SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005
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
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 75-2969997 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200 Dallas, Texas 75201 |
75201 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (214) 756-6900
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Title of class)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: None
Indicate by check mark if registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ |
Accelerated filer x | Non-accelerated filer ¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value on June 30, 2005 of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $82,091,136. For purposes of this calculation, the registrant has assumed that stockholders that are not officers or directors of the registrant are not affiliates of the registrant.
The number of shares of registrants Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of February 21, 2006: 5,988,197.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Selected portions of the registrants definitive Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
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PART I
Item 1. | Business. |
Unless the context otherwise requires, the term we, us, our, Company, Westwood, or Westwood Holdings Group when used in this Form 10-K (Report) and in the Annual Report to the Stockholders refers to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries and predecessors. This Report contains some forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. 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 those set forth under Risk Factors below.
General
We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our two subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. (Westwood Management) and Westwood Trust. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of assets under management, and at December 31, 2005, Westwood Management and Westwood Trust collectively managed assets valued at approximately $4.9 billion. We have been providing investment advisory services since 1983 and, according to recognized industry sources, including Morningstar, Inc., when measured over multi-year periods, our principal asset classes rank above the median in performance within their peer groups.
The core of our business is dependent on our client relationships. We believe that in addition to investment performance, client service is paramount in the asset management business. As such, a major focus of our business strategy is to continue building strong relationships with clients to better enable us to anticipate their needs and to satisfy their investment objectives. Our team approach ensures efficient, responsive service for our clients. Our future success will depend to a significant degree on both investment performance and our ability to provide responsive client service.
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 12, 2001 as a subsidiary of SWS Group, Inc. (SWS). Our principal assets consist of the capital stock of Westwood Management and Westwood Trust. On June 28, 2002, SWS completed the spin-off of Westwood by effecting a dividend distribution of all of our common stock held by SWS to all of its stockholders on a pro rata basis. We are now an independent public company, and our Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol WHG. We maintain a website at www.westwoodgroup.com. Information found on our website is not a part of this Report. All filings made by Westwood with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available without charge on our website. Additionally, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, our Audit Committee Charter, our Compensation Committee Charter and our Governance/Nominating Committee Charter are available without charge on our website. Stockholders also may obtain print copies of these documents free of charge by submitting a written request to William R. Hardcastle, Jr. at the Company.
Westwood Management
General
Westwood Management Corp. provides investment advisory services to large institutions, including corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations and mutual funds, having at least $10 $25 million in investable assets, depending on the asset class. Our overall investment philosophy is determined by our chief investment officer, Susan M. Byrne, and, with respect to the bulk of assets under management, is a value-oriented approach that is focused on achieving a superior, risk-adjusted return by investing in companies that are positioned for growth but are not fully recognized as such in the marketplace. This investment approach is designed to preserve capital in unfavorable periods and to provide superior real returns over the long term. Ms. Byrne has over 30 years of investment experience. Westwood Managements investment advisory team also possesses substantial investment management experience,
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including a number of investment management, research and trading professionals. The continuity of the team and its years of experience are critical elements in successfully managing investments.
Managed Asset Classes
Asset Management. We provide clients with a broad range of investment asset classes designed to meet varying investment objectives. This affords our clients the opportunity to meet their investment objectives through the use of one investment advisor. More than half of our assets under management are invested in our LargeCap Value asset class. The following sets forth the principal asset classes currently managed by Westwood Management:
LargeCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 45-60 well-seasoned companies with market capitalizations generally over $1 billion. Our strategy for this portfolio is to invest in companies where we expect future profitability, driven by operational improvements, will be higher than expectations reflected in current share prices.
SMidCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 45-60 companies with market capitalizations between $100 million and $10 billion. Similar to the LargeCap Value asset class, we seek to discover the same kinds of operational improvements that are driving earnings growth, but within small to mid-size companies that can be purchased inexpensively.
SmallCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 50-70 companies with market capitalizations between $100 million and $2.5 billion. Similar to the LargeCap Value and SMidCap Value classes, we seek to invest in high quality companies where earnings growth is driven by operational improvements that are not fully recognized by the market.
AllCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 60-80 well-seasoned companies. The portfolio is generally comprised of the best ideas within all market capitalizations above $100 million. Similar to the LargeCap Value asset class, we seek to invest in companies where we expect future profitability, driven by operational improvements, will be higher than expectations reflected in current share prices across a broad range of market capitalizations.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (or REITs): Investments in the publicly traded equity securities of approximately 50 real estate investment trusts. Our investment process involves making investment selections based on qualitative research of high quality REITs.
Balanced: Investments in a combination of equity and fixed income securities, which are designed to provide both growth opportunities and income, while also placing emphasis upon asset preservation in down markets. Westwood Management applies its expertise in dynamic asset allocation and security selection in carrying out this balanced strategy approach.
Income Opportunity: Investments in dividend-paying common stocks, straight and convertible preferred stock, master limited partnerships, REITs and selected debt instruments. The portfolio strategy focuses on companies with strong and improving cash flow sufficient to support a sustainable or rising income stream for investors. This asset class is targeted towards investors seeking high current income through dividend-paying and/or interest-bearing securities.
Fixed Income Core/Intermediate Bonds: Investments in high-grade, intermediate term, corporate and government bonds. We seek to add value to client portfolios through yield curve positioning and investment in improving credit quality.
Each asset class is a portfolio of equity and/or fixed income securities selected by Westwood Managements portfolio teams to best provide the long term returns consistent with Westwood Managements investment philosophy. Our portfolio teams make decisions for all of Westwood Managements asset classes in accordance with the investment objectives and policies of such asset classes, including determining when and which securities to purchase and sell.
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We primarily employ a value-oriented approach in managing the bulk of our equity asset classes. The common thread that permeates throughout our investment strategies is our focus on a disciplined approach to controlling risk and preserving the core value of the assets under management whenever possible. Our value oriented asset classes have a greater emphasis on identifying companies where earnings result from actual operational improvements and not manufactured improvements occurring through financial statement adjustments. Our desire to prevent the loss of the core value of the assets under management is the overriding objective of this strategy, even if the cost is the loss of opportunity for potentially higher returns. Whether through investments in industry leaders or in companies that provide steady and stable growth, Westwood Management seeks to consistently demonstrate superior performance relative to industry peers and the broad market.
More than two-thirds of our assets under management are invested in equity securities of companies with a large market capitalization. When measured over multi-year periods, ten years and longer, Westwood Managements principal asset classes rank above the median within their peer groups in performance according to recognized industry sources, including Morningstar, Inc. For the ten-year period ended on December 31, 2005, our LargeCap Value and Balanced asset classes rank in the top quartile in their peer groups.
Our ability to grow our assets under management is dependent on our competitive long-term performance record and our strong relationships with investment consulting firms throughout the nation. We are continually looking for opportunities to expand our asset classes in terms of growing our existing asset classes and developing new portfolios focusing on investment areas that are not currently part of our asset classes under management. We primarily intend to grow our asset classes internally, but may also consider acquiring new asset classes from third parties, as discussed under Growth Strategy below. Our growth strategy not only provides our clients more investment opportunities, but also diversifies our assets under management, thereby reducing our risk in any one area of investment and increasing our competitive ability to attract new clients.
Cash Management. Westwood Management also provides cash management and custodial services for the cash reserve funds of SWS. We were spun-off from SWS in 2002. The SWS cash reserve funds totaled $184 million at December 31, 2005. Westwood Management charges a fee based on the total amount of cash assets under management.
Advisory and Subadvisory Service Agreements
Westwood Management manages accounts of its clients under investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. As is common in the asset management industry, these agreements are usually terminable upon short notice and provide for compensation based on the market value of the clients assets under management. Our fees are generally payable in advance on a calendar quarterly basis. Revenue from advance payments is deferred and recognized over the period that services are performed. Pursuant to these agreements, Westwood Management provides overall investment management services, including directing investments in conformity with the investment objectives and restrictions imposed by the clients. Unless otherwise directed in writing by our client, Westwood Management has the authority to vote all proxies with respect to a clients assets.
Westwood Management is also a party to subadvisory agreements with other investment advisors under which it performs substantially the same services as it does under its advisory agreements. However, the investment strategy adopted for a particular client is subject to supervision and review by the client. Our subadvisory fees are computed based upon the daily net assets of the client and are payable on a monthly basis. As with our advisory agreements, these agreements are terminable upon short notice.
Under our subadvisory agreement with Gabelli Advisers, Inc., Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to the Westwood Funds family of mutual funds. The Westwood Equity Fund is a large cap value fund with assets consisting of securities valued at approximately $185 million as of December 31, 2005. For the ten-year period ended on December 31, 2005, the Westwood Equity Fund ranked in the top quartile in the Large Value category according to Morningstar, Inc. Westwood Management owns shares of Class A Common Stock representing a 19.02% economic interest in Gabelli Advisers, Inc., a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. Based on SEC filings, we believe that GAMCO Investors, Inc. owned 18.7% of our Common Stock as of December 31, 2005. While Westwood Management provides subadvisory services with respect to the Westwood Funds family of funds, Westwood Management provides
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investment advisory services directly to the recently launched WHG Funds family of mutual funds, namely the WHG SMidCap Fund and the WHG Income Opportunity Fund.
Our three largest clients accounted for approximately 18.8% of total revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005.
Westwood Trust
General
Westwood Trust provides to institutions and high net worth individuals generally having at least $1 million in assets under management, trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors. Westwood Trust seeks to define and improve the risk/return profile of the clients investment portfolio by complementing or enhancing existing investment strategies. Westwood Trust also provides back office services to its clients, including tax reporting, distribution of income to beneficiaries, preparation of trust and account statements and attending to the special needs of particular trusts. Westwood Trust serves as trustee for tax and estate-planning purposes, as well as for special needs trusts. Westwood Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas Department of Banking.
Westwood Trust primarily provides services for employee benefit trusts and personal trusts. Employee benefit trusts include retirement plans of businesses to benefit their employees, such as defined contribution plans, pensions and profit sharing plans. Westwood Trust may be appointed trustee and provide administrative support for these plans, as well as investment advisory and custodial services. Personal trusts are developed to achieve a number of different objectives, and Westwood Trust acts as trustee to these trusts and assists in developing tax efficient trust portfolios for them. The fees charged by Westwood Trust are separately negotiated with each client and are based on the complexity of the operations of the trust and the amount of assets under management.
Services
Westwood Trust undertakes a fiduciary responsibility toward the management of each clients assets and utilizes a consultative asset allocation approach. This approach involves Westwood Trust examining the clients financial situation, including the clients portfolio of investments, and advising the client on ways in which it can enhance its investment returns and financial position. Westwood Trust also provides custodial services, safekeeping and accounting services.
Common Trust Funds
Westwood Trust sponsors a number of common trust funds in which we commingle clients assets to achieve economies of scale. Our common trust funds fall within two basic categories: personal trust and employee benefit trust. We sponsor common trust funds for most of the asset classes managed by Westwood Management. We also engage third party subadvisors for some of our common trust funds, such as our Growth Equity, International Equity and High Yield Bond common trust funds.
Enhanced Balanced Portfolios
Westwood Trust is a strong proponent of asset class diversification. We offer our clients the ability to diversify among eleven different asset classes. Westwood Trust Enhanced Balanced portfolios seek to combine these asset classes into a unique customizable portfolio for clients seeking to maximize return for a given level of risk. Periodic adjustments are made to asset class weightings in Enhanced Balanced portfolios based on historical return, risk and correlation data, as well as an analysis of our capital markets outlook.
Distribution Channels
We market our services through several distribution channels that allow us to expand the reach of our investment advisory services. These channels provide us the ability to leverage the existing distribution infrastructure and capabilities
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of other financial services firms and intermediaries and focus on our core competency of developing outstanding investment asset classes.
Institutional Investment Consultants
Investment management consulting firms serve as gatekeepers to an overwhelming percentage of corporate pension plans, endowments and foundations, which represent Westwoods primary client markets. Consultants provide guidance and expertise in setting a clients asset allocation strategy, as well as the establishment of an investment policy. In addition, consultants make recommendations of best in class investment firms that they believe will best meet their clients investment objectives. Westwood has established strong relationships with many national and regional investment consulting firms, which has resulted in Westwood being considered and hired by many of their clients. Continuing to enhance our existing consulting firm relationships, as well as forging new relationships, serves to increase the awareness of our services in both the consultant community and the underlying institutional client base.
Subadvisory Relationships
Westwoods subadvisory relationships allow Westwood to extend the reach of its investment management services to the clients of other investment companies that have broad, established distribution capabilities. In subadvisory arrangements, Westwoods client is typically the investment company through which our services are offered to investors. In these subadvisory arrangements, Westwoods investment advisory services are typically made available through retail-based mutual fund offerings. The investment company that sponsors the mutual fund is responsible for marketing, distribution, operations and accounting related to these funds.
Managed Accounts
Managed accounts are similar in some respects to subadvisory relationships in that a third party financial institution, such as a brokerage firm or turnkey asset management program provider, handles distribution to the end client. The end client in a managed account is typically a high net worth individual or small institution. In these arrangements, the third party financial institution is responsible to the end client for client service, operations and accounting.
Growth Strategy
We believe that we have established a strong platform to support future growth, deriving our strength in large part from the experience and capabilities of our management team and skilled investment professionals. We believe that assembling this focused, stable team has contributed in large part to our solid investment performance, superior client service and a growing array of available asset classes. Opportunities for our future growth are expected to come from existing and new clients and consultant relationships, growth of assets in our emerging asset classes, continued growth of the Westwood Trust platform, expanded distribution via mutual funds, strategic acquisitions and alliances and the continued strengthening of our brand name.
Generate growth from new and existing clients and consultant relationships. As our primary business objective, we intend to maintain and enhance existing relationships with clients and investment consultants by continuing to provide solid investment performance and a high level of quality service to these existing relationships. Additionally, we will pursue growth through targeted sales and marketing efforts that emphasize our investment performance and superior client service. New institutional client accounts are generally derived via investment consultants. We have been successful in developing solid long-term relationships with many national and regional investment consultants. The familiarity with our firm, our people and our processes that we have built in these relationships is one of the key factors in being considered for new client investment mandates.
Attract and retain key employees. In order to achieve our performance and client relationship objectives, we must be able to retain and attract talented investment professionals. We believe that we have created a workplace environment in which motivated, performance-driven, and client-oriented individuals thrive. As a public company, we are able to offer to our employees a compensation program that includes strong equity incentives so that the success of our employees will be closely tied to the success of our clients. We believe these factors are critical ingredients in
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maintaining a stable, client-focused environment. As a result, we have built a firm that we believe can support significant future growth.
Grow assets in our additional asset classes. LargeCap Value is our flagship product; however, we have continued to develop additional asset classes in response to client needs and opportunities we see in the marketplace. Westwood Management has managed our SMidCap Value asset class with solid results for clients at Westwood Trust for several years. We now believe that we have the team in place to fully support this product in the institutional marketplace and we therefore began marketing this asset class to institutional investment consultants in late 2004. As a result of this targeted marketing effort, we gained a number of meaningful SMidCap Value clients in 2005. Within the last three years, we have launched two new asset classes SmallCap Value, which now has a two-year track record, and Income Opportunity, which now has a three-year track record. These new asset classes have generated strong investment returns since their inception and will be rolled out to the institutional marketplace later this year. If we continue to deliver strong performance, we believe the demand for these asset classes can provide meaningful growth in our assets under management in the future.
Continued growth of the Westwood Trust platform. Westwood Trust has experienced solid growth in serving small- to medium-sized institutions and high net worth individuals. We are seeing a growing level of interest from our clients in the diversified, highly attentive service model that we have developed. We believe the continued acceptance of our Enhanced Balanced product, which offers diversified exposure to multiple asset classes in a tax efficient, comprehensive solution for clients, provides us with opportunities for future growth.
Expanded distribution via mutual funds. In December 2005, we launched two new mutual funds targeted at the institutional marketplace the WHG SMidCap Fund and the WHG Income Opportunity Fund. These funds will initially be available in an institutional share class with capped expense ratios and a $500,000 minimum investment requirement. We believe that access to our SMidCap Value and Income Opportunity asset classes via an institutional mutual fund vehicle will present a compelling offering for certain segments of institutional investors, including 401(k) plans.
Pursue strategic acquisitions and alliances. We will evaluate strategic acquisition, joint venture and alliance opportunities carefully. We may, in time, have an interest in pursuing asset management firms or trust companies that have assets with respect to which we have expertise or those that appear appropriate as a means of expanding the range of asset classes we offer or expanding our distribution capabilities. By acquiring investment firms that successfully manage asset classes in which we do not specialize, we could attract new clients and provide our existing clients with a more diversified range of asset classes. We may also consider entering into alliances with other financial services firms that would allow us to leverage our core competency of developing superior investment products in combination with alliance partners that could provide us with enhanced distribution capabilities.
Continue strengthening our brand name. We believe that the strength of our brand name has been a key component to our long-term tenure in the investment industry and will continue to be instrumental to our future success. We have developed our strong brand name largely through high profile coverage in various investment publications and electronic media. A number of our investment professionals, including Ms. Byrne and David S. Spika, enjoy a visible presence in print and electronic media, which also enhances our brand name. We will continue to look for creative ways to strengthen our brand name and reputation in all of our target client markets.
Competition
We are subject to substantial and growing competition in all aspects of our business. Barriers to entry to the asset management business are relatively low, and our management anticipates that we will face a growing number of competitors. Although no one company dominates the asset management industry, many companies are larger, better known and have greater resources than we do.
Further, we compete with other asset management firms on the basis of asset classes offered, the investment performance of those asset classes in absolute terms and relative to peer group performance, quality of service, fees charged, the level and type of compensation offered to key employees, and the manner in which asset classes are marketed. Many of our competitors have more asset classes and services and may also have substantially greater assets under management.
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We compete against an ever-increasing number of investment dealers, banks, insurance companies and others that sell equity funds, taxable income funds, tax-free investments and other investment products. Also, the allocation by many investors of assets away from active equity investment to index funds, fixed income or similar asset classes has enhanced the ability of firms offering non-equity asset classes and passive equity management to effectively compete with us. In short, the competitive landscape in which we operate is both intense and dynamic, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively in the future as an independent company.
Additionally, most prospective clients perform a thorough review of an investment managers background, investment policies and performance before committing assets to that manager. In many cases, prospective clients invite a number of competing firms to make presentations. The process of obtaining a new client typically takes twelve to eighteen months from the time of the initial contact. While we have achieved a degree of success in competing successfully for new clients, it is a process to which we must dedicate significant resources over an extended period, with no certainty of success.
Regulation
Westwood Management
Virtually all aspects of our business are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients and stockholders of registered investment advisers. Under such laws and regulations, agencies that regulate investment advisers, such as ourselves, have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict or prohibit such an adviser from carrying on its business in the event that it fails to comply with such laws and regulations. In such event, the possible sanctions that may be imposed include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on engaging in certain lines of business for specified periods of time, revocation of investment adviser and other registrations, censures and fines. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all material laws and regulations.
Our business is subject to regulation at both the federal and state level by the SEC and other regulatory bodies. Westwood Management is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and under the laws of various states. As a registered investment adviser, Westwood Management is regulated and subject to examination by the SEC. The Investment Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisers, including fiduciary duties, record keeping requirements, operational requirements, marketing requirements and disclosure obligations. In addition, Westwood Management acts as adviser to the recently launched mutual funds, the WHG SMidCap Fund and the WHG Income Opportunity Fund, which are registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940. As adviser to a registered investment company, Westwood Management must comply with the requirements of the Investment Company Act and related regulations. Under the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated pursuant to the federal securities laws, we are subject to periodic examination by the SEC. The SEC is authorized to institute proceedings and impose sanctions for violations of the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act, ranging from censure to termination of an investment advisers registration. The failure of Westwood Management to comply with the requirements of the SEC could have a material adverse effect on Westwood. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the requirements of the regulations under the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act.
Westwood Trust
Westwood Trust also operates in a highly regulated environment and is subject to extensive supervision and examination. As a Texas chartered trust company, Westwood Trust is subject to the Texas Finance Code (the Finance Code), the rules and regulations promulgated under the Finance Code and supervision by the Texas Department of Banking. These laws are intended primarily for the protection of Westwood Trusts clients and creditors, rather than for the benefit of investors. The Finance Code provides for and regulates a variety of matters, such as minimum capital maintenance requirements; restrictions on dividends; restrictions on investments of restricted capital; lending and borrowing limitations; prohibitions against engaging in certain activities; periodic examinations by the office of the Texas Department of Banking Commissioner; furnishing periodic financial statements to the Texas Department of Banking
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Commissioner; fiduciary record-keeping requirements; and prior regulatory approval for certain corporate events (such as mergers, sale/purchase of all or substantially all of the assets and transactions transferring control of a trust company).
The Finance Code also gives the Commissioner broad regulatory powers (including penalties and civil and administrative actions) if the trust company violates certain provisions of the Finance Code or conservatorship or closure if Westwood Trust is determined to be in a hazardous condition (as the law defines that term).
Westwood Trust is limited by the Finance Code in the payment of dividends to undivided profits: that part of equity capital equal to the balance of net profits, income, gains, and losses since its formation date minus subsequent distributions to stockholders and transfers to surplus or capital under share dividends or appropriate Board resolutions. At the discretion of its board of directors, Westwood Trust has made quarterly and special dividend payments to the Company out of its undivided profits.
We are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and to the related regulations, insofar as we are a fiduciary under ERISA with respect to some of our clients. ERISA and applicable provisions of the Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA or who provide services to ERISA plan clients and prohibit certain transactions involving ERISA plan clients. Our failure to comply with these requirements could have a material adverse effect on us.
Employees
At December 31, 2005, we had 47 full-time employees, including 20 investment management, research and trading professionals, 11 marketing and client service professionals and 16 operations and business management professionals. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we consider our employee relations to be good.
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Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this Report and the Annual Report to Stockholders that are not purely historical facts, including statements about our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as well as other statements including words such as anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend, should, could, goal, target, designed, on track, comfortable with, optimistic 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, those set forth below and elsewhere in this Report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, for no assurances can be given with respect to any forward-looking statements. In addition to the other information in this Report, the following factors, which may affect our current position and future prospects, should be considered carefully in evaluating us and an investment in our common stock.
Poor investment performance of the assets managed by us could adversely affect our results of operations.
Because we compete with many other asset management firms on the basis of asset classes offered and the investment performance of those asset classes, our success is dependent to a significant extent on the investment performance of the assets that we manage. Underperformance relative to peer groups for our various asset classes could adversely affect our results of operations, especially if such underperformance is sustained for a lengthy period of time. Strong performance stimulates new client accounts, which results in higher revenues for us. Conversely, poor performance tends to result in the loss or reduction of client accounts, with corresponding decreases in revenues.
If we are unable to capitalize on the costs we have recently incurred and are continuing to incur to develop some new asset classes and otherwise broaden Westwoods capabilities, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
We have incurred significant costs over the last several years to develop some new asset classes, including SMidCap Value, SmallCap Value and Income Opportunity, to launch two new mutual funds, the WHG SMidCap Fund and the WHG Income Opportunity Fund, and also to upgrade our business infrastructure. Some of the costs associated with these improvements will continue to be incurred in future periods and are relatively fixed. While we believe that these investments enhance our future business prospects, no assurance can be given that we will be able to capitalize on these investments and, in the event we are not able to do so, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
Some members of our management are critical to our success, and our inability to attract and retain key employees could compromise our future success.
We believe that our future success will depend to a significant extent upon the services of our executive officers, particularly Susan M. Byrne, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Investment Officer, and Brian O. Casey, our President and Chief Executive Officer. We do not have employment agreements with any of our key employees, including Ms. Byrne or Mr. Casey. The loss of the services of one or more of our key employees or our failure to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. As with other asset management businesses, our future performance depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of certain officers, investment professionals and other key marketing, client service and management personnel. There is substantial competition for these types of skilled personnel.
Some executive officers have substantial influence over our investment policies.
Susan M. Byrne, our Chief Investment Officer, establishes and implements policy with respect to our investment advisory activity. Ms. Byrne and Mr. Casey decide on any changes in management philosophy, style or approach with respect to our investment advisory policies.
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Negative performance of the securities markets could reduce our revenues.
Our results of operations are affected by many economic factors, including the performance of the securities markets. Negative performance in the securities markets or certain segments of those markets or short-term volatility in the securities markets or segments thereof could result in investors withdrawing assets from the markets or decreasing their rate of investment, either of which could reduce our revenues. Because most of our revenues are based on the value of assets under management, a decline in the value of those assets would also adversely affect our revenues. In addition, in periods of slowing growth or declining revenues, profits and profit margins are adversely affected because certain expenses remain relatively fixed.
In particular, more than two-thirds of our assets under management are invested in equity securities of companies with a large market capitalization. As a consequence, we are particularly susceptible to the volatility associated with changes in the market for large capitalization stocks. Due to this concentration, any change or reduction in such markets, including a shift of Westwood clients and potential clients preference from investments in equity securities of large capitalization stocks to other equity or fixed income securities could have a significant negative impact on our revenues and results of operations. This negative impact could occur due to the depreciation in value of our assets under management and/or the election by clients to select other firms to manage their assets, either of which events would result in decreased assets under management and therefore reduced revenues and a decline in results of operations.
Our business is dependent on investment advisory, subadvisory and trust agreements that are subject to termination or non-renewal; therefore, we could lose any of our clients on very short notice.
Substantially all of our revenues are derived pursuant to investment advisory, subadvisory and trust agreements with our clients. In general, either party may terminate these agreements upon 30-days notice. Any termination of or failure to renew these agreements could have a material adverse impact on us, particularly because many of our costs are relatively fixed.
A small number of clients account for a substantial portion of our business. As such, the reduction or loss of business with any of these clients could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our largest three clients accounted for 18.8% of total revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, and we are therefore dependent to a significant degree on our ability to maintain our existing relationships with these clients. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in maintaining our existing client relationships or in securing additional clients. Any failure by us to retain one or more of our large clients or establish profitable relationships with additional clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any event that negatively affects the asset management industry could have a material adverse effect on us.
Any event affecting the asset management industry that results in a general decrease in assets under management or a significant general decline in the number of advisory clients or accounts could negatively impact our revenues. Our future growth and success depends in part upon the growth of the asset management industry.
Due to the substantial cost and time required to introduce new asset classes in our industry, we may not be able to successfully introduce new asset classes in a timely manner, or at all.
The development and marketing of new asset classes in our industry is extremely costly and requires a substantial amount of time. Our ability to successfully market and sell a new asset class depends on our financial resources, the performance results of the asset class, the timing of the offering and our marketing strategies. Once an asset class is developed, whether through acquisition or internal development, we need to be able to effectively market the asset class to our existing and prospective clients. This entails incurring significant financial expenses related to research on the target assets and the demand for such asset class in the market, as well as sales and marketing costs associated with attracting assets to the new asset class. In addition, our ability to sell new asset classes to our existing and prospective clients depends on our ability to meet or exceed the performance of our competitors who offer the same or similar asset
10
classes. We may not be able to profitably manage the assets within a given asset class. Moreover, it may take years before we are able to produce the level of results that will enable us to attract clients. If we are unable to capitalize on the costs and expenses incurred in developing new asset classes, we may experience losses as a result of our management of these asset classes, and our ability to introduce further new asset classes and compete in our industry may be hampered.
If we are unable to successfully and timely expand our asset classes, we may not be able to maintain our competitive position in the asset management industry.
Our ability to remain competitive will depend, in part, on our ability to expand our asset classes under management. We are continually looking for opportunities to expand our asset classes, both in terms of growing our existing asset classes and developing new asset classes focusing on investment areas that we do not currently cover. We intend to grow our asset classes either internally or by acquiring asset classes from third parties. It may be costly and time consuming for us to develop these new assets internally. Moreover, we may not be able to find asset classes that are consistent with our growth strategies or acquire asset classes from third parties on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If we are unable to expand our asset classes or unable to do so in a timely manner, we may lose clients to other asset management firms, which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business is subject to pervasive regulation with attendant costs of compliance and serious consequences for violations.
Virtually all aspects of our business are subject to various laws and regulations. Violations of such laws or regulations could subject us and/or our employees to disciplinary proceedings or civil or criminal liability, including revocation of licenses, censures, fines or temporary suspension, permanent bar from the conduct of business, conservatorship or closure. Any such proceeding or liability could have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition, results of operations and business prospects. These laws and regulations generally grant regulatory agencies and bodies broad administrative powers, including, in some cases, the power to limit or restrict us from operating our business and, in other cases, the powers to place us under conservatorship or closure, in the event we fail to comply with such laws and regulations. Due to the extensive regulations and laws to which we are subject, our management is required to devote substantial time and effort to legal and regulatory compliance issues. In addition, the regulatory environment in which we operate is subject to change. We may be adversely affected as a result of new or revised legislation or regulations or by changes in the interpretation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations. See Regulation.
Potential misuse of assets and information in the possession of our investment professionals and employees could result in costly litigation and liability for us and our clients.
Our investment professionals handle a significant amount of assets, financial and personal information for our clients. Although we have implemented a system of controls to minimize the risk of fraudulent taking or misuse of assets and information, there can be no assurance that our controls will be adequate to prevent taking or misuse by our portfolio managers or employees. If our controls are ineffective in preventing the fraudulent taking or misuse of assets and information, we could be subject to costly litigation, which could consume a substantial amount of our resources and distract our management from the operation of Westwood and could also result in regulatory sanctions. Additionally, any such fraudulent actions could adversely affect some of our clients in other ways, and these clients could seek redress against us.
Acquisitions, which may be part of our long-term business strategy, involve inherent risks that could compromise the success of the combined business and dilute the holdings of current stockholders.
As part of our long-term business strategy, we may consider acquisitions of similar or complementary businesses. See Growth Strategy. If we are not correct when we assess the value, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities and potential profitability of acquisition candidates or if we are not successful in integrating the operations of the acquired businesses, the success of the combined business could be compromised. Any future acquisitions will be accompanied by the risks commonly associated with acquisitions. These risks include, among others, potential exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies and to acquisition costs and expenses, the difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the acquired companies, the potential disruption to the business of the combined company and
11
potential diversion of managements time and attention, the impairment of relationships with and the possible loss of key employees and clients as a result of the changes in management, potential future write-downs related to goodwill impairment in connection with acquisitions, and dilution to the stockholders of the combined company if the acquisition is made for stock of the combined company. In addition, asset classes, technologies or businesses of acquired companies may not be effectively assimilated into our business or have a positive effect on the combined companys revenues or earnings. The combined company may also incur significant expense to complete acquisitions and to support the acquired asset classes and businesses. Further, any such acquisitions may be funded with cash, debt or equity, which could have the effect of diluting the holdings or limiting the rights of stockholders. Finally, we may not be successful in identifying attractive acquisition candidates or completing acquisitions on favorable terms.
Various factors may hinder the declaration and payment of dividends.
We have historically paid a quarterly dividend. However, the payment of dividends in the future is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors, and various factors may prevent us from paying dividends. Such factors include our financial position, capital requirements and liquidity, the existence of a stock repurchase program, any loan agreement restrictions, state corporate and banking law restrictions, results of operations and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. In addition, as a holding company, our ability to pay dividends is dependent on the dividends and income we receive from our subsidiaries. At the present time our primary source of cash is dividends that may be received from Westwood Management or Westwood Trust. The payment of dividends by Westwood Management or Westwood Trust is subject to the discretion of their Boards of Directors and compliance with applicable laws, including, in particular, the provisions of the Texas Finance Code applicable to Westwood Trust. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Our business is vulnerable to systems failures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any delays or inaccuracies in securities pricing information or information processing could give rise to claims against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are highly dependent on communications and information systems and on third party vendors for securities pricing information and updates from certain software. We may suffer a systems failure or interruption, whether caused by an earthquake, fire, other natural disaster, power or telecommunications failure, unauthorized access, act of God, act of war or otherwise, and our back-up procedures and capabilities may not be adequate or sufficient to eliminate the risk of extended interruptions in operations.
We may not be able to fund future capital requirements on favorable terms if at all.
We cannot be certain that financing to fund our working capital or other cash requirements, if needed, will be available on favorable terms, if at all. Our capital requirements will vary greatly from quarter to quarter depending on, among other things, capital expenditures, fluctuations in our operating results and financing activities. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our cash requirements for the foreseeable future. However, if future financing is necessary, we may or may not be able to obtain financing on favorable terms, if at all. Further, any future equity financings could dilute the relative percentage ownership of the then existing holders of our common stock, and any future debt financings could involve restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take certain actions.
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The tax separation agreement that we entered into with SWS contains indemnification obligations for SWS and us that neither party may be able to satisfy, which could result in increased expenses and liabilities for us.
The tax separation agreement that we entered into with SWS allocates responsibility between SWS and us for various liabilities and obligations. However, the availability of such indemnities will depend upon the future financial strength of SWS and us. SWS or we may not be in a financial position to fund such indemnities if they should arise, which could result in increased expenses and liabilities for us. The tax separation agreement provides that each party will indemnify the other with respect to some taxes attributable to their respective businesses arising before or after the spin-off.
Some provisions may discourage a third party from acquiring control of Westwood.
It could be difficult for a potential bidder to acquire us because our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that may discourage takeover attempts. In particular, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws permit our Board of Directors to issue, without stockholder approval, preferred stock with such terms as the Board may determine. Additionally, our directors may only be removed for cause by a vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of stock entitled to vote, and stockholders cannot act by written consent. We have also elected to not exclude ourselves from the restrictions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which makes it more difficult for a person who is an interested stockholder to effect various business combinations with a corporation for a three-year period. These provisions may increase the cost or difficulty for a third party to acquire control of us or may discourage acquisition bids altogether.
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. |
Not applicable.
Item 2. | Properties. |
We conduct our principal operations through a leased property with approximately 21,600 square feet located in Dallas, Texas. The lease agreement expires in May 2011. We believe these facilities will be adequate to serve our currently anticipated business needs.
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings. |
We are subject from time to time to certain claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material impact on our financial position, operations or cash flow.
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to A Vote of Security Holders. |
No matter was submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the quarterly period ended December 31, 2005.
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PART II
Item 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. |
Market Information
Our Common Stock has traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WHG since July 1, 2002. At December 31, 2005, there were approximately 183 record holders of our Common Stock, although we believe that the number of beneficial owners of our Common Stock is substantially greater. The table below sets forth the high and low sale prices for the Common Stock, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated.
High | Low | |||||
2005 |
||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 18.66 | $ | 17.75 | ||
Third Quarter |
19.45 | 17.75 | ||||
Second Quarter |
19.10 | 16.00 | ||||
First Quarter |
20.20 | 18.80 | ||||
2004 |
||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 19.98 | $ | 17.75 | ||
Third Quarter |
19.70 | 17.00 | ||||
Second Quarter |
18.00 | 16.75 | ||||
First Quarter |
17.88 | 16.50 |
Dividends
We have declared a cash dividend on our Common Stock for each quarter since the date that our Common Stock was first publicly traded. The table below sets forth the quarterly and special dividends declared for the periods indicated.
Quarterly | Special | |||||
2005 |
||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 0.09 | $ | 0.75 | ||
Third Quarter |
0.09 | | ||||
Second Quarter |
0.08 | | ||||
First Quarter |
0.08 | | ||||
2004 |
||||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 0.08 | $ | 0.75 | ||
Third Quarter |
0.08 | | ||||
Second Quarter |
0.04 | | ||||
First Quarter |
0.04 | |
In addition, on February 7, 2006 we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on our Common Stock payable on April 3, 2006 to stockholders of record on March 15, 2006. We currently intend to continue paying cash dividends in such amounts as our board of directors determines is appropriate. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the board of directors and subject to some limitations under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. is the sole stockholder of both Westwood Management and Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust is limited under applicable Texas law in the payment of dividends to undivided profits: that part of equity capital equal to the balance of net profits, income, gains, and losses since its formation date minus subsequent distributions to stockholders and transfers to surplus or capital under share dividends or appropriate board of director resolutions.
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Item 6. | Selected Consolidated Financial Data. |
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data of Westwood with respect to each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2005, and as of December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001, except Assets Under Management, is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Westwood and should be read in conjunction with those statements. The data below for a portion of the year ended December 31, 2002 and for all of the year ended December 31, 2001 reflects Westwoods results as it had historically been operated as a part of SWS, and these results may not be indicative of Westwoods performance as an independent company. The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 1. Business and Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this Report.
Years ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001(1) | |||||||||||
Statements of Income Data: |
|||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 21,940 | $ | 19,980 | $ | 20,078 | $ | 21,624 | $ | 19,587 | |||||
Total expenses |
15,897 | 13,995 | 12,198 | 12,960 | 15,229 | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
6,043 | 5,985 | 7,880 | 8,664 | 4,358 | ||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
2,407 | 2,299 | 2,996 | 3,453 | 3,097 | ||||||||||
Net income |
3,636 | 3,686 | 4,884 | 5,211 | 1,261 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share basic (2) |
$ | 0.67 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.91 | $ | 0.97 | $ | 0.23 | |||||
Earnings per share diluted (2) |
$ | 0.66 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.90 | $ | 0.97 | $ | 0.23 | |||||
Cash dividends declared per common share |
$ | 1.09 | $ | 0.99 | $ | 1.18 | $ | 0.04 | | ||||||
As of December 31, (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001(1) | |||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
|||||||||||||||
Cash and investments |
$ | 19,775 | $ | 19,352 | $ | 21,056 | $ | 18,589 | $ | 15,720 | |||||
Total assets |
27,310 | 26,277 | 26,237 | 24,120 | 21,053 | ||||||||||
Stockholders equity |
21,559 | 21,663 | 21,853 | 19,123 | 14,032 | ||||||||||
Assets Under Management (in millions) |
$ | 4,928 | $ | 3,996 | $ | 3,954 | $ | 4,078 | $ | 4,120 |
(1) | In 2001, total expenses include a $4.0 million equity based compensation charge, reflecting (i) the difference in value of $3.4 million between the amount paid by our executive officers to SWS for shares of our common stock purchased by them and the value for financial reporting purposes of the shares on December 14, 2001 and (ii) the below market interest rate associated with the loans made by Westwood to the executive officers to enable them to purchase such shares (these loans were fully repaid by the executive officers in 2003). Total expenses would have been approximately $11,253,000 and net income would have been approximately $5,027,000 without the compensation charge. |
(2) | Earnings per share figures reflect a 1,003.8-for-1 stock split in the form of a stock dividend effective as of June 21, 2002. All amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of this stock split. |
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Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under Risk Factors, elsewhere in this Report or in the information incorporated by reference in this Report. You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with Selected Consolidated Financial Data included in this Report, as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Report.
Overview
We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our two subsidiaries, Westwood Management and Westwood Trust. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of assets under management, and at December 31, 2005 Westwood Management and Westwood Trust collectively managed assets valued at approximately $4.9 billion. We have been providing investment advisory services since 1983 and, according to recognized industry sources, including Morningstar, Inc., when measured over multi-year periods, our principal asset classes have consistently ranked above the median in performance within their peer groups.
One of the priorities on which we have focused since our spin-off in 2002 is building a foundation in terms of personnel and infrastructure to support a potentially much larger business. We have also developed products that we believe will be desirable within our target institutional marketplace. The cost of developing new products and the organization as a whole has resulted in us incurring expenses that, in some cases, do not currently have material offsetting revenue. Now that we believe the foundation and the products are in place we are taking these new products to the institutional marketplace and are hopeful that institutional investors will recognize the value in these products and generate new revenue streams for us. We began marketing our SMidCap Value product to institutional investment consultants in late 2004; as a result of this targeted marketing effort we gained a number of meaningful SMidCap Value clients in 2005.
Revenues
We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees, and other revenues. Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management, which manages its clients accounts under investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. Advisory fees are calculated based on a percentage of assets under management, and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Most of Westwood Managements advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on the assets under management on the last day of the preceding quarter. However, some fees are paid quarterly in arrears or are based on daily or monthly average assets under management for the stated period. Westwood Management recognizes revenues as services are rendered.
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 assets under management, which in turn is influenced by the complexity of the operations of the trust and the services provided. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. Similar to advisory fees generated by Westwood Management, most trust fees are paid quarterly in advance and are recognized as services are rendered.
Our other revenues generally consist of interest income, investment income and consulting fees. We invest most of our cash in money market funds, although we do invest smaller amounts in bonds and equity instruments. The most significant component of our other revenues is investment income and to a lesser extent, consulting fees paid to us by Gabelli Advisers, Inc.
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Assets Under Management
Assets under management increased $932 million, or 23.3%, to $4.9 billion at December 31, 2005 compared to $4.0 billion at December 31, 2004. The increase in assets under management was primarily due to inflows of assets from new clients and the market appreciation of assets under management, partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Quarterly average assets under management increased $477 million, or 12.2%, to $4.4 billion for 2005 compared with $3.9 billion for 2004.
Assets under management increased $42 million, or 1.1%, to $4.0 billion at December 31, 2004 compared to December 31, 2003. The increase in assets under management was primarily due to the market appreciation of assets under management and inflows of assets from new clients, partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Quarterly average assets under management decreased $75 million, or 1.9%, to $3.9 billion for 2004 compared with $4.0 billion for 2003.
As of December 31, (1) (in millions) |
% Change | ||||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 vs. 2004 | 2004 vs. 2003 | |||||||||||
Westwood Management Corp. |
|||||||||||||||
Separate Accounts |
$ | 2,365 | $ | 1,853 | $ | 1,832 | 27.6 | % | 1.1 | % | |||||
Subadvisory |
719 | 577 | 614 | 24.6 | (6.0 | ) | |||||||||
Westwood Funds |
373 | 372 | 420 | 0.3 | (11.4 | ) | |||||||||
Managed Accounts |
225 | 169 | 155 | 33.1 | 9.0 | ||||||||||
Total |
3,682 | 2,971 | 3,021 | 23.9 | (1.7 | ) | |||||||||
Westwood Trust |
|||||||||||||||
Commingled Funds |
990 | 856 | 759 | 15.7 | 12.8 | ||||||||||
Private Accounts |
209 | 122 | 121 | 71.3 | 0.8 | ||||||||||
Agency/Custody Accounts |
47 | 47 | 53 | | (11.3 | ) | |||||||||
Total |
1,246 | 1,025 | 933 | 21.6 | 9.9 | ||||||||||
Total Assets Under Management |
$ | 4,928 | $ | 3,996 | $ | 3,954 | 23.3 | % | 1.1 | % | |||||
(1) | The above table excludes the SWS cash reserve funds for which Westwood Management serves as investment advisor and Westwood Trust serves as custodian. The SWS cash reserve funds were $184 million, $194 million and $178 million as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These accounts are noted separately due to their unique nature within our business and because they can experience significant fluctuations on a weekly basis. |
Westwood Management. In the above table, Separate Accounts represent corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement accounts, Taft Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals. Subadvisory represents relationships where Westwood Management provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions. Westwood Funds represent a family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves as subadvisor. Managed Accounts represent relationships with brokerage firms and other registered investment advisors who offer Westwood Managements products to their customers.
Westwood Trust. In the above table, Commingled Funds represent funds established to facilitate investment of fiduciary assets of multiple clients by combining assets into a single trust for taxable and tax-exempt entities. Private Accounts represent discretionary accounts where Westwood Trust acts as trustee or agent and has full investment discretion. Agency/Custody Accounts represent non-discretionary accounts in which Westwood Trust provides agent or custodial services for a fee, but does not act in an advisory capacity.
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Results of Operations
The following table and discussion of our results of operations is based upon data derived from the consolidated statements of income contained in our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with these statements, which are included elsewhere in this Report.
Years ended December 31, (in thousands) |
% Change | ||||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 vs. 2004 | 2004 vs. 2003 | |||||||||||
Revenues |
|||||||||||||||
Advisory fees |
$ | 13,868 | $ | 13,069 | $ | 14,008 | 6.1 | % | (6.7 | )% | |||||
Trust fees |
7,031 | 5,818 | 4,794 | 20.8 | 21.4 | ||||||||||
Other revenues |
1,041 | 1,093 | 1,276 | (4.8 | ) | (14.3 | ) | ||||||||
Total revenues |
21,940 | 19,980 | 20,078 | 9.8 | (0.5 | ) | |||||||||
Expenses |
|||||||||||||||
Employee compensation and benefits |
11,566 | 9,799 | 8,492 | 18.0 | 15.4 | ||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
457 | 473 | 563 | (3.4 | ) | (16.0 | ) | ||||||||
Information technology |
809 | 692 | 779 | 16.9 | (11.2 | ) | |||||||||
Professional services |
1,194 | 1,248 | 892 | (4.3 | ) | 39.9 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
1,871 | 1,783 | 1,472 | 4.9 | 21.1 | ||||||||||
Total expenses |
15,897 | 13,995 | 12,198 | 13.6 | 14.7 | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes |
6,043 | 5,985 | 7,880 | 1.0 | (24.0 | ) | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
2,407 | 2,299 | 2,996 | 4.7 | (23.3 | ) | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,636 | $ | 3,686 | $ | 4,884 | (1.4 | )% | (24.5 | )% | |||||
Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004
Total Revenue. Our total revenues increased by 9.8% to $21.9 million in 2005 compared with $20.0 million in 2004. Advisory fees increased by 6.1% to $13.9 million in 2005 from $13.1 million in 2004 primarily due to new clients added in 2005 and growth in assets under management of existing clients due to market appreciation. These increases were partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Trust fees increased by 20.8% to $7.0 million in 2005 from $5.8 million in 2004 primarily due to new clients added in 2005 and growth in assets under management of existing clients due to market appreciation. These increases were partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Other revenues, which generally consist of interest and investment income and consulting fees, decreased by 4.8% to $1.0 million in 2005 compared with $1.1 million in 2004. Other revenues decreased primarily due to decreased realized gains of $242,000, a reduction in consulting revenue of $48,000 due to decreased average assets under management in the Westwood Funds as well as increased expenses related to the administration of the Westwood Funds by Gabelli Advisers, Inc. These decreases were partially offset by increases of $229,000 in interest and dividend income due to higher interest rates earned on investments.
Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits, which generally consist of salaries, incentive compensation, equity based compensation expense and benefits, increased by 18.0% to $11.6 million compared with $9.8 million in 2004. This increase was due primarily to increases of $864,000 in restricted stock expense related to a full year of amortization of the 2004 grant and six months of amortization of the 2005 grant in 2005 compared to six months of amortization of the 2004 grant in the prior year, $505,000 in incentive compensation expense in 2005 compared to 2004, $287,000 in salary expense due to increased headcount and salary increases, $79,000 in 401(k) match expense due to an increase in the Companys match rate from 4% in 2004 to 6% in 2005, $66,000 in health insurance expense primarily due to increased premiums and $40,000 in profit sharing expense due to an increased compensation base. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $117,000 in deferred compensation expense due to the termination of our deferred compensation plan in 2004. At December 31, 2005 we had 47 full-time employees compared to 45 at December 31, 2004.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs consist of expenses associated with our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct and consultant marketing, advertising and mutual fund costs. Sales and
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marketing costs decreased by 3.4% to $457,000 in 2005 compared with $473,000 in 2004. The decrease is primarily the result of decreases in direct marketing expense of $23,000 and advertising costs of $19,000. Increases of $14,000 in mutual fund expense reimbursements resulting from the launch of two mutual funds in the fourth quarter of 2005 and $8,000 in travel and entertainment costs partially offset the decreases.
Information Technology. Information technology expenses are generally costs associated with proprietary investment research tools, computing hardware, software licenses, maintenance and support, telecommunications and other related costs. Information technology expense increased by 16.9% to $809,000 in 2005 compared with $692,000 in 2004. The increase is primarily due to increases of $58,000 in support costs, $52,000 in costs related to the implementation of new customer relationship management and email archiving systems, $28,000 in computer hardware depreciation expense and $10,000 in website maintenance costs. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $23,000 in equipment rental costs and $9,000 in costs associated with investment research tools.
Professional Services. Professional services expenses generally consist of audit, external subadvisor expense, legal and other professional fees. Professional services expense decreased by 4.3% to $1.2 million in 2005. The decrease is primarily due to a $134,000 decrease in professional fees primarily related to lower Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs, a decrease in other professional fees of $71,000 and a decrease in legal fees of $66,000. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase of $166,000 in advisory fees paid to external subadvisors due to increased assets under management in international equity and growth common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust, as well as the engagement of a subadvisor in the second quarter of 2004 to manage growth portfolios at Westwood Trust and an increase of $60,000 in external audit expense.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of our office space, insurance, office supplies, custody expense, investor relations, charitable contributions and other miscellaneous expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 4.9% to $1.9 million in 2005 compared with $1.8 million in 2004. The increase is primarily due to increases of $58,000 in occupancy costs due to the new office space the Company moved into in mid 2004, $53,000 in depreciation due to office furnishings purchased in mid 2004, $19,000 in custody expense due to increased assets under management at Westwood Trust, $16,000 in property taxes due to the new office space and furnishings and $11,000 in directors fees primarily due to an increase in the number of outside directors. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $60,000 in stationary and printing costs, office supplies and other costs incurred in 2004 associated with moving and furnishing the Companys corporate office and $41,000 in other administrative expenses.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes increased by 4.7% to $2.4 million in 2005 compared with $2.3 million in 2004 primarily due to higher income before taxes. The effective tax rate was 39.8% in 2005 compared to 38.4% in 2004. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2005 was due primarily to a decrease in the deduction for restricted stock that vested in 2005, which was driven by the market price on the vesting date being lower than the price on the grant date.
Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003
Total Revenue. Our total revenues decreased by 0.5% to $20.0 million in 2004 compared with $20.1 million in 2003. Advisory fees decreased by 6.7% to $13.1 million in 2004 compared with $14.0 million in 2003 primarily due to the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. This decrease in assets was offset to some extent by the market appreciation of assets under management. Trust fees increased by 21.4% to $5.8 million in 2004 compared with $4.8 million in 2003 primarily due to increased average assets under management due to inflows from new and existing clients and market appreciation of assets under management, as well as a higher average fee resulting from a change in the mix of Trust assets under management. Other revenues, which generally consist of interest and investment income and consulting fees, decreased by 14.3% to $1.1 million in 2004 compared with $1.3 million in 2003. Other revenues decreased primarily as a result of a reduction in interest income of $577,000 due to accrued interest and accretion of discount on notes receivable from stockholders that occurred in 2003 but did not occur in 2004, a $101,000 reduction in mark to market provisions on investments and a reduction in consulting income of $19,000 due to decreased assets under management in the Westwood Funds. These decreases were partially offset by increases in realized gains of $402,000, investment income of $80,000 and other miscellaneous, non-recurring income of $32,000.
19
Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased by 15.4% to $9.8 million compared with $8.5 million in 2003. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in restricted stock expense of approximately $858,000 recognized in 2004 related to prior year and current year grants of restricted stock compared to six months worth of amortization in the prior year, an increase in salary expense of $274,000, $242,000 of expense related to the initiation of a broad-based profit sharing contribution in 2004, deferred compensation expense increases of $67,000 primarily associated with the termination of our deferred compensation plan and an increase of $62,000 in other payroll related expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $196,000 in incentive compensation expense in 2004 compared to 2003, resulting from decreased income before taxes and an increased emphasis on equity-based compensation. At December 31, 2004 we had 45 full-time employees compared to 43 at December 31, 2003.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs decreased by 16.0% to $473,000 in 2004 compared with $563,000 in 2003. The decrease is primarily the result of a decrease in travel and entertainment costs of $129,000 partially offset by an increase of $39,000 in direct marketing costs.
Information Technology. Information technology expense decreased by 11.2% to $692,000 in 2004 compared with $779,000 in 2003. The decrease is primarily due to a $61,000 reduction in costs associated with investment research tools, a $23,000 decrease in infrastructure maintenance costs, a decrease of $15,000 in telecommunications costs and a $9,000 reduction in software maintenance costs. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $21,000 in other information technology related costs.
Professional Services. Professional services expense increased by 39.9% to $1.2 million in 2004 compared with $892,000 in 2003. The increase is primarily due to an increase of $281,000 in professional fees related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and a $186,000 increase in advisory fees paid to external subadvisors due to the engagement of a subadvisor in 2004 to manage growth portfolios at Westwood Trust and increased assets under management in high yield and international common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $86,000 in legal expense and a decrease of $25,000 in other professional fees.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by 21.1% to $1.8 million in 2004 compared with $1.5 million in 2003. The increase is primarily due to approximately $110,000 in costs incurred in 2004 associated with moving and furnishing the Companys corporate office, an increase of $76,000 in rent expense, increases totaling $61,000 in other administrative expenses, an increase of $27,000 in custody expense due to costs associated with the transition to a new subadvisor for the International Equity product at Westwood Trust as well as increased assets under management at Westwood Trust, an increase of $20,000 in directors fees primarily due to an increase in the number of outside directors and an increase of $17,000 in corporate insurance costs.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes decreased by 23.3% to $2.3 million in 2004 compared with $3.0 million in 2003 primarily due to lower income before taxes. The effective tax rate was 38.4% in 2004 compared to 38.0% in 2003.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, we have funded our operations and cash requirements with cash generated from operating activities. As of December 31, 2005, we had no long-term debt. The changes in net cash provided by operating activities generally reflect the changes in earnings plus the effect of non-cash items and changes in working capital. 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.
During 2005, cash flow provided by operating activities, principally our investment advisory business, was $6.3 million. We generated cash flow from operating activities of $2.4 million and $3.9 million during 2004 and 2003, respectively. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, we had working capital of $17.7 million and $17.8 million, respectively.
20
Cash flow provided by investing activities during 2005 was $1.0 million, and was primarily related to $1.1 million in net sales of available-for-sale investments. Cash used in investing activities during 2004 and 2003 was $112,000 and $2.3 million, respectively, and was primarily related to the investment of excess cash balances and the build-out and furnishing of the Companys new office space in 2004.
Cash used in financing activities during 2005 of $6.1 million was primarily related to the payment of cash dividends on our common stock of $6.4 million, offset by $271,000 in proceeds received from stock option exercises. Cash used in financing activities during 2004 and 2003 was $5.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively, and was primarily related to the payment of cash dividends on our common stock.
We had cash and investments of $19.8 million at December 31, 2005, compared to $19.4 million at December 31, 2004. As required by the Texas Finance Code, Westwood Trust maintains minimum restricted capital of $1.0 million, which is included in Investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We had no liabilities for borrowed money at December 31, 2005 or December 31, 2004, and our accounts payable were paid in the ordinary course of business for each of the periods then ended.
Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors. We believe that current cash and short-term investment balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet 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. Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary. The 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
The following table summarizes the Companys known contractual obligations as of December 31, 2005 (in thousands).
Payments due in: | |||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations |
Total | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
4-5 years |
More than 5 years | ||||||||||
Non-cancelable operating leases |
$ | 3,420 | $ | 606 | $ | 1,236 | $ | 1,299 | $ | 279 |
Accounting Developments
In December 2004, the FASB revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123 (R)), requiring public companies to recognize the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in their financial statements. The standard requires the Company to estimate the number of instruments that will ultimately be issued, rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur. Adoption of the revised statement is required for the Companys first quarter beginning January 1, 2006. The Company has applied the fair value provisions of the original SFAS No. 123 for all options and restricted shares it has issued. Had the Company implemented the provisions of SFAS 123 (R) for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, diluted earnings per share would have been $0.65, $0.68, and $0.90, respectively.
The Company has completed its analysis of the impact that SFAS No. 123 (R) will have on its financial statements upon implementation on January 1, 2006. Since the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred instead of estimating the effect of forfeitures, the Company will record a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle totaling approximately $40,000, net of tax, in order to reverse compensation expense recorded for unvested securities as of December 31, 2005 that is in excess of what the Company currently estimates will vest. Also in accordance with SFAS 123 (R), the Company will eliminate its unamortized stock compensation balance against additional paid in capital. Starting on January 1, 2006, the Company will record compensation expense in accordance with the forfeiture estimate provisions of SFAS 123 (R); however, if actual forfeitures of awards differ from the
21
calculation of estimated forfeitures for those awards, the Company will be required to recognize the difference in income as an adjustment to employee compensation and benefits.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Revenue Recognition
Investment advisory and trust fees are recognized in the period the services are provided. These fees are determined in accordance with contracts between our subsidiaries and their clients and are generally based on a percentage of assets under management.
Accounting for Investments
We record our investments in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 115. We have designated our investments other than money market holdings as trading securities, which are recorded at market value with the related unrealized gains and losses reflected in Other revenues in the consolidated statements of income. Our trading securities, primarily U.S. Government and Government agency obligations as well as mutual fund and common trust fund shares, are valued based upon quoted market prices and, with respect to funds, the net asset value of the shares held as reported by the fund. We have designated our investments in money market accounts as available for sale. The market values of our money market holdings generally do not fluctuate. Dividends and interest on all of our investments are accrued as earned.
Goodwill
During the third quarters of 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company completed its annual impairment assessment as required by SFAS 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. No impairment losses were required. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of July 1.
Stock Options
Effective January 1, 2002, we elected to begin expensing the cost associated with stock options granted subsequent to January 1, 2002 to employees as well as non-employee directors under SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation fair value model. We value stock options issued based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognize this value as an expense over the periods in which the options vest. Implementation of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires us to make certain assumptions, including expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and expected life of the options. We utilized assumptions that we believed to be most appropriate at the time of the valuation. Had we used different assumptions in the pricing model the expense recognized for stock options may have been different than the expense recognized in our financial statements.
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. |
We utilize various financial instruments, which entail certain inherent market risks. We do not currently participate in any hedging activities, nor do we currently utilize any derivative financial instruments. The following information describes the key aspects of certain financial instruments that have market risks.
Interest Rates and Securities Markets
Our cash equivalents and other investment instruments are exposed to financial market risk due to fluctuations in interest rates, which may affect our interest income. These instruments are not entered into for trading purposes. We do not expect our interest income to be significantly affected by a sudden change in market interest rates.
The value of our assets under management is affected by changes in interest rates and fluctuations in securities markets. Since we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from investment advisory and trust fees based on the value of assets under management, our revenues may be adversely affected by changing interest rates or a decline in the prices of securities generally.
22
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. |
The independent auditors reports and financial statements listed in the accompanying index are included in Item 15 of this report. See Index to Financial Statements on page F-1.
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. |
Not applicable.
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures. |
As of December 31, 2005, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Westwood management, including Westwoods Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Westwoods disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2005 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Westwood in reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by Westwood is accumulated and communicated to Westwood management, including Westwoods Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure. Westwood management has issued a report on its assessment of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. This report can be found on page F-4.
Our independent auditor has issued an audit report on (1) Westwood managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and (2) the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This report can be found on page F-3.
There were no changes in Westwoods internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Westwoods internal controls over financial reporting.
Item 9B. | Other Information. |
Not applicable.
PART III
Item 10. | Directors and Executive Officers of the Company. |
Information regarding Executive Officers and Directors is hereby incorporated by reference from the sections entitled Election of Directors, Executive Officers and Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement).
Item 11. | Executive Compensation. |
Information regarding Executive Compensation is hereby incorporated by reference from the section entitled Executive Compensation in the Proxy Statement.
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. |
Information regarding Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management is hereby incorporated by reference from the section entitled Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management in the Proxy Statement.
23
Information regarding Equity Compensation Plan Information is hereby incorporated by reference from the section entitled Equity Compensation Plan Information in the Proxy Statement.
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. |
Information regarding Certain Relationships and Related Transactions is hereby incorporated by reference from the section entitled Certain Relationships and Related Transactions in the Proxy Statement.
Item 14. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
Information regarding Principal Accountant Fees and Services is hereby incorporated by reference from the section entitled Fees Paid to Deloitte & Touche LLP in the Proxy Statement.
PART IV
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. |
(a) | 1. | The following financial statements are filed as part of this Report: | ||
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | ||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 | ||||
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 | ||||
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 | ||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 | ||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | ||||
2. | Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules | |||
Financial Statement Schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission have been excluded, as they are not required under the related instructions or the information required has been included in the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements. | ||||
3. | The following documents are filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to this report: |
24
Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibits | |
3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (3) | |
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (7) | |
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (3) | |
10.1 | Second Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (including related forms of Stock Option Agreement and Restricted Stock Agreement) (8)+ | |
10.2 | Tax Separation Agreement between SWS Group, Inc. and Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (2) | |
10.3 | Office Lease between Westwood Management Corp. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, L.P., dated as of April 4, 1990, and amendment thereto (5) | |
10.4 | Ninth Modification of Office Lease between Westwood Management Corp. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, dated as of November 25, 2003 (6) | |
10.5 | Tenth Modification of Office Lease between Westwood Management Corp. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, dated as of February 23, 2004 (6) | |
10.6 | Software License Agreement between Infovisa and Westwood Trust, dated as of December 1, 2001 (5) | |
10.7 | Software License and Support Agreement between Advent Software, Inc. and Westwood Management Corp., dated as of December 30, 1996 (5) | |
10.8 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (6)+ | |
10.9 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for Westwood Management Corp. (6)+ | |
10.10 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for Westwood Trust (6)+ | |
21.1 | Subsidiaries (5) | |
23.1 | Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (1) | |
24.1 | Power of Attorney (included on first signature page) (1) | |
31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Westwood required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1) | |
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Westwood required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1) | |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)# | |
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)# |
(1) | Filed herewith. |
(2) | Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement on Form 10/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2002. |
(3) | Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form 10/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2002. |
(4) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. |
(5) | Incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2002. |
(6) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. |
(7) | Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 25, 2005. |
(8) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. |
+ | Indicates management contract or compensation plan, contract or arrangement. |
# | Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report. |
(b) | The Index to Exhibits filed or incorporated by reference pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K and any Exhibits being filed with this Report are included following the financial statements within this Report. |
(c) | Not applicable. |
25
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the undersigned directors and officers of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. hereby constitutes and appoints Brian O. Casey and William R. Hardcastle, Jr., or any one of them, its, his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for it, him or her and in its, his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, with full power to act alone, to sign any and all amendments to this Report, and to file each such amendment to the Report, with all exhibits thereto, and any and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform any and all acts and things requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and purposes as it, he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Brian O. Casey | |
Brian O. Casey | ||
Chief Executive Officer and President |
Dated: February 22, 2006
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company in the capacities indicated on February 22, 2006.
Signatures |
Title | |
/s/ Brian O. Casey Brian O. Casey |
Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) | |
/s/ William R. Hardcastle, Jr. William R. Hardcastle, Jr. |
Chief Financial Officer | |
/s/ Susan M. Byrne Susan M. Byrne |
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Investment Officer | |
/s/ Tom C. Davis Tom C. Davis |
Director | |
/s/ Frederick R. Meyer Frederick R. Meyer |
Director |
26
/s/ Jon L. Mosle, Jr. Jon L. Mosle, Jr. |
Director | |
/s/ Richard M. Frank |
Director | |
Richard M. Frank | ||
/s/ Raymond E. Wooldridge Raymond E. Wooldridge |
Director |
27
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on managements assessment of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP |
February 22, 2006 |
Dallas, Texas |
F-2
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.:
We have audited managements assessment, included in the accompanying Report of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.s Management Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on managements assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating managements assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, managements assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP |
February 22, 2006 |
Dallas, Texas |
F-3
REPORT OF WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.S MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.:
The management of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (Westwood) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)). Westwoods internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the companys management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The management of Westwood assessed the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2005, the Companys internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Westwoods independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our assessment of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page F-3.
By: | /s/ Brian O. Casey | |
Brian O. Casey, Chief Executive Officer | ||
/s/ William R. Hardcastle, Jr. | ||
William R. Hardcastle, Jr., Chief Financial Officer |
February 21, 2006
Dallas, Texas
F-4
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2005 and 2004
(in thousands, except par values and share amounts)
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 1,897 | $ | 720 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
2,452 | 1,832 | ||||||
Investments, at market value |
17,878 | 18,632 | ||||||
Other current assets |
410 | 414 | ||||||
Total current assets |
22,637 | 21,598 | ||||||
Goodwill |
2,302 | 2,302 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
817 | 517 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $523 and $250 |
1,554 | 1,860 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 27,310 | $ | 26,277 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | ||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 715 | $ | 629 | ||||
Dividends payable |
539 | 460 | ||||||
Compensation and benefits payable |
2,980 | 2,703 | ||||||
Income taxes payable |
694 | | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
7 | 17 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
4,935 | 3,809 | ||||||
Deferred rent |
816 | 805 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
5,751 | 4,614 | ||||||
Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 5,986,647 shares at December 31, 2005; issued and outstanding 5,754,147 shares at December 31, 2004 |
60 | 58 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
21,459 | 16,962 | ||||||
Unamortized stock compensation |
(6,572 | ) | (4,821 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings |
6,612 | 9,464 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
21,559 | 21,663 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 27,310 | $ | 26,277 | ||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(in thousands, except per share data)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||
REVENUES: |
|||||||||
Advisory fees |
$ | 13,868 | $ | 13,069 | $ | 14,008 | |||
Trust fees |
7,031 | 5,818 | 4,794 | ||||||
Other revenues |
1,041 | 1,093 | 1,276 | ||||||
Total revenues |
21,940 | 19,980 | 20,078 | ||||||
EXPENSES: |
|||||||||
Employee compensation and benefits |
11,566 | 9,799 | 8,492 | ||||||
Sales and marketing |
457 | 473 | 563 | ||||||
Information technology |
809 | 692 | 779 | ||||||
Professional services |
1,194 | 1,248 | 892 | ||||||
General and administrative |
1,871 | 1,783 | 1,472 | ||||||
Total expenses |
15,897 | 13,995 | 12,198 | ||||||
Income before income taxes |
6,043 | 5,985 | 7,880 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
2,407 | 2,299 | 2,996 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,636 | $ | 3,686 | $ | 4,884 | |||
Earnings per share: |
|||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.67 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.91 | |||
Diluted |
$ | 0.66 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.90 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Common Stock, Par |
Addi- tional Paid-In Capital |
Treasury Stock |
Unamort- ized Stock Compen -sation |
Notes Receivable from Stock -holders |
Retained Earnings |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE, January 1, 2003 |
5,394,145 | 54 | 9,579 | (6 | ) | | (3,598 | ) | 13,094 | 19,123 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
4,884 | 4,884 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale of treasury stock 24 shares |
24 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock |
151,500 | 2 | 3,000 | (3,002 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock compensation |
393 | 393 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit related to restricted stock |
52 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($1.18 per share) |
(6,518 | ) | (6,518 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options vested |
264 | 264 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
4,450 | | 57 | 57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accretion of discount on Notes |
(495 | ) | (495 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment of notes receivable from stockholders |
4,093 | 4,093 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE, December 31, 2003 |
5,550,119 | $ | 56 | $ | 12,952 | $ | (6 | ) | $ | (2,609 | ) | $ | | $ | 11,460 | $ | 21,853 | |||||||||||
Net income |
3,686 | 3,686 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sale of treasury stock 353 shares |
353 | | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock |
192,500 | 2 | 3,460 | (3,462 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock compensation |
1,250 | 1,250 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit related to equity compensation |
157 | 157 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.99 per share) |
(5,682 | ) | (5,682 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options vested |
249 | 249 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
11,175 | | 144 | 144 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE, December 31, 2004 |
5,754,147 | $ | 58 | $ | 16,962 | $ | | $ | (4,821 | ) | $ | | $ | 9,464 | $ | 21,663 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
3,636 | 3,636 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock |
211,500 | 2 | 3,863 | (3,865 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock compensation |
2,114 | 2,114 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit related to equity compensation |
113 | 113 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($1.09 per share) |
(6,488 | ) | (6,488 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options vested |
250 | 250 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock options exercised |
21,000 | | 271 | 271 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE, December 31, 2005 |
5,986,647 | $ | 60 | $ | 21,459 | $ | | $ | (6,572 | ) | $ | | $ | 6,612 | $ | 21,559 | ||||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
(in thousands)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,636 | $ | 3,686 | $ | 4,884 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
272 | 191 | 108 | |||||||||
Loss on sale of other assets |
| 4 | | |||||||||
Unrealized gains on investments |
(64 | ) | (21 | ) | (116 | ) | ||||||
Stock option expense |
250 | 249 | 264 | |||||||||
Restricted stock amortization |
2,114 | 1,250 | 393 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(300 | ) | (153 | ) | 8 | |||||||
Accretion of discount on notes receivable from stockholders |
| | (495 | ) | ||||||||
Net purchases of investments trading securities |
(288 | ) | (2,248 | ) | (917 | ) | ||||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable |
(620 | ) | 99 | 255 | ||||||||
(Increase) decrease in other assets |
(18 | ) | (7 | ) | 97 | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
86 | (307 | ) | 234 | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in compensation and benefits payable |
277 | (73 | ) | (747 | ) | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable and decrease (increase) in prepaid taxes |
830 | (338 | ) | (80 | ) | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities |
109 | 95 | (27 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
6,284 | 2,427 | 3,861 | |||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Purchases of money market funds available for sale |
(4,863 | ) | (21,755 | ) | (5,817 | ) | ||||||
Sales of money market funds available for sale |
5,969 | 22,805 | 3,667 | |||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(75 | ) | (1,189 | ) | (118 | ) | ||||||
Sale of property and equipment |
| 27 | | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
1,031 | (112 | ) | (2,268 | ) | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Sale of treasury stock |
| 6 | | |||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |
271 | 144 | 57 | |||||||||
Cash dividends |
(6,409 | ) | (5,388 | ) | (6,459 | ) | ||||||
Notes receivable from stockholders |
| | 4,093 | |||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(6,138 | ) | (5,238 | ) | (2,309 | ) | ||||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH |
1,177 | (2,923 | ) | (716 | ) | |||||||
Cash, beginning of year |
720 | 3,643 | 4,359 | |||||||||
Cash, end of year |
$ | 1,897 | $ | 720 | $ | 3,643 | ||||||
Supplemental cash flow information: |
||||||||||||
Cash paid during the year for income taxes |
$ | 1,878 | $ | 2,790 | $ | 3,063 | ||||||
Issuance of restricted stock |
3,865 | 3,462 | 3,002 | |||||||||
Tax benefit allocated directly to equity |
113 | 157 | 52 | |||||||||
Dividends declared and not paid until the subsequent year |
539 | 460 | 167 | |||||||||
Assets acquired by recording liabilities |
| 693 | |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-8
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (Westwood, the Company, we or our) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 12, 2001, as a subsidiary of SWS Group, Inc. (SWS). On June 28, 2002, SWS completed the spin-off of Westwood by effecting a dividend distribution of all of the Westwood common stock held by SWS to all of its stockholders on a pro rata basis. Westwood is now an independent public company, with SWS having no continuing ownership interest in the Company. For a more detailed discussion of the spin-off and the various agreements entered into by Westwood and SWS, see the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed by Westwood with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2002.
Westwood manages investment assets and provides services for its clients through two subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. (Management) and Westwood Trust (Trust). Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds and also clients of Trust. Trust provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors. Revenue is largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management (AUM). Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of AUM impact revenue and results of operations.
Management is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas Department of Banking.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented using the accrual basis of accounting and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Management and Trust. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Investment advisory and trust fees are recognized as services are provided. These fees are determined in accordance with contracts between the Companys subsidiaries and their clients and are generally based on a percentage of AUM. Advisory and trust fees are generally payable in advance on a calendar quarter basis. Advance payments are deferred and recognized over the periods services are performed. Other revenues generally consist of interest and investment income and consulting fees. These revenues are recognized as earned or as the services are performed.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less.
F-9
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Investments
Money market securities are classified as available for sale securities and have no significant fluctuating values. All other marketable securities are classified as trading securities. All securities are carried at quoted market value on the accompanying balance sheet. Net unrealized holding gains or losses on investments classified as trading securities are reflected as a component of other revenues. The Company realized $210,000 and $455,000 of gross investment gains and $0 and $3,000 of gross investment losses for the years 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company measures realized gains and losses on investments using the specific identification method.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets (from 3 to 7 years), and depreciation on leasehold improvements is provided over the lease term, using the straight-line method.
Goodwill
During the third quarters of 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company completed its annual impairment assessment as required by SFAS 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. No impairment losses were required. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of July 1.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the 2005 presentation.
Federal Income Taxes
The Company files a Federal income tax return as a consolidated group for the Company and its subsidiaries. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured at enacted income tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is generally the result of changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Accounting Developments
In December 2004, the FASB revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS No. 123 (R)), requiring public companies to recognize the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in their financial statements. The standard requires the Company to estimate the number of instruments that will ultimately be issued, rather than accounting for forfeitures as they occur. Adoption of the revised statement is required for the Companys first quarter beginning January 1, 2006. The Company has applied the fair value provisions of the original SFAS No. 123 for all options and restricted shares it has issued. Had the Company implemented the provisions of SFAS 123 (R) for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, diluted earnings per share would have been $0.65, $0.68, and $0.90, respectively.
The Company has completed its analysis of the impact that SFAS No. 123 (R) will have on its financial statements upon implementation on January 1, 2006. Since the Company accounted for forfeitures as they occurred instead of estimating the effect of forfeitures, the Company will record a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle totaling approximately $40,000, net of tax, in order to reverse compensation expense recorded for unvested securities as of December 31, 2005 that is in excess of what the Company currently estimates will vest. Also in accordance with SFAS 123 (R), the Company will eliminate its unamortized stock compensation balance against additional paid in capital. Starting on January 1, 2006, the Company will record compensation expense in accordance with the forfeiture estimate provisions of SFAS 123 (R); however, if actual forfeitures of awards differ from the
F-10
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
calculation of estimated forfeitures for those awards, the Company will be required to recognize the difference in income as an adjustment to employee compensation and benefits.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values of the Companys financial instruments have been determined by the Company using available information. The fair value amounts discussed in Note 4 are not necessarily indicative of either the amounts the Company would realize upon disposition of these instruments or the Companys intent or ability to dispose of these assets. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, as well as accounts receivable and payable, approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities. The carrying amount of investments designated as trading securities, primarily U.S. Government and Government agency obligations as well as mutual fund and common trust fund shares, equals their fair value, which is equal to prices quoted in active markets and, with respect to funds, the net asset value of the shares held as reported by the fund. The carrying amount of investments designated as available for sale securities, primarily money market accounts, equals their fair value which is equal to the net asset value of the shares held as reported by the fund. The net assets of money market holdings generally do not fluctuate.
3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:
The Companys trade accounts receivable balances do not include any allowance for doubtful accounts nor has any bad debt expense attributable to trade receivables been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2003 through 2005. The majority of the balances are advisory and trust fees receivable from customers and are believed to be fully collectable by us.
4. INVESTMENTS:
Investments held as trading securities and investments held as available for sale securities are as follows (in thousands):
Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains |
Gross Unrealized Losses |
Estimated Market Value | |||||||||
December 31, 2005: |
||||||||||||
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations |
$ | 1,686 | $ | | $ | | $ | 1,686 | ||||
Funds: |
||||||||||||
Money Market |
13,206 | | | 13,206 | ||||||||
Equity |
2,797 | 189 | | 2,986 | ||||||||
Marketable securities |
$ | 17,689 | $ | 189 | $ | | $ | 17,878 | ||||
December 31, 2004: |
||||||||||||
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations |
$ | 1,639 | $ | 4 | $ | | $ | 1,643 | ||||
Funds: |
||||||||||||
Money Market |
15,864 | | | 15,864 | ||||||||
Equity |
999 | 126 | | 1,125 | ||||||||
Marketable securities |
$ | 18,502 | $ | 130 | $ | | $ | 18,632 | ||||
All of these investments are carried at market value. The money market funds are available for sale securities. The other investments are trading securities.
F-11
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. INCOME TAXES:
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 (effective rates of 39.8% in 2005, 38.4% in 2004 and 38.0% in 2003) differs from the amount that would otherwise have been calculated by applying the Federal corporate tax rate (34%) to income before income taxes. The difference between the Federal corporate tax rate of 34% and the effective tax rate is comprised of the following (in thousands):
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||
Income tax expense at the statutory rate |
$ | 2,055 | $ | 2,035 | $ | 2,679 | ||||
State franchise and income taxes |
296 | 272 | 302 | |||||||
Other, net |
56 | (8 | ) | 15 | ||||||
Total income tax expense |
$ | 2,407 | $ | 2,299 | $ | 2,996 | ||||
Income taxes as set forth in the consolidated statements of income consisted of the following components (in thousands):
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||||
State current |
$ | 454 | $ | 369 | $ | 427 | ||||||
State deferred |
(4 | ) | 22 | 38 | ||||||||
Federal current |
2,253 | 2,083 | 2,559 | |||||||||
Federal deferred |
(296 | ) | (175 | ) | (28 | ) | ||||||
Total income tax expense |
$ | 2,407 | $ | 2,299 | $ | 2,996 | ||||||
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 are presented below (in thousands):
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Depreciation at rates different for tax than for financial reporting |
$ | (197 | ) | $ | (233 | ) | ||
Restricted stock amortization |
741 | 544 | ||||||
Stock option expense |
254 | 205 | ||||||
Other |
19 | 1 | ||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
$ | 817 | $ | 517 | ||||
As a result of the Companys history of taxable income and the nature of the items from which deferred tax assets are derived, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets.
6. REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS:
Trust is subject to the capital requirements of the Texas Department of Banking, and has a minimum capital requirement of $1.0 million. At December 31, 2005, Trust had total stockholders equity of approximately $3.6 million, which is $2.6 million in excess of its minimum capital requirement.
Trust is limited under applicable Texas law in the payment of dividends to undivided profits: that part of equity capital equal to the balance of net profits, income, gains and losses since its formation date minus subsequent distributions to stockholders and transfers to surplus or capital under share dividends or appropriate Board resolutions. At the discretion of its board of directors, Westwood Trust has made quarterly and special dividend payments to the Company out of its undivided profits.
F-12
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
The Second Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) reserves shares of Westwood common stock for issuance to eligible employees and directors of Westwood or its subsidiaries in the form of restricted stock and stock options. The total number of shares that may be issued under the Plan may not exceed 948,100 shares. In the event of a change in control of the Company, the Plan contains provisions providing for the acceleration of the vesting of restricted stock and stock options. At December 31, 2005 approximately 200,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.
Restricted Stock
For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company granted restricted stock to employees and non-employee directors. The employees shares vest over four years and the directors shares vest over one year. Until the shares vest they are restricted from sale, transfer or assignment in accordance with the terms of the agreements under which they were issued. The Company records compensation cost for restricted stock grants based on the fair market value of its common stock at the date of grant and amortizes this cost over the applicable vesting period. Unamortized stock compensation is shown as a separate component of stockholders equity. The following table details the shares issued, weighted-average grant date fair values and approximate compensation expense recorded, all net of actual forfeitures:
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||
Restricted shares granted, net of actual forfeitures: |
|||||||||
Employees |
204,000 | 185,000 | 147,000 | ||||||
Non-employee directors |
7,500 | 7,500 | 4,500 | ||||||
Weighted-average grant-date fair value |
$ | 18.28 | $ | 17.98 | $ | 19.81 | |||
Restricted stock compensation expense |
$ | 2,114,000 | $ | 1,250,000 | $ | 393,000 | |||
Stock option expense |
250,000 | 249,000 | 264,000 | ||||||
Total stock based compensation expense |
$ | 2,364,000 | $ | 1,499,000 | $ | 657,000 | |||
Stock Options
Options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan have a maximum ten-year term and vest over a period of four years.
A summary of the status of Westwoods outstanding stock options issued to employees of the Company as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is presented below. There were no stock options granted during 2005 or 2004.
December 31, 2005 | December 31, 2004 | December 31, 2003 | |||||||||||||||||
Underlying Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Underlying Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Underlying Shares |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||||||||||||
Outstanding, beginning of period |
176,625 | $ | 12.92 | 189,175 | $ | 12.92 | 218,500 | $ | 12.92 | ||||||||||
Granted |
| | | | 7,500 | 14.29 | |||||||||||||
Exercised |
(21,000 | ) | 12.90 | (11,175 | ) | 12.90 | (4,450 | ) | 12.90 | ||||||||||
Forfeited |
| | (1,375 | ) | 12.90 | (32,375 | ) | 13.22 | |||||||||||
Outstanding, end of period |
155,625 | 12.93 | 176,625 | 12.92 | 189,175 | 12.92 | |||||||||||||
Exercisable, end of period |
110,000 | 12.93 | 85,250 | 12.92 | 50,800 | 12.92 | |||||||||||||
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during period |
| | $ | 5.41 |
F-13
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
2003 | |||
Expected volatility |
35 | % | |
Risk-free interest rate |
3.47 | % | |
Expected dividend yield |
1.12 | % | |
Expected life |
7 years |
The following table summarizes information for Westwood stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005:
Westwood Options Outstanding | Westwood Options Exercisable | ||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices |
Number Outstanding |
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
Number Exercisable |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price | ||||||||
$ | 12.90 14.80 | 155,625 | 6.5 years | $ | 12.93 | 110,000 | $ | 12.93 |
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Savings Plan
Westwood has a defined contribution 401(k) and profit sharing plan that was adopted in July 2002 and covers all of the Companys employees. Discretionary employer profit sharing contributions become fully vested after six years of service by the participant. Profit sharing expense related to the Companys employees for 2005, 2004 and 2003 was approximately $282,000, $242,000 and $0, respectively. For the 401(k) portion of the plan, Westwood provided a match in 2005 of up to 6% of eligible compensation, an increase from the 4% match provided in 2004 and 2003. Westwoods matching contributions vest immediately and the expense totaled approximately $280,000, $200,000 and $150,000 in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the periods ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for these periods is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the effect of the dilutive impact of stock options and shares held in the Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, which was terminated in 2004. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the treasury stock method.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share and share amounts):
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||
Net income |
$ | 3,636 | $ | 3,686 | $ | 4,884 | |||
Weighted average shares outstanding basic |
5,464,033 | 5,405,133 | 5,395,868 | ||||||
Dilutive potential shares from stock options |
43,125 | 33,087 | 9,529 | ||||||
Dilutive potential shares from restricted shares |
33,184 | | | ||||||
Dilutive potential shares from deferred compensation plan |
| 271 | 353 | ||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding diluted |
5,540,342 | 5,438,491 | 5,405,750 | ||||||
Earnings per share basic |
$ | 0.67 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.91 | |||
Earnings per share diluted |
$ | 0.66 | $ | 0.68 | $ | 0.90 |
F-14
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
The Company leases its offices under a non-cancelable operating lease agreement. Rental expense for facilities and equipment leases for fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003 aggregated approximately $664,000, $629,000 and $593,000, respectively, and is included in general and administrative and information technology expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
At December 31, 2005, the future contractual rental payments for non-cancelable operating leases for each of the following five years and thereafter follow (in thousands):
Year ending: |
|||
2006 |
$ | 606 | |
2007 |
611 | ||
2008 |
625 | ||
2009 |
639 | ||
2010 |
660 | ||
Thereafter |
279 | ||
Total payments due |
$ | 3,420 | |
10. SEGMENT REPORTING:
The Company operates two segments: the Management segment and the Trust segment. Such segments are managed separately based on types of products and services offered and their related client bases. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based primarily on income before income taxes. 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.
Management
The Management segment provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments and foundations, and investment subadvisory services to mutual funds and clients of Trust.
Trust
The Trust segment provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that Trust sponsors.
Management | Trust | Other | Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
2005 |
|||||||||||||||||
Net revenues from external sources |
$ | 14,821 | $ | 7,119 | $ | | $ | | $ | 21,940 | |||||||
Net intersegment revenues |
2,808 | 6 | | (2,814 | ) | | |||||||||||
Net interest and dividend revenue |
439 | 48 | | | 487 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
208 | 64 | | | 272 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
6,994 | 1,413 | (2,364 | ) | | 6,043 | |||||||||||
Segment assets |
21,274 | 4,495 | 1,541 | | 27,310 | ||||||||||||
Expenditures for long-lived assets |
53 | 22 | | | 75 | ||||||||||||
2004 |
|||||||||||||||||
Net revenues from external sources |
$ | 14,055 | $ | 5,887 | $ | 38 | $ | | $ | 19,980 | |||||||
Net intersegment revenues |
2,344 | 8 | | (2,352 | ) | | |||||||||||
Net interest and dividend revenue |
231 | 19 | 8 | | 258 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
149 | 42 | | | 191 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
6,706 | 857 | (1,578 | ) | | 5,985 | |||||||||||
Segment assets |
20,756 | 3,844 | 1,677 | | 26,277 | ||||||||||||
Expenditures for long-lived assets |
894 | 295 | | | 1,189 |
F-15
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Management | Trust | Other | Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
2003 |
|||||||||||||||||
Net revenues from external sources |
$ | 14,581 | $ | 4,826 | $ | 671 | $ | | $ | 20,078 | |||||||
Net intersegment revenues |
1,811 | | | (1,811 | ) | | |||||||||||
Net interest and dividend revenue |
126 | 42 | 587 | | 755 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
96 | 12 | | | 108 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
7,248 | 713 | (81 | ) | | 7,880 | |||||||||||
Segment assets |
21,513 | 3,714 | 1,010 | | 26,237 | ||||||||||||
Expenditures for long-lived assets |
95 | 23 | | | 118 |
11. CONCENTRATION:
During the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Companys revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2005, our largest three clients accounted for 18.8% of total revenues.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT:
On February 7, 2006, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on common stock payable on April 3, 2006 for stockholders of record on March 15, 2006.
13. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited):
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Quarter | ||||||||||||
First | Second | Third | Fourth | |||||||||
2005 |
||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 5,082 | $ | 5,253 | $ | 5,554 | $ | 6,051 | ||||
Income before income taxes |
1,421 | 1,526 | 1,433 | 1,663 | ||||||||
Net income |
875 | 937 | 814 | 1,010 | ||||||||
Basic earnings per common share |
0.16 | 0.17 | 0.15 | 0.18 | ||||||||
Diluted earnings per common share |
0.16 | 0.17 | 0.15 | 0.18 | ||||||||
2004 |
||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 5,043 | $ | 4,940 | $ | 4,934 | $ | 5,063 | ||||
Income before income taxes |
1,829 | 1,599 | 1,166 | 1,391 | ||||||||
Net income |
1,117 | 988 | 685 | 896 | ||||||||
Basic earnings per common share |
0.21 | 0.18 | 0.13 | 0.17 | ||||||||
Diluted earnings per common share |
0.21 | 0.18 | 0.13 | 0.16 |
Note: Quarterly numbers may not add to total year numbers due to rounding.
F-16
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibits | |
3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (3) | |
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (7) | |
4.1 | Form of Common Stock Certificate of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (3) | |
10.1 | Second Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (including related forms of Stock Option Agreement and Restricted Stock Agreement) (8)+ | |
10.2 | Tax Separation Agreement between SWS Group, Inc. and Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (2) | |
10.3 | Office Lease between Westwood Management Corp. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, L.P., dated as of April 4, 1990, and amendment thereto (5) | |
10.4 | Ninth Modification of Office Lease between Westwood Management Corp. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, dated as of November 25, 2003 (6) | |
10.5 | Tenth Modification of Office Lease between Westwood Management Corp. and Crescent Real Estate Funding I, dated as of February 23, 2004 (6) | |
10.6 | Software License Agreement between Infovisa and Westwood Trust, dated as of December 1, 2001 (5) | |
10.7 | Software License and Support Agreement between Advent Software, Inc. and Westwood Management Corp., dated as of December 30, 1996 (5) | |
10.8 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (6)+ | |
10.9 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for Westwood Management Corp. (6)+ | |
10.10 | Form of Indemnification Agreement for Westwood Trust (6)+ | |
21.1 | Subsidiaries (5) | |
23.1 | Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (1) | |
24.1 | Power of Attorney (included on first signature page) (1) | |
31.1 | Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Westwood required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1) | |
31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Westwood required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1) | |
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(1)# | |
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(1)# |
(1) | Filed herewith. |
(2) | Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement on Form 10/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 6, 2002. |
(3) | Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form 10/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2002. |
(4) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. |
(5) | Incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2002. |
(6) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. |
(7) | Incorporated by reference from Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 25, 2005. |
(8) | Incorporated by reference from Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. |
+ | Indicates management contract or compensation plan, contract or arrangement. |
# | Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report. |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-98841 on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 22, 2006 relating to the financial statements of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and managements report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2005.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP |
February 22, 2006 Dallas, Texas |
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13A-14 AND 15D-14
I, Brian O. Casey, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; |
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(d) | Disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: February 22, 2006
/s/ Brian O. Casey |
Brian O. Casey |
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT RULES 13A-14 AND 15D-14
I, William R. Hardcastle, Jr., certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
4. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(e) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; |
(f) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(g) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(h) | Disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Dated: February 22, 2006
/s/ William R. Hardcastle, Jr. |
William R. Hardcastle, Jr. |
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Brian O. Casey, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.78m or 78o(d)); and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: February 22, 2006
/s/ Brian O. Casey |
Brian O. Casey Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, William R. Hardcastle, Jr., Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.78m or 78o(d)); and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: February 22, 2006
/s/ William R. Hardcastle, Jr. |
William R. Hardcastle, Jr. Chief Financial Officer |