Edgar Filing: HENNESSY ADVISORS INC

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2008

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

For the Transition Period From to

Commission File Number 000-49872

HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California

68-0176227

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

7250 Redwood Blvd., Suite 200

Novato, California

94945

(Address of principal executive office)

(Zip Code)

(415) 899-1555

(Issuer's telephone number)

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 x No ¨

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

Large Accelerated Filer ¨ Accelerated Filer ¨ Non-accelerated Filer ¨ Smaller Reporting Company x

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

As of July 16, 2008 there were 5,718,036 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.

INDEX


		Page Number
PART I.	Financial Information

Item 1.	Condensed Financial Statements

	Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2008 (unaudited) and September 30, 2007	3

	Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)	4

	Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 (unaudited)	5

	Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (unaudited)	6

	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements	7

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	12

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	20

PART II.	Other Information	20

Item 1.	Legal proceedings	20

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	20

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	20

Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	20

Item 5.	Other Information	20

Item 6.	Exhibits	20

Signatures		21

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)


	June 30, 2008			September 30, 2007
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,586		$	13,760
Investments in marketable securities, at fair value		5			6
Investment fee income receivable		762			1,165
Prepaid expenses		293			165
Deferred income tax asset		246			303
Other current assets		5			15

Total current assets		13,897			15,414

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $256 and $179		322			337
Management contracts, net of accumulated amortization of $629		19,406			19,406
Non-compete agreement, net of accumulated amortization of $1,616 and $1,212		—			404
Investment in the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC, at fair value		447			—
Other assets		75			143

Total assets	$	34,147		$	35,704

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accrued liabilities and accounts payable	$	911		$	2,019
Income taxes payable		—			68
Current portion of deferred rent		1			1
Current portion of long-term debt		2,091			2,091

Total current liabilities		3,003			4,179

Long-term debt		4,940			6,508
Long-term portion of deferred rent		36			35
Deferred income tax liability		1,878			1,627

Total liabilities		9,857			12,349

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders’ equity:
Adjustable rate preferred stock, $25 stated value, 5,000,000 shares authorized: zero shares issued and outstanding		—			—
Common stock, no par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized: 5,718,036 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2008 and 5,702,493 at September 30, 2007		8,146			7,921
Additional paid-in capital		852			1,017
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(65	)		—
Retained earnings		15,357			14,417

Total stockholders’ equity		24,290			23,355

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	34,147		$	35,704

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Income

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)


	Three Months ended June 30,						Nine Months ended June 30,
	2008			2007			2008			2007
Revenue
Investment advisory fees	$	2,045		$	3,537		$	7,120		$	10,935
Shareholder service fees		268			454			959			1,400
Other		5			—			35			11

Total revenue		2,318			3,991			8,114			12,346

Operating expenses
Compensation and benefits		653			880			2,141			2,650
General and administrative		529			439			1,576			1,339
Mutual fund distribution		374			754			1,428			2,390
Amortization and depreciation		166			164			495			490

Total operating expenses		1,722			2,237			5,640			6,869

Operating income		596			1,754			2,474			5,477

Interest expense		77			172			319			576
Other income		(84	)		(138	)		(336	)		(373	)

Income before income tax expense		603			1,720			2,491			5,274
Income tax expense		263			696			1,035			2,120

Net income	$	340		$	1,024		$	1,456		$	3,154

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.06		$	0.18		$	0.26		$	0.56

Diluted	$	0.06		$	0.17		$	0.25		$	0.53

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		5,659,841			5,649,823			5,647,262			5,631,408

Diluted		5,801,472			5,959,184			5,822,314			5,952,636

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)


	Common Shares		Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance as of September 30, 2007	5,702,493		$	7,921		$	1,017		$	14,417		$	—		$	23,355
Net income for nine months ended June 30, 2008	—			—			—			1,456			—			1,456
Dividends paid	—			—			—			(515	)		—			(515	)
Employee restricted stock vested	25,856			321			(321	)		—			—			—
Repurchase of vested employee restricted stock for tax withholding	(10,313	)		(96	)		—			(1	)		—			(97	)
Employee and director restricted stock compensation	—			—			354			—			—			354
Employee restricted stock forfeited	—			—			(11	)		—			—			(11	)
Unrealized loss on investment	—			—			—			—			(65	)		(65	)
Tax benefit of RSU vesting	—			—			(187	)		—			—			(187	)

Balance as of June 30, 2008	5,718,036		$	8,146		$	852		$	15,357		$	(65	)	$	24,290

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2008			2007
	(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	1,456		$	3,154
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		495			490
Deferred income taxes		308			270
Tax benefit from options exercised and restricted stock unit vesting		(187	)		258
Restricted stock units vested		(97	)		(15	)
Deferred restricted stock unit compensation		354			245
Restricted stock units forfeited		(11	)		—
Unrealized (gain)/loss on marketable securities		1			(1	)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Investment fee income receivable		403			102
Prepaid expenses		(128	)		(25	)
Other current assets		10			(2	)
Other assets		56			(30	)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accrued liabilities and accounts payable		(1,108	)		(492	)
Income taxes payable		(68	)		—
Long-term portion of deferred rent		1			33

Net cash provided by operating activities		1,485			3,987

Cash flows used in investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(64	)		(30	)
Purchases of the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC		(512	)		—

Net cash used in investing activities		(576	)		(30	)

Cash flows used in financing activity:
Principal payments on long-term debt		(1,568	)		(1,568	)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options		—			183
Dividend payment		(515	)		(456	)
Cash paid for fractional shares		—			(2	)

Net cash used in financing activity		(2,083	)		(1,843	)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(1,174	)		2,114
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		13,760			10,360

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	12,586		$	12,474

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Unrealized loss on investment	$	(65	)	$	—

Cash paid for:
Income taxes	$	1,176		$	1,689

Interest	$	335		$	591

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

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Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

(1) Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2007, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed financial statements as of June 30, 2008 have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include the accounts of Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (the “Company”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position at June 30, 2008, the operating results for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007, and the cash flows for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended September 30, 2007, included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The operating activities of the Company consist primarily of providing investment management and shareholder services to six open-end mutual funds (the “Hennessy Funds”) and investment management services to one non-registered private pooled investment fund (the “Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC”). The Company serves as investment advisor for all classes of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund-Series II, Hennessy Focus 30 Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, Hennessy Total Return Fund, Hennessy Balanced Fund, and Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC.

(2) Management Contracts

As of June 30, 2008, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. had contractual management agreements with Hennessy Funds, Inc. for the Hennessy Balanced Fund and the Hennessy Total Return Fund; with Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. for all classes of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, the Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, and the Hennessy Focus 30 Fund; and with Hennessy Funds Trust for all classes of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund-Series II.

The management agreements were renewed by the Board of Directors of Hennessy Funds, Inc., Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc. and Hennessy Funds Trust, at their meeting on March 4, 2008 for a period of one year. The agreements may be renewed from year to year, as long as continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940. Each management agreement will terminate in the event of its assignment, or it may be terminated by Hennessy Funds, Inc., Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc., Hennessy Funds Trust (either by the Board of Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund), or by Hennessy Advisors, upon 60 days’ prior written notice.

Under the terms of the management agreements, each Fund bears all expenses incurred in its operation that are not specifically assumed by Hennessy Advisors, the administrator or the distributor. Hennessy Advisors bears the expense of

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providing office space, shareholder servicing, fulfillment, clerical and bookkeeping services and maintaining books and records of the Funds. Hennessy Advisors may choose to voluntarily waive part of its management fees in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for its funds. For the institutional share class, Hennessy Advisors has a contractual obligation to waive the advisory fee to the extent necessary to ensure that net expenses do not exceed 0.98% of the average daily net assets of the Funds.

As of October 1, 2007, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. was also appointed the Managing Member of the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC (the “Fund”). Hennessy Advisors, Inc. will serve as the Managing Member until its resignation or removal. The Managing Member may voluntarily resign with 30 days’ prior written notice to the other members or 60 days’ prior written notice if there is not then a remaining Managing Member. At any time, the Managing Member may designate an additional Managing Member or designate a successor Managing Member with no further consent or approval required from the other members. The Managing Member may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the vote of the other members owning a majority-in-interest of the capital accounts of the “Disinterested Members,” defined as members other than members who are the Managing Member or affiliates of the Managing Member.

Under the terms of the management agreement, the Managing Member shall bear all organizational expenses, defined as expenses incurred in connection with and directly related to the formation, qualification and funding of the Fund, but the Fund bears all of its operating, investment and other expenses. However, the Managing Member is responsible for the ordinary and extraordinary costs of administering the Fund, including any placement fees incurred in connection with the offering of interests in the Fund.

Hennessy Advisors, as the Managing Member of the Hennessy Micro Gap Growth Fund, LLC, has the right to reduce or waive the management fee or incentive allocation (as defined in Note 5) chargeable to any member’s account without the consent of or notice to any other member.

(3) Investment in the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC

On October 30, 2007, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. invested $0.5 million in the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC (the “Fund”). The investment represents approximately 18.5% of the total subscriptions in the Fund. The Fund is a limited liability company for which Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is the Managing Member.

The investment is classified at fair market value on the balance sheet as an available-for-sale security subject to FASB Statement No. 115. The fair market value of the investment at June 30, 2008 was $0.4 million.

(4) Long-term Debt

On March 11, 2004, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. secured financing from US Bank National Association to acquire the management contracts for certain Lindner funds. The loan agreement required fifty-nine (59) monthly payments in the amount of $94,060 plus interest at the bank’s prime rate less one percent, as amended on February 1, 2007. On July 1, 2005, the loan was amended to provide an additional $6.7 million to fund acquisition of the management contract for the Henlopen Fund. The amended loan after payment of an installment of $94,060 on July 10, 2005, requires 64 monthly payments in the amount of $174,210 plus interest at the bank’s prime rate (currently 5.00%, in effect since May 1, 2008), less one percent (effectively 4.00%) per a loan amendment dated February 1, 2007. The loan is secured by the Company’s assets. The final installment of the then outstanding principal and interest is due September 30, 2010.

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In connection with securing the financing discussed above, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. incurred loan costs in the amount of $101,110. These costs are included in other assets and the unamortized balance of $85,289 (as of the loan amendment date of July 1, 2005) is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 64 months.

(5) Investment Advisor and Shareholder Service Fee Revenue

Investment Advisory and Shareholder Service fees, which are the primary sources of revenue, are recorded when earned. The Company receives investment advisory fees monthly at an annual rate of 0.74% of the average daily net assets of the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund—Series II, Hennessy Focus 30 Fund, and Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, subject to the operating expense limitation imposed on the institutional share class as discussed in Note 2. The annual advisory fee for the Hennessy Balanced Fund and Hennessy Total Return Fund is 0.60%, and the annual advisory fee for the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC is 2.0% of the aggregate capital accounts of the members, but no management fee is charged to the capital account of the Managing Member.

Fees for shareholder support services provided to the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund—Series II, Hennessy Focus 30 Fund, Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund, Hennessy Total Return Fund, and Hennessy Balanced Fund are charged at an annual rate of 0.1% of average daily net assets on the original share class only.

In the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC, an additional “incentive allocation” can potentially be earned on any member’s balance, other than the Managing Member. The allocation is determined at the end of each calendar quarter as 20% of the amount by which net profits (defined as the amount by which the net asset value on the last day of a period exceeds the net asset value on the commencement of the same period), if any, exceed the positive balance, if any, of a member’s loss carryforward (defined as a memorandum account kept for each member having an initial balance of zero that is increased by the net loss, if any, allocated to each member for each calendar period).

(6) Income Taxes

Effective October 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a company’s income tax return, and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. FIN 48 utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109. Step one, recognition, requires a company to determine if the weight of available evidence indicates that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. Step two, measurement, is based on the largest amount of benefit, which is more likely than not to be realized on ultimate settlement. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 on October 1, 2007 is recognized as a change in accounting principle, recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on the adoption date. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company did not recognize any increase or decrease in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions taken in prior periods, therefore, there was no corresponding adjustment in retained earnings.

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Upon adoption of FIN 48, the Company’s policy to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the Company’s provision for (benefit from) income taxes, did not change. As of June 30, 2008, the Company did not have any accrual for payment of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company did not have any amounts of unrecognized tax benefits as of October 1, 2007 (adoption date) and June 30, 2008. Also, the Company did not have any amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect its effective tax rate.

The Company files U.S. federal and state tax returns and has determined that its major tax jurisdictions are the United States and California. The tax years ended in 2004 through 2007 remain open and subject to examination by the appropriate governmental agencies in the U.S., and the 2003 through 2007 tax years remain open in California.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, were 41.5% and 40.2%, respectively, and differ from the federal statutory rate of 34% primarily due to the effects of state income taxes.

(7) Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are determined by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, while diluted earnings per share are determined by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents.

(8) Stock-Based Compensation

On May 2, 2001, the Company established an incentive plan (the Plan) providing for the issuance of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards, and stock loans for the purpose of attracting and retaining executive officers and key employees. The maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Plan is 25% of the outstanding common stock of the Company, subject to adjustment by the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. The 25% limitation shall not invalidate any awards made prior to a decrease in the number of outstanding shares, even though such awards have resulted or may result in shares constituting more than 25% of the outstanding shares being available for issuance under the Plan. Shares available under the Plan which are not awarded in one particular year may be awarded in subsequent years. The compensation committee of the Board of Directors has the authority to determine the awards granted under the Plan, including among other things, the individuals who receive the awards, the times when they receive them, vesting schedules, performance goals, whether an option is an incentive or nonqualified option and the number of shares to be subject to each award. However, no participant may receive options or stock appreciation rights under the Plan for an aggregate of more than 75,000 shares in any calendar year. The exercise price and term of each option or stock appreciation right will be fixed by the compensation committee except that the exercise price for each stock option which is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option must be at least equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and the term of the option cannot exceed 10 years. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% shareholder, the exercise price must be at least 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant and cannot exceed five years. Incentive stock options may be granted only within ten years from the date of adoption of the Plan. The aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the option is granted) of shares with respect to which incentive stock options may be

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granted to any one individual, which stock options are exercisable for the first time during any calendar year, may not exceed $100,000. An optionee may, with the consent of the compensation committee, elect to pay for the shares to be received upon exercise of their options in cash or shares of common stock or any combination thereof.

As the exercise prices of all options granted under the Plan prior to the adoption of FAS 123R were equal to the market price of the underlying common stock on the grant date, no stock-based employee compensation cost was recognized in net income. There were no options granted during the nine month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2008, the Company issued restricted stock units (“RSU”) under its 2001 Omnibus Plan. Under the Company’s 2001 Omnibus Plan, participants may be granted RSU’s, representing an unfunded, unsecured right to receive a Company common share on the date specified in the recipient’s award. The Company issues new shares for shares delivered for RSU recipients. The RSU granted under this plan vests over four years, at a rate of 25 percent per year. The Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the four-year vesting term of each award. RSU activity for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 was as follows:


	Restricted Stock Unit Activity Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008
	Number of Restricted Share Units		Weighted Avg. Fair Value at Grant Date

Non-vested Balance at September 30, 2007	72,508		$	14.80
Granted	56,000		$	9.52
Vested	(25,276	)	$	13.30
Forfeited	(5,313	)	$	12.74

Non-vested Balance at June 30, 2008	97,919		$	12.34


	Restricted Stock Unit Compensation Nine Months Ended June 30, 2008
	(In Thousands)
Total expected compensation expense related to Restricted Stock Units	$	2,076
Compensation Expense recognized as of June 30, 2008		(868	)

Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSU's at June 30, 2008	$	1,208

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As of June 30, 2008, there was $1.2 million of total RSU compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.8 years.

(9) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company’s headquarters is located in leased office space under a single non-cancelable operating lease at 7250 Redwood Blvd., Suite 200, in Novato, California. The initial lease expires October 31, 2010 with one five-year extension available thereafter.

The Company’s portfolio trading operation is located in leased office space under a non-cancelable lease at One Landmark Square, Suite 424, in Stamford, Connecticut. The lease was amended on April 1, 2008 and expires September 30, 2011.

As of June 30, 2008, there was an amendment to the lease agreement at One Landmark Square causing an increase in the future minimum lease payments reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

(10) Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates during the nine months ended June 30, 2008 as compared to what was previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007 as filed with the SEC on December 6, 2007, except for the classification of an investment in the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC as an available-for-sale security, as discussed in the “Critical Accounting Policies” section.

Item 2.

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

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this report are forward-looking within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, future levels of activity, performance or achievements cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, management does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of these statements. There is no regulation requiring an update of any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.

Our business activities are affected by many factors, including redemptions by mutual fund shareholders, general economic and financial conditions, movement of interest rates, competitive conditions, industry regulation, and others, many of which are beyond the control of our management. Statements regarding the following subjects are forward-looking by their nature:

•

our business strategy, including our ability to identify and complete future acquisitions;

•

market trends and risks;

•

our estimates for future performance;

•

our estimates regarding anticipated revenues and operating expenses; and

•

our ability to retain the mutual fund assets we currently manage.

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Although we seek to maintain cost controls, a significant portion of our expenses are fixed and do not vary greatly. As a result, substantial fluctuations in our revenue can directly impact our net income from period to period.

Overview

We derive our operating revenue from management fees and shareholder servicing fees paid to us by the Hennessy Funds. These fees are calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets in our mutual funds and vary from fund to fund. The fees we receive fluctuate with changes in the total net asset value of the assets in our mutual funds, which are affected by our investment performance, redemptions, completed acquisitions of management agreements, market conditions and the success of our marketing efforts. Total assets under management were $1.09 billion as of June 30, 2008.

The assets we manage in total have decreased since June 30, 2007 as a result of redemptions outpacing inflows. We have been experiencing net outflows from our funds, but since the calendar year end, the trend has been decreasing. However, market impact is unpredictable. The uncertainty in the marketplace has caused greater fluctuations in fund performance which may cause decreases in fund inflows as shareholders react. The following table illustrates the changes in assets under management from June 30, 2007 through June 30, 2008:


	Assets Under Management At Each Quarter End, June 30, 2007 through June 30, 2008
	6/30/2007			9/30/2007			12/31/2007			3/31/2008			6/30/2008
	(In Thousands)
Beginning assets under management	$	1,899,944		$	1,913,870		$	1,720,763		$	1,425,531		$	1,098,695
Organic inflows		78,320			55,024			32,911			76,398			63,237
Redemptions		(200,095	)		(161,591	)		(242,867	)		(199,018	)		(105,092	)
Market appreciation (depreciation)		135,701			(86,540	)		(85,276	)		(204,216	)		37,951

Ending assets under management	$	1,913,870		$	1,720,763		$	1,425,531		$	1,098,695		$	1,094,791

The principal asset on our balance sheet, management contracts – net of accumulated amortization, represents the capitalized costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of management agreements. As of June 30, 2008, this asset had a net balance of $19.4 million.

The principal liability on our balance sheet is the long-term bank debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of the management agreements for the Lindner Funds and the Henlopen Fund. As of June 30, 2008, this liability, including the current portion of long-term debt, had a balance of $7.0 million.

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Results of Operations

The following table displays items in the statements of income as dollar amounts and as percentages of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:


	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2008					2007
	(In thousands, except percentages)
	Amounts			Percent of Total Revenue		Amounts			Percent of Total Revenue
Revenue:
Investment advisory fees	$	2,045		88.2	%	$	3,537		88.6	%
Shareholder service fees		268		11.6			454		11.4
Other		5		0.2			—		—

Total revenue		2,318		100.0			3,991		100.0

Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		653		28.2			880		22.1
General and administrative		529		22.8			439		11.0
Mutual fund distribution		374		16.1			754		18.9
Amortization and depreciation		166		7.2			164		4.1

Total operating expenses		1,722		74.3			2,237		56.1

Operating income		596		25.7			1,754		43.9
Interest expense		77		3.3			172		4.3
Other income		(84	)	(3.6	)		(138	)	(3.5	)

Income before income tax expense		603		26.0			1,720		43.1
Income tax expense		263		11.3			696		17.4

Net income	$	340		14.7	%	$	1,024		25.7	%

Revenues: Total revenue decreased by $1.7 million or 41.9%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $4.0 million in the prior comparable period, due to decreased average assets under management. Investment management fees decreased by $1.5 million, or 42.2%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $3.5 million in the prior comparable period, and shareholder service fees decreased by $0.2 million, or 41.0%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $0.5 million in the prior comparable period. These decreases resulted from decreases in the average daily net assets of our mutual funds, which can differ considerably from total net assets of our mutual funds at the end of an accounting period. Total net assets in our mutual funds decreased by $819.1 million, or 42.8%, as of June 30, 2008, from $1.914 billion as of the end of the prior comparable period. The $819.1 million decrease in net mutual funds assets is attributable to redemptions of $708.6 million and market depreciation of $338.1 million, partly offset by organic inflows of $227.6 million. Redemptions as a percentage of assets under management decreased from an average of 3.5% per month to 3.1% per month during the same period.

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Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses decreased by $0.5 million, or 23.0%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $2.2 million in the prior comparable period. The decrease resulted from decreases in compensation and benefits and mutual fund distribution expense, partly offset by increased general and administrative expense. As a percentage of total revenue, total operating expenses increased by 18.2% to 74.3% in the three months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to 56.1% in the prior comparable period.

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation and benefits decreased by $0.2 million, or 25.8%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $0.9 million in the prior comparable period. The decrease resulted primarily due to decreased bonus accruals in the current year. As a percentage of total revenue, compensation and benefits increased by 6.1% to 28.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 22.1% in the prior comparable period.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expense increased by $0.09 million, or 20.5%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $0.4 million in the prior comparable period, primarily due to increased professional services expense. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expense increased by 11.8% to 22.8% in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from 11.0% in the prior comparable period.

Mutual Fund Distribution Expenses: Distribution expense decreased by $0.4 million, or 50.4%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $0.8 million in the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, distribution expense decreased by 2.8% to 16.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 18.9% in the prior comparable period. The decreased costs are due to decreased assets held through mutual fund supermarkets such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity and TD Ameritrade.

Amortization and Depreciation Expense: Amortization and depreciation expense increased by $0.002 million, or 1.2%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $0.2 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is related to a slightly larger fixed asset balance being depreciated in the current period. As a percentage of total revenue, amortization and depreciation expenses increased by 3.1% to 7.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 4.1% in the prior comparable period.

Interest Expense: Interest expense decreased by $0.1 million from the prior comparable period due to declining interest rates. Additionally, the principal balance has decreased $2.1 million since the end of the prior comparable period due to monthly payments. As a percentage of total revenue, interest expense decreased by 1.0% to 3.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 4.3% in the prior comparable period.

Other Income: Other income decreased by $0.05 million from the prior comparable period due to lower interest rates earned on our cash balance. As a percentage of total revenue, other income increased by 0.1% to 3.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 3.5% in the prior comparable period.

Income Taxes: The provision for income taxes decreased by $0.4 million, or 62.2%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, from $0.7 million in the prior comparable period.

Net Income: Net income decreased by $0.7 million, or 66.8%, in the three months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $1.0 million in the prior comparable period, as a result of the factors discussed above.

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The following table displays items in the statements of income as dollar amounts and as percentages of total revenue for the nine months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007:


	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2008					2007
	(In thousands, except percentages)
	Amounts			Percent of Total Revenue		Amounts			Percent of Total Revenue
Revenue:
Investment advisory fees	$	7,120		87.7	%	$	10,935		88.6	%
Shareholder service fees		959		11.8			1,400		11.3
Other		35		0.5			11		0.1

Total revenue		8,114		100.0			12,346		100.0

Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits		2,141		26.4			2,650		21.5
General and administrative		1,576		19.4			1,339		10.8
Mutual fund distribution		1,428		17.6			2,390		19.4
Amortization and depreciation		495		6.1			490		3.9

Total operating expenses		5,640		69.5			6,869		55.6

Operating income		2,474		30.5			5,477		44.4
Interest expense		319		3.9			576		4.7
Other income		(336	)	(4.1	)		(373	)	(3.0	)

Income before income tax expense		2,491		30.7			5,274		42.7
Income tax expense		1,035		12.8			2,120		17.2

Net income	$	1,456		17.9	%	$	3,154		25.5	%

Revenues: Total revenue decreased by $4.2 million or 34.3%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $12.3 million in the prior comparable period, due to decreased average assets under management. Investment management fees decreased by $3.8 million, or 34.9%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $10.9 million in the prior comparable period, and shareholder service fees decreased by $0.4 million, or 31.5%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008 from $1.4 million in the prior comparable period. These decreases resulted from decreases in the average daily net assets of our mutual funds, which can differ considerably from total net assets of our mutual funds at the end of an accounting period. Total net assets in our mutual funds decreased by $819.1 million, or 42.8%, as of June 30, 2008, from $1.914 billion as of the end of the prior comparable period. The $819.1 million decrease in net mutual funds assets is attributable to redemptions of $708.6 million and market depreciation of $338.1 million, partly offset by organic inflows of $227.6 million. Redemptions as a percentage of assets under management decreased from an average of 3.5% per month to 3.1% per month during the same period.

Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 17.9%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $6.9 million in the prior comparable period. The decrease resulted from decreases in compensation and benefits and mutual fund distribution expense, partly offset by increased general

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and administrative expense. As a percentage of total revenue, total operating expenses increased by 13.9% to 69.5% in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, as compared to 55.6% in the prior comparable period.

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation and benefits decreased by $0.5 million, or 19.2%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $2.7 million in the prior comparable period. The decrease resulted due to decreased bonus accruals in the current year. As a percentage of total revenue, compensation and benefits increased by 4.9% to 26.4% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 21.5% in the prior comparable period.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expense increased by $0.2 million, or 17.7%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $1.3 million in the prior comparable period, primarily due to increased professional services expense. As a percentage of total revenue, general and administrative expense increased by 8.6% to 19.4% in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from 10.8% in the prior comparable period.

Mutual Fund Distribution Expenses: Distribution expense decreased by $1.0 million, or 40.3%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $2.4 million in the prior comparable period. As a percentage of total revenue, distribution expense decreased by 1.8% to 17.6% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 19.4% in the prior comparable period. The decreased costs are due to decreased assets held through mutual fund supermarkets such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity and TD Ameritrade.

Amortization and Depreciation Expense: Amortization and depreciation expense increased by $0.005 million, or 1.0%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $0.5 million in the prior comparable period. The increase is related to a larger fixed asset balance being depreciated in the current period. As a percentage of total revenue, amortization and depreciation expenses increased by 2.2% to 6.1% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 3.9% in the prior comparable period.

Interest Expense: Interest expense decreased by $0.3 million from the prior comparable period due to declining interest rates. Additionally, the principal balance has decreased $2.1 million since the end of the prior comparable period due to monthly payments. As a percentage of total revenue, interest expense decreased by 0.8% to 3.9% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 4.7% in the prior comparable period.

Other Income: Other income decreased by $0.04 million from the prior comparable period due to declining interest rates earned on the cash balance. As a percentage of total revenue, other income increased by 1.1% to 4.1% for the nine months ended June 30, 2008, compared to 3.0% in the prior comparable period.

Income Taxes: The provision for income taxes decreased by $1.1 million, or 51.2%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, from $2.1 million in the prior comparable period.

Net Income: Net income decreased by $1.7 million, or 53.8%, in the nine months ended June 30, 2008, compared to $3.2 million in the prior comparable period, as a result of the factors discussed above.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In October, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. FAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the effect of FAS 159 on our financial statements or results of operations.

In February, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“FAS 159”). This standard permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value to improve financial reporting by providing an opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by differing measurements. FAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the effect of FAS 159 on our financial statements or results of operations.

In December, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51” (“FAS 160”). This standard establishes reporting requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parents and the interests of the non-controlling owners. FAS 160 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We do not expect FAS 160 to have an effect on our financial statements or results of operations.

In March, 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“FAS 161”). This standard requires enhanced disclosures about a company’s derivative and hedging activities. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We do not expect FAS 161 to have an effect on our financial statements or results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

Accounting policies, methods, and estimates are an integral part of the financial statements prepared by management and are based upon management’s current judgments. Those judgments are normally based on knowledge and experience with regard to past and current events and assumptions about future events. Certain accounting policies, methods, and estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to the financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting them may differ markedly from management’s current judgment.

The management agreements acquired by the Company are considered intangible assets with an indefinite life. In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” FASB No. 142 addresses financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets and supersedes APB No. 17, Intangible Assets. Under FASB Statement No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment. We fully implemented the provisions of FASB Statement No. 142 on October 1, 2002, at which time we ceased amortization of these intangible assets. Impairment analysis is conducted quarterly and coincides with our quarterly and annual financial reporting. Based on our detailed assessment of current fair market value, the value of the management agreements acquired has not been impaired. Increasing redemptions and market

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depreciation could cause the valuation of management agreements acquired to become impaired and net earnings would be negatively impacted by the resulting impairment adjustment.

The investment in the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC is classified as an available-for-sale security pursuant to FASB Statement No. 115. The investment is therefore adjusted to fair market value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains or losses reported in the other comprehensive income or loss portion of stockholders’ equity.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We continually review our capital requirements to ensure that we have sufficient funding available to support our growth strategies. Management anticipates that cash and other liquid assets on hand as of June 30, 2008 will be sufficient to meet our short-term capital requirements. To the extent that liquid resources and cash provided by operations are not adequate to meet long-term capital requirements, management plans to raise additional capital through debt or equity markets. There can be no assurance that we will be able to borrow funds or raise additional equity.

Total assets under management as of June 30, 2008 were $1.095 billion, which was a decrease of $626.0 million, or 36.4%, from September 30, 2007. Property and equipment and management agreements acquired totaled $19.7 million as of June 30, 2008. We also invested $0.5 million in the Hennessy Micro Cap Growth Fund, LLC on October 30, 2007. We intend to keep this investment for at least eighteen months, decreasing our short-term liquidity. Our remaining assets are very liquid, consisting primarily of cash and receivables derived from mutual fund asset management activities. As of June 30, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of $12.6 million.

Our Bank Loan: We have an outstanding bank loan with U.S. Bank National Association. We incurred $7.9 million of indebtedness in connection with acquiring the management agreements for the Lindner Funds and an additional $6.7 million of indebtedness in connection with acquiring the management agreement for The Henlopen Fund (now known as the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund—Series II). The indebtedness we incurred to acquire the management agreement of The Henlopen Fund was rolled into a single loan with the indebtedness we incurred to acquire the management agreements of the Lindner Funds. We currently have $7.0 million of principal outstanding under our bank loan, which bears interest at U.S. Bank National Association’s prime rate, as set by U.S. Bank National Association from time to time (currently 5.00%, in effect since May 1, 2008), less one percent (effectively 4.00%) per a loan amendment dated February 1, 2007. The loan agreement requires us to make 64 monthly payments in the approximate amount of $0.2 million, plus interest, with the final installment of the then outstanding principal and interest due on September 30, 2010.

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Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of its disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

There has been no significant change in our internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the foregoing evaluation that occurred during the last quarter and that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

There were no reportable events for items 1 through 5.

Item 6.

Exhibits


31.1		Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

31.2		Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

32.1		Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

32.2		Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

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Signatures

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


	HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC.

Date: August 7, 2008	By:	/s/ Teresa M. Nilsen
		Teresa M. Nilsen, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

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EXHIBIT INDEX


31.1		Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Executive Officer

31.2		Rule 13a – 14a Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

32.1		Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

32.2		Written Statement of the Chief Financial Officer, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

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