whg-20230215
0001165002False00011650022023-02-152023-02-15

 
 UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 15, 2023
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Delaware001-3123475-2969997
(State or other jurisdiction(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
of incorporation)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75201
(Address of principal executive offices)

(214) 756-6900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

    Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

    o    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

    o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

    o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

    o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading Symbol(s)Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per shareWHGNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company  ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨



ITEM 2.02:    RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

On February 15, 2023, Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”) announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, a copy of which is furnished with this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1.

The information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.
ITEM 7.01:    REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE
Westwood announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 3, 2023 to stockholders of record on March 1, 2023.

ITEM 9.01:    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(d)    Exhibits: The following exhibit is furnished with this report:

Exhibit Number                    Description

99.1    Press Release Dated February 15, 2022
104    Cover Page Interactive Date File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)









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 hereunto duly authorized.

Date: February 15, 2023

            
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
By:/s/ Murray Forbes III
Murray Forbes III
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer



Document


https://cdn.kscope.io/18706ef45a7bef1ba866d1ee6255162b-whgleftjustallcap6531a06.jpg
Westwood Holdings Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results
Closed Strategic Acquisition of Salient Partners' Asset Management Business
Strong Investment Performance

Dallas, TX, February 15, 2023 – Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE: WHG) today reported fourth quarter earnings. Significant items include:
We closed the acquisition of Salient Partners' asset management business on November 18, 2022.
This transaction is expected to be highly accretive to earnings per share ("EPS"), adding about 100% of economic EPS accretion in 2023, the first full year following closing.
Salient’s complementary, highly differentiated strategies across Energy Infrastructure, Real Estate, Tactical Absolute Return and Private Investments bring new products and talented investment professionals to grow and enhance our multi-asset, real assets and alternatives platforms.
Westwood’s distribution capabilities expand significantly with the dynamic combination of two complementary teams, with very little client overlap, and uniquely successful histories of focusing on different distribution channels.
Numerous strategies beat their primary benchmarks, including SMidCap Value, SmallCap Value, AllCap Value, Select Equity, Dividend Select, Income Opportunity, Total Return, High Income and Alternative Income.
Quarterly peer rankings benefited from our strong investment performance as SmallCap Value achieved a top 15th percentile ranking, AllCap Value and Select Equity scored top 20th percentile rankings, and Dividend Select and Income Opportunity posted top third rankings.
We reported revenues totaling $20.5 million compared with $15.4 million in the third quarter and $19.4 million a year ago, and a net loss of $3.1 million compared with a net loss of $1.2 million in the third quarter and net income of $2.8 million in last year's fourth quarter. Fourth quarter 2022 results reflect pre-tax acquisition expenses of $5.3 million recorded during the fourth quarter.
Net loss totaled $4.6 million in 2022, including the impact of acquisition-related expenses, versus net income of $9.8 million for the previous year.
Non-GAAP Economic Earnings (Loss) of $(0.7) million, which also includes the impact of acquisition-related expenses, compared with $0.8 million in the third quarter and $4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Westwood held $39.2 million in cash and short-term investments at December 31, 2022, down $34.8 million from September 30, 2022 due principally to the upfront cash payment for the Salient acquisition. Stockholders' equity totaled $110.6 million as of December 31, 2022 and we continue to have no debt.



We declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 3, 2023 to stockholders of record on March 1, 2023.
Brian Casey, Westwood’s CEO, commented, "We were very pleased with the 4th quarter’s investment results, with strong performances delivered across the firm’s suite of products. In November we were extremely pleased to close the acquisition of Salient Partners’ asset management business, which we firmly believe will prove to be one of the most impactful transactions in Westwood’s history. The benefits to stakeholders are many, including significant accretion to Economic Earnings starting this year and the arrival of great products in Energy Infrastructure, Real Estate, Tactical Absolute Return and Private Investments joining our line-up of investment strategies. We are also gaining an experienced team of talented investment professionals serving a diverse group of clients, a complementary distribution footprint with little overlap with Westwood’s existing distribution channels, and a very strong cultural fit that became even more apparent as we worked together to bring the deal to fruition. Following an interesting January for the markets, we are excited to see how the balance of the year plays out and anticipate continued improvements in our fee mix and flows."
Revenues of $20.5 million increased $1.1 million from 2021's fourth quarter principally due to higher average assets under management ("AUM"). Revenues rose $5.1 million versus the third quarter principally on higher average AUM and higher performance fees.
Firm wide assets under management and advisement totaled $16.1 billion at quarter end, which consisted of AUM of $14.8 billion and assets under advisement ("AUA") of $1.3 billion.
AUM of $14.8 billion at December 31, 2022 rose from $11.5 billion at September 30, 2022 principally due to $2.7 billion of AUM from the acquisition of Salient. AUA of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2022 rose from $0.3 billion in the prior quarter principally due to $0.9 billion of AUA acquired in the Salient transaction. For AUA, we provide model portfolios and related investment advice on a fee basis without having investment management authority.
Fourth quarter net loss of $3.1 million compared to the third quarter's loss of $1.2 million due to higher expenses, primarily related to the acquisition ($5.3 million), and unrealized depreciation on private investments, partially offset by higher revenues. Diluted EPS of $(0.40) compared to $(0.15) per share for the third quarter. Non-GAAP Economic Earnings (Loss) were $(0.7) million, or $(0.09) per share, compared to the third quarter's $0.8 million, or $0.10 per share.
Fourth quarter net loss of $3.1 million compared to last year's fourth quarter net income of $2.8 million on higher expenses, primarily related to the acquisition ($5.3 million), and unrealized depreciation on private investments, partially offset by higher revenues. Diluted EPS of $(0.40) compared with $0.36 per share for 2021's fourth quarter. Non-GAAP Economic Earnings (Loss) of $(0.7) million, or $(0.09) per share, compared to $4.7 million, or $0.59 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2021.
2022 net loss of $4.6 million compared to 2021's net income of $9.8 million on lower revenues, higher expenses primarily related to the acquisition ($7.1 million, $1.8 million of which was incurred in the first three quarters of 2022 and included in earnings), and higher realized gains on private investments in 2021. Diluted EPS was $(0.59) per share compared with $1.23 per share for 2021. Economic EPS of $0.45 compared with $2.20 in 2021.
Economic Earnings (Loss) and Economic EPS are non-GAAP performance measures and are explained and reconciled with the most comparable GAAP numbers in the attached tables.
Westwood will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022 results and other business matters at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time today. To join the conference call, please register here:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BI62b7c3ccbeda480a8d66dcd292d70f52



After registering, you will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized PIN.
Webcast Link: : https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/2rnyqw4x
ABOUT WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. is an investment management boutique and wealth management firm. Westwood offers high-conviction equity and outcome-oriented solutions to institutional investors, private wealth clients and financial intermediaries. The firm offers several distinct investment capabilities: U.S. Value Equity, Asset Allocation, Energy & Real Assets, Alternative Income, Tactical Absolute Return and Systematic Equity. Strategies are made available through separate accounts, the Westwood Funds® family of mutual funds and other pooled vehicles. Westwood benefits from significant, broad-based employee ownership and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WHG.” Based in Dallas, Westwood also maintains offices in Houston and San Francisco.
For more information on Westwood, please visit westwoodgroup.com.
Forward-looking Statements
Statements in this press release 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,” “expect,” “could,” 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 composition and market value of our AUM; our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures; our stockholder rights agreement may make it more difficult for others to obtain control over us, even if it would be beneficial to our stockholders; 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; in addition to our stockholder rights agreement, our organizational documents contain provisions that may prevent or deter another group from paying a premium over the market price to our stockholders to acquire our stock; 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; our relationships with investment consulting firms; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; 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; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls; and the other risks detailed from time to time in Westwood’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Westwood is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.



SOURCE: Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
(WHG-G)
CONTACT:
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
Terry Forbes
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(214) 756-6900



WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022September 30, 2022December 31, 2021
REVENUES:
Advisory fees:
Asset-based$13,441 $10,474 $12,081 
Performance-based1,018 — 1,376 
Trust fees5,429 5,177 5,797 
Trust performance-based— — 101 
Other, net568 (245)36 
Total revenues20,456 15,406 19,391 
   
EXPENSES:
Employee compensation and benefits11,131 9,526 10,479 
Sales and marketing677 335 388 
Westwood mutual funds890 615 1,084 
Information technology2,104 2,170 1,971 
Professional services1,664 1,660 920 
General and administrative2,530 2,182 2,181 
Acquisition expenses5,271 — — 
Total expenses24,267 16,488 17,023 
Net operating income (loss)(3,811)(1,082)2,368 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on private investments(984)(249)327 
Investment income 173 104 306 
Other income309 206 212 
Income (loss) before income taxes(4,313)(1,021)3,213 
Provision for income taxes(1,185)154 400 
Net income (loss)$(3,125)$(1,175)$2,813 
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(3,125)$(1,175)$2,813 
   
Earnings per share:
Basic$(0.40)$(0.15)$0.36 
Diluted$(0.40)$(0.15)$0.36 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic7,775,5457,794,0607,842,867
Diluted7,775,5457,794,0607,910,673
Economic Earnings (Loss)$(738)$800 $4,654 
Economic EPS$(0.09)$0.10 $0.59 
Dividends declared per share$0.15 $0.15 $0.15 




WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
(unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
20222021
REVENUES:
Advisory fees:
Asset-based$46,685 $45,927 
Performance-based1,018 3,335 
Trust fees21,686 24,030 
Trust performance-based— 101 
Other, net(708)(339)
Total revenues68,681 73,054 
   
EXPENSES:
Employee compensation and benefits40,124 42,532 
Sales and marketing2,003 1,280 
Westwood mutual funds2,201 2,657 
Information technology7,719 8,161 
Professional services5,357 4,391 
General and administrative9,057 8,074 
Acquisition expenses7,093 — 
Total expenses73,554 67,095 
Net operating income (loss)(4,873)5,959 
Realized gains on private investments— 8,371 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on private investments(1,495)(1,797)
Investment income266 868 
Other income907 602 
Income (loss) before income taxes(5,195)14,003 
Provision for income taxes(567)4,240 
Net income (loss)$(4,628)$9,763 
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(4,628)$9,763 
   
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic$(0.59)$1.24 
Diluted$(0.59)$1.23 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic7,844,3637,875,395
Diluted7,844,3637,927,972
Economic Earnings$3,564 $17,458 
Economic EPS$0.45 $2.20 
Dividends declared per share$0.60 $2.95 





WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)
(unaudited)
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$23,859 $15,206 
Accounts receivable13,652 11,152 
Investments, at fair value15,342 65,024 
Income taxes receivable446 233 
Other current assets4,739 2,246 
Total current assets58,038 93,861 
Investments4,455 4,455 
Noncurrent investments at fair value9,701 4,513 
Goodwill35,291 16,401 
Deferred income taxes1,762 848 
Operating lease right-of-use assets4,976 4,868 
Intangible assets, net29,352 11,911 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,277 and $8,6371,828 2,114 
Other long-term assets929 634 
Total long-term assets88,294 45,744 
Total assets$146,332 $139,605 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$5,486 $2,637 
Dividends payable1,745 1,800 
Compensation and benefits payable8,689 9,530 
Operating lease liabilities1,502 1,409 
Income taxes payable— 466 
Total current liabilities17,422 15,842 
Accrued dividends701 1,133 
Contingent consideration12,999 — 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities4,562 4,724 
Total long-term liabilities18,262 5,857 
Total liabilities35,684 21,699 
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 11,058,937 and outstanding 8,881,831 shares at December 31, 2022; issued 10,658,644 and outstanding 8,253,491 shares at December 31, 2021115 107 
Additional paid-in capital199,914 195,187 
Treasury stock, at cost – 2,645,713 shares at December 31, 2022; 2,405,154 shares at December 31, 2021(85,128)(81,750)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)(4,253)4,362 
Total stockholders’ equity110,648 117,906 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$146,332 $139,605 




WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Year ended December 31,
20222021
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$(4,628)$9,763 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation687 750 
Amortization of intangible assets1,889 1,624 
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments2,136 1,845 
Realized gains on private investments— (8,371)
Stock-based compensation expense6,001 5,835 
Deferred income taxes(931)620 
Gain on asset disposition— (148)
Non-cash lease expense1,110 1,235 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
Net (purchases) sales of investments – trading securities48,977 4,513 
Accounts receivable72 (1,702)
Other current assets(2,288)189 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities1,251 1,009 
Compensation and benefits payable(861)2,042 
Income taxes payable(241)1,750 
Other liabilities(1,304)(1,569)
Net cash provided by operating activities51,870 19,385 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquistion, net of cash acquired(33,804)— 
Sale of investments— 9,258 
Purchases of investments— (15)
Purchases of property and equipment(320)(178)
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment— 501 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(34,124)9,566 
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock(2,851)(2,990)
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes(622)(884)
Cash dividends(5,625)(22,932)
Net cash used in financing activities(9,098)(26,806)
Effect of currency rate changes on cash45 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents8,653 2,190 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period15,206 13,016 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$23,859 $15,206 
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes$1,858 $1,858 
Accrued dividends$2,446 $2,933 
Acquired contingent consideration$12,999 $— 





WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Economic Earnings (Loss)
(in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
(unaudited)

As supplemental information, we are providing non-GAAP performance measures that we refer to as Economic Earnings (Loss) and Economic EPS. We provide these measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share, which are reported on a GAAP basis. Our management and Board of Directors review Economic Earnings (Loss) 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 net income (loss) or earnings (loss) 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.
We define Economic Earnings (Loss) as net income (loss) plus non-cash stock-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 (Loss) because depreciation charges represent an allocation of the decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement. In addition, we do not adjust Economic Earnings (Loss) for tax deductions related to restricted stock expense or amortization of intangible assets. Economic EPS represents Economic Earnings (Loss) divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
Three Months Ended
December 31,
2022
September 30,
2022
December 31,
2021
Net Income (Loss)$(3,125)$(1,175)$2,813 
Stock-based compensation expense1,591 1,509 1,375 
Intangible amortization671 407 406 
Tax benefit from goodwill amortization125 59 60 
Economic Earnings (Loss)$(738)$800 $4,654 
Earnings (loss) per share$(0.40)$(0.15)$0.36 
Stock-based compensation expense0.19 0.19 0.17 
Intangible amortization0.09 0.05 0.05 
Tax benefit from goodwill amortization0.02 0.01 0.01 
Economic EPS$(0.09)$0.10 $0.59 
Diluted weighted average shares7,775,5457,794,0607,910,673



Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Net Income (Loss)$(4,628)$9,763 
Stock-based compensation expense6,001 5,834 
Intangible amortization1,889 1,624 
Tax benefit from goodwill amortization302 237 
Economic Earnings$3,564 $17,458 
Earnings (loss) per share$(0.59)$1.23 
Stock-based compensation expense0.77 0.74 
Intangible amortization0.24 0.20 
Tax benefit from goodwill amortization0.04 0.03 
Economic EPS$0.45 $2.20 
Diluted weighted average shares7,844,3637,927,972