total (in shares)	28,539	28,916
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.70	$ 0.94

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Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Apr. 23, 2018	Nov. 30, 2015
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Carrying value		$ 24,174	$ 64,150	$ 24,168
Maximum amount of debt and equity to be issued under shelf registration					$ 500,000
Level 2 [Member]
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Fair value		24,020	63,602	23,061
AC 4% PIK Note [Member]
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Carrying value		$ 0	40,000	0
Debt instrument, interest rate		4.00%				4.00%
Face value of debt						$ 250,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Nov. 30, 2020
Prepayment of debt			10,000
Repayment of debt		$ 0	10,000
AC 4% PIK Note [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Fair value		$ 0	39,860	0
AC 1.6% Note [Member]
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Debt instrument, interest rate		1.60%
Repayment of debt		$ 0	15,000
5.875% Senior Notes [Member]
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Carrying value		$ 24,174	$ 24,150	$ 24,168
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.875%	5.875%	5.875%	5.875%
Debt instrument, term		10 years
Face value of debt	$ 100,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Jun. 01, 2021
Debt issuance costs		$ 51	$ 75	$ 57
Debt redemption price	101.00%
5.875% Senior Notes [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Long-term debt [Abstract]
Fair value		$ 24,020	$ 23,742	$ 23,061

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Stockholders' Equity, Dividends (Details) - $ / shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares outstanding (in shares)	28.9	28.9	29.0
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Quarterly Dividend Declared in Q1 2019 [Member]
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02
Dividend payment date	Apr. 30, 2019
Dividend record date	Apr. 16, 2019
Quarterly Dividend Declared in Q1 2018 [Member]
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)		$ 0.02
Dividend payment date		Mar. 27, 2018
Dividend record date		Mar. 13, 2018

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Stockholders' Equity, Voting Rights, Stock Award and Incentive Plan (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands					3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Sep. 17, 2018 $ / shares shares	Aug. 07, 2018 $ / shares shares	Apr. 04, 2018 $ / shares shares	Jan. 05, 2018 shares	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) VoteperShare Plan $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Number of incentive plans | Plan					1
Compensation record expenses due to accelerated vesting									$ 200
Actual and projected stock based compensation expense for RSA shares and options [Abstract]
Actual stock based compensation expense					$ 577	$ 577	$ 501	$ 354	$ 187	$ 1,619
2019					2,308
2020					2,308
2021					1,695
2022					1,318
2023					500
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Compensation cost related to non-vested options not yet recognized					$ 7,600
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Term of nonqualified stock options					10 years
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
RSAs granted (in shares) | shares	5,000	162,450	270,500
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 25.74	$ 25.16	$ 24.77
RSA shares outstanding (in shares) | shares					425,150				0
Average weighted grant price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 24.93
Number of shares with accelerated vesting (in shares) | shares				19,400
Tax benefit from stock based compensation expenses									$ 100
RSAs vested (in shares) | shares					0
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Three Years from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					30.00%
Award vesting period					3 years
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Five Years from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					70.00%
Award vesting period					5 years
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Year Four from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					10.00%
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Year Five from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					10.00%
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Year Six from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					10.00%
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Year Seven from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					10.00%
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Year Eight from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					10.00%
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Year Nine from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					10.00%
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting in Year Ten from Date of Grant [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage					10.00%
Q1 [Member]
Actual and projected stock based compensation expense for RSA shares and options [Abstract]
2020					$ 577
2021					577
2022					330
2023					329
Q2 [Member]
Actual and projected stock based compensation expense for RSA shares and options [Abstract]
2019					577
2020					577
2021					426
2022					330
2023					128
Q3 [Member]
Actual and projected stock based compensation expense for RSA shares and options [Abstract]
2019					577
2020					577
2021					362
2022					329
2023					43
Q4 [Member]
Actual and projected stock based compensation expense for RSA shares and options [Abstract]
2019					577
2020					577
2021					330
2022					329
2023					$ 0
Class A [Member]
Voting Rights [Abstract]
Number of votes per share | VoteperShare					1
Class A [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Stock Award and Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Number of shares reserved for issuance under each plan (in shares) | shares					7,500,000
Class B [Member]
Voting Rights [Abstract]
Number of votes per share | VoteperShare					10

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Stockholders' Equity, Stock Repurchase Program and Shelf Registration (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 23, 2018
Shelf Registration [Abstract]
Maximum amount of debt and equity to be issued under shelf registration		$ 500
Common Class A [Member] | Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Shares repurchased (in shares)	126,354
Average price per share of repurchased shares (in dollars per share)	$ 20.15
Share available under program to repurchase (in shares)	738,456

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Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Impairment on intangible assets	$ 0.0	$ 0.0
Investment Advisory Contract [Member] | Gabelli Enterprise Mergers and Acquisitions Fund [Member]
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible asset	1.9	1.9	$ 1.9
Investment Advisory Contract [Member] | Bancroft Fund Ltd. and the Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. [Member]
Intangible assets, net [Abstract]
Identifiable intangible asset	$ 1.6	$ 1.6	$ 1.6

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Related Party Transactions (Details) - Chief Executive Officer [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Related party expenses [Abstract]
Compensation	$ (12.2)	$ (4.9)
Management fee	$ (1.7)	$ (1.7)

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Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands							3 Months Ended
	May 09, 2019	Apr. 16, 2019	Apr. 01, 2019	Sep. 17, 2018	Aug. 07, 2018	Apr. 04, 2018	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Nov. 30, 2015
Repayments of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Principal amount outstanding							$ 24,174	$ 64,150		$ 24,168
Stock Repurchase [Abstract]
Stock outstanding (in shares)							28,900,000	28,900,000		29,000,000
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)							$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized for granting (in shares)				5,000	162,450	270,500
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting after Third Anniversary Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage							30.00%
Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Vesting after Fifth Anniversary Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Award vesting percentage							70.00%
AC 4% PIK Note [Member]
Repayments of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Prepayment of debt								$ 10,000
Principal amount outstanding							$ 0	$ 40,000		$ 0
Debt instrument, interest rate							4.00%				4.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date							Nov. 30, 2020
Class A [Member]
Stock Repurchase [Abstract]
Stock outstanding (in shares)							9,828,570	9,830,148		9,957,301
Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Repurchase [Abstract]
Percentage of reduction in shares outstanding		(4.20%)
Stock outstanding (in shares)		27,600,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Quarterly Dividend Declared in Q2 2019 [Member]
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02
Dividends declared date	May 09, 2019
Dividends payable date	Jun. 25, 2019
Dividends record date	Jun. 11, 2019
Subsequent Event [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Award Granted from Fourth Quarter of 2017 [Member] | Mr. Gabelli [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]
Deferred compensation agreement, value of shares issued			$ 15,500
Deferred compensation agreement, shares issued (in shares)			530,662
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, vested			(530,662)
Payments for compensation agreement			$ 11,000
Reduction of RSU expense due to cap and waiver of receipt of deferred compensation expense			$ 4,500
Subsequent Event [Member] | Class A [Member]
Stock Repurchase [Abstract]
Stock repurchased (in shares)		1,200,000
Average price per share of repurchased shares (in dollars per share)		$ 21.00
Percentage of reduction in shares outstanding		(12.40%)
Stock outstanding (in shares)		8,600,000							28,800,000