____________________________________________________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
| Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024
OR
| Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 | |||||
For the transition period from to .
Commission file number 1-31234
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive office) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(214 ) 756-6900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||
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 definition 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 | ☐ | |||||||||||||||||
| ☒ | 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 accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of April 24, 2024: 9,313,223 .
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
INDEX
PART I | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | PAGE | |||||||||
Item 1. | Financial Statements | ||||||||||
Item 2. | |||||||||||
Item 3. | |||||||||||
Item 4. | |||||||||||
PART II | |||||||||||
Item 1. | |||||||||||
Item 1A. | |||||||||||
Item 2. | |||||||||||
| Item 6. | |||||||||||
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable | |||||||||||
| Investments, at fair value | |||||||||||
| Prepaid income taxes | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Investments | |||||||||||
| Equity method investments | |||||||||||
| Noncurrent investments at fair value | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | |||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,421 and $10,078 | |||||||||||
| Other long-term assets | |||||||||||
| Total long-term assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Dividends payable | |||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits payable | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Income taxes payable | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accrued dividends | |||||||||||
| Contingent consideration | |||||||||||
| Noncurrent operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | |||||||||||
| Stockholders' Equity: | |||||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 12,125,042 and 11,856,737, respectively and outstanding 9,330,762 and 9,140,760, respectively | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
Treasury stock, at cost – 2,794,280 and 2,715,977, respectively | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Total Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary | |||||||||||
| Total equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
1
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| REVENUES: | |||||||||||
| Advisory fees: | |||||||||||
| Asset-based | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Performance-based | |||||||||||
| Trust fees | |||||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | |||||||||||
| EXPENSES: | |||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | |||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | |||||||||||
| Westwood mutual funds | |||||||||||
| Information technology | |||||||||||
| Professional services | |||||||||||
| General and administrative | |||||||||||
| (Gain) loss from change in fair value of contingent consideration | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Acquisition expenses | |||||||||||
| Total expenses | |||||||||||
| Net operating income | |||||||||||
| Net investment income (loss) | |||||||||||
| Other income | |||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||
| Income tax provision | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | ( | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Earnings per share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock, Par | Additional Paid-In Capital | Treasury Stock | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | Noncontrolling Interest | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | 122,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | ( | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends declared ($0.15 per share) | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock, Par | Additional Paid-In Capital | Treasury Stock | Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | Noncontrolling Interest | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures | ( | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends declared ($0.15 per share) | — | — | (1,205) | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes | ( | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation | |||||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | |||||||||||
| Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Non-cash lease expense | |||||||||||
| Loss on asset disposition | |||||||||||
| Fair value change of contingent consideration | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Net (purchases) sales of trading securities | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other current assets | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits payable | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income taxes payable | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | ( | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Acquisition, net of cash acquired | ( | ||||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | ( | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid during the period for income taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued dividends | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Additional operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”, “the Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 12, 2001. Westwood manages investment assets and provides services for its clients through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp., Westwood Advisors, L.L.C. and Salient Advisors, L.P. (referred to hereinafter together as “Westwood Management”), and Westwood Trust.
Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to institutional clients, a family of mutual funds called the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, individual investors and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in self-sponsored common trust funds (“CTFs”) to institutions and high net worth individuals. Revenue is largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management ("AUM") and fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of AUM impact our revenues and results of operations.
Westwood Management is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Westwood Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas Department of Banking.
Acquisition of Broadmark Asset Management LLC
We acquired a 48 % interest in Broadmark Asset Management LLC ("Broadmark") as a result of our 2022 acquisition of the asset management business of Salient Partners, L.P. (the "Salient Acquisition"). In January 2023 we acquired an additional 32 % interest in Broadmark for $1.2 million (net of cash acquired), increasing our ownership of Broadmark to approximately 80 %, which represents a controlling interest for financial statement consolidation purposes (the "Broadmark Acquisition"). Broadmark is a San Francisco-based registered investment adviser ("RIA") managing and/or sub-advising mutual funds, retail and institutional separately-managed accounts.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and are presented in accordance with the requirements for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary in the opinion of management to present fairly our interim financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the SEC.
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements, and notes thereto, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Operating results for the periods in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Westwood and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Segment Reporting
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires an entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis, and provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. Additionally, it requires an entity to disclose the title and position of the Chief Operating Decision Maker. This ASU does not change how an entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. An entity should apply the amendments in this ASU retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We expect this ASU to impact our disclosures, with no impact to our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
5
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Income Taxes
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which focuses on the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 requires an entity to disclose, on an annual basis, a tabular rate reconciliation using both percentages and currency amounts, broken out into specified categories, with certain reconciling items further broken out by nature and jurisdiction to the extent those items exceed a specified threshold. In addition, entities are required to disclose income taxes paid, net of refunds received disaggregated by federal, state/local, and foreign, and by jurisdiction if the amount is at least 5% of total income tax payments, net of refunds received. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. An entity may apply the amendments in this ASU prospectively by providing the revised disclosures for the period ending December 31, 2025 and continuing to provide the pre-ASU disclosures for the prior periods, or may apply the amendments retrospectively by providing the revised disclosures for all periods presented. We expect this ASU to impact our disclosures, with no impact to our results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Broadmark
Westwood completed the Broadmark Acquisition in January 2023, increasing our investment by approximately 32 %, to 80 %, giving Westwood a controlling interest and requiring an allocation of the Broadmark Acquisition purchase price. The total consideration recorded for accounting purposes consisted of $1.2 million in cash (net of cash acquired).
Prior to the Broadmark Acquisition, Westwood had a $2.4 million equity method investment in Broadmark, the fair value of which was estimated using recent market transactions. Westwood's equity method investment was derecognized without gain or loss following the Broadmark Acquisition, however there was a corresponding increase to goodwill.
The Broadmark Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The total consideration of $1.6 million has been allocated based on valuations of acquired assets and assumed liabilities in connection with the acquisition.
The allocation of the Broadmark Acquisition purchase price was as follows (in thousands):
| (in thousands) | |||||
| Cash consideration | $ | ||||
| Cash acquired | ( | ||||
| Total consideration, net of cash acquired | $ | ||||
| Fair value of Westwood's investment in Broadmark before the business combination | |||||
| Fair value of noncontrolling interest in Broadmark | |||||
| Assets | |||||
| Accounts receivable | $ | ||||
| Other current assets | |||||
| Property and equipment | |||||
| Other long-term assets | |||||
| Liabilities | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |||||
| Total Identifiable Net Assets | $ | ||||
| Goodwill | $ | ||||
Westwood recognized approximately $1.0 million of a noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary at the acquisition date. Fair value of this interest was estimated using recent market transactions.
At the time of the Broadmark Acquisition, the Company believed that its expanded operational opportunities, enhanced range of investment strategies and expected realization of synergies were the primary factors that contributed to a
6
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
total purchase price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill. Goodwill arising from the Broadmark Acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company has included $1.0 million of revenue and $(0.6 ) million of net income related to Broadmark in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company has included $1.2 million of revenue and $0.1 million of net income related to Broadmark in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 assume the Broadmark Acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2022. This unaudited pro forma information should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of historical results that would have been obtained had the Broadmark Acquisition actually occurred on that date, nor of results that may be obtained in the future.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2023 | |||||||
| Total revenues | $ | |||||||
| Net income | $ | |||||||
4. REVENUE
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when the performance obligation (the investment management and advisory or trust services provided to the client) defined by the investment advisory or sub-advisory agreement is satisfied. For each performance obligation, we determine at contract inception whether the revenue satisfies over time or at a point in time. We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees and other sources of revenues such as gains and losses from our seed money investments into new investment strategies. The "Other, net” revenues on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are the unrealized gains and losses on our seed money investments, and our seed money investments are included in "Investments, at fair value" on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Advisory and trust fees are calculated based on a percentage of AUM or AUA, as applicable, and the performance obligation is realized over the current calendar quarter. Once clients receive our investment advisory services, we have an enforceable right to payment.
Advisory Fee Revenues
Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management for managing client accounts under investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. Advisory fees are typically calculated based on a percentage of AUM and AUA and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on AUM on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on AUM on the last day of the quarter just ended or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of AUM for the stated period. We recognize advisory fee revenues as services are rendered. Since our advance paying clients' billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which such payments relate, revenue is recognized within the quarter and our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred advisory fee revenues. Advisory clients typically consist of institutional and mutual fund accounts.
Institutional investors include separate accounts of (i) corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement funds, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals; (ii) sub-advisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions; (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including collective investment trusts; and (iv) managed account relationships with brokerage firms and other registered investment advisors that offer Westwood products to their customers.
Mutual funds include the Westwood Funds®, a family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves as advisor. These funds are available to individual investors, as well as offered as part of our suite of investment strategies for institutional investors and wealth management accounts.
Arrangements with Performance-Based Obligations
A limited number of our advisory clients have a contractual performance-based fee component in their contracts, which generates additional revenues if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time, and a limited number of our mutual fund offerings have fees that generate additional revenues if we outperform specified indices over specific periods of time. Performance-based fees are paid after the performance obligation has been satisfied.
7
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The revenue is based on future market performance and is subject to many factors outside our control. We cannot conclude that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized will not occur during the measurement period, and therefore the revenue is recorded at the end of the measurement period when the performance obligation has been satisfied.
Trust Fee Revenues
Our trust fees are generated by Westwood Trust pursuant to trust or custodial agreements. Trust fees are separately negotiated with each client and are generally based on a percentage of AUM. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. The fees for most of our trust clients are calculated quarterly in arrears, based on a daily average of AUM for the quarter, or monthly, based on the month-end value of AUM. Since billing periods for most of Westwood Trust’s clients coincide with the calendar quarter, revenue is fully recognized within the quarter and our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred fee revenues.
Revenue Disaggregated
Sales taxes are excluded from revenues. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by account type (in thousands).
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Advisory Fees: | |||||||||||
| Institutional | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Mutual Funds | |||||||||||
| Wealth Management | |||||||||||
| Performance-based | |||||||||||
| Trust Fees | |||||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | |||||||||
We have clients in various locations around the world. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by our clients' geographical locations (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | Advisory | Trust | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | Advisory | Trust | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| United States | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
5. SEGMENT REPORTING
We operate two segments: Advisory and Trust. These segments are managed separately based on the types of products and services offered and their related client bases. The Company’s segment information is prepared on the same basis that management uses to review the financial information for operational decision-making purposes.
The Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker, our Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of our segments based primarily on fee revenues.
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., the parent company of Advisory and Trust, does not have revenues and is the entity in which we record typical holding company expenses including employee compensation and benefits for holding company
8
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
employees, directors’ fees and investor relations costs. All segment accounting policies are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment balances that eliminate in consolidation have been applied to the appropriate segment.
Advisory
Our Advisory segment provides investment advisory services to (i) corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement funds, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals, (ii) sub-advisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services to the Westwood Funds®, funds offered by other financial institutions and funds offered by our Trust segment and (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including collective investment trusts. Salient and Westwood Management, which provide investment advisory services to similar clients, are included in our Advisory segment.
Trust
Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals. Westwood Trust is included in our Trust segment.
| (in thousands) | Advisory | Trust | Westwood Holdings | Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net fee revenues from external sources | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net intersegment revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment goodwill | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment equity-method investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment expenditures for long-lived assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net fee revenues from external sources | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net intersegment revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other, net | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment goodwill | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment equity-method investments | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment expenditures for long-lived assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6. INVESTMENTS
Since 2018, in addition to the Company's acquistions of Salient and Broadmark, whose results are included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, the Company has made strategic investments to enhance the services we provide our customers. Each of these investments is discussed below.
We made a strategic investment during 2018 in InvestCloud, which is included in “Investments” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at its carrying value of $4.4 million. This investment represents an equity interest in a private company without a readily determinable fair value. The Company has elected to apply the measurement alternative of cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. Following InvestCloud's recapitalization in the first quarter of 2021, we re-invested $4.4 million of our proceeds into newly-issued shares of InvestCloud. No impairments of this investment were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.
9
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Our investment in Vista is included in “Investments” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at its carrying value of $2.8 million. This investment represents an equity interest in a private company without a readily determinable fair value. The Company has elected to apply the measurement alternative of cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. No impairments of this investment were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.
Private Investment Fund. In 2019, we made a $0.3 million investment in Westwood Hospitality. Our investment is included in “Noncurrent investments at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using net asset value ("NAV") as a practical expedient.
Zarvona Energy Fund GP, L.P. and Zarvona Energy Fund II-A, L.P. These investments represent ownership interests in non-controlled partnerships. These investments are included in “Equity method investments” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are measured based on our share of the net earnings or losses of the investees.
All other investments are carried at fair value on a recurring basis and are accounted for as trading securities.
Investments carried at fair value are presented in the table below (in thousands):
| Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government securities | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity funds | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange-traded bond funds | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total trading securities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private investment fund | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments carried at fair value | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government securities | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity funds | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchange-traded bond funds | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total trading securities | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private investment fund | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total investments carried at fair value | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The investments shown below are included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Equity method investments, as follows (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Carrying value | Ownership | Carrying value | Ownership | ||||||||||||||
| Zarvona Energy Fund GP, L.P. | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||
| Zarvona Energy Fund II-A, L.P. | % | % | |||||||||||||||
| Salient MLP Total Return Fund, L.P. | % | % | |||||||||||||||
| Salient MLP Total Return TE Fund, L.P. | % | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
10
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding certain fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy for measuring fair value, as follows:
•Level 1 – quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets
•Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable
•Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs where there is little or no market activity
Our strategic investments in InvestCloud and Vista, discussed in Note 6 “Investments,” are excluded from the recurring fair value table shown below because we have elected to apply the measurement alternative for those investments.
The following table summarizes the values of our investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Investments Measured at NAV (1) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of March 31, 2024: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in trading securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private investment fund | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salient Acquisition contingent consideration | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | — | $ | — | $ | $ | — | $ | 7,184 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| As of December 31, 2023: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investments in trading securities | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Private investment fund | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets measured at fair value | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salient Acquisition contingent consideration | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities measured at fair value | $ | — | $ | — | $ | $ | — | $ | 10,133 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) Comprised of certain investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior to our exchange of Charis shares for shares in Vista in 2023, our investment in Charis was included within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as we valued it utilizing inputs not observable in the market. Historically, our investment was measured at fair value on a recurring basis using a market approach based on either a price to tangible book value multiple range determined to be reasonable in the current environment, or on market transactions. On April 3, 2023, Charis was acquired by Vista in a transaction in which the Company exchanged its shares in Charis for shares in Vista.
The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods presented (in thousands):
| Fair Value using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||
| March 31, 2023 | |||||
| Beginning balance | $ | ||||
| Unrealized gains (losses) on private investments | |||||
| Ending balance | $ | ||||
11
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods presented (in thousands):
| Fair Value using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total (gains) losses included in earnings | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | $ | |||||||||
The March 31, 2024 contingent consideration fair value of $7.2 million was valued based upon updated revenue growth projections and financial inputs. The fair value of contingent consideration related to both the revenue retention earn-out and the growth earn-out is measured using the Monte Carlo simulation model, which considered assumptions including revenue growth projections, revenue volatility, risk free rates and discount rates. The projected contingent payment is discounted to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Increases or decreases in projected revenues, probabilities of payment, discount rates, projected payment dates and other inputs may result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.
The following table represents the range of the unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration classified as level 3:
| As of March 31, 2024: | Range | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earn-out | Unobservable Input | Low | High | Weighted Average Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue Retention earn-out | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth earn-out | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As of March 31, 2023: | Range | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earn-out | Unobservable Input | Low | High | Weighted Average Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue Retention earn-out | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth earn-out | Discount rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volatility | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8. INCOME TAXES
Our effective income tax rate differed from the 21% statutory rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 due to permanent differences between book and tax restricted stock expense based on a decrease in our stock price between the restricted stock grant and vesting dates.
9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
There were approximately 20,000 and 109,000 anti-dilutive restricted shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
12
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share and share amounts):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - basic | |||||||||||
| Dilutive potential shares from unvested restricted shares | |||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | |||||||||||
| Earnings per share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||
10. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired assets over the fair value of the underlying liabilities at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed for impairment annually, or between annual assessments if a triggering event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We completed our most recent annual goodwill impairment assessment during the third quarter of 2023 and determined that no goodwill impairment related to the Advisory or Trust segment was required. There was no goodwill impairment during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or March 31, 2023.
Changes in goodwill were as follows (in thousands):
| Trust Segment | Advisory Segment | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Trust Segment | Advisory Segment | Total | |||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Broadmark Acquisition | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
Other Intangible Assets
11. LEASES
As of March 31, 2024 there have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business to our leases since December 31, 2023. For information regarding our leases, refer to Note 12 “Leases” in Part IV, Item 15. “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share Repurchase Program
13
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2024, there are $1.8 million of shares that may yet be repurchased under our plan.
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of our common stock.
13. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
We evaluated (i) our relationship as sponsor of the Common Trust Funds (“CTFs”) and managing member of the private equity funds Westwood Hospitality, Westwood Technology Opportunities Fund I, LP and Westwood Energy Secondaries (collectively the “Private Funds”), (ii) our advisory relationships with the Westwood Funds® and (iii) our investments in InvestCloud, Vista, Zarvona Energy Fund GP and Zarvona Energy Fund II-A as discussed in Note 6 “Investments” (“Private Equity”) to determine whether each of these entities is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) or voting ownership entity (“VOE”).
Based on our analyses, we determined that the CTFs, Private Funds and Zarvona Energy Fund II-A were VIEs, as the at-risk equity holders do not have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance, and, while the Company and its representatives have a majority control of the entities' respective boards of directors and can influence the respective entities' management and affairs, the Company is not exposed to a majority of the economics of those entities and does not qualify as primary beneficiaries for those entities. As we do not qualify as primary beneficiaries for those entities, we have not consolidated our investments in those entities for the periods ending March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Based on our analyses, we determined the Westwood Funds®, InvestCloud, Vista, and Zarvona Energy Fund GP (i) have sufficient equity at risk to finance the entities' activities independently, (ii) have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance and (iii) are not structured with disproportionate voting rights and are VOEs. As we do not own controlling financial interests in those entities, we have not consolidated our investments in those entities for the periods ending March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
We recognized fee revenue from the Westwood VIEs and Westwood VOEs as follows (in millions):
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Fee Revenues | $ | $ | |||||||||
The following table displays the AUM and the risk of loss in each vehicle (in millions):
| As of March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| Assets Under Management | Corporate Investment | Amount at Risk | |||||||||||||||
| VIEs/VOEs: | |||||||||||||||||
| Westwood Funds® | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Common Trust Funds | |||||||||||||||||
| Private Funds | |||||||||||||||||
| Private Equity | |||||||||||||||||
| All other assets: | |||||||||||||||||
| Wealth Management | |||||||||||||||||
| Institutional | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Assets Under Management | $ | ||||||||||||||||
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company engages in transactions with its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to the Westwood Funds®. Under the terms of the investment advisory agreements, the Company earns quarterly fees paid by clients of the fund or by the funds directly. The fees are based on negotiated fee
14
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
schedules applied to AUM. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, the Company earned immaterial fees from the affiliated funds.
One of our directors served as a consultant to the Company under a consulting agreement. We recorded immaterial expenses related to this agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Dividend Declared
On May 1, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock payable on July 1, 2024 to stockholders of record on June 3, 2024 .
15
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this report and the Annual Report to Stockholders that are not purely historical facts, including, without limitation, statements about our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as well as other statements including, without limitation, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “goal,” “potentially,” “may,” “designed” and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results and the timing of some events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risks described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and those risks set forth below:
•the composition and market value of our AUM and AUA;
•our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures;
•risks associated with actions of activist stockholders;
•distributions to our common stockholders have included and may in the future include a return of capital;
•inclusion of foreign company investments in our AUM;
•regulations adversely affecting the financial services industry;
•our ability to maintain effective cyber security;
•litigation risks;
•our ability to develop and market new investment strategies successfully;
•our reputation and our relationships with current and potential customers;
•our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;
•our ability to perform operational tasks;
•our ability to select and oversee third-party vendors;
•our dependence on the operations and funds of our subsidiaries;
•our ability to maintain effective information systems;
•our ability to prevent misuse of assets and information in the possession of our employees and third-party vendors, which could damage our reputation and result in costly litigation and liability for our clients and us;
•our stock is thinly traded and may be subject to volatility;
•competition in the investment management industry;
•our ability to avoid termination of client agreements and the related investment redemptions;
•the significant concentration of our revenues in a small number of customers;
•we have made and may continue to make business combinations as a part of our business strategy, which may present certain risks and uncertainties;
•our relationships with investment consulting firms;
•our ability to identify and execute on our strategic initiatives;
•our ability to declare and pay dividends;
•our ability to fund future capital requirements on favorable terms;
•our ability to properly address conflicts of interest;
•our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage; and
•our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls.
16
You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We are not obligated and do not undertake an obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise.
Overview
We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp., Westwood Advisors, L.L.C. and Salient Advisors, LP (each of which is an SEC-registered investment advisor and referred to hereinafter together as “Westwood Management”) and Westwood Trust. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to institutional investors, a family of mutual funds called the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, individuals and clients of Westwood Trust.
Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds to institutions and high net worth individuals. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of AUM.
Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of AUM and AUA, and Westwood Management and Westwood Trust collectively had AUM of approximately $16.2 billion and AUA of approximately $1.0 billion at March 31, 2024. We have established a track record of delivering competitive, risk-adjusted returns for our clients.
With respect to most of our AUM, we utilize a “value” investment style focused on achieving superior long-term, risk-adjusted returns by investing in companies with high levels of free cash flow, improving returns on equity and strengthening balance sheets that are well positioned for growth but whose value is not fully recognized in the marketplace. This investment approach is designed to limit downside during unfavorable periods and provide superior real returns over the long term. Our investment teams have significant industry experience. Our investment team members have an average investment experience of over twenty years.
We have built a foundation in terms of personnel and infrastructure to support a much larger business and we have developed investment strategies that we believe will be sought after within our target institutional, wealth management and intermediary markets. Developing new products and growing the organization has resulted in our incurring expenses that, in some cases, have not yet generated significant offsetting revenues. We believe that investors will recognize the potential for new revenue streams inherent in these products and services; however, there is no guarantee that they will occur.
Revenues
We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees and other revenues. Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management, which manages client accounts under investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. Advisory fees are typically calculated based on a percentage of AUM and AUA and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on AUM on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on AUM on the last day of the quarter just ended or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of AUM for the stated period. We recognize advisory fee revenues as services are rendered. Certain of our clients have a contractual performance-based fee component in their contracts, which generates additional revenues if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We record revenue for performance-based fees at the end of the measurement period. Since our advance paying clients’ billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which such payments relate, revenue is recognized within the quarter, and our Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred advisory fee revenues.
Our trust fees are generated by Westwood Trust pursuant to trust or custodial agreements. Trust fees are separately negotiated with each client and are generally based on a percentage of AUM. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. Trust fees are primarily calculated quarterly in arrears based on a daily average of AUM for the quarter. Since billing periods for most of Westwood Trust's clients coincide with the calendar quarter, revenue is fully recognized within the quarter, and our Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred advisory fee revenues.
Our other revenues primarily consist of investment income from seed money investments into new investment strategies.
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits costs generally consist of salaries, sales commissions, incentive compensation, stock-based compensation expense and benefits.
Sales and Marketing
17
Sales and marketing costs relate to our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct marketing and advertising costs.
Westwood Mutual Funds
Expenses for Westwood mutual funds relate to our marketing, distribution and administration of the Westwood Funds®.
Information Technology
Information technology expenses include costs associated with proprietary investment research tools, maintenance and support, computing hardware, software licenses, telecommunications and other related costs.
Professional Services
Professional services expenses generally consist of costs associated with sub-advisory fees, audit, legal and other professional services.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of office space, amortization, depreciation, insurance, custody expense, Directors' fees, investor relations, licenses and fees, office supplies and other miscellaneous expenses.
(Gain) loss from change in fair value of contingent consideration
(Gain) loss from change in fair value of contingent consideration consists of fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration from our 2022 acquisition of Salient.
Acquisition expenses
Acquisition expenses consist of costs related to the Salient Acquisition.
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Private Investments
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on private investments includes changes in the value of our private equity investments.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income primarily includes interest and dividend income on fixed income securities and money market funds.
Other Income
Other income primarily consists of income from the sublease of a portion of our corporate offices and the receipt of life insurance proceeds.
Firm-wide Assets Under Management
Firm-wide assets under management of $17.2 billion at March 31, 2024 consisted of $16.2 billion of AUM and $1.0 billion of AUA.
AUM increased $1.2 billion to $16.2 billion at March 31, 2024 compared with $15.0 billion at March 31, 2023. The average of beginning and ending AUM for the first quarter of 2024 was $15.8 billion compared to $14.9 billion for the first quarter of 2023.
The following table displays AUM as of March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
| As of March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | ||||||||||||||||||
Institutional(1) | $ | 7,742 | $ | 7,039 | 10 | % | ||||||||||||||
Wealth Management(2) | 4,219 | 3,765 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||
Mutual Funds(3) | 4,189 | 4,147 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
Total AUM(4) | $ | 16,150 | $ | 14,951 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||
18
(1)Institutional includes (i) separate accounts of corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement funds, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals; (ii) sub-advisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions; (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including collective investment trusts; and (iv) managed account relationships with brokerage firms and other RIAs that offer Westwood products to their customers.
(2)Wealth Management includes assets for which Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals pursuant to trust or agency agreements and assets for which Westwood Advisors, L.L.C. provides advisory services to high net worth individuals. Investment sub-advisory services are provided for the common trust funds by Westwood Management and unaffiliated sub-advisors. For certain assets in this category Westwood Trust provides limited custodial services for a minimal or no fee, viewing these assets as potentially converting to fee-generating managed assets in the future.
(3)Mutual Funds include the Westwood Funds®, a family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves as advisor. These funds are available to individual investors, institutional investors and wealth management accounts.
(4)AUM excludes $1.0 billion and $1.2 billion of AUA as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to our model portfolios for which we provide investment advice on a fee basis without having investment management authority.
Roll-Forward of Assets Under Management
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Institutional | |||||||||||
| Beginning of period assets* | $ | 7,215 | $ | 6,968 | |||||||
| Inflows | 267 | 130 | |||||||||
| Outflows | (249) | (161) | |||||||||
| Net client flows | 18 | (31) | |||||||||
| Market appreciation (depreciation) | 509 | 102 | |||||||||
| Net change | 527 | 71 | |||||||||
| End of period assets | $ | 7,742 | $ | 7,039 | |||||||
| Wealth Management | |||||||||||
| Beginning of period assets | $ | 4,140 | $ | 3,666 | |||||||
| Inflows | 71 | 90 | |||||||||
Outflows | (139) | (130) | |||||||||
| Net client flows | (68) | (40) | |||||||||
| Market appreciation (depreciation) | 147 | 139 | |||||||||
| Net change | 79 | 99 | |||||||||
| End of period assets | $ | 4,219 | $ | 3,765 | |||||||
| Mutual Funds | |||||||||||
| Beginning of period assets* | $ | 4,104 | $ | 4,145 | |||||||
| Inflows | 212 | 304 | |||||||||
| Outflows | (330) | (378) | |||||||||
| Net client flows | (118) | (74) | |||||||||
| Market appreciation (depreciation) | 203 | 76 | |||||||||
| Net change | 85 | 2 | |||||||||
| End of period assets | $ | 4,189 | $ | 4,147 | |||||||
| Total AUM | |||||||||||
| Beginning of period assets | $ | 15,459 | $ | 14,779 | |||||||
| Inflows | 550 | 524 | |||||||||
| Outflows | (718) | (669) | |||||||||
| Net client flows | (168) | (145) | |||||||||
| Market appreciation (depreciation) | 859 | 317 | |||||||||
| Net change | 691 | 172 | |||||||||
| End of period assets | $ | 16,150 | $ | 14,951 | |||||||
* Certain assets under management acquired from Salient were reclassified from Mutual Funds to Institutional as of December 31, 2022 to be consistent with the classification of existing assets.
19
Three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023
The change in AUM for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was due to market appreciation of $0.9 billion and net outflows of $0.2 billion. Net outflows were primarily related to our LargeCap Value strategy.
The $0.2 billion increase in AUM for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was due to market appreciation of $0.3 billion and net outflows of $0.1 billion. Net outflows were primarily related to our Quality AllCap strategy.
Roll-Forward of Assets Under Advisement
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||
| Assets Under Advisement | |||||||||||
| Beginning of period assets | $ | 1,079 | $ | 1,255 | |||||||
| Inflows | 31 | 46 | |||||||||
| Outflows | (111) | (95) | |||||||||
| Net client flows | (80) | (49) | |||||||||
| Market appreciation (depreciation) | 45 | (26) | |||||||||
| Net change | (35) | (75) | |||||||||
| End of period assets | $ | 1,044 | $ | 1,180 | |||||||
Results of Operations
The following table (dollars in thousands) and discussion of our results of operations are based upon data derived from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income contained in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements included elsewhere in this report.
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| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
| March 31, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | Change | |||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Advisory fees: asset-based | $ | 16,817 | $ | 17,033 | (1) | % | |||||||||||
| Advisory fees: performance-based | — | 555 | (100) | ||||||||||||||
| Trust fees: asset-based | 5,113 | 5,031 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Other, net | 802 | 108 | 643 | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 22,732 | 22,727 | 0 | ||||||||||||||
| Expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Employee compensation and benefits | 14,711 | 14,202 | 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 628 | 740 | (15) | ||||||||||||||
| Westwood mutual funds | 721 | 732 | (2) | ||||||||||||||
| Information technology | 2,290 | 2,383 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
| Professional services | 1,489 | 1,529 | (3) | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,901 | 3,046 | (5) | ||||||||||||||
| (Gain) loss from change in fair value of contingent consideration | (2,949) | (1,060) | 178 | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisition expenses | — | 209 | (100) | ||||||||||||||
| Total expenses | 19,791 | 21,781 | (9) | ||||||||||||||
| Net operating income | 2,941 | 946 | |||||||||||||||
| Net investment income | 455 | 172 | 165 | ||||||||||||||
| Other income | 185 | 372 | (50) | ||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 3,581 | 1,490 | |||||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | 1,415 | 776 | 82 | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 2,166 | $ | 714 | 203 | % | |||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (130) | 21 | (719) | % | |||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | $ | 2,296 | $ | 693 | 231 | % | |||||||||||
_________________________
NM Not meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to three months ended March 31, 2023
Total revenues. Total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were comparable to revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2023.
(Gain) loss from change in fair value of contingent consideration. We recorded a gain of $2.9 million upon the
remeasurement of contingent consideration of the Salient Acquisition primarily due to changes in growth projections and
volatility assumptions.
Income tax provision. Our effective tax rate differed from the 21% statutory rate for the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to permanent differences between book and tax restricted stock expense based on a decrease in our stock price between the restricted stock grant and vesting dates.
Supplemental Financial Information
As supplemental information, we are providing non-GAAP performance measures that we refer to as Economic Earnings and Economic EPS. We provide these measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and earnings per share, which are reported on a GAAP basis. Our management and Board of Directors review Economic Earnings and Economic EPS to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources, and review our dividend policy. We believe that these non-GAAP performance measures, while not substitutes for GAAP comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. or earnings per share, are useful for management and investors when evaluating our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources. We do not advocate that investors consider these non-GAAP measures without also considering financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
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We define Economic Earnings as comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. plus non-cash equity-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets and deferred taxes related to goodwill. Although depreciation on fixed assets is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when calculating Economic Earnings because depreciation charges represent an allocation of the decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement. Although gains and losses from changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are non-cash, we do not add or subtract those back when calculating Economic Earnings because gains and losses on changes in the fair value of contingent consideration are considered regular following an acquisition. In addition, we do not adjust Economic Earnings for tax deductions related to restricted stock expense or amortization of intangible assets. Economic EPS represents Economic Earnings divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
The following tables (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) provide a reconciliation of comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. to Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings by segment. We have included the tax impact of adjustments for all periods presented.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | $ | 2,296 | $ | 693 | 231 | % | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 1,515 | 1,748 | (13) | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 1,042 | 1,021 | 2 | ||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit from goodwill amortization | 125 | 125 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Tax impacts of adjustments to GAAP comprehensive income | (1,966) | (1,869) | 5 | ||||||||||||||
| Economic Earnings | $ | 3,012 | $ | 1,718 | 75 | % | |||||||||||
| Earnings per share | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.09 | 200 | % | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 0.18 | 0.21 | (14) | ||||||||||||||
| Intangible amortization | 0.13 | 0.13 | — | ||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit from goodwill amortization | 0.01 | 0.02 | (50) | ||||||||||||||
| Tax impacts of adjustments to GAAP comprehensive income | (0.23) | (0.23) | — | ||||||||||||||
| Economic Earnings per share | $ | 0.36 | $ | 0.22 | 64 | % | |||||||||||
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 8,392,496 | 7,968,504 | |||||||||||||||
| Economic Earnings by Segment: | |||||||||||||||||
| Advisory | $ | 3,123 | $ | 2,399 | 30 | % | |||||||||||
| Trust | 493 | 223 | 121 | ||||||||||||||
| Westwood Holdings | (604) | (904) | (33) | ||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | $ | 3,012 | $ | 1,718 | 75 | % | |||||||||||
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically we have funded our operations and cash requirements with cash generated from operating activities. We may also use cash from operations to pay dividends to our stockholders or for deferred contingent consideration payments. We had no debt as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The changes in net cash provided by operating activities generally reflect changes in earnings plus the effects of non-cash items and changes in working capital, including liquidation of investments used to cover current liabilities. Changes in working capital, especially accounts receivable and accounts payable, are generally the result of timing differences between collection of fees billed and payment of operating expenses.
We had cash and short-term investments of $46.6 million and $53.1 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, working capital aggregated $51.9 million and $53.6 million, respectively.
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During the three months ended March 31, 2024, cash flow provided by operating activities was $8.1 million, which included net sales of current investments of $12.4 million and a reduction in compensation and benefits payable of $6.6 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash flow used in operating activities was $3.2 million, which included a reduction in compensation and benefits payable of $5.6 million.
Cash flow used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was related to the acquisition of property and equipment. Cash flow used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily for the Broadmark Acquisition.
Cash flows used in financing activities of $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 reflected the payment of dividends and restricted stock returned for the payment of taxes.
Westwood Trust is required to maintain cash and investments in an amount equal to the minimum restricted capital of $4.0 million, as required by the Texas Finance Code. Restricted capital is included in Investments in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2024, Westwood Trust had approximately $10.2 million in excess of its minimum capital requirement.
Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including our results of operations, the timing and magnitude of capital expenditures or strategic initiatives, our dividend policy and other business and risk factors described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. We believe that current cash and short-term investment balances plus cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet both the operating and capital requirements of our ordinary business operations through at least the next twelve months, however there can be no assurance that we will not require additional financing within this time frame. Failure to raise needed capital on attractive terms, if at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2024, there have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2023. For information regarding our contractual obligations, refer to “Contractual Obligations” in Part II, Item 7. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Critical and Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
There have been no significant changes in our critical or significant accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2023. Information with respect to our critical accounting policies and estimates that we believe could have the most significant effect on our reported consolidated results and require difficult, subjective or complex judgment by management is described under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Accounting Developments
Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of recently issued accounting guidance.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no significant changes in our Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk from those previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) is accumulated and
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communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information 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 is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business and future results may be affected by a number of risks and uncertainties that should be considered carefully. In addition, this report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the risks set forth below.
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K. You should carefully consider the following risks and the risks included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, together with all of the other information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The occurrence of any single risk or any combination of risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the trading price of our common stock.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Our share repurchase program has no expiration date and may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company did not repurchase any shares of our common stock.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
| 31.1* | ||||||||
| 31.2* | ||||||||
| 32.1** | ||||||||
| 32.2** | ||||||||
| 101* | The following financial information from Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023; and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. | |||||||
| 104* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
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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.
| Dated: | May 1, 2024 | WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. | ||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Brian O. Casey | |||||||||||||
| Brian O. Casey | ||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Murray Forbes III | |||||||||||||
| Murray Forbes III | ||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | ||||||||||||||
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