Oaktree Capital Group, LLC 6.625% PFD UT A (OAK-PA) 10-Q2022 Q3 Quarterly report

0001403528oak:FourPointZeroOnePercentDebtMemberus-gaap:SeniorNotesMembersrt:ConsolidatedEntityExcludingVariableInterestEntitiesVIEMember2021-12-31

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

________________

FORM 10-Q

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Telephone: (213) 830-6300

_______________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our future results of operations and financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “anticipate,” “approximately,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will” and “would” or the negative version of these words or other comparable or similar words. These statements identify prospective information. Important factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated in these statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects, growth strategy and liquidity.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in Oaktree Capital Group, LLC’s (“OCG”) reports filed with securities regulators in the United States and those identified elsewhere in this quarterly report, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements and information or historical performance: course and severity of the coronavirus (including any subsequent variants, “COVID-19”) pandemic and its direct and indirect business impacts; the ability of OCG to retain and hire key personnel; the continued availability of capital and financing; the business, economic and political conditions in the markets in which OCG operates; changes in OCG’s anticipated revenue and income, which are inherently volatile; changes in the value of OCG’s investments; the termination or amendment (including fee amendments) of certain service or sub-advisory agreements that generate revenues for OCG that are between OCG and its subsidiaries on the one hand and certain affiliates of OCG on the other hand; the pace of OCG’s raising of new funds; changes in assets under management; the timing and receipt of, and impact of taxes on, carried interest; distributions from and liquidation of OCG’s existing funds; the amount and timing of distributions on OCG’s preferred units; changes in OCG’s operating or other expenses; the degree to which OCG encounters competition; and general political, economic and market conditions.

Any forward-looking statements and information speak only as of the date of this quarterly report or as of the date they were made, and except as required by law, OCG does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements and information. For a more detailed discussion of these factors, also see the information under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in OCG’s most recent report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (our “annual report”), and in this quarterly report, and in each case any material updates to these factors contained in any of OCG’s future filings.

As for the forward-looking statements and information that relate to future financial results and other projections, actual results will be different due to the inherent uncertainties of estimates, forecasts and projections and may be better or worse than projected and such differences could be material. Given these uncertainties, you should not place any reliance on these forward-looking statements and information.

This quarterly report and its contents do not constitute and should not be construed as (a) a recommendation to buy, (b) an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to buy, (c) an offer to sell or (d) advice in relation to, any securities of OCG or securities of any Oaktree investment fund.

In this quarterly report, unless the context otherwise requires:

“Oaktree” refers to (i) Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and, where applicable, its subsidiaries and affiliates prior to October 1, 2019 and (ii) the Oaktree Operating Group and, where applicable, their respective subsidiaries and affiliates after September 30, 2019.

“OCG,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” or “our company” refers to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and, where applicable, its subsidiaries and affiliates, including, as the context requires, affiliated Oaktree Operating Group members after September 30, 2019.

“OCM” refers to Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. and, where applicable, its subsidiaries and affiliates. OCM is one of the Oaktree Operating Group entities and acts as the U.S. registered investment adviser to most of the Oaktree funds. Subsequent to September 30, 2019, OCM is no longer our indirect subsidiary.

“Oaktree Operating Group,” or “Operating Group,” refers collectively to the entities that either (i) act as or control the general partners and investment advisers of the Oaktree funds or (ii) hold interests in other entities or investments generating income for Oaktree.

“OCGH” refers to Oaktree Capital Group Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which holds an interest in the Oaktree Operating Group and all of our Class B units.

“OCGH unitholders” refers collectively to Oaktree senior executives, current and former employees and their respective transferees who hold interests in the Oaktree Operating Group through OCGH.

“assets under management,” or “AUM,” generally refers to the sum of (i) the assets Oaktree manages and equals the NAV (as defined below) of the assets Oaktree manages, (ii) the leverage on which management fees are charged,(iii) the undrawn capital that Oaktree is entitled to call from investors in the funds pursuant to their capital commitments, (iv) investment proceeds held in trust for use in investment activities, (v) Oaktree’s pro rata portion of AUM managed by DoubleLine Capital LP and its affiliates (“DoubleLine”), in which Oaktree holds a minority ownership interest and (vi) 100% of the AUM managed by 17 Capital LLP and its affiliates in which Oaktree holds a majority ownership interest. For Oaktree’s collateralized loan obligation vehicles (“CLOs”), AUM represents the aggregate par value of collateral assets and principal cash; for Oaktree’s BDCs, gross assets (including assets acquired with leverage), net of cash; for Oaktree’s special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”), the proceeds of any initial public offering held in trust for use in a business combination; and for DoubleLine funds, NAV. Oaktree’s AUM amounts include AUM for which Oaktree charges no management fees. Oaktree’s definition of AUM is not based on any definition contained in our operating agreement or the agreements governing the funds that Oaktree manages. Oaktree’s calculation of AUM and the AUM-related metric described below may not be directly comparable to the AUM metrics of other investment managers.

“incentive-creating assets under management,” or “incentive-creating AUM,” refers to the AUM that may eventually produce incentive income, as more fully described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Operating Metrics”.

“Class A units” refer to the common units of OCG designated as Class A units.

“common units” or “common unitholders” refer to the Class A common units of OCG or Class A common unitholders, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

“consolidated funds” refers to the funds and CLOs that we are required to consolidate as of the applicable reporting date.

“funds” refers to investment funds and, where applicable, CLOs and separate accounts that are managed by Oaktree or its subsidiaries.

“Intermediate Holding Companies” collectively refers to the subsidiaries wholly owned by us.

“net asset value,” or “NAV,” refers to the value of all the assets of a fund (including cash and accrued interest and dividends) less all liabilities of the fund (including accrued expenses and any reserves established by us, in our discretion, for contingent liabilities) without reduction for accrued incentives (fund level) because they are reflected in the partners’ capital of the fund.

“preferred units” or “preferred unitholders” refer to the Series A and Series B preferred units of OCG or Series A and Series B preferred unitholders, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

“senior executives” refers collectively to Howard S. Marks, Bruce A. Karsh, Jay S. Wintrob, John B. Frank and Sheldon M. Stone.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Oaktree Capital Group, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

Oaktree Capital Group, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Oaktree Capital Group, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Oaktree Capital Group, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) — (Continued)

(in thousands)

 

Oaktree Capital Group, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Unitholders’ Capital (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

Please see accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

Oaktree Capital Group, LLC

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Unitholders’ Capital (Unaudited)

(in thousands)

As used in these condensed consolidated financial statements:

“Oaktree” refers to (i) Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and, where applicable, its subsidiaries and affiliates prior to October 1, 2019 and (ii) the Oaktree Operating Group and, where applicable, their respective subsidiaries and affiliates after September 30, 2019; and

the “Company” refers to Oaktree Capital Group, LLC and, where applicable, its subsidiaries and affiliates, including, as the context requires, affiliated Oaktree Operating Group members after September 30, 2019.

Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments. Oaktree emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real assets and listed equities. Funds managed by Oaktree (the “Oaktree funds”) include commingled funds, separate accounts, collateralized loan obligation vehicles (“CLOs”) and business development companies (“BDCs”). Commingled funds include open-end and closed-end limited partnerships in which Oaktree makes an investment and for which it serves as the general partner. CLOs are structured finance vehicles in which Oaktree typically makes an investment and for which it serves as collateral manager.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. The condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, are unaudited and exclude some of the disclosures required in annual financial statements. Management believes it has made all necessary adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) such that the condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries and entities in which the Company is deemed to have a direct or indirect controlling financial interest based on either a variable interest model or voting interest model. Certain of the Oaktree funds consolidated by the Company are investment companies that follow a specialized basis of accounting established by GAAP. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2021 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2022.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the period then ended. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Company consolidates entities in which it has a direct or indirect controlling financial interest based on either a variable interest model or voting interest model. A limited partnership or similar entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) if the unaffiliated limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights. Most of the Oaktree funds are VIEs because they have not granted unaffiliated limited partners substantive kick-out or participating rights. The Company consolidates those VIEs in which it is the primary beneficiary. An entity is deemed to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE and (b) whether the Company’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (e.g., management and performance-based fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. A decision maker’s fee arrangement is not considered a variable interest if (a) it is compensation for services provided, commensurate with the level of effort required to provide those services, and part of a compensation arrangement that includes only terms, conditions or amounts that are customarily present in arrangements for similar services negotiated at arm’s length (“at-market”), and (b) the decision maker does not hold any other variable interests that absorb more than an insignificant amount of the potential VIE’s expected residual returns.

The Company determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a VIE and reconsiders that conclusion at each reporting date. In evaluating whether the Company is the primary beneficiary, the Company evaluates its economic interests in the entity held either directly by the Company or indirectly through related parties. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Company is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Company, affiliates of the Company or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Oaktree funds could affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. The Company does not consolidate most of the Oaktree funds because it is not the primary beneficiary of those funds due to the fact that its fee arrangements are considered at-market and thus not deemed to be variable interests, and it does not hold any other interests in those funds that are considered to be more than insignificant. Please see note 4 for more information regarding both consolidated and unconsolidated VIEs. For entities that are not VIEs, consolidation is evaluated through a majority voting interest model.

“Consolidated funds” refers to Oaktree-managed funds and CLOs that the Company is required to consolidate. When funds or CLOs are consolidated, the Company reflects the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of the funds or CLOs on a gross basis, and the majority of the economic interests in those funds or CLOs, which are held by third-party investors, are reflected as non-controlling interests in consolidated funds or debt obligations of CLOs in the condensed consolidated financial statements. All of the revenues earned by the Company as investment manager of the consolidated funds are eliminated in consolidation. However, because the eliminated amounts are earned from and funded by third-party investors, the consolidation of a fund does not impact net income or loss attributable to the Company.

Certain entities in which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence, including unconsolidated Oaktree funds for which the Company acts as general partner, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

The Company records non-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the unaffiliated limited partners in Oaktree-managed funds and the class A ordinary shareholders in Oaktree sponsored SPACs. These interests are presented as non-controlling redeemable interests in consolidated funds within the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, outside of the permanent capital section. Limited partners in open-end and evergreen funds generally have the right to withdraw their capital, subject to the terms of the respective limited partnership agreements, over periods ranging from one month to three years. While limited partners in consolidated closed-end funds generally have not been granted redemption rights, these limited partners do have withdrawal or redemption rights in certain limited circumstances that are beyond the control of the Company, such as instances in which retaining the limited partnership interest could cause the limited partner to violate a law, regulation or rule. For Oaktree sponsored SPACs, the class A ordinary shareholders have redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control. These shares are presented as non-controlling redeemable interests on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The allocation of net income or loss to non-controlling redeemable interests in consolidated funds and Oaktree sponsored SPACs is based on the relative ownership interests of the unaffiliated limited partners after the consideration of contractual arrangements that govern allocations of income or loss. At the consolidated level, potential incentives are allocated to non-controlling redeemable interests in consolidated funds until such incentives become allocable to the Company under the substantive contractual terms of the limited partnership agreements of the funds.

Non-controlling interests in consolidated funds represent the equity interests held by third-party investors in CLOs that had not yet priced as of the respective period end. All non-controlling interests in those CLOs are attributed a share of income or loss arising from the respective CLO based on the relative ownership interests of third-party investors after consideration of contractual arrangements that govern allocations of income or loss.

Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries reflect the portion of unitholders’ capital attributable to OCGH unitholders (“OCGH non-controlling interest”) and third parties. All non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries are attributed a share of income or loss in the respective consolidated subsidiary based on the relative economic interests of the OCGH unitholders or third parties after consideration of contractual arrangements that govern allocations of income or loss. Please see note 11 for more information.

GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework that prioritizes the inputs used in measuring financial instruments at fair value into three levels based on their market observability. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, such as the type of instrument and the characteristics specific to the instrument. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices from an active market or for which fair value can be measured based on actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment inherent in measuring fair value.

Financial assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified as follows:

In the absence of observable market prices, the Company values Level III investments inclusive of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated Oaktree funds using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. The quarterly valuation process for Level III investments begins with each portfolio company, property or security being valued by the investment and/or valuation teams. With the exception of open-end funds, all unquoted Level III investment values are reviewed and approved by (i) the Company’s valuation officer, who is independent of the investment teams, (ii) a designated investment professional of each strategy and (iii) for a substantial majority of unquoted Level III holdings as measured by market value, a valuation committee of the respective strategy. For open-end funds, unquoted Level III investment values are reviewed and approved by the Company’s valuation

Certain assets are valued using prices obtained from pricing vendors or brokers. The Company seeks to obtain prices from at least two pricing vendors for the subject or similar securities. In cases where vendor pricing is not reflective of fair value, a secondary vendor is unavailable, or no vendor pricing is available, a comparison value made up of quotes for the subject or similar securities received from broker dealers may be used. These investments may be classified as Level III because the quoted prices may be indicative in nature for securities that

The Company has elected the fair value option for the financial assets and financial liabilities of its consolidated CLOs. The assets and liabilities of CLOs are primarily reflected within the investments, at fair value and within the debt obligations of CLOs line items in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company’s accounting for CLO assets is similar to its accounting for its funds with respect to both carrying investments held by CLOs at fair value and the valuation methods used to determine the fair value of those investments. The fair value of CLO liabilities are measured as the fair value of CLO assets less the sum of (a) the fair value of any beneficial interests held by the Company and (b) the carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services. Realized gains or losses and changes in the fair value of CLO assets, respectively, are included in net realized gain on consolidated funds’ investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on consolidated funds’ investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Interest income of CLOs is included in interest and dividend income, and interest expense and other expenses, respectively, are included in interest expense and consolidated fund expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Changes in the fair value of a CLO’s financial liabilities in accordance with the CLO measurement guidance are included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on consolidated funds’ investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Please see notes 6 and 8 for more information.

The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries with non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the end of each reporting period. The results of foreign operations are translated at the weighted average exchange rate for each reporting period. Translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income (loss) within the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition until realized. Gains and losses resulting from foreign-currency transactions are included in general and administrative expense.

A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from an underlying financial instrument or index, such as interest rates, equity securities, currencies, commodities or credit spreads. Derivatives include futures, forwards, swaps or option contracts, and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. Derivative contracts often involve future commitments to exchange interest payment streams or currencies based on a notional or contractual amount (e.g., interest-rate swaps, foreign-currency forwards or cross-currency swaps).

The Company enters into derivatives as part of its overall risk management strategy or to facilitate its investment management activities. The Company manages its exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange market risks, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivatives, including foreign currency forward and option contracts, interest-rate and cross currency swaps with financial counterparties. Risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates and foreign-currency exchange rates in the normal course of business are addressed as part of the Company’s overall risk management strategy that may result in the use of derivatives to economically hedge or reduce these exposures. From time to time, the Company may enter into (a) foreign-currency option and forward contracts to reduce earnings and cash-flow volatility associated with changes in foreign-currency exchange rates, and (b) interest-rate swaps to manage all or a portion of the interest-rate risk associated with its variable-rate borrowings. As a result of the use of these or other derivative contracts, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties will fail to fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company attempts to mitigate this counterparty risk by entering into derivative contracts only with major financial institutions that have investment-grade credit ratings. Counterparty credit risk is evaluated in determining the fair value of derivatives.

The Company recognizes all derivatives as assets or liabilities in its condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value. In connection with its derivative activities, the Company generally enters into agreements subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that allow the Company to offset derivative assets and liabilities in the same currency by specific derivative type or, in the event of default by the counterparty, to offset derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty. While these derivatives are eligible to be offset in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company has elected to present derivative assets and liabilities based on gross fair value in its condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

When the Company enters into a derivative contract, it may or may not elect to designate the derivative as a hedging instrument and apply hedge accounting as part of its overall risk management strategy. In other situations, when a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting or when the derivative and the hedged item are both recorded in current-period earnings and thus deemed to be economic hedges, hedge accounting is not applied. Freestanding derivatives are financial instruments that we enter into as part of our overall risk management strategy but do not utilize hedge accounting. These financial instruments may include foreign-currency exchange contracts, interest-rate swaps and other derivative contracts.

The Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception. A lease is a contract that

Cash and cash-equivalents include demand deposit accounts, money market funds, and other short-term investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition.

U.S. Treasury and other securities include holdings of U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, time deposit securities, commercial paper and investment grade debt securities, including sovereign debt, domestic and international corporate fixed and floating rate debt, structured credit and debt issued or guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored entities with maturities greater than three months from the date of acquisition. These securities are classified as trading and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in investment income.

Corporate investments may consist of investments in funds, companies in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, and non-investment grade debt securities. Investments for which the Company is deemed to exert significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and reflect Oaktree’s ownership interest in each fund or company. In the case of investments for which the Company is not deemed to exert significant influence or control, the fair value option of accounting has been elected. Investment income represents the Company’s pro-rata share of income or loss from these funds or companies, or the change in fair value of the investment, as applicable. Oaktree’s general partnership interests are generally illiquid. While investments in funds reflect each respective fund’s holdings at fair value, equity-method investments in companies are not adjusted to reflect the fair value of the underlying company. The fair value of the underlying investments in Oaktree funds is based on the Company’s assessment, which takes into account expected cash flows, earnings multiples and/or comparisons to similar market transactions, among other factors. Valuation adjustments reflecting consideration of credit quality, concentration risk, sales restrictions and other liquidity factors are integral to valuing these instruments.

Non-investment grade debt securities include domestic and international corporate fixed and floating rating debt and structured credit investments. These securities are classified as trading and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in investment income.

The Company earns management fees and incentive income from the investment advisory services it provides to its customers. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. The Company typically enters into contracts with investment funds to provide investment management and administrative services. These services are generally capable of being distinct and each is accounted for as separate performance obligations comprised of distinct service periods because the services are performed over time. The Company determined that for accounting purposes, based on certain facts and circumstances specific to each investment fund structure, that either the investment fund or individual investors may be considered the customer with respect to commingled funds, while the individual investors are the customers with respect to separate account and fund-of-one vehicles. The Company receives management fees and/or incentive income with respect to its investment management services, and it is reimbursed by the funds for expenses incurred or paid on behalf of the funds with respect to its investment advisory services and its administrative services. The Company evaluates whether it is the principal (i.e., report as management fees on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report as management fees on a net basis) with respect to each performance obligation and associated reimbursement arrangements. The Company has elected to apply the variable consideration exemption for its fee arrangements with its customers. Please see note 3 for more information on revenues.

The ultimate amount of management fees that will be earned over the life of the contract is subject to a large number and broad range of possible outcomes due to market volatility and other factors outside of Oaktree’s control. As a result, the amount of revenue earned in any given period is generally determined at the end of each reporting period and relates to services performed during that period. Included in this amount is a gross-up for reimbursable costs incurred on behalf of the Oaktree funds in which the Company has determined it is the principal within the principal and agent relationship of the related fund. Such reimbursable costs are presented in compensation and benefits and general and administrative expenses.

Our management fees consist primarily of fees earned from funds managed by OCM Cayman and sub-advisory fees for services provided to OCM. Our revenue recognition for sub-advisory fees is substantially similar to revenue recognition for management fees.

Incentive income generally represents 20% of each closed-end fund’s profits, subject to the return of contributed capital and a preferred return of typically 8% per annum, and up to 20% of certain evergreen fund’s annual profits, subject to high-water marks or hurdle rates. Incentive income is recognized when it is probable that a significant reversal will not occur. Revenue recognition is typically met (a) for closed-end funds, only after all contributed capital and the preferred return on that capital have been distributed to the fund’s investors, and (b) for certain evergreen funds, at the conclusion of each annual measurement period. Potential incentive income is highly susceptible to market volatility, the judgment and actions of third parties, and other factors outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s experience has demonstrated little predictive value in the amount of potential incentive income ultimately earned due to the highly uncertain nature of returns inherent in the markets and contingencies associated with many realization events. As a result, the amount of incentive income recognized in any given period is generally determined after giving consideration to a number of factors, including whether the fund is in its investment or liquidation period, and the nature and level of risk associated with changes in fair value of the remaining assets in the fund. In general, it would be unlikely that any amount of potential incentive income would be recognized until (a) the uncertainty is resolved or (b) the fund is near final liquidation, assets are under contract for sale or are at low risk of significant fluctuation in fair value, and the assets are significantly in excess of the threshold at which incentive income would be earned.

Incentives received by the Company before the revenue recognition criteria have been met are deferred and recorded as a deferred incentive income liability within accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company may receive tax distributions related to taxable income allocated by funds, which are treated as an advance of incentive income and subject to the same recognition criteria. Tax distributions are contractually not subject to clawback.

The Company may earn incentive income upon deconsolidation of a SPAC arising from the completion of a merger with an identified target. Upon deconsolidation, the Company will derecognize the net assets of the entity

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits expense reflects all compensation-related items not directly related to incentive income, investment income or equity-based compensation, and includes salaries, bonuses, compensation based on management fees or a definition of profits, employee benefits, payroll taxes, phantom equity awards, and long-term incentive plan. Bonuses are generally accrued over the related service period. Phantom equity awards represent liability-classified awards subject to vesting and remeasurement at the end of each reporting period. The remeasurement is based on changes in the value of Converted OCGH Units or other OCGH units, as applicable. Our consolidated operating results include compensation and benefits expense primarily related to employees of OCM Cayman.

Equity-based Compensation

Equity-based compensation expense reflects the non-cash charge associated with grants of Converted OCGH units, OCGH units, OCGH equity value units (“EVUs”), OEP units, deferred equity units and other performance-based units.

Equity-based awards that do not require future service (i.e., awards vested at grant) are expensed immediately. Equity-based awards that require future service are expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Cash-settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are remeasured at the end of each reporting period.

With respect to forfeitures, the Company made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures when they occur. Accordingly, no forfeitures have been assumed in the calculation of compensation expense.

Incentive Income Compensation

Incentive income compensation expense primarily reflects compensation directly related to incentive income, which generally consists of percentage interests (sometimes referred to as “points” or an allocation of shares received upon the completion of a successful SPAC merger) that the Company grants to its investment professionals associated with the particular fund or SPAC that generated the incentive income, and secondarily, compensation directly related to investment income. The Company has an obligation to pay a fixed percentage of the incentive income earned from a particular fund or SPAC, including income from consolidated funds that is eliminated in consolidation, to specified investment professionals responsible for the management of the fund or SPAC. Amounts payable pursuant to these arrangements are recorded as compensation expense when they have become probable and reasonably estimable. The Company’s determination of the point at which it becomes probable and reasonably estimable that incentive income compensation expense should be recorded is based on its assessment of numerous factors, particularly those related to the profitability, realizations, distribution status, investment profile and commitments or contingencies of the individual funds that may give rise to incentive income or the completion of a merger by an Oaktree sponsored SPAC. Incentive income compensation is generally expensed in the period in which the underlying income is recognized. Payment of incentive income compensation generally occurs in the same period the related income is received or in the next period. Participation in incentive income generated by the funds or SPACs is subject to forfeiture upon departure and to vesting provisions (generally over a period of five years), in each case, under certain circumstances set forth in the applicable governing documents. These provisions are generally only applicable to incentive income compensation that has not yet been recognized as an expense by the Company or paid to the participant.

Other income (expense), net represents non-operating income or expense items.

The Company is a publicly traded partnership. Because it satisfies the qualifying income test, it is not required to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes; rather it is taxed as a partnership. The Company currently holds interests in Oaktree Capital I, L.P. (a non-corporate entity that is not subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax) and Oaktree Capital Management (Cayman), L.P. (which holds subsidiaries that are taxable in non-U.S. jurisdictions).

Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, using currently enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets would be reduced by a valuation allowance if it becomes more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company analyzes its tax filing positions for all open tax years in all of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns. If the Company determines that uncertainties in tax positions exist, a reserve is established. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within income tax expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and in evaluating tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. The Company reviews its tax positions quarterly and adjusts its tax balances as new information becomes available.

The Oaktree funds are generally not subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes and, consequently, no income tax provision has been made in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements because individual partners are responsible for their proportionate share of the taxable income.

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting unitholders’ capital that are excluded from net income (loss). Other gains and losses result from foreign-currency translation adjustments, net of tax.

The consolidated funds record investment transactions at cost on trade date for publicly-traded securities or when they have an enforceable right to acquire the security, which is generally on the closing date if not publicly traded. Realized gains and losses on investments are recorded on a specific-identification basis. The consolidated funds record dividend income on the ex-dividend date and interest income on an accrual basis, unless the related investment is in default or if collection of the income is otherwise considered doubtful. The consolidated funds may hold investments that provide for interest payable in-kind rather than in cash, in which case the related income is recorded at its estimated net realizable amount.

The consolidated funds may invest in operating entities that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes which may give rise to unrelated business taxable income or income effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. In such situations, the consolidated funds permit certain investors to elect to participate in these investments through a “blocker structure” using entities that are treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes and are generally subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes. The consolidated funds withhold blocker expenses and tax payments from electing limited partners, which are treated as deemed distributions to such limited partners pursuant to the terms of the respective limited partnership agreement.

Investments denominated in non-U.S. currencies are recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements after translation into U.S. dollars utilizing rates of exchange on the last business day of the period. Interest and dividend income is recorded net of foreign withholding taxes and calculated using the exchange rate in effect when the income is recognized. The effect of changes in exchange rates on assets and liabilities, income, and realized gains or losses is included as part of net realized gain (loss) on consolidated funds’ investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on consolidated funds’ investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Cash and cash-equivalents held at the consolidated funds represent cash that, although not legally restricted, is not available to support the general liquidity needs of the Company as the use of such amounts is generally limited to the investment activities of the consolidated funds. Cash-equivalents, a Level I valuation, include highly liquid investments such as money market funds, whose carrying value approximates fair value due to its short-term nature.

Receivables for investments sold by the consolidated funds are recorded at net realizable value. Changes in net realizable value are reflected within net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on consolidated funds’ investments and realizations are reflected within net realized gain on consolidated funds’ investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The consolidated funds include investment limited partnerships and CLOs that reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments, at fair value. The Company has retained the specialized investment company accounting guidance for investment limited partnerships with respect to consolidated investments and has elected the fair value option for the financial assets of CLOs. Thus, the consolidated investments are reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on consolidated funds’ investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Fair value is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price).

Non-publicly traded debt and equity securities and other securities or instruments for which reliable market quotations are not available are valued by management using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. These securities may initially be valued at the acquisition price as the best indicator of fair value. The Company reviews the significant unobservable inputs, valuations of comparable investments and other similar transactions for investments valued at acquisition price to determine whether another valuation methodology should be utilized. Subsequent valuations will depend on the facts and circumstances known as of the valuation date and the application of valuation methodologies as further described below under “—Non-publicly Traded Equity and Real Estate Investments.” The fair value may also be based on a pending transaction expected to close after the valuation date.

Exchange-traded Investments

Securities listed on one or more national securities exchanges are valued at their last reported sales price on the date of valuation. If no sale occurred on the valuation date, the security is valued at the mean of the last “bid” and “ask” prices on the valuation date. Securities that are not readily marketable due to legal restrictions that may limit or restrict transferability are generally valued at a discount from quoted market prices. The discount would reflect the amount market participants would require due to the risk relating to the inability to access a public market for the security for the specified period and would vary depending on the nature and duration of the restriction and the perceived risk and volatility of the underlying securities. Securities with longer duration restrictions or higher volatility are generally valued at a higher discount. Such discounts are generally estimated based on put option models or an analysis of market studies. Instances where the Company has applied discounts to quoted prices of restricted listed securities have been infrequent. The impact of such discounts is not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of financial condition and results of operations for all periods presented.

Credit-oriented Investments (including Real Estate Loan Portfolios)

Investments in corporate and government debt which are not listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange are valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices on the valuation date based on quotations supplied by recognized quotation services or by reputable broker-dealers.

The market-yield approach is considered in the valuation of non-publicly traded debt securities, utilizing expected future cash flows and discounted using estimated current market rates. Discounted cash-flow calculations may be adjusted to reflect current market conditions and/or the perceived credit risk of the borrower. Consideration is also given to a borrower’s ability to meet principal and interest obligations; this may include an evaluation of collateral and/or the underlying value of the borrower utilizing techniques described below under “—Non-publicly Traded Equity and Real Estate Investments.”

Non-publicly Traded Equity and Real Estate Investments

The fair value of equity and real estate investments is determined using a cost, market or income approach. The cost approach is based on the current cost of reproducing a real estate investment less deterioration and functional and economic obsolescence. The market approach utilizes valuations of comparable public companies and transactions, and generally seeks to establish the enterprise value of the portfolio company or investment property using a market-multiple methodology. This approach takes into account the financial measure (such as EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, net operating income, net income, book value or net asset value) believed to be most relevant for the given company or investment property. Consideration also may be given to factors such as acquisition price of the security or investment property, historical and projected operational and financial results for the portfolio company, the strengths and weaknesses of the portfolio company or investment property relative to its comparable companies or properties, industry trends, general economic and market conditions, and others deemed relevant. The income approach is typically a discounted cash-flow method that incorporates expected timing and level of cash flows. It incorporates assumptions in determining growth rates, income and expense projections, discount and capitalization rates, capital structure, terminal values, and other factors. The applicability and weight assigned to market and income approaches are determined based on the availability of reliable projections and comparable companies and transactions.

The valuation of securities may be impacted by expectations of investors’ receptiveness to a public offering of the securities, the size of the holding of the securities and any associated control, information with respect to transactions or offers for the securities (including the transaction pursuant to which the investment was made and the elapsed time from the date of the investment to the valuation date), and applicable restrictions on the transferability of the securities.

These valuation methodologies involve a significant degree of management judgment. Accordingly, valuations by the Company do not necessarily represent the amounts that eventually may be realized from sales or other dispositions of investments. Fair values may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investment existed, and the differences could be material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Securities sold short represent obligations of the consolidated funds to make a future delivery of a specific security and, correspondingly, create an obligation to purchase the security at prevailing market prices (or deliver the security, if owned by the consolidated funds) as of the delivery date. As a result, these short sales create the risk that the funds’ obligations to satisfy the delivery requirement may exceed the amount recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Securities sold short are recorded at fair value, with the resulting change in value reflected as a component of net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on consolidated funds’ investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. When the securities are delivered, any gain or loss is included in net realized gain on consolidated funds’ investments. The funds maintain cash deposits with prime brokers in order to cover their obligations on short sales. These amounts are included in due from brokers in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

The purchase price of a call option or a put option is recorded as an investment, which is carried at fair value. If a purchased option expires, a loss in the amount of the cost of the option is realized. When there is a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized if the proceeds are greater or less than, respectively, the cost of the option. When a call option is exercised, the cost of the security purchased upon exercise is increased by the premium originally paid.

When a consolidated fund writes an option, the premium received is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written. If a written option expires, a gain is realized in the amount of the premium received. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain or loss. The writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. Options written are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

A total-return swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on an underlying asset. Pursuant to these agreements, a fund may deposit collateral with the counterparty and may pay a swap fee equal to a fixed percentage of the value of the underlying security (notional amount). A fund earns interest on cash collateral held on account with the counterparty and may be required to deposit additional collateral equal to the unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the underlying asset. Changes in the value of the swaps, which are recorded as unrealized gains or losses, are based on changes in the underlying value of the security. All amounts exchanged with the swap counterparty representing capital appreciation or depreciation, dividend income and expense, items of interest income on short proceeds, borrowing costs on short sales, and commissions are recorded as realized gains or losses. Dividend income and expense on the underlying assets are accrued as unrealized gains or losses on the ex-date.

Due from brokers represents cash owned by the consolidated funds and cash collateral on deposit with brokers and counterparties that are used as collateral for the consolidated funds’ securities and swaps.

Credit risk is the potential loss that may be incurred from the failure of a counterparty or an issuer to make payments according to the terms of a contract. Some consolidated funds are subject to additional credit risk due to strategies of investing in debt of financially distressed issuers or derivatives, as well as involvement in privately-negotiated structured notes and structured-credit transactions. Counterparties include custodian banks, major brokerage houses and their affiliates. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of the financial institutions with which it conducts business.

Bank debt has exposure to certain types of risk, including interest rate, market, and the potential non-payment of principal and interest as a result of default or bankruptcy of the issuer. Loans are generally subject to prepayment risk, which will affect the maturity of such loans. The consolidated funds may enter into bank debt participation agreements through contractual relationships with a third-party intermediary, causing the consolidated funds to assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the intermediary.

Certain consolidated funds hold over-the-counter derivatives that may allow counterparties to terminate derivative contracts prior to maturity under certain circumstances, thereby resulting in an accelerated payment of any net liability owed to the counterparty.

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance is effective upon issuance and generally may be elected over time through December 31, 2022. The Company has not adopted any of the optional expedients or exceptions through September 30, 2022, but will continue to evaluate the possible adoption (including potential impact) of any such expedients or exceptions during the effective period as circumstances evolve.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The amendments in this update clarify the guidance in Topic 820 when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual sale restrictions

The Company provides investment management services to funds and separate accounts. The Company earns revenues from the management fees and incentive income generated by the funds that it manages. Additionally, for acting as a sub-investment manager, or sub-advisor, to certain Oaktree funds, the Company earns sub-advisory fees. Under certain subsidiary services agreements the Company provides certain investment and marketing related services to Oaktree affiliated entities. Revenues are affected by economic factors related to the asset class composition of the holdings and the contractual terms such as the basis for calculating the management fees and investors’ ability to redeem. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded no incentive income and $52.6 million, respectively, of incentive income primarily related to the deconsolidation of a SPAC. Substantially all of our incentive income was generated by closed-end funds for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Contract Balances

The Company receives management fees monthly or quarterly in accordance with its contracts with customers. Incentive income is received generally after all contributed capital and preferred return on that capital have been distributed to the fund’s investors. Contract assets relate to the Company’s conditional right to receive payment for its performance completed under the contract. Receivables are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional (i.e., only requires the passage of time). Contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenues) relate to payments received in advance of performance under the contract. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenues when the Company provides investment management services.

As of September 30, 2022, the Company consolidated 26 VIEs for which it was the primary beneficiary, including 9 funds managed by Oaktree and 17 CLOs for which Oaktree serves as collateral manager. As of December 31, 2021, the Company consolidated 25 VIEs.

As of September 30, 2022, the assets and liabilities of the 26 consolidated VIEs representing funds and CLOs amounted to $12.9 billion and $9.7 billion, respectively. The assets of these consolidated VIEs primarily consisted of investments in debt and equity securities, while their liabilities primarily represented debt obligations issued by CLOs. The assets of these VIEs may be used only to settle obligations of the same VIE. In addition, there is no recourse to the Company for the VIEs’ liabilities. In exchange for managing either the funds’ or CLOs’ collateral, the Company typically earns management fees and may earn performance fees, all of which are eliminated in consolidation. As of September 30, 2022, the Company’s investments in consolidated VIEs had a carrying value of $1.0 billion, which represented its maximum risk of loss as of that date. The Company’s investments in CLOs are generally subordinated to other interests in the CLOs and entitle the Company to receive a pro-rata portion of the residual cash flows, if any, from the CLOs. Please see note 8 for more information on CLO debt obligations.

The Company holds variable interests in certain VIEs in the form of direct equity interests that are not consolidated because it is not the primary beneficiary, inasmuch as its fee arrangements are considered at-market and it does not hold interests in those entities that are considered more than insignificant.

Corporate investments may consist of investments in funds, companies in which the Company does not have a controlling financial interest, and non-investment grade debt securities. Investments for which the Company is deemed to exert significant influence are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and reflect the Company’s ownership interest in each fund or company. In the case of investments for which the Company is not deemed to exert significant influence or control, the fair value option of accounting has been elected. Investment income represents the Company’s pro-rata share of income or loss from these funds or companies, or the change in fair value of the investment, as applicable. The Company’s general partnership interests are substantially illiquid. While investments in funds reflect each respective fund’s holdings at fair value, equity-method investments in companies are not adjusted to reflect the fair value of the underlying company. The fair value of the underlying investments in Oaktree funds is based on the Company’s assessment, which takes into account expected cash flows, earnings multiples and/or comparisons to similar market transactions, among other factors. Valuation adjustments reflecting consideration of credit quality, concentration risk, sales restrictions and other liquidity factors are integral to valuing these instruments.

The Company’s equity-method investments include its investments in Oaktree funds for which it serves as general partner, and other third-party funds and companies that are not consolidated, but for which the Company is deemed to exert significant influence. The Company’s share of income or loss generated by these investments is recorded within investment income in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s equity-method investments in Oaktree funds principally reflect the Company’s general partner interests in those funds, which typically does not exceed 2.5% in each fund. The Oaktree funds are investment companies that follow a specialized basis of accounting established by GAAP.

Each reporting period, the Company evaluates each of its equity-method investments to determine if any are considered significant, as defined by the SEC. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, no individual equity-method investment met the significance criteria.

Other Investments, at Fair Value

Other investments, at fair value primarily consist of (a) investments in certain Oaktree and non-Oaktree funds (b) non-investment grade debt securities, and (c) derivatives utilized to economically hedge the Company’s exposure to investment income earned from its funds.