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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K10-K/A

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20212022

OR

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

Commission File No. 001-38604

Focus Financial Partners Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware

47-4780811

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

875 Third Avenue, 28th Floor
New York, NY

10022

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

(646519-2456

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share

FOCS

Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S -T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

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

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

Emerging growth company 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b -2 of the Exchange Act): Yes No

The aggregate market value of the Class A common stock held by non-affiliates was $2,521,712,832$1,963,340,301 on June 30, 2021,2022, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

As of February 14, 2022,April 17, 2023, the registrant had 65,320,12465,960,079 shares of Class A common stock and 11,626,81412,540,262 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.

Documents incorporated by reference: None.

Auditor firm ID

Auditor Name

Auditor Location

PCAOB ID:34

Deloitte & Touche LLP

New York, New York

The registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to the annual meeting of shareholders (to be held May 26, 2022) will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the registrant’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and is incorporated by reference in Part III to the extent described herein.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.EXPLANATORY NOTE

On February 16, 2023, Focus Financial Partners Inc. (the “Company,” “Focus,” “we,” “us” or “our”) filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Original 10-K”). This Amendment No. 1 (this “Amendment”) amends Part III, Items 10 through 14 of the Original 10-K to include information previously omitted from the Original 10-K in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K provides that registrants may incorporate by reference certain information from a definitive proxy statement which involves the election of directors if such definitive proxy statement is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year. We do not anticipate that a definitive proxy statement involving the election of directors will be filed before May 1, 2023 (i.e., within 120 days after the end of our 2022 fiscal year). Accordingly, Part III of the Original 10-K is hereby amended and restated as set forth below. The information included herein as required by Part III, Items 10 through 14 of Form 10-K is more limited than what is required to be included in a definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with an annual meeting of stockholders.

In addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), new certifications by our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed as exhibits to this Amendment under Item 15 of Part IV hereof.

Except as stated herein, this Amendment does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Original 10-K with the SEC on February 16, 2023 and no attempt has been made in this Amendment to modify or update other disclosures as presented in the Original 10-K.

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INDEX TO FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021Table of Contents

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

1

Glossary

2

PART I

3

Item 1.

Business

3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

21

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

36

Item 2.

Properties

36

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

37

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

37

PART II

38

Item 5.

Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

38

Item 6.

(Reserved)

39

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

39

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

61

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

62

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

62

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

62

Item 9B.

Other Information

64

PART III

651

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

651

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

6513

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

6544

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

6546

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

65

PART IV

51

Item 15.

Exhibits

65

Signatures

69

Index To Financial Statements

F-152

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSPART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Directors and Executive Officers

SomeThe current directors and executive officers of Focus are as follows:

Name

Position

Age

Class

Ruediger Adolf

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

60

Class I

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

Chief Operating Officer and Director

55

Class II

Leonard Chang

Senior Managing Director and Head of M&A

48

James Shanahan

Chief Financial Officer

52

J. Russell McGranahan

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

52

James D. Carey

Independent Director

56

Class I

Joseph Feliciani, Jr.

Independent Director

66

Class II

George S. LeMieux

Independent Director

53

Class III

Greg S. Morganroth, MD

Independent Director

58

Class III

Fayez S. Muhtadie

Independent Director

45

Class III

Elizabeth R. Neuhoff

Independent Director

53

Class I

In accordance with Nasdaq Rule 5606(a), the following Board Diversity Matrix sets forth the gender identity and demographic background of the informationBoard.

Board Diversity Matrix (as of April 19, 2023)

Total Number of Directors

 

8

    

Female

    

Male

Part I: Gender Identity

 

  

 

  

Directors

 

2

 

6

Part II: Demographic Background

 

  

 

  

Asian

 

1

 

White

 

1

 

6

One director is of Middle Eastern descent.

Set forth below are the backgrounds of our executive officers and our directors.

Ruediger Adolf

Mr. Adolf has served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) since our formation in 2015. Mr. Adolf founded Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus LLC”), our subsidiary, and has served as Chief Executive Officer of Focus LLC since 2004. He also served as a member of the board of managers of Focus LLC from 2004 to 2018. From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Adolf served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Express’ (“AMEX”) Global Brokerage and Banking division. Prior to this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations, contain projectionsrole, Mr. Adolf was Senior Vice President of results of operations or of financial condition, or forecasts of future events. Words such as “may,” “assume,” “forecast,” “position,” “predict,” “strategy,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “budget,” “potential,” “continue,” “will”Strategy and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. They can be affected by assumptions used or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mindBusiness Development. Before joining AMEX, Mr. Adolf was a partner at McKinsey & Company. Other than the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under “Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors.” Actual results may vary materially. You are cautionedCompany, Mr. Adolf does not to place undue reliancecurrently serve on any forward-looking statements. You should also understand that it is not possible to predictpublic or identify all such factorsprivate company boards of directors. Mr. Adolf holds a Mag. iur. and should not consider the following list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materiallyDr. iur. from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements include:University of Innsbruck, Austria.

fluctuations in wealth management fees;
our reliance on our partner firms and the principals who manage their businesses;
our ability to make successful acquisitions;
unknown liabilities of or poor performance by acquired businesses;
harm to our reputation;
our inability to facilitate smooth succession planning at our partner firms;
our inability to compete;
our reliance on key personnel and principals;
our inability to attract, develop and retain talented wealth management professionals;
our inability to retain clients following an acquisition;
our reliance on key vendors;
write down of goodwill and other intangible assets;
our failure to maintain and properly safeguard an adequate technology infrastructure;
cyber-attacks and other disruptions;
our inability to recover from business continuity problems;
inadequate insurance coverage;
impact of the novel coronavirus (“Covid-19”) outbreak on our business;
the termination of management agreements by management companies;
our inability to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness or our ability to access additional capital;
the failure of our partner firms to comply with applicable U.S. and non-U.S. regulatory requirements and the highly regulated nature of our business;
worsening economic conditions, including inflation, in the United States or internationally;

Mr. Adolf is qualified to serve as a director because of his operational and historical experience as our Founder and Chief Executive Officer, and as a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Adolf is also qualified because of his extensive experience in the financial services industry, particularly in the wealth management industry.

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wars or other geopolitical conflict;
changes to laws and regulations;
legal proceedings, governmental inquiries; and
other factors discussed in this Annual Report.

James D. Carey

Mr. Carey has served on our Board of Directors since July 2018. Mr. Carey is a Managing Director of Stone Point Capital LLC (together with its affiliates, “Stone Point”). He has been with Stone Point or its predecessor entities since 1997. Mr. Carey currently serves as a director on the following public company boards of directors: Enstar Group Limited and HireRight GIS Group Holdings LLC. In addition, Mr. Carey currently serves as a director on the following private company boards of directors: Alliant Insurance Services, Inc., The Citco Group of Companies (Observer), Delta Parent Holdings, Inc. (Kroll, LLC), Eagle Point Credit Management LLC, Northshore Holdings Limited (Atrium), NorthBay Holdings Limited (Atrium) and Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. All forward-looking statementsof Mr. Carey’s board positions are expresslyin connection with Mr. Carey’s full time responsibilities as a Managing Director with Stone Point. Mr. Carey holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston College, a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University Fuqua School of Business.

Mr. Carey is qualified in their entirety byto serve as a director because of his extensive financial services industry and board experience, and because of his affiliation with Stone Point.

Elizabeth R. Neuhoff

Ms. Neuhoff most recently served as the foregoing cautionary statements. Our forward-looking statements speak only asChief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the dateboard of this Annual Report ordirectors of Neuhoff Communications, a broadcast and digital media company, from 2012 to 2022. From 1993 to 2005, Ms. Neuhoff served in a number of capacities at Interep, an independent national media marketing firm, including as Executive Vice President. Ms. Neuhoff currently serves on the board of directors, and as a member of the date asaudit committee, of World Finance, which they are made. Except as required by applicable law, including federal securities laws, we do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

GLOSSARY

The following terms are used throughout this Annual Report:

Base Earnings. This is a percentagepublic company. In addition, Ms. Neuhoff currently serves as a director on the following private company boards of directors: West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, where she previously also served as a member of its audit committee, and Zip’s Carwash. Ms. Neuhoff was previously also on the board of directors of Gray Television, Inc., a public company. Ms. Neuhoff holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Oklahoma.

Ms. Neuhoff is qualified to serve as a director because of her entrepreneurial and operational experience as Chief Executive Officer and President of Neuhoff Communications, and prior board of directors and audit committee positions.

Joseph Feliciani, Jr.

Mr. Feliciani has served on our Board of Directors since April 2019. Mr. Feliciani served as the Chief Operating Officer of Finance of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) from 2016 through his retirement in 2018 and as the Chief Accounting Officer of BlackRock from 1997 through 2016. During his tenure at BlackRock, he served as Chair of that firm’s retirement committee and as a member of the estimated operating cash flow earnings before partner compensation (i.e., Target Earnings) upon which we applyFinance Executive Committee, Global Operating Committee and Enterprise Risk Management Committee. Prior to joining BlackRock, Mr. Feliciani was the Controller of the asset management business of PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Other than the Company, Mr. Feliciani does not currently serve on any public or private company boards of directors. Mr. Feliciani holds a multipleBachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Temple University.

Mr. Feliciani is qualified to determine acquisition prices. We retain a preferred position in Base Earnings.

Commission-based. Commission-based revenue is derived from commissions paid by clients or payments from third parties for sales of investment or insurance products.

Fee-based. Fee-based services are those for which a partner firm primarily charges a fee directly to the client for wealth management services, recordkeeping and administration services and other services rather than being primarily compensated through commissions from clients or from third parties for recommending financial products.

Fiduciary Duty. A fiduciary duty is a legal duty to act in another party’s interests, with utmost good faith, to make full and fair disclosure of all material facts and to exercise all reasonable care to avoid misleading clients.

GAAP. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

High Net Worth. High net worth individuals are generally defined in the financial industry as those with liquid financial assets, excluding primary residence, in excess of $1 million.

Lift Out. The circumstance when a group of wealth management professionals, already workingserve as a team, seeks to leave their current employerdirector because of his accounting, audit, financial services industry, risk management and join another employer or start their own registered investment advisor firm.

Open-architecture. An investment platform that grants clients access to a wide range of investment funds and products offered by third parties. By contrast, a closed architecture is an investment platform that grants clients access only to proprietary investment funds and products.

Partnership. The term we use to refer to our business and relationship with our partner firms. It is not intended to describe a particular form of legal entity or a legal relationship.

Target Earnings. The estimated operating cash flow earnings before partner compensation.

Ultra-High Net Worth. Ultra-high net worth individuals are generally defined in the financial industry as those with liquid financial assets, excluding primary residence, in excess of $30 million.

Wealth Management. Comprehensive professional services that combine investment advice, financial and tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, family office services and other services that help clients achieve their objectives regarding accumulation, preservation and distribution of long-term wealth.

Wirehouse. Brokerage firm that provides a full range of investment, research, trading and wealth management services to clients. The term originated prior to the advent of modern wireless communications, when brokerage firms were connected to their branches primarily through telephone and telegraph wires.

public company corporate governance experience.

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PART IRajini Sundar Kodialam

Unless otherwise indicated orMs. Kodialam has served as our Chief Operating Officer since our formation in 2015 and has served on our Board of Directors since July 2018. Ms. Kodialam co-founded Focus LLC and has served as Managing Director of Focus LLC since 2005, and served as a member of the context requires, all referencesboard of managers from July 2017 to “we,” “us,” “our,”July 2018. Prior to co-founding Focus LLC, Ms. Kodialam worked at AMEX from 1998 to 2005 where she served as a Vice President from 1999 to 2005. Prior to joining AMEX, Ms. Kodialam was with McKinsey & Company. Other than the “Company,” and “Focus Inc,” refer to Focus Financial Partners Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. “Focus LLC” refers to Focus Financial Partners, LLC,Company, Ms. Kodialam does not currently serve on any public company boards of directors. Ms. Kodialam currently serves on the board of directors of SmartAsset, which is a Delaware limited liability companyprivate company. Ms. Kodialam holds a Bachelor of Arts from Delhi University, India, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and a consolidated subsidiaryMaster of ours.Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

The term “partner firms” refersMs. Kodialam is qualified to our consolidated subsidiaries engaged in wealth managementserve as a director because of her operational and related services, the businesses of which are typically managed by the principals. The term “principals” refers to the wealth management professionals who manage the businesses of our partner firms pursuant to the relevant management agreement. The term “our partnership” refers to our businesshistorical experience as a co-founder and relationship with our partner firms and is not intended to describe a particular form of legal entity or a legal relationship.

Item 1. Business

Corporate Structure

Focus Inc. is a holding company whose most significant asset is a membership interest in Focus LLC. Focus LLC directly or indirectly owns all of the outstanding equity interests in our partner firms. Focus Inc. is the sole managing memberManaging Director of Focus LLC and is responsible for all operational, management and administrative decisions of Focus LLC. Subject to certain restrictions, unitholders of Focus LLC (other than Focus Inc. and any of its subsidiaries) may receive sharesas a member of our Class A common stock pursuant to the exerciseBoard of an exchange right or a call right.

Our Company

We are a leading partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms operatingDirectors, as well as her extensive experience in the highly fragmented registered investment adviser (“RIA”) industry, withfinancial services industry.

George S. LeMieux

Mr. LeMieux has served on our Board of Directors since March 2022. Mr. LeMieux has served as Chairman of Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, P.A., a footprint of over 80 partner firms primarilyFlorida based law firm, since 2011. From 2009 to 2011 Mr. LeMieux served as a U.S. Senator in the United States. We have achieved this market leadership by positioning ourselves111th Congress. Prior to that, Mr. LeMieux served as Florida’s chief deputy attorney general, and as chief of staff to Florida’s former governor. Other than the partnerCompany, Mr. LeMieux does not currently serve on any public company boards of choice for many firms in an industry where a number of secular trends are driving consolidation. Our partner firms primarily service ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals and families by providing highly differentiated and comprehensive wealth management services. Our partner firms benefit from our intellectual and financial resources, operating as part of a scaled business model with aligned economic interests, while retaining their entrepreneurial culture and independence.

Our partnership is builtdirectors. Mr. LeMieux currently serves on the following principles,board of directors of Gunster Yoakley & Stewart, which enable usis a private company. Mr. LeMieux holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Emory University and a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center.

Mr. LeMieux is qualified to attractserve as a director because of his extensive experience as Chairman of Gunster Yoakley & Stewart and retain high-quality wealth management firmshis former public service positions.

Greg S. Morganroth, MD

Dr. Morganroth has served on our Board of Directors since September 2020. Dr. Morganroth founded the California Skin Institute in 2007, and accelerate their growth:

Entrepreneurship:

Maintain the entrepreneurial spirit, independence and unique culture of each partner firm.

Fiduciary Standard:

Partner with wealth management firms that are held to the fiduciary standard in serving their clients.

Alignment of Interests:

Align principals’ interests with our interests through our differentiated partnership and economic model.

Value-Add Services:

Empower our partner firms through collaboration on strategy, growth and acquisition opportunities, marketing, technology and operational expertise, access to best practices and cash and credit solutions. Provide access to world class intellectual resources and capital to fund expansion and acquisitions.

We were founded by entrepreneursserves as its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to founding the California Skin Institute, Dr. Morganroth was in private practice in Mountain View, CA since 1996. Other than the Company, Dr. Morganroth does not currently serve on any public company boards of directors. Dr. Morganroth currently serves on the board of directors of the California Skin Institute and began revenue-generatingits related subsidiaries, each of which is a private company. Dr. Morganroth holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Michigan and acquisition activities in 2006. Since that time, we have:a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan School of Medicine. Dr. Morganroth completed his internship at the University of Pennsylvania, a dermatology residency at Yale University and a Mohs, laser and dermatologic surgery fellowship at the Skin and Mohs Surgery Center at the Baptist Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

created a partnership of over 80 partner firms, the substantial majority of which are RIAs registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”);

Dr. Morganroth is qualified to serve as a director because of his entrepreneurial and operational experience as founder and Chief Executive Officer of the California Skin Institute, which has successfully acquired over 50 dermatology and cosmetic surgery practices.

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built a business with revenues of $1.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021;
increased revenues at a compound annual growth rate of 33.2% since 2006;
established an attractive revenue model whereby in excess of 95% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 were fee-based and recurring in nature;
built a partnership currently comprised of over 5,000 wealth management-focused principals and employees; and
established a national footprint across the United States and an international presence with partner firms in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

WeFayez S. Muhtadie

Mr. Muhtadie has served on our Board of Directors since July 2018 and served on the board of managers of Focus LLC from July 2017 to July 2018. Mr. Muhtadie is a Managing Director of Stone Point. Prior to joining Stone Point in 2003, Mr. Muhtadie worked at Credit Suisse First Boston as an analyst in the Financial Institutions Investment Banking Group and as a financial analyst at Aon Capital Markets. Other than the Company, Mr. Muhtadie does not currently serve on any public company boards of directors. Mr. Muhtadie currently serves on the following private company boards of directors: Delta Parent Holdings, Inc. (Kroll, LLC), Eliassen Group Holdings GP LLC, Greenspoint Capital LLC, LS Parent Corporation (LegalShield), Mercury Parent Holdings, Inc. (Ascensus, LLC) and SKY Harbor Capital Holdings LLC. All of Mr. Muhtadie’s board positions are in connection with Mr. Muhtadie’s full time responsibilities as a Managing Director with Stone Point. Mr. Muhtadie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and holds a Master of Business Administration from the midstColumbia University Graduate School of Business.

Mr. Muhtadie is qualified to serve as a fundamental shiftdirector because of his financial services industry and board experience and his affiliation with Stone Point.

Leonard Chang

Mr. Chang has served as our Senior Managing Director and Head of M&A since 2019 and as Managing Director since our formation in 2015. Mr. Chang co-founded Focus LLC and has served as Managing Director of Focus LLC since 2004. Prior to co-founding Focus LLC, Mr. Chang worked at the Boston Consulting Group from 2001 to 2004 where he served as a Consultant. Prior to joining Boston Consulting Group, Mr. Chang was with AMEX where he last served as Manager. Mr. Chang holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics with dual concentration in Finance and Management from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

James Shanahan

Mr. Shanahan has served as our Chief Financial Officer since our formation in 2015 and has served as Chief Financial Officer of Focus LLC since 2006. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Shanahan served in the growing wealth management services industry. The deliveryChief Financial Officer/Vice President of wealth management servicesOperations roles for Sybari Software, a software security company that became a subsidiary of Microsoft in 2005. Prior to Microsoft, Mr. Shanahan was with PricewaterhouseCoopers from 1992 to 2001 where he last served as a Senior Audit Manager. Mr. Shanahan is movinga Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from traditional brokerage, commission-based platformsHofstra University. Additionally, Mr. Shanahan is a Chartered Financial Consultant and Personal Financial Specialist.

J. Russell McGranahan

Mr. McGranahan has served as our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since our formation in 2015 and has served as General Counsel of Focus LLC since 2015. From 2006 to 2015, Mr. McGranahan served as a fiduciary, open-architectureManaging Director, M&A Counsel and fee-based structure. This shift has resultedCorporate Secretary at BlackRock. Prior to BlackRock, Mr. McGranahan was counsel in the mergers and acquisitions and corporate departments of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP from 2000 to 2006. Prior to Skadden, Mr. McGranahan was a significant transfercorporate associate at White & Case LLP.  Mr. McGranahan holds a Bachelor of client assetsArts in Economics and wealth management professionals from traditional brokerage, commission-based platforms to independent wealth management practices. We believe that our leading partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms positions us to benefit from these trends.

The independent wealth management industry, including RIAs, is highly fragmented, which we believe enables us to continue our growth strategy of acquiring high-quality independent wealth management firms, directly and through acquisitions by our partner firms. We have a track record of enhancing the competitive position of our partner firms by providing them with access to the intellectual expertise, resources and network benefits of our large organization. Our scale enables us to help our partner firms achieve operational efficiencies and ensure organizational continuity. Additionally, our scale, resources and value-added services increase our partner firms’ ability to achieve growth through a variety of tactical, operational and strategic initiatives, as well as the consummation of their own acquisitions.

Our partnership is comprised of trusted professionals providing comprehensive wealth management services through a largely recurring, fee-based model, which differentiates our partner firmsWorld Politics from the traditional brokerage platforms whose revenues are largely derivedCatholic University of America and a Juris Doctorate from commissions. We derive a substantial majority of our revenues from wealth management fees for investment advice, financial and tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, family office services and other services. WeYale Law School. Additionally, Mr. McGranahan has also generate other revenues from recordkeeping and administration service fees, commissions and distribution fees and outsourced services.

Our Growth Strategy

We believe we are well-positioned to take advantage of favorable trends inearned the wealth management industry, including the migration of wealth management professionals from traditional brokerage, commission-based platforms to a fiduciary, open-architecture and fee-based structure. We plan to grow our business through the growth of our existing partner firms and the expansion of our partnership.

Growth of Our Existing Partner Firms

High-Quality, Growth-Oriented Partner Firms

Our goal has been and continues to be to acquire high-quality, entrepreneurial wealth management firms that have built their businesses through a proven track record of growth. We believe that our partner firms will continue to take advantage of the shift in client assets to the RIA space and grow organically through acquisitions of wealth management practices and customer relationships, by attracting new clients, adding new wealth management professionals, increasing client assets from existing clients and through financial market appreciation over time. The economic arrangements put in place at the time of acquisition through our management agreements incentivize the principals of our partner firms to continue executing on their growth plans.Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.

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Value-Added ServicesCorporate Governance

Composition of our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors consists of eight members, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Our directors are divided into three classes, currently serving staggered three-year terms. Class I, Class II and Class III directors serve until our Annual Meetings of Stockholders in 2025, 2023 and 2024, respectively. Ms. Neuhoff and Messrs. Adolf and Carey are assigned to Class I, Ms. Kodialam and Mr. Feliciani are assigned to Class II, and Messrs. LeMieux, Morganroth and Muhtadie are assigned to Class III. At each Annual Meeting of Stockholders, directors will be elected to succeed the class of directors whose terms have expired. The Board continues to annually evaluate the use of a classified Board. The Board believes that such a structure provides stability and encourages directors to take a long-term perspective on Focus. The Board also feels that this is appropriate given the short period of time that Focus has been a public company and because of the share ownership and nomination rights of Stone Point, our private equity investor, as described below.

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a nomination agreement with investment vehicles affiliated with Stone Point. Stone Point has the right to nominate two members of our Board of Directors for so long as it holds at least 50% of the interest it held, in the form of our Class A and Class B common stock on a combined basis, on the date of our initial public offering. Stone Point also has the right to nominate one member of our Board of Directors for so long as it holds 5% of our Class A and Class B common stock outstanding on a combined basis. Additionally, Stone Point has the right to nominate at least two directors, for so long as it has the right to nominate two directors, and then one director, for so long as it has the right to nominate one director, for service on our Compensation Committee. Stone Point also has the right to nominate one director, for so long as it has the right to nominate as least one director, for service on our Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee. Stone Point has nominated Messrs. Muhtadie and Carey to serve on our Board of Directors.

Any replacement director nominated by Stone Point must be an employee or partner of Stone Point of the same level of seniority within Stone Point as the initial directors designated by Stone Point and must qualify as an independent director under the independence standards of NASDAQ and satisfy such other criteria set forth in the nomination agreement. In addition, the nomination agreement requires Stone Point to vote its shares of Class A and Class B common stock in favor of our Chief Executive Officer and Rajini Sundar Kodialam (or such other officer of Focus designated by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Board of Directors if Ms. Kodialam is no longer a member of the Board of Directors) when nominated for election to our Board of Directors.

Committees of the Board of Directors

We currently have a team of approximately 100 professionals who support our partner firms by providing value added services, including marketingthe following standing committees: the Audit and business development support; human resources support, including adviser coachingRisk Committee, the Compensation Committee, and developmentthe Nominating, Governance and structuring compensation and incentive models, career path planning and succession planning advice, recruiting and talent management, operational and technology expertise, cash and credit solutions, trust services, insurance solutions, valuation solutions, legal and regulatory support and providing negotiating leverage with vendors. Our value added services also include access to our M&A expertise, which facilitates acquisition opportunities for our partner firms through a proactive outreach program, structuring, executing and funding transactions and providing guidance to partner firms to facilitate their integration into our partnership as well as integration of mergers they execute. We assign a relationship leader to each partner firm who is responsible for coordinating our value added services to assist that partner firm in accelerating its growth. Our partner firms also have access to our intellectual expertise and partner firm network, which ultimately enhance their operations, enabling them to better serve their clients.

Some of our key value-added services are described in detail below.

Marketing and Business Development. We offer marketing and business development coaching to our partner firms on topics including referral programs, revenue enhancement measures, communications, website and social media, brand strategy and public relations support. Our marketing team works closely with each of our partner firms to understand their unique value proposition and help them better market themselves to their clients and their centers of influence, including accounting and law firms who serve as potential referral sources. To further support our partner firms, we hold a minority investment in Financial Insight Technology, Inc. (known as SmartAsset), a New York-based fintech company that connects prospective clients with financial advisers and provides tools to help individuals make more informed financial decisions.

Talent Management. We support the mentoring of next generation talent at each of our partner firms through continuous coaching programs that we organize and execute. These programs emphasize key learnings gained from observing top talent across our organization, allowing our firms to benefit from best practices across our talent pool. We also help our partner firms recruit new talent, helping them to grow and enhance their businesses through the addition of experienced advisors and other professionals.

Compensation Structures and Succession Planning. We help our partner firms align their compensation models to further incentivize their teams. We also facilitate wealth management professional career path planning and advise on principal promotions to the respective management company. These services allow our partner firms to attract and retain the highest quality wealth management professionals. Our acquisition structure facilitates succession planning by maintaining the partner firm and management company as separate entities, thereby allowing for the principals owning the management company to transition over time without disrupting client relationships at the partner firm.

Operations and Technology. We assist partner firms in selecting and implementing third-party technology solutions that strengthen each firm’s operational performance. Our partner firms can request that our operations team conduct detailed operational assessments to determine their staffing and operating efficiency. Additionally, our operations team provides partner firms negotiating leverage with vendors and cost-efficient access to third-party technology.

Cash and Credit Solutions. Through Focus Client Solutions we have created a network of third-party banks and non-bank lenders to provide a competitive array of cash and credit solutions. These alternatives enable our partner firms to proactively help their clients achieve higher yields on cash, as well as unlock home equity and business opportunities through refinancing, commercial lending and other options.

Insurance Solutions. Through Focus Risk Solutions we have created a network of third-party insurance brokers who can facilitate a competitive array of insurance solutions through their relationships with established insurance carriers. These solutions enable our partner firms to proactively help their clients with risk management in various lines of insurance, including life, health, and property and casualty.Sustainability Committee.

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The table below shows the current chair and membership of the Board and each standing Board committee, the independence status of each Board member and the number of Board and Board committee meetings held during fiscal year 2022.

    

    

    

    

Nominating,

Board

Governance and

of

Audit and Risk

Compensation

Sustainability

Director

Directors

Committee

Committee

Committee

Ruediger Adolf*

 

C

 

 

 

James D. Carey

 

 

 

 

Joseph Feliciani, Jr.**

 

 

C

 

 

Rajini Sundar Kodialam*

 

 

 

 

George S. LeMieux

 

 

 

 

Greg S. Morganroth, MD

 

 

 

 

Fayez S. Muhtadie

 

L

 

 

C

 

Elizabeth R. Neuhoff

 

 

 

 

Number of 2022 Meetings

 

8

 

8

 

2

 

1

Trust Services. Through Focus Fiduciary Solutions we have created

C = Chair

= Member

* = Non-Independent Director

** = Financial Expert

L = Lead Independent Director

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Board of Directors held 8 meetings, the Audit and Risk Committee held 8 meetings, the Compensation Committee held 2 meetings, and the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee held 1 meeting. Other than Mr. Carey, all other directors then serving attended or participated in at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the respective committees of which he or she was a networkmember. Mr. Carey attended or participated in at least 70% of third-party advisor-coordinated, independent trustees who have the scalemeetings of the Board of Directors and expertise to meet the diverse needscommittee of which he was a member. We encourage all of our partners firms’ clientsdirectors to attend our Annual Meetings of Stockholders. All directors then serving were present at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Audit and can do so at highly competitive pricing. We work on a consultative basis with our partners to help them explore and develop service offerings for their clients.Risk Committee

Legal and Regulatory Support. We have an experienced teamAudit and Risk Committee composed of legal professionalsMs. Neuhoff and Messrs. Feliciani and Morganroth, with Mr. Feliciani currently acting as chair of the committee. Our Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Neuhoff and Messrs. Feliciani and Morganroth qualify as independent within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and under NASDAQ independence requirements. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Feliciani qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K and has experience that results in placehis financial sophistication as defined under NASDAQ rules.

The Audit and Risk Committee oversees, reviews, acts on and reports on various auditing and accounting matters to help support our partner firms in fulfilling their regulatory responsibilities by providing subject matter guidanceBoard of Directors, including: the selection of our independent accountants, the scope of our annual audits, the fees to be paid to the independent accountants, the performance of our independent accountants and expertise. We also assist our partner firms in negotiating and drafting acquisition and other agreements. We also have relationships with numerous high quality law firms and compliance consultants that can assist our partner firms create, implement and maintain a robust compliance environment.

Sharing of Best Practices / Collaboration with Other Partner Firms. Our partner firms have access to networking opportunities, best practices roundtable discussions and training seminars. We offer offsite and virtual meetings, seminars and other forums for partner firms to learn and adopt bestaccounting practices. We host partners meetings where wealth management professionals from our partner firms have opportunities to collaborate and share ideas. In addition, we host periodic summits for chief investment officers, chiefthe Audit and Risk Committee oversees our compliance officers, chief operating officers, chief financial officerswith legal and chief marketing officers, where our partner firms can share specialized expertiseregulatory requirements.

The Audit and business development practices. Our partner firms areRisk Committee also encouraged to share best practices regularly in order to enhance their collective ability to better serve their clients.

Expansion of Our Partnership

Our Acquisition Models

We are a source of permanent capital and buy substantially alloversees management of the assetsCompany’s cybersecurity and data security risk, information technology systems, business continuity and resiliency and similar matters, as well as the Company’s assessments and reviews of such matters. In addition, the Audit and Risk Committee monitors the Company’s status on cybersecurity risk and risk management policies.

A copy of the firms we acquire. We utilize three models for acquisitions: (1) direct acquisitionsAudit and Risk Committee charter is available free of wealth management practices who become partner firms of Focus but operate on an autonomous basis, (2) acquisitions of wealth management practices and customer relationships on behalfcharge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our partner firms to accelerate the growth of their businesses, and (3) acquisitions of wealth management practices on behalf of Connectus Wealth Advisers (“Connectus”), one of our partner firms. Firms that join Connectus manage their client relationships and retain their brand identity post-acquisition, but rely on a shared infrastructure and other services provided by Connectus.

website at Acquisitions of New Partner Firmswww.focusfinancialpartners.com

Since inception, a fundamental aspect of our growth strategy has been the acquisition of high-quality, independent wealth management firms to expand our partnership. We believe that there are approximately 1,000 firms in the United States that are high-quality targets for future acquisitions. While most of our acquisitions have taken place in the United States, we also see opportunities in several countries where market and regulatory trends toward the fiduciary standard and open-architecture access mirror those occurring in the United States. We have already begun expansion into Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Our unique value proposition, differentiated partnership model and track record have allowed us to grow and enhance our leadership position in the independent wealth management industry.

We are highly selective in choosing our partner firms and conduct extensive financial, legal, regulatory, tax, operational and business due diligence. We evaluate a variety of criteria including the quality of the wealth management professionals, client characteristics, historical revenues and cash flows, the recurring nature of the revenues, compliance policies and procedures and the alignment of interests between the wealth management professionals and their clients. We focus on firms with owners who are committed to the long-term management and growth of their businesses.

With limited exceptions, our partner firm acquisitions have been structured as acquisitions of substantially all of the assets of the firm we chose to partner with but only a portion of the underlying economics in order to align the principals’ interests with our own objectives. To determine the acquisition price, we first estimate the operating cash flow of the business based on current and projected levels of revenue and expense, before compensation and benefits to.

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Compensation Committee

We have a Compensation Committee composed of Messrs. Carey, LeMieux and Muhtadie, with Mr. Muhtadie currently acting as chair of the selling principalscommittee. Messrs. Carey, LeMieux and Muhtadie qualify as “Non-Employee Directors” for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.

The Compensation Committee establishes salaries, incentives and other forms of compensation for officers and other employees. Our Compensation Committee also oversees our incentive compensation and benefit plans.

The Compensation Committee may delegate to its chair or other individuals who become principals. members such powers and authority as the committee deems to be appropriate, except such powers and authority required by law to be exercised by the whole committee. The Compensation Committee may also form and delegate authority and duties to subcommittees as it deems appropriate; provided that any subcommittee shall include those members of the committee serving pursuant to nomination agreements between the Company and any significant stockholders that may be in effect from time to time. Meetings may, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, include members of management, other members of the Board, consultants or advisors, and such other persons as the Compensation Committee believes to be necessary or appropriate. The Chief Executive Officer will not be present during any deliberations or voting with respect to his or her compensation.

The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the services provided by its outside independent compensation consultant, Semler Brossy Consulting Group LLC (“Semler Brossy”), and believes that Semler Brossy is independent under applicable SEC rules in providing compensation consulting services. In making this determination, the committee considered, among other things, the factors delineated in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10C-1”), including the NASDAQ listing rules implementing Rule 10C-1, certain representations of Semler Brossy with respect to these factors and Semler Brossy’s conflict of interest policies. The Compensation Committee determined that the engagement of Semler Brossy did not raise any conflict of interest or other issues that compromise the independence of its relationship with the committee.

A copy of the Compensation Committee charter is available free of charge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee

We referhave a Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee composed of Messrs. LeMieux and Muhtadie.

The Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee identifies, evaluates and recommends qualified nominees to serve on our Board of Directors, with consideration of nomination agreements that may be in place from time to time with significant stockholders, reviews and approves corporate governance guidelines and generally oversees our ESG initiatives. The committee also leads a review of the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.

Further, as reflected in its charter, the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the Company’s initiatives, strategies, policies, programs and associated risks relating to sustainability, including with respect to ESG matters (such as climate-related risks and other sustainability-related risks), and making such recommendations to the operating cash flowBoard and management with respect to those matters as the committee deems advisable. A copy of the business as Earnings Before Partner Compensation (“EBPC”)Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee charter is available free of charge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com, and additional information regarding our commitment to this EBPC estimate as Target Earnings (“Target Earnings”)environmental sustainability and climate change is available free of charge under the Sustainability tab in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com. In economic terms, we typically purchase 40%The Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee formally met once during the year ended December 31, 2022, and each director then serving on the committee attended or participated in that meeting, and additionally members had several other discussions throughout the year relating to 60%new board members.

A copy of the partner firm’s EBPC. The purchase priceNominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee charter is a multipleavailable free of charge under the corresponding percentage of Target Earnings and may consist of cash or a combination of cash and equity, and the right to receive contingent consideration. We refer to the corresponding percentage of Target Earnings on which we base the purchase price as Base Earnings (“Base Earnings”). Under a management agreement between our operating subsidiary and the management company and the principals, the management company is entitled to management fees typically consisting of all future EBPC of the acquired wealth management firm in excess of Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of any EBPC in excess of Target Earnings. Through the management agreement, we create downside earnings protection for ourselves by retaining a preferred position in Base Earnings.

Since 2006, when we began revenue-generating and acquisition activities, we have grown to a partnership with over 80 partner firms. Acquisitions of partner firms to date have been structured as illustrated below, with limited exceptions. Subsidiary mergers at the partner firm level and acquisitions in foreign jurisdictions have been structured differently, and we expect some differencesGovernance tab in the future depending on legal and tax considerations.Investor Relations section of our website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

Graphic

(1)Focus LLC forms a wholly owned subsidiary.
(2)In exchange for cash or a combination of cash and equity and the right to receive contingent consideration, the new operating subsidiary acquires substantially all of the assets of the target firm, which is owned by the selling principals, and becomes the new operating subsidiary of Focus.
(3)The selling principals form a management company. In addition to the selling principals, the management company may include non-selling principals who become newly admitted in connection with the acquisition or thereafter.
(4)The new operating subsidiary, the principals and the management company enter into a management agreement which typically has an initial term of six years subject to automatic renewals for consecutive one-year terms, unless earlier terminated by either the management company or us in certain limited situations. Under the management agreement, the management company is entitled to management fees typically consisting of all future EBPC of the new operating subsidiary in excess of Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of any EBPC in excess of Target Earnings. Pursuant to the management agreement, the management company provides the personnel who lead the day-to-day operations of the new operating subsidiary. Through the management agreement, we create downside protection for ourselves by retaining a preferred position in each partner firm’s Base Earnings.

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In connectionIdentifying and Evaluating Candidates For Director

The Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee seeks advice on potential director candidates from current directors and executive officers when identifying and evaluating new candidates for director. The Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee may also direct management to engage third-party firms that specialize in identifying director candidates to assist with any search. The Board of Directors will consider director candidates recommended for nomination by our stockholders during such times as they are seeking proposed nominees to stand for election at the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders (or, if applicable, a typical acquisition, we enter into an acquisition agreement with the target firm and its selling principals pursuantspecial meeting of stockholders). Our stockholders that wish to which we purchase substantially all of the assets of the target firm. The purchase price isnominate a multiple of Base Earnings, which is a percentage of Target Earnings. The purchase price is comprised of a base purchase price and a right to receive contingent consideration in the form of earn out payments. The contingent considerationdirector for acquisitions of new partner firms is generally paid over a six-year period upon the satisfaction of specified growth thresholds in years three and six. These growth thresholds are typically tiedelection to the compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”)Board should follow the procedures set forth in our bylaws.

As set forth in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the minimum qualifications for serving as a member of our Board of Directors are that a person demonstrate, by significant accomplishment in his or her field, an ability to make a meaningful contribution to the partner firm’s earnings. Such growth thresholds can be set annually or for different time frames as well, for example, annually over a six-year period. The contingent consideration for acquisitions made by our partner firms is paid upon the satisfaction of specified financial thresholds. These thresholds are typically tied to revenue as adjusted for certain criteria or other operating metrics, based on the retention or growthBoard’s oversight of the business acquired. These arrangements may resultand affairs of Focus and that a person have an impeccable record and reputation for honest and ethical conduct in both his or her professional and personal activities. In addition, nominees for director shall be selected on the paymentbasis of, additional purchase price considerationamong other things, experience, knowledge, skills, expertise, diversity, ability to the sellers for periods following the closingmake independent analytical inquiries, understanding of an acquisition. Contingent consideration payments are typically payable in cashFocus’ business environment, willingness to devote adequate time and in some cases, equity.

The acquisition agreements contain customary representationseffort to Board responsibilities, and warrantiesknowledge of the parties,obligations of Focus set forth in any nomination agreements between Focus and closingany significant stockholders that may be in effect from time to time. The Board of Directors does not have a formal diversity policy but seeks nominees with distinct professional experience, knowledge, skills and expertise so that the Board as a whole has the range of skills and viewpoints necessary to fulfill its responsibilities.

Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight

Our Board of Directors recognizes that the leadership structure and combination or separation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman roles is generally conditioned on the delivery of certain ancillary documents, including an executed management agreement, a confidentiality and non-solicitation agreement, a non-competition agreement and a notice issueddriven by the acquired firm to its clients notifying themneeds of the acquisitionCompany at any point in time. As a result, no policy exists requiring combination or separation of leadership roles and requesting their consentour governing documents do not mandate a particular structure.  This allows our Board of Directors the flexibility to establish the most appropriate structure for the assignmentCompany at any given time.

Currently, our Chief Executive Officer is also our Chairman. The Board believes that, at this time, having a combined Chief Executive Officer and Chairman is the appropriate leadership structure for the Company. In making this determination, the Board considered, among other matters, Mr. Adolf’s experience as founder and the leader of any agreementsFocus LLC, and believes that his experience and knowledge allow him to serve as both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  In addition, the successor firm.

In connection withBoard believes that such structure promotes clearer leadership and direction for the acquisition, management companiesCompany and selling principals agree to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions of the management agreement, as well as standalone non-competition and non-solicitation agreements required by the acquisition agreement. Such non-competition and non-solicitation agreements typically have five-year terms. The non-competition and non-solicitation provisions of the management agreement continue during the term of the management agreement andallows for a periodsingle, focused chain of two years thereafter.

Our partner firms are primarily overseen by the principals who own the management company formed concurrently with the acquisition. Our operating subsidiary, the management companycommand to execute our strategic initiatives and the principals enter into a long-term management agreement pursuant to which the management company provides the personnel responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the partner firm. The term of the management agreement is generally six years subject to automatic renewals for consecutive one-year terms, unless earlier terminated by either the management company or us in certain limited situations. Subject to applicable cure periods, we may terminate the management agreement upon the occurrence of an event of cause, which may include willful misconduct by the management company or any principal that is reasonably likely to result in a material adverse effect, the failure of the management company to comply with regulatory or other governmental compliance procedures or a material breach of the agreement by the management company or the principals. In some cases, we may have the right to terminate the agreement if any principal ceases to be involved on a full-time basis in the management of the management company or the performance of services under the agreement. Generally, the management company may terminate the management agreement upon a material breach of the agreement by us and the expiration of the applicable cure period.

This ownership and management structure allows the principals to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit through autonomous day-to-day decision making, while gaining access to our extensive resources and preserving the principals’ long-term economic incentive to continue to grow the business. The management company structure provides both flexibility to us and stability to our partner firms by permitting the principals to continue to build equity value in the management company as the partner firm grows and to control their internal economics and succession plans within the management company.business plans.

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Pursuant to our Corporate Governance Guidelines and charter of Lead Independent Director, as long as the offices of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are held by the same person, a majority of the directors will appoint an independent director to act as the Board’s lead independent director (the “Lead Independent Director”). The following table provides an illustrative examplespecific duties and responsibilities of the Lead Independent Director, as well as the required qualifications and other details, are set forth in Focus’ charter of Lead Independent Director, a copy of which is available free of charge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our economics, including management fees earned bywebsite at www.focusfinancialpartners.com. Responsibilities of the management company, for periods of projected revenues, +10% growth in revenues and −10% growth in revenues. This example assumes (i) Target Earnings of $3.0 million; (ii) Base Earnings acquired of 60% of Target Earnings or $1.8 million; and (iii) a percentage of earnings in excess of Target Earnings retained byLead Independent Director include the management company of 40%.following:

    

Projected

    

+10% Growth

    

−10% Growth 

Revenues

in Revenues

in Revenues

(in thousands)

New Partner Firm

New partner firm revenues

$

5,000

$

5,500

$

4,500

Less:

Operating expenses (excluding management fees)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

EBPC

$

3,000

$

3,500

$

2,500

Base Earnings to Focus Inc. (60%)

 

1,800

 

1,800

 

1,800

Management fees to management company (40%)

 

1,200

 

1,200

 

700

EBPC in excess of Target Earnings:

To Focus Inc. (60%)

 

 

300

 

To management company as management fees (40%)

 

 

200

 

Focus Inc.

Focus Inc. revenues

$

5,000

$

5,500

$

4,500

Less:

Operating expenses (excluding management fees)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

Less:

Management fees to management company

 

(1,200)

 

(1,400)

 

(700)

Operating income

$

1,800

$

2,100

$

1,800

Preside over all meetings or executive sessions of independent directors and report to the Board, as appropriate, concerning such sessions;

Consult with inside and outside counsel and other advisors as he or she deems appropriate in fulfilling the Lead Independent Director role;

Review Board meeting agendas and schedules in collaboration with the Chairman to ensure there is sufficient time for discussion, recommend matters for the Board to consider and advise on the information submitted to the Board by management;

Collaborate with the Compensation Committee of the Board on the annual performance evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer;

Serve as a liaison and supplemental channel of communication between other directors and the Chairman, without inhibiting direct communications between the Chairman and other directors;

Collaborate with the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee of the Board on matters related to Board effectiveness and independence, including the performance and structure of the Board and its committees, and the performance of individual directors; and

Serve as the principal liaison for consultation and communication between the independent directors and stockholders;

Perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time delegate.

In certain circumstances,Because Mr. Adolf serves as both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, our Board has appointed Mr. Muhtadie as Lead Independent Director. Our Board believes that its independence and oversight of management is maintained effectively through this structure, the structurecomposition of our relationship with partner firms may differ from the typical structure described above. In addition, we expect some differences in the structure of our future international acquisitions. For example, the structure of our ownership interests in non-U.S. partner firms may differ from the way in which we own our U.S. partner firms.

Acquisitions by Our Partner Firms

We are instrumental to,Board, and support the acquisition of, wealth management practicessound corporate governance policies and customer relationships by our partner firms to further expand their businesses. Partner firms pursue acquisitions for a variety of reasons, including geographic expansion, acquisition of new talent and/or specific expertise and succession planning. Acquisitions by our partner firms allow them to add new talent and services to better support their client base while simultaneously capturing synergies from the acquired businesses. We believe there are currently over 5,000 firms in the United States that are suitable targets for our partner firms. We have an experienced team of professionals with deep industry relationships to assist in identifying potential acquisition targets for our partner firms. Through our proprietary in-house sourcing effort, we frequently identify acquisition opportunities for our partner firms. Additionally, many of our partner firms are well known in the industry and have developed extensive relationships. In recent years, principals and employees of our partner firms have identified attractive merger candidates, and we believe this trend will continue as our partner firms continue to build scale.practices.

In addition, to sourcing opportunities, weour non-management directors meet in executive session at least quarterly. If the group of non-management directors includes any directors who are not independent, at least once per year an executive session comprising only of independent directors will be scheduled. Our Lead Independent Director is the presiding director at these meetings.

The Board, directed by the Audit and Risk Committee, is actively involved through each stagein overseeing our risk management processes. The Board focuses on our general risk management strategy and ensures that appropriate risk mitigation procedures are implemented by management. Further, operational and strategic presentations by management to the Board include consideration of the process to provide legal, financial, tax, compliancechallenges and operational expertise to guiderisks of our partner firms throughbusinesses, and the acquisition due diligence processBoard and execution. We providemanagement actively engage in discussion on these topics. In addition, each of the fundingBoard’s committees considers risk within its area of responsibility.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our executive officers serve on the board of directors or compensation committee of any company that has an executive officer who serves on our Board or Compensation Committee. No member of our Board is an executive officer of any company for acquisitions inwhich one of our executive officers serves as a member of the same mannerboard of directors or compensation committee of that a parent company would typically fund acquisitions by its subsidiaries.company.

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Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a class of our equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act (“Reporting Persons”) to file certain reports with the SEC and NASDAQ concerning their beneficial ownership of such securities. Based solely upon a review of the copies of reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us, or written representations that no reports on Form 5 were required, we believe that all Reporting Persons complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements in the year ended December 31, 2022, except that, on one occasion, with respect to the initial incentive unit equity award Mr. LeMieux received upon joining the Board, due to a delay by the Company in obtaining SEC filing codes, the Company did not timely file a Form 4 on behalf of Mr. LeMieux, but such transaction was subsequently reported on Form 4, and all transactions are reflected in this Amendment.

Communication with Directors

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders initiate communications with the Board, the Chairman, the Lead Independent Director or any Board committee by writing to Focus’ General Counsel at 515 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 550, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. This process assists the Board in reviewing and responding to stockholder communications. The Board has instructed the General Counsel to review correspondence directed to the Board and, at the General Counsel’s discretion, to forward items that he deems to be appropriate for the Board’s consideration.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our partner firms typically acquire substantiallyBoard has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines to further its goal of providing effective governance of our business and affairs for the long-term benefit of our stockholders. A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines is available free of charge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

The Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee is responsible for periodically reviewing the Corporate Governance Guidelines and recommending changes as appropriate to ensure the effective functioning of our Board in relation to its corporate governance practices.

Code of Ethics

Our Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is applicable to all of the assets of a target firm for cashour directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and controller or a combination of cash and equity and the right to receive contingent consideration. In certain situations, when the acquisition involves a merger with a corporation, and the consideration includes our Class A common stock, Focus Inc. may purchase all of the equity of a target firm and then contribute the assets to our partner firm. In certain instances, our partner firms may acquire only the customer relationships. At the time a partner firm consummates an acquisition, we typically amend our management agreement with the partner firm to adjust Base Earnings and Target Earnings to reflect the projected post acquisition EBPC of the partner firm.

Our partner firms completed 28 transactions in 2019, 18 transactions in 2020 (including 4 transactions completed by Connectus) and 24 transactions in 2021 (including 8 transactions completed by Connectus). With our approval and support, our partner firms may choose to merge with each other as well. Consolidation of our existing partner firms leads to efficiencies and incremental growth in our cash flows.

Acquisitions Through Connectus

Connectus has wealth advisory subsidiaries in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. It was launched through a partner firm that joined us in 2007 and subsequently expanded in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Connectus completed 4 transactions in 2020 and 8 transactions in 2021. We expect that Connectus’ international footprint will expand further. Connectus is designed for founders and teams of wealth management practices who want to continue managing their client relationships and maintaining their boutique cultures under their own brand names, while gaining the operational efficiencies of shared infrastructure and other services provided by Connectus. Connectus offers integrated technology, investment support and centralized services, including compliance, accounting and talent management. Connectus also provides marketing capabilities to support business expansion through lead generation and organic growth programs. Through us, Connectus advisers gain a strategic growth partner with specialized capabilities. They benefit from our global scale and extensive network of partner firms, continuity planning expertise and client solutions.

In connection with a typical Connectus acquisition, we enter into an acquisition agreement with the target firm and its selling principals pursuant to which Connectus purchases substantially all of the assets or equity of the target firm for cash. Because of Connectus’ unique structure, Focus in most cases retains 100% of post-acquisition profitability and the selling principals and advisers of the target firm receive market-based compensation and growth-based economics generally based on the growth of revenues.

Lift Outs of Established Wealth Management Professionals

From time to time, partner firms hire individuals or wealth management teams from traditional brokerage firms and wirehouses, or through Focus Independence, we offer such individuals or teams the opportunity to establish their own independent wealth management firms and ultimately join our partnership as a new partner firm. If joining as a new partner firm, we typically enter into an option agreement, which provides us with the option to acquire substantially all of the assets of a new RIA that such teams managed after their resignation from the brokerage firm or wirehouse approximately 12 to 13 months from such resignation date.

Our Partner Firms

Our partner firms provide comprehensive wealth management services to ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals and families,persons performing similar functions, as well as business entities, under a largely recurring, fee-based model. Our partner firms provide these services across a diverse range of investment styles, asset classesto directors, principals, officers and clients. The substantial majorityemployees of our partner firmssubsidiaries. Our Board has also adopted a Financial Code of Ethics, applicable to our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of NASDAQ. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Financial Code of Ethics are RIAs, and certainavailable free of charge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our partner firms also have affiliated broker-dealers and/website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

We will provide copies of these documents to any person, without charge, upon request in writing to us at Focus Financial Partners Inc., Attn: Corporate Secretary, 515 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 550, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K regarding amendments to, or insurance brokers. Severalwaivers from, provisions of our partner firmsCode of Business Conduct and their principals have been recognized as leading wealth management firmsEthics and advisersour Financial Code of Ethics by financial publicationsposting such as Barron’s, The Financial Times and Forbes.

Our partner firms derive a substantial majority of their revenues from wealth management fees, which are comprised of fees earned from wealth management services, including investment advice, financial and tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, family office services and other services. Fees are primarily based eitherinformation on aour website at the address specified above.

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contractual percentageElection of Directors; Resignation Policy

Focus has adopted a resignation policy in connection with its plurality voting standard in the election of directors. Pursuant to Focus’  Corporate Governance Guidelines, a director who fails to receive a majority of votes for re-election in an uncontested election must offer his or her resignation to the Board for its consideration. In addition, a director whose resignation is under consideration must abstain from participating in any recommendation or decision regarding that resignation. The Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee will make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the proposed resignation, or whether other action should be taken. The Board will act on the proposed resignation, taking into account the Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee’s recommendation, and will promptly and publicly disclose its decision regarding the resignation. If the proposed resignation is not accepted, the director will continue to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders at which the director is up for re-election, and until the director’s successor is elected and qualified, or until the earlier of the client’s assets baseddirector’s death, resignation or removal. In addition, in accordance with our Corporate Governance Guidelines, a person who is 75 or older cannot stand for election or reelection as a director as of the date of the relevant annual meeting, and we have not granted any exemptions or waivers to this requirement. A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines is available free of charge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Board believes that directors and named executive officers more effectively represent Focus’ stockholders, whose interests they are charged with protecting, if they are stockholders themselves. The Board has therefore established stock ownership guidelines for directors and named executive officers, which are set forth in Focus’ Corporate Governance Guidelines. Within five years of joining the Board or Focus, as the case may be, each director and named executive officer is required to obtain, and must continue to hold during his or her tenure on the marketBoard or with Focus, as the case may be, Focus equity with a value (which may be inclusive of the intrinsic value of incentive units, restricted common units or other equity awards (vested or unvested) granted as part of each such director’s or named executive officer’s regular compensation) equal to:

·

in the case of each non-employee director, at least five times such director’s annual cash retainer fees (based on the most recently completed year); however, this requirement will not apply for directors who are representatives of Stone Point who have been nominated by Stone Point pursuant to its nomination agreement with Focus;

·

in the case of the Chief Executive Officer, at least six times his annual cash salary (based on the most recently completed year); and

·

in the case of all other named executive officers, at least four times his or her annual cash salary (based on the most recently completed year).

Any director or named executive officer not meeting his or her required ownership level at any time shall retain 50% of the client’s assets on the predetermined billing date, a flat fee, an hourly rate based on predetermined billing rates or a combinationFocus equity granted as part of such fees and are billed either in advancedirector’s or arrearsnamed executive officer’s compensation for service (determined on a monthly, quarterlynet, after-tax basis) until such required ownership level is met and maintained. In addition, if any director or semiannual basis. In certain cases,named executive officer falls below the required ownership level due solely to a decline in the value of Focus equity, then he or she will not be required to acquire additional Focus equity to reach the minimum ownership level, and will not be in violation of the minimum ownership requirements so long as he or she complies with the immediately preceding sentence until such wealth management fees maytime as he or she again reaches the required minimum ownership level. Furthermore, any Focus equity owned by a trust established by the relevant director or named executive officer for the benefit of his or her family members will be subject toincluded for purposes of determining his or her compliance with the minimum fee levels depending onownership requirements. A copy of the services performed. We also generate other revenue from recordkeeping and administration service fees, commissions and distribution fees and outsourced services.

We currently have over 80 partner firms. AllCorporate Governance Guidelines is available free of charge under the Governance tab in the Investor Relations section of our partner firm acquisitions have been paid for with cash or a combination of cash and equity and the right to receive contingent consideration. We have to date, with limited exceptions, acquired substantially all of the assets of the firms we choose to partner with and have assumed only post-closing contractual obligations, not any material existing liabilities.website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

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Cybersecurity, Data and Other Risk Management; Privacy

The following is a listBoard provides oversight of our cybersecurity and data security risk management processes and procedures. The Audit and Risk Committee remains responsible for assisting the Board with oversight of enterprise risk generally, including cybersecurity, information technology and business continuity and resiliency specifically. Pursuant to the Audit and Risk Committee charter, the Audit and Risk Committee provides oversight of the management of the Company’s cybersecurity risk, information technology systems, business continuity and resiliency and similar matters, as well as the Company’s assessments and reviews of such matters. Senior management of the Company reports quarterly to the Board at its regular meetings on the status of the Company’s cybersecurity risk, risk management policies and risk assessment initiatives.

Additionally, cybersecurity assessments are conducted of Focus and of each of our partner firms by an independent third-party. The recommendations contained in those assessments are then reviewed and thereafter expected to be implemented as appropriate. An annual cybersecurity monitoring program has also been implemented for our partner firms by an independent third-party. This program is based on the NIST standards and includes, among others, penetration and vulnerability testing, access controls and employee education. We also retain external vendors to perform penetration testing and vulnerability scanning with respect to Focus itself.

Focus also mandates cybersecurity and data security education and training for all of February 17, 2022:its employees. For example, all Focus and partner firm employees are required to take quarterly or semi-annual cybersecurity training modules. As part of our ongoing employee cybersecurity and data security training efforts, we also arrange for all employees to periodically receive simulated socially engineered  “phishing”  emails in order to test and improve their awareness. Employees who “click” or otherwise fail these tests receive immediate notifications and may be required to undergo additional training.

Focus’ cybersecurity and data security risk program also provides for evolving targets and objectives and incorporates expertise and suggested best practices from external consultants and experts. Focus and its partner firms also regularly monitor relevant guidance provided by applicable regulators, such as the SEC, which oversees our partner firms that are U.S. registered investment advisory firms. Focus remains committed to implementing leading data protection standards.

Our cybersecurity and data security risk program also delineates a structure with clear organizational roles and responsibilities. As described above, our Audit and Risk Committee is responsible for governance by setting overall strategic direction with respect to cybersecurity and data security risk mitigation. A Focus IT steering committee is led by a senior member of management and is tasked with recommending policies, budgets and priorities relating to cybersecurity and data security risk mitigation for approval by senior management, and also for assessing the user experience and overseeing our cybersecurity and data security risk program generally. Focus has also engaged a virtual Chief Technology Officer, who is responsible for implementing and executing these policies, budgets and priorities, managing vendors, providing technical advice and managing our cybersecurity and data security risk program generally.

Focus also continues to enhance its vendor risk assessment, due diligence and engagement process (including its contracting process with vendors and the inclusion of updated contractual protections in vendor agreements) with the goal of better protecting confidential or sensitive information. Vendors that handle confidential or sensitive information for Focus are expected to go through an initial risk assessment, and thereafter, periodic assessments will generally be conducted depending on the risk profile for the relevant vendor (for example, based on the type of information being stored or processed by that vendor). In addition, we expect our vendors to implement adequate measures to ensure the security of confidential or sensitive information, which is articulated in our Vendor Code of Conduct. In accordance with our business principles and applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the laws, rules and regulations that apply to our partner firms, we have also implemented a number of physical and technical standards, procedures, tools and other safeguards for protecting the personal information of our employees, clients and other business partners, including data security and privacy policies and controls for handling personal data. For example, Focus has posted a formal privacy policy on its website that describes the types of personal information we may collect about users when they use the Focus website, the purposes for which we may use that information, and the circumstances in which we may share or disclose that information. In addition, the majority of Focus’ partner firms are regulated entities with their own mandated privacy policies.

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We also have an information security incident response team tasked with handling cybersecurity and data security incidents. That team works with our internal and external resources as necessary with the goal of containing, mitigating and remediating cybersecurity or data security risks. In addition, we have implemented an emergency notification system to provide prompt notification to potentially affected users of potential cybersecurity or data security incidents using appropriate means of transmission (for example, using text messages for potential issues impacting e-mail systems). Procedures are also in place for our partner firms to escalate issues to the IT steering committee or other appropriate Focus team members when any of our partner firms are potentially impacted by a cybersecurity or data security incident.

Other Governance Matters

The Board also continues to annually evaluate the need for a supermajority (two-thirds) vote of stockholders to amend Focus’ charter and bylaws, as well as the Board’s ability to amend Focus’ bylaws without the approval of stockholders. The Board believes that the requirement of a supermajority vote ensures that the vast majority of stockholders approve such changes and that the Board’s ability to amend Focus’ bylaws without stockholder approval provides the Board with flexibility to amend the bylaws when appropriate quickly, at low cost, and with certainty. The Board also believes such provisions are appropriate for the time being given the limited time the Company has been a public company and the large holding by Stone Point. The Board will continue to revisit these issues.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis reviews the compensation policies and programs for our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our three next most highly paid executive officers during 2022 as determined under the rules of the SEC. These individuals are collectively referred to as our “named executive officers” or “NEOs.” The narrative discussion set forth in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis is intended to provide additional information related to the data presented in the compensation-related tables included throughout the “Executive Compensation” section of this Amendment.

Executive Summary

Named Executive Officers

During 2022, our named executive officers were:

Joined throughNamed Executive Officer

    

Acquisition(s)Position

Partner

Focus

Completed by

Partner Firm

Firm Since

Independence

Partner Firm

2006

1

StrategicPointRuediger Adolf

 

January

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

2

HoyleCohenRajini Sundar Kodialam

 

MayChief Operating Officer and Director

Leonard Chang

 

Senior Managing Director and Head of M&A

2007

3

Sentinel Benefits & Financial GroupJames Shanahan

 

JanuaryChief Financial Officer

J. Russell McGranahan

 

4

Buckingham

February

5

Benefit Financial Services Group

March

6

JFS Wealth Advisors

August

7

Connectus Wealth Advisers (1)

September

8

GW & Wade

September

2008

9

Greystone

April

10

WESPAC

July

2009

11

Joel Isaacson & Co.

November

12

Coastal Bridge Advisors

December

2010

13

Pettinga

December

2011

14

Sapient Private Wealth Management

September

15

The Colony Group

October

16

LVW Advisors

October

2012

17

Vestor Capital

October

18

Merriman

December

19

The Portfolio Strategy Group

December

2013

20

LaFleur & Godfrey

August

21

Telemus Capital

August

2014

22

Summit Financial

April

23

Flynn Family Office

June

24

Gratus Capital

October

25

Strategic Wealth Partners

November

2015

26

IFAM Capital

February

27

Dorchester Wealth Management

April

28

The Fiduciary Group

April

29

Quadrant Private Wealth

July

30

Relative Value Partners

July

31

Fort Pitt Capital Group

October

32

Patton Albertson Miller Group

October

2016

33

Douglas Lane & Associates

January

34

Kovitz Investment Group Partners

January

35

Waddell & Associates

April

36

Transform Wealth

April

37

GYL Financial Synergies

August

38

XML Financial Group

October

2017

39

Crestwood Advisors

January

40

CFO4Life

February

41

One Charles Private Wealth

February

42

Bordeaux Wealth Advisors

March

43

Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman

April

44

Lake Street Advisors

April

45

Financial Professionals

May

46

SCS Financial Services

July

47

Brownlie & Braden

July

48

Eton Advisors

September

2018

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Compensation Objectives

12

TableThe objectives of Contents

Joinedthrough

Acquisition(s)

Partner

Focus

Completed by

Partner Firm

Firm Since

Independence

Partner Firm

49

Cornerstone Wealth

January

50

Fortem Financial

February

51

Bartlett Wealth Management

April

52

Campbell Deegan Financial

April

53

Nigro, Karlin, Segal, Feldstein & Bolno (NKSFB)

April

54

TrinityPoint Wealth

May

55

Asset Advisors Investment Management

July

56

Edge Capital Group

August

57

Vista Wealth Management

August

2019

58

Altman, Greenfield & Selvaggi

January

59

Prime Quadrant

February

60

Foster, Dykema & Cabot

March

61

Escala Partners

April

62

Sound View Wealth Advisors

April

63

Williams Jones

August

2020

64

Nexus Investment Management

February

65

Mediq Financial Services

May

66

TMD Wealth Management

October

67

InterOcean Capital

October

68

Seasons of Advice

November

69

CornerStone Partners

December

70

Fairway Wealth Management

December

71

Kavar Capital Partners

December

2021

72

Hill Investment Group

March

73

Prairie Capital Management

April

74

Rollins Financial

April

75

ARS Wealth Advisors

July

76

Badgley Phelps Wealth Managers

August

77

Ancora Holdings

October

78

Sonora Investment Management

October

79

Cardinal Point

November

80

Ullmann Wealth Partners

December

81

Mosaic Family Wealth

December

82

Alley Company

December

83

Cassaday & Company

December

84

Provident Financial Management (2)

December

(1)Atlas Private Wealth was the initial anchor firm of Connectus Wealth Advisors.
(2)On December 31, 2021, we acquired Provident Financial Management and London & Co., immediately upon the closing of the acquisitions, the resepective businesses were combined under Provident Financial Management.

the compensation program for our executives, including our named executive officers, are to attract, motivate and retain talented individuals who are committed to achieving our long-term strategic objectives. Our compensation program is not only designed to align the incentives of our executives with our stockholders’ interests, but also to promote the achievement of key corporate performance measures as determined by the Compensation Committee each year.

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The following shows certainSummary of Executive Compensation Practices

We strive to maintain judicious governance standards and compensation practices by regularly reviewing best practices. As in prior years, we incorporated many best practices into our 2022 executive compensation program, including the value-added services we have provided to our partner firms through February 17, 2022:following:

What We Do

Align our executive pay with long-term performance

ValueAdded Services

Operational

Marketing and

and

Legal and

Business

Technology

Compliance

Talent

Succession

Partner Firm

Development

Enhancements

Support

Management

Planning

1

Align executives’ interests with those of stockholders
Engage an independent compensation consultant, Semler Brossy, to assess our practices
Structure compensation so that it is predominantly performance based and at risk (with the result in 2022 being that 78.5% to 82.0% were performance based and at risk)
Grant 50% of annual awards of incentive compensation in the form of long-term equity-based awards with vesting schedules
Require that all annual equity awards granted have a minimum of one year before any initial vesting, and four years for full vesting, subject to limited exceptions
Maintain trading policies that:
Prohibit all employees from short selling Focus securities, entering into any derivative transactions with respect to Focus securities, or otherwise hedging the risk and rewards of Focus securities
Prohibit Section 16 officers and directors from pledging Focus securities
Assess and mitigate risk in compensation plans, as described in our “Risk Assessment of Compensation Plans”
Review the independence of the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant annually
Enforce minimum equity ownership guidelines for all named executive officers
Provide for limited perquisites for executives

What We Don’t Do

StrategicPointReprice incentive units or stock options without stockholder approval

Offer cash buyouts of underwater incentive units or stock options

Have supplemental retirement benefit arrangements with our NEOs

Automatically increase salaries each year or make lock-step changes in compensation based on peer group compensation levels or metrics

2

HoyleCohen

3

Sentinel Benefits & Financial Group

4

Buckingham

5

Benefit Financial Services Group

6

JFS Wealth Advisors

7

Connectus Wealth Advisers (1)

8

GW & Wade

9

Greystone

10

WESPAC

11

Joel Isaacson & Co.

12

Coastal Bridge Advisors

13

Pettinga

14

Sapient Private Wealth Management

15

The Colony Group

16

LVW Advisors

17

Vestor Capital

18

Merriman

19

The Portfolio Strategy Group

20

LaFleur & Godfrey

21

Telemus Capital

22

Summit Financial

23

Flynn Family Office

24

Gratus Capital

25

Strategic Wealth Partners

26

IFAM Capital

27

Dorchester Wealth Management

28

The Fiduciary Group

29

Quadrant Private Wealth

30

Relative Value Partners

31

Fort Pitt Capital Group

32

Patton Albertson Miller Group

33

Douglas Lane & Associates

34

Kovitz Investment Group Partners

35

Waddell & Associates

36

Transform Wealth

37

GYL Financial Synergies

38

XML Financial Group

39

Crestwood Advisors

40

CFO4Life

41

One Charles Private Wealth

42

Bordeaux Wealth Advisors

43

Gelfand, Rennert & Feldman

44

Lake Street Advisors

45

Financial Professionals

46

SCS Financial Services

47

Brownlie & Braden

48

Eton Advisors

49

Cornerstone Wealth

50

Fortem Financial

51

Bartlett Wealth Management

52

Campbell Deegan Financial

53

Nigro, Karlin, Segal, Feldstein, & Bolno (NKSFB)

54

TrinityPoint Wealth

Pay guaranteed or multi-year cash bonuses

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Table of Contents

Pay-for-Performance Compensation Structure

The components of our 2022 executive compensation program consisted primarily of the following:

ValueAdded ServicesComponent

Operational

Marketing andPerformance
Period

and

Legal andObjective

Business

TechnologyPerformance 
Measurement 
Methodology for 2022

Compliance

Talent

Succession

Partner Firm

Development

Enhancements

Support

Management

Planning

55Base Salary

Asset Advisors Investment ManagementAnnual

Recognizes an individual’s role and responsibilities and serves as an important retention vehicle

Reviewed annually and set based on competitive and internal equity considerations

Annual Cash
Incentive Awards

56Annual

Edge Capital GroupRewards achievement of annual financial and other objectives, subject to meeting individual performance expectations

Based on performance objectives that were previously selected by the Compensation Committee

Equity Awards

Long-Term

Designed to align performance with long-term strategic goals and share price appreciation

Annual grants based on performance objectives that were previously established by the Compensation Committee

57

Vista Wealth Management

58

Altman, Greenfield & Selvaggi

59

Prime Quadrant

60

Foster, Dykema & Cabot

61

Escala Partners

62

Sound View Wealth Advisors

63

Williams Jones

64

Nexus Investment Management

65

Mediq Financial Services

66

TMD Wealth Management

67

InterOcean Capital

68

SeasonsEach grant vests 25% on first anniversary of Advicegrant date, and 25% annually thereafter

69

CornerStone Partners

70

Fairway Wealth Management

71

Kavar Capital Partners

72

Hill Investment Group

73

Prairie Capital Management

74

Rollins Financial

75

ARS Wealth Advisors

76

Badgley Phelps Wealth Managers

77

Ancora Holdings

78

Sonora Investment Management

79

Cardinal Point

80

Ullmann Wealth Partners

81

Mosaic Family Wealth

82

Alley Company

83

Cassaday & Company

84

Provident Financial Management (2)

(1)Atlas Private Wealth was the initial anchor firmTwo types of Connectus Wealth Advisors.
(2)On December 31, 2021, we acquired Provident Financial Managementawards granted. One with value based on current stock price and London & Co., immediately upon the closing of the acquisitions, the resepective businesses were combined under Provident Financial Management.another based solely on share price appreciation (no increase, no value)

Our partner firmsTo help retain and motivate our named executive officers, our Compensation Committee aims to offer competitive compensation packages through a mix of cash (including variable, performance-based cash awards) and long-term, equity-based incentives. The Compensation Committee does not have any formal policies for allocating total compensation among the various components, other than that annual equity awards are primarily locatedset to be equal to the annual cash incentive award granted to each named executive officer pursuant to the terms of his or her respective Employment Agreement (defined below). The Compensation Committee uses its judgment, in the United States. Outsideconsultation with Semler Brossy, to establish an appropriate balance of the United States, we have three partner firms, Escala Partners, Financial Professionalsbase salary and MEDIQ Financial Services, in Australia, four partner firms, Dorchester Wealth Management, Prime Quadrant, Nexus Investment Managementannual cash incentive awards and Cardinal Point, in Canadaequity awards with delayed vesting. The balance may change from year to year based on corporate strategy, financial performance and one partner firm, Greystone, in the United Kingdom. Our partner firm Connectus also has locations in Australia, Canadanon-financial objectives, among other considerations. For 2022, our named executive officers had a compensation mix with more than 78.5% to 82.0% of annual executive compensation being performance based and the United Kingdom. The following table shows our domestic and international revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

    

Year Ended December 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Domestic revenue

$

1,170,169

    

96.0

%  

$

1,291,630

    

94.9

%  

$

1,691,345

    

94.1

%

International revenue

 

48,172

 

4.0

%  

 

69,689

 

5.1

%  

 

106,606

 

5.9

%

Total revenue

$

1,218,341

 

100.0

%  

$

1,361,319

 

100.0

%  

$

1,797,951

 

100.0

%

“at risk.”

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Table of Contents

Pay-for-Performance Compensation Structure for NEOs

Graphic

Process for Determining Executive Compensation

Role of the Compensation Committee

The maps below showCompensation Committee oversees our executive compensation and employee benefit programs, and reviews and approves all compensation decisions relating to our NEOs. The Compensation Committee also approves its report for inclusion in this Amendment and has reviewed and discussed this Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management.

The Compensation Committee reviews NEO base salaries annually.  The Compensation Committee has discretion to increase, but not decrease, each named executive officer’s base salary under the locationsterms of his or her respective Employment Agreement. Such annual adjustments are based on factors that may include general competitiveness with peer and industry base salaries, any material increases in responsibilities and adjustments consistent with those made for all employees.

The Compensation Committee approves the amount of our partner firms asannual incentive cash pool, and any and all awards to our NEOs from this pool. The Compensation Committee determines the quantitative and qualitative criteria that it will use to determine the amount of February 17, 2022.the aggregate pool and individual NEO awards. The majorityCompensation Committee makes final decisions regarding the incentive cash pool size and the individual participant amounts at the end of each year, with input from the Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee sets target ranges in some cases above Employment Agreement provisions in the interests of providing proper incentives and considering the growth and competitive environment of the Company.

All equity awards are granted pursuant to the terms of the Focus Financial Partners 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), which has been in place since our partner firms operate multiple offices.

Map

Description automatically generated

initial public offering in July 2018 (see further description under the section below entitled “—2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan”). Other than a limited number of equity awards that can be made at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer to non-named executive officers, the Compensation Committee approves all equity awards. The value of annual equity incentive grants made to our NEOs has in recent years equaled the value of the annual cash incentive compensation awarded to each NEO, with the number of equity units granted determined by a methodology established by the Compensation Committee.

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Table of Contents

Upon joining our partnership, each partner firm transitionsRole of Independent Compensation Consultant

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee engaged Semler Brossy as its operationsindependent compensation consultant to assist the committee with its responsibilities related to our common general ledger, payrollexecutive officer and director compensation programs. A representative of Semler Brossy attends Compensation Committee meetings as requested and communicates with the chair and other members of the Compensation Committee between meetings. Semler Brossy provides no services to management or the Compensation Committee that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, and the Compensation Committee makes all decisions regarding the compensation of our named executive officers and directors. Semler Brossy reports directly to the Compensation Committee, and all work conducted by Semler Brossy for us is on behalf of the Compensation Committee.

Role of our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer regularly interact with the Compensation Committee and its chair to suggest and discuss executive compensation structure and programs. Our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations for the annual cash management systems. Our common general ledger system provides us access to financial information of each partner firm and is designed to accommodate the varied needs of each individual business. We control payroll and payment of management feesequity incentive awards for partner firms through a common disbursement process. The common payroll system allows us to effectively monitor compensation, new hires, terminationsNEOs and other personnel changes. We employ a cash management system under which cash held by partner(other than himself).

Use of Market Data and Peer Group Analysis

From time to time, Semler Brossy provides the Compensation Committee with market and peer group data for comparison purposes, such as to compare equity and pay mix practices. Semler Brossy does not provide, and the board does not utilize, regular compensation benchmarks in its compensation determinations. The firms above a threshold is transferred into our centralized accounts. The cash management system enables us to controlincluded in the peer group used for these limited purposes in 2022 included: LPL Financial Holdings, Stifel Financial, Evercore ISI, Affiliated Managers Group, Houlihan Lokey, SEI Investments, Morningstar, FactSet, Moelis & Company, Envestnet, PJT Partners and secure our cash flow and more efficiently monitor partner firm earnings and financial position.Virtus Investment Partners.

Risk Assessment of Compensation Plans

We believe that our compensation program does not encourage excessive or unnecessary risk taking. This is primarily due to the fact that our compensation programs are designed to encourage our named executive officers and other employees to focus on both short-term and long-term strategic goals, thereby creating an ownership culture and helping to align the interests of our employees and our partner firms devote substantial timestockholders. Accordingly, our incentive compensation program is balanced between short-term and effortlong-term incentives, each representing 50% of total incentive compensation.

Short-term incentive compensation is paid annually in cash, but is dependent on satisfying quantitative and qualitative factors established by the Compensation Committee. Long-term incentive compensation awarded to remaining currentour named executive officers each year has been granted as equity-based awards (in the form of incentive units or restricted common units) that vest ratably over a four-year period. The value of the incentive units is entirely dependent on and addressing, regulatory and compliance matters. Eachan increase in the price of our registered partner firmscommon stock, while the value of the restricted common units rises and falls in line with the price of our common stock. Overall, the equity grants create strong alignment with stockholders. Further, incentive units and restricted common units are not freely exchangeable into common stock, but subject to quarterly exchanges (once vested).

Additionally, the Board of Directors has its own chief compliance officeradopted equity holding guidelines requiring our Chief Executive Officer to hold six times his salary in equity, and all other named executive officers four times their salaries in equity. The combination of annual performance-based compensation and long-term equity awards (which amount to 78.5% to 82.0% of total annual compensation), in addition to holding requirements extending after vesting, creates substantial disincentives for any short-term risk taking. Overall, we believe that the balance within our compensation program results in an appropriate compensation structure for the Company and that the program does not pose risks that could have a material adverse effect on our business or other senior officer responsiblefinancial performance.

2022 Executive Compensation Determinations

Base Salaries

Base salaries serve to provide fixed cash compensation to our named executive officers for compliance and has established a compliance program to help detect and prevent compliance violations.

While the chief compliance officers at our partner firms are principally responsibleperforming their ongoing responsibilities. Initial base salaries for maintaining their respective compliance programs and for tailoring them to the specifics of their partner firms’ businesses, we have an experienced team of legal professionals in place at the holding company to support our partner firms in fulfilling their regulatory responsibilities by providing additional guidance and expertise. We collaborate with each of our registered partner firmsNEOs were as set forth in its completioneach of an annual compliance risk assessment, which is conducted by an outside law firm or a compliance consulting firm. We also engage third-party firms to conduct periodic cybersecurity audits and help coordinate completion of certain other employee training. We also monitor how our partner firms address risk assessment recommendations and regulatory exam findings. We also work with our partner firms to assist them in identifying qualified legal and compliance advisers by leveraging our extensive relationships.

Competition

The wealth management industry is very competitive. We compete with a broad range of wealth management firms, including public and privately held investment advisers, traditional brokerage firms and wirehouses, firms associated with securities broker-dealers, financial institutions, private equity firms, asset managers and insurance companies. We believe that important factors affecting our partner firms’ ability to compete for clients include the ability to attract and retain key wealth management professionals, investment performance, wealth management fee rates, the quality of services provided to clients, the depth and continuity of client relationships, adherence to the fiduciary standard and reputation.

We strategically built a leading partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms led by entrepreneurs through a unique, disciplined and proven acquisition strategy. Our differentiated partnership model has allowed us to grow and enhance our leadership position in the wealth management industry. As we continue our growth strategy of acquiring high-quality partner firms, we believe that important factors affecting our ability to compete for future acquisitions include:

the degree to which target wealth management firms view our partnership model as preferable, financially and operationally or otherwise, to acquisition or other arrangements offered by other potential purchasers;
the reputation and performance of our existing and future partner firms, by which target wealth management firms may judge us and our future prospects; and
the quality and breadth of our value-added services.

Human Capital

As of December 31, 2021, we had over 4,400 employees, approximately 100 of whom were employed at the holding company. Additionally, as of December 31, 2021, there were over 600 management company principals that oversaw partner firms and were not our employees.their Employment Agreements.

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People areThe Compensation Committee reviewed our named executive officers’ base salaries based on the keyconsiderations outlined above and determined that it would keep our NEOs’ base salaries constant in 2022.

Named Executive Officer

    

2021

    

2022

    

% Change

Ruediger Adolf

$909,155

$909,155

 

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

$596,520

$596,520

 

Leonard Chang

$478,342

$478,342

 

James Shanahan

$534,617

$534,617

 

J. Russell McGranahan

$478,342

$478,342

 

Annual Cash Incentive Awards

In 2022, the Compensation Committee did not make any changes to our business,the framework for year-end incentive compensation that was adopted in 2021, which was based on five criteria, each weighted 20%. The first four criteria were quantitative measures consistent with four of the Company’s publicly stated financial goals of achieving 20% annual growth in revenue, 10% annual organic revenue growth, 20% annual Adjusted EBITDA Growth1, and we are guided20% annual growth in our human capital initiatives, asAdjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share2, in all of our efforts, by our culture which we conscientiously work to foster. We are committed to developing the following four fundamental behaviorseach case on average and skills to further our mission to be the globally recognized leader in independent fiduciary financial advice: Be Entrepreneurial; Be Collaborative; Be Curious; and Be Professional. We seek to develop and reinforce these behaviors and skills through frequent on-site and off-site training sessions, programs and presentations, and how we work with one another every day.

We recognize that the diversity of our employees, including our partner firms, isover time. The fifth criteria was a tremendous asset, and are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment in order to attract, retain and develop human capital.

Accordingly, we will not tolerate any discrimination, abuse or harassment of any kind. Our non-harassment policy details its commitment to providing equal employment opportunities and a workplace that is respectful, productive, and free from unlawful discrimination, abuse or harassment, including sexual harassment. This policy, which is included in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Employee Handbook, outlines clear procedures for reporting and responding to issues of concern.

We are committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment and the wellness of our employees and this is exhibited throughqualitative assessment against a number of wellness, training and other programs.

We also conduct regular assessments of our compensation and benefit practices and pay levels to help ensure that employees are compensated fairly and competitively.

For additional information on our human capital programs and initiatives, please see our “Policy on Human Rights, Human Capital Development and Information Protection” available in the Sustainability section of the Investor Relations page of our website, www.focusfinancialpartners.com.

Trademarks

We own many registered trademarks and service marks. We believe the Focus Financial Partners name and the many distinctive marks associated with it are of significant value and are very important to our business. Accordingly,strategic factors as a general policy, we monitor the use of our marks and vigorously oppose any unauthorized use of them.

We register some of our copyrighted material and otherwise rely on common law protection of our copyrighted materials, but these are not material to our business.

Available Information

We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and certain other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. Any documents filed by us with the SEC, including this Annual Report, can be downloaded from the SEC’s website.

We also make available free of charge through our website, www.focusfinancialpartners.com, electronic copies of certain documents that we file with the SEC, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

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Regulatory Environment

Existing Regulation

Most of our partner firms are subject to extensive regulation in the United States. In addition, some of our partner firms are subject to extensive regulation in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, as applicable, and an entity in which we hold a minority interest is subject to extensive regulation in other jurisdictions as well, such as Switzerland and Singapore. In the United States, our wealth management partner firms are subject to regulation primarily at the federal level, including regulation by the SEC under the Advisers Act, by the U.S. Department of Labor (the “DOL”) under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and by the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) for our partner firm subsidiaries that are broker-dealers. Our partner firms may also be subject to regulation by state regulators for insurance and several other aspects of our partner firms’ activities. Outside of the United States, Escala, Financial Professionals and MEDIQ are primarily regulated by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (“ASIC”); Dorchester, Prime Quadrant, Nexus Investment Management and Cardinal Point are primarily regulated by the securities regulators of Canada’s provinces; and Greystone is primarily regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Connectus’ operations are regulated by the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia regulators mentioned above.

Our U.S. based partner firms that are investment advisers are registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. The Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on RIAs, including fiduciary duties, compliance and disclosure obligations, recordkeeping requirements and operational requirements. Certain of our partner firms sponsor unregistered and registered funds in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions. These activities subject those partner firms to additional regulatory requirements in those jurisdictions. In addition, many state securities commissions impose filing requirements on investment advisers that operate or have places of business in their states. Similarly, many states require certain client facing employees of RIAs and FINRA‑registered broker‑dealers to become state-licensed.

Certain of our partner firms have affiliated SEC-registered broker‑dealers for the purpose of distributing funds or other securities products or facilitating securities transactions. Broker‑dealers and their personnel are regulated, to a large extent, by the SEC and self‑regulatory organizations, principally FINRA. In addition, state regulators have supervisory authority over broker‑dealer activities conducted in their states. Broker‑dealers are subject to regulations which cover virtually all aspects of their business, including sales practices, trading practices, use and safekeeping of clients’ funds and securities, recordkeeping and the conduct of directors, officers, employees and representatives. Broker‑dealers are also subject to net capital rules that mandate that they maintain certain levels of capital. Certain partner firms have employees who are registered representatives with either affiliated or unaffiliated broker‑dealers.

Certain of our partner firms have licensed insurance affiliates. State insurance laws grant state insurance regulators broad administrative powers. These supervisory agencies regulate many aspects of the insurance business, including the licensing of insurance brokers and agents and other insurance intermediaries, and trade practices such as marketing, advertising and compensation arrangements entered into by insurance brokers and agents.

Our partner firms are also subject to regulation by the DOL under ERISA and related regulations with respect to investment advisory and management services provided to participants in retirement plans covered by ERISA and subject to regulation by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”) pursuant to comparable provisions within the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Among other requirements, ERISA and the IRC imposes duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA and the IRC, respectively, and prohibit certain transactions involving related parties.

Additionally, we and our partner firms are subject to various state, federal and international data privacy and cybersecurity laws designed to protect client and employee personally identifiable information. These laws and regulations are increasing in complexity and number, which has resulted in greater compliance risk and cost for us. The unauthorized access, use, theft or destruction of client or employee personal, financial or other data could expose us to potential financial penalties and legal liability.

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Certain of our partner firms, with the assistance of certain of our subsidiaries, deploy value-added services to clients in areas such as lending, cash management, valuation, trust and fiduciary services, and insurance. These partner firms and other subsidiaries are subject to additional regulation in the applicable areas to varying degrees.

Additional Regulatory Reform

Our partner firms are subject to the numerous regulatory reform initiatives in the United States and in the international jurisdictions where they operate. New laws or regulations, or changes in enforcement of existing laws or regulations, could have a material and adverse impact on the scope or profitability of our partner firms’ business activities or require us and/or our partner firms to change business practices and incur additional costs as well as potential reputational harm.

On December 15, 2020, the DOL adopted a new prohibited transaction exemption that is broadly aligned with the SEC’s rulemaking regarding conduct standards for broker-dealers and investment advisers. The new exemption went into effect on February 16, 2021. Among other things, the new DOL exemption clarified when advice regarding rollovers from ERISA plans could be considered fiduciary advice.

On December 22, 2020, the SEC announced it had finalized reforms under the Advisers Act regarding investment adviser advertisements and payments to solicitors. These new rules will replace the current advertising rule’s broad prohibitions and limitations with principles-based regulation. The new rules also clarify that both cash and non-cash compensation paid to solicitors qualify as compensation for referrals. While initially the impact of these rules appears positive for the business of our partner firms, the ultimate impact will be uncertain until after November 4, 2022, the compliance date for these rules.

In 2019, a Royal Commission in Australia issued recommendations following a lengthy inquiry into misconduct in the banking, superannuation and financial services industry. Many of those recommendations have now become law, with various regulations having gone into effect throughout 2021. Among other things, these regulations have restricted or prevented product issuers from remunerating financial advisory firms who recommend their products to advisory clients and also require product issuers and product distributors to ensure that products are made available only to persons within the target market determined by the product issuer. Additionally, the Australian government will soon concentrate the regulation of financial advisers in the hands of ASIC following the decommissioning of other regulatory bodies. Some of the regulations include a repeal of carve-outs and grandfathering of certain conflicted remuneration prohibitions.

In December 2019, the Canadian Securities Administrators (the “CSA”) adopted amendments to National Instrument 31-103 and its related Companion Policy which impose new heightened requirements on our Canadian partner firms with respect to conflicts of interest, know your client, know your product and suitability obligations. Furthermore, in December 2021, the CSA adopted amendments to National Instrument 33-109 and its related Companion Policy which will provide greater clarity on the information to be submitted by our Canadian partner firms to Canadian securities regulators and will help individuals and firms provide complete and accurate registration information. These amendments are expected to come into force on June 6, 2022.

In addition, in December 2019, our U.K. wealth management partner firms became subject to the new Senior Managers and Certification Regime which provides for additional firm and individual responsibilities and enhanced oversight by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority. This regime came fully into effect on March 31, 2021. Beginning January 1, 2022, our firms in the U.K. became subject to the new Investment Firms Prudential Regime. The new rules will extend the framework for prudential requirements to consider the potential harm firms pose to clients, consumers and the market. The U.K. is also in the process of promulgating and implementing climate-related rules, some of which are in effect already.

Of the many data privacy and cybersecurity laws being enacted or considered, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) became effective on January 1, 2020. The CCPA requires certain partner firms to review and enhance their governance regarding the collection and categorizing of certain personal information. They were also required to develop procedures to respond to consumer and employee requests to be informed of their personal information that is

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collected and to have such information deleted if desired, among other elements. In November 2021, California extended until January 1, 2023 the exemption from the CCPA for information collected by businesses about employees. Further, in November 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), which, among other things, expands California residents’ rights over the processing of their personal information and creates a dedicated privacy protection agency. The CPRA will become effective on January 1, 2023. Additionally, our U.K. based partner firms are subject to the U.K. Data Protection Act 2018 (“DPA”) which became effective on May 23, 2018 and the U.K. General Data Protection Regulation (“U.K. GDPR”), which became effective on January 1, 2021. The DPA and U.K. GDPR require these partner firms to enhance (over standards applying prior to May 2018) their governance regarding the collection, sharing and use of personal information. For example, specific disclosures are required about how personal information is collected, shared and used, affected individuals are given certain rights to control use of their personal information, and standards are set out relating to data transfers and the security of personal information.

In addition, financial regulators are increasing their enforcement and examination attention across a wide range of activities and business practices, including disclosure, conflicts of interest, cybersecurity, business continuity and succession planning. Such enhanced scrutiny may increase the likelihood of enforcement actions or violation findings, or cause us or our partner firms to change business practices or incur additional costs. It is also not possible to predict how such changes may impact the businesses of our competitors and the competitive dynamics of the industry.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the information in this Annual Report and the following risks. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks. The risks described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or which we consider immaterial also may adversely affect us.

Risks Related to Capital Markets and Competition

Our financial results largely depend on wealth management fees received by our partner firms, which are impacted by market fluctuations.

The substantial majority of our revenues are derived from the wealth management fees charged by our partner firms for providing clients with investment advice, financial and tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, family office services and other services. A material portion of these wealth management fees are calculated based on a contractual percentage of the client’s assets. Wealth management fees may be adversely affected by prolonged declines in the capital markets because assets of clients may decline and clients may reduce or eliminate the amount of their assets with respect to which our partner firms provide advice, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our partner firms may not be able to maintain their current wealth management fee structures.

Our partner firms may not be able to maintain their current wealth management fee structures for any number of reasons, including as a result of poor investment performance, competitive pressures or changes in their mix of wealth management services. In order to maintain their fee structure in a competitive environment, our partner firms must be able to continue to provide clients with services that their clients believe justify their fees. Any decline in fee rates could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The wealth management industry is very competitive.

We compete for acquisition opportunities and our partner firms compete for clients, advisers and other personnel with a broad range of wealth management firms, including public and privately held investment advisers, traditional brokerage firms and wirehouses, firms associated with securities broker-dealers, financial institutions, private equity firms, asset managers and insurance companies, many of whom have greater resources than we do. The wealth management industry is very competitive, with competition based on a variety of factors, including the ability to attract and retain key wealth management professionals, investment performance, wealth management fee rates, the quality of

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services provided to clients, the depth and continuity of client relationships and adherence to the fiduciary standard and reputation. A number of factors, including the following, serve to increase the competitive risks of our partner firms: (i) many competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing, name recognition and other resources and more personnel than our partner firms do, (ii) potential competitors have a relatively low cost of entering the wealth management industry, (iii) some competitors may invest according to different investment styles or in alternative asset classes that the markets may perceive as more attractive than the investment strategies our partner firms offer, (iv) some competitors charge lower fees for their wealth management services than our partner firms do and (v) some competitors may be able to engage in more widespread marketing activities or may have access to products and services to which our partner firms do not. If we are unable to compete effectively, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Our Operations

Our partner firms’ clients can terminate their client service contracts at any time.

Our partner firms’ clients can generally terminate their client service contracts with us at any time. We cannot be certain that we will be able to retain our existing clients or attract new clients, and these client service contracts and client relationships may be terminated or not renewed for any number of reasons. In particular, poor wealth management service, value-added services or performance of the investment strategies that our partner firms recommend relative to the performance of other wealth management firms could result in the loss of accounts.

Our results of operations could be adversely affected if we are unable to facilitate smooth succession planning.

We cannot predict with certainty how long the principals or employees of our partner firms will continue working, and upon the retirement or exit of a principal or employee, a partner firm’s business may be adversely affected. If we are not successful in facilitating succession planning of our partner firms, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our business and the businesses of our partner firms are heavily dependent on our respective reputations.

Our business and the businesses of our partner firms depends on earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of our partner firms and the clients of our partner firms. Our reputation is critical to our business and is vulnerable to threats that may be difficult or impossible to control and costly or impossible to remediate. For example, failure to comply with applicable laws, rules or regulations, errors in our public reports or litigation or the publicity surrounding these events, even if satisfactorily addressed, could adversely impact our reputation, our relationships with our partner firms and the clients of our partner firms and our ability to negotiate acquisitions and partner firm-level acquisitions with wealth management firms, as well as adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our reliance on our partner firms to report their results to us may make it difficult to respond quickly to negative business developments.

We rely on our partner firms to report their results to us on a monthly basis. We have implemented common general ledger, payroll and cash management systems that allow us to monitor the financial performance and overall operations of our partner firms. However, if our partner firms delay reporting results or informing us of negative business developments, we may not be able to address the situation on a timely basis, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented, our risk management policies and procedures may be inadequate and operational risks could adversely affect our reputation and financial condition.

We and our partner firms have adopted various controls, procedures, policies and systems to monitor and manage risk in our business. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, prevent fraud and operate successfully as a public company. Some of our risk evaluation methods depend upon information

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provided by our partner firms and others and public information regarding markets, clients or other matters. In some cases, however, that information may not be accurate, complete or up-to-date. While we currently believe that our operational controls are effective, we cannot provide assurance that those controls, procedures, policies and systems will always be adequate to identify and manage the internal and external risks in our business in a timely manner. Furthermore, we may have errors in our business processes or fail to implement proper procedures in operating our business, which may expose us to risk of financial loss. We are also subject to the risk that our employees or contractors, the employees or contractors of our partner firms or other third parties may deliberately seek to circumvent established controls to commit fraud or act in ways that are inconsistent with our and our partner firms’ controls, policies and procedures. The financial and reputational impact of control failures could be significant.

The potential for human error in connection with the operational systems of Focus Inc. or its partner firms could disrupt operations, cause losses or lead to regulatory fines.

The operations of Focus Inc. and its partner firms are dependent on its employees and principals. From time-to-time, employees or principals may make mistakes that are not always immediately detected by systems and controls and policies and procedures intended to prevent and detect such errors. These can include calculation errors, errors in processing orders, errors in software implementation, failure to ensure data security, follow processes, patch systems or report issues, failure to follow regulations or internal compliance procedures or errors in judgment. Human errors, even if promptly discovered and remediated, may disrupt operations or result in regulatory fines or sanctions, breach of client contracts, reputational harm or legal liability, which, in turn, may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Cyber-attacks and other disruptions could compromise our technology infrastructure which may limit our growth, result in losses or disrupt our business.

Our business is reliant upon financial, accounting and technology systems and networks to process, transmit and store information, including sensitive client and proprietary information, and to conduct many business activities and transactions with clients, advisers, vendors and other third parties. The failure to implement, maintain and safeguard an infrastructure commensurate with the size and scope of our business could impede our productivity and growth, which could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Further, we rely heavily on third parties for certain aspects of our business, including financial intermediaries and technology infrastructure and service providers, and these parties are also susceptible to similar risks.

Although we and our partner firms take protective measures and endeavor to modify them as circumstances warrant, our computer systems, software, networks and mobile devices, and those of third parties on whom we rely, have been subject to and may in the future be vulnerable to cyber-attacks, breaches, unauthorized access, theft, including wire and check fraud, misuse, computer viruses or other malicious code and other events that could have a security impact. Further, our back-up procedures, cyber defenses and capabilities in the event of a failure, interruption or breach of security may not be adequate. If any such events occur, it could jeopardize our, as well as our clients’, employees’ or counterparties’ confidential, proprietary and other sensitive information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our or third-party computer systems, networks and mobile devices or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, as well as our clients’, employees’ or counterparties’ operations. Despite our efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems and networks, it is possible that we may not be able to anticipate or to implement effective preventive measures against all threats, especially because the techniques used change frequently and can originate from a wide variety of sources. As a result, we could experience business disruptions, significant losses, increased costs, reputational harm, regulatory actions or legal liability, any of which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We may in the future be required to spend significant additional resources to modify existing protective measures or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures, including hiring third-party technology service providers and additional information technology staff. The regulatory framework for data privacy and security worldwide continues to evolve and develop. New, or amendments to or reinterpretations of existing laws, regulations, standards and other obligations may require us to incur additional costs to implement new or revise processes to comply. Any actual or perceived failure to comply with any such laws, regulations and other obligations could result in fines, penalties or other liability. Additionally, we may be subject to litigation and financial losses that are either not insured against fully or not fully covered through any insurance that we maintain.

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Our inability to successfully recover from a disaster or other business continuity problem could cause material financial loss, regulatory actions, reputational harm or legal liability.

Should we experience a local or regional disaster or other business continuity problem, such as a terrorist attack, pandemic, security breach, power loss, telecommunications failure, earthquake, hurricane or other natural or man made disaster, our continued success will depend, in part, on the availability of personnel and office facilities, and the proper functioning of computer, telecommunication and other related systems and operations. Further, we could potentially lose client data or experience adverse interruptions to our operations or delivery of services to clients in a disaster recovery scenario, which could result in material financial loss, regulatory action, reputational harm or legal liability.

Focus and its partner firms are dependent on a number of key vendors.

Focus and its partner firms depend on a number of key vendors for various accounting, custody, brokerage and trading, software and technology systems and other operational needs (“Key Vendors”). Moreover, while Focus and its partner firms perform diligence on its Key Vendors in an effort to ensure they operate in accordance with expectations, to the extent any significant deficiencies are uncovered, there may be few, or no, alternative vendors available. In addition, Focus or its partner firms may from time to time transfer key contracts from one vendor to another. Key contract transfers may be costly and complex, and expose Focus or its partner firms to heightened operational risks. Any failure to mitigate such risks could result in reputational harm, as well as financial losses to Focus or its partner firms.

Our insurance coverage may be inadequate or expensive.

We maintain voluntary and required insurance coverage, including, among others, general liability, property, director and officer, errors and omissions, network security and privacy, fidelity bond and fiduciary liability insurance, and insurance required under ERISA. While we endeavor to purchase coverage that is appropriate to our assessment of our risk, we are unable to predict with certainty the frequency, nature or magnitude of claims for direct or consequential damages. Our business may be negatively affected if in the future our insurance proves to be inadequate or unavailable. In addition, insurance claims may harm our reputation or divert management resources away from operating our business.

The duration of the Covid-19 outbreak and its ultimate impact on our business remains uncertain.

The transmission of Covid-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted in border closings and other travel restrictions and disruptions, disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, event cancellations and restrictions, service cancellations and reductions, significant challenges in the healthcare industry and quarantines. With widespread availability of vaccines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its guidance, travel restrictions have started to lift, and businesses have reopened. However, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve and the extent to which our business will be impacted will depend on various factors beyond our control, including the extent and duration of the impact on economies around the world, the emergence of new variants, and the success of actions to contain the virus and its variants, or treat its impact. Volatility in the U.S. and global financial markets caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to impact our partner firms’ investment strategies and the wealth management fee revenues of our partner firms.

Our market correlated revenues for subsequent periods could be impacted by any negative effects of Covid-19 on the financial markets. Additionally, the cancellation of live events and other entertainment activities have impacted and are expected to continue to impact a portion of our non-market correlated revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2021, our revenues continued to be negatively impacted by the effects of Covid-19 on a portion of our non-market correlated revenues derived from family office type services for clients in the entertainment industry and relate to live events. We anticipate that the cancellations of live events and other entertainment activities will persist in 2022. However, this revenue outlook is subject to material change because it is dependent on the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Furthermore, the effects of Covid-19 may impact the timing and our ability to pursue and make future acquisitions.

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Although currently there has been no significant impact, the Covid-19 outbreak, and future pandemics, could negatively affect Key Vendors which we and our partner firms rely on, and could otherwise disrupt the ability of our Key Vendors to perform essential tasks.

Risks Related to Our Partnership Model and Growth Strategy

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to make successful acquisitions.

Our continued success will depend, in part, upon our ability to find suitable firms to acquire, either directly or on behalf of our existing partner firms, our ability to acquire such firms on acceptable terms and our ability to raise the capital necessary to finance such transactions. We compete with banks, outsourced service providers, private equity firms, asset managers and other wealth management and advisory firms to acquire high-quality wealth management firms. Some of our competitors may be able to outbid us for these acquisition targets. If we identify suitable acquisition targets, we may not be able to complete any such acquisition on terms that are commercially acceptable to us. If we are not successful in acquiring suitable acquisition candidates, it may have an adverse effect on our business and on our earnings and revenue growth.

Acquired businesses may not perform as expected and our due diligence process might not uncover all risk or liabilities.

Acquisitions involve a number of risks, including the following, any of which could have an adverse effect on our partner firms’ and our earnings and revenue growth: (i) incurring costs in excess of, or achieving synergies less than, what we anticipated; (ii) potential loss of key wealth management professionals or other team members of the predecessor firm; (iii) inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset transaction costs; (iv) inability to retain clients following an acquisition; (v) incurring expenses associated with the amortization or impairment of intangible assets, particularly for goodwill and other intangible assets; and (vi) payment of more than fair market value for the assets of the partner firm.

While we intend that our completed acquisitions will improve profitability, past or future acquisitions may not be accretive to earnings or otherwise meet operational or strategic expectations. The failure of any partner firm to perform as expected after acquisition may have an adverse effect on our earnings and revenue growth.

In connection with our acquisitions, we conduct due diligence that we deem reasonable and appropriate based on the facts and circumstances applicable to such transactions. Despite our efforts, due diligence might not reveal all issues and existing and potential liabilities at a given firm.

Contingent consideration payments could result in a higher than expected impact on our future earnings.

Our acquisition structures typically include contingent consideration paid to the sellers upon the achievement of specified financial thresholds. The contingent consideration for acquisitions of new partner firms is typically paid upon the satisfaction of specified growth thresholds typically over a six-year period, and for acquisitions made by our partner firms, upon the satisfaction of thresholds tied to revenue as adjusted for certain criteria or other operating metrics based on the retention or growth of the business acquired. These arrangements may result in the payment of additional purchase price consideration to the sellers for periods following the closing of an acquisition and payments may occur in periods subsequent to the periods in which the additional earnings or other specified financial thresholds are achieved.

We may incur debt, issue additional equity or use cash on hand to pay for future acquisitions, each of which could adversely affect our financial condition or the market price of our Class A common stock. Additionally, difficulty in obtaining debt, issuing equity or generating cash flow could affect our growth and financial condition and the market price of our Class A common stock.

We will finance future acquisitions through debt financing, including significant draws on our first lien revolving credit facility (the “First Lien Revolver”), issuance of additional term debt, the issuance of equity securities,

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the use of existing cash or cash equivalents or any combination of the foregoing. Acquisitions financed with debt could require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to principal and interest payments. Acquisitions financed with the issuance of our equity securities would be dilutive to the share value and voting power of our existing Class A common stock, which could affect the market price of our Class A common stock. Future acquisitions financed with our own cash could deplete the cash and working capital available to fund our operations adequately. Difficulty borrowing funds, selling securities or generating sufficient cash from operations to finance our activities may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The growth of Connectus may create unique challenges and risks.

Our partner firm Connectus has completed acquisitions of wealth management firms and intends to acquire additional wealth management firms in the future. Connectus is different from our other partner firms in that we have a greater degree of management control over areas other than client service and investment operations. Additionally, Connectus is designed to offer integrated technology, investment support, regulatory compliance support and other centralized services on a countrywide basis. If these centralized services are not adequate, or other unanticipated issues with Connectus arise as it grows, such as inability to find a sufficient number of firms to merge into Connectus or integrate them effectively, then our reputation and our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely impacted.

The success of Focus Independence depends upon our ability to lift out teams of wealth management professionals from traditional brokerages and wirehouses.

Our ability to lift out teams of wealth management professionals from traditional brokerages and wirehouses depends on our ability to offer more favorable opportunities than those provided by their current employers, many of which have substantially greater financial resources and may be able to entice their employees to stay. If we are not successful in attracting and lifting out suitable wealth management professionals for our Focus Independence program, it may have an adverse effect on the growth of our revenues and earnings.

We may face operational risks associated with expanding internationally.

Our business strategy includes expanding our presence in non-U.S. markets through acquisitions. This strategy presents a number of risks, including: (i) greater difficulties in supporting, or the need to hire additional personnel to support, the operations of foreign partner firms, (ii) language and cultural differences, (iii) unfavorable fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, (iv) higher operating costs, (v) unexpected changes in wealth management policies and other regulatory requirements, (vi) adverse tax consequences and (vii) more complex acquisition structures. If our international business increases relative to our total business, these factors could have a more pronounced effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Business Model and Key Professionals

Our partner firms’ autonomy limits our ability to alter their management practices and policies, and our dependence on the principals who manage the businesses of our partner firms may have an adverse effect on our business.

Under the management agreements between our partner firms and the management companies formed by the principals, the management companies provide the personnel who manage the partner firm’s day-to-day operations and oversee the provision of wealth management and other financial services, the implementation of employment policies, the negotiation, execution and delivery of contracts in connection with the management and operation of the partner firm’s business in the ordinary course and the implementation of policies and procedures to facilitate compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. Such individuals also maintain the primary relationships with clients and vendors. As a consequence, we are exposed to losses resulting from day-to-day decisions of the principals who manage our partner firm, and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by problems stemming from the day-to-day operations of a partner firm, where weaknesses or failures in internal processes or systems could lead to a disruption of the partner firm’s operations, liability to its clients or exposure to disciplinary action. Unsatisfactory

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performance by the principals could also hinder the partner firms’ ability to grow and could have an adverse effect on our business. Further, there is a risk of reputational harm to us if any of our partner firms, among other things, have engaged in, or in the future were to engage in, poor or non-compliant business practices or were to experience adverse results.

We rely on our key personnel and principals.

We depend on the efforts of our executive officers, other management team members, employees and principals. Our executive officers, in particular, play an important role in the stability and growth of our business, including the growth and stability of existing partner firms and in identifying potential acquisition opportunities for us. However, there is no guarantee that these officers will remain with us. In addition, our partner firms depend heavily on the services of key principals, who in many cases have managed their predecessor firms for many years. Although we use a combination of economic incentives, transfer restrictions and non-solicitation and non-competition agreements in an effort to retain key management personnel, there is no guarantee that these principals will remain with the respective partner firms. The loss of key management personnel at our partner firms could have an adverse impact on our business.

If a management company terminates its management agreement with us, our financial condition and results could be negatively affected.

At the time of the acquisition of a partner firm, we enter into a management agreement with the management company that is substantially owned by the selling principals. Pursuant to the management agreement, the management company provides the personnel who conduct the day to day management and operation of the partner firm. These management agreements can be terminated by the management company at the end of the initial term, which is typically six years. Termination of a management agreement could lead to a disruption of the partner firm’s operations, which could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our partner firms may be unable to attract, develop and retain talented wealth management professionals.

Attracting, developing and retaining talented wealth management and other financial services professionals are essential components of the business strategy of our partner firms. To do so, it is critical that they continue to foster an environment and provide compensation that is attractive for their existing and prospective wealth management professionals. If they are unsuccessful in maintaining such an environment (for instance, because of changes in management structure, corporate culture or corporate governance arrangements) or compensation levels for any reason, their existing wealth management professionals may leave the firm or fail to produce their best work on a consistent, long-term basis and/or our partner firms may be unsuccessful in attracting talented new wealth management professionals, any of which could negatively impact their financial results and our ability to grow and may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to Our Structure

Focus Inc. is dependent upon distributions from Focus LLC. Additionally, to the extent Focus Inc. receives distributions in excess of its tax liabilities and other obligations and retains such excess cash, the unitholders of Focus LLC would benefit from such accumulated cash balances if they exercise their exchange right.

Focus Inc. is a holding company and its most significant asset is its equity interest in Focus LLC. Focus Inc. has no independent means of generating revenue. To the extent Focus LLC has available cash and subject to the terms of Focus LLC’s credit agreements and any other debt instruments, we have caused and intend to continue to cause Focus LLC to make (i) generally pro rata distributions to its unitholders, including Focus Inc., in an amount generally intended to allow such unitholders to satisfy their respective income tax liabilities with respect to their allocable share of the income of Focus LLC, based on certain assumptions and conventions (and actual liability in the case of Focus Inc.), and to allow Focus Inc. to make payments under its three and any subsequent tax receivable agreements (“Tax Receivable Agreements”), and (ii) non pro rata distributions to Focus Inc. in an amount at least sufficient to reimburse Focus Inc. for its corporate and other overhead expenses. We are limited, however, in our ability to cause Focus LLC and its subsidiaries to make these and other distributions to Focus Inc. due to the restrictions under our credit facilities

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entered into in July 2017, as amended (collectively, the “Credit Facility”). Funds used by Focus LLC to satisfy its distribution obligations will not be available for reinvestment in our business. To the extent that Focus Inc. needs funds and Focus LLC or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of their financing arrangements or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, Focus Inc.’s liquidity and financial condition could be adversely affected.

As a result of potential differences in the amount of net taxable income allocable to Focus Inc. and to the other Focus LLC unitholders, as well as the use of an assumed tax rate in calculating Focus LLC’s tax distribution obligations, Focus Inc. may receive distributions significantly in excess of its tax liabilities and obligations to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements. If Focus Inc. retains such cash balances, the unitholders of Focus LLC would benefit from any value attributable to such accumulated cash balances as a result of their exercise of an exchange right.

Focus Inc. is required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements for certain tax benefits it may claim, and the amounts of such payments is expected to be substantial.

The Tax Receivable Agreements generally provide for the payment by Focus Inc. to each TRA holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax that Focus Inc. actually realizes (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local taxes) or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances in periods after the IPO as a result of certain increases in tax basis and certain tax benefits attributable to imputed interest. We will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings.

The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements are Focus Inc.’s obligations and not obligations of Focus LLC, and we expect that such payments required to be made under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be substantial. Estimating the amount and timing of payments that may become due under the Tax Receivable Agreements is by its nature imprecise. Please read “Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Tax Receivable Agreements.”

In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, realized in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements.

If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreements, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations) or the Tax Receivable Agreements terminate early (at our election or as a result of our breach), Focus Inc. could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment. This payment would equal the present value of hypothetical future payments that could be required to be paid under the Tax Receivable Agreements (determined by applying a discount rate of one-year London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.5%). The calculation of hypothetical future payments will be based upon certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreements, and may materially exceed, the actual realization, if any, of the future tax benefits to which the termination payments relate.

Any such accelerated payments could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales or other forms of business combinations or changes of control. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance any payments required to be made under the Tax Receivable Agreements. Please read “Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Tax Receivable Agreements.”

As a result of this payment obligation, holders of our Class A common stock could receive substantially less consideration in connection with a change of control transaction than they would receive in the absence of such obligation. Further, any payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements will not be conditioned upon the TRA holders’ having a continued interest in Focus Inc. or Focus LLC. Accordingly, the TRA holders’ interests may conflict with those of the holders of our Class A common stock.

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We will not be reimbursed for any payments made under the Tax Receivable Agreements in the event that any tax benefits are subsequently disallowed.

Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be based on the tax reporting positions that we will determine. The TRA holders will not reimburse us for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreements if any tax benefits that have given rise to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements are subsequently disallowed, except that excess payments made to any TRA holder will be netted against payments that would otherwise be made to such TRA holder, if any, after our determination of such excess. As a result, in such circumstances, we could make payments that are greater than our actual cash tax savings, if any, and may not be able to recoup those payments, which could adversely affect our liquidity.

If Focus LLC were to become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, significant tax inefficiencies might result.

A number of aspects of our structure depend on the classification of Focus LLC as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While Focus LLC has taken steps to avail itself of safe harbors to protect itself from being treated as a “publicly traded partnership” under U.S. Treasury regulations, such a treatment would likely result in significant tax inefficiencies, including as a result of Focus Inc.’s inability to file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return with Focus LLC. In addition, Focus Inc. would no longer have the benefit of the increases in tax basis covered under the Tax Receivable Agreements, and Focus Inc. would not be able to recover any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreements, even if the corresponding tax benefits (including any claimed increase in the tax basis of Focus LLC’s assets) were subsequently determined to have been unavailable.

Risks Related to Financing and Liquidity

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under applicable debt instruments, which may not be successful.

At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of approximately $2.4 billion at stated value. Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our indebtedness including the Credit Facility, depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay acquisitions or partner firm-level acquisitions and capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance indebtedness. Our ability to restructure or refinance indebtedness will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of indebtedness could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict business operations. The terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. In the absence of sufficient cash flows and capital resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet debt service and other obligations. The Credit Facility currently restricts our ability to dispose of assets and our use of the proceeds from such disposition. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions, and the proceeds of any such disposition may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet scheduled debt service obligations.

Our outstanding variable rate indebtedness uses LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the interest rate. 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month LIBOR are expected to be replaced by the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) in 2023. While we expect SOFR to be a reasonable replacement for LIBOR, at this time we cannot predict the implications of the use of SOFR on the interest rates we pay.

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Restrictions in our existing and future debt agreements could limit our growth and our ability to engage in certain activities.

The Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants, including (i) incurring additional indebtedness or guarantees, (ii) creating liens or other encumbrances on property or granting negative pledges, (iii) entering into a merger or similar transaction, (iv) selling or transferring certain property and (v) declaring dividends or making other restricted payments.

In addition, the Credit Facility requires us to maintain certain financial ratios. These restrictions may also limit our ability to obtain future financings, to withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general, or to otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities. We may also be prevented from taking advantage of acquisitions or other business opportunities that arise because of the limitations that the restrictive covenants under the Credit Facility impose on us.

A breach of any covenant in the Credit Facility would result in a default under the applicable agreement after any applicable grace periods. A default, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility. The accelerated indebtedness would become immediately due and payable. If that occurs, we may not be able to make all of the required payments or borrow on short notice sufficient funds to refinance such indebtedness.

Risks Related to Regulation and Litigation

Our business is highly regulated.

Our partner firms are subject to extensive regulation by various regulatory and self-regulatory authorities in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. One entity in which we hold a minority interest is subject to extensive regulation in other jurisdictions as well, such as Switzerland and Singapore. See “Part I. Item 1, Business—Regulatory Environment.”

Providing investment advice to clients is regulated at both the federal and state level in the United States. Our partner firms are predominantly investment advisers registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. Each firm that is a federally registered investment adviser is regulated and subject to examination by the SEC. The Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on RIAs, including fiduciary duties, disclosure obligations, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, marketing restrictions and general anti-fraud prohibitions. Some of our partner firms manage registered and unregistered funds that subject them to additional disclosure and compliance requirements. The failure to comply with the Advisers Act and other securities laws and regulations could cause the SEC to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations, including censure or terminating their SEC registrations and could also result in litigation or reputational harm. In addition, our partner firms who are investment advisers are subject to notice filings and the anti-fraud rules of state securities regulators and certain individuals are subject to state registration in many instances under applicable state securities laws.

Our U.S. partner firms are also subject to regulation by the DOL under ERISA and related regulations with respect to investment advisory and management services provided to retirement plans and plan participants covered by ERISA and by the IRS with respect to IRAs pursuant to comparable provisions within the IRC. Among other requirements, ERISA and the IRC impose duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA and the IRC, respectively, and prohibits certain transactions involving related parties.

Certain of our partner firms have affiliated SEC-registered broker-dealers. Broker-dealers and their personnel are regulated, to a large extent, by the SEC and self-regulatory organizations, principally FINRA and are subject to regulations which cover all aspects of the securities business. Further, certain of our partner firms have licensed insurance affiliates. State insurance laws grant supervisory agencies, including state insurance departments, broad administrative authority. Further, we and our partner firms are subject to anti-corruption laws and certain of our firms are subject to anti-money laundering laws in the jurisdictions in which we operate, as well as regulation and enforcement by agencies charged with administering those laws.

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Certain of our partner firms, with the assistance of certain of our subsidiaries, deploy value-added services to clients in areas such as lending, cash management, valuation, trust and fiduciary services, and insurance. These partner firms and other subsidiaries are subject to additional regulation in the applicable areas to varying degrees.

Our international operations are subject to additional non-U.S. regulatory requirements.

We have partner firms located in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. We may have partner firms located in other non-U.S. jurisdictions in the future. Failure to comply with the applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, directives, notices or guidelines in any jurisdiction outside of the United States could result in a wide range of penalties and disciplinary actions, including fines, censures and the suspension or expulsion from a particular jurisdiction or market or the revocation of licenses, any of which could adversely affect our reputation and operations and our partner firms in those jurisdictions. Regulators in jurisdictions outside of the United States could also change their policies or laws in a manner that might restrict or otherwise impede the ability of such partner firms to offer wealth management services in their respective markets, or they may be unable to keep up with, or adapt to, changing, complex regulatory requirements in such jurisdictions or markets, which could further negatively impact our business.

The regulatory environment in which our partner firms operate is subject to continuous change, and regulatory developments designed to increase oversight may adversely affect our business.

The legislative and regulatory environment in which our partner firms operate has undergone significant changes in the recent past. Regulatory review or the issuance of interpretations of existing laws and regulations may result in the enactment of new laws and regulations that could adversely affect our operations or our ability to conduct business profitably. We are unable to predict whether any such laws or regulations will be enacted and to what extent such laws and regulations would affect our business. See “Part I. Item 1, Business – Regulatory Environment.”

Changes to applicable tax laws and regulations or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect our business and future profitability.

We are subject to various complex and evolving U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. taxes. U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax laws, policies, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances could be interpreted, changed, modified or applied adversely to us, in each case, possibly with retroactive effect, and may have an adverse effect on our business and future profitability. For example, several tax proposals have been set forth that would, if enacted, make significant changes to U.S. tax laws. Such proposals include an increase in the U.S. federal income tax rate applicable to corporations (such as us) from 21%, the imposition of a minimum tax on book income for certain corporations, and the imposition of an excise tax on certain corporate stock repurchases that would be borne by the corporation repurchasing such stock. It is unclear whether these or similar changes will be enacted and, if enacted, how soon any such changes could take effect. The passage of any legislation as a result of these proposals and other similar changes in U.S. federal income tax laws could adversely affect our business and future profitability.

Our business is subject to risks related to legal proceedings and governmental inquiries.

Our business is subject to litigation, regulatory investigations and claims arising in the normal course of operations. The risks associated with these matters often may be difficult to assess or quantify and the existence and magnitude of potential claims often remain unknown for substantial periods of time.

Our partner firms depend to a large extent on their network of relationships and on their reputation to attract and retain clients. The principals and other wealth management professionals at our partner firms make investment decisions on behalf of clients that could result in substantial losses. If clients suffer significant losses, or are otherwise dissatisfied with wealth management or value-added services, we could be subject to the risk of legal liabilities or actions alleging, breach of fiduciary duties, negligent misconduct, breach of contract, unjust enrichment and/or fraud. Moreover, our partner firms are predominantly U.S. RIAs and have a legal obligation to operate under the fiduciary standard, a heightened standard as compared to the standard of conduct applicable to broker-dealers. These risks are often difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time, even after an action has been commenced.

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Our involvement in any investigations and lawsuits would cause us to incur additional legal and other costs and, if we were found to have violated any laws, we could be required to pay fines, damages and other costs, perhaps in material amounts. Regardless of final costs, these matters could have an adverse effect on our business by exposing us to negative publicity, reputational damage, harm to our partner firms’ client relationships or diversion of personnel and management resources.

Principal or employee misconduct or disclosure of confidential information could expose us to significant legal liability and reputational harm.

We are vulnerable to reputational harm because our partner firms operate in an industry in which personal relationships, integrity and the confidence of clients are of critical importance. The principals and employees at our partner firms could engage in misconduct that adversely affects our business. For example, if a principal or employee were to engage in illegal or suspicious activities, a partner firm could be subject to regulatory sanctions and we could suffer serious harm to our reputation (as a consequence of the negative perception resulting from such activities), our financial position, our partner firms’ client relationships and their ability to attract new clients.

The wealth management business often requires that we deal with confidential information. If principals or employees at our partner firms were to improperly use or disclose this information, even if inadvertently, we or our partner firms could be subject to legal action and suffer serious harm to our reputation, financial position and current and future business relationships or those of our partner firms. It is not always possible to deter misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may not always be effective. Misconduct by principals or employees at our partner firms, or even unsubstantiated allegations of misconduct, could result in an adverse effect on our reputation and our business.

Failure to properly disclose conflicts of interest and comply with fiduciary duty requirements could harm our reputation, business and results of operations.

Some of our partner firms have affiliated SEC-registered broker-dealers and licensed insurance affiliates, which create conflicts of interests. Certain of our partner firms, with the assistance of certain of our subsidiaries, offer clients value-added services through third-party service providers in exchange for compensation to such partner firms and/or to us, creating a conflict of interest. Certain of our partner firms also have compensation arrangements pursuant to which they receive payments based on client assets invested in certain third-party mutual funds. Such arrangements allow a partner firm to receive payments from multiple parties based on the same client asset and can incentivize a partner firm to act in a manner contrary to the best interests of its clients. As investment advisers subject to a legal obligation to operate under the fiduciary standard, these partner firms must fully disclose any conflicts between their interests and those of their clients. The SEC and other regulators have increased their scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest, and our partner firms have implemented policies and procedures to mitigate conflicts of interest. However, if our partner firms fail to fully disclose conflicts of interest or if their policies and procedures are not effective, they could face reputational damage, litigation or regulatory proceedings or penalties, any of which may adversely affect our reputation, business and results of operations.

The hiring of certain advisers or acquisitions of newly established RIA firms expose us to litigation risk.

Our partner firms may from time to time hire advisers employed at traditional brokerages and wirehouses or unaffiliated RIA firms. Additionally, our Focus Independence program has typically involved the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of new RIA firms formed by teams of wealth management professionals formerly employed at traditional brokerages and wirehouses. These hirings and acquisitions may expose us to the risk of legal actions alleging misappropriation of confidential information, including client information, unfair competition, and breach of contract. These risks are often difficult to assess or quantify and their existence and magnitude often remain unknown for substantial periods of time, even after an action has been commenced. We may incur significant legal expenses in defending against litigation commenced by any such brokerage, wirehouse or unaffiliated RIA firm. Substantial legal liability could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition or cause significant reputational harm to us.

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In the event of a change of control of our company, we may be required to obtain the consent of our partner firms’ advisory clients to the change of control.

As required by the Advisers Act, the investment advisory agreements entered into by our investment adviser subsidiaries provide that an “assignment” of the agreement may not be made without the client’s consent. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”), advisory agreements with registered funds provide that they terminate automatically upon “assignment” and the board of directors and the shareholders of the registered fund must approve a new agreement for advisory services to continue. Under both the Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act, a change of ownership may constitute such an “assignment” if it is a change of control. For example, under certain circumstances, an assignment may be deemed to occur if a controlling block of voting securities is transferred, if any party acquires control, or, in certain circumstances, if a controlling party gives up control. Under the Investment Company Act, a 25% voting interest is presumed to constitute control. An assignment or a change of control could be deemed to occur in the future if we, or one of our investment adviser subsidiaries, were to gain or lose a controlling person, or in other situations that may depend significantly on facts and circumstances. In any such case we would seek to obtain the consent of our advisory clients, including any funds, to the assignment. To the extent of any failure to obtain these consents, our results of operations, financial condition or business could be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Our Class A Common Stock, Ownership and Governance

An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not be maintained, and our stock price may be volatile.

An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not be maintained. Active, liquid and orderly trading markets usually result in less price volatility and more efficiency in carrying out investors’ purchase and sale orders. The market price of our Class A common stock could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In the event of a drop in the market price of our Class A common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our Class A common stock.

If our operating and financial performance in any given period does not meet the guidance that we have provided to the public or the expectations of our investors and analysts, our stock price may decline.

We provide public guidance on our expected operating and financial results for future periods. Although we believe that this guidance provides investors and analysts with a better understanding of management’s expectations for the future and is useful to our stockholders and potential stockholders, such guidance is comprised of forward-looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties described in this report and in our other public filings and public statements. Our actual results may not always be in line with or exceed the guidance we have provided or the expectations of our investors and analysts, especially in times of economic uncertainty. In the past, when results have differed from such guidance or expectations, the market price of our common stock has declined. If, in the future, our operating or financial results for a particular period do not meet our guidance or the expectations of our investors and analysts or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of our common stock may decline.

Investment vehicles affiliated with our private equity investor own a substantial percentage of the voting power of our common stock.

Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our shareholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or our certificate of incorporation. As of February 14, 2022, investment vehicles affiliated with Stone Point Capital LLC (together with its affiliates, “Stone Point”) owned approximately 12% of our Class A common stock (representing 9% of the economic interest and 10% of the voting power) and 71% of our Class B common stock (representing 0% of the economic interest and 11% of the voting power).

Stone Point has the right to nominate two members of our board of directors for so long as they maintain certain ownership stakes. The existence of a significant shareholder may also have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers,

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delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in management, or limiting the ability of our other shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of our company.

Moreover, this concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock to the extent investors perceive a disadvantage in owning stock of our company.

The interests of our private equity investor may differ from those of our public shareholders.

So long as Stone Point continues to control a significant amount of our common stock, it will continue to be able to strongly influence all matters requiring shareholder approval, regardless of whether or not other shareholders believe that a potential transaction is in their own best interests. In any of these matters, the interests of Stone Point (including its interests, if any, as a TRA holder) may differ or conflict with the interests of our other shareholders. For example, Stone Point may have different tax positions from us which could influence its decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, whether and when to incur new or refinance existing indebtedness, especially in light of the existence of the Tax Receivable Agreements, and whether and when Focus Inc. should terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements and accelerate its obligations thereunder; provided that any decision to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements and accelerate the obligations thereunder would also require the approval of a majority of the disinterested directors of Focus Inc. In addition, the structuring of future transactions may take into consideration Stone Point’s tax or other considerations even where no similar benefit would accrue to us. See “Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Tax Receivable Agreements.”

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as well as Delaware law, contain provisions that could discourage acquisition bids or merger proposals, which may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock, the terms of which may be established and the shares of which may be issued without shareholder approval, and which may include super voting, special approval, dividend, repurchase rights, liquidation preferences or other rights or preferences superior to the rights of the holders of Class A common stock. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the value or our Class A common stock. Furthermore, if our board of directors elects to issue preferred stock it could be more difficult for a third party to acquire us. For example, our board of directors may grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or upon the occurrence of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions.

In addition, some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change of control would be beneficial to our shareholders, including: (i) prohibiting us from engaging in any business combination with any interested shareholder for a period of three years following the time that the shareholder became an interested shareholder, subject to certain exceptions, (ii) establishing advance notice provisions with regard to shareholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of our shareholders, (iii) providing that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors, (iv) providing that all vacancies in our board of directors may, except as otherwise be required, be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, (v) providing that our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of our then outstanding voting stock, (vi) providing for our board of directors to be divided into three classes of directors, (vii) providing that our amended and restated bylaws can be amended by the board of directors, (viii) limitations on the ability of shareholders to call special meetings, (ix) limitations on the ability of shareholders to act by written consent, and (x) renouncing any reasonable expectancy interest that we have in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any corporate or business opportunities that are from time to time presented to Stone Point directors affiliated with these parties and their respective affiliates.

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Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees, agents or trustees to us or our shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer or other employee of ours arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us or any director or officer or other employee of ours that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. Unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the federal district courts of the United States will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the federal securities laws of the United States. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described in the preceding sentence. This choice of forum provision may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We do not have any current plans to pay dividends on our Class A common stock. Consequently, the only opportunity that holders of our Class A common stock will have to achieve a return on their investment in our Class A common stock is if the price of our Class A common stock appreciates.

We do not have any current plans to declare dividends on shares of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the only opportunity that holders of our Class A common stock will have to achieve a return on their investment in our Class A common stock will be if they sell their shares of Class A common stock at a price greater than they may pay for them. There is no guarantee that the price of our Class A common stock will ever exceed the price that a holder of our Class A common stock may pay for them.

Future sales or other issuances of our Class A common stock in the public market could reduce our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in us.

Unitholders of Focus LLC (other than Focus Inc. and any of its subsidiaries) may receive shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to the exercise of an exchange right or the call right and then sell those shares of Class A common stock. Additionally, we may issue additional shares of Class A common stock or convertible securities in subsequent offerings or as consideration for future acquisitions.

We have approximately 5,600,000 shares of our Class A common stock registered under our registration statements on Form S-8 for additional issuances under our equity incentive plan, that are available for resale in the public market without restriction, subject to the satisfaction of vesting, the requirements of Rule 144 and any other conditions.

We cannot predict the size of future issuances or sales of our Class A common stock or securities convertible into Class A common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A common stock will have on the market price of our Class A common stock. Sales of substantial amounts or other issuances of our Class A common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Class A common stock.

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

We and our partner firms conduct our operations using leased office facilities. While we believe we have suitable office space currently, we will continue to evaluate our office space requirements and will complement these facilities as necessary.

Our corporate headquarters is located at 875 Third Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, New York, where we occupy approximately 29,700 square feet of space under a lease, the term of which expires in 2035. In addition, each of our partner firms lease office space in the city or cities in which it conducts business.

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are, from time to time, involved in various legal claims and regulatory matters arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. A partner firm has settled most of the investor demands related to a private fund (that held approximately $27 million in client assets) during the year ended December 31, 2021. We have notified our insurance carriers of the matter. After consultation with legal counsel, we do not believe that the resolutions of any matters we are currently involved in, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, we can provide no assurance that any pending or future matters will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in future reporting periods.

From time to time, we and our partner firms receive requests for information from governmental authorities. For example, we recently received an inquiry from the SEC asking us to provide materials principally related to policies, procedures and communications concerning Adjusted Net Income, a non-GAAP financial measure, which was disaggregated in the third quarter of 2020 to separate certain tax adjustments in response to earlier comments from the SEC. We are cooperating with this inquiry and intend to continue to cooperate with all governmental authorities. While we are unable to determine the ultimate outcome of any matter, we believe that the resolution of all current governmental inquiries will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

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PART II

Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information and Holders

Our Class A common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FOCS”.

As of February 14, 2022, we had approximately 8 holders of record of our Class A common stock. This number excludes owners for whom Class A common stock may be held in “street” name.

There is no public market for our Class B common stock. As of February 14, 2022, we had 38 holders of record of our Class B common stock.

Dividends

We do not have any current plans to declare dividends on shares of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the growth of our business and for other ordinary corporate purposes. Our future dividend policy is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon then-existing conditions, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, investment opportunities, statutory restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, the Credit Facility contains certain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation PlansCommittee.

The information relating to our equity compensation plans required by Item 5 is incorporated by reference to such information as set forth in “Part III, Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

During the three months ended December 31, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 1,309,271 shares of Class A common stock and retired 1,293,238 shares of Class B common stock and 24,652 incentive units in Focus LLC and acquired 1,309,271 common units in Focus LLC, in each case as part of our regular quarterly exchanges offered to holders of units in Focus LLC.

During the three months ended December 31, 2021, we issued 58,657 shares of Class A common stock in connection with an acquisition.

During the three months ended December 31, 2021, Focus LLC issued 381,264 common units and we issued a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock in connection with an acquisition.

The issuance of such securities was made in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

Each Focus LLC common unit, together with a corresponding share of Class B common stock, and Focus LLC incentive unit (after conversion into a number of common units taking into account the then current value of the common units and such incentive unit’s aggregate hurdle amount) is exchangeable, pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Operating Agreement, for one share of our Class A common stock, or, if either we or Focus LLC so elects, cash.

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Item 6. (Reserved)

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

You should read this discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The information in this section contains forward-looking statements. Please read “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results may differ significantly from the results suggested by these forward-looking statements and from our historical results. Some factors that may cause our results to differ are described in “Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors.”

Overview

We are a leading partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms operating in the highly fragmented RIA industry, with a footprint of over 80 partner firms primarily in the United States. We have achieved this market leadership by positioning ourselves as the partner of choice for many firms in an industry where a number of secular trends are driving consolidation. Our partner firms primarily service ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals and families by providing highly differentiated and comprehensive wealth management services. Our partner firms benefit from our intellectual and financial resources, operating as part of a scaled business model with aligned economic interests, while retaining their entrepreneurial culture and independence.

Our partnership is comprised of trusted professionals providing comprehensive wealth management services through a largely recurring, fee-based model, which differentiates our partner firms from the traditional brokerage platforms whose revenues are largely derived from commissions. We derive a substantial majority of our revenues from wealth management fees for investment advice, financial and tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, family office services and other services. We also generate other revenues primarily from recordkeeping and administration service fees, commissions and distribution fees and outsourced services.

Since we began revenue-generating and acquisition activities in 2006, we have created a partnership of over 80 partner firms, the substantial majority of which are RIAs registered with the SEC and built a business with revenues of $1.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, in excess of 95% of our revenues were fee-based and recurring in nature. We have established a national footprint across the United States and expanded our international presence into Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Sources of Revenue

Our partner firms provide comprehensive wealth management services through a largely recurring, fee-based model. We derive a substantial majority of our revenue from wealth management fees, which are comprised of fees earned from wealth management services, including investment advice, financial and tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, family office services and other services. Fees are primarily based either on a contractual percentage of the client’s assets based on the market value of the client’s assets on the predetermined billing date, a flat fee, an hourly rate based on predetermined billing rates or a combination of such fees and are billed either in advance or arrears on a monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. In certain cases, such wealth management fees may be subject to minimum fee levels depending on the services performed. We also generate other revenues, which primarily include recordkeeping

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and administration service fees, commissions and distribution fees and outsourced services. The following table summarizes our sources of revenue:

Year Ended December 31, 

 

2019

2020

2021

 

    

% of Total

    

    

% of Total

    

    

% of Total

 

Revenues

Revenues

Revenues

Revenues

Revenues

Revenues

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Wealth management fees

$

1,149,655

 

94.4

%  

$

1,286,130

 

94.5

%  

$

1,717,365

 

95.5

%

Other

 

68,686

 

5.6

%  

 

75,189

 

5.5

%  

 

80,586

 

4.5

%

Total revenues

$

1,218,341

 

100.0

%  

$

1,361,319

 

100.0

%  

$

1,797,951

 

100.0

%

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, our wealth management fees were impacted by the acquisitions of new partner firms and the growth of existing partner firms, which includes the acquisitions of wealth management practices and customer relationships by our existing partner firms. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, we completed acquisitions of 6, 7 and 14 partner firms, respectively. In 2019, the new partner firms were Altman Greenfield & Selvaggi, Prime Quadrant, Foster Dykema & Cabot, Escala Partners, Sound View Wealth Advisors and Williams Jones. In 2020, the new partner firms were Nexus Investment Management, MEDIQ Financial Services, InterOcean Capital, Seasons of Advice, CornerStone Partners, Fairway Wealth Management and Kavar Capital Partners. In 2021, the new partner firms were Hill Investment Group, Prairie Capital Management, Rollins Financial, ARS Wealth Advisors, Badgley Phelps Wealth Managers, Ancora Holdings, Sonora Investment Management, Cardinal Point, Ullmann Wealth Partners, Mosaic Family Wealth, Alley Company, Cassaday & Company, Provident Financial Management and London & Co. The new partner firms Provident Financial Management and London & Co. combined their respective businesses in December 2021 and operate as Provident Financial Management.

In 2019, 2020 and 2021, our partner firms completed 28, 18 and 24 transactions, respectively, consisting of business acquisitions accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805: Business Combinations and asset acquisitions, including four and eight transactions completed by Connectus in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our acquisitions.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, in excess of 95% of our revenues were fee-based and recurring in nature. Although the substantial majority of our revenues are fee-based and recurring, our revenues can fluctuate due to macroeconomic factors and the overall state of the financial markets, particularly in the United States. Our partner firms’ wealth management fees are primarily based either on a contractual percentage of the client’s assets based on the market value of the client’s assets on the predetermined billing date, a flat fee, an hourly rate based on predetermined billing rates or a combination of such fees and are billed either in advance or arrears on a monthly, quarterly or semiannual basis. We estimate that approximately 22% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 were not directly correlated to the financial markets. Of the 78% of our revenues that were directly correlated to the financial markets, primarily equities and fixed income, for the year ended December 31, 2021, we estimate that approximately 66% of such revenues were generated from advance billings. We estimate that approximately 23% of our revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2021 were not directly correlated to the financial markets. Of the 77% of our revenues that were directly correlated to the financial markets, primarily equities and fixed income, for the three months ended December 31, 2021, we estimate that approximately 64% of such revenues were generated from advance billings. These revenues are impacted by market movements as a result of contractual provisions with clients that entitle our partner firms to bill for their services either in advance or arrears based on the value of client assets at such time. Since approximately 64% of our market correlated revenues are set based on the market value of client assets in advance of the respective service period, this generally results in a one quarter lagged effect of any market movements on our revenues. Longer term trends in the financial markets may favorably or unfavorably impact our total revenues, but not in a linear relationship. For example, during 2019, 2020 and 2021, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index had a total return of 31.5%, 18.4% and 28.7%, respectively, and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index had a total return for the same periods of 8.7%, 7.5% and (1.5)% respectively. By comparison, for the same periods our organic revenue growth was 15.1%, 7.0% and 24.0%, respectively. For additional information, please read “—How We Evaluate our Business.”

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During the year ended December 31, 2021, our revenues continued to be negatively impacted by the effects of Covid-19 on a portion of our non-market correlated revenues derived from family office type services for clients in the entertainment industry and relate to live events. We anticipate that the cancellations of live events and other entertainment activities will persist in 2022. However, this revenue outlook is subject to material change because it is dependent on the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses consist of compensation and related expenses, management fees, selling, general and administrative expenses, management contract buyout, intangible amortization, non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration and depreciation and other amortization expense.

Compensation and Related Expenses

Compensation and related expenses include salaries and wages, including variable compensation, related employee benefits and taxes for employees at our partner firms and employees at the Focus LLC company level. Compensation and related expenses also include non-cash compensation expense, associated with both Focus Inc.’s and Focus LLC’s equity grants to employees and non-employees, including management company principals.

Management Fees

While we have to date, with limited exceptions, acquired substantially all of the assets of a target firm, following our acquisition of a new partner firm, the partner firm continues to be primarily managed by its principals through their 100% ownership of a management company formed by them concurrently with the acquisition. Our operating subsidiary, the management company and the principals enter into a management agreement that provides for the payment of ongoing management fees to the management company. The terms of the management agreements are generally six years subject to automatic renewals for consecutive one-year terms, unless earlier terminated by either the management company or us in certain limited situations. Under the management agreement, the management company is entitled to management fees typically consisting of all EBPC in excess of Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of EBPC in excess of Target Earnings.

We retain a preferred position in Base Earnings. To the extent earnings of an acquired business in any year are less than Base Earnings, in the following year we are entitled to receive Base Earnings together with the prior years’ shortfall before any management fees are earned by the management company.

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The following table provides an illustrative example of our economics, including management fees earned by the management company, for periods of projected revenues, +10% growth in revenues and −10% growth in revenues. This example assumes (i) Target Earnings of $3.0 million; (ii) Base Earnings acquired of 60% of Target Earnings or $1.8 million; and (iii) a percentage of earnings in excess of Target Earnings retained by the management company of 40%.

Projected

+10% Growth in

−10% Growth

    

Revenues

    

Revenues

    

in Revenues

(in thousands)

New Partner Firm

New partner firm revenues

$

5,000

$

5,500

$

4,500

Less:

Operating expenses (excluding management fees)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

EBPC

$

3,000

$

3,500

$

2,500

Base Earnings to Focus Inc. (60%)

 

1,800

 

1,800

 

1,800

Management fees to management company (40%)

 

1,200

 

1,200

 

700

EBPC in excess of Target Earnings:

To Focus Inc. (60%)

 

 

300

 

To management company as management fees (40%)

 

 

200

 

Focus Inc.

Focus Inc. revenues

$

5,000

$

5,500

$

4,500

Less:

Operating expenses (excluding management fees)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

 

(2,000)

Less:

Management fees to management company

 

(1,200)

 

(1,400)

 

(700)

Operating income

$

1,800

$

2,100

$

1,800

As a result of our economic arrangements with the various management company entities, 100% of management fees are variable expenses.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses include rent, insurance premiums, professional fees, travel and entertainment and other costs.

Management Contract Buyout

Management contract buyout represents cash consideration to buyout a management agreement with one of our retiring principals whereby the business operations of the relevant partner firm were transitioned to one of our other partner firms.

Intangible Amortization

Amortization of intangibles consists primarily of the amortization of intangibles we acquired through our various acquisitions of new partner firms and acquisitions by our partner firms.

Non-Cash Changes in Fair Value of Estimated Contingent Consideration

We have typically incorporated into our acquisition structure contingent consideration paid to the sellers upon the satisfaction of specified financial thresholds, and the purchase price for a typical acquisition is comprised of a base purchase price and the right to receive such contingent consideration in the form of earn out payments. The contingent

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consideration for acquisitions of new partner firms is generally paid over a six-year period upon the satisfaction of specified growth thresholds, in years three and six. These growth thresholds are typically tied to the compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of the partner firm’s earnings. Such growth thresholds can be set annually or for different time frames as well, for example, annually over a six-year period. The contingent consideration for acquisitions made by our partner firms is paid upon the satisfaction of specified financial thresholds. These thresholds are generally tied to revenue as adjusted for certain criteria or other operating metrics based on the retention or growth of the business acquired. These arrangements may result in the payment of additional purchase price consideration to the sellers for periods following the closing of an acquisition. Contingent consideration payments are typically payable in cash and, in some cases, equity.

For business acquisitions, we recognize the fair value of estimated contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for substantially all of the assets or equity of the wealth management firm. The contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. Any changes in fair value are recognized each reporting period in non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration in our consolidated statements of operations.

Depreciation and Other Amortization

Depreciation and other amortization expense primarily represents the benefits we received from using long-lived assets such as computers and equipment, leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures. Those assets primarily consist of purchased fixed assets as well as fixed assets acquired through our acquisitions.

Business Acquisitions

We completed 31, 21 and 36 business acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, consisting of both new partner firms and acquisitions by our partner firms. Such business acquisitions were accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 805: Business Combinations.

The purchase price is comprised of a base purchase price and a right to receive contingent consideration in the form of earn out payments. The base purchase price typically consists of an upfront cash payment and may include equity. The contingent consideration for acquisitions of new partner firms generally consists of earn outs over a six year period following the closing, with payment upon the satisfaction of specified growth thresholds in years three and six. The growth thresholds are typically tied to the CAGR of the partner firm’s earnings. Such growth thresholds can be set annually or for different time frames as well, for example, annually over a six-year period. The contingent consideration for acquisitions made by our partner firms generally is earned upon the satisfaction of specified financial thresholds. These thresholds are generally tied to revenue as adjusted for certain criteria or other operating metrics based on the retention or growth of the business acquired. The contingent consideration is typically payable in cash and, in some cases, equity.

The following table summarizes our business acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):

    

2019

    

2020

2021

Number of business acquisitions closed

 

31

 

21

    

36

Consideration:

Cash and option premium

$

507,498

$

327,722

$

983,240

Cash due subsequent to closing at net present value and working capital adjustments

 

4,341

 

(174)

 

86,201

Fair market value of Focus LLC common units issued

 

 

 

23,118

Fair market value of Class A common stock issued

 

 

 

3,515

Fair market value of estimated contingent consideration

 

82,781

 

46,918

 

212,074

Total consideration

$

594,620

$

374,466

$

1,308,148

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In addition, we completed three, four and two acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, that did not meet the definition of a business under ASC Topic 805: Business Combinations. These acquisitions primarily related to the acquisition of customer relationships.

Substantially all of our acquisitions have been paid for with a combination of cash on hand, cash generated by our operations, borrowings under the Credit Facility, Focus LLC common units or our Class A common stock.

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How We Evaluate Our Business

We focus on several key financial metrics in evaluating the success of our business, the success of our partner firms and our resulting financial position and operating performance. Key metrics include the following:

 

Year Ended December 31, 

2019

    

2020

    

2021

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

Revenue Metrics:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Revenues

$

1,218,341

$

1,361,319

$

1,797,951

Revenue growth (1) from prior period

 

33.8

%

 

11.7

%

 

32.1

%

Organic revenue growth (2) from prior period

 

15.1

%

 

7.0

%

 

24.0

%

Management Fees Metrics (operating expense):

Management fees

$

304,701

$

349,475

$

491,433

Management fees growth (3) from prior period

 

30.9

%

 

14.7

%

 

40.6

%

Organic management fees growth (4) from prior period

 

10.2

%

 

7.8

%

 

32.1

%

Net Income (Loss) Metrics:

Net income (loss)

$

(12,025)

$

48,965

$

24,440

Net income (loss) growth from prior period

70.7

%

*

(50.1)

%

Income (loss) per share of Class A common stock:

Basic

$

(0.28)

$

0.58

$

0.18

Diluted

$

(0.28)

$

0.57

$

0.18

Income (loss) per share of Class A common stock growth from prior period:

Basic

*

*

(69.0)

%

Diluted

*

*

(68.4)

%

Adjusted EBITDA Metrics:

Adjusted EBITDA (6)

$

269,834

$

321,763

$

451,296

Adjusted EBITDA growth (6) from prior period

 

32.7

%

 

19.2

%

 

40.3

%

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Metrics:

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments (5)(6)

$

146,718

$

195,562

$

278,681

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments growth (5)(6) from prior period

 

43.1

%

 

33.3

%

 

42.5

%

Tax Adjustments

Tax Adjustments (5)(6)(7)

$

31,860

$

37,254

$

46,805

Tax Adjustments growth from prior period (5)(6)(7)

39.6

%

16.9

%

25.6

%

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share and Tax Adjustments Per Share Metrics:

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share (5)(6)

$

1.96

$

2.46

$

3.36

Tax Adjustments Per Share (5)(6)(7)

$

0.42

$

0.47

$

0.56

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share growth (5)(6) from prior period

 

38.0

%

 

25.5

%

 

36.6

%

Tax Adjustments Per Share growth from prior period (5)(6)(7)

31.3

%

11.9

%

19.1

%

Adjusted Shares Outstanding

Adjusted Shares Outstanding (6)

 

75,039,357

 

79,397,568

 

82,893,928

Other Metrics:

Net Leverage Ratio (8) at period end

4.00x

3.89x

3.85x

Acquired Base Earnings (9)

$

35,138

$

22,121

$

71,400

Number of partner firms at period end (10)

 

63

 

71

 

84

* Not meaningful

(1)Represents period-over-period growth in our GAAP revenue.

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(2)Organic revenue growth represents the period-over-period growth in revenue related to partner firms, including growth related to acquisitions of wealth management practices and customer relationships by our partner firms, including Connectus, and partner firms that have merged, that for the entire periods presented, are included in our consolidated statements of operations for each of the entire periods presented. We believe these growth statistics are useful in that they present full-period revenue growth of partner firms on a “same store” basis exclusive of the effect of the partial results of partner firms that are acquired during the comparable periods.
(3)The terms of our management agreements entitle the management companies to management fees typically consisting of all EBPC in excess of Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of any EBPC in excess of Target Earnings. Management fees growth represents the period-over-period growth in GAAP management fees earned by management companies. While an expense, we believe that growth in management fees reflect the strength of the partnership.
(4)Organic management fees growth represents the period-over-period growth in management fees earned by management companies related to partner firms, including growth related to acquisitions of wealth management practices and customer relationships by our partner firms and partner firms that have merged, that for the entire periods presented, are included in our consolidated statements of operations for each of the entire periods presented. We believe that these growth statistics are useful in that they present full-period growth of management fees on a “same store” basis exclusive of the effect of the partial period results of partner firms that are acquired during the comparable periods.
(5)In disclosures, including filings with the SEC, made prior to the quarter ended September 30, 2020, “Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments” and “Tax Adjustments” were presented together as “Adjusted Net Income.” Additionally, “Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share” and “Tax Adjustments Per Share” were presented together as “Adjusted Net Income Per Share.”
(6)For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments, Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share, Tax Adjustments, Tax Adjustments Per Share and Adjusted Shares Outstanding, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, please read “—Adjusted EBITDA” and “—Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share.”
(7)Tax Adjustments represent the tax benefits of intangible assets, including goodwill, associated with deductions allowed for tax amortization of intangible assets in the respective periods based on a pro forma 27% income tax rate. Such amounts were generated from acquisitions completed where we received a step-up in basis for tax purposes. Acquired intangible assets may be amortized for tax purposes, generally over a 15-year period. Due to our acquisitive nature, tax deductions allowed on acquired intangible assets provide additional significant supplemental economic benefit. The tax benefit from amortization is included to show the full economic benefit of deductions for acquired intangible assets with the step-up in tax basis. As of December 31, 2021, estimated Tax Adjustments from intangible asset related income tax benefits from closed acquisitions based on a pro forma 27% income tax rate for the next 12 months is $58,330.
(8)Net Leverage Ratio represents the First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility), and means the ratio of amounts outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan and First Lien Revolver plus other outstanding debt obligations secured by a lien on the assets of Focus LLC (excluding letters of credit other than unpaid drawings thereunder) minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility).
(9)The terms of our management agreements entitle the management companies to management fees typically consisting of all future EBPC of the acquired wealth management firm in excess of Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of any EBPC in excess of Target Earnings. Acquired Base Earnings is equal to our preferred position in Base Earnings. We are entitled to receive these earnings notwithstanding any earnings that we are entitled to receive in excess of Target Earnings. Base Earnings may change in future periods for various

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business or contractual matters. For example, from time to time when a partner firm consummates an acquisition, the management agreement among the partner firm, the management company and the principals is amended to adjust Base Earnings and Target Earnings to reflect the projected post-acquisition earnings of the partner firm.
(10)Represents the number of partner firms on the last day of the period presented.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. 1Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) excluding interest income, interest expense, income tax expense, (benefit), amortization of debt financing costs, intangible amortization and impairments, if any, depreciation and other amortization, non-cash equity compensation expense, non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration, loss on extinguishment of borrowings, other expense, net, impairment of equity method investment, management contract buyout, other one-time transaction expensesexpense-net and secondary offering expenses, if any. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA, viewed in addition toAdditional information regarding the calculation and not in lieureconciliation of our reported GAAP results, provides additional useful information to investors regarding our performance and overall results of operations for various reasons, including the following:

non-cash equity grants made to employees or non-employees at a certain price and point in time do not necessarily reflect how our business is performing at any particular time; stock-based compensation expense is not a key measure of our operating performance;
contingent consideration or earn outs can vary substantially from company to company and depending upon each company’s growth metrics and accounting assumption methods; the non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration is not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance; and
amortization expenses can vary substantially from company to company and from period to period depending upon each company’s financing and accounting methods, the fair value and average expected life of acquired intangible assets and the method by which assets were acquired; the amortization of intangible assets obtained in acquisitions are not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance.

We use Adjusted EBITDA:

as a measure of operating performance;
for planning purposes, including the preparation of budgets and forecasts;
to allocate resources to enhance the financial performance of our business;
to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies; and
as a consideration in determining compensation for certain employees.

Adjusted EBITDA does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities. The term Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP, and Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income (loss), operating income or any other performance or liquidity measure derivedavailable in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be consideredthe section entitled “Adjusted EBITDA” included in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect all cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

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Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs; and
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense on our debt or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments.

In addition, Adjusted EBITDA can differ significantly from company to company depending on strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate and capital investments. We compensate for these limitations by also relying on the GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental information.Original 10-K.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:

Year Ended December 31, 

2019

    

2020

    

2021

(in thousands)

Net income (loss)

$

(12,025)

$

48,965

$

24,440

Interest income

 

(1,164)

 

(453)

 

(422)

Interest expense

 

58,291

 

41,658

 

55,001

Income tax expense

 

7,049

 

20,660

 

20,082

Amortization of debt financing costs

 

3,452

 

2,909

 

3,958

Intangible amortization

 

130,718

 

147,783

 

187,848

Depreciation and other amortization

 

10,675

 

12,451

 

14,625

Non‑cash equity compensation expense

 

18,329

 

22,285

 

31,602

Non‑cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration

 

38,797

 

19,197

 

112,416

Loss on extinguishment of borrowings

 

 

6,094

 

Other expense, net

 

1,049

 

214

 

337

Impairment of equity method investment

11,749

Management contract buyout

1,428

Other one‑time transaction expenses

 

1,486

 

 

Secondary offering expenses

 

 

 

1,409

Adjusted EBITDA

$

269,834

$

321,763

$

451,296

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share

We analyze our performance using Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share. Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and 2Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share are non GAAP measures. We defineis calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments by the Adjusted Shares Outstanding. Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments is defined as net income (loss) excluding income tax expense, (benefit), amortization of debt financing costs, intangible amortization and impairments, if any, non-cash equity compensation expense, non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration, loss on extinguishment of borrowings management contract buyout, other one-time transaction expenses and secondary offering expenses, if any. The calculation of Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments also includes adjustments to reflect a pro forma 27% income tax rate reflecting the estimated U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax rates applicable to corporations in the jurisdictions we conduct business.

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Sharebusiness and is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments byused for comparative purposes. The actual effective income tax rate, in current or future periods, may differ significantly from the Adjusted Shares Outstanding.pro forma income tax rate of 27%. Adjusted Shares Outstanding includes: (i) the weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the periods, (ii) the weighted average incremental shares of Class A common stock related to stock options outstanding during the periods, (iii) the weighted average incremental shares of Class A common stock related to unvested Class A common stock outstanding during the periods, (iv) the weighted average incremental shares of Class A common stock related to restricted stock units outstanding during the

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periods, (v) the weighted average number of Focus LLC common units outstanding during the periods (assuming that 100% of such Focus LLC common units, including contingently issuable Focus LLC common units, if any, have been exchanged for Class A common stock), (vi) the weighted average number of Focus LLC restricted common units outstanding during the periods (assuming that 100% of such Focus LLC restricted common units have been exchanged for Class A common stock) and (vii) the weighted average number of common unit equivalents of Focus LLC vested and unvested incentive units outstanding during the periods based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the last trading day of the periods (assuming that 100% of such Focus LLC common units have been exchanged for Class A common stock). Additional information regarding the calculation and reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share is available in the section

We believe that Adjusted18

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entitled “Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share, viewedShare” included in addition tothe Original 10-K.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Compensation Committee reviewed the performance of each NEO and notthe Company against each of these criteria. For the four quantitative criteria, based on estimated preliminary results available at that time, the Compensation Committee determined that applying this framework would have resulted in lieuthe values shown in the table below for each such quantitative criteria.

For the fifth criteria, the Compensation Committee considered the following elements with no specific weighting as part of our reported GAAP results, provide additional useful information to investors regarding our performance and overall results of operations for various reasons, including the following:a qualitative assessment:

·

non-cash equity grants made

Partner portfolio – Resilience of partner portfolio despite markets and succession needs; ability to employees or non-employees at a certain price and point in time do not necessarily reflect how our business is performing at any particular time; stock-based compensation expense is not a key measure of our operating performance;manage disruptions with minimum impact.

·

contingent

M&A activity – 24 transactions while initiating an acquisition consideration or earn outs can vary substantially from company to company and depending upon each company’s growth metrics and accounting assumption methods; the non-cash changesdeferral structure in fair value of estimated contingent consideration is not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance; andcompetitive marketplace.

·

amortization expenses can vary substantially from company

Value-add – Continued efforts to company and from period to period depending upon each company’s financing and accounting methods, the fair value and average expected life of acquired intangible assets and the method by which assets were acquired; the amortization of intangible assets obtained in acquisitions are not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance.

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share do not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities. The terms Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share are not defined under GAAP, and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share are not a measure of net income (loss), operating income or any other performance or liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:expand value-add services.

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share do not reflect all cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

·

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements

Personnel – Expanded team with needed hiring for working capital needs; andgrowth.

·

Other companies in

Refinancing – Raised new First Lien Term Loan B – Tranche A ($1.76 billion) and a new delayed draw First Lien Term Loan A ($240 million), and extended the financial services industry may calculate Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.maturity of the Company’s $650 million revolver.

The Compensation Committee reviewed the NEOs’ self-assessments and made its own independent assessment of performance against each of these elements. Based on these reviews and assessments and several discussions among the Compensation Committee members and management, the Compensation Committee approved a value of 200% for the qualitative criteria. The Compensation Committee noted the overall strong performance across a majority of the qualitative elements against a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Given the small size and cohesiveness of the senior leadership team, the Compensation Committee elected to develop one value for the qualitative criteria for all of the NEOs and did not develop separate values for each NEO.

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This collective analysis resulted in a total weighting factor of 93.65% as demonstrated in the table below (preliminary results were estimated in the fourth quarter of 2022 and adjusted in the first quarter of 2023 using final year-end results). For each metric below, if less than the minimum level is achieved, no weighted value would result for that metric, and if more than the maximum level is achieved, the maximum weighted value for that metric would apply.

    

    

Level to

    

Level to

    

Level to

    

Achieve

Achieve

Achieve

Minimum

Target

Maximum

Weighting

Weighting

Weighing

    

Resulting

Metric

Weighting

(50% value)

(100% value)

(200% value)

2022 Growth

Value

YoY Revenue Growth

 

20%

15%
(+$269.7
million)

 

20%
(+359.6
million)

 

25%
(+449.5
million)

 

19.2%
(+$345.4
million)

 

92.0%

YoY Organic Revenue Growth

 

20%

5%

10%

15%

8.5%

85.2%

YoY Adjusted EBITDA Growth

 

20%

15%
(+$67.7
million)

 

20%
(+$90.3
million)

 

25%
(+$112.8
million)

 

19.1%
(+$86.2
million)

 

91.0%

YoY Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share Growth

 

20%

15%
(+$0.50)

 

20%
(+$0.67)

 

25%
(+$0.84)

 

7.7%
(+$0.26)

 

0.0%

Qualitative Assessment

 

20%

 

Qualitative
assessment
based on
factors set
forth above.

 

N/A

 

200.0%

Weighted Value

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

93.65%

This weighted value was then applied to the target bonus amount of each NEO, resulting in a cash incentive award equal to 93.65% of the target bonus, rounded to the nearest thousand dollar. The Compensation Committee did not make any changes to the NEOs’ target bonus amounts for 2022 from the target amounts in place for 2021. For Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Chang, the target bonus was 250% of base salary. For Messrs. Shanahan and McGranahan, the target bonus was 200% of base salary.

    

    

Opportunity

    

    

Actual

    

    

    

    

Target

    

  

  

    

    

Bonus

Percentage

Target

2022 Cash

(as % of

Cash

Incentive

% Change

2022 Base

base

Incentive

Award

As a % of

Compared

Named Executive Officer

Salary

salary

Award

Earned

 Target  

to 2021  

Ruediger Adolf

$909,155

250%

$2,272,888

$2,128,559

93.65%

-50.7%

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

$596,520

250%

$1,491,300

$1,396,602

93.65%

-50.7%

Leonard Chang

$478,342

250%

$1,195,855

$1,119,918

93.65%

-50.7%

James Shanahan

$534,617

200%

$1,069,234

$1,001,338

93.65%

-50.7%

J. Russell McGranahan

$478,342

200%

$956,684

$895,935

93.65%

-50.7%

Ninety percent of each NEO’s estimated cash award was paid in the fourth quarter of 2022, with the remaining 10% withheld until determination of the Company’s final results. The Company’s actual final results exceeded the preliminary estimates and adjustments were made resulting in the total figures reflected above. These adjustments and the 10% hold back were paid to the NEOs in the first quarter of 2023. The 2022 cash incentive awards are disclosed in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column in the Summary Compensation Table.

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Table of Contents

Annual Long-Term Incentive Awards

The value of equity grants made to our NEOs with respect to fiscal 2022 performance was equal to the estimated value of the cash incentive compensation calculated in the fourth quarter of 2022 and not the higher final amount calculated in the first quarter of 2023. For 2022, 50% of the equity grants to NEOs were made in the form of restricted common units and 50% of the grants were in the form of incentive units. The number of restricted common units granted to our NEOs was determined based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the date of grant, December 12, 2022, or $37.59.  The number of incentive units granted to our NEOs was determined using an equity valuation methodology based upon the Black-Scholes model, which was determined to be approximately $14.32 per unit. These valuation methods resulted in the number of restricted common units and incentive units being granted to our NEOs shown in the following table:

    

Restricted

    

Incentive

Common Unit Awards

Unit Awards

Named Executive Officer

(#)

(#)

Ruediger Adolf

 

26,856

 

70,644

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

 

17,624

 

46,361

Leonard Chang

 

14,126

 

37,159

James Shanahan

 

12,636

 

33,240

J. Russell McGranahan

 

11,306

 

29,741

The restricted common units have no hurdle rate and will vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of the grant date. The incentive units were issued with a $37.59 hurdle rate (the closing price of Focus’ Class A common stock on the date of grant) and will vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of the grant date.

Restricted common units are common units in Focus LLC subject to the specified vesting conditions. Incentive units are profits interests in Focus LLC that are economically similar to stock options. They have no intrinsic value at the grant date and will obtain value only as the price of the underlying security rises above its hurdle amount.  They do not require the payment of an exercise price and do not have an expiration date. Holders obtain value by exercising rights to exchange such units (after vesting) for our Class A common stock.

Special Long-Term Incentive Awards

The Company has from time to time issued special long-term incentive awards on an other than annual basis. No such incentive awards have been issued since the Company’s initial public offering in July 2018. In addition, Adjusted Net Income Excluding March 2022, the Compensation Committee applied its discretion to modify the performance and vesting conditions of certain incentive units originally granted on July 25, 2018. See footnote 6 of the “Summary Compensation Table” and the section below entitled “—Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End” for additional information.

Employment Agreements and Severance and Change in Control Benefits

We have entered into written Employment Agreements with each of our named executive officers that set forth the terms of each named executive officer’s employment. Each of our named executive officers is employed “at will.”  These arrangements are further described under the section below entitled “Employment Agreements.”

Our named executive officers are entitled to certain severance and change in control benefits. Such benefits arise upon termination of employment due to death, disability, without cause, good reason and in connection with a change of control or Company Sale (defined below). These arrangements are further described under the section below entitled “—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Each named executive officer is subject to a general non-competition and non-solicitation clause for periods of one year and two years, respectively, following termination of employment as well as general non-disparagement, non-disclosure and assignment-of-development clauses.

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Due to the competitive nature of the financial services industry, the Compensation Committee believes these severance and change-in-control provisions are key components of our executive compensation program and are essential to Focus’ ability to recruit and retain talent.

Other Benefits

Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive array of benefits to our employees, including our named executive officers. These benefits are offered in order to attract and retain employees. Subject to the terms of any applicable plans, policies or programs, each NEO is entitled to receive employee benefits, including any and all vacation, deferred compensation, retirement, disability, group life, accident and health insurance as we may provide from time to time to salaried employees generally, and such other benefits as the Compensation Committee may from time to time establish for the named executive officers. We also maintain term life insurance for each named executive officer for the benefit of such executive’s estate, and provide certain other disability and health benefits.

Retirement Benefits

We currently maintain a retirement plan intended to provide benefits under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code whereby employees, including our named executive officers, are allowed to contribute a portion of their base salaries to a tax-qualified retirement account. We provide matching contributions in amounts determined annually by our management. The contributions made on behalf of our named executive officers for fiscal 2022 are disclosed in the notes to the Summary Compensation Table.

Outreach and Say on Pay Vote

We recognize the importance of executive compensation to our stockholders. We have an extensive, proactive program of investor outreach on these and other issues. We are routinely in contact with our existing stockholders and maintain an active dialog with prospective investors.

Our non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers at our 2022 Annual Meeting on May 26, 2022 received the support of approximately 78% of stockholders voting, excluding broker non-votes. The Compensation Committee reviewed the results of this vote and concluded that this level of approval reflects strong shareholder support of our compensation strategy and programs. In light of this level of support from our stockholders, our Compensation Committee determined that no significant changes to our executive compensation program should be made in 2022. Our stockholders previously approved our Board of Directors recommendation to hold the vote on the compensation of our named executive officers annually. We have engaged with stockholders on a range of topics, including executive compensation.

Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share can differ significantly from company to company depending on strategic decisions regarding capital structure,Deductibility of Executive Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally limits the tax jurisdictionsdeductibility of compensation paid to certain executive officers to $1 million during any fiscal year. Compensation paid pursuant to certain grandfathered arrangements that are “performance based” within the meaning of Section 162(m) may be excluded from this limitation.

While the tax impact of any compensation arrangement is one factor to be considered, such impact is evaluated in which companies operatelight of the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and capital investments. We compensate for these limitations by relying also onobjectives, and the GAAP resultsCompensation Committee maintains the flexibility to pay non-deductible incentive compensation if it determines it is in the best interest of the Company and use Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share as supplemental information.its stockholders.

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Tax AdjustmentsOther Compensation Practices and Tax Adjustments Per SharePolicies

Tax Adjustments represent the tax benefits of intangible assets, including goodwill, associated with deductions allowed for tax amortization of intangible assetsAnti-Hedging and Pledging Policies

Under our Insider Trading Policy, directors and named executive officers, as well as other employees, are prohibited from engaging in the respective periods based on a pro forma 27% income tax rate. Such amounts were generated from acquisitions completed where we received a step-up in basis for tax purposes. Acquired intangible assets may be amortized for tax purposes, generally over a 15-year period. Duefollowing activities:

·

transactions in Company debt securities, whether or not those securities are convertible into Company common stock;

·

pledging Company securities for loans or otherwise;

·

hedging or monetization transactions, whether direct or indirect, involving the Company’s securities;

·

short sales of Company securities;

·

transactions involving Company-based derivative securities, including those that effectively create short positions similar to short sales of Company securities;

·

short-term trading of Company securities purchased in the open market during the six months following the purchase; and

·

using standing and limit orders with respect to the Company’s securities that last longer than the trading day on which they are placed.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

To align the interests of our acquisitive nature, tax deductions allowed on acquired intangible assets provide additional significant supplemental economic benefit. The tax benefit from amortization is included to show the full economic benefit of deductions for acquired intangible assetsnamed executive officers with the step-up in tax basis.

Tax Adjustments Per Share is calculated by dividing Tax Adjustments byinterests of the Adjusted Shares Outstanding.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments and Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share:Company’s other stockholders, our named executive officers must comply with stock ownership guidelines that we recently established. For information regarding these guidelines, please see the section entitled “Corporate Governance—Stock Ownership Guidelines” above.

Year Ended December 31, 

2019

    

2020

    

2021

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Net income (loss)

$

(12,025)

$

48,965

$

24,440

Income tax expense

 

7,049

 

20,660

 

20,082

Amortization of debt financing costs

 

3,452

 

2,909

 

3,958

Intangible amortization

 

130,718

 

147,783

 

187,848

Non‑cash equity compensation expense

 

18,329

 

22,285

 

31,602

Non‑cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration

 

38,797

 

19,197

 

112,416

Loss on extinguishment of borrowings

 

 

6,094

 

Impairment of equity method investment

11,749

Management contract buyout

1,428

Other one‑time transaction expenses (1)

 

1,486

 

 

Secondary offering expenses (2)

 

 

 

1,409

Subtotal

 

200,983

 

267,893

 

381,755

Pro forma income tax expense (27%) (3)

 

(54,265)

 

(72,331)

 

(103,074)

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments

$

146,718

$

195,562

$

278,681

Tax Adjustments (4)

$

31,860

$

37,254

$

46,805

Adjusted Net Income Excluding Tax Adjustments Per Share

$

1.96

$

2.46

$

3.36

Tax Adjustments Per Share (4)

$

0.42

$

0.47

$

0.56

Adjusted Shares Outstanding

 

75,039,357

 

79,397,568

 

82,893,928

Calculation of Adjusted Shares Outstanding:

Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding—basic (5)

 

46,792,389

 

48,678,584

 

57,317,477

Adjustments:

Weighted average incremental shares of Class A common stock related to stock options, unvested Class A common stock and restricted stock units (6)

 

20,428

 

118,029

 

513,674

Weighted average Focus LLC common units outstanding (7)

 

22,424,378

 

21,461,080

 

15,200,900

Weighted average Focus LLC restricted common units outstanding (8)

5,005

73,983

Weighted average common unit equivalent of Focus LLC incentive units outstanding (9)

 

5,802,162

 

9,134,870

 

9,787,894

Adjusted Shares Outstanding

 

75,039,357

 

79,397,568

 

82,893,928

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Compensation Committee Report3

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Amendment.

Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

Fayez S. Muhtadie (Chair)

James D. Carey

George S. LeMieux

The information contained in this Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically requests that the information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

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Table of Contents

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides information concerning compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to each of our named executive officers for all services rendered in all capacities during the last three years during which such individuals were named executive officers.

    

    

    

    

    

    

Non-Equity

    

    

Stock

Option

Incentive Plan

All Other

Salary

Bonus

Awards

Awards

Compensation

Compensation

Total

Name and Principal Position

Year

($)

 ($)(1)

($)(2)(3)

($)(2)(4)(5)(6)

($)(1)

($)(7)

($)

Ruediger Adolf

 

2022

 

909,155

 

 

1,009,517

 

3,259,688

 

2,128,559

 

168,943

 

7,475,862

Founder of Focus LLC and

 

2021

 

909,155

 

 

1,727,213

 

4,756,265

 

4,318,000

 

201,185

 

11,911,818

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

2020

 

882,675

 

2,278,822

 

578,234

 

1,767,774

 

 

175,616

 

5,683,121

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

 

2022

 

596,520

 

 

662,486

 

2,490,433

 

1,396,602

 

58,576

 

5,204,617

Co-Founder of Focus LLC and

 

2021

 

596,520

 

 

1,133,204

 

3,342,705

 

2,833,000

 

58,127

 

7,963,556

Chief Operating Officer and Board Member

 

2020

 

579,145

 

1,502,767

 

375,698

 

1,148,608

 

 

56,552

 

3,662,770

Leonard Chang

 

2022

 

478,342

 

 

530,996

 

2,218,152

 

1,119,918

 

28,673

 

4,376,081

Co-Founder of Focus LLC and

 

2021

 

478,342

 

 

908,798

 

2,557,971

 

2,272,000

 

32,131

 

6,249,242

Senior Managing Director and Head of M&A

 

2020

 

464,410

 

1,205,050

 

301,256

 

921,056

 

 

28,131

 

2,919,903

James Shanahan

 

2022

 

534,617

 

 

474,987

 

1,993,428

 

1,001,338

 

45,777

 

4,050,147

Chief Financial Officer

 

2021

 

534,617

 

 

812,799

 

2,414,064

 

2,032,000

 

44,388

 

5,837,868

 

2020

 

519,046

 

1,010,115

 

252,522

 

772,059

 

 

40,388

 

2,594,130

J. Russell McGranahan

 

2022

 

478,342

 

 

424,993

 

1,830,919

 

895,935

 

42,055

 

3,672,244

General Counsel and Corporate

 

2021

 

478,342

 

 

727,214

 

1,837,390

 

1,818,000

 

42,429

 

4,903,375

Secretary

 

2020

 

464,410

 

903,788

 

225,964

 

690,792

 

 

38,429

 

2,323,383

(1)In 2019, relatescalendar year 2020, our Compensation Committee used a formulaic approach to one time expenses relatedour annual incentive compensation program. Due to (a) Loring Ward severance cashthe high level of uncertainty about the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and market volatility, the formulaic approach was not confirmed until the fourth quarter of 2020. Consequently, all annual incentive amounts earned for calendar year 2020 are disclosed in the Bonus column. In calendar year 2021, our Compensation Committee also used a formulaic approach to our annual incentive compensation program, however, the formula and performance measures were determined in the first quarter of $2802021. Consequently, all annual incentive amounts earned for calendar year 2021 are disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column. In calendar year 2022, the Compensation Committee did not make any changes to the annual incentive compensation framework that was adopted in 2021, and consequently all annual incentive amounts earned for calendar year 2022 are also disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column. For more information, see the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual Cash Incentive Awards” above.
(2)Each of the named executive officers received grants of restricted common units during fiscal years 2022, 2021 and 2020 and various grants of incentive units during the last three months ended March 31, 2019, whichfiscal years. A description of these awards may be found in the footnotes of the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End table and under the section below entitled “—Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End.”  With respect to the incentive units, we believe that, despite the fact that the incentive units do not require the payment of an exercise price, they are most similar economically to stock options, and as such, they are properly classified as “options”  under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an “option-like feature.”  Amounts disclosed in these columns reflect a grant date fair value of the restricted common units and incentive units, as applicable, in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718. Assumptions used to calculate the grant date values are described within the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in the Original 10-K.
(3)On December 12, 2022, Mr. Adolf, Ms. Kodialam, Mr. Chang, Mr. Shanahan (including awards transferred to a trust established by him), and Mr. McGranahan received restricted common unit grants of 26,856, 17,624, 14,126, 12,636, and 11,306, respectively.  These restricted common unit grants were recordedissued pursuant to the Omnibus Plan (see further description under the section below entitled “—2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan”).  These restricted common unit grants were issued in connection with annual compensation awards for fiscal year 2022 and related expenseswill vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 12, 2022.
(4)On December 12, 2022, Mr. Adolf, the Adolf Family Trust II, the Kodialam 2014 Family Trust, Mr. Chang, the James Shanahan 2020 Irrevocable Insurance Trust Dated December 3, 2020, and (b) transaction expenses of $786 and $420, associated with the acquisition of Loring Ward, which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2019, respectively.McGranahan Family 2021 Legacy Trust

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received incentive unit grants of 35,322, 35,322, 46,361, 37,159, 33,240 and 29,741, respectively. These incentive units were also issued pursuant to the Omnibus Plan and have a $37.59 hurdle rate (see further description under the section below entitled “—2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan”).  These incentive units were issued in connection with annual compensation awards for fiscal year 2022 and will vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 12, 2022. These grants, along with the restricted common units granted during fiscal year 2022, are intended to be made in an amount equal to the value of the annual cash incentive bonus awarded to each named executive officer for performance during the same fiscal year, as reported in the non-equity incentive plan compensation or bonus column (as applicable) and based on a Black-Scholes valuation model. Because the value of the incentive units included in this column reflects the grant date fair value of the awards, determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718, the amounts reflected in this column may differ from the cash amounts reported in the non-equity incentive plan compensation or bonus columns or from the amounts in the cash incentive award earned column presented in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
(5)In February 2021, the Compensation Committee applied its discretion to provide for an additional vesting measurement period for a portion of certain incentive units originally granted on July 3, 2017. The addition of this measurement period resulted in a weighted average incremental fair value of $6.75 per incentive unit. None of the stock price hurdles applicable to these awards, the number of units, or the threshold price of such units were changed. As such, the amount reported in this column includes both (i) the grant date fair value of incentive units granted during 2021 and (ii) the incremental fair value related to the modification of the incentive units originally granted on July 3, 2017. For more information, see the section entitled “—Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End.”
(6)In March 2022, the Compensation Committee applied its discretion to modify the performance and vesting conditions of certain incentive units originally granted on July 25, 2018. This modification resulted in an incremental fair value of $2.81 per such incentive unit. As such, the amount reported in this column includes both (i) the grant date fair value of incentive units granted during 2022 and (ii) the incremental fair value related to the modification of the incentive units originally granted on July 25, 2018, each determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718. These awards are described in detail below in the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table. For more information, see the section entitled “—Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End.”

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(7)Amounts in this column consist of the following items for the year ended December 31, 2022: (a) Company contributions made on each named executive officer’s behalf into the Focus Operating LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan in the amount of $27,000 for each of Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf, Shanahan and McGranahan, and $19,800 for Mr. Chang; (b) Company-paid supplemental life insurance premiums (including tax gross-ups related thereto) of $96,429 (consisting of $56,845 in premiums and $39,584 of related tax gross-ups), $25,370 (consisting of $14,727 in premiums and $10,643 of related tax gross-ups), $7,712 (consisting of $3,451 in premiums and $4,261 of related tax gross-ups), $13,607 (consisting of $6,699 in premiums and $6,908 of related tax gross-ups) and $9,449 (consisting of $5,485 in premiums and $3,964 of related tax gross-ups) for Mr. Adolf, Ms. Kodialam, Mr. Chang, Mr. Shanahan and Mr. McGranahan, respectively; (c) the costs of certain disability insurance and executive health services; and (d) certain Medicare tax gross-ups paid to Mr. Adolf in the amount of $39,864. These arrangements are further described under the section below entitled “—Employment Agreements.”

Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

The following table sets forth information regarding grants of plan-based awards made to our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2022.

    

    

    

    

    

All Other

    

All Other

    

    

Grant

Stock

Option

Date Fair

Estimated Possible Payouts

Awards:

Awards:

Exercise

Value of 

 Under Non-Equity

Number of

 Number of

or Base

Stock

Incentive Plan Awards(1)

Shares of

Securities

Price of

and

Stock 

Underlying

Option

Option

Grant

Threshold

Target

Maximum

or Units

Options

Awards

Awards

Name

Date

($)

($)

($)

(#)(2)

 

(#)(3)(4)

 

($/Share)

($)(5)

 

 

1,136,444

 

2,272,888

 

4,545,776

 

 

 

 

 

7/25/2018

(6)

 

 

 

 

800,000

 

33.00

 

2,248,000

Ruediger Adolf

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

26,856

 

 

 

1,009,517

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

 

70,644

 

37.59

 

1,011,688

 

 

745,650

 

1,491,300

 

2,982,600

 

 

 

 

 

7/25/2018

(6)(7)

 

 

 

 

650,000

 

33.00

 

1,826,500

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

17,624

 

 

 

662,486

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

 

46,361

 

37.59

 

663,933

 

 

597,928

 

1,195,855

 

2,391,710

 

 

 

 

 

7/25/2018

(6)

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

33.00

 

1,686,000

Leonard Chang

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

14,126

 

 

 

530,996

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

 

37,159

 

37.59

 

532,152

 

 

534,617

 

1,069,234

 

2,138,468

 

 

 

 

 

7/25/2018

(6)(8)

 

 

 

 

540,000

 

33.00

 

1,517,400

James Shanahan

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

12,636

 

 

 

474,987

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

 

33,240

 

37.59

 

476,028

 

 

478,342

 

956,684

 

1,913,368

 

 

 

 

 

7/25/2018

(6)

 

 

 

 

500,000

 

33.00

 

1,405,000

J. Russell McGranahan

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

11,306

 

 

 

424,993

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

 

 

29,741

 

37.59

 

425,919

(1)The amounts included in these three columns represent the potential threshold, target, and maximum payouts under the annual cash incentive awards for each named executive officer. Actual payouts of the annual cash incentive awards were determined based on achievement of specified performance measures. For more information, see the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual Cash Incentive Awards” above.
(2)On December 12, 2022, Mr. Adolf, Ms. Kodialam, Mr. Chang, the Mr. Shanahan (including awards transferred to a trust established by him) and Mr. McGranahan received 26,856, 17,624, 14,126, 12,636 and 11,306 restricted common unit grants, respectively. These restricted common units were issued pursuant to the Omnibus Plan (see further description under the section below entitled “—2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan”). These restricted common units were issued in connection with annual compensation awards for fiscal year 2022 and will vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 12, 2022.
(3)As noted in the Summary Compensation Table, we believe that, despite the fact that the incentive units do not require the payment of an exercise price, they are most similar economically to stock options, and as such, they are properly classified as “options” under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an “option-like feature.”

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(4)On December 12, 2022, Mr. Adolf and the Adolf Family Trust II each received 35,322 incentive unit grants. Also on such date, the Kodialam 2014 Family Trust, Mr. Chang, the James Shanahan 2020 Irrevocable Insurance Trust Dated December 3, 2020 and the McGranahan Family 2021 Legacy Trust received 46,361, 37,159, 33,240 and 29,741 incentive unit grants, respectively. These incentive units were issued pursuant to the Omnibus Plan and have a $37.59 hurdle rate (see further description under the section below entitled “—2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan”). These incentive units were issued in connection with annual compensation awards for fiscal year 2022 and will vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 12, 2022.
(5)Amounts disclosed in this column reflect a grant date fair value of the restricted common units and incentive units, as applicable, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used to calculate the grant date values are described within the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in the Original 10-K. The grant date fair value of the incentive units received by each of Mr. Adolf and the Adolf Family Trust II was $505,844.
(6)In March 2022, the Compensation Committee applied its discretion to modify the performance and vesting conditions of certain incentive units originally granted on July 25, 2018. This modification resulted in an incremental fair value of $2.81 per such incentive unit. The amount reported in this row for the grant date fair value of this award is the incremental fair value related to the amendment. For more information, see the section entitled “—Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End.”
(7)162,500 of the 650,000 incentive units reflected in this row are not owned directly by Ms. Kodialam. They are each held in the Kodialam 2014 Family Trust.
(8)The incentive units reflected in this row are not owned directly by Mr. Shanahan. They are each held in the James Shanahan 2020 Revocable Trust Dated November 20, 2020.

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants Of Plan-Based Awards Table

Employment Agreements

Each of the named executive officers was party to an employment agreement during 2022 (each, including any applicable amendment, an “Employment Agreement,” and collectively, the “Employment Agreements”). Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Shanahan originally entered into employment agreements in 2013, and Mr. McGranahan originally entered into an employment agreement in 2015. Each of these employment agreements was amended and restated as of April 2017.  Mr. Chang originally entered into an employment agreement in April 2017, which was amended effective as of December 31, 2019. The narrative below summarizes the payments and benefits that each named executive officer is currently eligible to receive on an annual basis.

Base Salary

Each named executive officer’s base salary is a fixed component of compensation for each year for performing specific job duties and functions. The Employment Agreements provide for annual salaries of at least $800,000, $530,000, $425,000, $475,000 and $425,000 for Mr. Adolf, Ms. Kodialam, Mr. Chang, Mr. Shanahan and Mr. McGranahan, respectively. Base salary will be reviewed by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee periodically according to our normal compensation review standards. The Board or Compensation Committee (as applicable) has discretion to increase, but not decrease, each named executive officer’s base salary under the Employment Agreements. For 2022, the Compensation Committee did not make any change to the 2021 base salary for the named executive officers, resulting in the following annual base salaries for 2022: $909,155 for Mr. Adolf, $596,520 for Ms. Kodialam, $478,342 for Mr. Chang, $534,617 for Mr. Shanahan and $478,342 for Mr. McGranahan.

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Annual Bonus

Each named executive officer is entitled to participate in our annual cash bonus plan that is applicable for the fiscal year in question. The annual cash bonus plan is typically structured to create a bonus pool for each individual fiscal year. The Compensation Committee makes final decisions regarding the bonus pool size and the individual participant amounts each year with input from the Chief Executive Officer, which may be more or less than the target range for the individual participant. Under the Employment Agreements, the annual target cash bonus opportunities for each of the named executive officers are as follows: 150% to 200% of Mr. Adolf’s base salary, 150% to 200% of Ms. Kodialam’s base salary, 150% to 200% of Mr. Chang’s base salary, 125% to 150% of Mr. Shanahan’s base salary and 125% to 150% of Mr. McGranahan’s base salary. For 2022, to maintain proper incentives and navigate the challenges of a volatile macroeconomic environment, the Compensation Committee set target ranges above the amounts specified in the Employment Agreements, but consistent with the target amounts in place for 2021. The target amounts were set at 250% for Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Chang, and 200% for Messrs. Shanahan and McGranahan. Actual payouts of the annual cash incentive awards were determined by the Compensation Committee by applying a formula as part of the year-end process.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

Each named executive officer has also historically been eligible to participate in our incentive unit plan and, effective with the closing of our initial public offering, the Omnibus Plan. The number of restricted common units and incentive units granted to each named executive officer is determined annually in an amount collectively equal to the annual cash bonus awarded to the named executive officer for such year, as determined by the Compensation Committee by applying a formula as part of the year-end process. For more information, see the section entitled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Annual Long-Term Incentive Awards”  above. The grant date fair value of the restricted common unit awards and the incentive unit awards provided to each named executive officer have been disclosed above in the “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” columns, respectively, of the Summary Compensation Table.

Other Compensation Elements

Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Shanahan are each entitled to five weeks of vacation during each calendar year, and Messrs. Chang and McGranahan are each entitled to four weeks of vacation during each calendar year, in each such case, excluding paid holidays. Subject to the terms of any applicable plans, policies or programs, each named executive officer is entitled to receive employee benefits, including any and all vacation, deferred compensation, retirement, disability, group life, accident and health insurance as we may provide from time to time to salaried employees generally, and such other benefits as the Compensation Committee may from time to time establish for the named executive officers. We currently maintain a retirement plan intended to provide benefits under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code where employees, including our named executive officers, are allowed to contribute a portion of their base salaries to a tax-qualified retirement account. We provide matching contributions in amounts determined pursuant to the retirement plan. For 2022, our plan provided for a Company matching contribution rate of 100% of the participant’s pre-tax contributions, up to the annual allowable U.S. Internal Revenue Service limits.  The contributions made on behalf of our named executive officers for fiscal year 2022 are disclosed above in the notes to the Summary Compensation Table. We also provide supplemental term life insurance for each named executive officer for the benefit of such named executive officer’s estate, and provide certain other disability and health benefits.

2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan

In 2018, our Board of Directors adopted, and our sole stockholder prior to the initial public offering approved, the Omnibus Plan, which became effective upon the completion of our initial public offering. Pursuant to the Omnibus Plan, the employees, consultants and directors of the Company and its affiliates who perform services for us, including each of our named executive officers, may be eligible to receive awards. The description of the Omnibus Plan set forth below is a summary of the material features of the plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Omnibus Plan, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 4.4 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 2018.

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The Omnibus Plan provides for potential grants of the following awards with respect to shares of our Class A common stock, to the extent applicable: (i) incentive stock options qualified as such under U.S. federal income tax laws; (ii) non-qualified stock options or any other form of stock options; (iii) restricted stock awards; (iv) phantom stock awards; (v) restricted stock units; (vi) bonus stock; (vii) performance awards; (viii) annual cash incentive awards; (ix) any of the foregoing award types (other than incentive stock options) as awards related to Class A Units or other units of Focus LLC; (x) incentive units in Focus LLC, which are intended to constitute “profits interests” within the meaning of Revenue Procedures 93-27 and 2001-43; and (xi) restricted common units in Focus LLC (collectively referred to as “awards”).

The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors generally oversees the Omnibus Plan pursuant to its terms and all applicable federal, state or other rules or laws, except in the event that our Board of Directors chooses to take action under the Omnibus Plan. The Compensation Committee has the power to determine to whom and when awards will be granted and the amount of such awards (measured in cash, shares, stock options, or units), prescribe and interpret the terms and provisions of each award agreement (the terms of which may vary), accelerate the vesting or exercise terms of an award, delegate duties under the Omnibus Plan, and execute all other responsibilities permitted or required under the Omnibus Plan.

The maximum aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock initially reserved for issuance pursuant to awards under the Omnibus Plan after its effective date was equal to 6,000,000 shares (including such number of Focus LLC units or other securities which can be exchanged for or converted into shares). The reserve pool is subject to adjustment due to recapitalization or reorganization, or related to forfeitures or the expiration of awards, as provided under the Omnibus Plan. If the shares or units subject to any award are not issued or transferred, or cease to be issuable or transferable for any reason, including (but not exclusively) because shares or units are withheld or surrendered in payment of taxes, or any exercise of or purchase related to an award, or because an award is forfeited, terminated, expires unexercised, is settled in cash, or is otherwise terminated without a delivery of shares or units, those shares or units will again be available for issue, transfer, or exercise pursuant to awards under the Omnibus Plan to the extent allowable by law. The Omnibus Plan also contains a provision that will add an additional number of shares equal to the lesser of (a) 3,000,000 shares, (b) 5% of the outstanding (vested and unvested) shares and Focus LLC units as of the last day of the previous year, or (c) an amount determined by our Board of Directors, each year between 2019 and 2028.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End Table

The following table reflects information regarding outstanding equity-based awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2022.

    

    

Option Awards

  

  

Stock Awards

Number

Market

Number of

Number of

of Shares

Value of

Securities

Securities

or Units

Shares or

Underlying

Underlying

of Stock

Units

Unexercised

Unexercised

Option

Option

That

That

Options (#)

Options (#)

Exercise

Expiration

Have Not

Have Not

Date of

Exercisable

Unexercisable

Price

Date

Vested

Vested

Name

Grant

(1)

(1)

($)(2)

(1)

(#)

($)(3)

Ruediger Adolf

 

1/6/2006

 

421

 

 

1.42

N/A

 

1/29/2007

 

798

 

5.50

N/A

 

2/5/2007

 

386

 

6.00

N/A

 

2/1/2010

 

16,511

 

16.00

N/A

 

2/1/2010

 

1,081

 

7.00

N/A

 

12/21/2012

 

157,000

 

9.00

N/A

 

10/4/2013

 

120,000

 

11.00

N/A

 

1/27/2014

 

100,000

 

11.00

N/A

 

1/27/2014

(4)

90,000

 

 

11.00

N/A

 

8/15/2014

(4)

470,000

 

 

12.00

N/A

 

12/5/2014

 

195,000

 

13.00

N/A

 

12/28/2015

 

200,000

 

19.00

N/A

 

1/12/2017

 

190,500

 

21.00

N/A

 

7/3/2017

 

700,140

 

21.00

N/A

 

1/2/2018

 

206,284

 

23.00

N/A

 

1/2/2018

(4)

100,000

 

 

23.00

N/A

 

7/25/2018

 

 

800,000

(10)

33.00

N/A

 

12/18/2018

 

331,642

 

28.50

N/A

 

12/11/2019

 

230,091

(11)

76,697

(11)

27.90

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/11/2019

(4)

75,000

(11)

25,000

(11)

27.90

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

12/7/2020

 

41,040

(12)

41,040

(12)

44.71

 

N/A

 

 

6,466

(13)

240,988

 

12/7/2020

(4)

22,500

(12)

22,500

(12)

44.71

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/22/2021

 

23,235

(14)

69,705

(14)

58.50

 

N/A

 

 

22,144

(15)

825,307

 

12/22/2021

(4)

11,618

(14)

34,852

(14)

58.50

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

12/12/2022

 

 

35,322

(16)

37.59

 

N/A

 

 

26,856

(17)

1,000,923

 

12/12/2022

(4)

 

35,322

(16)

37.59

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

 

2/1/2010

 

9,401

 

 

16.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

10/4/2013

(5)

125,000

 

 

11.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

1/27/2014

(5)

90,000

 

 

11.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

11/21/2014

(5)

200,000

 

 

13.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

12/5/2014

(5)

95,000

 

 

13.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

12/28/2015

(5)

130,000

 

 

19.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

1/12/2017

(5)

130,000

 

 

21.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

7/3/2017

 

96,570

 

 

21.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

7/3/2017

(5)

434,570

 

 

21.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

1/2/2018

 

93,544

 

 

23.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

1/2/2018

(5)

125,000

 

 

23.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

7/25/2018

 

 

487,500

(10)

33.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

7/25/2018

(5)

 

162,500

(10)

33.00

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

12/18/2018

 

192,956

 

 

28.50

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

 

12/11/2019

 

200,178

(11)

66,726

(11)

27.90

 

N/A

 

 

 

  

 

12/7/2020

 

41,285

(12)

41,285

(12)

44.71

 

N/A

 

 

4,201

(13)

156,571

 

12/22/2021

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

14,528

(15)

541,459

 

12/22/2021

(5)

22,866

(14)

68,599

(14)

58.50

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

12/12/2022

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

17,624

(17)

656,846

 

12/12/2022

(5)

 

46,361

(16)

37.59

 

N/A

 

 

  

 

  

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Table of Contents

    

    

Option Awards

  

  

Stock Awards

Number

Market

Number of

Number of

of Shares

Value of

Securities

Securities

or Units

Shares or

Underlying

Underlying

of Stock

Units

Unexercised

Unexercised

Option

Option

That

That

Options (#)

Options (#)

Exercise

Expiration

Have Not

Have Not

Date of

Exercisable

Unexercisable

Price

Date

Vested

Vested

Name

Grant

(1)

(1)

($)(2)

(1)

(#)

($)(3)

Leonard Chang

 

2/1/2010

 

7,540

 

 

16.00

N/A

 

5/9/2011

 

45,723

 

9.00

N/A

 

5/9/2011

 

24,277

 

9.00

N/A

 

2/17/2012

 

22,000

 

9.00

N/A

 

12/21/2012

 

50,000

 

9.00

N/A

 

10/4/2013

 

25,000

 

11.00

N/A

 

1/27/2014

 

40,000

 

11.00

N/A

 

12/5/2014

 

50,000

 

13.00

N/A

 

12/28/2015

50,000

 

 

19.00

N/A

 

1/12/2017

70,000

 

 

21.00

N/A

 

7/3/2017

386,284

 

21.00

N/A

 

11/22/2017

145,253

 

22.00

N/A

 

7/25/2018

 

600,000

(10)

33.00

N/A

 

12/18/2018

144,717

 

28.50

N/A

 

12/11/2019

160,520

(11)

53,507

(11)

27.90

N/A

 

12/7/2020

33,106

(12)

33,106

(12)

44.71

N/A

3,369

(13)

125,563

 

12/22/2021

 

18,338

(14)

55,015

(14)

58.50

N/A

11,651

(15)

434,233

 

12/12/2022

 

 

37,159

(16)

37.59

N/A

14,126

(17)

526,476

James Shanahan

 

2/1/2010

(6)

11,739

16.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

5/9/2011

(6)

24,277

9.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

2/17/2012

(6)

87,000

9.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/21/2012

(6)

70,000

9.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

10/4/2013

(6)

70,000

11.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

1/27/2014

(6)

70,000

11.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/28/2015

(7)

90,000

 

19.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

1/12/2017

(7)

90,000

 

21.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

7/3/2017

(6)

386,284

 

 

21.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

11/22/2017

(6)

167,405

 

 

22.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

7/25/2018

(6)

 

540,000

(10)

33.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/18/2018

(6)

162,806

 

 

28.50

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/11/2019

(6)

134,554

(11)

44,851

(11)

27.90

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/7/2020

(6)

27,751

(12)

27,750

(12)

44.71

 

N/A

 

 

2,824

(13)

105,250

 

12/22/2021

(6)

16,401

(14)

49,204

(14)

58.50

 

N/A

 

 

10,420

(15)

388,353

 

12/12/2022

(8)

 

 

 

 

 

12,636

(17)

470,944

 

12/12/2022

(7)

 

33,240

(16)

37.59

 

N/A

 

 

J. Russell McGranahan

 

7/3/2017

 

186,427

 

 

21.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

11/22/2017

135,759

 

 

22.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

7/25/2018

 

500,000

(10)

33.00

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/18/2018

120,597

 

28.50

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/11/2019

120,390

(11)

40,130

(11)

27.90

 

N/A

 

 

 

12/7/2020

24,830

(12)

24,829

(12)

44.71

 

N/A

 

 

2,527

(13)

94,181

 

12/22/2021

 

 

9,323

(15)

347,468

 

12/22/2021

(9)

14,674

(14)

44,021

(14)

58.50

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

12/12/2022

  

 

 

 

11,306

(17)

421,375

 

12/22/2022

(9)

 

29,741

(16)

37.59

 

N/A

 

 

(1)Despite the fact that profits interests awards, such as the incentive units, do not require the payment of an exercise price or have an option expiration date, we believe that these profits interest awards are economically similar to stock options due to the fact that they have no value for tax purposes at the grant date and will obtain value only as the price of the underlying security rises above its hurdle amount, and as such, are required to be reported in this table as an “Option” award. Awards reflected as “Unexercisable” are incentive units that have not yet vested. Awards reflected as “Exercisable” are profits interest awards that have vested (and for which such vesting has been treated as an “exercise” as described in the Note (1) to the Options Exercised and Stock Vested Table below), but have not yet been settled. For a description of how and when the profits interest awards could become vested and when such awards could begin to receive payments, please read the section below entitled “—Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End.”

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(2)Relates to offering expenses associated with the March 2021 and June 2021 secondary equity offerings.
(3)The pro forma income tax rate of 27% reflects the estimated U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax rates applicable to corporationsIncentive unit awards do not have an “exercise price” in the jurisdictions we conduct business.
(4)Tax Adjustments representsame sense that a true stock option award would have an exercise price, but rather have a “hurdle amount.”  Each incentive unit entitles the tax benefits of intangible assets, including goodwill, associated with deductions allowed for tax amortization of intangible assets inholder to receive distributions only if the respective periods basedaggregate distributions made by Focus LLC to each common unit issued and outstanding on, a pro forma 27% income tax rate. Such amounts were generated from acquisitions completed where we received a step-up in basis for tax purposes. Acquired intangible assets may be amortized for tax purposes, generally over a 15-year period. Dueor prior to, our acquisitive nature, tax deductions allowed on acquired intangible assets provide additional significant supplemental economic benefit. The tax benefit from amortization is included to show the full economic benefit of deductions for acquired intangible assets with the step-up in tax basis. As of December 31, 2021, estimated Tax Adjustments from intangible asset related income tax benefits from closed acquisitions based on a pro forma 27% income tax rate for the next 12 months is $58,330.
(5)Represents our GAAP weighted average Class A common stock outstanding—basic.
(6)The incremental shares for the year ended December 31, 2019 related to stock options, unvested Class A common stock and restricted stock units as calculated using the treasury stock method were not included in the calculationdate of the GAAP weighted average sharesgrant of Class A common stock—dilutedthe incentive unit exceeds a specified amount, referred to as the result would havehurdle amount. Since our initial public offering, the hurdle amount has been anti-dilutive.
(7)Assumes that 100% of Focus LLC common units, including contingently issuable Focus LLC common units, if any, were exchanged for Class A common stock.
(8)Assumes that 100% of Focus LLC restricted common units were exchanged for Class A common stock.
(9)Assumes that 100% of the vested and unvested Focus LLC incentive units were converted into Focus LLC common units based onset at the closing price of our Class A common stock aton the enddate of grant. The figure reflected in this column is the respective period and such Focus LLChurdle amount assigned to each incentive unit award.
(3)The amounts reflect the year-end value of restricted common units were exchanged forbased on the closing price of $37.27 per share of our Class A common stock.stock on December 30, 2022, for the restricted common units granted in calendar years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
(4)The incentive units reflected in these rows are not owned by Mr. Adolf. They are each held in the Adolf Family Trust II.
(5)The incentive units reflected in these rows are not owned by Ms. Kodialam. They are each held in the Kodialam 2014 Family Trust.
(6)The incentive units and restricted common units reflected in these rows are not owned by Mr. Shanahan. They are each held in the James Shanahan 2020 Revocable Trust Dated November 20, 2020.
(7)The incentive units reflected in these rows are not owned by Mr. Shanahan. They are each held in the James Shanahan 2020 Irrevocable Insurance Trust Dated December 3, 2020.
(8)The restricted common units reflected in these rows are not owned by Mr. Shanahan. They are each held in the James Shanahan 2020 Revocable Trust Dated November 20, 2020.
(9)The incentive units reflected in these rows are not owned by Mr. McGranahan. They are each held in the McGranahan Family 2021 Legacy Trust.
(10)The vesting schedule for these incentive unit awards is based on valuation triggers described in detail below under the section entitled “—Narrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End.”
(11)These incentive units vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 11, 2019.
(12)These incentive units vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 7, 2020.
(13)These restricted common units vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 7, 2020.
(14)These incentive units vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 22, 2021.
(15)These restricted common units vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 22, 2021.
(16)These incentive units vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 12, 2022.
(17)These restricted common units vest in four equal installments on each anniversary of December 12, 2022.

Factors Affecting ComparabilityNarrative Disclosure to Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End

Our future resultsEach of operationsthe named executive officers has received restricted common unit awards and incentive unit awards in Focus LLC. The incentive unit awards are designed as profits interest awards. A profits interest award has a $0 value at the time of grant, providing the award holder with value only if and when the Company grows in value following the grant date of the award. If Focus LLC makes periodic cash distributions or there is a liquidation or termination event, holders of the incentive unit awards and, once vested, the common unit awards are eligible to receive cash distributions in accordance with the terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Focus LLC (as amended, the “Fourth Amended and Restated Focus LLC Agreement”).

With respect to the outstanding restricted common units and incentive units listed within the Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End table above, the vesting provisions are generally set forth within the footnotes for each award, other than the incentive units granted to the named executive officers on July 3, 2017 and July 25, 2018. The incentive units granted on July 3, 2017 vested, or, to the extent the incentive units did not become vested, were forfeited, in accordance with their terms, as amended at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

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Table of Contents

In addition to the above, on July 25, 2018, Mr. Adolf, Ms. Kodialam, the Kodialam 2014 Family Trust, Mr. Chang, Mr. Shanahan (including a transfer to the James Shanahan 2020 Revocable Trust Dated November 20, 2020), and Mr. McGranahan were issued 800,000, 487,500, 162,500, 600,000, 540,000, and 500,000 incentive unit awards, respectively, that became effective with the pricing of our initial public offering (the “IPO Incentive Units”). The IPO Incentive Units initially provided for vesting on the fifth anniversary of the pricing of our initial public offering, provided that the volume weighted average per share price for any ninety (90) calendar day period (“90-day VWAP”) within such five (5) year period immediately following the pricing of our initial public offering reached at least $100.00. Initially, in the event a change in control transaction were to occur prior to the end of such five (5) year period, the incentive unit awards, subject to any superior provision in any Employment Agreement, were to vest linearly based on where the price of our stock used in the transaction fell between the offering price at the time of our initial public offering (which was $33.00) and $100.00, with 100% vesting if the price of our stock used in the transaction was at least $100.00, 0% vesting if the price of our stock used in the transaction was equal to or less than the offering price at the time of our initial public offering ($33.00), and a linear interpolation if the stock price were to fall in between the two values. In March 2022, the Compensation Committee applied its discretion to replace this formulation with vesting to occur on the sixth anniversary of our initial public offering with linear vesting depending on where the highest 90-day VWAP prior to such anniversary falls between $80.00 and $110.00, with 0% vesting if such highest 90-day VWAP is $80.00 or less and 100% vesting if such highest 90-day VWAP is $110.00 or more, and linear interpolation in between. Additionally, once vested according to this formulation, the IPO Incentive Units may notonly be comparable to our historical resultsexchanged for common stock of operations, principally forFocus in accordance with the following reasons:

Tax Treatment

Asschedule: (i) a flow-through entity, Focus LLC is generally nottotal of 25% of such vested IPO Incentive Units may be exchanged on and has not beenfollowing the date of vesting, (ii) an additional 25% (for a total of 50%) of such vested IPO Incentive Units may be exchanged on and following the first anniversary of the date of vesting (i.e., July 25, 2025), and (iii) an additional 50% (for a total of 100%) of such vested IPO Incentive Units may be exchanged on and following the second anniversary of the date of vesting (i.e., July 25, 2026). The IPO Incentive Units were also amended to provide that in the event a change in control transaction were to occur prior to the end of such six (6) year period, the IPO Incentive Units, subject to U.S. federal and certain state income taxesany superior provision in any Employment Agreement, will vest linearly based on where the price of our stock used in the transaction falls between the offering price at the entity level, although it has been subjecttime of our initial public offering (which was $33.00) and $110.00, with 100% vesting if the price of our stock used in the transaction is at least $110.00, 0% vesting if the price of our stock used in the transaction is equal to or less than the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax. Instead, for U.S. federaloffering price at the time of our initial public offering ($33.00), and certain state income tax purposes, taxable income was and is passed through to its unitholders, including Focus Inc. Focus Inc. is subject to U.S. federal and certain state income taxes applicable to corporations.a linear interpolation if the stock price falls in between these two values.

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Table of Contents

ResultsOptions Exercised and Stock Vested Table

The following table reflects, for each of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

For a comparisonour named executive officers, the number of incentive units and restricted common units vesting during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, see Part II. Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,in our Form 10-K for thefiscal year ended December 31, 2020.2022.

Stock Option Awards

Stock Awards

Number of Shares

Number of Shares

Acquired on

Value Realized on

Acquired on

Value realized on

Exercise 

 Exercise 

 Vesting 

vesting 

Name

(#)(1)

($)(2)

(#)

($)(3)

Ruediger Adolf

    

251,230

 

0

  

 

 

 

 

 

10,615

 

397,187

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

 

158,473

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,944

 

259,841

Leonard Chang

 

124,576

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,568

 

208,353

James Shanahan

 

115,829

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,886

 

182,896

J. Russell McGranahan

 

97,368

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,371

 

163,618

(1)As noted in the Summary Compensation Table, we believe that, despite the fact that the incentive units do not require the payment of an exercise price, they are most similar economically to stock options, and as such, they are properly classified as “options” under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an “option-like feature.”  The numbers shown here reflect only the number of incentive units that became vested during the 2022 fiscal year.  The incentive units were not designed with exercise features; therefore, there was no settlement associated with the vesting of the incentive units.
(2)The amounts shown in this column reflect our best estimate of the value that each named executive officer actually received upon the vesting of the award.
(3)The value realized on the vesting of the restricted common units reported in this column reflects the amount calculated as the number of shares of Class A common stock subject to restricted common units that vested (including shares withheld for tax withholding purposes) multiplied by (i) $37.71, the closing price of our Class A common stock on the trading date immediately preceding the vesting of the restricted common units granted on December 22, 2021, and (ii) $36.75, the closing price of our Class A common stock on the trading date immediately preceding the vesting of the restricted common units granted on December 7, 2020.

Year Ended December 31, 2020 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021Pension Benefits

The Company does not sponsor or maintain any defined benefit pension plan that provides for payments or other benefits at, following discussion presents an analysisor in connection with retirement of our results of operationsits employees, including the named executive officers.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The Company does not sponsor or maintain any defined contribution or other plan for its employees, including the named executive officers, that provides for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021. Where appropriate, we have identified specific events and changesdeferral of compensation on a basis that affect comparability or trends and, where possible and practical, have quantified the impact of such items.

Year Ended

 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

  

(dollars in thousands)

 

Revenues:

Wealth management fees

$

1,286,130

$

1,717,365

$

431,235

 

33.5

%

Other

 

75,189

 

80,586

 

5,397

 

7.2

%

Total revenues

 

1,361,319

 

1,797,951

 

436,632

 

32.1

%

Operating expenses:

Compensation and related expenses

 

476,208

 

591,121

 

114,913

 

24.1

%

Management fees

 

349,475

 

491,433

 

141,958

 

40.6

%

Selling, general and administrative

 

236,377

 

297,636

 

61,259

 

25.9

%

Intangible amortization

 

147,783

 

187,848

 

40,065

 

27.1

%

Non‑cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration

 

19,197

 

112,416

 

93,219

 

*

Depreciation and other amortization

 

12,451

 

14,625

 

2,174

 

17.5

%

Total operating expenses

 

1,241,491

 

1,695,079

 

453,588

 

36.5

%

Income from operations

 

119,828

 

102,872

 

(16,956)

 

(14.2)

%

Other income (expense):

Interest income

 

453

 

422

 

(31)

 

(6.8)

%

Interest expense

 

(41,658)

 

(55,001)

 

(13,343)

 

(32.0)

%

Amortization of debt financing costs

 

(2,909)

 

(3,958)

 

(1,049)

 

(36.1)

%

Loss on extinguishment of borrowings

 

(6,094)

 

 

6,094

 

*

Other expense—net

 

(214)

 

(337)

 

(123)

 

(57.5)

%

Income from equity method investments

219

 

524

 

305

 

*

Total other expense—net

 

(50,203)

 

(58,350)

 

(8,147)

 

(16.2)

%

Income before income tax

 

69,625

 

44,522

 

(25,103)

 

(36.1)

%

Income tax expense

 

20,660

 

20,082

 

(578)

 

(2.8)

%

Net income

$

48,965

$

24,440

$

(24,525)

 

(50.1)

%

*            Not meaningful

Revenues

Wealth management fees increased $431.2 million, or 33.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. New partner firms added subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2020 that are included in our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 include Hill Investment Group, Prairie Capital Management, Rollins Financial, ARS Wealth Advisors, Badgley Phelps Wealth Managers, Ancora Holdings, Sonora Investment Management, Cardinal Point, Ullmann Wealth Partners, Mosaic Family Wealth, Alley Company, Cassaday & Company, Provident Financial Management and London & Co. The new partner firms Provident Financialis not tax-qualified.

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Table of Contents

ManagementPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The following discussion describes the amounts and London & Co. combined their respective businesses in December 2021 and operate as Provident Financial Management. Additionally, our partner firms completed 24 acquisitions subsequentbenefits that would have been owed to the named executive officers in the event of a termination of employment or a change in control as of the end of fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The new partner firms contributed approximately $52.7 million2022 under the Employment Agreements. If the discussion notes that a termination of employment is deemed to be “in connection with”  a change of control or Company Sale (defined below), the protection period is deemed to be two years following such change in wealth management feescontrol or Company Sale. Other applicable protection periods are specifically noted below.

Upon termination of employment due to death, the heirs, personal representatives or estate of the named executive officer will be entitled to (a) any accrued and unpaid salary through the date of termination, (b) any accrued benefits up to the date of termination, (c) reimbursable business expenses accrued but unpaid through the date of termination, (d) accrued but unused paid time off, ((a) through (d) referred to as the “Accrued Rights”), (e) a pro-rated lump sum amount equal to the target annual cash bonus opportunity of the named executive officer for the calendar year in which such termination occurs, calculated based on the mid-point of the range for which the named executive officer is eligible under the applicable Employment Agreement (the “Pro-Rata Bonus”), (f) any cash bonus (or the value of any non-cash bonus that was paid in lieu of such cash bonus) awarded to such named executive officer for the prior calendar year in which the termination occurred, but was unpaid as of the date of termination (the “Prior Year Bonus”), (g) continued eligibility to participate in Focus LLC’s health insurance plan (the “Continued Health Insurance”) for a period of up to 18 months at our expense, and (h) accelerated vesting of any unvested time-based equity awards and equity interests held by the named executive officer and scheduled to vest, or that do vest, at any time on or before the last day of the calendar year in which such termination occurs because of time or if any performance conditions are met during the year ended December 31, 2021. The balanceperiod from termination to the last day of the increasecalendar year in which such termination occurs.

We have the right to terminate the employment of $378.5 million wasthe named executive officer if such named executive officer suffers a disability and the disability continues for a period aggregating more than 90 days during a 180-day period. Upon termination of employment due to disability, all of the revenue growthnamed executive officer’s rights to compensation and benefits terminate, except that the named executive officer will be entitled to (i) the Accrued Rights, (ii) an amount equal to one-and-a-half times the target annual cash bonus opportunity in the case of Mr. Adolf or Ms. Kodialam, and one time the target annual cash bonus opportunity in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan or McGranahan (the “Annual Cash Bonus Payment”), using in such calculation the mid-point of the target bonus opportunity if the target is a range, (iii) Continued Health Insurance for a period of 18 months at our existing partner firms associated with wealth management servicesexpense, (iv) accelerated vesting of any unvested equity awards or equity interests held by the named executive officer scheduled to vest, or that do vest, at any time within the eighteen-month period in the case of Mr. Adolf or Ms. Kodialam and partner firm-level acquisitionsthe twelve-month period in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan or McGranahan from the effective date of termination because of time or if any performance conditions are met during the period from termination to the last day of the eighteen-month period (and twelve-month period in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan or McGranahan) following termination (“Accelerated Vesting”), and (v) continuation of salary as wellin effect on the date of such termination for 18 months in the case of Mr. Adolf and Ms. Kodialam and for 12 months in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan (“Salary Continuation Payments”).

Upon termination of employment due to cause, all of the named executive officer’s rights to compensation and benefits terminate, except that the named executive officer will be entitled to any Accrued Rights.

Upon termination of employment by us without cause, by the named executive officer for good reason, or as a fullresult of our election to not enter into a renewal term with respect to the applicable Employment Agreement, the named executive officer will have the right to receive (i) Salary Continuation Payments, (ii) the Annual Cash Bonus Payment based on the high point of the range to which the named executive officer is eligible, (iii) the Prior Year Bonus, if any, (iv) the Pro-Rata Bonus based on the high point of the range to which the named executive officer is eligible, (v) Continued Health Insurance for a period of revenue recognized during18 months at our expense, and (vi) Accelerated Vesting.

Upon the year ended December 31, 2021 for partner firms that were acquired duringoccurrence of a change in control in one or more transactions to any person or group of persons (a “Company Sale”), a named executive officer will have the year ended December 31, 2020.

Other revenues increased $5.4 million, or 7.2%,right to receive accelerated vesting for the year ended December 31, 2021 comparednamed executive officer’s time-based equity awards or equity interests held by the named executive officer at the time of such event, provided that a Company Sale shall not be deemed to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase related to new partner firms was approximately $1.6 million. The balance of the increase of $3.8 million was due primarily to an increase in recordkeeping and administration fees.

Operating Expenses

Compensation and related expenses increased $114.9 million, or 24.1%,occur for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase related to new partner firms was approximately $12.3 million. Non-cash equity compensation increased $9.3 million primarily from Focus LLC incentive units and restricted common units granted in 2020. The balance of the increase of $93.3 million was due to an increase in salaries and related expense due to growth of our existing partner firms, partner firm-level acquisitions andthese purposes as a full period of expense during the year ended December 31, 2021 for partner firms acquired during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Management fees increased $142.0 million, or 40.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase related to the new partner firms was approximately $12.4 million. Management fees are variable and a function of earnings during the period. The balance of the increase of $129.6 million was due to partner firm-level acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2021 and the increase in earnings during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, in part the result of an initial public offering and sale of equity interests after which such equity interests are listed on a full period of earnings recognized during the year ended December 31, 2021 for partner firms acquired during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $61.3 million, or 25.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. New partner firms added approximately $8.9 million. The balance of the increase of $52.4 million was due primarily to an increase in expenses related to professional fees, information technology, referral fees, travel and entertainment, and marketing and business development related to the growth of our existing partner firms, partner firm-level acquisitions and a full period of expense during the year ended December 31, 2021 for partner firms acquired during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Intangible amortization increased $40.1 million, or 27.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase related to new partner firms was approximately $11.2 million. The balance of the increase of $28.9 million was due to partner firm-level acquisitions and in part to a full period of amortization during the year ended December 31, 2021 for partner firms acquired during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration increased $93.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021 the probability that certain contingent consideration payments would be achieved increased resulting in an increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability.

Depreciation and other amortization expense increased $2.2 million, or 17.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily related to office build-outs at certain partner firms.

national securities exchange.

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Other income (expense)

Interest expense increased $13.3 million,If a named executive officer is terminated by us without cause or 32.0%,by the named executive officer for good reason, or we elect not to enter into a renewal term with respect to an Employment Agreement within the year ended December 31, 2021 comparednine-month period immediately prior to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was due primarilyconsummation of a change of control, then the named executive officer shall be deemed to higher average outstanding borrowings,be employed on the date of the change of control and all of the named executive officer’s unvested equity awards, or equity interests held by the named executive officer immediately prior to the time of such cessation of employment, shall vest in full as of the date of the change in control (with performance vesting determined by reference to our valuation in the change in control).

If the named executive officer’s employment with us is terminated due to the incremental $800 million term loan duringnamed executive officer’s death or disability, then the named executive officer (or his or her heirs, personal representatives, or estate) will have the option to require Focus LLC to repurchase any or all of the remaining equity interests held by the named executive officer that are vested or become vested in connection with such termination.

Each named executive officer is subject to a general non-competition and non-solicitation clause for periods of one year endedand two years, respectively, following termination of employment, as well as general non-disparagement, non-disclosure and assignment of development clauses.

Each Employment Agreement defines “change in control” as one of the following: (a) a sale, merger or similar transaction or series of related transactions involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as a result of which those persons who (together with their affiliates) held 100% of the voting power of the Company immediately prior to such transaction do not hold (either directly or indirectly) more than 50% of the voting power of the Company (or the surviving or resulting entity thereof) after giving effect to such transaction, or (b) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, in a transaction or series of related transactions.

Each Employment Agreement generally defines “good reason” as any one of the following: (a) a reduction in the named executive officer’s salary or a material reduction or discontinuance of any material benefit; (b) a material diminution in the named executive officer’s duties, responsibilities or title; (c) a change in the named executive officer’s principal place of employment, without the named executive officer’s consent, to a location that is greater than 25 miles from the named executive officer’s principal place of employment on the date of effectiveness of the applicable Employment Agreement; (d) our breach of a material provision in the named executive officer’s Employment Agreement; or (e) our breach of a material provision of an agreement governing the named executive officer’s equity awards or equity interests, the result of which is a material negative change in the named executive officer’s employment relationship with us or our affiliates.

Each Employment Agreement generally defines “cause” as any one of the following: (a) the gross negligence or willful failure or refusal of the named executive officer to perform the named executive officer’s duties hereunder (other than any such failure resulting from the named executive officer being disabled) that is not cured within thirty days after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the named executive officer by the Compensation Committee of the Board which specifically identifies the manner in which the Compensation Committee believes the named executive officer has not substantially performed his or her duties; (b) the engaging by the named executive officer in (i) willful misconduct that is materially detrimental to us, monetarily, reputationally, or otherwise or (ii) a violation of any U.S. securities or commodities law or regulation that results in the suspension of the named executive officer’s ability to engage in any regulated activity; (c) the commitment by the named executive officer of any act of fraud, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds; (d) the conviction of the named executive officer for, or the plea by named executive officer of guilty or nolo contendere to, any felony or serious misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or (e) a material breach by the named executive officer of the material provisions of his or her Employment Agreement that is not cured by the named executive officer within thirty days of written notice of such breach by the Compensation Committee (to the extent such breach is capable of cure as reasonably determined by the Compensation Committee).

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The following table provides information concerning the estimated payments and benefits that would be provided in the circumstances described above for each of our named executive officers. Except where otherwise noted, payments and benefits are estimated assuming that the triggering event took place on December 31, 2021.2022, and the price per share of our Class A common stock is the closing price on NASDAQ as of December 30, 2022 ($37.27). There can be no assurance that a triggering event would produce the same or similar results as those estimated below if such event occurs on any other date or at any other price, or if any other assumption used to estimate potential payments and benefits is not correct. Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any potential payments or benefits, any actual payments and benefits may be different.

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Benefits

 

Payable

 

Upon

 

Termination 

 

Without

 

Benefits

Cause, For

 

Payable

Good

 

Upon

Reason or

 

Termination

Company

 

Without

Non-

 

Cause, For

Renewal in

 

Benefits

Good

Benefits

Connection

 

Benefits

Payable

Reason or

Payable

with a

 

Benefits

Payable

Upon

Company

Upon

Change in

 

Payable

Upon

Termination

Non-

Company

Control 

 

Name

Upon Death

Disability

for Cause

Renewal

Sale

(1)

 

Ruediger Adolf

 

  

  

 

  

  

  

Cash Payments

$

1,591,021

(2)  

$

3,750,264

(3)  

$

5,909,508

(4)  

$

5,909,508

(4)

Accelerated Vesting of Equity

 

$

1,348,522

(5)

$

1,348,522

(5)

$

6,436,119

(6)  

$

3,209,549

(7)

Reimbursement of COBRA Premiums (8)

$

51,420

$

51,420

$

51,420

 

$

51,420

Total

$

1,642,441

$

5,150,206

$

$

7,309,450

$

6,436,119

$

9,170,477

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash Payments

$

1,043,910

(2)

$

2,460,645

(3)

 

$

3,877,380

(4)

 

$

3,877,380

(4)

Accelerated Vesting of Equity

 

$

1,048,200

(5)

 

$

1,048,200

(5)

$

4,755,599

(6)

$

2,134,011

(7)

Reimbursement of COBRA Premiums (8)

$

50,852

$

50,852

 

$

50,852

 

$

50,852

Total

$

1,094,762

$

3,559,697

$

$

4,976,432

$

4,755,599

$

6,062,243

Leonard Chang

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash Payments

$

837,099

(2)

$

1,315,441

(3)

 

$

2,391,710

(4)

 

$

2,391,710

(4)

Accelerated Vesting of Equity

 

$

840,555

(5)

 

$

840,555

(5)

$

4,149,632

(6)

$

1,729,703

(7)

Reimbursement of COBRA Premiums (8)

$

37,900

$

37,900

 

$

37,900

 

$

37,900

Total

$

874,999

$

2,193,896

$

$

3,270,165

$

4,149,632

$

4,159,313

James Shanahan

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash Payments

$

735,098

(2)

$

1,269,715

(3)

 

$

2,138,468

(4)

 

$

2,138,468

(4)

Accelerated Vesting of Equity

 

$

720,054

(5)

 

$

720,054

(5)

$

3,690,601

(6)

$

1,512,667

(7)

Reimbursement of COBRA Premiums (8)

$

51,420

$

51,420

 

$

51,420

 

$

51,420

Total

$

786,518

$

2,041,189

$

$

2,909,942

$

3,690,601

$

3,702,555

J. Russell McGranahan

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash Payments

$

657,720

(2)

$

1,136,062

(3)

 

$

1,913,368

(4)

 

$

1,913,368

(4)

Accelerated Vesting of Equity

 

$

644,325

(5)

 

$

644,325

(5)

$

3,374,042

(6)

$

1,357,437

(7)

Reimbursement of COBRA Premiums (8)

$

51,252

$

51,252

 

$

51,252

 

$

51,252

Total

$

708,972

$

1,831,639

$

$

2,608,945

$

3,374,042

$

3,322,057

(1)A termination in connection with a change in control must occur within the 9 months prior to the consummation of a change in control in order for the executive to become entitled to the amounts reflected in this column. The amounts reflected in this column include the total amounts the executive would receive upon the qualifying termination and upon the related change in control.

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(2)These amounts represent the named executive officer’s target annual bonus opportunity for 2022, calculated based on the mid-point of the annual target bonus opportunity range provided in the named executive officer’s Employment Agreement (175% for Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Chang, and 137.5% in the case of Messrs. Shanahan and McGranahan). For each of our executive officers, these amounts will be paid in a lump sum.
(3)These amounts are calculated based upon the sum of (i) the applicable executive’s monthly base salary in effect as of December 31, 2022 multiplied by 18 in the case of Mr. Adolf and Ms. Kodialam and multiplied by 12 in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan, and (ii) the applicable named executive officer’s target annual bonus opportunity for 2022, calculated based on the mid-point of the annual target bonus opportunity range provided in the named executive officer’s Employment Agreement (175% in the case of Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Chang, and 137.5% in the case of Messrs. Shanahan and McGranahan), multiplied by 1.5 in the case of Mr. Adolf and Ms. Kodialam, and multiplied by 1 in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan. For each of our named executive officers, the portion attributable to his or her base salary will be paid in monthly installments over an 18-month period (or in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan, a 12-month period) in accordance with our normal payroll practice, and the portion attributable to the annual bonus will be paid in lump sum.
(4)These amounts are calculated based upon the sum of (i) the applicable executive’s monthly base salary in effect as of December 31, 2022 multiplied by 18 in the case of Mr. Adolf and Ms. Kodialam and multiplied by 12 in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan; (ii) the applicable named executive officer’s target annual bonus opportunity for 2022, calculated based on the high-point of the annual target bonus opportunity range provided in the named executive officer’s Employment Agreement (200% in the case of Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Chang, and 150% in the case of Messrs. Shanahan and McGranahan), multiplied by 1.5 in the case of Mr. Adolf and Ms. Kodialam and multiplied by 1 in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan; and (iii) the named executive officer’s target annual bonus opportunity for 2022, calculated based on the high-point of the annual target bonus opportunity range provided in the named executive officer’s Employment Agreement (200% for Ms. Kodialam and Messrs. Adolf and Chang, and 150% in the case of Messrs. Shanahan and McGranahan). For each of our named executive officers, the portion of the foregoing severance amount attributable to his or her base salary will be paid in monthly installments over an 18-month period (or in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan, a 12-month period) in accordance with our normal payroll practice, and the portions attributable to the annual bonus will be paid in lump sum.
(5)These amounts reflect unvested time-based restricted common unit awards and unvested incentive unit awards that are scheduled to vest within the 18-month period in the case of Mr. Adolf and Ms. Kodialam (or in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan, the 12-month period) following the assumed termination on December 31, 2022 and held by our named executive officers on December 31, 2022. With respect to the restricted common unit awards, these amounts reflecting the value of accelerated vesting of unvested restricted common units are calculated by multiplying the total number of such restricted common units vesting on the triggering date by $37.27, the closing price of our Class A common stock on NASDAQ on December 30, 2022. With respect to the incentive unit awards, they are most similar economically to stock options, and as such, they are properly classified as “options” under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an “option-like feature.” The amounts reflected for the value of accelerated vesting of unvested incentive units are calculated by multiplying the total number of such incentive units vesting on the triggering date by the difference between (a) $37.27, the closing price of our Class A common stock on NASDAQ on December 30, 2022, and (b) the applicable hurdle amount (if less than $37.27) under each such incentive unit award. These amounts do not include the unvested performance-based awards that are tied to the six-year anniversary date of our initial public offering because the time-frame for the vesting conditions under such awards will not occur within the 18-month period in the case of Mr. Adolf and Ms. Kodialam (or in the case of Messrs. Chang, Shanahan and McGranahan, the 12-month period) following the assumed termination date of December 31, 2022.
(6)These amounts take into account the accelerated vesting of all unvested restricted common unit awards and unvested incentive unit awards held by our named executive officers on December 31, 2022. With respect to the restricted common unit awards, these amounts are calculated by multiplying the total number of such restricted common units vesting on the triggering date by $37.27, the closing price of our Class A common stock on NASDAQ on December 30, 2022. With respect to the incentive unit awards, because these incentive unit awards are classified as options as described in Note 5 above, these amounts are calculated by multiplying the total number of such incentive units vesting on the triggering date by the difference between (a) $37.27, the closing price of our Class A common stock on

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NASDAQ on December 30, 2022, and (b) the applicable hurdle amount (if less than $37.27) under each such incentive unit award.
(7)These amounts reflect all unvested restricted common unit awards and incentive unit awards held by our named executive officers on December 31, 2022, which would vest upon a change in control that occurs within the 9-month period following the executive’s qualifying termination of employment. With respect to the restricted common unit awards, these amounts are calculated by multiplying the total number of such restricted common units vesting on the triggering date by $37.27, the closing price of our Class A common stock on NASDAQ on December 30, 2022. With respect to the incentive unit awards, because these incentive unit awards are classified as options as described in Note 5 above, these amounts are calculated by multiplying the total number of such incentive units vesting on the triggering date by the difference between (a) $37.27, the closing price of our Class A common stock on NASDAQ on December 30, 2022, and (b) the applicable hurdle amount (if less than $37.27) under each such incentive unit award. In the case of a termination within nine months prior to the consummation of a change in control assumed to occur on December 31, 2022, all unvested performance-based awards held by our named executive officers on December 31, 2022, would be paid out based on the Company’s valuation at the time of the change in control in relation to the closing stock price vesting hurdles. Based on the closing price of  $37.27 per share of our Class A common stock on December 30, 2022, the vesting is reported at the 5.55% level for the incentive units, which became effective on July 25, 2018.
(8)The COBRA reimbursement amounts are based on 2022 premiums, which are assumed for purposes of this table to remain the same for 18 months.

2022 CEO Pay Ratio

DuringFor 2022, our last completed fiscal year:

·

The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of our Company, including our subsidiaries (other than our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adolf) was $74,832; and

·

The annual total compensation of Mr. Adolf, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included in this Amendment, was $7,475,862.

Based on this information, the year ended December 31, 2020, a lossratio of Mr. Adolf’s annual total compensation to the median of the annual total compensation of all employees was approximately 100:1.

To identify the median employee, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of such median employee and Mr. Adolf, we took the following steps:

·

We determined that, as of December 31, 2022, our employee population consisted of over 5,000 employees globally (as reported in the Original 10-K). This population included all of our full-time and part-time employees.

·

We identified the “median employee” from our employee population by reviewing the 2022 total compensation of our employees. Total compensation includes base salary, equity awards, cash bonus, non-equity incentive plan compensation, overtime, and commission payments. This compensation measure methodology was consistently applied to all our employees included in the calculation.

·

We did not make any cost-of-living adjustments in identifying the “median employee.”

·

Once we identified our median employee, we combined all the elements of such employee’s compensation for 2022 in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, resulting in an annual total compensation of  $74,832. For Mr. Adolf’s annual total compensation, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table included in this Amendment on page 25.

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2022 Director Compensation

Certain members of our Board of Directors received cash fees in connection with their service on extinguishmentthe Board during 2022, and some members also received restricted common unit awards and incentive unit awards similar to those described above with respect to the named executive officers.

    

Fees Earned or Paid

    

    

    

in Cash 

Option Awards

Stock Awards 

Total

Name(1)

($)(2)

($)(3)

($)(4)

($)

James D. Carey

 

70,000

 

 

 

70,000

Joseph Feliciani, Jr.

 

130,000

 

85,181

 

84,991

 

300,172

George S. LeMieux

 

160,000

 

509,876

 

84,991

 

754,867

Kristine M. Mashinsky*

 

78,750

 

 

 

78,750

Greg S. Morganroth, MD

 

120,000

 

85,181

 

84,991

 

290,172

Fayez S. Muhtadie

 

85,000

 

 

 

85,000

Elizabeth R. Neuhoff

 

120,000

 

509,876

 

84,991

 

714,867

*Ms. Mashinsky served on the Board through the end of borrowingsJuly 14, 2022.

(1)Messrs. Muhtadie and Carey were deemed to be Stone Point directors. The Stone Point directors have directed us to pay any fees earned for Board or committee service to Stone Point. As such, all fees paid to Messrs. Muhtadie and Carey and reflected in this table were not received by them directly but instead were paid to Stone Point on their behalf.
(2)The amounts reported in this column reflect the aggregate of the annual retainer fees, committee membership fees, committee chair fees and special committee fees (as applicable) earned by each of our directors pursuant to our non-employee director compensation program for services performed during fiscal year 2022. Please read the narrative following this table for details on our non-employee director compensation program.
(3)We believe that, despite the fact that the incentive units do not require the payment of an exercise price, they are most similar economically to stock options, and as such, they are properly classified as “options” under the definition provided in Item 402(a)(6)(i) of Regulation S-K as an instrument with an “option-like feature.” The amounts disclosed in this column reflect a grant date fair value of the incentive units in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used to calculate the grant date values are described within the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in the Original 10-K. The values ultimately received by the directors under these awards may or may not be equal to the values reflected above.

On March 7, 2022, Ms. Neuhoff and Mr. LeMieux each received grants of $6.1 million was recognized30,000 incentive units under the Omnibus Plan in connection with the Januarydirectors joining the Board. These incentive units were issued with a $43.07 hurdle rate and will vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of March 7, 2022, provided the directors continue to provide services to us through each applicable vesting date. On December 12, 2022, Ms. Neuhoff and Mr. LeMieux each also received a grant of 5,948 incentive units under the Omnibus Plan, which were issued with a $37.59 hurdle rate and will vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of December 12, 2022, provided the directors continue to provide services to us through each applicable vesting date. All 35,948 incentive units granted to each of Ms. Neuhoff and Mr. LeMieux in 2022 remained unvested as of December 31, 2022.

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On December 12, 2022, Messrs. Feliciani and Morganroth each received a grant of 5,948 incentive units under the Omnibus Plan. These incentive units were issued with a $37.59 hurdle rate. These awards will vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of December 12, 2022, provided the directors continue to provide services to us through each applicable vesting date. With respect to Mr. Feliciani, 3,659 of the 5,489 incentive units granted to Mr. Feliciani in 2021 under the Omnibus Plan remained unvested as of December 31, 2022, and 3,114 of the 9,341 incentive units awarded to Mr. Feliciani in 2020 Credit Facility amendment.under the Omnibus Plan also remained unvested as of December 31, 2022, such that as of December 31, 2022, Mr. Feliciani held a total of 12,721 unvested incentive units. With respect to Mr. Morganroth, 3,659 of the 5,489 incentive units granted to Mr. Morganroth in 2021 under the Omnibus Plan remained unvested as of December 31, 2022, and 13,114 of the 39,341 incentive units awarded to Mr. Morganroth in 2020 under the Omnibus Plan also remained unvested as of December 31, 2022, such that as of December 31, 2022, Mr. Morganroth held a total of 22,721 unvested incentive units.

(4)The amounts disclosed in this column reflect a grant date fair value of the restricted common units in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used to calculate the grant date values are described within the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in the Original 10-K. The values ultimately received by the directors under these awards may or may not be equal to the values reflected above.

On December 12, 2022, Ms. Neuhoff and Messrs. Feliciani, LeMieux and Morganroth each received a grant of 2,261 restricted common units under the Omnibus Plan. These restricted common units will vest in three equal annual installments on each of the first three anniversaries of December 12, 2022, provided the directors continue to provide services to us through each applicable vesting date. As of December 31, 2022, 317 of the 951 restricted common units granted to each of Messrs. Feliciani and Morganroth in 2020 remained unvested and 775 of the 1,162 restricted common units granted to each of Messrs. Feliciani and Morganroth in 2021 remained unvested, such that as of December 31, 2022, Messrs. Feliciani and Morganroth each held a total of 3,353 unvested restricted common units. All of the restricted common units granted to Ms. Neuhoff and Mr. LeMieux in 2022, totaling 2,261 restricted common units each, remained unvested as of December 31, 2022.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense decreased $0.6 million, or 2.8%Our director compensation program consists of both cash and equity-based incentive compensation. Under this program, our non-employee directors receive an annual cash retainer of  $60,000 for general service on our Board of Directors, committee membership fees ($20,000 for Audit and Risk Committee membership and $10,000 for each of Compensation Committee and Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee membership, respectively), and committee chair fees ($10,000 for the Audit and Risk Committee chair and $5,000 for each of the Compensation Committee and Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee chairs). Further, for calendar year ended2022, non-employee directors who were not affiliated with Stone Point earned a special committee membership fee of $40,000, and the chair of the special committee earned a fee of $80,000, each of which was paid in calendar year 2023. In addition, certain directors who are not affiliated with Stone Point are eligible to receive equity-based compensation awards pursuant to the Omnibus Plan described above. Awards made to directors pursuant to the Omnibus Plan for fiscal year 2022 are disclosed above in the “Option Awards” column of the Director Compensation table.

In order to attract and retain qualified non-employee directors to our Board, non-employee directors that are not Stone Point directors, received initial grants of incentive units upon joining the Board. As reflected in the notes to the Director Compensation table above, Ms. Neuhoff and Mr. LeMieux, who both joined the Board on March 7, 2022, each received a grant of 30,000 incentive unit awards that carry a hurdle rate of $43.07.  This award will vest in equal installments over a period of three years provided that they each continue to provide services to us through the vesting date.

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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The Omnibus Plan is our equity compensation plan. The following table presents information as of December 31, 2021 compared2022 with respect to our Omnibus Plan.

    

    

    

Number of 

securities remaining

 available for future 

Number of 

issuance under 

securities to be 

Weighted-average 

equity 

issued upon exercise 

exercise price of 

compensation plans

of outstanding 

outstanding options, 

 (excluding securities

options, warrants

warrants and rights

 reflected in the first 

Plan category

 and rights (#)

 ($)(1)

column) (#)(3)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

 

  

 

  

 

  

Omnibus Plan (2)

 

7,951,693

 

34.35

 

9,348,587

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 

  

 

  

 

  

None

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total

 

7,951,693

 

34.35

 

9,348,587

(1)

The weighted-average exercise price includes restricted stock units and restricted common units, which do not have an associated exercise price. Calculated without regard to the shares that will be issued in connection with the settlement of restricted stock units and restricted common units, the weighted-average exercise price is $36.89.

(2)

This amount includes the number of securities to be issued upon exercise of 5,453,911 outstanding incentive units, 1,948,515 outstanding non-qualified stock options, 252,719 outstanding restricted stock units and 296,548 outstanding restricted common units.

(3)

Represents the number of securities remaining available under our Omnibus Plan as of December 31, 2022. Beginning January 1, 2019 and on each January 1 thereafter through and including January 1, 2028, the total number of shares available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan shall automatically increase by an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 3,000,000 or (ii) 5% of the outstanding (vested or unvested) securities on the last day of the immediately preceding year or (iii) an amount determined by the Board.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth information with respect to the year ended December 31, 2020. Forbeneficial ownership of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock as of April 17, 2023 based on information filed with the year ended December 31, 2021, we recordedSEC or obtained from the persons named below by:

each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of any class of our outstanding voting securities;
each director;
each of our named executive officers; and
all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

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The amounts and percentages of Class A common stock and Class B common stock beneficially owned are reported on the basis of the regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. Under these rules, a tax expenseperson is deemed to be a beneficial owner of approximately $20.1 million resultingany securities for which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities. These numbers exclude shares of Class A common stock issuable pursuant to an exchange right for Focus LLC common units and incentive units and upon cancellation of shares of our Class B common stock, as described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Fourth Amended and Restated Focus LLC Agreement.”

All information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by the respective more than 5% stockholders, directors or named executive officers, as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted, the mailing address of each listed beneficial owner is 515 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 550, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

    

Class A Common Stock

    

Class B Common Stock

Combined Voting Power (1)

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Number

%

Number

    

%

    

Number

    

%

5% Stockholders:

Entities affiliated with Stone Point (2)

    

7,798,810

    

11.8%

8,250,165

    

65.8%

16,048,975

    

20.4%

Capital World Investors (3)

 

5,451,302

 

8.3%

 

0.0%

5,451,302

 

6.9%

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (4)

 

5,157,414

 

7.8%

 

0.0%

5,157,414

 

6.6%

The Vanguard Group (5)

 

5,085,477

 

7.7%

 

0.0%

5,085,477

 

6.5%

BlackRock, Inc. (6)

 

3,775,028

 

5.7%

 

0.0%

3,775,028

 

4.8%

Directors and Named Executive Officers:

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

  

 

  

Ruediger Adolf

 

 

0.0%

68,969

 

0.5%

68,969

 

0.1%

James D. Carey (7)

 

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

Leonard Chang

 

 

0.0%

4,161

 

0.0%

4,161

 

0.0%

Joseph Feliciani, Jr.

 

 

0.0%

1,021

 

0.0%

1,021

 

0.0%

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

 

 

0.0%

6,115

 

0.0%

6,115

 

0.0%

George S. LeMieux

 

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

J. Russell McGranahan

 

1,000

 

0.0%

4,134

 

0.0%

5,134

 

0.0%

Greg S. Morganroth, MD

 

 

0.0%

1,021

 

0.0%

1,021

 

0.0%

Fayez S. Muhtadie

 

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

Elizabeth R. Neuhoff

 

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

James Shanahan (8)

 

 

0.0%

3,845

 

0.0%

3,845

 

0.0%

Directors and executive officers as a group (11 individuals)*

 

1,000

 

0.0%

89,266

 

0.7%

90,266

 

0.1%

* Components may not sum to the totals due to rounding.

(1)

Represents the percentage of the voting power of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock voting together as a single class. Each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock entitles its holder to one vote.

(2)

Based on the most recently available Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023 by Trident FFP LP, Trident VI, L.P., Trident VI Parallel Fund, L.P., Trident VI DE Parallel Fund, L.P., Trident FFP GP LLC, Trident Capital VI, L.P. and Stone Point Capital LLC. The principal business address for each of the entities identified in this paragraph is c/o Stone Point Capital LLC, 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830.

(3)

Based on the most recently available Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2023 by Capital World Investors. The principal business address of the entity identified in this paragraph is 333 South Hope Street, 55th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Pursuant to Schedule 13G/A, Capital World Investors has the sole dispositive power over 5,451,302 shares, and the sole voting power over 5,451,302 shares.

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(4)

Based on the most recently available Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 20, 2023 by JPMorgan Chase & Co. The principal business address of the entity identified in this paragraph is 383 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10179. Pursuant to Schedule 13G/A, JPMorgan Chase & Co. has the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 5,157,414 shares, and has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 4,783,512 shares.

(5)

Based on the most recently available Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2023 by The Vanguard Group. The principal business address of the entity identified in this paragraph is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. Pursuant to Schedule 13G/A, The Vanguard Group has shared voting power over 98,977 shares, sole dispositive power over 4,926,991 shares and shared dispositive power over 158,486 shares.

(6)

Based on the most recently available Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 1, 2023 by BlackRock, Inc., BlackRock Advisors, LLC, Aperio Group, LLC, BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V., BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, National Association, BlackRock Asset Management Ireland Limited, BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., BlackRock Asset Management Schweiz AG, BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited, BlackRock Fund Advisors and BlackRock Fund Managers Ltd (collectively, “BlackRock”). The principal business address of the entity identified in this paragraph is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055. Pursuant to Schedule 13G/A, BlackRock has the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 3,775,028 shares, and has the sole power to vote or to direct the vote of 3,706,161 shares.

(7)

Does not include the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by the entities affiliated with Stone Point described in footnote (2) above. Mr. Carey is a member and senior principal of Stone Point, an owner of one of five members of Trident FFP GP LLC and one of five general partners of Trident VI, L.P. Mr. Carey disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held of record or beneficially by the entities affiliated with Stone Point described in footnote (2) above, except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.

(8)

The shares of Class B common stock reflected in this row are not owned directly by Mr. Shanahan. They are each held in the James Shanahan 2020 Revocable Trust Dated November 20, 2020.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Director Independence

The Board has reviewed the independence of our directors using the independence standards of NASDAQ, and, based on this review, it determined that Ms. Neuhoff and Messrs. Carey, Feliciani, LeMieux, Morganroth, and Muhtadie are independent within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing standards currently in an annual effective tax rateeffect.

Transactions with Related Persons

Fourth Amended And Restated Focus LLC Agreement

In accordance with the terms of 45.1%. The annual effective tax rate is primarily relatedthe Fourth Amended and Restated Focus LLC Agreement, each unitholder (other than Focus), subject to federal, state and local income taxes imposed oncertain limitations, has the right to cause Focus Inc.’s allocableLLC to redeem all or a portion of taxable incomeits vested common units and incentive units, which we refer to as an “exchange right.”

Upon an exercise of an exchange right with respect to vested common units, unless we exercise the call right (as described below), Focus LLC will acquire each tendered common unit for, at Focus LLC’s option, (i) one share of Class A common stock, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassification and other similar transactions, or (ii) an equivalent amount of cash. In connection with any redemption of vested common units pursuant to the exchange right, the corresponding shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled.

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Upon exercise of an exchange right with respect to vested incentive units, such incentive units will first be converted into a number of common units that takes into account the then-current value of the common units and such incentive units’ aggregate hurdle amount. Immediately thereafter, unless we exercise the call right (as described below), Focus LLC will acquire each common unit received pursuant to such conversion for, at its election, (i) one share of Class A common stock, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassification and other similar transactions or (ii) an equivalent amount of cash.

Alternatively, upon the exercise of an exchange right by unitholders with respect to vested common units or vested incentive units, the Company (instead of Focus LLC) will have the right to acquire the common units that are tendered by the exchanging unitholder, or received pursuant to a conversion of tendered incentive units for, at the Company’s option, either (i) the number of shares of Class A common stock such unitholder would have received from Focus LLC.LLC pursuant to the exchange right or (ii) an equivalent amount of cash. We refer to this right as our “call right.”  In connection with any exercise of the call right with respect to vested common units, the corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled.

LiquidityUnitholders are permitted to exercise their exchange rights on a quarterly basis on designated dates and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

During the year ended December 31, 2021, we met our cash and liquidity needs primarily through cash on hand, cash generated by our operations, borrowingspursuant to certain registration rights described under our Credit Facility and an equity offering. Over the next twelve months, and in the longer term, we expect that our cash and liquidity needs will continue to be met by cash generated by our ongoing operations and our Credit Facility, as well as equity offerings, especially for acquisition activities. If our acquisition activity continues at an accelerated pace, or for larger acquisition opportunities, we may decide to issue equity either as consideration or in an offering. For information regarding the Credit Facility, please read “—Credit Facilities.Registration Rights Agreement.

Tax Receivable Agreements

OurIn connection with the closing of our initial public offering, the Company entered into two Tax Receivable Agreements with the TRA holderscertain current and former owners of Focus LLC (the “TRA holders”). These agreements generally provide for the payment by Focus Inc.the Company to each TRA holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax that Focus Inc.the Company actually realizes (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local taxes) or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances as a result of, as applicable to the relevant TRA holder, (i) certain increases in tax basis that occur as a result of Focus’ acquisition or deemed acquisition (for U.S. federal income tax purposes) of all or a portion of such TRA holder’s units pursuant to the exercise of an exchange right or the call right, (ii) the increases in tax basis relating to the July 2017 acquisition by certain of our private equity investors that will be available to the Company as a result of certain reorganization transactions in connection with our initial public offering, and certain(iii) imputed interest deemed to be paid by the Company as a result of, and additional tax benefits attributable to imputed interest. Focus Inc.basis arising from, any payments the Company makes under the relevant Tax Receivable Agreement. We will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of thesethe cash savings.

The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements are Focus Inc.’sthe Company’s obligations and not obligations of Focus LLC, and we expect that such payments required to be made under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be substantial. Estimating the amount and timing of payments that may become due under the Tax Receivable Agreements is by its nature imprecise. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreements, cash savings in tax generally are calculated by comparing Focus Inc.’s actual tax liability (determined by using the actual applicable U.S. federal income tax rate and an assumed combined state and local income and franchise tax rate) to the amount Focus Inc. would have been required to pay had it not been able to utilize any of the tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements. As of December 31, 2021, we expect that future payments to the TRA holders will be $219.5 million, in aggregate. Future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements in respect of subsequent exchanges will be in addition to this amount.

The actual increases in tax basis, as well as the amount and timing of any payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements, will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the timing of any exchangeredemption of units, the price of our Class A common stock at the time of each exchange,redemption, the extent to which such exchangesredemptions are taxable transactions, the amount of Focus LLC’s assets that consist of equity in entities taxed as corporations at the time of each exchange,redemption, the amount and timing of the taxable income we generate in the future, the U.S. federal income tax rates then applicable, and the portion of the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements that constitute imputed interest or give rise to depreciable or amortizable tax basis. If we experience a change of control (as defined under the Tax Receivable Agreements, which includes certain mergers, asset sales and other forms of business combinations) or the Tax Receivable Agreements terminate early (at our election or as a result of our breach), we could be required to make a substantial, immediate lump-sum payment.

In March 2020, the Company entered into a third Tax Receivable Agreement with certain owners of Focus LLC who became owners of Focus LLC following the closing of our initial public offering, and those that became owners in calendar years 2021 and 2022. New Focus LLC owners in the future may also become party to this third Tax Receivable Agreement.

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Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the closing of our initial public offering, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Stone Point and continuing Focus LLC unitholders. The foregoing amount of expected future payments to TRA holders is merely an estimateagreement contains the following liquidity rights:

We are required to file a shelf registration statement to permit the resale of shares of Class A common stock held by Stone Point, or issued upon the exercise of exchange rights by unitholders, as soon as practicable following the one-year anniversary of our initial public offering. As of the date of this Amendment, Stone Point and unitholders of Focus LLC have not elected to be named in any such shelf registration statement.
Stone Point has the right to demand up to three secondary underwritten offerings per year. In addition, we may initiate one additional underwritten offering per year for the benefit of the other Focus LLC unitholders. Stone Point and the other Focus LLC unitholders may have participation rights with respect to any such underwritten offerings. We may also participate on a primary basis and issue and sell shares of our Class A common stock for our own account. We will use the proceeds from any such offering to purchase outstanding Focus LLC units and pay related fees and expenses, and/or for general corporate purposes. In the event of any underwriter cutbacks, all participating holders will be treated equally and included pro rata based on their ownership of registrable shares at the closing of our initial public offering.

Stone Point and the actual payments could differ materially. It is possible that future transactions or events could increase or decrease the actual tax benefits realized and the corresponding paymentsother Focus LLC unitholders will also have piggyback registration rights with respect to other underwritten offerings by us under the Tax Receivable Agreements as compared to the foregoing estimates. Moreover, there may be a negative impact on our liquidity if, as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise, (i) the payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements exceed the actual benefits realized in respect of the tax attributescertain circumstances.

These registration rights are subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements and/or (ii) distributionscertain conditions and limitations. We will generally be obligated to Focus Inc. by Focus LLC are not sufficient to permit Focus Inc. to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements after it has paid its taxes and other obligations.

The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements will not be conditioned upon a TRA holder’s having a continued ownership interest in either Focus Inc. or Focus LLC.

We expect that future unitholders may become party to one or more Tax Receivable Agreements entered intopay all registration expenses in connection with future acquisitionsthese registration obligations, regardless of whether a registration statement becomes effective or any sale is made in a public offering.

Nomination Agreement

In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a nomination agreement with investment vehicles affiliated with Stone Point. Stone Point has the right to nominate two members of our Board of Directors for so long as it holds at least 50% of the interest it held, in the form of our Class A and Class B common stock on a combined basis, on the date of our initial public offering. Stone Point also has the right to nominate one member of our Board of Directors for so long as it holds at least 5% of our Class A and Class B common stock outstanding on a combined basis. Additionally, Stone Point has the right to nominate at least two directors, for so long as it has the right to nominate two directors, and then one director, for so long as it has the right to nominate one director, for service on our Compensation Committee. Stone Point also has the right to nominate one director, for so long as it has the right to nominate one director, for service on our Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee. Stone Point has nominated Mr. Muhtadie and Mr. Carey to serve on our Board of Directors.

Any replacement directors nominated by Focus LLCStone Point must be an employee or issuancespartner of unitsStone Point of the same level of seniority within Stone Point as the initial directors designated by Stone Point, and must qualify as an independent director under the independence standards of NASDAQ and satisfy such other criteria set forth in the nomination agreement. In addition, the nomination agreement requires Stone Point to vote its shares of Class A and Class B common stock in favor of our Chief Executive Officer and Rajini Sundar Kodialam (or such other officer of Focus LLC to employees, partners and directors.

Cash Flows

The following table presents information regarding our cash flows and cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. For information regarding our cash flows and cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, see Part II. Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020:

Year Ended

 

December 31, 

 

    

2020

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

 

Cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities

$

211,361

$

313,918

$

102,557

 

48.5

%

Investing activities

 

(372,973)

 

(1,007,312)

 

(634,339)

 

*

Financing activities

 

161,831

 

938,797

 

776,966

 

*

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

 

65,858

 

310,684

 

244,826

 

*

*            Not meaningful

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities includes net income (loss) adjusted for non-cash expenses such as intangible amortization, depreciation and other amortization, amortization of debt financing costs, non-cash equity compensation expense, non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration, other non-cash items and changes in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities. Operating assets and liabilities include receivables from our clients, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses, deferred revenues and other assets and liabilities.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $102.6 million, or 48.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily related to the increase in Adjusted EBITDA from the prior year, offset partiallydesignated by the increase in cash paidChief Executive Officer and approved by the Board of Directors if Ms. Kodialam is no longer a member of the Board of Directors) for interest andelection to a lesser extent other working capital changes.our Board of Directors.

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Transaction with CD&R and Stone Point

Investing ActivitiesAgreement and Plan of Merger

Net cash usedOn February 27, 2023, Focus entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among Focus, Focus LLC, Ferdinand FFP Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”) that is affiliated with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC (“CD&R”) and Stone Point, and certain other entities affiliated with Parent, pursuant to which Focus is to be acquired by affiliates of CD&R in investing activities increased $634.3 million foran all-cash transaction (the “Merger”). Affiliates of Stone Point will retain a portion of their investment in Focus and provide new equity financing as part of the year ended December 31, 2021 comparedMerger. Subject to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was due primarily to an increaseterms and conditions of $630.4 million in cash paid for acquisitions and contingent consideration.

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased $777.0 million compared toMerger Agreement, each share of the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net borrowings under the Credit Facility of $664.6 million due to the amended and expanded First Lien Term Loan of which $800.0 million was borrowed during the year ended December 31, 2021 (see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements) and proceeds from issuance ofCompany’s Class A common stock netwill receive $53 in cash per share and each share of paymentsthe Company’s Class B common stock will be cancelled. If the Merger is consummated, the Company will cease to be publicly-traded. A special committee (the “Special Committee”) of the Board of Directors, comprised solely of disinterested and independent members of the Board of Directors, unanimously recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and recommend that the stockholders of the Company vote in favor of adoption of the Merger Agreement. The Board of Directors, acting on the Special Committee’s recommendation, unanimously approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and recommended that the stockholders of the Company vote to adopt and approve the Merger Agreement. Completion of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by holders of a majority of the shares held by the stockholders other than CD&R, Stone Point and certain of their affiliates and portfolio companies and persons who are “officers” of Focus within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act. The Merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023.  However, the Company cannot assure completion of the Merger by any particular date, if at all or that, if completed, it will be completed on the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement.

Additional information about the Merger Agreement and the Merger will be set forth in the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed by Focus with the SEC.

Support Agreement

As a condition and inducement to Parent’s willingness to enter into the Merger Agreement and concurrently with the execution and delivery of the Merger Agreement, certain investment funds affiliated with or managed by Stone Point (the “Stone Point Stockholders”), the Company and Parent entered into a support agreement pursuant to which, among other things, the Stone Point Stockholders have agreed to support the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and vote in favor of the matters to be submitted to the Company’s stockholders in connection with the Merger, refrain from soliciting or supporting other acquisition proposals and contribute, directly or indirectly, a portion of their Class A common stock and Focus LLC unit redemptions, netunits held by them to an indirect sole owner of $161.9 (see Note 10Parent in exchange for certain equity interests of such owner of Parent, on the terms and subject to the consolidated financial statements). The increaseconditions set forth in the net cash provided by financing activities was offset in part by an increase in contingent consideration paidSupport Agreement.

TRA Waiver and Exchange Agreements

Concurrently with the execution and delivery of $28.2 million, an increase in distributionsthe Merger Agreement, the Company and Parent entered into agreements with each of the Stone Point Stockholders and the NEOs regarding the terms and conditions for Focus LLC unitholdersthe satisfaction of $9.9 million, payments of debt financing costs of $7.6 million and payments in connection withthe Company’s obligations to such persons pursuant to the Tax Receivable Agreements (the “TRA Waiver and Exchange Agreements”). Under the terms of $4.4 million.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

To supplement our statements of cash flows presented on a GAAP basis, we use a non-GAAP liquidity measure on a trailing 4-quarter basis to analyze cash flows generated from our operations. We consider Adjusted Free Cash Flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to investors about the amount of cash generated by the business and is one factor in evaluating the amount of cash available to pay contingent consideration, make strategic acquisitions and repay outstanding borrowings. Adjusted Free Cash Flow does not represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it does not deduct our mandatory debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenditures. We define Adjusted Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less purchase of fixed assets, distributions for Focus LLC unitholders and payments under Tax Receivable Agreements, (if any). Adjusted Free Cash Flow is nota Change of Control (as defined under GAAPthe Tax Receivable Agreements, which includes the occurrence of certain mergers and should notconsolidations, including the Merger) will result in a lump-sum payment generally equal to the present value of hypothetical future payments that would be considered as an alternativemade by the Company for certain tax benefits, calculated using particular assumptions specified in the Tax Receivable Agreements (the “TRA Payoff Amount”). Under the TRA Waiver and Exchange Agreements, each of the Stone Point Stockholders and each of such members of the Company’s senior leadership team agreed to netreceive their portion of the TRA Payoff Amount in the form of a promissory note at closing of the Merger with a principal amount equal to their respective portion of the TRA Payoff Amount they were otherwise entitled to receive in cash from operating, investing or financing activities. Adjusted free cash flow may not be calculatedat the same for us as for other companies. The table below reconciles net cash provided by operating activities, as reflected on our cash flow statement, to our adjusted free cash flow.

Trailing 4-Quarters Ended December 31, 

    

2020

    

2021

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities (1)

 

$

211,361

$

313,918

Purchase of fixed assets

 

(19,349)

 

(11,018)

Distributions for unitholders

(22,457)

(32,311)

Payments under tax receivable agreements

(4,423)

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

$

169,555

$

266,166

(1)A portion of contingent consideration paid is classified as operating cash outflows in accordance with GAAP, with the balance reflected in investing and financing cash flows. Contingent consideration paid classified as operating cash outflows for each quarter in the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2020 was $8.3 million, $16.4 million, $3.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, totaling $30.9 million for the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2020. Contingent consideration paid classified as operating cash outflows for each quarter in the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2021 was $5.3 million, $11.6 million, $20.4 million and $16.4 million, respectively, totaling $53.7 million for the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2021. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.

closing of the Merger.

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Credit Facilities

As of December 31, 2021, our Credit Facility consisted of a $2.4 billion First Lien Term Loan, consisting of a tranche A (“Tranche A”) and tranche B (“Tranche B”), and a $650.0 million First Lien Revolver.

Tranche A bears interest (at our option) at: (i) the LIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% or (ii) the lender’s Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) plus a margin of 1.00%. In January 2021, we amended and expanded Tranche A by $500.0 million. The debt was issued at a discount of 0.125% or $0.6 million which is being amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of Tranche A. The required quarterly installment repayments of $2.9 million were increased to $4.2 million. Tranche A has a maturity date of July 2024.

In July 2021, we amended and expanded our First Lien Term Loan and added Tranche B of $800.0 million. Of this amount, $650.0 million was borrowed on the July 2021 closing date and $150.0 million was borrowed in December 2021 under a delayed draw feature. Tranche B bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50% with a 0.50% LIBOR floor, and was issued at a discount of 0.75% or $6.0 million which will be amortized to interest expense over the term of Tranche B. The delayed draw feature had a ticking fee with respect to the undrawn commitments with (i) no margin from 0-30 days from the closing date, (ii) 1.25% margin from 31-60 days of the closing date and (iii) 2.50% margin after 60 days from the closing date. Tranche B requires quarterly installment repayments of $2.0 million and has a maturity date of June 2028.Other Transactions

Mr. Adolf, through an entity owned and controlled by him, owns a personal aircraft that was acquired without Company resources that he uses for business travel. The First Lien Revolver has a maturity dateCompany reimburses Mr. Adolf for certain costs and third-party payments associated with the use of July 2023. Up to $30.0his personal aircraft for Company-related business travel. We also pay pilot fees for such business travel flights. We incurred approximately $3.7 million of the First Lien Revolver is available for the issuance of letters of credit, subject to certain limitations. The First Lien Revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% with step downs to 1.75%, 1.50% and 1.25% or the lender’s Base Rate plus a margin of 1.00% with step downs to 0.75%, 0.50% and 0.25%, based on achievement of a specified First Lien Leverage Ratio. The First Lien Revolver unused commitment fee is 0.50% with step downs to 0.375% and 0.25% based on achievement of a specified First Lien Leverage Ratio.

Our obligations under the Credit Facility are collateralized by the majority of our assets. The Credit Facility contains various customary covenants, including, but not limited to: (i) incurring additional indebtedness or guarantees, (ii) creating liens or other encumbrances on property or granting negative pledges, (iii) entering into a merger or similar transaction, (iv) selling or transferring certain property and (v) declaring dividends or making other restricted payments.

We are required to maintain a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not more than 6.25:1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. At December 31, 2021, our First Lien Leverage Ratio was 3.85:1.00, which satisfied the maximum ratio of 6.25:1.00. First Lien Leverage Ratio means the ratio of amounts outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan and First Lien Revolver plus other outstanding debt obligations secured by a lien on the assets of Focus LLC (excluding letters of credit other than unpaid drawings thereunder) minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility). Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of the Credit Facility was $544.8 million at December 31, 2021. Focus LLC is also subject on an annual basis to contingent principal payments based on an excess cash flow calculation (as defined in the Credit Facility) for any fiscal year if the First Lien Leverage Ratio exceeds 3.75:1.00. No contingent principal payments were required to be made in 2021. Based on the excess cash flow calculationsuch reimbursements for the year ended December 31, 2021, no contingent principal payments are required2022. Given the geography of our partner firms and prospects, we believe the use of the private aircraft creates efficiencies to enhance the productivity of Mr. Adolf and certain other authorized personnel.

Policies and Procedures for Review of Related Party Transactions

A “Related Party Transaction”  is a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we or any of our subsidiaries was, is or will be made in 2022.

At December 31, 2021, outstanding stated value borrowings under the Credit Facility were approximately $2.4 billion. The weighted-average interest rate for outstanding borrowings was approximately 3% for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the First Lien Revolver available unused commitment line was $642.1 million. At December 31, 2021, we had outstanding letters of credit ina participant, the amount of $7.9 million bearing interest at an annual ratewhich involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A “Related Person” means:

any person who is, or at any time during the applicable period was, one of our executive officers or one of our directors;
any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Class A common stock;
any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, which means any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law of a director, executive officer or a beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Class A common stock, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Class A common stock; and
any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is a partner or principal or in a similar position, or in which such person has a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest.

Our Board of approximately 2%.

Directors has adopted a written Related Party Transaction Policy. Pursuant to this policy, our Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee will review all material facts of all Related Party Transactions and either approve or disapprove entry into the Related Party Transaction, subject to certain limited exceptions. In March 2020, we entereddetermining whether to approve or disapprove entry into a 4 year floatingRelated Party Transaction, our Nominating, Governance and Sustainability Committee shall take into account, among other factors, the following: (i) whether the Related Party Transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to fixed interest rate swap with a notional amount of $400.0 million. The interest rate swap effectively fixes the variable interest rate applicable to $400.0 million of borrowings outstanding on the First Lien Term Loan. The terms of the interest rate swap provide that we pay interest to the

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counterparty each month at a rate of 0.713% and receive interest from the counterparty each month at the 1 month USD LIBOR rate, subject to a 0% floor.

In April 2020, we entered into two additional 4 year floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements with notional amounts of $250.0 million and $200.0 million, respectively. These swaps effectively fix the variable interest rate applicable to $450.0 million of borrowings outstanding on the First Lien Term Loan. The terms of these swaps provide that we pay interest to the counterparties each month at a rate of 0.537% and 0.5315%, respectively, and receive interest from the counterparties each month at the 1 month USD LIBOR rate, subject to a 0% floor.

The interest rate swaps effectively fix the variable interest rate applicable to $850.0 million or approximately 35% of the First Lien Term Loan borrowings outstanding, resulting in a weighted average interest rate on these borrowings of approximately 2.62%, inclusive of the 2.0% Tranche A LIBOR spread.

Our outstanding variable rate indebtedness uses LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the interest rate. 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month LIBOR are expected to be replaced by the SOFR in 2023. While we expect SOFR to be a reasonable replacement for LIBOR, at this time we cannot predict the implications of the use of SOFR on the interest rates we pay.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our financial statements include the accounts of Focus Inc. and our subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Critical accounting policies are those that are the most important to the preparation of our financial condition and results of operations and that require our most difficult, subjective and complex judgments as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the Note 2 to our financial statements, our most critical accounting policies are discussed below. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and the accompanying notes. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing the financial statements are reasonable and prudent. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Wealth Management Fees

We recognize revenue from wealth management fees, which are primarily comprised of fees earned for advising on the assets of clients, financial and tax planning fees, consulting fees, tax return preparation fees, fees for family office services, and fees for wealth management and operational support services provided toan unaffiliated third-party wealth management firms. Client arrangements may contain one of the services or multiple services, resulting in either a single or multiple performance obligations withinunder the same client arrangement, each of which are separately identifiableor similar circumstances, and priced, and accounted for as the related services are provided and consumed over time. Fees are primarily based either on a contractual percentage of the client’s assets based on the market value of the client’s assets on the predetermined billing date, a flat fee, an hourly rate based on predetermined billing rates or a combination of such fees and are billed either in advance or arrears on a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual basis. Revenue is recognized over the respective service period based on time elapsed or hours expended, as the case may be, which is deemed to be the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as clients benefit from services over the respective period. Revenue for wealth management and operational support services provided to third party wealth management firms is presented net since these services are performed in an agent capacity. Client agreements typically do not have a specified term and may be terminated at any time by either party subject to the respective termination and notification provisions in each agreement.

A majority of our wealth management fees are correlated to the markets, and therefore are considered variable consideration. Our market-correlated fees are dependent on the market and, thus, are susceptible to factors outside our control. Therefore, at inception of the contractual service period for fees which are based on the market values at the end of the service period, we cannot conclude that it is probable that a reversal in the cumulative revenue recognized would

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not occur if the estimate was included in the transaction price at that time. However, at each quarterly reporting date, we update our estimate of the transaction price as the market uncertainty is typically resolved. We can then reasonably conclude that a reversal of the variable consideration will not occur for those services already provided.

Wealth management fees are recorded when: (i) an arrangement with a client has been identified; (ii) the performance obligations have been identified; (iii) the fee or other transaction price has been determined; (iv) the fee or other transaction price has been allocated to each performance obligation based on standalone fee rates; and (v) we have satisfied the applicable performance obligation.

Other

Other revenue primarily includes recordkeeping and administration service fees, commissions and distribution fees and outsourced services. Client arrangements may contain a single or multiple performance obligations, each of which are separately identifiable and accounted for as the related services are provided and consumed over time. Recordkeeping and administration and outsourced services revenue, in accordance with the same five criteria above, are recognized over the period in which services are provided. Commissions and distribution fees are recognized when earned.

Business Acquisitions

Business acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 805: Business Combinations. Business acquisitions are accounted for by allocating the purchase price consideration to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The purchase price allocations are based upon preliminary valuations, and our estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period as valuations are finalized. Any change in the estimated fair value of the net assets, prior to the finalization of the more detailed analyses, but not to exceed one year from the dates of acquisition, will change the amount of the purchase price allocations. Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the purchase price consideration over the fair value of net assets of the business acquired. All transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

We have incorporated contingent consideration into the structure of our partner firm acquisitions. These arrangements may result in the payment of additional purchase price consideration to the sellers based on the growth of certain financial thresholds for periods following the closing of the respective acquisition. The additional purchase price consideration is payable in the form of cash and, in some cases, equity.

For business acquisitions, we recognize the fair value of estimated contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for the acquired wealth management firm. The contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. Any changes in fair value are recognized each reporting period in non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration in the consolidated statements of operations.

The results of the acquired wealth management firms are included in our consolidated financial statements from the respective dates of acquisition.

Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful life and is not amortized. Intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. We have no indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of October 1, or more frequently if events and circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a market approach. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit no further consideration is necessary. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of

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the reporting unit, we would record an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit.

Intangible assets and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired or that the estimated useful life should be changed prospectively. If impairment indicators are present, the recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is determined using a discounted cash flow approach.

Income Taxes and Tax Receivable Agreements

Focus Inc. is a holding company whose most significant asset is a membership interest in Focus LLC. Focus Inc. is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on Focus Inc.’s allocable portion of taxable income from Focus LLC. Focus LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, Focus LLC is generally not and has not been subject to U.S. federal and certain state income taxes at the entity level, although it has been subject to the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax and certain of its subsidiaries have been subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local or foreign income taxes. Instead, for U.S. federal and certain state income tax purposes, the income, deductions, losses and credits of Focus LLC are passed through to its unitholders, including Focus Inc. Focus LLC makes tax distribution payments to the extent of available cash, in accordance with the Fourth Amended and Restated Focus LLC Agreement. Focus Inc. files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government as well as various state and local jurisdictions.

We apply the asset and liability method for deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances, if any, are recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

We review and evaluate tax positions in our major tax jurisdictions and determine whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition. Based on this review, we have recorded no reserves for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

Focus Inc. entered into Tax Receivable Agreements with the TRA holders. The agreements generally provide for the payment by us to each TRA holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax that Focus Inc. actually realizes (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local taxes) or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances as a result of certain increases in tax bases and certain tax benefits attributable to imputed interest. Focus Inc. will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings.

As of December 31, 2021, Focus Inc. had a liability of $219.5 million relating to its obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements. The foregoing amount of expected future payments to TRA holders is merely an estimate and the actual payments could differ materially. It is possible that future transactions or events could increase or decrease the actual tax benefits realized and the corresponding payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements as compared to the foregoing estimates.

Consolidation Considerations

ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, requires an entity to perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether its variable interests give it a controlling financialRelated Person’s interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Under the standard, an enterprise has a controlling financial interest when it has (a)transaction.  Further, the power to direct the activities of a VIEpolicy requires that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to

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receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. An enterprise that holds a controlling financial interest is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE.

Certain of our subsidiaries have management agreements with the respective management company, which causes these operating subsidiaries to be VIEs. We have assessed whether or not we are the primary beneficiary for these operating subsidiaries and have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the results of these subsidiaries have been consolidated.

Certain of our subsidiaries have variable interests in certain investment funds that are deemed voting interest entities. Due to substantive kick-out rights possessed by the limited partners of these funds, we do not consolidate the investment funds.

From time to time, we enter into option agreements with wealth management firms (each, an “Optionee”) and their owners. In exchange for payment of an option premium, the option agreement allows us, at our sole discretion, to acquire substantially all of the assets of the Optionee at a predetermined time and at a predetermined purchase price formula. If we choose to exercise our option, the acquisition and the corresponding management agreement would be executed in accordance with our typical acquisition structure. We have determined that the respective option agreements with the Optionees qualify the Optionees as VIEs. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of the Optionees and do not consolidate the results of the Optionees.

Stock Based Compensation Costs

Compensation cost for Focus LLC incentive units and Focus Inc. stock option awards is measured based on the fair value of awards determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing model or the Monte Carlo Simulation Model on the date that the awards are granted or modified, and is adjusted for the estimated number of awards that are expected to be forfeited. Compensation cost for unvested Class A common stock and restricted stock units, as well as Focus LLC restricted common units, is measured based on the market value of the Class A common stock on the date that the awards are granted and is adjusted for the estimated number of awards that are expected to be forfeited. The compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Non-cash equity compensation expense, associated with employees and non-employees, including principals in the management companies, is included in compensation and related expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. We estimate forfeitures at the time of the respective grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ materially from those estimates. We use historical data to estimate forfeitures and record non-cash equity compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market Risk

Our exposure to market risk is primarily related to our partner firms’ wealth management services. For the year ended December 31, 2021, over 95% of our revenues were fee-based and recurring in nature. Although the substantial majority of our revenues are fee-based and recurring, our revenues can fluctuate due to macroeconomic factors and the overall state of the financial markets, particularly in the United States. The substantial majority of our revenues are derived from the wealth management fees charged by our partner firms for providing clients with investment advice, financial and tax planning, consulting, tax return preparation, family office services and other services. The majority of our wealth management fees are based on the value of the client assets and we expect those fees to increase over time as the assets increase. A decrease in the aggregate value of client assets across our partner firms may cause our revenue and income to decline.

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During the year ended December 31, 2021, our revenues continued to be negatively impacted by the effects of Covid-19 on a portion of our non-market correlated revenues derived from family office type services for clients in the entertainment industry and relate to live events. We anticipate that the cancellations of live events and other entertainment activities will persist in 2022. However, this revenue outlook is subject to material change because it is dependent on the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which is highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest payable on our Credit Facility is variable. Interest rate changes will therefore affect the amount of our interest payments, future earnings and cash flows. We entered into interest rate swap agreements to manage interest rate exposure in connection with our variable interest rate borrowings. As of December 31, 2021, we had total stated value borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility of approximately $2.4 billion. At December 31, 2021, interest payments associated with $850 million of these borrowings was effectively converted to a fixed rate through the use of interest rate swaps and interest on the remaining borrowings remained subject to variable rates based on LIBOR. If LIBOR was 1.0% higher throughout the year ended December 31, 2021, our interest expense would have increased by approximately $9.7 million.

Our outstanding variable rate indebtedness uses LIBOR as a benchmark for establishing the interest rate.  1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month LIBOR are expected to be replaced by the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) in 2023. While we expect SOFR to be a reasonable replacement for LIBOR, at this time we cannot predict the implications of the use of SOFR on the interest rates we pay.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Our financial statements and supplementary data are included in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1 and incorporated by reference herein.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2021. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that informationRelated Party Transactions required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective, at the reasonable assurance level. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objective and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of all possible controls and procedures.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. Based on management’s assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021 using the criteria set forth in

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Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).

Under guidelines established byfilings with the SEC companies are permitted to exclude acquired businesses from management’s report on internal control over financial reporting for up to one year from the date of the acquisition while integrating the acquired operations. Accordingly, internal control over financial reporting of certain acquired businesses have been excluded from management’s report on internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. These acquired businesses represent approximately 4% of our consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 and approximately 1% of our consolidated assets as of December 31, 2021.

Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statementsbe so disclosed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting. These limitations include the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of the system and reasonable resource constraints. Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks discussed in Part I Item 1A—Risk Factors of this report.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Focus Financial Partners Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Focus Financial Partners Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021, of the Company and our report dated February 17, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

As described in the Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting of certain businesses acquired during the 12-month period ended December 31, 2021, whose financial statements constitute approximately 1% of assets and 4% of revenues of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting of these acquired businesses.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securitiesapplicable laws, and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial

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reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New York, New York

February 17, 2022

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In preparation for management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, we documented and tested the design and operating effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. There were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2021, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. We have not experienced any material impact to our internal controls over financial reporting due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are continually monitoring and assessing the Covid-19 situation on our internal controls to minimize the impact on their design and operating effectiveness.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.regulations.

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PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information as to Item 10 will be set forth in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 26, 2022 (the “Annual Meeting”) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller or persons performing similar functions, as well as to directors, principals, officers and employees of each of our subsidiaries and a Financial Code of Ethics, applicable to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer, in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws and corporate governance rules of NASDAQ. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Financial Code of Ethics are available on our website at www.focusfinancialpartners.com under “Corporate Governance” within the “Investor Relations” section. We will provide copies of these documents to any person, without charge, upon request, by writing to us at Focus Financial Partners Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 875 Third Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Financial Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website at the address and the location specified above.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information as to Item 11 will be set forth in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information as to Item 12 will be set forth in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information as to Item 13 will be set forth in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

InformationThe following is a summary of Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) fees for audit, audit-related, tax and other services provided during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Audit Fees. Audit fees represent professional services rendered for the audits of our 2022 and 2021 consolidated financial statements and for foreign statutory audits. These fees also include interim procedures and the review of consolidated financial statements included in our Quarterly Form 10-Q reports and issuance of consents required by statute or regulation and similar matters. Audit fees for 2022 and 2021 include fees for the audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as to Item 14 will be set forthrequired by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

All Other Fees. All other fees include subscriptions for online technical accounting resources provided by Deloitte in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference.respective periods.

    

2022

    

2021

Audit Fees

$3,687,000

$3,461,746

All Other Fees

$2,063

$2,058

Total

$3,689,063

$3,463,804

Item 15. ExhibitsPre-Approval Policy

Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statementsSince the formation of Focus Financial Partners Inc.our Audit and SubsidiariesRisk Committee, and on a going-forward basis, the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in “Part II, Item 8, Financial StatementsAudit and Supplementary Data.” Reference is madeRisk Committee has and will pre-approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our auditors, including the fees and terms thereof (subject to the accompanying Index to Financial Statements.

Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is presentedde minimis exceptions for non-audit services described in the financial statements orExchange Act, which are approved by the notes thereto.Audit and Risk Committee prior to the completion of the audit).

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Item 15. Exhibits.

Index to Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed or furnished pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth below.

Exhibit

Number

Description

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 27, 2023, by and among Focus Financial Partners Inc., Ferdinand FFP Acquisition, LLC, Ferdinand FFP Merger Sub 1, Inc., Ferdinand FFP Merger Sub 2, LLC, and Focus Financial Partners, LLC(16)

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Focus Financial Partners Inc.(1)

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Focus Financial Partners Inc.(1)

4.1

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners Inc., Focus Financial Partners, LLC and the other parties named therein(1)

4.2

*

Description of Securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 19341934(15)

10.1

Nomination Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners Inc. and the affiliates of Stone Point Capital LLC named therein(1)

10.2

Nomination Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners Inc. and the affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. named therein(1)

10.3

Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Focus Financial Partners, LLC(1)

10.410.3

Amendment No.1No. 1 to the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Focus Financial Partners, LLC (4)LLC(4)

10.510.4

Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners Inc. and the affiliates of the Private Equity Investors named therein(1)

10.610.5

Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners Inc. and the parties named therein(1)

10.710.6

Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2020, by and among Focus Financial Partners Inc. and the parties named therein(8)

10.810.7

Focus Financial Partners Inc. 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan(1)

10.910.8

First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2017, by and among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as revolver administrative agent for the Lenders, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer and Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent for the Lenders(2)

10.1010.9

Amendment No. 1 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto(2)

10.1110.10

Amendment No. 2 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of March 2, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners, LLC and Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent and collateral agent(2)

10.1210.11

Amendment No. 3 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of April 2, 2018, by and among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto(2)

10.1310.12

Amendment No. 4 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, by among Focus LLC, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent, collateral agent and fronting bank, and Bank of America, N.A., as revolver administrative agent and letter of credit issuer(3)

10.1410.13

Amendment No. 5 to the First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2019, among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent and collateral agent and each new term loan lender party thereto(5)

52

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10.15Exhibit

Number

Description

10.14

Amendment No. 6 to the First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2020, among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent, collateral agent and fronting bank and the lender parties thereto (6)thereto(6)

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Exhibit

Number

Description

10.1610.15

Amendment No. 7 to the First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2021, among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent and collateral agent and each lender party thereto (11)thereto(11)

10.1710.16

Amendment No. 8 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2021, among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent and collateral agent, and each new term loan lender party thereto (13)thereto(12)

10.17

Amendment No. 9 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2022, among Focus Financial Partners, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., as revolver administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto(13)

10.18

Waiver and Amendment No. 10 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of November 28, 2022, by among Focus LLC, as borrower, Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent, collateral agent and fronting bank, Bank of America, N.A., as revolver administrative agent and the lenders party thereto(14)

10.19

Amendment No. 11 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of December 9, 2022, by among Focus LLC, as borrower and Bank of America, N.A., as revolver administrative agent(15)

10.20*

Amendment No. 12 to First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2023, by among Focus LLC, as borrower and Royal Bank of Canada, as term administrative agent

10.21†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between Ruediger Adolf and Focus Financial Partners, LLC(3)

10.1910.22†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between Rajini Sundar Kodialam and Focus Financial Partners, LLC(3)

10.2010.23†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between James Shanahan and Focus Financial Partners, LLC(3)

10.2110.24†

Employment Agreement, by and between Leonard R. Chang and Focus Financial Partners, LLC(7)

10.2210.25†

Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement, by and between Leonard R. Chang and Focus Financial Partners, LLC(9)

10.2310.26†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between J. Russell McGranahan and Focus Financial Partners, LLC(7)

10.2410.27†

Form of Incentive Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Focus Financial Partners, LLC, dated as of July 3, 2017, as amended(3)

10.2510.28

Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Focus Financial Partners, LLC, dated as of July 3, 2017, as amended(3)

10.2610.29

Indemnification Agreement (Ruediger Adolf)(1)

10.2710.30

Indemnification Agreement (Rajini Sundar Kodialam)(1)

10.2810.31

Indemnification Agreement (James Shanahan)(1)

10.2910.32

Indemnification Agreement (James D. Carey)(1)

10.3010.33

Indemnification Agreement (Fayez S. Muhtadie)(1)

10.3110.34

Indemnification Agreement (Joseph Feliciani Jr.)(4)

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Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.3210.35

Indemnification Agreement (Leonard R. Chang)(7)

10.3310.36

Indemnification Agreement (J. Russell McGranahan)(7)

10.3410.37

Indemnification Agreement (Greg S. Morganroth, MD)(10)

10.3510.38

Indemnification Agreement (Kristine M. Mashinsky)(12)(Elizabeth R. Neuhoff)(15)

21.1*10.39

Indemnification Agreement (George S. LeMieux)(15)

10.40

Support Agreement, dated as of February 27, 2023, by and among Trident FFP L.P., Trident VI, L.P., Trident VI Parallel Fund, L.P., Trident VI DE Parallel Fund, L.P., the Company, Parent and certain affiliates of Parent(16)

10.41

Form of TRA Waiver and Exchange Agreement(16)

21.1

List of Subsidiaries of Focus Financial Partners Inc.(15)

23.1*23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmFirm(15)

31.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1*32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20022002(15)

101.INS*

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

67

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Exhibit

Number

Description

101.DEF*

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104*

Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page iXBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.

*            Filed or furnished herewith.

†            Compensation, plan or arrangement.

(1)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on July 31, 2018.
(2)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-225166) filed with the SEC on May 24, 2018.
(3)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-225166) filed with the SEC on June 29, 2018.

54

Table of Contents

(4)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on May 9, 2019.
(5)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on July 26, 2019.
(6)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on January 27, 2020.
(7)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020.
(8)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on March 27, 2020.
(9)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on May 7, 2020.
(10)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on November 5, 2020.
(11)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on January 25, 2021.
(12)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s AnnualCurrent Report on Form 10-K8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on February 19,July 1, 2021.
(13)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on July 1, 2021.April 18, 2022.
(14)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on November 29, 2022.
(15)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023.
(16)Incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38604) filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023.

6855

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SIGNATURESSignatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

By:

/s/ RUEDIGER ADOLF

Ruediger Adolf

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 17, 2022April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ JAMES SHANAHAN

James Shanahan

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ RUEDIGER ADOLF

Chief Executive Officer and ChairmanRuediger Adolf

(Principal Executive Officer)

February 17, 2022Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

(Principal Executive Officer)

Ruediger Adolf

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ JAMES SHANAHAN

James Shanahan

/s/ JAMES SHANAHAN

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial

Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

February 17, 2022

James Shanahan

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ JAMES D. CAREY

James D. Carey

/s/ JAMES D. CAREY

Director

February 17, 2022

James D. Carey

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ JOSEPH FELICIANI JR.

Joseph Feliciani Jr.

/s/ JOSEPH FELICIANI JR.

Director

February 17, 2022

Joseph Feliciani Jr.

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ RAJINI SUNDAR KODIALAM

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

/s/ RAJINI SUNDAR KODIALAM

Director

February 17, 2022

Rajini Sundar Kodialam

56

Table of Contents

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ GEORGE S. LEMIEUX

George S. LeMieux

/s/ KRISTINE M. MASHINSKY

Director

February 17, 2022

Kristine M. Mashinsky

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ GREG S. MORGANROTH, MD

Greg S. Morganroth, MD

Director

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/GREG FAYEZ S. MORGANROTH, MDMUHTADIE

Fayez S. Muhtadie

Director

February 17, 2022

Greg S. Morganroth, MD

Date: April 19, 2023

By:

/s/ ELIZABETH R. NEUHOFF

Elizabeth R. Neuhoff

/s/ FAYEZ S. MUHTADIE

Director

February 17, 2022

Fayez S. Muhtadie

Director

6957

Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

Page

Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2020 and 2021 and for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021

Report of independent registered public accounting firm (PCAOB ID: 34)

F-2

Balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2021

F-5

Statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021

F-6

Statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021

F-7

Statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021

F-8

Statements of equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021

F-9

Notes to consolidated financial statements

F-10

F-1

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of Focus Financial Partners Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Focus Financial Partners Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and equity, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 17, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Valuation pertaining to current year acquisitions — Refer to Notes 2, 4 and 5 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company acquires businesses throughout the year in transactions which qualify as business acquisitions. The Company may also separately purchase customer relationships and other intangible assets in asset acquisitions that do not qualify as business acquisitions.

F-2

Table of Contents

The purchase price associated with each business acquisition consists of cash, may include equity, and the right of the seller to receive contingent consideration. The purchase price is allocated across the estimated fair value of tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and the fair value of intangible assets, with the excess purchase price allocated to goodwill.

The fair value of other intangible assets and the calculation of goodwill involves significant management judgment in estimating projections, forecasting growth rates used to produce financial projections for the acquired entities, and the selection of unobservable inputs and other assumptions. The inputs used in establishing the fair value of other intangible assets are in most cases unobservable and reflect the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset.

Auditing the fair value of other intangible assets and the calculation of goodwill involves a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists for certain acquisitions, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s forecasts of future growth rates and the selection of the unobservable inputs used in the models.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the purchase price allocation for business acquisitions occurring during the year included the following, utilizing fair value specialists for certain procedures and transactions:

1.

We tested the effectiveness of controls over the purchase price allocation, including understanding management’s processes and controls over the valuation of other intangible assets and the underlying assumptions used for estimating the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

2.

We evaluated management’s policies and methodology for establishing the fair values used in the purchase price allocations and the prospective financial information, including testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data.

3.

We evaluated the reasonableness of the unobservable inputs, and other key judgments made by management to determine the reasonableness of the fair value of the other intangible assets and the calculation of goodwill.

4.

We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue and operating margin forecasts by comparing the forecasts to:

· Actual historical revenues and operating margins of the acquired entity

· Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors

· Forecasted information included in Company press releases, analyst and industry reports for the Company, market trends, and certain of its guideline companies.

5.

We evaluated the future revenue growth rates used by the Company to determine forecasted revenues and operating margins, by comparing them to industry benchmarks and data, as well as evaluated the relevance and reliability of third-party market data points used to develop the future revenue growth rates.

6.

We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s assumptions through independent analysis using publicly available market data for comparable entities and comparison to industry benchmark and data.

Contingent Consideration Valuation — Refer to Notes 2, 4 and 7 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The purchase price associated with acquisitions consists of cash, may include equity, and contingent consideration. For business acquisitions, the Company recognizes the fair value of estimated contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of purchase price allocation. Contingent consideration is paid upon the passage of time and the satisfaction of specified financial performance targets. The performance targets are typically tied to acquired entity’s revenues or earnings. The estimated contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. Any changes in fair value are recognized each reporting period in non-cash changes in fair value of

F-3

Table of Contents

estimated contingent consideration. In determining fair value of the estimated contingent consideration, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections for the acquired businesses. The Company uses the Monte Carlo Simulation Model to determine the fair value of the Company's estimated contingent consideration given the non-linear nature of the arrangements.

The fair value of the estimated contingent consideration involves significant management judgment in forecasting growth rates used to produce financial projections for the acquired businesses and selecting unobservable inputs and other assumptions used in the Monte Carlo Simulation Model.

We identified the valuation of estimated contingent consideration at acquisition and the remeasurement thereafter as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management makes related to the unobservable inputs and financial projections. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists for certain acquisitions and year-end estimates, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the financial projections and the selection of the unobservable inputs used in the Monte Carlo Simulation Model.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the valuation of contingent consideration included the following, utilizing fair value specialists for certain procedures and transactions:

1.

We tested the effectiveness of controls over the valuation of contingent consideration including understanding management processes and controls in forecasting future revenues and operating margins as well as those over the estimation process for inputs used in the Monte Carlo Simulation Model.

2.

We evaluated management’s policies and methodology for establishing the valuation of estimated contingent consideration.

3.

We evaluated the reasonableness of the unobservable inputs, and other key judgments made by management as well as independently running the Monte Carlo Simulations to calculate an independent estimate of fair value. We compared the results of our estimate of fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities to the Company’s fair value estimate.

4.

We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue and operating margin forecasts of the acquired businesses by comparing the forecasts to:

· Actual historical revenues and operating margins

· Internal communications to management and the Board of Directors

· Performing sensitivity analysis and evaluating potential effect of changes in certain assumptions.

5.

We evaluated management’s ability to accurately estimate fair value by comparing management’s historical estimates to subsequent results.

6.

We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s assumptions through independent analysis using publicly available market data for comparable entities and comparison to industry benchmarks and data.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New York, New York

February 17, 2022

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.

F-4

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND DECEMBER 31, 2021

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2020

2021

ASSETS

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

65,858

$

310,684

Accounts receivable less allowances of $2,178 at 2020 and $3,255 at 2021

 

169,220

 

198,827

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

65,581

 

123,826

Fixed assets—net

 

49,209

 

47,199

Operating lease assets

229,748

249,850

Debt financing costs—net

 

6,950

 

4,254

Deferred tax assets—net

107,289

267,332

Goodwill

 

1,255,559

 

1,925,315

Other intangible assets—net

 

1,113,467

 

1,581,719

TOTAL ASSETS

$

3,062,881

$

4,709,006

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

  

LIABILITIES

 

  

Accounts payable

$

9,634

$

11,580

Accrued expenses

 

53,862

 

72,572

Due to affiliates

 

66,428

 

105,722

Deferred revenue

 

9,190

 

10,932

Contingent consideration and other liabilities

 

196,176

 

468,284

Deferred tax liabilities

26,735

31,973

Operating lease liabilities

253,295

277,324

Borrowings under credit facilities (stated value of $1,507,622 and $2,407,302 at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

 

1,507,119

 

2,393,669

Tax receivable agreements obligations

81,563

219,542

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

2,204,002

 

3,591,598

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)

 

  

EQUITY

Class A common stock, par value $0.01, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 51,158,712 and 65,320,124 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, respectively

512

653

Class B common stock, par value $0.01, 500,000,000 shares authorized; 20,661,595 and 11,439,019 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, respectively

207

114

Additional paid-in capital

526,664

841,753

Retained earnings

14,583

24,995

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

(2,167)

3,029

Total shareholders' equity

539,799

870,544

Non-controlling interest

319,080

246,864

Total equity

858,879

1,117,408

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

3,062,881

$

4,709,006

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-5

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2019

    

2020

    

2021

REVENUES:

  

  

  

Wealth management fees

$

1,149,655

$

1,286,130

$

1,717,365

Other

 

 

68,686

 

75,189

 

80,586

Total revenues

 

 

1,218,341

 

1,361,319

 

1,797,951

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

Compensation and related expenses

 

 

431,465

 

476,208

 

591,121

Management fees

 

 

304,701

 

349,475

 

491,433

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

232,911

 

236,377

 

297,636

Management contract buyout

1,428

Intangible amortization

 

 

130,718

 

147,783

 

187,848

Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration

 

 

38,797

 

19,197

 

112,416

Depreciation and other amortization

 

 

10,675

 

12,451

 

14,625

Total operating expenses

 

 

1,150,695

 

1,241,491

 

1,695,079

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

 

 

67,646

 

119,828

 

102,872

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):

 

 

  

 

 

  

Interest income

 

 

1,164

 

453

 

422

Interest expense

 

 

(58,291)

 

(41,658)

 

(55,001)

Amortization of debt financing costs

 

 

(3,452)

 

(2,909)

 

(3,958)

Loss on extinguishment of borrowings

 

 

 

(6,094)

 

Other expense—net

 

 

(1,049)

 

(214)

 

(337)

Income from equity method investments

755

219

524

Impairment of equity method investment

 

 

(11,749)

 

 

Total other expense—net

 

 

(72,622)

 

(50,203)

 

(58,350)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX

 

 

(4,976)

 

69,625

 

44,522

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

 

 

7,049

 

20,660

 

20,082

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

(12,025)

$

48,965

$

24,440

Non-controlling interest

(847)

(20,920)

(14,028)

NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS

$

(12,872)

$

28,045

$

10,412

Income (loss) per share of Class A common stock:

Basic

$

(0.28)

$

0.58

$

0.18

Diluted

$

(0.28)

$

0.57

$

0.18

Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:

Basic

46,792,389

48,678,584

57,317,477

Diluted

46,792,389

48,796,613

57,831,151

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-6

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands)

 

 

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Net income (loss)

$

(12,025)

$

48,965

$

24,440

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

768

 

7,555

 

(5,332)

Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges

(8,596)

13,212

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

(11,257)

$

47,924

$

32,320

Less: Comprehensive income loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

(1,090)

(20,747)

(16,712)

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

$

(12,347)

$

27,177

$

15,608

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-7

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands)

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

  

 

  

Net income (loss)

$

(12,025)

$

48,965

$

24,440

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities—net of effect of acquisitions:

  

 

  

 

  

Intangible amortization

130,718

 

147,783

 

187,848

Depreciation and other amortization

10,675

 

12,451

 

14,625

Amortization of debt financing costs

3,452

 

2,909

 

3,958

Non-cash equity compensation expense

18,329

 

22,285

 

31,602

Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration

38,797

 

19,197

 

112,416

Income from equity method investments

(755)

 

(219)

 

(524)

Impairment of equity method investment

11,749

Distributions received from equity method investments

751

 

231

 

1,143

Deferred taxes and other non-cash items

3,555

 

2,618

 

(8,568)

Loss on extinguishment of borrowings

 

6,094

 

Changes in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:

  

 

  

 

  

Accounts receivable

(29,562)

 

(37,913)

 

(32,006)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

3,796

 

74

 

2,103

Accounts payable

(1,172)

 

606

 

486

Accrued expenses

8,276

 

10,876

 

14,444

Due to affiliates

18,989

 

7,650

 

38,831

Contingent consideration and other liabilities

(10,487)

 

(29,683)

 

(77,423)

Deferred revenue

(312)

 

(2,563)

 

543

Net cash provided by operating activities

194,774

 

211,361

 

313,918

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

  

 

  

 

  

Cash paid for acquisitions and contingent consideration—net of cash acquired

(532,513)

 

(348,674)

 

(979,062)

Purchase of fixed assets

(25,472)

 

(19,349)

 

(11,018)

Investment and other

1,530

 

(4,950)

 

(17,232)

Net cash used in investing activities

(556,455)

 

(372,973)

 

(1,007,312)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

  

 

  

 

  

Borrowings under credit facilities

969,125

 

555,000

 

1,318,375

Repayments of borrowings under credit facilities

(529,796)

 

(326,566)

 

(425,320)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

219,636

Payments in connection with unit redemption, net

(57,735)

Payments in connection with tax receivable agreements

(4,423)

Contingent consideration paid

(22,040)

 

(49,891)

 

(78,092)

Payments of debt financing costs

(3,743)

 

(634)

 

(8,282)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

838

6,912

8,350

Equity awards withholding

(386)

(1,343)

Payments on finance lease obligations

(176)

(147)

(58)

Distributions for unitholders

(20,641)

 

(22,457)

 

(32,311)

Net cash provided by financing activities

393,567

 

161,831

 

938,797

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

79

 

461

 

(577)

CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

31,965

 

680

��

 

244,826

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

  

 

  

 

  

Beginning of period

33,213

 

65,178

 

65,858

End of period

$

65,178

$

65,858

$

310,684

See Note 17 for Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure

See notes to consolidated financial statements

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Accumulated

Class A

Class B

Additional

Retained

Other

Total

Non-

Common Stock

Common Stock

Paid-In

Earnings

Comprehensive

Shareholders'

controlling

Total

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

(Deficit)

   

Income (Loss)

   

Equity

   

Interest

   

Equity

Balance at—January 1, 2019

46,265,903

$

462

22,823,272

$

228

$

471,386

$

(590)

$

(1,824)

$

469,662

342,858

$

812,520

Net loss

(12,872)

(12,872)

847

(12,025)

Issuance (cancellation) of common stock in connection with exercise of Focus LLC common unit exchange rights

747,523

8

(747,523)

(7)

22,279

22,280

22,280

Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of Focus LLC incentive unit exchange rights

394,814

4

11,963

11,967

11,967

Forfeiture of unvested Class A common stock

(12,500)

(412)

(412)

(412)

Exercise of stock options

25,575

838

838

838

Change in non-controlling interest allocation

(10,895)

(10,895)

(24,098)

(34,993)

Non-cash equity compensation expenses

3,490

3,490

3,490

Currency translation adjustment—net of tax

525

525

243

768

Adjustments of deferred taxes, net of amounts payable under tax receivable agreements and changes from Focus LLC interest transactions

(463)

(463)

(463)

Balance at—December 31, 2019

47,421,315

$

474

22,075,749

$

221

$

498,186

$

(13,462)

$

(1,299)

$

484,120

$

319,850

$

803,970

Net income

28,045

28,045

20,920

48,965

Issuance (cancellation) of common stock in connection with exercise of Focus LLC common unit exchange rights

1,414,154

14

(1,414,154)

(14)

43,235

43,235

43,235

Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of Focus LLC incentive unit exchange rights

2,058,146

21

69,436

69,457

69,457

Forfeiture of unvested Class A common stock

(834)

(27)

(27)

(27)

Exercise of stock options

251,913

2

7,799

7,801

7,801

Restricted stock units vesting and related withholdings

14,018

1

(387)

(386)

(386)

Change in non-controlling interest allocation

(96,443)

(96,443)

(21,517)

(117,960)

Non-cash equity compensation expenses

4,798

4,798

4,798

Currency translation adjustment—net of tax

4,689

4,689

2,866

7,555

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges—net of tax

(5,557)

(5,557)

(3,039)

(8,596)

Adjustments of deferred taxes, net of amounts payable under tax receivable agreements and changes from Focus LLC interest transactions

67

67

67

Balance at—December 31, 2020

51,158,712

$

512

20,661,595

$

207

$

526,664

$

14,583

$

(2,167)

$

539,799

$

319,080

$

858,879

Net income

10,412

10,412

14,028

24,440

Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisitions and contingent consideration

58,657

1

614,362

5

3,514

3,520

3,520

Issuance (cancellation) of common stock in connection with offerings, net

10,114,939

100

(6,306,301)

(63)

511,691

511,728

511,728

Issuance (cancellation) of common stock in connection with exercise of Focus LLC common unit exchange rights

3,542,853

35

(3,542,853)

(35)

194,410

194,410

194,410

Issuance of common stock in connection with exercise of Focus LLC incentive unit exchange rights

185,563

2

9,398

9,400

9,400

Exercise of stock options

235,684

3

7,458

7,461

7,461

Restricted stock units vesting and related withholdings

23,716

(971)

(971)

(971)

Restricted common units vesting

12,216

Change in non-controlling interest allocation

(434,901)

(434,901)

(88,928)

(523,829)

Non-cash equity compensation expenses

6,036

6,036

6,036

Currency translation adjustment—net of tax

(4,175)

(4,175)

(1,157)

(5,332)

Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges—net of tax

9,371

9,371

3,841

13,212

Adjustments of deferred taxes, net of amounts payable under tax receivable agreements and changes from Focus LLC interest transactions

18,454

18,454

18,454

Balance at—December 31, 2021

65,320,124

$

653

11,439,019

$

114

$

841,753

$

24,995

$

3,029

$

870,544

$

246,864

$

1,117,408

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-9

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

1. GENERAL

Organization

Focus Financial Partners Inc. (“Focus Inc.”) is a holding company that was formed as a Delaware corporation on July 29, 2015. Focus Inc. is the managing member of Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus LLC”) and operates and controls the businesses and affairs of Focus LLC.

Focus LLC is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed in November 2004. Focus LLC’s subsidiaries commenced revenue generating and acquisition activities in January 2006. Focus LLC’s activities are governed by its Fourth Amended and Restated Operating Agreement, as amended (the “Operating Agreement”).

The consolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations and financial position of Focus Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”).

Business

The Company is in the business of acquiring and overseeing independent fiduciary wealth management and related businesses. The Company typically acquires 100% of the net assets of the wealth management businesses on terms that are generally consistent for each acquisition. To determine the acquisition price, the Company first estimates the operating cash flow of the business to be acquired based on current and projected levels of revenue and expenses. For this purpose, the Company defines operating cash flow as cash revenue of the business, less cash expenses, other than compensation and benefits to the selling entrepreneurs or individuals who typically become principals of the management entities discussed below. The Company refers to the estimated operating cash flow earnings before partner compensation as target earnings (“Target Earnings”). The acquisition price is a multiple of a portion of the Target Earnings, referred to as base earnings (“Base Earnings”).

At the date of each of the respective acquisitions, the Company typically enters into a management agreement (“Management Agreement”) with a management company (“Management Company”) that is owned substantially by the selling principals of the acquired businesses. The Management Company earns management fees to manage the daily operations of the acquired business. The terms of the Management Agreements are generally six years with automatic renewals for consecutive one-year terms, unless terminated by either the Management Company or the Company. Under the Management Agreement, the Management Company is entitled to management fees typically consisting of all future earnings of the acquired business in excess of the Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of any earnings in excess of Target Earnings. The Company, through its respective operating subsidiary, retains a preferred position in the Base Earnings. To the extent earnings of an acquired business in any year are less than the Base Earnings, in the following year the Company, through its respective operating subsidiary, is entitled to receive the Base Earnings together with the prior years’ shortfall before any management fees are earned by the Management Company. Since each Management Company is neither acquired nor consolidated, management fees are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as operating expenses. Estimated management fees due are included in due to affiliates in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company consolidates Focus LLC and its subsidiaries’ financial statements and records the interests in Focus LLC consisting of common units, restricted common units and the common unit equivalent of incentive units of Focus LLC that the Company does not own as non-controlling interests, see Note 3. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Other liabilities as presented in the December 31, 2020 consolidated balance sheet has been disaggregated into deferred tax liabilities, and contingent consideration and other liabilities to conform to the December 31, 2021 presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Income (Loss) Per Share

Income (loss) per share is computed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for that period. Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the same periods plus the effect, if any, of the potentially dilutive shares of the Company’s Class A common stock from stock options, unvested Class A common stock, restricted stock units and Focus LLC common units, including contingently issuable Focus LLC common units, if any, restricted common units, and incentive units as calculated using the treasury stock method.

Revenue Recognition

Wealth Management Fees

The Company recognizes revenue from wealth management fees, which are primarily comprised of fees earned for advising on the assets of clients, financial and tax planning fees, consulting fees, tax return preparation fees, fees for family office services, and fees for wealth management and operational support services provided to third-party wealth management firms. Client arrangements may contain one of the services or multiple services, resulting in either a single or multiple performance obligations within the same client arrangement, each of which are separately identifiable and priced, and accounted for as the related services are provided and consumed over time. Fees are primarily based either on a contractual percentage of the client’s assets based on the market value of the client’s assets on the predetermined billing date, a flat fee, an hourly rate based on predetermined billing rates or a combination of such fees and are billed either in advance or arrears on a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual basis. Revenue is recognized over the respective service period based on time elapsed or hours expended, as the case may be, which is deemed to be the most faithful depiction of the transfer of services as clients benefit from services over the respective period. Revenue for wealth management and operational support services provided to third party wealth management firms is presented net since these services are performed in an agent capacity. Client agreements typically do not have a specified term and may be terminated at any time by either party subject to the respective termination and notification provisions in each agreement.

A majority of the Company’s wealth management fees are correlated to the markets, and therefore are considered variable consideration. The Company’s market-correlated fees are dependent on the market and, thus, are

F-11

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

susceptible to factors outside the Company’s control. Therefore, at inception of the contractual service period for fees which are based on the market values at the end of the service period, the Company cannot conclude that it is probable that a reversal in the cumulative revenue recognized would not occur if the estimate was included in the transaction price at that time. However, at each quarterly reporting date, the Company updates its estimate of the transaction price as the market uncertainty is typically resolved. The Company can then reasonably conclude that a reversal of the variable consideration will not occur for those services already provided.

Wealth management fees are recorded when: (i) an arrangement with a client has been identified; (ii) the performance obligations have been identified; (iii) the fee or other transaction price has been determined; (iv) the fee or other transaction price has been allocated to each performance obligation based on standalone fee rates; and (v) the Company has satisfied the applicable performance obligation.

Other

Other revenue includes fees earned for recordkeeping and administration services provided to employee benefit plans as well as commissions and distribution fees and outsourced services. Client arrangements may contain a single or multiple performance obligations, each of which are separately identifiable and accounted for as the related services are provided and consumed over time. Recordkeeping and administration and outsourced services revenue, in accordance with the same five criteria above, are recognized over the period in which services are provided. Commissions and distribution fees are recognized when earned.

The Company disaggregates revenue based on the above two categories. The Company does not allocate revenue by the type of service provided in connection with providing holistic wealth management client services. The Company generally manages its business based on the operating results of the enterprise taken as a whole, not by geographic region. The following table disaggregates the revenues based on the location of the partner firm legal entities that generate the revenues, and therefore may not be reflective of the geography in which clients are located, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Domestic revenue

$

1,170,169

$

1,291,630

$

1,691,345

International revenue

 

48,172

 

69,689

 

106,606

Total revenue

$

1,218,341

$

1,361,319

$

1,797,951

International revenue consists of revenue generated by partner firm legal entities in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Deferred Revenue

Fees collected in advance are deferred and recognized in revenue over the period earned with the unrecognized portion of fees collected in advance recorded as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

F-12

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at their net realizable value. Allowances for uncollectible accounts are maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. In determining these estimates, historical write-offs, the aging of the receivables and other factors, such as overall economic conditions, are considered.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets are initially recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives for fixed assets, primarily consisting of computers, equipment, andfurniture and fixtures, are generally between three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated economic useful lives or the terms of the leases. The costs of improvements that extend the life of a fixed asset are capitalized, while the costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Debt Financing Costs

Direct costs incurred with obtaining debt financing are capitalized or recorded as a reduction of the underlying debt. The costs are amortized over the respective term of the underlying debt and are included in amortization of debt financing costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Business Acquisitions

Business acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 805: Business Combinations. Business acquisitions are accounted for by allocating the purchase price consideration to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The purchase price allocations are based upon preliminary valuations, and the Company’s estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period as valuations are finalized. Any change in the estimated fair value of the net assets, prior to the finalization of the more detailed analyses, but not to exceed one year from the dates of acquisition, will change the amount of the purchase price allocations. Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the purchase price consideration over the fair value of net assets of the business acquired. All transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

The Company has incorporated contingent consideration, or earn out provisions, into the structure of its business acquisitions. These arrangements may result in the payment of additional purchase price consideration to the sellers based on the growth of certain financial thresholds for periods following the closing of the respective acquisition. The additional purchase price consideration is payable in the form of cash and, in some cases, equity.

The Company recognizes the fair value of estimated contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for the acquired business. The contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. Any changes in fair value are recognized each reporting period in non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

The results of the acquired businesses have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the respective dates of acquisition.

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Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Investments

The equity method of accounting is applied to investments where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters. During the years ended December 2020 and 2021, the Company acquired minority equity interests in wealth management firms for $4,950 and $1,632 in cash, respectively, that are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

The Company records other equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values at cost less impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. Investments are periodically reviewed for impairment.

In January 2021, the Company invested $18,000 in a publicly traded mutual fund. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized in other expense-net in the consolidated statements of operations. One of the Company’s subsidiaries is a sub-adviser to the mutual fund.

The Company’s investments are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful life and is not amortized. Intangible and other long-lived assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives. The Company has 0 indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment as of October 1, or more frequently if events and circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a market approach. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit no further consideration is necessary. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Company would record an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit.

Intangible assets and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired or that the estimated useful life should be changed prospectively. If impairment indicators are present, the recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is determined using a discounted cash flow approach.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of substantially all of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are considered to approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The carrying amount of revolver borrowings under the Credit Facility (as defined below) approximates fair value, as the debt bears interest at selected short-term variable market rates. The Company measures the implied fair value of its First Lien Term Loan (as defined below) and interest rate swap agreements using trading levels and the relevant interest rate forward curves obtained from third-party service providers; accordingly, they are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s investment in a mutual fund was determined using quoted market prices within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. See Note 7 for further information regarding the Company’s fair value measurements.

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Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments for purposes other than trading. Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging, which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that qualify as hedges and have been designated as part of a hedging relationship for accounting purposes do not impact earnings until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage its mix of fixed and floating rate debt. These instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges at inception and are measured for effectiveness both at inception and on an ongoing basis.

Income Taxes

Focus Inc. is a holding company whose most significant asset is a membership interest in Focus LLC. Focus Inc. is subject to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on Focus Inc.’s allocable portion of taxable income from Focus LLC. Focus LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, Focus LLC is generally not and has not been subject to U.S. federal and certain state income taxes at the entity level, although it has been subject to the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax and certain of its subsidiaries have been subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local or foreign income taxes. Instead, for U.S. federal and certain state income tax purposes, the income, deductions, losses and credits of Focus LLC are passed through to its unitholders, including Focus Inc. Focus LLC makes tax distribution payments to the extent of available cash, in accordance with the Operating Agreement. The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. federal government as well as various state and local jurisdictions.

The asset and liability method is applied for deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on a net basis for each tax paying component for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances, if any, are recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

The Company reviews and evaluates tax positions in its major tax jurisdictions and determines whether or not there are uncertain tax positions that require financial statement recognition. Based on this review, 0 reserves for uncertain tax positions were recorded at December 31, 2020 and 2021.

Segment Reporting

Management has determined that the Company operates in 1 operating segment, as a wealth management focused organization, which is consistent with its structure and how the Company manages the business. The Company’s acquired businesses have similar economic and business characteristics. The services provided are wealth management related and the Company’s businesses are subject to a similar regulatory framework. Furthermore, the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker, which is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, monitors and reviews financial information at a consolidated level for assessing operating results and the allocation of resources.

Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts

Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries that have a foreign currency as their functional currency are re-measured to U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are re-measured at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other

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Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

comprehensive income (loss). Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in other expense—net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Consolidation Considerations

ASC Topic 810, Consolidations, requires an entity to perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether its variable interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”). Under the standard, an enterprise has a controlling financial interest when it has (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. An enterprise that holds a controlling financial interest is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the VIE.

The Company’s subsidiaries have Management Agreements with the respective Management Company, which causes these Company subsidiaries to be VIEs. The Company has assessed whether or not it is the primary beneficiary for these subsidiaries and has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the results of these subsidiaries have been consolidated.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have variable interests in certain investment funds that are deemed voting interest entities. Due to substantive kick-out rights possessed by the limited partners of these funds, the Company does not consolidate the investment funds.

From time to time, the Company enters into option agreements with wealth management businesses (the “Optionee”). In exchange for payment of an option premium, the option agreement allows the Company, at its sole discretion, to acquire the Optionee at a predetermined time and at a predetermined purchase price formula. If the Company chooses to exercise its option to acquire the Optionee, the acquisition and the corresponding Management Agreement would be executed in accordance with the Company’s typical acquisition structure as discussed in Note 1. The Company has determined that the option agreements with the Optionees qualify the Optionees as VIEs. The Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the Optionees and does not consolidate the results of the Optionees. There were no option premiums outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2021.

Stock Based Compensation Costs

Compensation cost for Focus LLC incentive units and Focus Inc. stock option awards is measured based on the fair value of awards determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing model or the Monte Carlo Simulation Model on the date that the awards are granted or modified, and is adjusted for the estimated number of awards that are expected to be forfeited. Compensation cost for unvested Class A common stock and restricted stock units, as well as Focus LLC restricted common units, is measured based on the market value of the Company’s Class A common stock on the date that the awards are granted and is adjusted for the estimated number of awards that are expected to be forfeited. The compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Non-cash equity compensation expense, associated with employees and non-employees, including principals in the management companies, is included in compensation and related expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of the respective grant and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ materially from those estimates. The Company uses historical data to estimate forfeitures and records non-cash equity compensation expense only for those awards that are expected to vest.

F-16

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Leases

The Company leases office space in various locations under noncancelable lease agreements with various expiration dates. The Company determines if a contract contains a lease at inception. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Many of these lease agreements provide for tenant improvement allowances, rent increases, and/or rent-free periods. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis commencing with the possession date of the property, which is typically the earlier of the lease commencement date or the date when the Company takes possession of the property. Operating lease costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at the lease commencement date. The interest rate used to determine the present value of the future lease payments is an estimated incremental borrowing rate, because the interest rate implicit in the Company’s leases is not readily determinable. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments, and in economic environments where the leased asset is located. We generally use the base, non-cancelable, lease term when determining the lease assets and liabilities. Lease assets also include any prepaid lease payments and lease incentives. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, which are immaterial to the consolidated financial statements, are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company has a limited number of finance leases which are not material to the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which simplifies the accounting for income taxes, eliminates certain exceptions within ASC 740, Income Taxes, and clarifies certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistency among reporting entities. ASU No. 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Most amendments within the standard are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. The adoption of ASU No. 2019-12 on January 1, 2021 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU No. 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another rate that is expected to be discontinued. The amendments in ASU No. 2020-04 are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The adoption of ASU No. 2020-04 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements; however, the Company will continue to evaluate the impacts, if any, of the provisions of ASU No. 2020-04 on the Company’s debt and hedging arrangements through December 31, 2022.

F-17

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

3. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS AND INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

The calculation of controlling and non-controlling interest is as follows as of December 31, 2020 and 2021:

    

2020

2021

Focus LLC common units

    

20,661,595

11,439,019

Focus LLC restricted common units

73,276

193,625

Common unit equivalents of outstanding vested and unvested Focus LLC incentive units(1)

7,614,473

8,996,789

Total common units, restricted common units and common unit equivalents attributable to non-controlling interest

28,349,344

20,629,433

Total common units, restricted common units and common unit equivalents of incentive units outstanding

79,508,056

85,949,557

Non-controlling interest allocation

35.7

%

24.0

%

Company’s interest in Focus LLC

64.3

%

76.0

%

(1)Focus LLC common units issuable upon conversion of 17,234,497 and 16,146,524 (see Note 10) vested and unvested Focus LLC incentive units outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively, were calculated using the common unit equivalent of vested and unvested Focus LLC incentive units based on the closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock on the last trading day of the period.

Basic income (loss) per share is calculated utilizing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the same period. The calculation of basic income (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is as follows:

2019

2020

2021

Basic income (loss) per share:

 

  

  

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

$

(12,872)

$

28,045

$

10,412

Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding

 

46,792,389

 

48,678,584

 

57,317,477

Basic income (loss) per share

$

(0.28)

$

0.58

$

0.18

Diluted income (loss) per share is calculated utilizing net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the same periods plus the effect, if any, of the potentially dilutive shares of the Company’s Class A common stock from stock options, unvested Class A common stock, restricted stock units and Focus LLC common units, including contingently issuable Focus LLC common units, if any, restricted common units and incentive units as calculated using the treasury stock

F-18

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

method. The calculation of diluted income (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is as follows:

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Diluted income (loss) per share:

 

  

  

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

$

(12,872)

$

28,045

$

10,412

Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding

 

46,792,389

 

48,678,584

 

57,317,477

Effect of dilutive stock options

77,302

461,306

Effect of dilutive unvested Class A common stock

23,822

Effect of dilutive restricted stock units

16,905

52,368

Total

 

46,792,389

 

48,796,613

 

57,831,151

Diluted income (loss) per share

$

(0.28)

$

0.57

$

0.18

Diluted loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes incremental shares of 373 related to time-based stock options and incremental shares of 20,055 related to unvested Class A common, since the effect would be antidilutive.

Diluted income (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 excludes shares related to 155,000 market-based stock options that vest on the fifth anniversary of the pricing of the Company’s initial public offering in July 2018 (“ IPO”) if the volume weighted average per share price for any ninety calendar day period within such five year period immediately following the IPO reaches at least $100. Such market-based criteria were not met during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Focus LLC common units and vested incentive units may be exchanged for Class A common stock, subject to certain limitations (see Note 10). In computing the dilutive effect, if any, that the exchange would have on net income (loss) per share, net income (loss) attributable to Class A common shareholders would be adjusted due to the elimination of the non-controlling interests (including any associated tax impact). For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, such exchange is not reflected in diluted income (loss) per share as the assumed exchange is not dilutive.

F-19

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

4. ACQUISITIONS

Business Acquisitions

The purchase price associated with business acquisitions and the allocation thereof during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, is summarized as follows:

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Number of business acquisitions closed

31

21

    

36

Consideration:

 

Cash and option premium

$

507,498

$

327,722

$

983,240

Cash due subsequent to closing at net present value and working capital adjustments

4,341

(174)

86,201

Fair market value of Focus LLC common units issued

 

23,118

Fair market value of Class A common stock issued

3,515

Fair market value of estimated contingent consideration

 

82,781

46,918

212,074

Total consideration

$

594,620

$

374,466

$

1,308,148

Allocation of purchase price:

 

Total tangible assets

$

50,761

$

21,216

$

61,854

Total liabilities assumed

 

(53,394)

(31,680)

(83,444)

Customer relationships

 

349,447

215,686

616,283

Management contracts

 

17,284

7,774

33,350

Goodwill

 

229,799

160,341

677,195

Other acquired intangibles

 

723

1,129

2,910

Total allocated consideration

$

594,620

$

374,466

$

1,308,148

Management believes approximately $837,879 of tax goodwill and intangibles related to business acquisitions completed during the year ended December 31, 2021 will be deductible for tax purposes over a 15 year period. Additional tax goodwill may be deductible when estimated contingent consideration is earned and paid.

A portion of the cash due at closing for one of the Company’s 2021 business acquisitions was placed in escrow for the satisfaction of certain indemnifications and other related items, if any.

The accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes revenue and income from operations for business acquisitions that are new subsidiary partner firms from the date they were acquired of $54,251 and $9,209, respectively.

Asset Acquisitions

The Company also separately purchases customer relationships and other intangible assets. These purchases are accounted for as asset acquisitions as they do not qualify as business acquisitions pursuant to ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The Company completed 3, 4 and 2 asset acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Total purchase consideration, inclusive of transaction costs, for asset acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $850 in cash. Total purchase consideration, inclusive of transaction costs, for asset acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $26,159 in cash. Total purchase consideration for the asset acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2021 was $3,041 in cash. Certain asset acquisitions include contingent consideration provisions. The Company records the contingent consideration as additional purchase consideration when the outcome of the contingency is determinable. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020

F-20

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

and 2021, the Company paid $3,452, $2,451 and $4,577, respectively, of additional purchase price consideration related to asset acquisitions.

Intangible assets acquired in asset acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 were as follows:

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Customer relationships

$

808

$

24,851

$

2,916

Management contracts

 

12

 

 

Other acquired intangibles

 

30

 

1,308

 

125

Total

$

850

$

26,159

$

3,041

The weighted-average useful life of intangibles acquired during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 through business acquisitions and asset acquisitions are as follows:

2019

2020

    

2021

Management contracts

 

18

18

14

Customer relationships

 

9

9

9

Other acquired intangibles

 

5

5

5

Weighted-average useful life of all intangibles acquired

 

9

9

9

5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table summarizes the change in the goodwill balances for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

2019

2020

2021

Balance beginning of period:

Goodwill

$

883,119

$

1,112,855

$

1,278,183

Cumulative impairment losses

 

(22,624)

 

(22,624)

(22,624)

860,495

1,090,231

1,255,559

Goodwill acquired

 

229,799

 

160,341

677,195

Other

 

(63)

 

4,987

(7,439)

 

229,736

 

165,328

669,756

Balance end of period:

Goodwill

 

1,112,855

 

1,278,183

1,947,939

Cumulative impairment losses

 

(22,624)

 

(22,624)

(22,624)

$

1,090,231

$

1,255,559

$

1,925,315

There were 0 goodwill impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

F-21

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

The following table summarizes the amortizing acquired intangible assets at December 31, 2020:

Gross Carry

Accumulated

Net Book

    

Amount

    

Amortization

    

Value

Customer relationships

$

1,610,971

$

(612,037)

$

998,934

Management contracts

 

158,526

 

(47,881)

 

110,645

Other acquired intangibles

 

7,733

 

(3,845)

 

3,888

Total

$

1,777,230

$

(663,763)

$

1,113,467

The following table summarizes the amortizing acquired intangible assets at December 31, 2021:

    

Gross Carry

    

Accumulated

    

Net Book

Amount

Amortization

Value

Customer relationships

$

2,228,461

$

(787,016)

$

1,441,445

Management contracts

 

191,578

(57,153)

134,425

Other acquired intangibles

 

10,911

(5,062)

5,849

Total

$

2,430,950

$

(849,231)

$

1,581,719

Management contracts and other acquired intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 2 to 20 years. Customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 4 to 10 years.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:

Years Ending December 31, 

    

Amount

2022

$

240,862

2023

 

229,531

2024

 

216,594

2025

 

203,331

2026

 

179,095

6. FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets consist of the following at December 31, 2020 and 2021:

    

2020

    

2021

Leasehold improvements

$

44,865

$

46,252

Computers, software development and equipment

41,219

39,074

Furniture and fixtures

 

19,339

 

20,834

Subtotal

 

105,423

 

106,160

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(56,214)

 

(58,961)

Total

$

49,209

$

47,199

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:

Level 1—Unadjusted price quotations in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3—Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Marketable securities

At December 31, 2021, the fair value of the Company’s investment in a mutual fund was $16,856. The fair value was determined using Level 1 inputs.

First Lien Term Loan

The implied fair value of the Company’s First Lien Term Loan (as defined below) based on Level 2 inputs is as follows as of December 31, 2020 and 2021:

2020

2021

    

Stated

    

Fair

    

Stated

    

Fair

Value

Value

Value

Value

First Lien Term Loan - Tranche A

$

1,127,622

$

1,120,574

$

1,610,928

$

1,598,846

First Lien Term Loan - Tranche B

 

 

 

796,374

 

792,392

Derivatives

At December 31, 2020 and 2021, the fair value of the Company’s $850,000 notional amount interest rate swap agreements was $(10,400) and $5,810, respectively, which are included in contingent consideration and other liabilities and prepaid expenses and other assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The fair value was based on Level 2 inputs which included the relevant interest rate forward curves.

Business acquisitions

For business acquisitions, the Company recognizes the fair value of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets, and estimated contingent consideration at the acquisition date as part of purchase price. This fair value measurement is based on unobservable (Level 3) inputs.

F-23

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

The following table represents changes in the fair value of estimated contingent consideration for business acquisitions for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021:

    

2020

    

2021

Balance at January 1,

$

183,568

    

$

169,670

Additions to estimated contingent consideration

 

46,918

212,074

Payments of contingent consideration

 

(80,803)

(143,107)

Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration

 

19,197

112,416

Other

 

790

(1,026)

Balance at December 31,

$

169,670

$

350,027

Estimated contingent consideration is included in contingent consideration and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2020 and 2021, amounts due to sellers in connection with business acquisitions of $13,389 and $114,156, respectively, are included in contingent consideration and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company paid cash of $80,803 as contingent consideration associated with business acquisitions. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company paid $131,827 in cash and issued $11,280 in Focus LLC common units as contingent consideration associated with business acquisitions.

During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, the Company paid cash of $2,451 and $4,577, respectively, as contingent consideration associated with asset acquisitions. These amounts are included in cash paid for acquisitions and contingent consideration—net of cash acquired in investing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

In determining fair value of the estimated contingent consideration, the acquired business’s future performance is estimated using financial projections for the acquired business. These financial projections, as well as alternative scenarios of financial performance, are measured against the performance targets specified in each respective acquisition agreement. In addition, discount rates are established based on the cost of debt and the cost of equity. The Company uses the Monte Carlo Simulation Model to determine the fair value of the Company’s estimated contingent consideration.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s estimated contingent consideration are the forecasted growth rates over the measurement period and discount rates. Significant increases or decreases in the Company’s forecasted growth rates over the measurement period or discount rates would result in a higher or lower fair value measurement.

Inputs used in the fair value measurement of estimated contingent consideration at December 31, 2020 and 2021 are summarized below:

Quantitative Information About Level 3

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair Value at

    

Valuation

    

Unobservable

    

 

December 31, 2020

Techniques

Inputs

Ranges

 

$

169,670

Monte Carlo Simulation Model

Forecasted growth rates

(33.6)% - 20.9

%

Discount rates

10.0% - 18.0

%

F-24

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Quantitative Information About Level 3

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair Value at

    

Valuation

    

Unobservable

    

 

December 31, 2021

Techniques

Inputs

Ranges

 

$

350,027

Monte Carlo Simulation Model

Forecasted growth rates

0.7% - 20.1

%

Discount rates

9.0% - 15.0

%

8.CREDIT FACILITY

As of December 31, 2021, Focus LLC’s credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) consisted of a $2,407,302 first lien term loan (the “First Lien Term Loan”), consisting of a tranche A (“Tranche A”) and tranche B (“Tranche B”), and a $650,000 first lien revolving credit facility (the “First Lien Revolver”).

Tranche A bears interest (at Focus LLC’s option) at: (i) LIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% or (ii) the lender’s Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) plus a margin of 1.00%. In January 2021, Focus LLC amended and expanded Tranche A by $500,000 and incurred $2,700 in debt financing costs. The debt was issued at a discount of 0.125% or $625 which is being amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of Tranche A. The required quarterly installment repayments of $2,891 were increased to $4,173. Tranche A has a maturity date of July 2024.

In July 2021, Focus LLC amended and expanded its First Lien Term Loan and added Tranche B of $800,000. Of this amount, $650,000 was borrowed on the July 2021 closing date and $150,000 was borrowed in December 2021 under a delayed draw feature. Tranche B bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50% with a 0.50% LIBOR floor, and was issued at a discount of 0.75% or $6,000 which will be amortized to interest expense over the term of Tranche B. The delayed draw feature had a ticking fee with respect to the undrawn commitments with (i) 0 margin from 0-30 days from the closing date, (ii) 1.25% margin from 31-60 days of the closing date and (iii) 2.50% margin after 60 days from the closing date. Tranche B requires quarterly installment repayments of $2,001 and has a maturity date of June 2028. In connection with the Tranche B, Focus LLC paid $5,582 in debt financing costs.

The First Lien Revolver has a maturity date of July 2023. Up to $30,000 of the First Lien Revolver is available for the issuance of letters of credit, subject to certain limitations. The First Lien Revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.00% with step downs to 1.75%, 1.50% and 1.25% or the lender’s Base Rate plus a margin of 1.00% with step downs to 0.75%, 0.50% and 0.25%, based on achievement of a specified First Lien Leverage Ratio. The First Lien Revolver unused commitment fee is 0.50% with step downs to 0.375% and 0.25% based on achievement of a specified First Lien Leverage Ratio.

Focus LLC’s obligations under the Credit Facility are collateralized by the majority of Focus LLC’s assets. The Credit Facility contains various customary covenants, including, but not limited to: (i) incurring additional indebtedness or guarantees, (ii) creating liens or other encumbrances on property or granting negative pledges, (iii) entering into a merger or similar transaction, (iv) selling or transferring certain property and (v) declaring dividends or making other restricted payments.

Focus LLC is required to maintain a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not more than 6.25:1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. At December 31, 2021, Focus LLC's First Lien Leverage Ratio was 3.85:1.00, which satisfied the maximum ratio of 6.25:1.00. First Lien Leverage Ratio means the ratio of amounts outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan and First Lien Revolver plus other outstanding debt obligations secured by a lien on the assets of Focus LLC (excluding letters of credit other than unpaid drawings thereunder) minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility). Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of the Credit Facility was $544,814 at December 31, 2021. Focus LLC is also subject on an annual basis to contingent principal payments based on an excess cash flow calculation (as defined in the Credit Facility) for any fiscal year if the First Lien Leverage Ratio exceeds 3.75:1.00. NaN contingent principal payments were required to be made

F-25

Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021. Based on the excess cash flow calculation for the year ended December 31, 2021, 0 contingent principal payments are required to be made during the year ending December 31, 2022.

The Company defers and amortizes its debt financing costs over the respective terms of the First Lien Term Loan and First Lien Revolver. The debt financing costs related to the First Lien Term Loan are recorded as a reduction of the carrying amount of the First Lien Term Loan in the consolidated balance sheets. The debt financing costs related to the First Lien Revolver are recorded in debt financing costs-net in the consolidated balance sheets.

The following is a reconciliation of principal amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility to borrowings under the Credit Facility recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2021:

2020

2021

First Lien Term Loan - Tranche A

$

1,127,622

$

1,610,928

First Lien Term Loan - Tranche B

796,374

First Lien Revolver

380,000

Unamortized debt financing costs

 

(503)

 

(7,523)

Unamortized discount

 

 

(6,110)

Total

$

1,507,119

$

2,393,669

In connection with a January 2020 amendment to Tranche A to reduce the interest rates, Focus LLC paid $634 in debt financing costs and recorded a loss on extinguishment of borrowings of $6,094, representing the write off of $5,306 and $788 in deferred financing costs and unamortized discount, respectively.

At December 31, 2020 and 2021, unamortized debt financing costs associated with the First Lien Revolver of $6,950 and $4,254, respectively, were recorded in debt financing costs-net in the consolidated balance sheets.

Weighted-average interest rates for borrowings were approximately 3% for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2021, the First Lien Revolver available unused commitment line was $262,413 and $642,085 respectively.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2021, Focus LLC was contingently obligated for letters of credit in the amount of $7,587 and $7,915, respectively, each bearing interest at an annual rate of approximately 2%.

9. DERIVATIVES

At December 31, 2021, the Company has (i) a 4 year floating to fixed interest rate swap with a notional amount of $400,000 that was entered into in March 2020, the terms of which provide that the Company pays interest to the counterparty each month at a rate of 0.713% and receives interest from the counterparty each month at the 1 month USD LIBOR rate, subject to a 0% floor, (ii) 2 4 year floating to fixed interest rate swap agreements with notional amounts of $250,000 and $200,000, respectively, that were entered into in April 2020, the terms of which provide that the Company pays interest to the counterparties each month at a rate of 0.537% and 0.5315%, respectively, and receives interest from the counterparties each month at the 1 month USD LIBOR rate, subject to a 0% floor. The interest rate swaps effectively fix the variable interest rate applicable to $850,000 of borrowings outstanding on the First Lien Term Loan. The Company designated these swaps as cash flow hedges of the Company’s exposure to the variability of the payment of interest on these portions of its First Lien Term Loan borrowings.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

At December 31, 2020 and 2021, the fair value of the interest rate swaps was $(10,400) and $5,810, respectively, which are included in contingent consideration and other liabilities and prepaid expenses and other assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The interest rate swaps continue to be effective hedges, and as such, the offsetting adjustment to the fair value is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $1,804 and $(1,194) at December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

10. EQUITY

The following is a summary of the capital stock of the Company:

Class A Common Stock

Voting Rights

Holders of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock are entitled to 1 vote per share held of record on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders. The holders of Class A common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.

Dividend Rights

Holders of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock are entitled to ratably receive dividends when and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) out of funds legally available for that purpose, subject to any statutory or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends and to any prior rights and preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock.

Liquidation Rights

Upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution, distribution of assets or other winding up, the holders of Class A common stock are entitled to receive ratably the assets available for distribution to the shareholders after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any of the Company’s outstanding shares of preferred stock.

Other Matters

The shares of the Company’s Class A common stock have no preemptive or conversion rights and are not subject to further calls or assessment by the Company. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock. All outstanding shares of the Company’s Class A common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

Class B Common Stock

Voting Rights

Holders of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock are entitled to 1 vote per share held of record on all matters to be voted upon by the shareholders. Holders of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class on all matters presented to the Company’s shareholders for their vote or approval, except the amendment of certain provisions of the Company’s certificate of incorporation that would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Class B common stock so as to affect them adversely must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the shares affected by the amendment, voting as a single class, or as otherwise required by applicable law.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Dividend and Liquidation Rights

Holders of the Company’s Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends, unless the dividend consists of shares of the Company’s Class B common stock or of rights, options, warrants or other securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable for shares of Class B common stock paid proportionally with respect to each outstanding share of our Class B common stock and a dividend consisting of shares of Class A common stock or of rights, options, warrants or other securities convertible or exercisable into or exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock on equivalent terms is simultaneously paid to the holders of Class A common stock. Holders of the Company’s Class B common stock do not have any right to receive a distribution upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.

Preferred Stock

The Company’s certificate of incorporation authorizes the Board, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further shareholder approval, to establish and to issue from time to time one or more classes or series of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, covering up to an aggregate of 500,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Each class or series of preferred stock will cover the number of shares and will have the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions determined by the Board, which may include, among others, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, voting rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights and redemption rights. Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to vote at or receive notice of any meeting of shareholders.

Offerings

In March 2021, the Company completed an underwritten offering of 7,987,367 shares of its Class A common stock at $48.00 per share. This amount included 7,725,061 shares offered by certain selling stockholders of the Company affiliated with the Company’s current and former private equity investors and 262,306 shares offered by the Company (the “March Offering”) on behalf of certain of the existing unitholders of Focus LLC.

The net proceeds to the Company were $12,119, after deducting underwriting discounts and before other offering expenses of $1,122. The Company contributed the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of Class A common stock that it offered to Focus LLC in exchange for newly issued common units in Focus LLC. Focus LLC used the contributed amounts to purchase units in Focus LLC from certain unitholders and in connection with such purchase, the Company retired the corresponding shares of its Class B common stock, as applicable.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

In connection with the March Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,640,369 shares of Class A common stock and retired 2,460,732 shares of Class B common stock and 364,180 incentive units in Focus LLC, and acquired 2,640,369 common units in Focus LLC.

In June 2021, the Company completed an underwritten offering of 7,417,929 shares of its Class A common stock at $50.30 per share. This amount included 7,144,244 shares offered by certain selling stockholders of the Company affiliated with the Company’s current and former private equity investors and 273,685 shares offered by the Company (the “June Offering”) on behalf of certain of the existing unitholders of Focus LLC.

The net proceeds to the Company were $13,648, after deducting underwriting discounts and before other offering expenses of $287. The Company contributed the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of Class A common stock that it offered to Focus LLC in exchange for newly issued common units in Focus LLC. Focus LLC used the contributed amounts to purchase units in Focus LLC from certain unitholders and in connection with such purchase, the Company retired the corresponding shares of its Class B common stock, as applicable.

In connection with the June Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 3,927,729 shares of Class A common stock and retired 3,845,569 shares of Class B common stock and 144,850 incentive units in Focus LLC, and acquired 3,927,729 common units in Focus LLC.

In December 2021, the Company completed an underwritten offering of 3,546,841 shares of its Class A common stock at $57.00 per share (the “December Offering”).

The net proceeds to the Company were $194,083, after deducting underwriting discounts and before other offering expenses of $214. The Company contributed the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of Class A common stock that it offered to Focus LLC in exchange for newly issued common units in Focus LLC. Focus LLC used a portion of the contributed amount to purchase units in Focus LLC from certain incentive unitholders.

In connection with the December Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 3,546,841 shares of Class A common stock and retired 725,000 incentive units in Focus LLC, and acquired 3,546,841 common units in Focus LLC.

Other

In June 2021, Focus LLC issued 168,392 common units and the Company issued a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock in connection with an acquisition and a contingent consideration payment.

In September 2021, Focus LLC issued 64,706 common units and the Company issued a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock in connection with a contingent consideration payment.

In December 2021, the Company 58,657 shares of Class A common stock in connection with an acquisition.

In December 2021, Focus LLC issued 381,264 common units and the Company issued a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock in connection with an acquisition.

2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan

On July 30, 2018, the Board adopted the Focus Financial Partners Inc. 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) for the employees, consultants and the directors of the Company and its affiliates who perform services for it. The Omnibus Plan provides for potential grants of the following awards with respect to shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, to the extent applicable: (i) incentive stock options qualified as such under U.S. federal income

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

tax laws; (ii) non-qualified stock options or any other form of stock options; (iii) restricted stock awards; (iv) phantom stock awards; (v) restricted stock units; (vi) bonus stock; (vii) performance awards; (viii) annual cash incentive awards; (ix) any of the foregoing award types (other than incentive stock options) as awards related to Focus LLC’s units; and (x) incentive units in Focus LLC.

The maximum aggregate number of shares of the Company’s Class A common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards under the Omnibus Plan shall not exceed 6,000,000 shares (including such number of Focus LLC’s units or other securities which can be exchanged or converted into shares of Class A common stock). The reserve pool is subject to adjustment due to recapitalization or reorganization, or related to forfeitures or the expiration of awards, as provided under the Omnibus Plan. If the shares or units subject to any award are not issued or transferred, or cease to be issuable or transferable for any reason, including (but not exclusively) because shares or units are withheld or surrendered in payment of taxes or any exercise or purchase price relating to an award or because an award is forfeited, terminated, expires unexercised, is settled in cash or is otherwise terminated without a delivery of shares or units, those shares or units will again be available for issue, transfer or exercise pursuant to awards under the Omnibus Plan to the extent allowable by law. The Omnibus Plan also contains a provision that will add an additional number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the lesser of (a) 3,000,000 shares, (b) 5% of the outstanding (vested and unvested) shares of Class A common stock and Focus LLC units on the last day of the previous year, and (c) an amount determined by the Board, each year between 2019 and 2028.

Stock Options

The following table provides information relating to the status of, and changes in, the Company’s stock options granted during years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

    

Stock

    

Weighted Average

Options

Exercise Price

Outstanding—January 1, 2019

 

1,401,276

$

31.34

Granted

 

558,021

28.19

Exercised

(25,575)

32.75

Forfeited

 

(100,756)

30.31

Outstanding—December 31, 2019

 

1,832,966

 

30.42

Vested—December 31, 2019

698,805

32.01

Granted

286,081

44.71

Exercised

(251,913)

30.97

Forfeited

(21,817)

29.27

Outstanding—December 31, 2020

1,845,317

32.57

Vested—December 31, 2020

 

785,257

31.36

Granted

357,141

58.50

Exercised

(235,684)

31.65

Forfeited

(34,906)

32.65

Outstanding—December 31, 2021

1,931,868

37.47

Vested—December 31, 2021

852,579

31.56

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

For the purpose of calculating equity-based compensation expense for time-based stock option awards, the grant date fair value was determined using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

2019

2020

2021

Expected term

6.2

years

6.3

years

    

6.3

years

Expected stock price volatility

29

%

34

%

34

%

Risk-free interest rate

1.76

%

0.54

%

1.29

%

Expected dividend yield

%

%

%

Weighted average grant date fair value

$

9.03

$

15.37

$

20.89

Time-based stock options generally vest ratably over a four-year period commencing on the grant date.

In connection with the IPO, the Company granted market-based stock options to purchase an aggregate of 155,000 shares of Class A common stock that vest on the fifth anniversary of the IPO if the volume weighted average per share price for any ninety calendar day period within such five year period immediately following the IPO reaches at least $100.

For the purpose of calculating equity-based compensation expense for these market condition-based awards, the grant date fair value was determined through the application of the Monte Carlo Simulation Model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Expected term

    

5.0

years

Expected stock price volatility

 

30

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.78

%

Expected dividend yield

 

%

Weighted average grant date fair value

$

3.97

Restricted stock units

The following table provides information relating to the status of, and changes in, the Company’s restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

Weighted

Restricted

Average

Stock

Grant Date

    

Units

    

Fair Value

Outstanding—January 1, 2019

$

Granted

98,061

27.90

Forfeited

Vested

Outstanding—December 31, 2019

98,061

27.90

Granted

73,310

44.71

Forfeited

(7,707)

27.90

Vested

(22,569)

27.90

Outstanding—December 31, 2020

 

141,095

36.63

Granted

92,420

58.46

Forfeited

(6,954)

34.46

Vested

(38,805)

35.53

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Outstanding—December 31, 2021

187,756

47.69

Restricted stock units generally vest ratably over a four-year period commencing on the grant date.

The Company recognized $4,247, $5,485 and $6,036 of non-cash equity compensation expense in relation to stock options, unvested Class A common stock and restricted stock units during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Total unrecognized expense, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested stock options at December 31, 2021 was $13,259 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.2 years.

Total unrecognized expense, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to restricted stock units at December 31, 2021 was $8,448, and is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.4 years.

Focus LLC Common Units

As of December 31, 2021, Focus LLC had 11,439,019 common units that had a corresponding share of the Company’s Class B common stock outstanding.

Each common unit holder, restricted common unit holder and incentive unitholder of Focus LLC (other than the Company), subject to certain limitations, has the right to cause Focus LLC to redeem all or a portion of their vested common units and vested incentive units (“Exchange Right”). Upon an exercise of an Exchange Right with respect to vested incentive units, such incentive units will first be converted into a number of common units that takes into account the then-current value of the common units and such incentive units’ aggregate hurdle amount. Upon an exercise of an Exchange Right with respect to vested common units, and immediately after the conversion of vested incentive units into common units, Focus LLC will acquire each tendered common unit for, at its election, (i) one share of Class A common stock, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassification and other similar transactions, or (ii) an equivalent amount of cash. In addition, in connection with any redemption of vested common units (other than common units received upon a conversion of incentive units as described in this paragraph), the corresponding shares of Class B common stock will be cancelled. Alternatively, upon the exercise of any Exchange Right, the Company (instead of Focus LLC) will have the right to acquire each tendered common unit (and corresponding share of Class B common stock, as applicable) from the exchanging unitholder for, at its election, (i) one share of Class A common stock, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reclassification and other similar transactions, or (ii) an equivalent amount of cash. The Exchange Rights are subject to certain limitations and restrictions intended to ensure that Focus LLC will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

In March 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,252,224 shares of Class A common stock and retired 1,181,759 shares of Class B common stock and 152,753 incentive units in Focus LLC and acquired 1,252,224 common units in Focus LLC, in each case as part of the regular quarterly exchanges offered to holders of units in Focus LLC.

In June 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 713,354 shares of Class A common stock and retired 649,187 shares of Class B common stock and 119,357 incentive units in Focus LLC and acquired 713,354 common units in Focus LLC, in each case as part of the regular quarterly exchanges offered to holders of units in Focus LLC.

In September 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 453,567 shares of Class A common stock and retired 418,669 shares of Class B common stock and 50,000 incentive units in Focus LLC and acquired 453,567 common units in Focus LLC, in each case as part of the regular quarterly exchanges offered to holders of units in Focus LLC.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

In November 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,309,271 shares of Class A common stock and retired 1,293,238 shares of Class B common stock and 24,652 incentive units in Focus LLC and acquired 1,309,271 common units in Focus LLC, in each case as part of the regular quarterly exchanges offered to holders of units in Focus LLC.

Focus LLC Restricted Common Units

The following table provides information relating to the changes in Focus LLC restricted common units during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021:

Weighted

Restricted

Average

Common

Grant Date

    

Units

    

Fair Value

Outstanding—January 1, 2020

$

Granted

73,276

44.71

Forfeited

Vested

Outstanding—December 31, 2020

 

73,276

44.71

Granted

140,258

58.50

Forfeited

(1,902)

44.71

Vested

(18,007)

44.71

Outstanding—December 31, 2021

193,625

54.70

Restricted common units generally vest ratably over a four-year period commencing on the grant date.

Focus LLC Incentive Units

Focus LLC’s Operating Agreement provides for the granting of incentive units. Grants are designed as profits interests, which entitle a holder to receive distributions in excess of a specific hurdle amount, subject to the provisions of Focus LLC’s Operating Agreement. Incentive unit vesting provisions are either time-based or market-based.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

The following table provides information relating to the status of, and changes in, Focus LLC incentive units granted during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

    

    

Weighted Average

Incentive Units

Hurdle Price

Outstanding—January 1, 2019

18,597,474

$

20.63

Granted

2,106,131

28.01

Forfeited

(618,117)

11.24

Redeemed

(331,038)

27.80

Outstanding—December 31, 2019

19,754,450

21.59

Vested—December 31, 2019

10,288,263

15.37

Granted

855,006

44.21

Exchanged

(3,153,308)

12.51

Forfeited

(221,651)

24.67

Outstanding—December 31, 2020

17,234,497

24.34

Vested—December 31, 2020

8,509,652

18.31

Granted

 

692,277

 

57.85

Exchanged

(1,580,792)

17.65

Forfeited

 

(199,458)

 

23.22

Outstanding—December 31, 2021

 

16,146,524

 

26.44

Vested—December 31, 2021

 

9,804,757

 

20.44

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of time-based incentive units. The determination of the fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s estimated common unit price, as well as by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include the Company’s expected unit price volatility over the term of the incentive unit, expected term, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yield.

The estimated grant-date fair values of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 time-based incentive unit grants were calculated based on the following weighted-average assumptions:

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

 

Expected term

 

4.0

years

5.0

years

5.0

years

Expected unit price volatility

 

29

%  

35

%  

34

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

1.64

%  

0.39

%  

1.19

%

Expected dividend yield

 

%  

%  

%

Weighted average grant date fair value

$

7.15

$

13.72

$

18.35

Incentive units generally vest ratably over a four-year period commencing on the grant date.

In connection with the IPO, Focus LLC granted 3,845,000 market-based incentive units with a hurdle rate of $33.00 that vest on the fifth anniversary of the IPO if the volume weighted average per share price for any ninety calendar day period within such five year period immediately following the IPO reaches at least $100.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

For the purpose of calculating equity-based compensation expense for these market condition-based incentive units, the grant date fair value was determined through the application of the Monte Carlo Simulation Model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Expected term

    

4.1

years

Expected unit price volatility

 

30

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

2.74

%

Expected dividend yield

 

%

Weighted average grant date fair value

$

5.05

In February 2021, the compensation committee of the Company applied its discretion to provide for a new measurement period for 1,162,500 incentive units of certain officers of the Company. As a result of the modification, 896,230 units were vested based on the weighted average price per share for the seven days prior to February 23, 2021, with vesting calculated based on the same stock price hurdles that were to apply on the third anniversary of the IPO. This vesting criteria provided that if the specified weighted average price per share was: (i) less than $42.00, then none of such incentive units would vest; (ii) greater than $63.00, then all of such incentive units would vest; and (iii) if between $42.00 and $63.00, then (x) 50 percent of such incentive units would vest and (y) the remaining 50 percent of the remaining unvested incentive units would vest linearly based on where the price falls within the range of $42.00 and $63.00. The remaining 266,270 units that did not vest during the February measurement period, and 337,500 units held by individuals other than certain officers, that were not modified, were eligible to vest pursuant to the same criteria but using the weighted average price per share for the ninety day period immediately preceding the third anniversary of the Company’s IPO. In July 2021, the third anniversary of the Company’s IPO, 186,545 of the 266,270 units vested and 79,725 were forfeited pursuant to the vesting criteria, and 236,449 of the 337,500 units vested and 101,051 were forfeited pursuant to the vesting criteria.

In connection with the modification that resulted in the vesting of 896,230 units, the Company recognized additional non-cash equity compensation expense of $6,439 during the year ended December 31, 2021. In connection with the modification of the vesting terms of the 266,270 incentive units, the Company has recognized incremental non-cash equity compensation expense of $1,544 during the year ended December 31, 2021.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

Incentive units outstanding and vested at December 31, 2021 were as follows:

    

Number 

    

Vested
Incentive

Hurdle Rates

Outstanding

Units

$1.42

 

421

421

5.50

 

798

798

6.00

 

386

386

7.00

 

1,081

1,081

9.00

 

708,107

708,107

11.00

 

813,001

813,001

12.00

 

513,043

513,043

13.00

 

540,000

540,000

14.00

 

10,098

10,098

16.00

 

45,191

45,191

17.00

 

20,000

20,000

19.00

 

527,928

527,928

21.00

 

3,045,236

3,045,236

22.00

 

821,417

821,417

23.00

 

524,828

524,828

26.26

12,500

27.00

 

16,734

9,363

27.90

1,929,424

931,758

28.50

1,440,230

1,051,459

30.48

30,000

10,000

33.00

 

3,617,500

7,500

36.64

30,000

20,000

43.50

30,000

44.71

806,324

203,142

58.50

662,277

16,146,524

9,804,757

The Company has recorded $14,082, $16,800 and $25,566 of non-cash equity compensation expense for incentive units and restricted common units during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Total unrecognized expense, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to restricted common units at December 31, 2021, was $10,240 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.7 years.

Total unrecognized expense, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested incentive units at December 31, 2021, was $35,904 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

11. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense for year ended December 31, 2021 is primarily related to U.S. federal, state and local income taxes imposed on Focus Inc.’s allocable portion of taxable income from Focus LLC. The allocable portion of taxable income primarily differs from the net income (loss) attributable to Focus Inc. due to permanent differences such as non-deductible equity-based compensation expense of Focus LLC.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

The following represents the U.S. and foreign components of income (loss) before income tax for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Income (loss) before income tax:

 

  

 

  

 

  

United States

$

(7,828)

$

65,472

$

36,274

Foreign

 

2,852

 

4,153

 

8,248

Total income (loss) before income tax

$

(4,976)

$

69,625

$

44,522

The following represents the U.S. and foreign components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021:

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Current provision:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Federal

$

1,201

$

10,363

$

19,742

State and local

 

1,579

 

5,355

 

7,855

Foreign

 

2,419

 

4,169

 

6,906

Subtotal

 

5,199

19,887

34,503

Deferred provision (benefit):

 

  

 

  

 

  

Federal

 

2,293

 

1,854

 

(7,958)

State and local

 

435

 

580

 

(3,674)

Foreign

 

(878)

 

(1,661)

 

(2,789)

Subtotal

 

1,850

 

773

 

(14,421)

Total income tax expense

$

7,049

$

20,660

$

20,082

At December 31, 2020 and 2021, tax effects of book/tax temporary differences give rise to deferred tax assets (liabilities) as follows:

    

2020

    

2021

Deferred tax assets:

 

  

 

  

Investment in Focus LLC

$

106,553

$

254,454

Federal net operating loss carryforwards

11,561

Deferred rent and other

 

1,444

 

2,353

Gross deferred tax assets

 

107,997

 

268,368

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Intangible assets

 

(27,084)

 

(32,483)

Fixed assets and other

 

(359)

 

(526)

Gross deferred tax liabilities

 

(27,443)

 

(33,009)

Net deferred tax assets

$

80,554

$

235,359

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

A reconciliation of the differences between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is as follows:

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

 

U.S. federal statutory tax rate

 

21.0

%  

21.0

%  

21.0

%

Income passed through to individual members

 

(11.3)

 

(7.6)

 

(6.1)

Foreign income taxes

 

(31.0)

 

3.6

 

9.2

Non-cash equity compensation expense

(41.8)

3.5

7.7

Impairment of equity method investment

(31.0)

Other non-deductible expenses

 

(19.2)

 

0.9

 

2.7

State and local income taxes, net of U.S. federal tax benefit

 

(32.6)

 

7.0

 

8.1

Other

 

4.2

 

1.3

 

2.5

Effective income tax rate

 

(141.7)

%  

29.7

%  

45.1

%

At December 31, 2021, the Company had $55,051 of U.S. federal net operating loss carry forwards. These net operating loss carryforwards have an indefinite carryforward period.

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. Based on this assessment, 0 valuation allowances were recorded at December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively.

The Company files tax returns in U.S. federal, local and state jurisdictions and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries file income tax returns in foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations for years prior to 2018. In addition, open tax years related to local, state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination, but are not considered material to the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized benefits will change materially in the next 12 months.

12. TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENTS

In connection with the IPO and the reorganization transactions that occurred in connection with the IPO, Focus Inc. entered into 2 tax receivable agreements: one with certain entities affiliated with the private equity investors of Focus LLC and the other with certain other continuing and former owners of Focus LLC. In March 2020, Focus Inc. entered into an additional tax receivable agreement (the 3 agreements, collectively, the “Tax Receivable Agreements”) for tax receivable agreement holders that join Focus LLC as members after the closing of the IPO (the parties to the Tax Receivable Agreements, collectively, the “TRA Holders”). New Focus LLC owners in the future may also become party to this additional Tax Receivable Agreement. The Tax Receivable Agreements generally provide for the payment by Focus Inc. to each TRA holder of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax that Focus Inc. actually realizes (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local taxes) or is deemed to realize in certain circumstances in connection with the reorganization transactions that occurred in connection with the IPO and in periods after the IPO or after entering into the Tax Receivable Agreements, as applicable, as a result of certain increases in tax bases and certain tax benefits attributable to imputed interest. Focus Inc. will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings.

The Company had a liability of $81,563 and $219,542 relating to its obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements as of December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, payments totaling $4,423 were made under the Tax Receivable Agreements. In February 2022, payments totaling $3,856 were made under the Tax Receivable Agreements.

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

13. LEASES

The future minimum lease payments under operating leases in place as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

Year ending December 31,

    

Amount

2022

 

$

54,815

2023

 

51,033

2024

 

46,755

2025

 

40,331

2026

 

34,186

2027 and thereafter

 

112,686

339,806

Less: present value discount

(62,482)

Operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2021

$

277,324

The weighted average discount rate used to determine the Company’s operating lease liabilities was approximately 6% at December 31, 2020 and 5% at December 31, 2021. The weighted average remaining lease term at December 31, 2020 was approximately eight years and at December 31, 2021 was approximately seven years.

Other information pertaining to leases for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 consists of the following:

    

2020

    

2021

Operating lease costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses

$

50,123

$

74,340

Operating cash flows from operating leases

47,798

73,481

Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations

87,699

61,750

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Credit Risk

The Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries clear all transactions through clearing brokers on a fully disclosed basis. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements between the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries and their clearing brokers, the clearing brokers have the right to charge the Company’s broker-dealer subsidiaries for losses that result from a counterparty’s failure to fulfill its contractual obligations. This right applies to all trades executed through its clearing brokers, and therefore, the Company believes there is no maximum amount assignable to the right of the clearing brokers. Accordingly, at December 31, 2020 and 2021, the Company had recorded 0 liabilities in connection with this right.

In addition, the Company has the right to pursue collection or performance from the counterparties who do not perform under their contractual obligations. The Company monitors the credit standing of the clearing brokers and counterparties with which they conduct business.

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Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

The Company is exposed to credit risk for accounts receivable from clients. Such credit risk is limited to the amount of accounts receivable. The Company is also exposed to credit risk for changes in the benchmark interest rate (LIBOR or base rate) in connection with its Credit Facility. The Company intends to monitor the developments with respect to the planned phasing out of LIBOR and work with its lenders to ensure such transition away from LIBOR will have minimal impact on its financial condition, but can provide no assurances regarding the impact of the discontinuation of LIBOR.

The Company maintains its cash in bank depository accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company selects depository institutions based, in part, upon management’s review of the financial stability of the institution. At December 31, 2020 and 2021, a significant portion of cash and cash equivalents were held at a single institution.

Contingent Consideration Arrangements

As discussed in Notes 2 and 7, contingent consideration is payable in the form of cash, and in some cases, equity. Since the contingent consideration to be paid is based on forecasted growth rates over the measurement period, the Company cannot calculate the maximum contingent consideration that may be payable under these arrangements.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in lawsuits, regulatory matters and other claims. The Company has insurance to cover certain losses that arise in such matters; however, this insurance may not be sufficient to cover these losses. One of the Company’s subsidiaries has settled most of the investor demands related to a private fund (that held approximately $27 million in client assets) during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company has notified its insurance carriers of the matter. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, currently does not anticipate that the aggregate liability, if any, arising out of any existing legal matters will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries receive requests for information from governmental authorities regarding business activities. The Company has cooperated and plans to continue to cooperate with all governmental authorities. The Company continues to believe that the resolution of any governmental inquiry will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Indemnifications

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into contracts pursuant to which it may agree to indemnify third parties in certain circumstances. The terms of these indemnities vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined.

Management believes that the likelihood of any liability arising under these indemnification provisions is remote. Management cannot estimate any potential maximum exposure due to both the remoteness of any potential claims and the fact that items that would be included within any such calculated claim would be beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, no liability has been recorded in the consolidated balance sheets.

15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company and its subsidiaries have defined contribution retirement plans, including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans covering eligible employees. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the amounts

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FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

recorded in expense relating to these plans were $10,235, $9,357 and $13,628, respectively, and are included in compensation and related expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

16. NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Certain of the Company’s regulated subsidiaries are subject to minimum net capital requirements. As of December 31, 2020 and 2021, all regulated subsidiaries subject to minimum net capital requirements individually had net capital in excess of minimum net capital requirements. As of December 31, 2020, these subsidiaries had aggregate net capital of $12,253, which was $9,516 in excess of aggregate minimum net capital requirements of $2,737. As of December 31, 2021, these subsidiaries had aggregate net capital of $19,520, which was $15,853 in excess of aggregate minimum net capital requirements of $3,667.

17. CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Year Ended

December 31, 

    

2019

    

2020

    

2021

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information—cash paid for:

Interest

$

57,344

$

41,352

$

53,721

Income taxes

$

7,775

$

18,927

$

36,806

Supplemental non-cash cash flow information:

 

  

 

 

Fair market value of estimated contingent consideration in connection with acquisitions

$

82,781

$

46,918

$

212,074

18. RELATED PARTIES

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, through an entity owned and controlled by him, owns a personal aircraft that was acquired without Company resources that he uses for business travel. The Company reimburses the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for certain costs and third-party payments associated with the use of his personal aircraft for Company-related business travel. The Company also pays pilot fees for such business travel flights. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the Company recognized expenses of $1,906, $1,280 and $2,326, respectively, related to these reimbursements. Given the geography of the Company’s partner firms and prospects, the Company believes that the use of private aircraft creates efficiencies to enhance the productivity of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and certain other authorized personnel.

Affiliates of current and former holders of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock earned underwriting fees of $4,596 in connection with the March Offering and $1,048 in connection with the December Offering.

At December 31, 2021, affiliates of current and former holders of the Company’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock are lenders under the First Lien Term Loan. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2021, these affiliates received $135 and $394 in fees, respectively, in connection with amendments to the First Lien Term Loan.

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Table of Contents

FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021

(In thousands, except unit data, share and per share amounts)

19. OTHER

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a management contract buyout expense of $1,428 related to cash consideration for the buyout of a management agreement with one of the Company’s retiring principals whereby the business operations of the relevant partner firm were transitioned to one of the Company’s other partner firms.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company evaluated a minority interest investment in a financial services company accounted for using the equity method for impairment and determined that the impairment was an other-than temporary loss in fair value. The Company recognized an impairment in the fair value of the equity method investment of $11,749. The impairment is presented within other income (expense) in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019.

F-42