10Q 3/31/14

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
 Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-34516
Cowen Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
27-0423711
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
10022
(Zip Code)
(646) 562-1000
(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 Q    No o
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   Yes  Q  No o 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer Q
 
Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o    No Q
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
As of May 6, 2014 there were 115,387,089 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.
 



Table of Contents

Item No.
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





2



Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
We have made statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”) that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “intend,” “seek” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology or similar expressions. In addition, our management may make forward-looking statements to analysts, representatives of the media and others. These forward-looking statements represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events (many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control) and are predictions only, based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, you should consider the risks contained in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this filing to conform our prior statements to actual results or revised expectations.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2013 were audited.





3

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Cowen Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
61,565

 
$
54,720

Cash collateral pledged
11,269

 
10,907

Securities owned, at fair value
469,378

 
311,039

Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
50,076

 
10,075

Securities borrowed
1,319,938

 
927,773

Other investments
144,147

 
99,483

Receivable from brokers
56,946

 
66,980

Fees receivable, net of allowance
57,618

 
45,067

Due from related parties
28,812

 
26,910

Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $21,753 and $21,853, respectively
28,160

 
26,999

Goodwill
37,240

 
37,240

Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $24,821 and $26,610, respectively
11,353

 
12,094

Other assets
26,691

 
17,561

Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
1,825

 
2,048

Other investments
179,390

 
187,480

Other assets
689

 
5,624

Total Assets
$
2,485,097

 
$
1,842,000

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value
$
139,347

 
$
130,954

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase

 
3,657

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
50,032

 
7,674

Securities loaned
1,310,903

 
918,577

Payable to brokers
151,109

 
75,420

Compensation payable
34,152

 
51,807

Short-term borrowings and other debt
6,384

 
2,564

Convertible debt
114,101

 

Fees payable
10,833

 
6,324

Due to related parties
408

 
382

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
48,563

 
45,290

Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Capital withdrawals payable

 
5,222

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,579

 
549

Total Liabilities
1,867,411

 
1,248,420

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 13)

 

Redeemable non-controlling interests
85,448

 
85,814

Stockholders' equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

 

Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 250,000,000 shares authorized, 132,488,976 shares issued and 115,352,546 outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and 130,900,182 shares issued and 115,026,633 outstanding as of December 31, 2013, respectively (including 380,122 and 482,522 restricted shares, respectively)
1,160

 
1,160

Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share: 250,000,000 authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

 

Additional paid-in capital
757,359

 
737,341

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
(173,403
)
 
(183,243
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
537

 
592

Less: Class A common stock held in treasury, at cost, 17,136,430 and 15,873,549 shares as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
(53,415
)
 
(48,084
)
Total Stockholders' Equity
532,238

 
507,766

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
2,485,097

 
$
1,842,000


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents

Cowen Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 
 
 
Investment banking
$
49,562

 
$
17,166

Brokerage
32,830

 
26,600

Management fees
8,924

 
9,493

Incentive income
2,498

 
2,611

Interest and dividends
9,252

 
9,321

Reimbursement from affiliates
1,900

 
1,485

Other revenues
555

 
478

Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Interest and dividends
486

 
12

Other revenues
670

 
75

Total revenues
106,677

 
67,241

Expenses
 
 
 
Employee compensation and benefits
67,561

 
44,223

Floor brokerage and trade execution
5,655

 
5,853

Interest and dividends
7,072

 
6,418

Professional, advisory and other fees
3,601

 
3,853

Service fees
2,142

 
2,577

Communications
3,246

 
3,739

Occupancy and equipment
6,397

 
5,719

Depreciation and amortization
2,380

 
2,553

Client services and business development
4,514

 
4,099

Other expenses
3,158

 
3,644

Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Interest and dividends
110

 

Professional, advisory and other fees
134

 
396

Floor brokerage and trade execution
2

 

Other expenses
56

 
38

Total expenses
106,028

 
83,112

Other income (loss)
 
 
 
Net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments
11,354

 
11,807

Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions
2,164

 
5,070

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
(21
)
 
304

Net gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions
(40
)
 
(215
)
Total other income (loss)
13,457

 
16,966

Income (loss) before income taxes
14,106

 
1,095

Income tax expense (benefit)
79

 
176

Net income (loss)
14,027

 
919

Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds
4,187

 
3,495

Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. stockholders
$
9,840

 
$
(2,576
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 

Basic
115,680

 
113,798

Diluted
122,898

 
113,798

Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.09

 
$
(0.02
)
Diluted
$
0.08

 
$
(0.02
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents


Cowen Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)



 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
$
14,027

 
 
 
 
 
$
919

   Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation
 
 
37

 
 
 
 
 
(4
)
 
 
Defined benefit pension plan:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Net gain/(loss) arising during the period
(92
)
 
 
 
 
 
(22
)
 
 
 
 
          Add: amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension cost

 
(92
)
 
 
 
5

 
(17
)
 
 
   Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
(55
)
 
 
 
 
 
(21
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
$
13,972

 
 
 
 
 
$
898


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

Cowen Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
 
Common Shares Outstanding
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated deficit)
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2013
115,026,633

 
1,160

 
(48,084
)
 
737,341

 
592

 
(183,243
)
 
507,766

 
85,814

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 
9,840

 
9,840

 
4,187

Defined benefit plan

 

 

 

 
(92
)
 

 
(92
)
 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 
37

 

 
37

 

Capital contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
6,007

Capital withdrawals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(10,560
)
Restricted stock awards issued
1,588,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock, at cost
(1,262,881
)
 

 
(5,331
)
 

 

 

 
(5,331
)
 

Warrants issued (see Note 5)

 

 

 
15,218

 

 

 
15,218

 

Amortization of share based compensation

 

 

 
4,800

 

 

 
4,800

 

Balance, March 31, 2014
115,352,546

 
$
1,160

 
$
(53,415
)
 
$
757,359

 
$
537

 
$
(173,403
)
 
$
532,238

 
$
85,448

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Shares Outstanding
 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated deficit)
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
 
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest
Balance, December 31, 2012
112,447,892

 
$
1,135

 
$
(31,728
)
 
$
713,211

 
$
356

 
$
(187,865
)
 
$
495,109

 
$
85,703

Net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 
(2,576
)
 
(2,576
)
 
3,495

Defined benefit plan

 

 

 

 
(17
)
 

 
(17
)
 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
 

Capital contributions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
801

Capital withdrawals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(8,968
)
Restricted stock awards issued
844,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued upon acquisition (See Note 2)
2,514,468

 
25

 

 
6,272

 

 

 
6,297

 

Purchase of treasury stock, at cost
(155,295
)
 

 
(412
)
 

 

 

 
(412
)
 

Amortization of share based compensation

 

 

 
4,752

 

 

 
4,752

 

Balance, March 31, 2013
115,651,799

 
$
1,160

 
$
(32,140
)
 
$
724,235

 
$
335

 
$
(190,441
)
 
$
503,149

 
$
81,031


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

Cowen Group, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(dollars in thousands)
 (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
14,027

 
$
919

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
2,380

 
2,553

Amortization of debt discount
311

 

Share-based compensation
4,800

 
4,752

Deferred rent obligations
179

 
(4,159
)
Net loss on disposal of fixed assets
218

 
97

Purchases of securities owned, at fair value
(1,086,631
)
 
(1,280,090
)
Proceeds from sales of securities owned, at fair value
928,377

 
1,454,999

Proceeds from sales of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value
367,854

 
697,603

Payments to cover securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value
(328,177
)
 
(646,438
)
Net (gains) losses on securities, derivatives and other investments
(12,171
)
 
(11,558
)
Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Purchases of securities owned, at fair value

 
(78,792
)
Proceeds from sales of securities owned, at fair value

 
82,320

Purchases of other investments
(6,007
)
 
(973
)
Proceeds from sales of other investments
17,011

 
18,352

Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
(4,290
)
 
1,590

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
6,648

 
3,101

Net realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments and other transactions
(2,913
)
 
(6,675
)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
 
 
 
Cash acquired upon transaction

 
10,747

Cash collateral pledged
(362
)
 
137

Securities owned, at fair value, held at broker dealer
(692
)
 
(11,616
)
Securities borrowed
(392,165
)
 
(51,623
)
Receivable from brokers
10,034

 
19,284

Fees receivable, net of allowance
(12,551
)
 
(1,644
)
Due from related parties
(1,902
)
 
1,478

Other assets
(5,308
)
 
(5,296
)
Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
223

 
(261
)
Other assets
4,935

 
(6,407
)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
 
 
 
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value, held at broker dealer
(29,354
)
 
(11,680
)
Securities loaned
392,326

 
48,895

Payable to brokers
75,689

 
(100,082
)
Compensation payable
(19,667
)
 
(46,014
)
Fees payable
4,509

 
(1,829
)
Due to related parties
26

 
(44
)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
3,028

 
3,212

Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,030

 
(112
)
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
$
(68,585
)
 
$
84,746

 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(continued)
2014
 
2013
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of other investments
$
(46,528
)
 
$
(5,161
)
Cash convertible note hedge transaction
(35,710
)
 

Proceeds from sales of other investments
11,603

 
15,534

Purchase of fixed assets
(4,279
)
 
(237
)
Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities
(74,914
)
 
10,136

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase
(3,657
)
 
(136,704
)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt
149,500

 

Deferred debt issuance cost
(3,643
)
 

Proceeds from sale of warrant
15,218

 

Borrowings on short-term borrowings and other debt
6,217

 
2,044

Repayments on short-term borrowings and other debt
(1,137
)
 
(797
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(3,411
)
 
(235
)
Cash paid to acquire net assets (contingent liability payment)
(76
)
 

Capital withdrawals to non-controlling interests in operating entities
(3,500
)
 
(432
)
Consolidated Funds
 
 
 
Capital contributions by non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds
6,007

 
300

Capital withdrawals to non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds
(11,174
)
 
(5,645
)
Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities
150,344

 
(141,469
)
Change in cash and cash equivalents
6,845

 
(46,587
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
54,720

 
83,538

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
61,565

 
$
36,951

 
 
 
 
Supplemental non-cash information
 
 
 
Non compete agreements and covenants with limiting conditions acquired (see Note 2)
$

 
$
460

Common stock issuance upon close of acquisition (see Note 2)
$

 
$
6,297

Purchase of treasury stock, at cost, through net settlement (see Note 15)
$
1,919

 
$
177

Cash conversion option (See Note 5)
$
35,710

 
$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
1. Organization and Business
Cowen Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed in 2009, is a diversified financial services firm and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “Cowen,” “Cowen Group” or the “Company”), provides alternative investment management, investment banking, research, market-making and sales and trading and securities lending services through its two business segments: alternative investment and broker-dealer. Ramius, the Company's alternative investment segment, includes hedge funds, replication products, liquid alternative risk premia products, customized solutions, mutual funds, managed futures funds, fund of funds, real estate and healthcare royalty funds. Cowen's broker-dealer segment offers research, brokerage and investment banking services to companies and institutional investor clients primarily in the healthcare, technology, media and telecommunications, consumer, aerospace and defense, industrials, real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), clean technology, energy, metals and mining, transportation, chemicals and agriculture sectors.
2. Acquisitions
On March 11, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of all of the outstanding interests in Dahlman Rose & Company, LLC ("Dahlman"), a privately-held investment bank specializing in the energy, metals and mining, transportation, chemicals and agriculture sectors. This acquisition was an all-stock transaction. In the aggregate, the purchase price, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were not significant and the near term impact to the Company and its consolidated results of operations and cash flows is not expected to be significant. Dahlman was subsequently renamed to Cowen Securities LLC ("Cowen Securities"). Following the acquisition, the Cowen Securities broker-dealer ceased operations and its business was fully integrated into Cowen and Company.
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP"). As such, results of operations for the Cowen Securities are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations since the date of the acquisition, and the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and the resulting goodwill were recorded at their fair values within their respective line items on the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. The goodwill is fully deductible for tax purposes.
3. Significant Accounting Policies
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) related to interim financial statements. Results for interim periods should not be considered indicative of results for any other interim period or for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, included in the Form 10-K of Cowen Group as filed with the SEC on March 3, 2014. The financial information contained herein is unaudited; however, management believes all adjustments have been made that are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by US GAAP. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain fund entities that are consolidated in these condensed consolidated financial statements, as further discussed below, are not subject to these consolidation provisions with respect to their own investments pursuant to their specialized accounting.
The Company serves as the managing member/general partner and/or investment manager to affiliated fund entities which it sponsors and manages. Funds in which the Company has a controlling financial interest are consolidated with the Company pursuant to US GAAP as described below. Consequently, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of these funds on a gross basis. The ownership interests in these funds that are not owned by the Company are reflected as redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The management fees and incentive income earned by the Company from these funds are eliminated in consolidation.
b.
Principles of consolidation
The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting operating entity ("VOE") or a variable interest entity ("VIE") under US GAAP.
Voting Operating EntitiesVOEs are entities in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance its activities independently and (ii) the equity holders at risk have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to

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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. VOEs are consolidated in accordance with US GAAP.
Under US GAAP, the usual condition for a controlling financial interest in a VOE is ownership of a majority voting interest. Accordingly, the Company consolidates VOEs in which it owns a majority of the entity's voting shares or units. US GAAP also provides that a general partner of a limited partnership (or a managing member, in the case of a limited liability company) is presumed to control the partnership, and thus should consolidate it, unless a simple majority of the limited partners has the right to remove the general partner without cause or to terminate the partnership. In accordance with these standards, the Company presently consolidates four entities deemed to be VOEs for which it acts as the general partner and investment manager.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2014 the Company consolidated the following funds: Ramius Enterprise LP (“Enterprise LP”) and Ramius Merger Fund LLC (the "Merger Fund") (collectively the "2014 Consolidated Funds"). As of December 31, 2013 and during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the Company consolidated the following funds: Enterprise LP, Ramius Multi‑Strategy Master FOF LP (“Multi‑Strat Master FOF”), Ramius Vintage Multi‑Strategy Master FOF LP (“Vintage Master FOF”), Ramius Levered Multi‑Strategy FOF LP (“Levered FOF”), and the Merger Fund (collectively the "2013 Consolidated Funds"). As of December 31, 2013, Levered FOF, Multi-Strat Master FOF and Vintage Master FOF, all of which are investment companies managed by Ramius Alternative Solutions LLC, were fully liquidated. RTS Global 3X LP was consolidated up through March 31, 2013 when it was liquidated. Collectively, the 2013 Consolidated Funds and the 2014 Consolidated Funds are referred to as the "Consolidated Funds".
As of March 31, 2014, the Company also consolidated two investment companies; RCG Linkem II LLC, formed to make an investment in a wireless broadband communication provider in Italy and Ramius Co-Investment II LLC, which was formed to make an investment in a biomedical company that develops innovative gene therapies for severe genetic disorders. Ramius Co-Investment I LLC, formed for the same purpose as Ramius Co-Investment II LLC, was consolidated as of December 31, 2013 but was deconsolidated during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 when Ramius Co-Investment I LLC was liquidated. The Company determined that RCG Linkem II, LLC, Ramius Co-Investment I LLC (up until the first quarter of 2014) and Ramius Co-Investment II LLC are VOE's due to its controlling equity interests held through the managing member and/or affiliates and control exercised by the managing member who is not subject to substantive removal rights.
Variable Interest Entities—VIEs are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a VOE. In accordance with US GAAP, an enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it is the primary beneficiary. Under the US GAAP consolidation model for VIEs, an enterprise that (1) has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impacts the VIE's economic performance, and (2) has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus is required to consolidate it.
However, the FASB has deferred the application of the revised consolidation model for VIEs that meet the following conditions: (a) the entity has all the attributes of an investment company as defined under AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, or does not have all the attributes of an investment company but is an entity for which it is acceptable based on industry practice to apply measurement principles that are consistent with investment companies, (b) the reporting entity does not have explicit or implicit obligations to fund any losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity, and (c) the entity is not a securitization entity, asset-backed financing entity or an entity that was formerly considered a qualifying special-purpose entity. The Company's involvement with its funds is such that all three of the above conditions are met for substantially all of the funds managed by the Company. Where the VIEs have qualified for the deferral, the analysis is based on previous consolidation rules. These rules require an analysis to (a) determine whether an entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a variable interest entity 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 related fees), would be expected to absorb a majority of the VIE's expected losses, receive a majority of the VIEs expected residual returns, or both. If these conditions are met, the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE and thus is required to consolidate it.
The Company reconsiders whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE by performing a periodic qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of the VIE that includes a review of, among other things, its capital structure, contractual agreements between the Company and the VIE, the economic interests that create or absorb variability, related party relationships and the design of the VIE. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company consolidates three VIEs. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total net assets of the consolidated VIEs are $2.9 million and $8.2 million, respectively. The VIEs act as managing members/general partners and/or investment managers to affiliated fund entities which they sponsor and/or manage. The VIEs are financed through their operations and/or loan agreements with the Company.

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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company holds a variable interest in Ramius Enterprise Master Fund Ltd (“Enterprise Master”) through one of its Consolidated Funds, Enterprise LP and the Company holds a variable interest in Ramius Merger Master Fund Ltd through one of its Consolidated Funds, Merger Fund, (the “Unconsolidated Master Funds”). Investment companies, which account for their investments under the specialized industry accounting guidance for investment companies prescribed under US GAAP, are not subject to the consolidation provisions for their investments. Therefore, the Company has not consolidated the Unconsolidated Master Funds.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company also sponsors various other entities that it has determined to be VIEs. These VIEs are primarily funds and real estate entities for which the Company serves as the general partner, managing member and/or investment manager with decision-making rights.
The Company does not consolidate any of these funds or real estate entities that are VIEs as it has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary in each instance. Fund investors are entitled to all of the economics of these VIEs with the exception of the management fee and incentive income, if any, earned by the Company. The Company's involvement with funds and real estate entities that are unconsolidated VIEs is limited to providing investment management services in exchange for management fees and incentive income. Although the Company may advance amounts and pay certain expenses on behalf of the funds and real estate entities that it considers to be VIEs, it does not provide, nor is it required to provide, any type of substantive financial support to these entities outside of regular investment management services. (See Note 5 for additional disclosures on VIEs)
Equity Method InvestmentsFor operating entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation as outlined above, the Company uses the equity method of accounting. The Company's investments in equity method investees are recorded in other investments in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company's share of earnings or losses from equity method investees is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
The Company evaluates for impairment its equity method investments whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such investments may not be recoverable. The difference between the carrying value of the equity method investment and its estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment charge when the loss in value is deemed other than temporary.
OtherIf the Company does not consolidate an entity, apply the equity method of accounting or account for an investment under the cost method, the Company accounts for all securities which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term as trading securities in accordance with US GAAP, at fair value with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Retention of Specialized AccountingThe Consolidated Funds are investment companies and apply specialized industry accounting for investment companies. The Company has retained this specialized accounting for these funds pursuant to US GAAP. The Company reports its investments on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition at their estimated fair value, with unrealized gains (losses) resulting from changes in fair value reflected within net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments and other transactions. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect different accounting policies for investments depending on whether or not they are held through a consolidated investment company. In addition, the Company's broker-dealer subsidiaries, Cowen and Company, LLC (“Cowen and Company”), ATM Execution LLC ("ATM Execution"), ATM USA, LLC ("ATM USA"), and Cowen Equity Finance LP ("Cowen Equity Finance"), apply the specialized industry accounting for brokers and dealers in securities also prescribed under US GAAP. The Company also retains specialized accounting in consolidation.
c.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires the management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of securities and other investments, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts in order to conform with current period presentation.



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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

d.
Valuation of investments and derivative contracts
US GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has
the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2     Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including
inputs in markets that are not considered to be active; and

Level 3 Fair value is determined based on pricing inputs that are unobservable and includes situations where there is little,
if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The determination of fair value for assets and liabilities in this
category requires significant management judgment or estimation.
Inputs are used in applying the various valuation techniques and broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make valuation decisions, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may include price information, volatility statistics, specific and broad credit data, liquidity statistics, and other factors. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. However, the determination of what constitutes “observable” requires significant judgment by the Company. The Company considers observable data to be that market data which is readily available, regularly distributed or updated, reliable and verifiable, not proprietary, and provided by independent sources that are actively involved in the relevant market. The categorization of a financial instrument within the hierarchy is based upon the pricing transparency of the instrument and does not necessarily correspond to the Company's perceived risk of that instrument.
The Company and its operating subsidiaries act as the manager for the Consolidated Funds. Both the Company and the Consolidated Funds hold certain investments which are valued by the Company, acting as the investment manager. The fair value of these investments is generally estimated based on proprietary models developed by the Company, which include discounted cash flow analysis, public market comparables, and other techniques and may be based, at least in part, on independently sourced market information. The material estimates and assumptions used in these models include the timing and expected amount of cash flows, the appropriateness of discount rates used, and, in some cases, the ability to execute, timing of, and estimated proceeds from expected financings. Significant judgment and estimation goes into the selection of an appropriate valuation methodology as well as the assumptions used in these models, and the timing and actual values realized with respect to investments could be materially different from values derived based on the use of those estimates. The valuation methodologies applied impact the reported value of the Company's investments and the investments held by the Consolidated Funds in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Certain of the Company's investments are relatively illiquid or thinly traded and may not be immediately liquidated on demand if needed. Fair values assigned to these investments may differ significantly from the fair values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and such differences could be material.
The Company primarily uses the “market approach” to value its financial instruments measured at fair value. In determining an instrument's level within the hierarchy, the Company categorizes the Company's financial instruments into three categories: securities, derivative contracts and other investments. To the extent applicable, each of these categories can further be divided between those held long or sold short.
SecuritiesSecurities whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets, and are therefore classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy, include active listed equities, certain U.S. government and sovereign obligations, ETF's and certain money market securities. The Company does not adjust the quoted price for such instruments, even in situations where the Company holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
Certain positions for which trading activity may not be readily visible, consisting primarily of convertible debt, corporate debt and loans, are stated at fair value and classified within level 2. The estimated fair values assigned by management are determined in good faith and are based on available information considering, trading activity, broker quotes, quotations provided by published pricing services, counterparties and other market participants, and pricing models using quoted inputs, and do not necessarily represent the amounts which might ultimately be realized. As level 2 investments include positions that are not always traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability.

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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Derivative contractsDerivative contracts can be exchange-traded or privately negotiated over-the-counter (“OTC”). Exchange-traded derivatives, such as futures contracts and exchange-traded option contracts, are typically classified within level 1 or level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on whether or not they are deemed to be actively traded. OTC derivatives, such as generic forwards, swaps and options, have inputs which can generally be corroborated by market data and are therefore classified within level 2. OTC derivatives, such as swaps, options and warrants where market data is not readily available or observable are classified as level 3.
Other investmentsOther investments consist primarily of portfolio funds, real estate investments and equity method investments, which are valued as follows:
i.
Portfolio funds—Portfolio funds (“Portfolio Funds”) include interests in funds and investment companies managed by the Company or its affiliates. The Company follows US GAAP regarding fair value measurements and disclosures relating to investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent). The guidance permits, as a practical expedient, an entity holding investments in certain entities that either are investment companies as defined by the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide, Investment Companies, or have attributes similar to an investment company, and calculate net asset value per share or its equivalent for which the fair value is not readily determinable, to measure the fair value of such investments on the basis of that NAV per share, or its equivalent, without adjustment.

The Company categorizes its investments in Portfolio Funds within the fair value hierarchy dependent on its ability to redeem the investment. If the Company has the ability to redeem its investment at NAV at the measurement date or within the near term, the Portfolio Fund is categorized as a level 2 investment within the fair value hierarchy. If the Company does not know when it will have the ability to redeem its investment or cannot do so in the near term, the Portfolio Fund is categorized as a level 3 investment within the fair value hierarchy. See Notes 5 and 6 for further details of the Company's investments in Portfolio Funds.
ii.
Real estate investments—Real estate debt and equity investments are valued at fair value. The fair value of real estate investments are estimated based on the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between marketplace participants at the measurement date. Real estate investments without a public market are valued based on assumptions and valuation techniques used by the Company. Such valuation techniques may include discounted cash flow analysis, prevailing market capitalization rates or earnings multiples applied to earnings from the investment, analysis of recent comparable sales transactions, actual sale negotiations and bona fide purchase offers received from third parties, consideration of the amount that currently would be required to replace the asset, as adjusted for obsolescence, as well as independent external appraisals. In general, the Company considers several valuation techniques when measuring the fair value of a real estate investment. However, in certain circumstances, a single valuation technique may be appropriate. Real estate investments are reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Company for significant changes at the property level or a significant change in the overall market which would impact the value of the real estate investment resulting in unrealized appreciation or depreciation.
The Company also reflects its real estate equity investments net of investment level financing. Valuation adjustments attributable to underlying financing arrangements are considered in the real estate equity valuation based on amounts at which the financing liabilities could be transferred to market participants at the measurement date.
Real estate and capital markets are cyclical in nature. Property and investment values are affected by, among other things, the availability of capital, occupancy rates, rental rates and interest and inflation rates. In addition, the Company invests in real estate and real estate related investments for which no liquid market exists. The market prices for such investments may be volatile and may not be readily ascertainable. Amounts ultimately realized by the Company from investments sold may differ from the fair values presented, and the differences could be material.

The Company's real estate investments are typically categorized as a level 3 investment within the fair value hierarchy as management uses significant unobservable inputs in determining their estimated fair value.

See Notes 5 and 6 for further information regarding the Company's investments, including equity method investments, and fair value measurements.
e.
Securities borrowed and securities loaned
Securities borrowed and securities loaned are carried at the amounts of cash collateral advanced or received on a gross basis. The related rebates are recorded in the statement of operations as interest income and interest expense. Securities

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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

borrowed transactions require the Company to deposit cash collateral with the lender. With respect to securities loaned, the Company receives cash collateral from the borrower. The initial collateral advanced or received approximates or is greater than the market value of securities borrowed or loaned. The Company monitors the market value of securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis, with additional collateral obtained or returned, as necessary. Securities borrowed and loaned may also result in credit exposures for the Company in an event that the counterparties are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company minimizes its credit risk by continuously monitoring  its credit exposure and collateral values by demanding additional or returning excess collateral in accordance with the netting provisions available in the master securities lending contracts in place with the counterparties.
Fees and interest received or paid are recorded in interest and dividend income and interest expense, respectively, on an accrual basis. In cases where the fair value basis of accounting is elected, any resulting change in fair value is reported in trading revenues. Accrued interest income and expense are recorded in the same manner as under the accrual method. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company does not have any securities lending transactions for which fair value basis of accounting was elected.
f.
Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase    
The Company uses securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“Repurchase Agreements”) as part of its liquidity management activities and to support its trading and risk management activities. In particular, securities purchased and sold under Repurchase Agreements are used for short-term liquidity purposes. As of December 31, 2013, Repurchase Agreements are secured predominantly by liquid corporate credit and/or government issued securities. The use of Repurchase Agreements will fluctuate with the Company's need to fund short term credit or obtain competitive short term credit financing. The Company's securities sold under agreements to repurchase were transacted pursuant to agreements with one counterparty as of December 31, 2013. The Company does not hold any repurchase agreements as of March 31, 2014.
Collateral is valued daily and the Company and its counterparties may adjust the collateral or require additional collateral to be deposited when appropriate. Collateral held by counterparties may be sold or re-hypothecated by such counterparties, subject to certain limitations sometimes imposed by the Company and in accordance with the master netting agreements in place with the counterparty. Collateralized Repurchase Agreements may result in credit exposure in the event the counterparties to the transactions are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations. The Company minimizes the credit risk associated with this activity by monitoring credit exposure and collateral values, and by requiring additional collateral to be promptly deposited with or returned to the Company when deemed necessary.
g.    Debt
Long-term debt is carried at the principal amount borrowed net of any discount/premium. The discount is accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the underlying debt obligations. Accrued but unpaid coupon interest is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
h.    Deferred rent
Deferred rent primarily consists of step rent, allowances from landlords and valuing the Company's lease properties in accordance with US GAAP. Step rent represents the difference between actual operating lease payments due and straight-line rent expense, which is recorded by the Company over the term of the lease, including the build-out period. This amount is recorded as deferred rent in the early years of the lease, when cash payments are generally lower than straight-line rent expense, and reduced in the later years of the lease when payments begin to exceed the straight-line expense. Landlord allowances are generally comprised of amounts received and/or promised to the Company by landlords and may be received in the form of cash or free rent. These allowances are part of the negotiated terms of the lease. The Company records a receivable from the landlord and a deferred rent liability when the allowances are earned. This deferred rent is amortized into income (through lower rent expense) over the term (including the pre-opening build-out period) of the applicable lease, and the receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord. Liabilities resulting from valuing the Company's leased properties acquired through business combinations are quantified by comparing the current fair value of the leased space to the current rental payments on the date of acquisition. Deferred rent, included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is $14.1 million and $14.6 million, respectively.



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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

4. Cash collateral pledged
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company pledged cash collateral in the amount of $11.3 million and $10.9 million, respectively, which relates to letters of credit issued to the landlords of the Company's premises in New York City, Boston and San Francisco (see Note 14).
5. Investments of Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds
a.
Operating Entities
Securities owned, at fair value
Securities owned, at fair value are held by the Company and are considered held for trading. Substantially all equity securities are pledged to the clearing broker under terms which permit the clearing broker to sell or re-pledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations.
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, securities owned, at fair value consisted of the following:
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government securities (a)
$
9

 
$
9

Preferred stock
324

 
324

Common stocks
270,349

 
176,939

Convertible bonds (b)
11,564

 
5,958

Corporate bonds (c)
167,349

 
121,372

Warrants and rights
4,265

 
5,912

Mutual funds
15,518

 
525

 
$
469,378

 
$
311,039

(a)
As of March 31, 2014, the maturity was April 2016 with an interest rate of 5.95%. As of December 31, 2013, the maturity was April 2016 with an interest rate of 5.95%.
(b)
As of March 31, 2014, maturities ranged from June 2014 to November 2014 and interest rates ranged between 4.00% to 10.00%. As of December 31, 2013, maturities ranged from May 2014 to October 2014 and interest rates ranged between 5.00% to 10.00% .
(c)
As of March 31, 2014, maturities ranged from September 2014 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 4.74% and 12.25%. As of December 31, 2013, maturities ranged from January 2014 to February 2046 and interest rates ranged between 3.38% and 11.75%.
Receivable on and Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
The Company's direct involvement with derivative financial instruments includes futures, currency forwards, equity swaps, options and warrants and rights. Open equity positions in futures transactions are recorded as receivables from and payables to broker-dealers or clearing brokers, as applicable. The Company's derivatives trading activities exposes the Company to certain risks, such as price and interest rate fluctuations, volatility risk, credit risk, counterparty risk, foreign currency movements and changes in the liquidity of markets.
On the date of issuance of the Company's cash convertible unsecured senior notes ("Convertible Notes") (see Note 14), the Company recognized the embedded cash conversion option at $35.7 million which is included in payable for derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Also, on the date of issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into a separate cash convertible note hedge transaction (the "Hedge Transaction") with a counterparty (the “Option Counterparty”) whereby, the Company purchased a cash settled option contract with terms identical to the conversion option embedded in the Convertible Notes and simultaneously sold an equity settled warrant with a higher strike price. The Hedge Transaction is expected to reduce the Company’s exposure to potential cash payments in excess of the principal amount of converted notes that the Company may be required to make upon conversion of the Convertible Notes. The Hedge Transaction is included in receivable on derivative contracts in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. On the date of issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company paid a premium of $35.7 million for the option under the Hedge Transaction and received a premium of $15.2 million for the equity settled warrant transaction, for a net cost of $20.5 million. Aside from the initial premium paid, we will not be required to make any cash

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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

payments under the Hedge Transaction and could be entitled to receive an amount of cash from the Option Counterparty generally equal to the amount by which the market price per share of common stock exceeds the strike price of the Hedge Transaction during the relevant valuation period. The warrants cover 28,048,786 shares of the Company's Class A common stock and have an initial exercise price of $7.18 per share. The warrants expire over a period of 80 trading days beginning on November 14, 2018. The warrant transaction could have a dilutive effect to the extent that the market value per share of the Company’s Class A common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of the warrants.
The Company's long and short exposure to derivatives is as follows:
Receivable on derivative contracts
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Commodity Future
$
53

 
$
285

Cross Rate
10

 
22

Equity Swap
8

 
70

Options (a)
50,005

 
9,698

 
$
50,076

 
$
10,075

(a) As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had 62,479 and 71,129 contracts held, respectively.
Payable for derivative contracts
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Futures
$
62

 
$
275

Currency forwards
28

 
301

Equity and credit default swaps
735

 
525

Options (a)
49,207

 
6,573

 
$
50,032

 
$
7,674

(a) As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had 27,745 and 38,221 contracts held, respectively.
The following tables present the gross and net derivative positions and the related offsetting amount, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
As of March 31, 2014
 
Gross amounts recognized
 
Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(a)
 
Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Amounts not offset on the condensed consolidated balance sheet but eligible for offsetting upon counterparty default (b)
 
Net amounts
 
(dollars in thousands)
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
$
50,076

 
$

 
$
50,076

 
$

 
$

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
50,032

 

 
50,032

 

 

As of December 31, 2013
 
Gross amounts recognized
 
Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(a)
 
Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Amounts not offset on the condensed consolidated balance sheet but eligible for offsetting upon counterparty default (b)
 
Net amounts
 
(dollars in thousands)
Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
$
10,075

 
$

 
$
10,075

 
$
10,075

 
$

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
7,674

 

 
7,674

 
7,674

 
$


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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(a)
Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.
(b)
Includes the amount of collateral held or posted.
The realized and unrealized gains/(losses) related to derivatives trading activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, were $(1.8) million and $(5.2) million, respectively, and are included in other income in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Pursuant to the various derivatives transactions discussed above, the Company is required to post collateral for its obligations or potential obligations. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, collateral consisting of $18.1 million and $10.0 million of cash, respectively, is included in receivable from brokers on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 all derivative contracts were with multiple major financial institutions.
Other investments
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, other investments consisted of the following:
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
(1) Portfolio Funds, at fair value
$
79,440

 
$
71,051

(2) Real estate investments, at fair value
42,283

 
2,088

(3) Equity method investments
22,034

 
25,966

(4) Lehman claims, at fair value
390

 
378

 
$
144,147

 
$
99,483

(1)
Portfolio Funds, at fair value
The Portfolio Funds, at fair value as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, included the following:

As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013

(dollars in thousands)
HealthCare Royalty Partners (a)(*)
$
10,784

 
$
9,741

HealthCare Royalty Partners II (a)(*)
6,140

 
4,961

Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP (b)(*)
13,828

 
12,674

Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP (c)(*)
18,439

 
17,495

Formation 8 Partners Fund I (d)
6,083

 
2,788

RCG LV Park Lane LLC (e)
706

 
678

RCGL 12E13th LLC (f)
584

 
558

RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. (f)
11,856

 
11,979

Other private investment (g)
7,785

 
7,772

Other affiliated funds (h)(*)
3,235

 
2,405

 
$
79,440

 
$
71,051

* These portfolio funds are affiliates of the Company.
The Company has no unfunded commitments regarding the portfolio funds held by the Company except as noted in Note 13.
(a)
HealthCare Royalty Partners, L.P. and HealthCare Royalty Partners II, L.P. are private equity funds and therefore distributions will be made when cash flows are received from the underlying investments, typically on a quarterly basis.
(b)
Orchard Square Partners Credit Fund LP (formerly known as Ramius Global Credit Fund LP) has a quarterly redemption policy with a 60 day notice period and a 4% penalty on redemptions of investments of less than a year in duration.
(c)
Starboard Value and Opportunity Fund LP permits quarterly withdrawals upon 90 days notice.

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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(d)
Formation 8 Partners Fund I is a private equity fund which invests in equity of early stage and growth transformational information and energy technology companies. Distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(e)
RCG LV Park Lane LLC  is a single purpose entity formed to participate in a joint venture which acquired, at a discount, the mortgage notes on a portfolio of multifamily real estate properties located in Birmingham, Alabama.  RCG LV Park Lane LLC is a private equity structure and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(f)
RCGL 12E13th LLC and RCG Longview Debt Fund V, L.P. are real estate private equity structures and therefore distributions will be made when the underlying investments are liquidated.
(g)
Other private investment represents the Company's closed end investment in a portfolio fund that invests in a wireless broadband communication provider in Italy.
(h)
The majority of these funds are affiliates of the Company or are managed by the Company and the investors can redeem from these funds as investments are liquidated.
(2)
Real estate investments, at fair value
Real estate investments as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are carried at fair value and include real estate equity investments held by RCG RE Manager, LLC (“RE Manager”), a real estate operating subsidiary of the Company, of $2.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Additionally, during March 2014, the Company invested $40 million (which approximates fair value at March 31, 2014) in two real estate mortgage loan participation agreements, with a related party, earning interest at LIBOR plus 6%, which include put/call options exercisable within 90 days.
(3)
Equity method investments
Equity method investments include investments held by the Company in several operating companies whose operations primarily include the day to day management of a number of real estate funds, including the portfolio management and administrative services related to the acquisition, disposition, and active monitoring of the real estate funds' underlying debt and equity investments. The Company's ownership interests in these equity method investments range from 20% to 55%. The Company holds a majority of the outstanding ownership interest (i.e., more than 50%) in three of these entities: RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Management, LLC, RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Partners, LLC and RCG Longview Partners II, LLC. The operating agreements that govern the management of day-to-day operations and affairs of each of these three entities stipulate that certain decisions require support and approval from other members in addition to the support and approval of the Company. As a result, all operating decisions made in these three entities require the support of both the Company and an affirmative vote of a majority of the other managing members who are not affiliates of the Company. As the Company does not possess control over any of these entities, the presumption of consolidation has been overcome pursuant to current accounting standards and the Company accounts for these investments under the equity method of accounting. Also included in equity method investments is the investment in (a) HealthCare Royalty Partners General Partners (b) an investment in the CBOE (Chicago Board Options Exchange) Stock Exchange LLC representing a 9.5% stake in the exchange service provider for which the Company exercises significant influence over through representation on the CBOE Board of Directors, and (c) Starboard Value (and certain related parties) which serves as an operating company whose operations primarily include the day to day management (including portfolio management) of a deep value small cap hedge fund and related managed accounts.











18

Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The following table summarizes equity method investments held by the Company:
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Debt Fund IV Management, LLC
$
495

 
$
1,533

RCG Longview Debt Fund V Partners, LLC
1,672
 
1,497

HealthCare Royalty GP, LLC
879
 
794
HealthCare Royalty GP II, LLC
1,040
 
840
HealthCare Royalty GP III, LLC
47
 
47

CBOE Stock Exchange, LLC
1,283
 
1,351
Starboard Value LP
10,019
 
14,263
RCG Longview Partners, LLC
2,692
 
1,839
RCG Urban American, LLC
346
 
316
RCG Urban American Management, LLC
274
 
238
RCG Longview Equity Management, LLC
106
 
292
Urban American Real Estate Fund II, LLC
2,047
 
1,785
RCG Kennedy House, LLC
483
 
502
Other
651
 
669
 
$
22,034

 
$
25,966

As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's share of losses in its equity method investment in RCG Longview Partners II, LLC has exceeded the carrying amount recorded in this investee. These amounts are included in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. RCG Longview Partners II, LLC, as general partner to a real estate fund, has reversed previously recorded incentive income allocations and has recorded a current clawback obligation to the limited partners in the fund. This obligation is due to a change in unrealized value of the fund on which there have previously been distributed carried interest realizations; however, the settlement of a potential obligation is not due until the end of the life of the respective fund. As the Company is obligated to return previous distributions it received from RCG Longview Partners II, LLC, it has continued to record its share of gains/losses in the investee including reflecting its share of the clawback obligation in the amount of $6.2 million.
The Company's income (loss) from equity method investments was $6.5 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in net gains (losses) on securities, derivatives and other investments on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition, the Company recorded no impairment charges in relation to its equity method investments for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(4)
Lehman Claims, at fair value
Lehman Brothers International (Europe) (“LBIE”), through certain affiliates, was a prime broker to the Company, and the Company held cash and cash equivalent balances with LBIE. On September 15, 2008, LBIE was placed into administration (the “Administration”) in the United Kingdom and, as a result, the assets held by the Company in its LBIE accounts were frozen at LBIE. The assets which the Company believed were held at LBIE at the time of Administration (the “Total Net Equity Claim”) consisted of $1.0 million, which the Company believed would represent an unsecured claim against LBIE. On November 2, 2012, the Company executed a Claims Determination Deed with respect to this claim.  By entering into this deed, the Company and LBIE reached agreement on the amount of the Company's unsecured claim, which was agreed to be approximately $0.9 million.  As a result of entering into this deed, the Company is entitled to participate in dividends to unsecured creditors of LBIE. At the end of November 2012 the Company received its first dividend in an amount equal to 25.2% of its agreed claim, or approximately $0.2 million, at the end of June 2013 the Company received its second dividend in an amount equal to 43.3% of its agreed claim, or approximately $0.4 million, and at the end of November 2013 the Company received its third dividend in an amount equal to 23.7% of its agreed claim, or approximately $0.2 million. The total amounts received to date in respect of the Company’s unsecured claim against LBIE are approximately $0.9 million, representing 92.2% of its agreed claim. On February 28, 2014, LBIE announced that the fourth interim distribution would be paid on or around April 30, 2014. The dividend rate will be 7.8% of the agreed claim amount, or approximately $0.1 million, bringing the total cumulative distributions received to 100% of the agreed claim amount. LBIE also indicated that no further distributions will be possible until such time as matters concerning how the surplus remaining in the estate will be distributed are resolved. Accordingly, the Company does not know the timing with respect to future dividends to unsecured creditors or the ultimate value that will be

19

Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

received, with respect to its claim. The claim described above does not include claims held by the Company against LBIE through its investment in Enterprise Master discussed in Note 5b(2).
Given the fact that LBIE has made multiple distributions to unsecured creditors and the increased trading levels for unsecured claims of LBIE, the Company decided to record the estimated fair value of the Total Net Equity Claim at 132.5% and 131.5% as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which represented management's best estimate at the respective dates of the value that ultimately may be recovered with respect to the Total Net Equity Claim (the “Estimated Recoverable Lehman Claim”). The Estimated Recoverable Lehman Claim was recorded at estimated fair value considering a number of factors including the status of the assets under U.K. insolvency laws and the trading levels of LBIE unsecured debt. In determining the estimated value of the Total Net Equity Claim, the Company was required to use considerable judgment and is based on the facts currently available. As additional information on the LBIE proceeding becomes available, the Company may need to adjust the valuation of the Estimated Recoverable Lehman Claim. The actual recovery that may ultimately be received by the Company with respect to the pending LBIE claim is not known and could be different from the estimated value assigned by the Company. (See Note 5b(2)).
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value represent obligations of the Company to deliver a specified security at a contracted price and, thereby, create a liability to purchase that security at prevailing prices. The Company's liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. However, these transactions result in off-balance sheet risk, as the Company's ultimate cost to satisfy the delivery of securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value may exceed the amount reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Substantially all equity securities and options are pledged to the clearing broker under terms which permit the clearing broker to sell or re-pledge the securities to others subject to certain limitations. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value consisted of the following:
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks
$
139,290

 
$
130,899

Corporate bonds (a)
57

 
55

 
$
139,347

 
$
130,954

(a)
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the maturity was January 2026 with an interest rate of 5.55%.
Securities purchased under agreements to resell and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
The Company held no securities purchased under agreements to resell or securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of March 31, 2014. The following table represents the Company's securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31, 2013:
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
 
Agreements with Royal Bank of Canada bearing interest of 1.75% due June 2015 to November 2015
$
3,657

 
$
3,657

The following tables present the gross and net repurchase agreements and the related offsetting amount, as of December 31, 2013.
As of December 31, 2013
 
Gross amounts recognized
 
Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(a)
 
Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Amounts not offset on the condensed consolidated balance sheet but eligible for offsetting upon counterparty default (b)
 
Net amounts
 
(dollars in thousands)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
$
3,657

 
$

 
$
3,657

 
$
3,657

 
$


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Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(a)
Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.
(b)
Includes the amount of collateral held or posted.
For all of the Company's holdings of repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2013, the repurchase dates were open and the agreement could be terminated by either party at any time. The agreements rolls over on a day-to-day basis.
Transactions involving the purchase or sale of securities under repurchase/resell agreements are carried at their contract value, which approximates fair value, and are accounted for as collateralized financings. In connection with these financings, as of December 31, 2013, the Company had pledged collateral of $4.6 million (consisting of corporate bonds), which is included in securities owned, at fair value in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Securities lending and borrowing transactions
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company has loaned to brokers and dealers, securities having a market value of $1.3 billion and $881.7 million, respectively.  In addition, the Company has borrowed from brokers and dealers, securities having a market value of $1.3 billion and $892.8 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
The following tables present the contractual gross and net securities borrowing and lending agreements and the related offsetting amount, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
As of March 31, 2014
 
Gross amounts recognized
 
Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(a)
 
Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Amounts not offset on the condensed consolidated balance sheet but eligible for offsetting upon counterparty default (b)
 
Net amounts
 
(dollars in thousands)
Securities borrowed
$
1,319,938

 
$

 
$
1,319,938

 
$
1,319,938

 
$

Securities loaned
1,310,903

 

 
1,310,903

 
1,310,903

 

As of December 31, 2013
 
Gross amounts recognized
 
Gross amounts offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(a)
 
Net amounts included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
 
Amounts not offset on the condensed consolidated balance sheet but eligible for offsetting upon counterparty default (b)
 
Net amounts
 
(dollars in thousands)
Securities borrowed
$
927,773

 
$

 
$
927,773

 
$
927,773

 
$

Securities loaned
918,577

 

 
918,577

 
918,577

 

(a)
Includes financial instruments subject to enforceable master netting provisions that are permitted to be offset to the extent an event of default has occurred.
(b)
Includes the amount of cash collateral held/posted.

Variable Interest Entities
The total assets and liabilities of the variable interest entities for which the Company has concluded that it holds a variable interest, but for which it is not the primary beneficiary, are $2.0 billion and $247.5 million as of March 31, 2014 and $1.7 billion and $242.5 million as of December 31, 2013, respectively. In addition, the maximum exposure relating to these variable interest entities as of March 31, 2014 was $180.6 million, and as of December 31, 2013 was $193.9 million, all of which is included in other investments, at fair value in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The exposure to loss primarily relates to the Consolidated Feeder Funds' investment in their Unconsolidated Master Funds as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.


21

Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

b.
Consolidated Funds
Other investments, at fair value
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 other investments, at fair value, held by the Consolidated Funds are comprised of:

As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013

(dollars in thousands)
(1) Portfolio Funds
$
175,614

 
$
182,638

(2) Lehman claims
3,776

 
4,842


$
179,390

 
$
187,480

(1)
Investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, investments in Portfolio Funds, at fair value, included the following:

As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013

(dollars in thousands)
Investments of Enterprise LP
$
143,059

 
$
155,530

Investments of Merger Fund
32,555

 
26,963

Investments of consolidated fund of funds

 
145


$
175,614

 
$
182,638

Consolidated investments of Enterprise LP    
Enterprise LP operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Enterprise Master's shareholders are Enterprise LP and RCG II Intermediate Fund, L.P. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Enterprise LP's investment of $143.1 million and $155.5 million in Enterprise Master as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. On May 12, 2010, the Company announced its intention to close Enterprise Master. Prior to this announcement, strategies utilized by Enterprise Master included merger arbitrage and activist investing, investments in distressed securities, convertible hedging, capital structure arbitrage, equity market neutral, investments in private placements of convertible securities, proprietary mortgages, structured credit investments, investments in mortgage backed securities and other structured finance products, investments in real estate and real property interests, structured private placements and other relative value strategies. Enterprise Master had broad investment powers and maximum flexibility in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Enterprise Master was permitted to invest in equity securities, debt instruments, options, futures, swaps, credit default swaps and other derivatives. Enterprise Master has been selling, and will continue to sell, its positions and return capital to its investors. There are no unfunded commitments at Enterprise LP.
Consolidated investments of Merger Fund    
The Merger Fund operates under a “master-feeder” structure, whereby Ramius Merger Master Ltd's ("Merger Master") shareholders are Merger Fund and Ramius Merger Fund Ltd. The consolidated investments in Portfolio Funds include Merger Fund's investment of $32.6 million and $27.0 million in Merger Master as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The Merger Master’s investment objective is to achieve consistent absolute returns while emphasizing the preservation of investor capital. The Merger Master seeks to achieve these objectives by taking a fundamental, research-driven approach to investing, primarily in the securities of issuers engaged in, or subject to, announced (or unannounced but otherwise anticipated) extraordinary corporate transactions, which may include, but are not limited to, mergers, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, tender offers, hostile takeover bids, sale processes, exchange offers, and recapitalizations. Merger Master invests in the securities of one or more issuers engaged in or subject to such extraordinary corporate transactions. Merger Master typically seeks to derive a profit by realizing the price differential, or “spread,” between the market price of securities purchased or sold short and the market price or value of securities realized in connection with the completion or termination of the extraordinary corporate transaction, or in connection with the adjustment of market prices in anticipation thereof, while seeking to minimize the market risk associated with the aforementioned investment activities. Merger Master will, depending on markets conditions, generally focus the majority of its investment program on announced transactions. If the investment manager of Merger Master considers it necessary, it may either alone or as part of a group, also initiate shareholder actions seeking to maximize value. Such shareholder actions may include, but are not limited to, re-orienting management’s focus or initiating the sale of the company (or one or more of its divisions) to a third party. There are no unfunded commitments at Merger Fund.

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Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Investment of a consolidated fund of funds investment company
The investment of the consolidated fund of fund investment company was $0.1 million as of December 31, 2013, which was the remaining investment of Vintage Master FOF that was transferred to a third party during the three months ended March 31, 2014. Vintage Master FOF's investment objective was to allocate its capital among portfolio managers that invest through investment pools or managed accounts thereby forming concentrated investments in high conviction managers designed to achieve attractive risk adjusted returns with moderate relative volatility. The investment held at December 31, 2013 was a hedged equity strategy held in an externally managed portfolio fund. The hedged equity strategy focused on equity strategies with some directional market exposure. The strategy attempted to profit from market efficiencies and direction. There are no fund of fund investment companies consolidated as of March 31, 2014.
(2)
Lehman Claims, at fair value
With respect to the aforementioned Lehman claims, the Total Net Equity Claim of Enterprise Master based on the value of assets at the time of Lehman's insolvency held directly by Enterprise Master and through Enterprise Master's ownership interest in affiliated funds consisted of $24.3 million. Included in this claim were assets with a value of $9.5 million at the time LBIE entered Administration that were returned to Enterprise Master and its affiliated funds in June 2010. Enterprise Master and its affiliated funds sold the returned assets for an aggregate $10.7 million, and distributed this amount to Enterprise Master's investors in July 2010. In December 2011, Enterprise Master received an aggregate of approximately $2.4 million relating to securities, interest and dividends earned with respect to securities held by LBIE on behalf of Enterprise Master and its affiliated funds. A distribution of $2.9 million occurred in February of 2012. On November 2, 2012, Enterprise Master executed a Claims Determination Deed with respect to the unsecured portion of its direct claim against LBIE.  By entering into this deed, Enterprise Master and LBIE reached agreement on the amount of Enterprise Master's unsecured claim, which was agreed to be approximately $1.3 million.  As a result of entering into this deed, Enterprise Master was entitled to participate in dividends to unsecured creditors of LBIE and at the end of November 2012 Enterprise Master received its first dividend in an amount equal to 25.2% of its agreed claim, or approximately $0.3 million. In February 2013, Enterprise Master sold its unsecured claim, including the amount received in connection with the first dividend, for $1.3 million, or par. Enterprise Master distributed the proceeds of the sale to the Company in March 2013. Of the original remaining net equity claim, $10.6 million represented claims to trust assets that the Company believes were held by LBIE through Lehman Brothers, Inc. (“LBI”). LBIE made a corresponding claim for these assets and other trust assets held at LBI by LBIE on behalf of other prime brokerage clients pursuant to an omnibus customer claim (the “LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim”). LBIE was only going to be able to return trust assets held at LBI to Enterprise Master once LBIE received a distribution from LBI in respect of the LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim. In February 2013, LBIE, Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. and LBI announced that they entered into two separate agreements settling all intercompany claims between LBI on the one part, and LBHI and LBIE on the other part. The settlement agreements were subject to the approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in the LBI Securities Investor Protection Act (SIPA) proceeding and, in the case of the agreement between LBI and LBIE, an order of the English High Court. The U.S. Banking Judge approved the settlement agreement in April 2013 and the English High Court issued an order approving the settlement in May 2013. The settlements allowed the trustee appointed under SIPA (the “SIPA Trustee”) to proceed with plans to allocate and distribute sufficient cash and securities to LBI's customer claimants, including LBIE with respect to the LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim, to enable the SIPA Trustee to satisfy valid customer claims in full. In March 2013, LBIE made a consensual proposal to the clients holding trust assets pursuant to the LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim to facilitate the return of the amounts recovered from LBI with respect to the LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim. Under the consensual proposal, LBIE indicated that it intended to liquidate any securities received from LBI with respect to the LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim and then allocate the value received from LBI among all of the LBIE clients who had trust assets held at LBI under the LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim. In allocating the amounts received from LBI, LBIE indicated that it intended to allow clients to determine their entitlements on a portfolio basis based on the higher of (i) the market value of the portfolio as of September 19, 2008 or (ii) the market value of the portfolio together with accrued income thereon as of November 30, 2012 (the “Best Claim”). LBIE's purpose in seeking a consensual arrangement with its clients relating to the liquidation and allocation described above was to ensure that a distribution could be made without having to seek UK court direction on these issues, which would otherwise have substantially delayed any distribution. On April 2, 2013, LBIE announced that the consensual proposal had been accepted by a sufficient number of clients to satisfy the acceptance threshold and would therefore become effective. The settlement agreement between LBI and LBIE also became effective and LBIE announced in June 2013 that it had recovered the majority of the cash and securities from LBI and that it had liquidated approximately 90% of the aggregate value of securities received or to be received from LBI and that it intended to make its first distribution to trust asset claimants at the end of September 2013. On September 26, 2013, LBIE announced that it had made a first interim distribution to trust claimants of 100% of the claimant's Best Claim amount. As previously announced by LBIE, LBIE has requested guidance from the US Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") with regard to the character and source of the settlement payments. In order to balance LBIE's objective of making a significant distribution to claimants with the requirement to pay the appropriate US

23

Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

withholding tax in respect of distributions, as an interim solution LBIE deposited 30% of the gross distribution to claimants with the IRS as a reserve, except with respect to claimants who provided LBIE with a validly executed Form W-9. Once the appropriate US withholding tax treatment of the distributions is finally determined by the IRS, LBIE expects to be in a position to promptly receive back funds and release any excess reserves back to the appropriate claimants. On April 25, 2015, LBIE disclosed that it intends to make a distribution to trust claimants with June 12, 2014 as the proposed distribution date. The proposed distribution would be to release excess reserves back to the appropriate claimants. The amount to be released has not yet been publicly disclosed. The amount of the distribution received by Enterprise Master on September 26, 2013 was $14.9 million, with $1 million reserved by LBIE in respect of the withholding described above. On January 30, 2014, LBIE made a second distribution to trust claimants of 6% of the claimant’s Best Claim amount. LBIE has also requested guidance from the IRS with respect to the character and source of this settlement payment and as an interim solution the withholding agent has reserved 30% of the distribution amount paid, except with respect to claimants who provided LBIE with a validly executed Form W-9. As of March 31, 2014, after giving effect to the receipt of the distribution described above, the Company is valuing Enterprise Master's remaining trust asset claim at 101.5% of its Best Claim, or $0.2 million. After giving effect to all of these distributions, the remaining Net Equity Claim for Enterprise Master held directly and through its ownership interest in affiliated funds was $5.8 million as of March 31, 2014. Of the $5.8 million current valuation of Enterprise Master's claim, $3.8 million was attributable to Enterprise LP based on its ownership percentage in Enterprise Master at the time of the Administration.
In addition to Enterprise Master's claims against LBIE, LBI was a prime broker to Enterprise Master and Enterprise Master held cash balances of $4.9 million at LBI. These are not part of the LBIE Omnibus Customer Claim. On September 19, 2008, LBI was placed in a Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) liquidation proceeding after the filing for bankruptcy of its parent Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. The settlement agreements between LBI, LBHI and LBIE discussed above have permitted the trustee appointed under the Securities Investor Protection Act (the “SIPA Trustee”) to make distributions to LBI customers and the SIPA Trustee announced that it expected to be able to make 100% distributions to its customers. In July 2013, Enterprise Master received a distribution of $4.9 million from LBI in respect of this claim.
The remaining components of the LBIE claims included within the $5.8 million value as of March 31, 2014 consist of several components valued as follows: (a) the trust assets that the Company was informed were within the control of LBIE and were expected to be returned in the relatively near term were valued at market less a 1% discount that corresponds to the fee to be charged under the Claim Resolution Agreement (“CRA”) and (b) the foreign denominated trust assets that are not within the control of LBIE (which the Company does not believe are held through LBI), were valued at $4.4 million, which represents the market value of those assets less a 1% discount that corresponds to the fee charged under the CRA, which represented the Company's estimate of potential recovery rates. The estimated final recoverable amount by Enterprise Master may differ from the actual recoverable amount of the pending LBIE and LBI claims, and the differences may be significant.
As a result of Enterprise Master and certain of the funds managed by the Company having assets held at LBIE frozen in their LBIE prime brokerage account and the degree of uncertainty as to the status of those assets and the process and prospects of the return of those assets, Enterprise Master and the funds managed by the Company decided that only the investors who were invested at the time of the Administration should participate in any profit or loss relating to the Estimated Recoverable Lehman Claim. As a result, Enterprise Master and certain of the funds managed by the Company with assets held at LBIE granted a 100% participation in the Estimated Recoverable Lehman Claims to Special Purpose Vehicles (the “SPVs” or “Lehman Segregated Funds”) incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands on September 29, 2008, whose shares were distributed to each of their investor funds. Fully redeeming investors of Enterprise LP will not be paid out on the balance invested in the SPV until the claim with LBIE is settled and assets are returned by LBIE.
Indirect Concentration of the Underlying Investments Held by Consolidated Funds
From time to time, through its investments in the Consolidated Funds, the Company may indirectly maintain exposure to a particular issue or issuer (both long and/or short) which may account for 5% or more of the Consolidated Funds' net assets (on an aggregated basis). Based on information that is available to the Company as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company assessed whether or not its Consolidated Funds had interests in an issuer for which the Company's pro-rata share exceeds 5% of the Consolidated Funds' net assets (on an aggregated basis). There were no indirect concentrations that exceed 5% of the Consolidated Funds' net assets held by the Company as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
Underlying Investments of Unconsolidated Funds Held by Consolidated Funds
Enterprise Master and Merger Master
Enterprise LP's investment in Enterprise Master represents Enterprise LP's proportionate share of Enterprise Master's net assets; as a result, the investment balances of Enterprise Master reflected below may exceed the net investment which Enterprise LP has recorded. Merger Fund's investment in Merger Master represents Merger Fund's proportionate share of

24

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Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Merger Master's net assets; as a result, the investment balances of Merger Master reflected below may exceed the net investment which Merger Fund has recorded.The following tables present summarized investment information for the underlying investments and derivatives held by Enterprise Master and Merger Master as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Securities owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
(dollars in thousands)
Bank debt
$
5

 
$
5

Common stock
2,527

 
2,677

Preferred stock
973

 
973

Private equity
409

 
406

Restricted stock
124

 
124

Rights
2,531

 
2,528

Trade claims
128

 
128

 
$
6,697

 
$
6,841

Derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Enterprise Master, net
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
Description
(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards
$
6

 
$
(21
)
 
$
6

 
$
(21
)
Portfolio Funds, owned by Enterprise Master, at fair value
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Strategy
 
(dollars in thousands)
RCG Longview Equity Fund, LP*
Real Estate
 
$
8,949

 
$
8,470

RCG Longview II, LP*
Real Estate
 
825

 
800

RCG Longview Debt Fund IV, LP*
Real Estate
 
15,308

 
17,641

RCG Longview, LP*
Real Estate
 
467

 
319

RCG Soundview, LLC*
Real Estate
 
442

 
442

RCG Urban American Real Estate Fund, L.P.*
Real Estate
 
2,003

 
1,812

RCG International Sarl*
Multi-Strategy
 
1,693

 
1,795

RCG Special Opportunities Fund, Ltd*
Multi-Strategy
 
82,692

 
82,119

RCG Endeavour, LLC*
Multi-Strategy
 
5

 
6

RCG Energy, LLC *
Energy
 
2,866

 
2,842

RCG Renergys, LLC*
Energy
 
1

 
1

Other Private Investments
Various
 
13,254

 
12,952

Real Estate Investments
Real Estate
 
16,947

 
15,024

 
 
 
$
145,452

 
$
144,223

*
Affiliates of the Company.
Merger Master
Securities owned by Merger Master, at fair value

As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013

(dollars in thousands)
Common stocks
$
63,734

 
$
33,901

Corporate bond (a)
11,328

 
14,444

Options
434

 
200


$
75,496

 
$
48,545


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Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(a)
As of March 31, 2014, maturities ranged from April 2016 to June 2019 and interest rates ranged between 8.50% and 10.88%. As of December 31, 2013, maturities ranged from April 2016 to October 2020 and interest rates ranged between 7.00% and 10.88%.
Securities sold, not yet purchased, by Merger Master, at fair value
As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, Merger Master held common stock, sold not yet purchased, of $32.5 million and $19.5 million, respectively.
Derivative contracts, at fair value, owned by Merger Master, net
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
Description
(dollars in thousands)
Currency forwards
$
(4
)
 
$
(10
)
Options
(155
)
 
(54
)
Cross rate
(84
)
 
(92
)
 
$
(243
)
 
$
(156
)
6. Fair Value Measurements for Operating Entities and Consolidated Funds
The following table presents the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition by caption and by level within the valuation hierarchy as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Operating Entities
 
Assets at Fair Value as of March 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
Securities owned and derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US Government securities
$
9

 
$

 
$

 
$
9

Preferred stock

 

 
324

 
324

Common stocks
258,824

 
2,242

 
9,283

 
270,349

Convertible bonds

 
9,614

 
1,950

 
11,564

Corporate bonds

 
167,349

 

 
167,349

Warrants and rights
997

 

 
3,268

 
4,265

Mutual funds
15,518

 

 

 
15,518

Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
53

 

 

 
53

Currency forwards

 
10

 

 
10

Equity swaps

 
8

 

 
8

Options
7,149

 

 
42,856

 
50,005

Other investments


 


 


 
 
Portfolio Funds

 
20,857

 
58,583

 
79,440

Real estate investments

 

 
42,283

 
42,283

Lehman claim

 

 
390

 
390

 
$
282,550

 
$
200,080

 
$
158,937

 
$
641,567


26

Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 
Liabilities at Fair Value as of March 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Securities sold, not yet purchased and derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
$
139,290

 
$

 
$

 
$
139,290

Corporate bonds

 
57

 

 
57

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
62

 

 

 
62

Currency forwards

 
28

 

 
28

Equity and credit default swaps

 
735

 

 
735

Options
6,351

 

 
42,856

 
49,207

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities


 


 


 


          Contingent consideration liability (a)
$

 
$

 
$
6,861

 
$
6,861

 
$
145,703

 
$
820

 
$
49,717

 
$
196,240

(a) In accordance with the terms of purchase agreements from acquisitions that closed during 2012, the Company is required to pay to certain sellers a portion of future net profits of the acquired businesses, if certain revenue targets are achieved over the period through October 2016. The Company estimated the contingent consideration using the income approach (discounted cash flow method) which requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions regarding the future cash flows and profits. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the amounts recognized. The undiscounted amounts can range from $3.5 million to $13.0 million.
 
Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)
 
 
Securities owned and derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US Government securities
$
9

 
$

 
$

 
$
9

Preferred stock

 

 
324

 
324

Common stocks
171,277

 
2,103

 
3,559

 
176,939

Convertible bonds

 
4,008

 
1,950

 
5,958

Corporate bonds

 
121,372

 

 
121,372

Warrants and rights
107

 

 
5,805

 
5,912

Mutual funds
525

 

 

 
525

Receivable on derivative contracts, at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
285

 

 

 
285

Currency forwards

 
22

 

 
22

Equity swaps

 
70

 

 
70

Options
9,698

 

 

 
9,698

Other investments
 
 
 
 
 
 

Portfolio Funds

 
19,402

 
51,649

 
71,051

Real estate investments

 

 
2,088

 
2,088

Lehman claim

 

 
378

 
378

 
$
181,901

 
$
146,977

 
$
65,753

 
$
394,631


27

Table of Contents                    
Cowen Group, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

 
Liabilities at Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(dollars in thousands)
Securities sold, not yet purchased and derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stocks
$
130,899

 
$

 
$

 
$
130,899

Corporate bonds

 
55

 

 
55

Payable for derivative contracts, at fair value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures
275

 

 

 
275

Currency forwards

 
301

 

 
301

Equity swaps

 
525

 

 
525

Options
6,573

 

 

 
6,573

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Contingent consideration liability

 

 
6,937

 
6,937

 
$
137,747

 
$
881

 
$
6,937

 
$
145,565

Consolidated Funds' investments
 
Assets at Fair Value as of March 31, 2014
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands)