Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | 2016 Annual Report
We Are
Investing Where It Counts
It’s What We Do
2
To Our Clients,
Stockholders
and Employees
6
Active
Innovation
8
Active
Engagement
10
Active
Partnerships
12
Active
Technology
14
Active
Culture
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT DIVERSIFICATION
ASSETS BY ACCOUNT TYPE
2002
2016
2% UCITS
54%
18%
Westwood
Mutual Funds
26%
Private Wealth
54%
Institutional
Separate
Accounts and
Other Managed
Accounts
16%
84%
$4.1 billion
2%
18%
26%
$21.2 billion
Institutional Separate Accounts and Other Managed Accounts
Private Wealth
Westwood Mutual Funds
UCITS
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (in billions)
$25
$20
$15
$10
$5
$0
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
REVENUES (in millions)
$140
$120
$100
$80
$60
$40
$20
$0
INSTITUTIONAL CLIENT TYPE
5% Taft-Hartley/Superannuation
4%
Foundations/Endowments
5%
UCITS
9%
Sovereign
Wealth
20%
Corporate
28%
Public Funds
29%
Sub-Advisory
ASSETS BY STRATEGY
3% MLPs
19%
Global/
Emerging Equity
18%
Multi-Asset
37%
U.S. Value Equity
23%
Other Institutional and
Private Wealth Strategies
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
ABOUT WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., provides investment management services to institutional investors, private wealth clients and financial intermediaries and manages
$21.2 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016. The firm manages a range of investment strategies including U.S. equities, Global and Emerging Markets equities, Global
Convertible securities, Multi-Asset and Master Limited Partnerships. Access to these strategies is available through separate accounts, pooled vehicles, the Westwood Funds®
family of mutual funds and UCITS funds. Westwood benefits from significant, broad-based employee ownership and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol “WHG.” Based in Dallas, TX, Westwood also maintains offices in Toronto, Canada, Boston, MA, Omaha, NE and Houston, TX.
For more information on Westwood, please visit
westwoodgroup.com.
For more information on Westwood Funds, please visit
westwoodfunds.com.
Financial Highlights (in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING RESULTS
Revenues
Income before income taxes
Net income
Earnings per share – diluted
Economic earnings
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash and investments
Total assets
Stockholders’ equity
Dividends declared
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
$ 123,021
34,010
22,647
2.77
41,108
$ 90,164
179,678
146,069
20,440
$ 130,936
42,220
27,105
3.33
46,496
$ 95,060
181,336
133,967
17,748
$ 113,241
42,036
27,249
3.45
41,445
$ 97,751
139,874
110,007
15,080
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (in millions)
$ 21,241
$ 20,762
$ 20,168
NORTH AMERICA
EUROPE
ASIA AND AUSTRALIA
We serve our global client base from
our company headquarters in Dallas,
as well as offices in Toronto, Boston,
Omaha and Houston.
Our Dublin-based Undertakings for
Collective Investment in Transferable
Securities (UCITS) umbrella fund offers
three sub-funds for non-U.S. investors.
We are focused on serving the needs
of the Australian superannuation
market, which is the fastest growing
pension market in the world.
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 1
We are active investment managers with conviction in
our approach. While the current market environment is
challenging, we believe, over the long term, investors will
value alpha with an emphasis on managing downside
risk, which is a hallmark of Westwood’s investment
philosophy. Being active describes more than our
approach to investing. It is also how we run our business.
We are actively innovating our products and services,
actively engaging with our clients, actively expanding
our distribution network and actively supporting our
team. At Westwood, we are active. It’s what we do.
To Our Clients,
Stockholders
and Employees
Although we expect the active versus passive debate to continue, we
are encouraged by emerging trends in early 2017 that appear more
favorable for active management such as rising interest rates, increased
market volatility as a result of fiscal and political regime changes driven
from Washington, D.C. and declining correlations across asset classes on the horizon.
At Westwood, we are active managers with conviction in our approach. We believe all consistent investment
strategies experience periods of underperformance, and that over the long term, investors will seek
managers who produce alpha and focus on downside protection – a hallmark of Westwood’s investment
philosophy. Our strategies remain well positioned in the areas of the market where active management can
deliver excess return and specific outcomes for clients. For example, our Emerging Markets Equity strategies,
Income Opportunity and Global Convertibles institutional strategies outperformed their respective
benchmarks in 2016. In our private wealth business, which represents 26 percent of our assets under
management, demographic trends are creating a favorable environment for our portfolio of products
and services.
In a constantly changing investment marketplace, we take an active approach to running our business
by continually diversifying our portfolio with products that cannot be easily replicated in a passive way,
accelerating our global distribution and increasing our focus on marketing to differentiate our value
proposition. In addition, we are investing in technology and our organization to position Westwood for
the next phase of growth. We believe Westwood will continue to thrive as a firm that can deliver the value
inherent in active management to our clients.
Our Financial Performance
Our assets under management increased 2 percent in 2016 to $21.2 billion at year-end. Total revenues for
2016 were $123 million, a decrease of 6 percent over the prior year due primarily to decreased advisory fees.
Net income decreased by 16.4 percent to $22.6 million or $2.77 per diluted share. Our financial position
remains strong. We ended the year with approximately $90 million in liquid cash and investments on our
balance sheet and had no debt.
We continue to deliver competitive dividend growth, a quality we look for in the companies we invest in
and a stated goal for our firm. Our board of directors increased our quarterly cash dividend rate in 2016 for
the 14th consecutive year. In October, the board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share, an
increase of 9 percent from the previous quarterly dividend rate. In addition, we repurchased approximately
118,000 shares of common stock at favorable prices. Our total shareholder return performance ranked in the
top quartile of our asset management firm peers for 2016.
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 3
Diversifying Our Product Portfolio
We have strategically developed new high-conviction equity and outcome-oriented solutions to diversify
our product portfolio into higher margin solutions that cannot be easily replicated through passive
investments. Since 2013, we have introduced nine new product offerings: three high-conviction equity
strategies, a multi-asset strategy, two low volatility equity strategies, a liquid alternatives strategy and two
liquid real asset strategies.
In addition to our new product offerings, we continued to see success in more mature products during 2016,
such as our multi-asset Income Opportunity strategy, which posted positive returns with low volatility in
each quarter of 2016. Our Emerging Markets strategy achieved relative outperformance and top-quartile
peer rankings. Our Emerging Markets SMidCap strategy, which recently completed its three-year track
record, outperformed its benchmark by over 700 basis points in 2016. Additionally, in September 2016, our
Global Convertible Securities team was named sub-advisor of approximately $800 million in a Luxembourg-
based long-only convertibles fund available to non-U.S. investors in certain countries.
Our SmallCap Value strategy delivered nearly 30 percent gains, gross of fees, in 2016. With one of the best
track records in the industry for the trailing five-year period, we believe SmallCap Value has the potential to
attract significantly greater inflows across both institutional and mutual fund investors. We have partnered
with a third-party U.S. marketing firm to accelerate this potential over the next 18 to 24 months, in select
broker-dealer channels. In general, our other U.S. Value strategies posted positive absolute returns yet
ANNUAL DIVIDENDS (in millions)
Over $145 million of dividends paid out from 2002 to 2016
$25
$20
$15
$10
$5
$0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Annual Dividends
Special Dividends
As of December 31, 2016
underperformed their respective benchmarks in 2016. Our LargeCap Value strategy kept pace with the
S&P 500 Index but lagged the Russell Value 1000 Index. Our disciplined focus on high-quality companies
with strong balance sheets and attractive valuations will continue.
Expanding Our Distribution Efforts
We are implementing strategies to reach more clients around the world through multiple channels
including institutional separate accounts, private wealth accounts, Westwood mutual funds and UCITS
funds for non-U.S. investors. In our institutional business, we continue to strengthen our relationships with
industry-leading investment management consultants. Our current institutional client base is served by
approximately 60 consultants with whom we collaborate closely.
In our private wealth business, we are exploring customized solutions including model-based asset
allocations with passive investing options. We are also exploring new ways of engaging with clients that
appeal to the growing number of millennials seeking wealth management advice online. We find the
fundamentals of the private wealth business attractive – given the associated low fee sensitivity and high
client retention rate – and continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities.
To help drive growth in our UCITS and separate account capabilities outside the U.S., we signed a distribution
agreement with The Cardinal Partners Global (TCP), a third-party distribution firm focused on intermediary
and institutional distribution across continental Europe. TCP has the asset class experience and expertise in
local markets across Europe to best position our high-conviction equity and outcome-oriented solutions. We
expanded our third-party distribution in Canada, and are also focused on key markets in Asia and Australia.
TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE (December 2002 – December 2016)
2
0
0
2
,
1
3
r
e
b
m
e
c
e
D
t
a
0
0
1
$
o
t
d
e
x
e
d
n
i
s
e
u
a
V
l
$900
$800
$700
$600
$500
$400
$300
$200
$100
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
Russell 2000 Index
SNL U.S. Asset Manager Index
Source: SNL Financial, an offering of S&P Global Market Intelligence
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 5
Westwood Funds, our family of mutual funds, experienced net outflows for the first time in its history in
2016, although at a lower rate than the rest of the mutual fund industry. Our SmallCap Value and Emerging
Markets funds have performed particularly well. We continue to look for opportunities to sell our mutual
funds through defined contribution, wealth advisory and retail channels.
Investing to Support Future Growth
We made investments in our systems and organization in 2016 to support our current business and future
growth. We migrated our technology infrastructure to the Microsoft Azure cloud-based platform to improve
performance, accessibility and mobility, security and disaster recovery; transitioned to a new trade order
management system to support the greater complexity and global diversity of our investment strategies;
upgraded our accounting system in our private wealth business to provide consistency across offices
and scalability for future growth; and completed the first phase and initiated the second phase of a data
architecture program to improve security, data management and business intelligence.
In 2016, we established a new marketing and product management division to rebrand our strategic
marketing content, increase our focus on content marketing initiatives and increase our digital presence
in the future. We recognize the value of delivering a more robust and consistent client experience
across channels.
We also invested in our human resources capabilities to create greater transparency and accountability.
We created an internal scorecard for tracking progress that includes investment performance, sales and
client service, financial results and strategic goals. Annual executive incentives are now tied to scorecard
performance, providing a clear link between executive compensation and the achievement of both short-
term objectives and long-term corporate strategy.
Acting with Conviction
We have grown and evolved dramatically since we became a public company in 2002, yet we maintain
the strong culture that defines Westwood. Our employee ownership structure aligns the interests of our
employees, clients and stockholders. It helps create a strong team atmosphere that we believe sets us
apart from other asset management firms. For the third consecutive year, we were named in 2016 to
Pensions & Investments’ list of the Best Places to Work in Money Management.
With a talented team of employees and an active approach to investing and running our business, we have
built a solid track record of performance over more than 30 years. We will continue to work hard every day to
deliver the value inherent in being active to our clients, stockholders and employees.
Brian O. Casey
President & Chief Executive Officer
Innovation
Developed Nine New Strategies
Since 2013, we have introduced nine new product offerings that cannot be easily
replicated through passive investments including high-conviction equity, multi-
asset, low volatility equity, liquid alternatives and liquid real asset strategies.
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 7
Diversifying with High-Conviction Equity and
Outcome-Oriented Solutions
We offer clients a diversified portfolio of investment strategies and seek to deliver
top-tier performance across asset classes. Our strategies are managed by three
investment teams: U.S. Value based in Dallas, Global and Emerging Markets Equity
based in Toronto and Global Convertible Securities based in Boston.
In 2016, several of our key strategies delivered strong performance and attracted asset
inflows. Our multi-asset Income Opportunity strategy outperformed its benchmark. Our
Emerging Markets Equity strategy also outperformed.
We are focusing product development efforts on strategies that are not easily replicated
in a passive way. Convertible securities, for example, are an asset class with structural
complexities that can potentially provide equity-like returns with less risk. We believe
active management across a global universe maximizes the advantage of this asset class.
Strategic Global Convertibles, a low volatility equity strategy introduced in 2014, is one
of nine new high-conviction equity and outcome-oriented solutions we have launched
since 2013. Three of these solutions have now achieved a three-year track record, an
important milestone for many institutional investors in making their allocations.
We are enhancing our marketing focus to differentiate our performance and our firm in
a fiercely competitive market. In 2016, we engaged a third-party marketing firm to help
realize the full growth potential of our SmallCap Value strategy, which has one of the
best performance records in the industry over the trailing five-year period.
$800M
In September 2016,
our Global Convertible
Securities team was
named sub-advisor of
approximately $800 million
in a Luxembourg-based
global convertibles fund.
PRODUCT OFFERINGS ACROSS THE RISK SPECTRUM
Market
Neutral
Income
Worldwide
Income
Opportunity
Low Volatility
Equity
Concentrated
LargeCap
Value
Select
Equity
Concentrated
AllCap
Value
SMidCap
SmallCap
Value
Emerging
Markets
SMidCap
Low
Volatility
Income
Opportunity
Strategic
Global
Convertibles
LargeCap
Value
AllCap Value
Global Equity
& Global
Dividend
SMidCap
Plus
MLP Strategies
High
Volatility
Emerging
Markets &
Emerging
Markets Plus
Engagement
Building Stable Relationships
In our private wealth business, we use a values-based discovery process to develop
customized solutions that leverage the broad capabilities of our entire firm.
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 9
Your Values. Your Influence.
Your Legacy. Our Advice.
Private wealth management is an attractive business for Westwood, with low fee
sensitivity and long-term relationships. We are proud that our private wealth company,
Westwood Trust, has helped create lasting legacies for families and individuals,
foundations and nonprofits, endowments and corporate and public retirement plans for
more than 30 years.
We enhanced our marketing to private wealth clients with new strategic content
focused on helping clients transcend the value of wealth to the meaning of wealth. A
new messaging platform ensures we consistently communicate our focus on delivering
products and services that support and achieve client outcomes. With the growth of
online wealth management services and the transfer of wealth from baby boomers to
millennials, client engagements increasingly include digital interactions and tools. We
are thoughtfully exploring ways to leverage technology in our private wealth client
engagements. We also upgraded our trust accounting system to provide consistency
across offices and scalability for future growth. We continue to actively evaluate potential
acquisitions of private wealth companies in attractive markets, as we have for many years.
Westwood Trust serves clients out of offices in Dallas, Houston and Omaha. Our fiduciary
and investment services include comprehensive wealth planning and management,
trust and estate administration and management, agent and custody service, IRA
administration, charitable planning, as well as specialized fiduciary services for charitable
organizations. We use a values-based discovery process to develop customized
investment solutions that leverage the
broad capabilities of our entire firm. We
offer access to more than 20 different
investment strategies across asset classes.
We also are exploring customized solutions
that include passive investment options in
response to client demand.
ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT BY OFFICE (in billions)
$3.0
$2.5
$2.0
$1.5
$1.0
$0.5
$0
Dallas
Houston
Omaha
26%
At year-end 2016, our
private wealth business
had $5.5 billion in assets
under management,
representing 26 percent
of our total assets
under management.
Partnerships
Expanding Our Global Footprint
We signed a distribution agreement with The Cardinal Partners Global in 2016 to
expand our UCITS and separate accounts distribution outside the U.S.
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 1 1
Accelerating Our Distribution
Westwood takes its performance to a global client base through multiple channels
including institutional separate accounts, private wealth, Westwood Funds family of
mutual funds and UCITS funds for non-U.S. investors. We are pursuing initiatives across
channels to accelerate our sales growth.
We partnered with a third-party marketing firm in 2016 to expand our global
distribution. In October, we signed a distribution agreement with The Cardinal Partners
Global (TCP), a third-party distribution firm focused on intermediary and institutional
distribution across continental Europe, to expand our UCITS and separate account
distribution capabilities outside the U.S. We believe TCP has the asset class experience
and expertise in local markets across Europe to best position our high-conviction equity
and outcome-oriented solutions.
Westwood Funds experienced net outflows for the first time in its history in 2016,
although at a lower rate than the rest of the mutual fund industry. Our flagship multi-
asset Income Opportunity fund posted positive returns with low volatility in each
quarter of 2016, and several high-conviction equity funds including SmallCap Value and
Emerging Markets have strong ratings and operate in parts of the equity market that
continue to value active management. We continue to develop new funds in response to
investor demand, and we introduced a new low volatility equity fund in late 2016. We are
also exploring opportunities to expand Westwood Funds distribution, which represents
18 percent of our total assets, through a broad array of channels including defined
contribution, wealth advisory and retail channels.
NON-U.S. CLIENTS AS % OF TOTAL AUM
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
20%
Our non-U.S. client base
has grown in recent years,
and now represents nearly
20 percent of total assets
under management.
Technology
Investing in Platforms for Growth
We made significant investments in our Information Technology systems in 2016
to support our current business and future growth. Our systems now have greater
scalability, security and flexibility. As a result, our employees are able to serve our
clients more efficiently and effectively.
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 1 3
Transforming Our Systems
We transformed our operations and systems in 2016, implementing Information
Technology strategies designed to support our employees with the tools they need to be
more efficient and effective. Among the actions we took in 2016 are:
• Migrating our technology infrastructure to the Microsoft Azure cloud-based platform
to improve performance, accessibility and mobility, security and disaster recovery.
• Transitioning to a new trade order management system that supports the greater
complexity and global diversity of our investment strategies.
• Upgrading the accounting system for Westwood Trust to provide consistency across
offices and scalability for future growth.
• Completing the first phase and initiating the second phase of a data architecture
program to improve security, data management and business intelligence.
While driven partially by advances in systems and technology, these investments also
reflect the growth of our business. The increase in global business, particularly the
addition of our Global Convertible Securities team, drove the move to a new trade
order management system. And the overall growth of our firm has driven the need for
greater systems capacity and capability. From four servers in a closet in our offices to
68 servers in a remote location, and finally, to the cloud, Westwood has actively evolved
our infrastructure to ensure we can serve our clients well today and in the future.
$1.3M
We invested $1.3 million
net of tax in one-time
implementation costs for
Information Technology
improvements in 2016.
Culture
Aligning Stakeholder Interests
Our employees are also stockholders, which aligns the interests of our employees,
clients and stockholders.
W e s t w o o d H o l d i n g s G r o u p , I n c . | 2 0 1 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t 1 5
Fielding a Winning Team
Westwood’s unique culture is built on an employee ownership structure that ensures
that, over time, every employee becomes a stockholder. Employees and board members
owned approximately 25 percent of our firm as of year-end 2016. This structure aligns
the interests of our employees, clients and stockholders and helps promote a team
mindset across our firm.
We value our employees and strive to create a workplace that helps them succeed.
In 2016, we consolidated our Dallas headquarters from offices spread across two floors
into expanded office space on one floor. The new space creates even more opportunities
for collaboration and communication across our teams.
Employee engagement is vital to our success. In 2016, we solicited input from every
employee in our company on the top goals for our firm, which were then set by senior
executives and our board of directors. An internal scorecard was developed to track
progress against our goals, providing greater transparency in our goal setting and
greater accountability. Community involvement, a cornerstone of our culture, also drives
engagement and makes employees proud to work at Westwood.
For the third consecutive
year, Westwood was
named to Pensions &
Investments’ list of the
Best Places to Work in
Money Management.
Community Involvement
We give to local nonprofits
and support our employees
in their volunteer efforts. For
example, our Dallas team has
helped build 14 houses for
Habitat for Humanity.
16 W est wood H ol dings G roup, I n c. | 2 01 6 Annual Rep o r t
Actively Building for the Future
Even as we face industry headwinds, we are moving forward
at Westwood. We continue to focus on enhancing our
products and services to meet our clients’ needs and stay
ahead of market trends. We implement strategies to expand
our distribution and reach more clients around the world.
We explore new ways of engaging with our clients. We invest
in platforms for future growth including new technology to
support our complex global business and marketing, human
resources and accounting. We have a strong foundation for
growth and we are actively building for the future.
2016 Financial Review
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
____________________________________________________________________________
Form 10-K
____________________________________________________________________________
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
OR
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
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75201
(Address of principal executive offices)
75-2969997
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
75201
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214) 756-6900
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of each class:
Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
New York Stock Exchange
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
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
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
No
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
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes
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 registrant’s
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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large
accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value on June 30, 2016 of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $458,313,657. 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 registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of February 16, 2017: 8,797,192.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Selected portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates, are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
Index
PART I:
Item 1. Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2. Properties
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II:
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information
PART III:
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV:
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
PAGE
1
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i
PART I
Item 1.
Business.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “we,” “us,” “our,” “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 taken as a whole. 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 “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
General
We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our subsidiaries, Westwood
Management Corp. and Westwood Advisors, LLC (each of which is an SEC-registered investment advisor and referred to
hereinafter together as “Westwood Management”), Westwood International Advisors Inc. (“Westwood International”) and
Westwood Trust. Westwood Management, founded in 1983, provides investment advisory services to institutional investors, a
family of mutual funds called the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, an Ireland-domiciled fund organized pursuant to the
European Union’s Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (“UCITS”), individual investors and
clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood International was established in 2012 and provides investment advisory services to
institutional clients, the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, UCITS funds and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust,
founded as a state-chartered trust company in 1974, provides trust and custodial services and participation in self-sponsored
common trust funds to institutions and high net worth individuals. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a
percentage of assets under management. Westwood Management, Westwood International and Westwood Trust collectively
managed assets valued at approximately $21.2 billion at December 31, 2016. We were incorporated under the laws of the State
of Delaware on December 12, 2001. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol
“WHG.” We are a holding company whose principal assets consist of the capital stock of Westwood Management, Westwood
Trust and Westwood International.
The success of our business is very dependent on client and institutional investment consultant relationships. We
believe that, in addition to investment performance, client service is paramount in the asset management business. Accordingly,
a major business focus is to build strong relationships with clients to enhance our ability to anticipate their needs and satisfy
their investment objectives. Our team approach is designed to deliver efficient, responsive service to our clients.
We have focused on building our foundation in terms of personnel and infrastructure to support a larger business.
We have developed investment strategies that we expect to be desirable within our target institutional, private wealth and
mutual fund markets. Developing new investment strategies and building the organization can result in incurring expenses
before significant offsetting revenues are realized. We continue to evaluate new strategies and resources in terms of meeting
actual and potential investor needs.
Available Information
We maintain a website at www.westwoodgroup.com. Information contained on, or connected to, our website is
not incorporated by reference into this Report and should not be considered part of this Report or any other filing that we make
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All of our filings with the 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 (the "Exchange Act"), are available
free of charge on our website. Our Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee and Governance/Nominating Committee Charters 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 Tiffany B. Kice,
our Chief Financial Officer, at the address set forth in the front of this Report. The public can also obtain any document we file
with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
1
Advisory
General
Our advisory business is comprised of Westwood Management and Westwood International and encompasses
three distinct investment teams – the U.S. Value Team, the Global Convertible Securities Team and the Global and Emerging
Markets Equity Team.
Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to large institutions, including corporate
retirement plans, public retirement plans, endowments and foundations. Institutional separate account minimums vary by
investment strategy and generally range from $5 million to $25 million. Westwood Management also provides advisory
services to individuals, the Westwood Funds® and UCITS funds, as well as subadvisory services to other mutual funds and
pooled investment vehicles. Westwood Management’s investment strategies are managed by the U.S. Value Team, based in
Dallas, Texas, and by the Global Convertible Securities Team, based in Boston, Massachusetts. Our investment professionals
average sixteen years of investment experience. We believe team continuity and years of experience are among the critical
elements required for successfully managing investments.
Westwood International, based in Toronto, Canada, provides investment advisory services to large institutions,
pooled investment vehicles and UCITS funds, as well as subadvisory services to the National Bank Westwood Funds, which
are mutual funds offered by National Bank of Canada. Institutional separate account minimums vary by investment strategy
and generally range from $10 million to $25 million. Westwood International's investment strategies are managed by the Global
and Emerging Markets Equity Team. Westwood International has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with
Westwood Management pursuant to which Westwood International is considered a “participating affiliate” of Westwood
Management as that term is used in relief granted by the staff of the SEC allowing U.S. registered investment advisors to use
portfolio management or research resources of advisory affiliates subject to the supervision of a registered adviser. Pursuant to
the MOU, Westwood International professionals provide advisory and subadvisory services to certain Westwood Funds®,
pooled investment vehicles and large U.S. institutions under the supervision of Westwood Management.
Investment Strategies
We offer a broad range of investment strategies, which allows us to serve a variety of client types with different
investment objectives, including five investment strategies each with over $1 billion in assets under management: our Income
Opportunity, LargeCap Value, SMidCap Equity, Emerging Markets and Emerging Markets Plus strategies.
U.S. Value Team
The U.S. Value team employs a value-oriented approach. The common thread that permeates the team's strategies
is a disciplined approach to controlling risk and preserving client assets whenever possible. The team seeks to invest in
companies with high levels of free cash flow, improving returns on equity and strengthening balance sheets that are well
positioned for growth but whose value is not fully recognized in the marketplace. Through investments in companies that
exhibit these characteristics, we seek to generate consistently superior performance relative to our industry peers and relevant
benchmark indices. This investment approach is intended to preserve capital during unfavorable periods and provide superior
real returns over the long term. We believe that we have established a track record of delivering competitive risk-adjusted
returns for our clients. The principal investment strategies currently managed by the U.S. Value Team are as follows:
LargeCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 40 to 60 companies with market
capitalizations at purchase generally over $5 billion.
Concentrated LargeCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 15 to 30 companies
with market capitalizations at purchase generally over $5 billion.
SMidCap Plus: Investments in equity securities of approximately 45 to 65 companies with market
capitalizations generally within the range of the Russell Midcap Index above $2 billion.
SMidCap Equity: Investments in equity securities of approximately 50 to 70 companies with market
capitalizations generally within the range of the Russell 2500 Index.
SmallCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 50 to 70 companies with market
capitalizations generally within the range of the Russell 2000 Index.
AllCap Value: Investments in equity securities of approximately 50 to 80 companies with market
capitalizations at purchase generally over $100 million.
Income Opportunity: Investments across a broad spectrum of income-producing securities of
approximately 60 to 80 companies.
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Worldwide Income Opportunity: Investments across a broad spectrum of income-producing
securities of approximately 60 to 80 global companies.
Master Limited Partnership Infrastructure Renewal: Investments in the securities of approximately
25 to 35 companies, whose securities span across MLP subsectors and/or have MLP-like characteristics, with
market capitalizations of any size and generally with a 7.5% maximum position size at purchase.
Master Limited Partnership Opportunities: Investments in the securities of approximately 25 to 35
companies, whose securities span across MLP subsectors and/or have MLP-like characteristics, with market
capitalizations of any size and generally with a 4% maximum position size at purchase.
Master Limited Partnership and Strategic Energy: Investments in the securities of approximately 25
to 40 companies, whose securities span across MLP subsectors, have MLP-like characteristics, and/or primarily
involve energy-related activities, with market capitalizations of any size.
Low Volatility Equity: Investments in the common stock or convertible securities of approximately
40 to 80 companies, seeking a lower level of volatility than traditional equity-oriented strategies. (Jointly
managed by U.S. Value and Global Convertible Securities Teams.)
Global Convertible Securities Team
The Global Convertible Securities Team manages both long-only and liquid alternative global convertible
securities strategies employing a disciplined investment process and rigorous risk management. The team's investment
philosophy is based on the following beliefs:
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the asymmetric return profile of balanced convertible bonds can provide superior risk-adjusted returns over
medium- to long-term time horizons;
convertible securities markets are inefficient, creating opportunities to benefit from pricing anomalies;
a global focus provides more robust opportunities and a clearer picture of the broad convertibles universe;
and
proprietary fundamental research is the best way to identify solid companies with attractive risk-adjusted
return profiles.
The team draws on the proprietary fundamental research of all three of Westwood's investment teams in order to
identify securities with an attractive risk-adjusted return profile. The principal investment strategies currently managed by the
Global Convertible Securities Team are as follows:
Strategic Global Convertibles: Investments in convertible securities of approximately 60 to 90
global companies, utilizing both a top-down and bottom-up investment process.
Market Neutral Income: Investments utilizing three primary strategies, including a short-duration
yield-oriented portfolio of global convertible securities, a convertible arbitrage strategy, and a macro hedging
strategy.
Low Volatility Equity: Investments in the common stock or convertible securities of approximately
40 to 80 companies, seeking a lower level of volatility than traditional equity-oriented strategies. (Jointly
managed by U.S. Value and Global Convertible Securities Teams.)
Global and Emerging Markets Equity Team
The Global and Emerging Markets Equity Team emphasizes Economic Value Added (EVA) in its investment
process and seeks to identify mispriced businesses that can generate sustainable earnings growth. The team offers global and
emerging markets equity investment strategies as follows:
Emerging Markets: Investments in equity securities of approximately 70 to 90 emerging markets
companies with market capitalizations generally over $500 million.
Emerging Markets Plus: Investments in equity securities of approximately 70 to 90 emerging
markets companies with market capitalizations generally over $1.5 billion.
Emerging Markets SMidCap: Investments in equity securities of approximately 70 to 90 emerging
markets companies with market capitalizations at purchase generally between $150 million and $9 billion.
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Global Equity: Investments in equity securities of approximately 65 to 85 global companies with
market capitalizations generally over $1 billion.
Global Dividend: Investments in equity securities of approximately 65 to 85 global companies with
market capitalizations generally over $500 million.
Our ability to grow assets under management is primarily dependent on our ability to generate competitive
investment performance, our success in building strong relationships with investment consulting firms and other financial
intermediaries, as well as our ability to develop new client relationships while nurturing and maintaining existing relationships.
We continually seek to expand assets under management by growing our existing investment strategies, as well as identifying
and developing new ones. We intend to grow our investment strategies internally but may also consider acquiring new
investment strategies from third parties, as discussed under “Growth Strategy” below. Our growth strategy provides clients with
more investment opportunities and diversifies our assets under management, thereby reducing risk in any one area of
investment and increasing our competitive ability to attract new clients. Our ten largest clients accounted for approximately
20% of our fee revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016. The loss of some or all of these large clients could have a
material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements
Westwood Management and Westwood International manage client accounts under investment advisory and
subadvisory agreements. Typical for the asset management industry, these agreements are usually terminable upon short notice
and provide for compensation based on the market value of client assets under management. Westwood’s advisory fees are paid
quarterly in advance based on assets under management on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on
assets under management on the last day of the quarter just ended, or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of assets under
management for the stated period. A few clients have contractual performance-based fee arrangements, which generate
additional revenues if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. Revenue for performance-based fees is
recorded at the end of the measurement period. Revenue from advance payments is deferred and recognized over the period
that services are performed. Pursuant to these agreements, Westwood provides overall investment management services,
including directing investments in conformity with client-established investment objectives and restrictions. Unless otherwise
directed in writing by clients, Westwood has the authority to vote all proxies with respect to securities in client portfolios.
Westwood Management and Westwood International are parties to subadvisory agreements with other investment
advisors under which they perform similar services under advisory agreements. Our subadvisory fees are generally computed
based upon the average daily assets under management and are payable on a monthly basis.
Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to the Westwood Funds® family of mutual funds:
Westwood Emerging Markets (WWEMX)
Westwood Global Dividend (WWGDX)
Westwood Global Equity (WWGEX)
Westwood Income Opportunity (WHGIX)
Westwood LargeCap Value (WHGLX)
Westwood Low Volatility Equity (WLVIX)(1)
Westwood Market Neutral Income (WMNIX)
Westwood MLP & Strategic Energy (WMLPX)
Westwood Opportunistic High Yield (WWHYX)(2)
Westwood Short Duration High Yield (WHGXH)(2)
Westwood SmallCap Value (WHGSX)
Westwood SMidCap (WHGMX)
Westwood SMidCap Plus (WHGPX)
Westwood Strategic Global Convertibles (WSGCX)
Westwood Worldwide Income Opportunity (WWIOX)
(1) The Westwood Dividend Growth Fund transitioned to the Westwood Low Volatility Equity Fund in December 2016.
(2) Subadvised by SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor based in Greenwich, Connecticut
As of December 31, 2016, the Westwood Funds® had assets under management of $3.8 billion.
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Trust
General
Through the combined efforts of the Dallas, Omaha and Houston offices of Westwood Trust, we provide fiduciary
and investment services to high-net-worth individuals and families, non-profit endowments and foundations, public and private
retirement plans and individual retirement accounts ("IRAs"). Westwood Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas
Department of Banking. Fees charged by Westwood Trust are separately negotiated with each client and are typically based on
assets under management. Clients generally have at least $1 million in investable assets.
Fiduciary Services
Westwood Trust’s fiduciary services include but are not limited to: financial planning, wealth transfer planning,
customizable trust services, trust administration and estate settlement. Westwood Trust also provides custodial services, tax
reporting, accounting of trust income and principal, beneficiary and retiree distributions and safekeeping of assets.
Investment Services
Westwood Trust utilizes a consultative approach in developing a client’s portfolio asset allocation. Our approach
involves examining the client’s financial situation, including their current portfolio of investments, and advising the client on
ways to reduce risk, enhance investment returns and strengthen their financial position based on each client’s unique objectives
and constraints. Westwood Trust seeks to define and improve risk/return profiles of client investment portfolios by offering a
comprehensive investment solution or enhancing clients’ existing investment strategies. Westwood Trust manages separate
portfolios of equity and fixed income securities for certain agency and trust clients. Equity portfolios are generally patterned
after the institutional strategies offered by Westwood Management or developed by the internal investment team in our Houston
office. Fixed income portfolios consist of targeted laddered portfolios of primarily high-quality municipal securities.
Westwood Trust also sponsors several common trust funds in which client assets are commingled to achieve
economies of scale. Westwood Trust’s common trust funds fall within two basic categories: personal trusts and employee
benefit trusts. Westwood Trust sponsors common trust funds for most of the investment strategies managed by Westwood
Management and Westwood International. Westwood Trust has also engaged SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC, William
Blair & Company, LLC and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, all registered investment advisors, to
subadvise our High Yield Bond, Domestic Growth Equity and International Fixed Income common trust funds, respectively.
Westwood Trust also develops asset allocation models for certain clients utilizing mutual funds managed by
Westwood Management and Westwood International, as well as from certain other mutual fund families.
Enhanced Balanced® Portfolios
Westwood Trust is a strong proponent of asset class diversification and offers its clients the ability to diversify
among many different asset classes. Westwood Trust Enhanced Balanced® portfolios combine these asset classes into a
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 returns, risk and correlation data, and our current capital
markets outlook.
Select Equity Strategy
In late 2016, we launched the Westwood Select Equity strategy, a separately managed account offering that aims
to provide low-frequency turnover and tax efficiency to high-net-worth individuals. The offering allows individuals to own a
diversified portfolio of best ideas across Westwood. The portfolios are highly diversified and include value and growth stocks,
along with small, mid and large-cap stocks. Westwood Select is also available without the tax efficiency overlay.
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Distribution Channels
We market our services through several distribution channels to optimize the reach of our investment advisory
and trust services. These channels enable us to leverage distribution infrastructures and capabilities of other financial services
firms and intermediaries while focusing on our core competency of developing and managing investment strategies.
Institutional
In our institutional channel, we market our investment strategies through institutional investment consultants,
financial intermediaries, managed accounts programs and directly to institutional investors. Institutional investment consultants
serve as gatekeepers to the majority of corporate retirement plans, public retirement plans, endowments and foundations, which
represent Westwood’s primary institutional target markets. Consultants provide guidance to their clients in setting asset
allocation strategies and creating investment policies. Consultants also make recommendations for investment firms they
believe can best meet their clients' investment objectives. We have established strong relationships with many global, national
and regional investment consulting firms, which collectively have contributed to our being considered and hired by their
clients. Continuing to enhance existing consulting firm relationships, as well as forging new relationships, increases the
awareness of our services in both the consultant community and within their institutional client base.
Marketing our investment strategies to financial intermediaries, via subadvisory relationships, allows us to extend
the reach of our investment advisory services to clients of other investment companies with broad, established distribution
capabilities. In subadvisory arrangements, our client is generally the investment company through which our services are
offered to investors, typically via mutual fund offerings. The investment company that sponsors the mutual fund is responsible
for appropriate marketing, distribution and operational and accounting activities.
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.
We also market our investment strategies directly to pension funds, endowments, foundations and other
institutional investors.
Mutual Funds
In our mutual funds channel, we market our registered mutual funds, the Westwood Funds®, to institutional
investment consultants, financial intermediaries, registered investment advisors, select broker-dealers and fund supermarkets.
By leveraging our existing relationships with institutional investment consulting firms we are able to participate when their
defined contribution and other retirement plan clients require a mutual fund vehicle. During 2016, we engaged a third-party
distribution firm focused on select investment advisors and broker-dealers in the United States. We also seek relationships with
financial intermediaries that manage discretionary fund models in order to have our funds placed in such models. Our
wholesaling group markets our funds directly to registered investment advisors, select broker-dealers and mutual fund
supermarkets.
Private Wealth
In our private wealth channel, we generate awareness of our trust fiduciary and investment services through
investment consultants, centers of influence, community involvement and targeted direct marketing to high net worth
individuals, families and small to medium-sized institutions. A significant portion of our new asset growth has been generated
by referrals from existing clients.
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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 this
focused, stable team has contributed significantly to our solid investment performance, superior client service and a growing
array of investment strategies. We believe that opportunities for future growth will come from our ability to:
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generate growth from new and existing clients and consultant relationships;
attract and retain key employees;
grow assets in our existing investment strategies;
foster continued growth of the Westwood Trust platform;
foster expanded distribution via mutual funds;
pursue strategic corporate development opportunities;
pursue opportunities internationally through targeted sales and relationships with international distributors and
institutional investors;
continue to strengthen our brand name; and
develop or acquire new investment strategies.
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 providing solid investment
performance and attentive client service. We also intend to pursue growth via targeted sales and marketing efforts that
emphasize our investment philosophy, performance and superior client service. New institutional client accounts are sourced
from either investment consultants or from our direct sales efforts with institutional investors. We believe that the in-depth
knowledge of our firm, our people and our processes embedded in our consultant relationships, as well as in existing and
prospective client relationships, is a key factor when being considered for new client investment mandates.
Attract and retain key employees. To achieve our investment performance and client relationship objectives, we
must be able to attract and retain talented professionals. We believe that we have created a workplace environment in which
motivated, performance-driven, and client-oriented individuals can thrive. As a public company, we offer our employees a
compensation program that includes strong equity incentives to closely align their success with that of our clients and
stockholders. We believe that these factors are critical to maintaining a stable, client-focused environment that can support
significant future growth.
Grow assets in our existing investment strategies. We have significant capacity to manage additional assets across
our existing range of investment strategies, which we have continued to expand. We have developed a range of approximately
20 institutional investment strategies by building on the core competencies of our U.S. Value team, as well as via the addition
of new investment teams. In 2012, we established our Global and Emerging Markets Equity Team, thereby adding five new
equity strategies that focus on emerging and global markets: Emerging Markets, Emerging Markets Plus, Emerging Markets
SMid, Global Equity and Global Dividend. Our emerging markets strategies have experienced strong investor demand and we
believe they provide additional growth opportunities. In 2014, we established our Global Convertible Securities Team, which
manages two strategies - a long-only strategy called Strategic Global Convertibles, and a market neutral strategy called Market
Neutral Income. Our U.S. Value Team has launched multiple strategies since 2014, including Concentrated LargeCap Value,
MLP Opportunities, MLP & Strategic Energy, Worldwide Income Opportunity and Low Volatility Equity. These offerings, in
combination with our range of seasoned investment strategies, provide significant capacity to grow assets under management.
We have the team in place to support these investment strategies and, with strong investment performance, we believe that
demand for these strategies can provide meaningful growth for our assets under management.
Foster continued growth of the Westwood Trust platform. Westwood Trust has experienced solid growth in
serving small to medium-sized institutions as well as high net worth individuals and families. We anticipate continued interest
from clients and prospects in our diversified, highly attentive service model. A significant percentage of new asset growth at
Westwood Trust stems from referrals, as well as gathering additional assets from existing clients. We believe that our Enhanced
Balanced® and Select Equity strategies, which offer diversified exposure to multiple asset classes in a tax-efficient,
comprehensive manner, along with our separately managed portfolios, provide good opportunities for growth.
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Foster expanded distribution via mutual funds. We have fifteen funds in the Westwood Funds® family:
Westwood Emerging Markets (WWEMX)
Westwood Opportunistic High Yield (WWHYX)
Westwood Global Dividend (WWGDX)
Westwood Short Duration High Yield (WHGHX)
Westwood Global Equity (WWGEX)
Westwood SmallCap Value (WHGSX)
Westwood Income Opportunity (WHGIX)
Westwood SMidCap (WHGMX)
Westwood LargeCap Value (WHGLX)
Westwood Low Volatility Equity (WLVIX)(1)
Westwood Market Neutral Income (WMNIX)
Westwood MLP and Strategic Energy (WMLPX)
Westwood SMidCap Plus (WHGPX)
Westwood Strategic Global Convertibles (WSGCX)
Westwood Worldwide Income Opportunity (WWIOX)
(1) The Westwood Dividend Growth Fund transitioned to the Westwood Low Volatility Equity Fund in December 2016.
We believe that providing investors access to our mutual funds is a key component to achieving asset growth in
the defined contribution and retirement marketplaces as well as with registered investment advisors. With the exception of
Westwood Short Duration High Yield and Westwood Opportunistic High Yield, both of which are subadvised by SKY Harbor
Capital Management, LLC, the Westwood Funds® generally mirror our institutional strategies. All funds offer capped expense
ratios and are available in an institutional share class. We also offer Class A shares for Westwood LargeCap Value (WWLAX),
Westwood Income Opportunity (WWIAX), Westwood Emerging Markets (WWEAX) and Westwood Short Duration High
Yield (WSDAX) in order to target No Transaction Fee (NTF) mutual fund supermarket platforms and the broker/dealer
marketplace. Westwood Market Neutral Income (WMNUX) and Westwood Opportunistic High Yield (WHYUX) offer an Ultra
share class generally only available to institutional investors who purchase the fund directly and for which no shareholder
servicing fees are paid.
Pursue strategic corporate development opportunities. We evaluate strategic corporate development opportunities
to augment organic growth. We may pursue various transactions, including acquisitions of asset management firms, mutual
funds or private wealth firms, as well as hiring investment professionals or teams. We consider opportunities to enhance our
existing operations, expand our range of investment strategies and services or further develop our distribution capabilities. By
acquiring investment firms or by hiring investment professionals or teams that successfully manage investment strategies
beyond our current expertise, we can both attract new clients and provide existing clients with an even more diversified range
of investment strategies. We may also consider forging alliances with other financial services firms to leverage our core
competency of developing superior investment strategies with alliance partners that can provide enhanced distribution
capabilities or additional service offerings. In April 2015, we acquired Woodway Financial Advisors Inc. ("Woodway") to grow
our private wealth business.
Pursue opportunities internationally through targeted sales and relationships with international distributors and
institutional investors. In recent years we have increased our sales efforts outside of the U.S. As of December 31, 2016, non-
U.S. clients represented approximately 19% of our assets under management compared with 7% as of December 31, 2012. The
growth in our non-U.S. client base has primarily been a function of the broadening of our range of investment strategies to
include Emerging Markets equity and Global Convertible Securities. In addition, we established a UCITS platform in 2012 and
now offer three sub-funds under the UCITS umbrella for non-U.S. investors. We intend to continue our sales efforts outside of
the U.S. During 2016, we engaged a third-party distribution firm focused on intermediary and institutional distribution
throughout Continental Europe. We may consider forging alliances with additional international financial services firms or
partners to obtain enhanced distribution capabilities and greater access to global customers. Additionally, we continue to target
select institutional clients around the globe.
Continue to strengthen our brand name. We believe that the strength of our brand name has been a key
component to our long-term success in the investment industry and will be instrumental to our future success. We have
developed our strong brand name largely through excellent performance coupled with high profile coverage in investment
publications and electronic media. Several of our investment professionals have been visible in print and electronic media, and
we will continue to look for creative ways to strengthen our brand name and reputation in our target markets.
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Develop or acquire new investment strategies. We continue to look for opportunities to expand the range of
investment strategies that we offer to existing and prospective clients. We may consider internally-developed strategies that
extend our existing investment process to new markets and may also consider externally acquired investment strategies. An
expanded range of investment strategies offers additional ways to serve our client base, generating more diversified revenue
streams, as well as providing asset and revenue growth opportunities.
Competition
We are subject to substantial and growing competition in all aspects of our business. Barriers to entry in the asset
management business are relatively low and we expect to face a growing number of competitors. Although no single company
dominates the asset management industry, many companies are larger, better known and have greater resources.
Further, we compete with other asset management firms on the basis of investment strategies offered, their
investment performance both in absolute terms and relative to peer groups, quality of service, fees charged, the level and type
of compensation offered to key employees, and the manner in which investment strategies are marketed. Many of our
competitors offer more investment strategies and services and have substantially greater assets under management.
We compete against numerous investment dealers, banks, insurance companies, mutual fund companies,
exchange-traded funds, brokerage and investment firms, and others that sell equity funds, taxable income funds, tax-free
investments and other investment products. In addition, the allocation of assets by many investors 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 compete effectively with us. The demand for passive strategies with low-fee
structures has rapidly increased, and investors are more frequently demanding customized and personalized strategies to fit
their investment needs. This shift in the marketplace may benefit competitors that offer certain investment vehicles that we do
not currently offer. In summary, our competitive landscape is intense and dynamic, and we may not be able to compete
successfully in the future as an independent company.
Additionally, most prospective clients perform a thorough review of an investment manager’s 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 success in competing for new clients, it is a process to
which we dedicate significant resources over an extended period, with no certainty of winning.
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Regulation
Virtually all aspects of our business are subject to federal, state and other non-U.S. jurisdictions laws and
regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients. Under such laws and
regulations, agencies that regulate investment advisers have broad administrative powers, including the power to limit, restrict
or prohibit advisers from carrying on their business if they fail to comply with such laws and regulations. Possible sanctions
include 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 compliance with all
material laws and regulations.
Westwood Management
Our business is subject to regulation at federal and state levels by the SEC and other regulatory bodies. Westwood
Management Corp. and Westwood Advisors, LLC are registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the
“Investment Advisers Act”) and under the laws of various states. As registered investment advisors, Westwood Management
Corp. and Westwood Advisors, LLC are regulated and subject to examination by the SEC. The Investment Advisers Act
imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisors, including fiduciary duties, record keeping, operational and
marketing requirements and disclosure obligations. Westwood Management Corp. also acts as adviser to the Westwood
Funds®, a family of mutual funds registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment
Company Act"). As an adviser to a registered investment company, Westwood Management Corp. must comply with the
Investment Company Act and related regulations. The Investment Company Act imposes numerous obligations on registered
investment companies, including requirements relating to operations, fees charged, sales, accounting, record keeping,
disclosure, governance, and restrictions on transactions with affiliates. Under SEC rules and regulations promulgated pursuant
to the federal securities laws, we are subject to periodic SEC examinations. The SEC can 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 adviser’s registration. The failure of Westwood Management Corp. and Westwood Advisors, LLC to comply
with SEC requirements could have a material adverse effect on Westwood. We must also comply with anti-money laundering
laws and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, as subsequently amended and reauthorized (the "Patriot Act").
We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the regulations under the Investment Advisers Act, the Investment
Company Act and the Patriot Act.
As an investment adviser, we have a fiduciary duty to our clients. The SEC has interpreted that duty to impose
standards, requirements and limitations on, among other things: trading of client accounts, allocation of investment
opportunities among clients, use of soft dollars, execution of transactions and recommendations to clients. We manage accounts
for our clients with the authority to buy and sell securities, select broker-dealers to execute trades and negotiate brokerage
commission rates. We may receive soft dollar credits from certain broker-dealers that are used to pay for brokerage and
research related products, which reduces certain company operating expenses. We intend to use soft dollars to pay for only
those brokerage and research related productions and services that fall within the safe harbor provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. If our ability to use soft dollars were reduced or eliminated as a result of the implementation of statutory
amendments or new regulations, our operating expenses would increase.
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Westwood Trust
Westwood Trust 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 Trust’s 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;
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restrictions on dividends;
restrictions on investments of restricted capital;
lending and borrowing limitations;
prohibitions against engaging in certain activities;
periodic fiduciary and information technology examinations by the Texas Department of Banking Commissioner;
furnishing periodic financial statements to the Texas Department of Banking Commissioner;
fiduciary record keeping requirements; and
prior regulatory approval for certain corporate events (such as mergers, the sale or purchase of all or substantially
all trust company assets, and transactions transferring control of a trust company).
The Finance Code also gives the Banking Commissioner broad regulatory powers (including penalties and civil
and administrative actions) if the trust company violates certain provisions of the Finance Code, including implementing
conservatorship or closure if Westwood Trust is determined to be in a “hazardous condition” (as defined by applicable law).
Westwood Trust’s failure to comply with the Finance Code could have a material adverse effect on Westwood.
Westwood Trust is limited by the Finance Code in the payment of dividends to undivided profits, which is
described as the part of equity capital equal to the balance of net profits, income, gains, and losses since formation 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
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. out of undivided profits.
Westwood International
Westwood International is registered with both the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) and the Autorité des
marchés financiers (“AMF”) in Québec.
The OSC is an independent Crown corporation responsible for regulating the capital markets in Ontario. Its
statutory mandate is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices and to foster fair and
efficient capital markets and confidence in capital markets. The OSC has rule making and enforcement powers to help
safeguard investors, deter misconduct and regulate participants involved in capital markets in Ontario. It regulates firms and
individuals that sell securities and provide advice in Ontario, and also regulates public companies, investment funds and
marketplaces, such as the Toronto Stock Exchange. The OSC’s powers are granted under the Securities Act (Ontario), the
Commodity Futures Act (Ontario) and certain provisions of the Business Corporations Act. It operates independently from the
government and is funded by fees charged to market participants. The OSC is accountable to the Ontario Legislature through
the Minister of Finance.
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The AMF is the entity mandated by the government of Québec to regulate the province’s financial markets and
provide assistance to consumers of financial products and services. Established on February 1, 2004 under an Act regarding the
Autorité des marchés financiers, the AMF integrates the regulation of the Québec financial sector, notably in the areas of
insurance, securities, deposit institutions (other than banks) and the distribution of financial products and services. Specifically,
the AMF’s mission is to:
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provide assistance to consumers of financial products and services;
ensure that financial institutions and other regulated financial sector entities comply with applicable solvency and
obligations imposed by law;
supervise activities connected with distribution of financial products and services;
supervise stock market and clearing house activities and monitor the securities market;
supervise derivatives markets, including derivatives exchanges and clearing houses and ensure that regulated
entities and other derivatives market practitioners comply with obligations imposed by law; and
implement protection and compensation programs for consumers of financial products and services, and
administer compensation funds set up by law.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
We are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and to its
related regulations insofar as we are a “fiduciary” under ERISA with respect to some clients. ERISA and applicable provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code impose certain duties on fiduciaries under ERISA or on entities that 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 our business.
Department of Labor Fiduciary Rule
In April 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (the "DOL") issued a final rule, which expanded the definition of an
investment advice fiduciary under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. The rule expands the scope of investment advice
subject to fiduciary standards by imposing ERISA fiduciary standards on advisors of individual retirement accounts. The rule
focuses on conflicts of interest related to investment recommendations made by financial advisors, registered investment
advisors and other investment professionals. The rule is anticipated to become applicable on April 10, 2017, with certain
requirements deferred until January 1, 2018. We believe compliance with the rule and the related class exemptions could
impact the decision making of retirement account holders in directing their retirement asset allocation, which could have an
adverse effect on our business.
Employees
At December 31, 2016, we had 174 full-time employees (159 based in the United States and 15 based in Canada).
No employees are represented by a labor union, and we believe our employee relations to be good.
Segment Information
For information about our operating segments, Advisory and Trust, please see Note 14 "Segment Reporting" to
our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data"
accompanying this Report.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We believe these represent the material risks currently facing our business. Our business, financial condition or
results of operations could be materially adversely affected by these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline
due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. You should carefully consider the risks described
below before making an investment decision. You should also refer to the other information included or incorporated by
reference in this Report, including our financial statements and related notes.
Risks Related to the Investment Industry
Our results of operations depend upon the market value and composition of assets under management,
which can fluctuate significantly based on various factors, some of which are beyond our control.
Our revenues are primarily generated from fees derived as a percentage of assets under management (“AUM”).
The value of our AUM can be negatively impacted by several factors, including:
• Market performance: Performance of the securities markets could be impacted by a number of factors beyond our
control, including, among others, general economic downturns, political uncertainty or acts of terrorism. Negative
performance within the securities markets or short-term volatility within the securities markets could result in
investors withdrawing assets, decreasing their rates of investment or shifting assets to cash or other asset classes
or strategies that we do not manage, all of which could reduce our revenues. In addition, during periods of
slowing growth or declining revenues, profits and profit margins are adversely affected because certain expenses
remain relatively fixed.
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Investment performance: Because we compete with many asset management firms on the basis of our investment
strategies, the maintenance and growth of assets under management is dependent, to a significant extent, on the
investment performance of the assets that we manage. Poor performance may result in the loss or reduction of
client accounts, which decreases revenues. Underperformance relative to peer groups for our various investment
strategies could adversely affect our results of operations, especially if such underperformance continues for an
extended period of time. The historical returns of our strategies and the ratings and rankings we, or the mutual
funds that we advise, have received in the past should not be considered indicative of the future results of these
strategies or of any other strategies that we may develop in the future. The investment performance we achieve
for our customers varies over time and variances can be wide. In addition, certain of our investment strategies
have capacity constraints, as there is a limit to the number of securities available for certain strategies to operate
effectively. In those instances, we may choose to limit access to new or existing investors.
Our business is subject to extensive regulation with attendant compliance costs and serious consequences
for violations; expansion into international markets and introduction of new products and services increases our
regulatory and operational risks.
Virtually all aspects of our business are subject to laws and regulations, including the Investment Advisers Act,
the Investment Company Act, the Patriot Act, the Finance Code and anti-money laundering laws. These laws and regulations
generally grant regulatory agencies broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict us from operating our
business, as well as powers to place us under conservatorship or closure if we fail to comply with such laws and regulations.
Violations of such laws or regulations could subject us or our employees to disciplinary proceedings and civil or criminal
liability, including revocation of licenses, censures, fines or temporary suspensions, permanent barring 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.
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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. In recent years, regulators have increased their oversight of the financial services industry. Some regulations are
focused directly on the investment management industry, while others are more broadly focused but affect our industry as well.
In April 2016, the DOL issued a final rule regarding the definition of an investment advice fiduciary under ERISA and the
Internal Revenue Code. The rule expands the scope of investment advice subject to fiduciary standards by imposing ERISA
fiduciary standards to advisors of individual retirement accounts. The rule focuses on conflicts of interest related to investment
recommendations made by financial advisors, registered investment advisors and other investment professionals. The rule is
anticipated to become applicable on April 10, 2017, with certain requirements deferred until January 1, 2018. While we
continue to review and analyze the potential impact to our business and our clients and will make necessary operational
changes to comply with the rule, compliance with the final rule and the related class exemptions could have a material adverse
effect on our business.
The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 significantly increased and revised the federal rules and regulations governing the
financial services industry and, in addition to other regulations, has generally resulted in increased compliance and
administrative requirements. For example, the SEC’s adoption of Form PF and revisions to Form ADV impose additional
reporting requirements for SEC-registered investment advisors. Additionally, ERISA Section 408(b)(2) and related regulations
require additional information to be provided to ERISA-governed retirement plans. While we believe that changes in laws,
rules and regulations, including those discussed above, have increased our administrative and compliance costs, we are unable
to quantify the increased costs attributable to such changes. See “Item 1. Business — Regulation.”
Recently, we have expanded our product offerings, vehicles offered and international business activities with
strategies in global and emerging markets, global multi-asset and global convertible securities. Additionally, our client base
continues to expand internationally. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 19% of our AUM is managed for clients who are
domiciled outside the United States. As a result, we face increased operational, regulatory, compliance, reputational and foreign
exchange rate risks. In particular, rapid regulatory change is occurring internationally with respect to financial institutions,
including, but not limited to, anticipated revisions to the European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in
Transferable Securities) Regulations 2011. The failure of our compliance and internal control systems to properly identify and
mitigate such additional risks, or of our operating infrastructure to support international activities, could result in operational
failures and actions by regulatory agencies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We devote considerable time and resources to both domestic and international compliance; however, we may fail
to timely and properly identify regulatory requirements or modify our compliance procedures for changes in our regulatory
environment, which may subject us to legal proceedings, domestic and foreign government investigations, penalties and fines.
The investment management and private wealth industry is highly competitive and innovative.
The investment management and private wealth industry is highly competitive, with competition based on a
variety of factors, including investment performance, fee rates, continuity of investment professionals and client relationships,
the quality of services provided to clients, corporate positioning and business reputation and differentiated products. A number
of factors increase our competitive risks, including the following:
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Potential competitors have a relatively low cost of entering the investment management industry.
• Many competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, more comprehensive name
recognition and more personnel than we do.
• The continuing trend toward consolidation in the investment management industry, and the securities business in
general, has served to increase the size and strength of some of our competitors.
• Recent changes in consumer demand for technological capabilities, including the enhanced ability for firms to
offer passive management, has increased competition in our industry.
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Shifts in demand for alternative investment styles, asset classes and distribution vehicles may cause our
competitors to be perceived as more attractive.
• Other industry participants, hedge funds and alternative asset managers may seek to recruit our investment
professionals.
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Some competitors charge lower fees for their investment management services than we do.
Some competitors may provide additional client services, including banking, financial planning and tax planning.
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If we are unable to compete effectively, our earnings could be reduced and our business could be adversely
affected.
Some of our strategies invest in the securities of non-U.S. companies, which involve foreign currency
exchange, tax, political, social and economic uncertainties and risks.
As of December 31, 2016, approximately 21% of our assets under management were invested in strategies
offering access to global and emerging markets with significant exposure to non-U.S. companies. Fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates could negatively affect the returns of clients invested in these strategies. Investments in non-U.S.
issuers may also be affected by tax positions taken in countries or regions in which we are invested as well as political, social
and economic uncertainty, including, for example, the broad decline in global economic conditions that began in 2015. Many
financial markets are less developed or efficient than U.S. financial markets and therefore may have limited liquidity and higher
price volatility, and may lack an established regulatory framework. Liquidity may be adversely affected by political or
economic events, government policies, and social or civil unrest within a particular country. These risks, among others, could
adversely affect the performance of our strategies invested in securities of non-U.S. issuers and may be particularly acute in the
emerging or less developed markets in which we invest. As a result, we may be unable to attract or retain client investments in
these strategies or assets invested in these strategies may experience significant declines in value, and our results of operations
may be negatively affected.
Due to the substantial cost and time required to introduce new investment strategies, we may not be able to
successfully introduce new investment strategies in a timely manner, or at all.
We have incurred significant costs to develop new investment strategies, launch new mutual funds under the
Westwood Funds® name, launch UCITS funds and upgrade our business infrastructure. We expect to continue to incur
significant costs related to such improvements.
The development of new investment strategies, whether through acquisition or internal development, requires a
substantial amount of time and significant financial resources, including expenses related to compensation, sales and
marketing, information technology, legal counsel and other professional services. Our ability to market and sell a new
investment strategy depends on our financial resources, the investment performance of the specific strategy, the timing of the
offering and our marketing strategies. Once an investment strategy is developed, we must effectively introduce the strategy to
existing and prospective clients. Our ability to sell new investment strategies to existing and prospective clients may depend on
our ability to meet or exceed the performance of our competitors offering the same or a similar strategy. We may not be able to
manage the assets within a given investment strategy profitably and it may take years before we produce the level of results that
will attract clients. If we are unable to realize the benefits of the costs and expenses incurred in developing new investment
strategies, we may experience losses as a result of our management of these investment strategies, and our ability to introduce
further new investment strategies and compete in our industry may be hampered.
To introduce new investment strategies, we may also seek to add new investment teams. To the extent we are
unable to recruit and retain investment teams that will complement our existing business model, we may not be successful in
further diversifying and increasing our investment strategies and client assets, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business and future prospects. The addition of a new team using an investment strategy with which we may have limited or
no experience could strain our operational resources and increase the possibility of operational error. If any such new teams or
strategies perform poorly and fail to attract sufficient assets, our results of operations and reputation will be adversely affected.
Risks Related to our Business
Damage to our reputation could harm our business and have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations.
Our brand is a valuable intangible asset that could be vulnerable to threats that can be difficult or impossible to
anticipate or control. Regulatory inquiries and rumors could damage our reputation, even if they are unfounded or satisfactorily
addressed. Damage to our brand could impede our ability to attract and retain customers and key employees, and could reduce
our assets under management, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
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Our success depends on certain key employees and our ability to attract and develop new, talented
professionals. Our inability to attract and retain key employees could compromise our future success.
Our future success depends upon our ability to attract and retain professional and executive employees, including
investment, marketing, client service and management personnel. There is substantial competition for skilled personnel within
the asset management business, and the failure to attract, develop, retain and motivate qualified personnel could negatively
impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. Only a limited number of our employees,
including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and certain investment employees, have employment
contracts. Certain key employees do not have employment contracts and generally can terminate their employment at any time.
In order to retain or replace our key personnel, we may be required to increase compensation, which would decrease net
income. Additionally, investment and sales professionals often maintain strong relationships with their clients, and their
departure may cause us to lose client accounts, which could have a material impact on our revenues and results of operations.
Failure to implement and maintain effective cyber security controls could disrupt our operations and have
a material adverse effect on our results of operations, reputation and stock price.
Our business is dependent on information technology systems and the cyber security controls we have in place to
protect those systems and the information contained therein. A failure of our controls to protect our information technology
from an external or internal attack or to prevent a breach of confidential client or competitive information could materially
interrupt our operations and expose us to regulatory and legal actions, which could have a material adverse effect on our
operating results, reputation and stock price.
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
that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We are highly dependent
on information systems and third-party vendors for securities pricing information, information processing and updates for
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 be inadequate to prevent the risk of extended interruptions in operations.
Misuse of assets and information in the possession of our employees could damage our reputation and
result in costly litigation and liability for our clients and us.
Our employees handle significant amounts of assets along with financial and personal information for our clients.
Our employees could misuse or improperly disclose such information, which could harm our reputation. We have implemented
a system of controls to minimize the risk of fraudulent use of assets and information; however, our controls may be insufficient
to prevent fraudulent actions by employees. If our controls are ineffective, we could be subject to costly litigation, which could
consume financial resources, distract management, damage our reputation and result in regulatory sanctions. Such fraudulent
actions could also adversely affect clients, causing them to seek redress.
Acquisitions 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 pursue corporate development transactions including the
acquisition of asset management firms, mutual funds, private wealth firms, investment professionals or teams. See “Item 1.
Business — Growth Strategy.” If we are incorrect when assessing the value, strengths, weaknesses, liabilities and potential
profitability of such transactions, or if we fail to adequately integrate the acquired businesses or individuals, the success of the
combined business could be compromised. Business acquisitions are subject to the risks commonly associated with such
transactions including, 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, potential
disruptions to the business of the combined company and potential diversion of management’s time and attention, the
impairment of relationships with and the possible loss of key employees and clients as a result of changes in management,
potential litigation or other legal risks, potential write-downs related to goodwill impairments 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, investment strategies, technologies or businesses of acquired companies may not be effectively assimilated into our
business or may have a negative effect on the combined company’s revenues or earnings. The combined company may also
incur significant expenses to complete acquisitions and support acquired investment strategies and businesses. Further, any
such acquisitions may be funded with cash, debt or equity, which could dilute the holdings or limit the rights of stockholders.
Finally, we may not be successful in identifying attractive acquisition candidates or completing acquisitions on favorable terms.
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Our business involves risks of being engaged in litigation and liability that could increase our expenses and
reduce our results of operations.
Many aspects of our business involve substantial risks of liability. We could be named as defendants or co-
defendants in lawsuits or could be involved in disputes that involve the threat of lawsuits seeking substantial damages. As an
SEC-registered adviser, mutual fund adviser and publicly-traded entity, we are subject to governmental and self-regulatory
organization examinations, investigations and proceedings. Similarly, the investment strategies that we manage could be
subject to actual or threatened lawsuits and governmental and self-regulatory organization investigations and proceedings, any
of which could harm the investment returns or reputation of the applicable fund or result in our being liable for any resulting
damages. There has been an increased incidence of litigation and regulatory investigations in the asset management industry in
recent years, including customer claims, as well as class action suits seeking substantial damages. While customers do not have
legal recourse against us solely on the basis of poor investment results, if our investment strategies perform poorly or we
provide poor financial advise, we are more likely to become subject to litigation brought by dissatisfied clients. In addition, to
the extent customers are successful in claiming that their losses resulted from fraud, negligence, willful misconduct, breach of
contract or other similar misconduct, these clients may have remedies against us, the mutual funds and other funds we advise or
our investment professionals under the federal securities laws or state law. See the discussion of our current legal proceedings
in Item 3. “Legal Proceedings”.
Failure to properly address conflicts of interest could harm our reputation or cause clients to withdraw
funds, each of which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The SEC and other regulators have increased their scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest, and we have
implemented procedures and controls that we believe are reasonably designed to address these issues. However, appropriately
dealing with conflicts of interest is complex and if we fail, or appear to fail, to deal appropriately with conflicts of interest, we
could face reputational damage, litigation or regulatory proceedings, any of which may adversely affect our results of
operations.
In addition, as we expand the scope of our business and our client base, we must continue to monitor and address
any potential new conflicts between the interests of our stockholders and those of our clients. Our clients may withdraw funds
if they perceive conflicts of interest between the investment decisions we make for strategies in which they have invested and
our obligations to our stockholders. For example, we may limit the growth of assets in or close strategies or otherwise take
action to slow the flow of assets when we believe it is in the best interest of our clients, even though our assets under
management and investment management fees may be negatively impacted. Similarly, we may establish or add new investment
teams or expand operations into other geographic areas or jurisdictions if we believe such actions are in the best interest of our
clients, even though our results of operations may be adversely affected in the short term. Although we believe such actions
enable us to retain client assets and maintain our profit margins, if clients perceive a change in our investment or operational
decisions favors a strategy to maximize short term results, they may withdraw funds, which could adversely affect our revenues
and results of operations.
Insurance coverage may be inadequate or not cover legal and regulatory proceedings.
We maintain insurance coverage in amounts and on terms we believe appropriate to cover legal and regulatory
matters; however, we can make no assurance that there will be adequate coverage or that a claim will be covered by our
insurance policies at all. Additionally, insurance premiums may rise for substantially the same coverage amounts and terms,
which will increase our expenses and reduce our net income.
Various factors may hinder the declaration and payment of dividends.
We have historically paid a quarterly dividend. However, payment of future dividends 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, stock repurchase plans, 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. Currently, our primary
source of cash consists of dividends from Westwood Management or Westwood Trust. The payment of dividends by Westwood
Trust is subject to the discretion of its Board of Directors and compliance with applicable laws, including, in particular, the
provisions of the Finance Code applicable to Westwood Trust. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
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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 may vary greatly from quarter to quarter depending on, among
other things, capital expenditures, fluctuations in our operating results and financing activities. If future financing becomes
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 then existing common stockholders and any future debt financings could
involve restrictive covenants that limit our ability to take certain actions.
Failure to maintain effective internal controls could have a material adverse effect on our business and
stock price.
Effective internal controls are necessary to provide reliable financial reports. If we cannot provide reliable
financial reports, our brand and operating results could be harmed. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed,
have inherent limitations and even systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to
financial statement preparation and presentation.
We cannot be certain that the measures we take to evaluate and improve our internal controls will ensure that we
implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting. Any failure to implement required new
or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to
meet our reporting obligations. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified,
supplemented or amended, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude that we have effective internal control over
financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Failure to achieve and maintain an
effective internal control environment could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which
could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.
Our stock is thinly traded and may be subject to volatility.
Although our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, it may remain relatively illiquid, or
“thinly traded,” which can increase share price volatility and make it difficult for larger investors to buy or sell shares in the
public market without affecting the quoted share price. Investors may be unable to buy or sell a certain quantity of our shares in
the public market within one or more trading days. If limited trading in our stock continues, it may be difficult for holders to
sell their shares in the public market at any given time at prevailing prices.
The prevailing market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors,
some of which are beyond our control, including (among other factors): actual or anticipated fluctuations in operating results;
changes in market valuations of other similarly situated companies; additions or departures of key personnel; future sales of
common stock; deviations in net revenues or in losses from levels expected by the investment community; and trading volume
fluctuations.
Our organizational documents contain provisions that may prevent or deter another group from paying a
premium over the market price to our stockholders to acquire our stock.
Our organizational documents contain provisions that require a vote of two-thirds of the shares of stock entitled to
vote to remove directors for cause, establish that stockholders cannot act by written consent, and that authorize our Board of
Directors to issue, without shareholder approval, blank check preferred stock. In addition, as a Delaware corporation, we are
subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to business combinations. These provisions could
delay, deter or prevent a merger, consolidation, tender offer or other business combination or change of control involving us
that could include a premium over the market price of our common stock that some or a majority of our stockholders might
consider to be in their best interests.
We are a holding company dependent on the operations and funds of our subsidiaries.
We are a holding company, with no revenue-generating operations and no assets other than our ownership
interests in Westwood Management, Westwood Trust and Westwood International. Accordingly, we are dependent on the cash
flow generated by these operating subsidiaries and rely on dividends or other intercompany transfers from our operating
subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet our obligations.
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Risks Related to our Clients
Competitive fee pressures could reduce revenues and profit margins.
To the extent we have to compete on the basis of price, we may not be able to maintain our current fee structure.
Although our investment management fees vary from product to product, we have competed primarily on the performance of
our products and client service rather than on the level of our investment management fees relative to our competitors. In recent
years there has been a trend toward lower fees in the investment management industry. In order to maintain our fee structure in
a competitive environment, we must be able to continue to provide clients with investment returns and service levels that make
investors willing to pay our fees. We cannot be assured that we will succeed in providing investment returns and service levels
that will allow us to maintain our current fee structure. Fee reductions on existing or future new business could have an adverse
effect on our profit margins and results of operations.
In addition, we have performance fee agreements with a few clients, who pay us a fee if we outperform a
specified index over predetermined periods of time. We may not be able to outperform such indexes, and failure to do so would
cause us to earn none or only part of those potential revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and
results of operations. Our revenues from performance-based fees could fluctuate significantly from one measurement period to
the next, depending on how we perform relative to the indexes specified in these agreements. For example, we earned
performance fees of $0.6 million in 2016, $2.7 million in 2015 and $3.8 million in 2014.
Our business is dependent on investment advisory, subadvisory and trust agreements that are subject to
termination or non-renewal. As a result, we could lose clients on very short notice.
Substantially all of our revenues are derived pursuant to investment advisory, subadvisory and trust agreements
with our clients. Investors in funds that we advise or subadvise may redeem their investments at any time without prior notice,
thereby reducing our assets under management. These investors may redeem for any reason, including general financial market
conditions, our absolute or relative investment performance or their own financial condition and requirements. In a declining
stock market, the pace of redemptions could accelerate. Redemption of a substantial amount of investments or a termination or
failure to renew a material number of these agreements would adversely affect our revenues and have a material adverse effect
on our earnings and financial condition.
A small number of clients account for a substantial portion of our business, and a reduction or loss of
business with any of these clients could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our ten largest clients accounted for approximately 20% of our fee revenue for each of the years ended December
31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. We are dependent to a significant degree on our ability to maintain our relationships with these
clients. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in maintaining existing client relationships, securing additional
clients or achieving the superior investment performance necessary to earn performance-based advisory fees. Our failure to
retain one or more of these large clients or to establish profitable relationships with additional clients could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Properties.
Westwood, Westwood Management and Westwood Trust conduct their principal operations using approximately
40,000 square feet of leased office space in Dallas, Texas pursuant to a lease with an initial term that expires in 2026. In
addition, we lease approximately 8,000 square feet of office space in Houston, Texas pursuant to a lease with a term that
expires in June 2024, approximately 5,000 square feet of office space in Omaha, Nebraska pursuant to a lease with a term that
expires in July 2019 and approximately 2,000 square feet of office space in Framingham, Massachusetts pursuant to a lease
with a term that expires in April 2018. Westwood International conducts its principal operations using approximately 6,000
square feet of office space in Toronto, Ontario pursuant to a lease with a term that expires in May 2018. We continue to assess
these facilities to ensure their adequacy to serve our anticipated business needs.
19
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.
On August 3, 2012, AGF Management Limited and AGF Investments Inc. (together “AGF”) filed a lawsuit in the
Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Westwood, certain Westwood employees and Warren International, LLC, an executive
recruiting firm. The action relates to the hiring of certain members of Westwood’s global and emerging markets investment
team previously employed by AGF. AGF is alleging that the former employees breached certain obligations when they resigned
from AGF and that Westwood and Warren induced such breaches. AGF is seeking an unspecified amount of damages and
punitive damages of $10 million CDN in the lawsuit. On November 5, 2012, Westwood issued a response to AGF’s lawsuit
with a counterclaim against AGF for defamation. Westwood is seeking $1 million CDN in general damages, $10 million CDN
in special damages, $1 million CDN in punitive damages, and costs. On November 6, 2012, AGF filed a second lawsuit against
Westwood, Westwood Management and an employee of a Westwood subsidiary, alleging that the employee made defamatory
statements about AGF. In this second lawsuit, AGF is seeking $5 million CDN in general damages, $1 million CDN per
defendant in punitive damages, unspecified special damages, interest and costs. The pleadings phase was completed in 2013,
and we continue to be in the discovery phase.
While we intend to vigorously defend both actions and pursue the counterclaims, we are currently unable to
estimate the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary gain, loss or financial impact of these actions and counterclaims. We have
agreed with our Directors & Officers insurance provider that 50% of the defense costs related to both AGF claims, excluding
Westwood’s counterclaim against AGF, will be covered by insurance. Defending these actions and pursuing these
counterclaims may be expensive for us and time consuming for our personnel. While we do not currently believe these
proceedings will have a material impact, adverse resolution of these actions and counterclaims could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
20
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “WHG.” At
December 31, 2016, there were approximately 225 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 presents the high and low closing prices for
our common stock, as reported by the NYSE for the periods indicated.
2016
2015
High
Low
High
Low
For the Quarter Ended:
March 31 ...........................................................................
June 30 ..............................................................................
September 30.....................................................................
December 31 .....................................................................
$
$
$
59.03
60.73
56.88
63.60
42.20
50.00
49.66
49.99
$
63.59
64.07
62.30
61.10
58.67
55.90
50.37
51.76
Dividends
We have declared a cash dividend on our common stock for each quarter since our common stock was first
publicly-traded. The table below sets forth the dividends declared for the periods indicated.
First Quarter..................................................
Second Quarter .............................................
Third Quarter ................................................
Fourth Quarter ..............................................
$
2016
2015
$
0.57
0.57
0.57
0.62
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.57
In addition, on February 8, 2017 we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on our common stock
payable on April 3, 2017 to stockholders of record on March 10, 2017. We intend to continue paying cash dividends in such
amounts as our Board of Directors may determine to be appropriate. Any future payments of cash dividends will be at the
discretion of the Board of Directors and subject to limitations under the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Westwood Holdings Group is the sole stockholder of Westwood Management, Westwood Trust and Westwood
International. Westwood Trust is limited under applicable Texas law in the payment of dividends to the amount of undivided
profits, which is defined as that part of equity capital equal to the balance of net profits, income, gains, and losses since its
formation minus subsequent distributions to stockholders and transfers to surplus or capital under share dividends or
appropriate Board of Directors’ resolutions.
21
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to $10 million of our
outstanding common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The share repurchase program has no
expiration date and may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors. In July 2016, Westwood's Board of Directors
authorized an additional $5.0 million of repurchases under the share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2016,
approximately $9.4 million remained available under the share repurchase program.
Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, under the share repurchase program the Company repurchased
117,552 shares of our common stock at an average price of $47.93 per share, including commissions, and at an aggregate
purchase price of $5.6 million.
The following table displays information with respect to the treasury shares we purchased during the three months
ended December 31, 2016:
Total
number of
shares
purchased
Average
price paid
per share
Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans or
programs
Maximum number
(or
approximate dollar
value) of shares that
may yet be
purchased
under the plans or
programs (1)
100
—
49.96
—
100
$
— CDN $
9,366,000
5,960,000
Period
Repurchase program(1)
October 1-31, 2016...................
Canadian Plan(2) .............................
Employee transactions(3)
October 1-31, 2016...................
2,920
$
50.26
—
—
(1) These purchases relate to the share repurchase program and were authorized in July 2012 and 2016.
(2) On April 18, 2013, our stockholders approved the Share Award Plan of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. for Service Provided in Canada
to its Subsidiaries (the “Canadian Plan”), which contemplates a trustee purchasing up to $10 million CDN of our outstanding common stock
on the open market for the purpose of making share awards to our Canadian employees. The Canadian Plan has no expiration date and may be
discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors.
(3) Consists of shares of common stock tendered by an employee at the market close price on the date of vesting in order to satisfy the
employee’s minimum tax withholding obligations from vested restricted shares. We anticipate having additional shares tendered in
subsequent periods for the same purpose.
22
Performance Graph
The following graph compares total stockholder returns of Westwood since December 31, 2011 with the total
return of the Russell 2000 Index and the SNL Asset Manager Index, a composite of 42 publicly-traded asset management
companies.
Index
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.................
$ 100.00
$ 116.48
$ 182.48
$ 187.95
$ 164.46
$ 197.30
Russell 2000 Index.....................................
SNL Asset Manager Index.........................
100.00
100.00
116.35
128.30
161.52
197.16
169.43
208.00
161.95
177.39
196.45
187.66
Period ended December 31,
Cumulative
Five-Year Total
Return
97.30%
96.45%
87.66%
The total return for our stock and for each index assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2011 in our common
stock, the Russell 2000 Index, and the SNL Asset Manager Index, including reinvestment of dividends. Our common stock is
traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “WHG.”
The closing price of our common stock on the last trading day of the year ended December 31, 2016 was $59.99
per share. Historical stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
23
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data, together with assets under management data presented below, should be
read in conjunction with “Item 1. Business” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Report. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of future results.
2016(1)
Consolidated Statements of Income Data:
Total revenues........................................................................ $ 123,021
Employee compensation and benefits.................................... $ 61,509
Employee compensation and benefits as a % of Total
50.0%
revenues .................................................................................
Income before income taxes .................................................. $ 34,010
27.6%
Income before income taxes as a % of Total revenues..........
Year ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
2014(3)
2015(2)
2013
2012(4)
$ 130,936
$ 63,562
$ 113,241
$ 52,847
$ 91,825
$ 47,864
$ 77,495
$ 43,698
48.5%
$ 42,220
32.2%
46.7%
$ 42,036
37.1%
52.1%
$ 28,185
30.7%
56.4%
$ 20,020
25.8%
Net income ............................................................................. $ 22,647
2.84
Earnings per share – basic...................................................... $
2.77
Earnings per share – diluted................................................... $
2.33
Cash dividends declared per common share.......................... $
$ 27,105
3.49
$
3.33
$
2.07
$
$ 27,249
3.63
$
3.45
$
1.82
$
$ 17,837
2.43
$
2.32
$
1.64
$
$ 12,086
1.69
$
1.65
$
1.51
$
Economic Earnings(5) .................................................................... $ 41,108
5.03
Economic Earnings per common share.................................. $
$ 46,496
5.71
$
$ 41,445
5.24
$
$ 30,027
3.90
$
$ 23,233
3.18
$
________________
(1) Our 2016 financial results were negatively impacted by $1.3 million of one-time costs associated with implementation of new information technology
platforms, net of tax, which negatively impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.16 per share.
(2) The financial results of Woodway are included in our 2015 results from the acquisition date of April 1, 2015. Our 2015 results also include a pre-tax
$1.0 million non-cash charge related to acceleration of stock-based compensation expense for a particular grant and an $807,000 tax expense for
uncertain tax positions related to prior years. These items negatively impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.08 and $0.10, respectively.
(3) Our 2014 Income before income taxes as a percentage of Total revenues improved as increases in Total revenues outpaced increases in expenses.
(4) Our 2012 financial results were negatively impacted by start-up costs related to Westwood International, which was established in the second quarter
of 2012.
(5) Economic Earnings is a non–U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) performance measure that is provided as supplemental
information. See the definition of Economic Earnings and the reconciliation from Net income in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Supplemental Financial Information.”
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data (in thousands):
Cash and investments ...........................................................
Total assets ...........................................................................
Stockholders’ equity.............................................................
$
90,164
179,678
146,069
$
95,060
181,336
133,967
$
97,751
139,874
110,007
$
75,418
116,050
88,663
$
63,723
96,617
76,553
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
As of December 31,
Assets Under Management (in millions) ..........................
$
21,241
$
20,762
$
20,168
$
18,861
$
14,102
24
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” included in
this Report, as well as our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Report.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this Report and the Annual Report to Stockholders that are not purely historical facts, including,
without limitation, statements about our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as well as other
statements including, without limitation, words such as “anticipate,” “forecast”, “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“intend,” “should,” “could,” “goal,” “may,” “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 Exchange Act. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to
inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our
control. Actual results, our financial condition, and the timing of some events could differ materially from those projected in or
contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Therefore you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.
Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the
forward-looking statements include, among others:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the composition and market value of our assets under management;
regulations adversely affecting the financial services industry;
competition in the investment management industry;
our assets under management includes investments in foreign companies;
our ability to develop and market new investment strategies successfully;
our relationships with current and potential customers;
our ability to retain qualified personnel;
our ability to maintain effective cyber security;
our ability to maintain effective information systems;
our ability to pursue and properly integrate acquired businesses;
litigation risks;
our ability to properly address conflicts of interest;
our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage;
our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls;
our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures;
our relationships with investment consulting firms; and
the significant concentration of our revenues in a small number of customers.
Additional factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those
indicated in the forward-looking statements are discussed under the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in
this Report. The forward-looking statements are based only on currently available information and speak only as of the date of
this Report. We are not obligated and do not undertake an obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events or otherwise.
25
Overview
We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our subsidiaries, Westwood
Management, Westwood Trust and Westwood International. Westwood Management and Westwood International provide
investment advisory services to institutional clients, the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, an Ireland-domiciled fund
organized pursuant to the European Union’s Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities (“UCITS”),
individuals and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common
trust funds to institutions and high net worth individuals. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of
assets under management, and at December 31, 2016 Westwood Management, Westwood International and Westwood Trust
collectively managed assets valued at approximately $21.2 billion. We believe we have established a track record of delivering
competitive, risk-adjusted returns for our clients.
With respect to the bulk of our client assets under management, we utilize a “value” investment style focused on
achieving superior long-term, risk-adjusted returns by investing in companies with high levels of free cash flow, improving
returns on equity, strengthening balance sheets and that are well positioned for growth but whose value is not fully recognized
in the marketplace. This investment approach is designed to preserve capital during unfavorable periods and provide superior
real returns over the long term. Our investment teams have significant industry experience. Our investment team members have
average investment experience of sixteen years.
We have focused on building a foundation in terms of personnel and infrastructure to support a potentially much
larger business. We have also developed investment strategies that we believe will be desirable within our target institutional,
private wealth and mutual fund markets. The cost of developing new products and growing the organization as a whole has
resulted in our incurring expenses that, in some cases, do not currently have significant offsetting revenues. While we continue
to evolve our products, we believe that the appropriate foundation and products are in place such that investors will recognize
the value in these products, thereby generating new revenue streams for Westwood.
2016 Highlights
The following items are highlights for the year ended December 31, 2016:
• Assets under management as of December 31, 2016 were $21.2 billion, a 2% increase compared to December 31,
2015. Quarterly average assets under management decreased 2% to $21.2 billion for 2016 compared to 2015,
which contributed to the 6% decrease in Total revenue in 2016.
•
Strong performance of our Emerging Markets, Small Cap Value and Global Convertible Securities strategies.
• Our Concentrated LargeCap strategy reached its three-year anniversary with performance well ahead of its benchmark
over the three-year period.
•
In October 2016, the Board approved a 9% increase in our quarterly dividend to $0.62 per share, or an annual rate
of $2.48 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 4.1% using the year-end stock price of $59.99 per share.
• Our financial position remains strong with liquid cash and investments of $90.2 million and no debt as of
December 31, 2016.
Revenues
We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees, and other revenues. Our advisory fees are
generated by Westwood Management and Westwood International, which manage client 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. Advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on assets under management
on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on assets under management on the last day of the quarter
just ended, or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of assets under management for the stated period. We recognize advisory
fee revenues as services are rendered. A limited number of our clients have a contractual performance-based fee component in
their contracts, which generates additional revenues if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We
record revenue for performance-based fees at the end of the measurement period. Since our advance paying clients’ billing
periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which such payments relate, revenue is recognized within the quarter, and our
Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred advisory fee revenues.
26
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. Westwood Trust
also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. During the first quarter of 2016, Westwood Trust
changed the billing terms for most of our trust clients from quarterly in advance, based on assets under management of the last
day of the preceding quarter, to quarterly in arrears, based on a daily average of assets under management for the quarter. This
billing change did not impact revenue recognized during the quarter or year, as we recognize trust fee revenues as services are
rendered. Since billing periods for most of Westwood Trust's clients coincide with the calendar quarter, revenue is fully
recognized within the quarter and our Consolidated Financial Statements do not contain a significant amount of deferred
revenue.
Our other revenues generally consist of interest and investment income. Although we generally invest most of our
cash in U.S. Treasury securities, we also invest in equity and fixed income instruments and money market funds, including seed
money for new investment strategies.
Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits costs generally consist of salaries, incentive compensation, equity-based
compensation expense and benefits.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing costs relate to our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct marketing
and advertising costs.
Westwood Mutual Funds
Westwood Mutual Funds expenses relate to our marketing, distribution and administration of the Westwood
Funds®.
Information Technology
Information technology expenses are generally costs associated with proprietary investment research tools,
maintenance and support, computing hardware, software licenses, telecommunications and other related costs.
Professional Services
Professional services expenses generally consist of costs associated with subadvisory fees, audit, legal and other
professional services.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of office space,
amortization, depreciation, insurance, custody expense, Board of Directors fees, investor relations, licenses and fees, office
supplies and other miscellaneous expenses.
27
Assets Under Management
Assets under management increased $479 million, or 2%, to $21.2 billion at December 31, 2016 compared to
$20.8 billion at December 31, 2015. Quarterly average assets under management decreased $341 million, down 2%, to $21.2
billion for 2016 compared with $21.5 billion for 2015.
Assets under management increased $594 million, or 3%, to $20.8 billion at December 31, 2015 compared to
$20.2 billion at December 31, 2014. Quarterly average assets under management increased $1.7 billion, up 9%, to $21.5 billion
for 2015 compared with $19.8 billion for 2014.
The following table sets forth our assets under management as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:
Institutional ............................................................
Private Wealth........................................................
Mutual Funds .........................................................
Total Assets Under Management(1) .....................
________________
$
$
As of December 31,
(in millions)
% Change
2016
2015
2014
2016 vs. 2015
2015 vs. 2014
11,911
$
11,752
$
12,471
5,520
3,810
5,393
3,617
3,974
3,723
21,241
$
20,762
$
20,168
1%
2%
5%
2%
(6)%
36 %
(3)%
3 %
(1) AUM excludes approximately $1.0 billion of assets under advisement ("AUA") as of December 31, 2016 related to our model portfolios, including
approximately $675 million in a long-only convertibles fund for which we provide consulting advice but do not have direct discretionary investment
authority. AUM for 2015 and 2014 excludes approximately $336.8 million and $670.3 million of assets under advisement, respectively, related to
model portfolios, for which we provided consulting advice but for which we did not have direct discretionary investment authority. During the fourth
quarter of 2015, approximately $330 million of assets related to our market neutral income strategy transitioned from AUA to AUM.
Our assets under management disclosure reflects management’s view of our three types of accounts: institutional,
private wealth and mutual funds.
•
Institutional includes separate accounts of corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement
funds, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals; subadvisory relationships where Westwood
provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions; pooled investment
vehicles, including UCITS funds and collective investment trusts; and managed account relationships with
brokerage firms and other registered investment advisors that offer Westwood products to their customers.
• Private Wealth includes assets for which Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in
common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals pursuant to trust or agency
agreements and assets for which Westwood Management provides advisory services in ten limited liability
companies to high net worth individuals. Investment subadvisory services are provided for the common trust
funds by Westwood Management, Westwood International and external, unaffiliated subadvisors. For certain
assets in this category, Westwood Trust currently provides limited custody services for a minimal or no fee, but
views these assets as potentially converting to fee-generating managed assets in the future. As an example, some
assets in this category consist of low-basis stock currently held in custody for clients where we believe such assets
may convert to fee-generating managed assets upon an inter-generational transfer of wealth at a future date.
• Mutual Funds include the Westwood Funds®, a family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves
as advisor. These funds are available to individual investors, as well as offered as part of our investment strategies
for institutional and private wealth accounts.
28
Roll-Forward of Assets Under Management
Assets Under Management (in millions)
Beginning of period assets .............................................................
Client flows:
Inflows/new accounts .............................................................
Outflows/closed accounts(1) ....................................................
Net outflows...................................................................................
Market appreciation .......................................................................
Net change .....................................................................................
End of period assets .......................................................................
________________
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Private
Wealth
Mutual
Funds
Total
$
5,393
$
3,617
$
20,762
Institutional
11,752
$
1,694
(2,877)
(1,183)
1,342
159
11,911
$
$
623
(826)
(203)
330
127
5,520
$
939
(1,088)
(149)
342
193
3,810
$
3,256
(4,791)
(1,535)
2,014
479
21,241
(1)
Institutional outflows include approximately $30 million in an account that transitioned to our model portfolio, for which we no longer have direct
discretionary investment authority. This account is now included in AUA aggregating $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2016.
The increase in assets under management for the year ended December 31, 2016 was due to market appreciation
of $2.0 billion, partially offset by net outflows of $1.5 billion. Flows were primarily related to net outflows in our SMidCap,
Income Opportunity, LargeCap Value, AllCap Value and Market Neutral Income strategies, partially offset by net inflows in our
Emerging Markets Plus and SmallCap Value strategies.
Assets Under Management (in millions)
Beginning of period assets .............................................................
Client flows:
Inflows/new accounts(1) ..........................................................
Outflows/closed accounts .......................................................
Net inflows (outflows) ...................................................................
Acquisition related .........................................................................
Market depreciation .......................................................................
Net change .....................................................................................
End of period assets .......................................................................
________________
Institutional
12,471
$
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Private
Wealth
Mutual
Funds
Total
$
3,974
$
3,723
$
20,168
2,456
(2,305)
151
—
(870)
(719)
11,752
$
$
806
(815)
(9)
1,583
(155)
1,419
5,393
$
1,541
(1,509)
32
—
(138)
(106)
3,617
$
4,803
(4,629)
174
1,583
(1,163)
594
20,762
(1)
Institutional inflows include approximately $330 million of assets related to our global convertibles strategy, which transitioned from AUA to AUM
during the fourth quarter of 2015.
The increase in assets under management for the year ended December 31, 2015 was due to the acquisition of
Woodway, which contributed $1.6 billion of assets under management, and net inflows of $174 million, partially offset by
market depreciation of $1.2 billion. Inflows were primarily inflows into institutional accounts in our Emerging Markets Plus,
Income Opportunity, MLP and SmallCap Value strategies and inflows into our Emerging Markets, MLP and SmallCap Value
mutual funds, as well as the movement of an account in our market neutral income strategy from assets under advisement to
assets under management during the fourth quarter of 2015. Outflows were primarily related to withdrawals and rebalancing by
certain clients in our LargeCap Value, SMidCap and Emerging Markets strategies and our Westwood Income Opportunity,
SMidCap and Short Duration High Yield mutual funds.
29
Assets Under Management (in millions)
Beginning of period assets .............................................................
Client flows:
Inflows/new accounts ...........................................................
Outflows/closed accounts.....................................................
Net inflows (outflows) ...................................................................
Market appreciation .......................................................................
Net change .....................................................................................
End of period assets .......................................................................
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Institutional
12,139
$
Private
Wealth
Mutual
Funds
Total
$
3,938
$
2,784
$
18,861
2,062
(2,655)
(593)
925
332
12,471
$
$
355
(412)
(57)
93
36
3,974
$
1,392
(721)
671
268
939
3,723
$
3,809
(3,788)
21
1,286
1,307
20,168
The increase in assets under management for the year ended December 31, 2014 was primarily due to market
appreciation of $1.3 billion and neutral net client flows. Inflows were primarily inflows into institutional accounts in our
Emerging Markets strategies and the Westwood Income Opportunity mutual fund. Outflows were primarily related to
withdrawals and rebalancing by certain clients in our LargeCap Value strategy.
30
Results of Operations
The following table and discussion of our results of operations is based upon data derived from our 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)
2016
2015
2014
% Change
2016
vs. 2015
2015
vs. 2014
Revenues
Advisory fees:
Asset-based .............................................................
Performance-based..................................................
Trust fees......................................................................
Other revenues, net ......................................................
Total revenues.....................................................
$
91,492
635
30,313
581
123,021
$
99,275
2,698
28,795
168
130,936
$
88,473
3,806
20,525
437
113,241
Expenses
Employee compensation and benefits..........................
Sales and marketing .....................................................
Westwood mutual funds...............................................
Information technology................................................
Professional services....................................................
General and administrative ..........................................
Total expenses ....................................................
Income before income taxes .............................................
Provision for income taxes..................................................
Net income .........................................................................
$
61,509
1,919
3,155
7,735
5,622
9,071
89,011
34,010
11,363
22,647
$
63,562
1,839
3,435
5,732
5,617
8,531
88,716
42,220
15,115
27,105
$
52,847
1,673
2,543
3,469
4,905
5,768
71,205
42,036
14,787
27,249
Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015
(8)%
(76)
5
246
(6)
(3)
4
(8)
35
—
6
—
(19)
(25)
(16)%
12 %
(29)
40
(62)
16
20
10
35
65
15
48
25
—
2
(1)%
Total Revenues. Total revenues decreased $7.9 million, or 6%, to $123.0 million for fiscal 2016 compared with
$130.9 million for fiscal 2015. The decrease was attributable to a $7.8 million decrease in asset-based advisory fees and a $2.1
million decrease in performance-based fees, offset by a $1.5 million increase in Trust fees. Advisory-based fees decreased as a
result of lower average assets under management in 2016 compared to 2015. Trust fees increased as a result of a full year of
revenue generated by Woodway.
Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefit costs decreased $2.1 million, or 3%,
to $61.5 million in fiscal 2016 compared with $63.6 million in fiscal 2015. This decrease was primarily due to a $3.0 million
decrease in incentive compensation due to lower results for fiscal 2016 and a one-time $1.6 million restricted stock charge
primarily related to a non-cash charge for acceleration of stock-based compensation expense for a particular grant in 2015.
These decreases were partially offset by an increase in compensation costs attributable to increased average headcount and
merit increases. We had 174 full-time employees as of December 31, 2016 compared to 168 at December 31, 2015.
Information Technology. Information technology expenses increased 35% to $7.7 million for fiscal 2016
compared with $5.7 million for fiscal 2015 due to $1.9 million in costs associated with implementing new information
technology platforms, increased research and support expenses, and incremental support costs related to the Woodway
acquisition.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased 6% to $9.1 million for fiscal 2016
compared with $8.5 million for fiscal 2015, primarily due to increased rent and depreciation expenses related to the expansion
of our corporate headquarters and amortization of intangibles related to the Woodway acquisition. The increase was partially
offset by accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements in 2015.
Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate decreased to 33.4% for fiscal 2016 compared to 35.8% for
fiscal 2015. The decrease is primarily related to a tax charge for uncertain tax positions related to prior years (net of federal
benefit) recorded in 2015.
31
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014
Total Revenues. Total revenues increased $17.7 million, or 16%, to $130.9 million for fiscal 2015 compared with
$113.2 million for fiscal 2014. The increase was attributable to a 12%, or $10.8 million, increase in asset-based advisory fees
and a 40%, or $8.3 million, increase in Trust fees. Advisory-based fees increased as a result of higher average assets under
management and higher average advisory fee rates in 2015 compared to 2014. The Woodway acquisition contributed $7.7
million of the increase in Trust fees. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in performance-based fees of $1.1
million.
Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefit costs increased $10.8 million, or
20%, to $63.6 million in fiscal 2015 compared with $52.8 million in fiscal 2014. This increase was primarily due to increases
of $3.8 million in salary expense and incentive compensation, primarily relating to additional hires at Westwood Holdings,
Westwood Management and Westwood Trust, $3.5 million in restricted stock expense, including a $1.0 million non-cash charge
related to acceleration of stock-based compensation expense for a particular grant, and $3.1 million in compensation and
benefits related to 27 Woodway employees. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the amortization of long-term
incentive awards for Westwood International employees. We had 168 full-time employees as of December 31, 2015 compared
to 130 at December 31, 2014.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing expenses increased 10% to $1.8 million for fiscal 2015 compared to
$1.7 million for fiscal 2014, primarily due to incremental costs associated with the Woodway acquisition.
Westwood Mutual Funds. Westwood mutual funds expenses increased 35% to $3.4 million for fiscal 2015
compared to $2.5 million for fiscal 2014. The launch of two new mutual funds during the fourth quarter of 2014 and the launch
of three new mutual funds during the second quarter of 2015, along with increased overall shareholder servicing costs and
higher subadvisor fees based on a percentage of assets under management, drove the increase.
Information Technology. Information technology expenses increased 65%, to $5.7 million for fiscal 2015
compared with $3.5 million for fiscal 2014 due to increased research and support expenses, increased costs associated with
implementing a new information technology platform, and incremental support costs related to the Woodway acquisition.
Professional Services. Professional services expenses increased 15% to $5.6 million for fiscal 2015 compared to
$4.9 million for fiscal 2014, primarily due to $0.7 million in transaction costs related to the Woodway acquisition in 2015.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased 48%, to $8.5 million for fiscal 2015
compared with $5.8 million for fiscal 2014, primarily due to an incremental $1.2 million in amortization of intangible assets
related to the Woodway acquisition, with the remainder of the increase related to other support items.
Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes increased 2% to $15.1 million for fiscal 2015 compared
to $14.8 million for fiscal 2014. The effective tax rate increased to 35.8% in 2015 compared to 35.2% in 2014. The increase is
related to a $1.0 million tax charge for uncertain tax positions related to current and prior years (net of federal benefit), partially
offset by an increase in operating income generated by Westwood International, which is taxed at a lower Canadian tax rate.
32
Supplemental Financial Information
As supplemental information, we provide a non-U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”)
performance measure that we refer to as Economic Earnings. We provide this measure in addition to, but not as a substitute for,
net income reported on a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis. Our management and the Board of
Directors review Economic Earnings to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources and review our dividend policy.
We believe that this non-GAAP performance measure, while not a substitute for GAAP net income, is useful for management
and investors when evaluating our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources. We do not
advocate that investors consider this non-GAAP measure without considering financial information prepared in accordance
with GAAP.
In calculating Economic Earnings, we add back to net income the non-cash expense associated with equity-based
compensation awards of restricted stock, amortization of intangible assets and deferred taxes related to the tax-basis
amortization of goodwill. Although depreciation on property and equipment is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when
calculating Economic Earnings because depreciation charges represent a decline in the value of the related assets that will
ultimately require replacement.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, our Economic Earnings decreased by 12% to $41.1 million compared
with $46.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to the decrease in net income.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to Economic Earnings for the years presented:
For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands, except share data)
% Change
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2016 vs.
2015
2015 vs.
2014
2014 vs.
2013
2013 vs.
2012
Net Income............................................
$ 22,647
$ 27,105
$ 27,249
$ 17,837
$ 12,086
(16)%
(1)%
53%
48%
Add: Restricted stock expense ..............
Add: Intangible amortization ................
15,954
1,960
17,574
1,546
Add: Tax benefit from goodwill
amortization ..........................................
547
271
13,685
11,679
10,521
(9)
27
28
331
472
359
152
359
152
154
102
Economic Earnings ...............................
$ 41,108
$ 46,496
$ 41,445
$ 30,027
$ 23,233
Economic Earnings per Share ...............
$
5.03
$
5.71
$
5.24
$
3.90
$
3.18
(12)%
(12)%
17
—
—
38%
34%
11
(24)
(1)
29%
23%
78
12 %
9 %
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Balance Sheet Data
Assets:
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
2015
Cash and cash equivalents.....................................................................................................
Accounts receivable ..............................................................................................................
Total liquid assets...........................................................................................................
Investments ...........................................................................................................................
$
$
33,679
23,429
57,108
56,485
$
$
22,740
19,618
42,358
72,320
We had cash and investments of $90.2 million and $95.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and December 31,
2015, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 includes approximately $20
million and $15 million, respectively, of undistributed income from Westwood International that we consider to be permanently
invested. If these funds were needed for our U.S. operations, we would be required to accrue and pay incremental U.S. taxes to
repatriate these funds. However, our intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. and our current plans do
not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, working capital aggregated $86.3 million and $72.8 million, respectively. As
required by the Finance Code, Westwood Trust is subject to a minimum capital requirement of $4.0 million. At December 31,
2016, Westwood Trust had approximately $13.4 million in excess of its minimum capital requirement. We had no debt at
December 31, 2016 or December 31, 2015.
33
Cash Flow Data
For the years ended December 31,
(in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Operating cash flows .....................................................................................
Investing cash flows ......................................................................................
Financing cash flows .....................................................................................
$
$
47,392
(1,810)
(34,944)
$
55,208
(25,084)
(22,139)
26,523
(478)
(17,971)
Historically we have funded our operations and cash requirements with cash generated from operating activities.
We may also use cash from operations to pay dividends to our stockholders. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015,
we had no debt. The changes in net cash provided by operating activities generally reflect the changes in earnings plus the
effects of non-cash items and changes in working capital. Changes in working capital, especially accounts receivable and
accounts payable, generally result from timing differences between collection of fees billed and payment of operating expenses.
During 2016, cash flow provided by operating activities, principally our Advisory segment, aggregated $47.4
million compared to cash provided by operations of $55.2 million during 2015 and $26.5 million during 2014. The decrease of
$7.8 million in 2016 was primarily due to changes in operating assets and liabilities and net income, partially offset by cash
transferred from our investment accounts. The increase of $28.7 million from 2014 to 2015 was primarily due to cash
transferred from our investment accounts and working capital.
Cash flow used in investing activities during 2016 and 2014 of $1.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, was
primarily related to purchases of property and equipment. Cash flow used in investing activities during 2015 of $25.1 million
was due to the acquisition of Woodway.
Cash used in financing activities increased to $34.9 million during 2016, compared to $22.1 million and $18.0
million during 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily due to the payment of contingent consideration related to the Woodway
acquisition and repurchases of common stock under our share repurchase plan.
Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including our results of
operations, the timing and magnitude of capital expenditures or strategic initiatives, our dividend policy and other business and
risk factors described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Report. We believe that current cash and short-term investment
balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet both the operating and capital requirements of our
ordinary business operations through at least the next twelve months. However, there can be no assurance that we will not
require additional financing within this time frame. 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.
Cash Dividends
The following table summarizes dividends declared during 2016 and 2015:
2016:
Declaration Date
February 3, 2016
April 27, 2016
July 27, 2016
October 26, 2016
2015:
Declaration Date
February 4, 2015
April 29, 2015
July 29, 2015
October 28, 2015
Record Date
March 11, 2016
June 10, 2016
September 9, 2016
December 9, 2016
Paid Date
April 1, 2016
July 1, 2016
October 3, 2016
January 3, 2017
Dividend Per Share
$0.57
$0.57
$0.57
$0.62
$2.33
Record Date
Paid Date
Dividend Per Share
March 13, 2015
June 12, 2015
September 11, 2015
December 15, 2015
April 1, 2015
July 1, 2015
October 1, 2015
January 4, 2016
$0.50
$0.50
$0.50
$0.57
$2.07
34
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands).
Total
Payments due in:
1-3
years
Less than
1 year
4-5
years
After 5
years
Purchase obligations(1)..................................
Operating lease obligations ..........................
$
$
8,228
15,039
$
$
2,146
2,339
$
$
4,167
3,709
$
$
1,915
3,020
$
$
—
5,971
________________
(1) A “purchase obligation” is defined as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on us and that
specifies all significant terms, including (a) fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; (b) fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and
(c) the approximate timing of the transaction. Our purchase obligations relate to obligations associated with implementing and operating new
information technology platforms and outsourcing services. The above purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without
significant penalty.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities, disclosure of contingent losses and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In applying accounting principles, we often must make
individual estimates and assumptions regarding expected outcomes or uncertainties. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions
are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the
financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. We believe the following are areas where the
degree of judgment and complexity in determining amounts recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements make
accounting policies critical.
Consolidation
We assess each legal entity that we manage to determine whether consolidation is appropriate at the onset of the
relationship. We first determine whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), or a voting interest entity (“VOE”),
under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and whether we have a controlling financial interest in the
entity.
A VIE is an entity in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to enable the entity to finance its
activities without subordinated financial support,(ii) the at-risk equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a
controlling financial interest or (iii) the entity is structured with disproportionate voting rights, and substantially all of the
activities are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights. That is, the at-risk equity holders do
not have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity
that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. An enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it is the
primary beneficiary. We determine if a sponsored investment meets the definition of a VIE by considering whether the fund’s
equity investment at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and whether the
fund’s at-risk equity holders absorb any losses, have the right to receive residual returns and have the right to direct the
activities of the entity most responsible for the entity’s economic performance. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is defined as
the party who, considering the involvement of related parties and de facto agents, has (i) the power to direct the activities of the
VIE that most significantly affect its economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to
receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This evaluation is updated continuously.
A VOE is an entity that is outside the scope of the guidance for VIEs. Consolidation of a VOE is required when a
reporting entity owns a controlling financial interest in a VOE. Ownership of a majority of the voting interests is the usual
condition for a controlling financial interest.
35
Assessing whether or not an entity is a VIE or VOE involves judgment and analysis. Factors included in this
assessment include the legal organization of the entity, our contractual involvement with the entity and any related party or de
facto agent implications of the Company’s involvement with the entity. Determining if the Company is the primary beneficiary
of a VIE also requires significant judgment. There is judgment involved to assess if the Company has the power to direct the
activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic results and to assess if the Company has an obligation to absorb
the majority of expected losses or a right to receive the majority of residual returns. We reconsider whether entities are a VIE or
VOE whenever contractual arrangements change, the entity receives additional equity or returns equity to its investors or
changes in facts and circumstances occur that change the investors’ ability to direct the activities of the entity.
We have evaluated all of our advisory relationships with the Westwood Investment Funds PLC (the “UCITS
Fund”), the Westwood Funds®, limited liability companies ("LLCs") and our relationship as sponsor of the Common Trust
Funds ("CTFs") to determine whether each of these entities is a VIE or VOE. Based on our analysis, we determined that the
limited liability companies and CTFs were VIEs, as the at-risk equity holders do not have the ability to direct the activities that
most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and the Company and its representatives have a majority control
of the entity's Board of Directors and can influence the entity's management and affairs. Although we have related parties on
the UCITS Fund board of directors, the shareholders have rights to remove the current directors with a simple majority vote, so
we determined the UCITS Fund is not a VIE. As the Company and its representatives do not have representation on the
Westwood Funds'® independent board of directors, which direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's
economic performance, we determined that the Westwood Funds® were not VIEs. Therefore, the UCITS Fund and the
Westwood Funds® should be analyzed under the VOE consolidation method.
Based on our analysis of our seed investments in these entities for the year ended December 31, 2016, we have
not consolidated the limited liability companies or CTFs under the VIE method or the UCITS Fund or the Westwood Funds®
under the VOE method, and therefore the results of these entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial
results.
Business Combinations
In allocating the purchase price of a business combination, the Company records all assets acquired and liabilities
assumed at fair value, with the excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair values recorded as goodwill. ASC 820, Fair
Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The purchase price of an acquisition is
allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values as of the date of
acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired
and liabilities assumed such excess is allocated to goodwill. The Company determines the estimated fair values after review
and consideration of relevant information, including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by
management. The fair value assigned to identifiable intangible assets acquired is based on estimates and assumptions made by
management at the time of the acquisition. The Company adjusts the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary,
during the measurement period of up to one year after the acquisition closing date as it obtains more information as to the facts
and circumstances existing as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition
purchase price and are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment, at least annually. We assess the recoverability of the
carrying amount of goodwill either qualitatively or quantitatively annually as of July 1 of each fiscal year, or whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable.
When assessing the recoverability of goodwill, we may first assess qualitative factors. If an initial qualitative
assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount exceeds fair value, a quantitative analysis may be
required. We may also elect to skip the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative analysis.
Recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level. We have identified two
reporting units, which are consistent with our reporting segments. In performing a quantitative analysis, we measure the
recoverability of goodwill for our reporting units using a combination of the income approach and market multiple approach.
The income approach is based on the long-term projected future cash flows of the reporting units. We discount the estimated
cash flows to present value using a weighted average cost of capital that considers factors such as market assumptions, the
timing of cash flows and the risks inherent in those cash flows. The key assumptions used in the market multiple valuation
require significant management judgment, including the determination of our peer group and the valuation multiples of such
peer group.
36
If the calculated fair value of a reporting unit is less than the current carrying amount, impairment of the reporting
unit may exist. When the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, we will calculate an implied fair value of goodwill
for the reporting unit in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of
goodwill exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying amount
of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write
down the carrying amount.
During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we completed our annual impairment assessments and concluded no impairment
losses were required.
Intangible Assets
Our definite-lived intangible assets represent the acquisition date fair value of the intangible assets acquired, net
of amortization. The values of these assets are comprised mostly of client relationships but also include valuations of trade
names and non-compete agreements. In valuing these assets, we made significant estimates regarding the useful life, growth
rates and potential attrition of the assets acquired. We periodically review our intangible assets for events or circumstances that
would indicate impairment. If we determine the carrying value exceeds fair value, we would record an impairment to remove
the amount that exceeded fair value.
During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we completed our annual impairment assessments and concluded no impairment
losses were required.
Stock-Based Compensation
We have granted restricted stock to employees and non-employee directors. We calculate compensation cost for
restricted stock grants by using the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant, the number of shares issued, an
adjustment for restrictions on dividends and an estimate of shares that will not vest due to forfeitures. The estimated number of
awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current
estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. We update our
estimated forfeitures quarterly. We amortize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the applicable service period.
Actual forfeitures may vary from our assumptions, which will result in modifications to future compensation costs.
We grant performance-based share awards to certain employees, the vesting of which is subject to the employee’s
continuing employment and the Company's achievement of certain performance goals. We assess actual performance versus the
predetermined performance goals and record compensation costs once we conclude that it is probable that we will meet the
performance goals required to vest the applicable performance-based awards.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We operate in several states and countries and are required to allocate our income, expenses and earnings under
the various laws and regulations of these tax jurisdictions. Accordingly, our provision for income taxes reflects the statutory tax
obligations of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment and complex calculations are used when determining
our tax liability and in evaluating our tax positions, and we are subject to audits by taxing authorities in each of the jurisdictions
in which we operate. We adjust our income tax provision in the period in which we determine that actual outcomes will likely
be different from our estimates. Changes in tax laws may result in changes to our tax position and effective tax rates. We
include penalties and interest on income-based taxes in the “General and administrative” line on our consolidated statements of
comprehensive income.
We have not recognized a deferred tax liability on the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiary, Westwood
International, because we intend to permanently reinvest such earnings outside the U.S. If these foreign earnings were to be
repatriated in the future, the related U.S. tax liability may be reduced by any foreign income taxes previously paid on these
earnings.
We are required to assess whether a valuation allowance should be established against our deferred tax assets
based on consideration of all available evidence, using a more-likely-than-not standard. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we
have not recorded a valuation allowance on any deferred tax assets. In the event that sufficient taxable income does not result in
future years, a valuation allowance may be required.
37
We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the impact of a tax position in our Consolidated Financial
Statements when we believe it is more likely than not that the tax position would not be sustained upon examination by the
appropriate tax authority, based on the merits of the position. We periodically review our tax positions and adjust the balances
as new information becomes available. In making these assessments, we often must analyze complex tax laws of multiple
domestic and international jurisdictions. The actual outcome of our tax positions, if significantly different from our estimates,
could materially impact the financial statements. At December 31, 2015, we had an uncertain tax liability of $1.6 million.
During 2016, we increased our uncertain tax liability to $2.5 million. These amounts are included in "Income taxes payable" on
our consolidated balance sheets.
Accounting Developments
See Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in
Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a description of new accounting standards and their
anticipated effects on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Our revenues are primarily generated from fees derived as a percentage of our AUM, which is subject to market
risks. Additionally, we invest corporate capital in various financial instruments, including United States treasury bills and
equity funds, all of which present 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 involve market risks.
Securities Markets and Interest Rates
The value of assets under management is affected by fluctuations in securities markets and changes in interest
rates. 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 a decline in the prices of securities or changing interest rates. A
hypothetical 10% decrease in our average assets under management during the year ended December 31, 2016 would have
reduced our reported consolidated total revenue by approximately $12 million.
Our cash equivalents and other investment instruments are exposed to financial market risk due to fluctuations in
interest rates, which may affect interest income. We do not expect interest income to be significantly affected by sudden
changes in market interest rates.
Foreign Currency Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency fluctuation risk associated with changes in the value of the Canadian dollar
relative to the United States dollar, as Westwood International operates in Toronto, Canada. For the year ended December 31,
2016, Westwood International represented 37% of our consolidated income before income taxes. Changes in the currency
exchange rate result in cumulative translation adjustments included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” on our
consolidated balance sheets and potentially result in transaction gains or losses, which are included in our earnings. The low
and high currency exchange rates for a Canadian dollar into a United States dollar for the year ended December 31, 2016 were
0.6859 and 0.7981, respectively. A hypothetical 10% devaluation in the average quoted United States dollar-equivalent of the
Canadian dollar exchange rate during the year ended December 31, 2016 would have reduced our reported consolidated income
before income taxes by approximately $1.2 million.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The reports of independent registered public accounting firms and our Consolidated 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.
The Company had no disagreements with its current or previous independent registered public accounting firms.
38
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and
procedures under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our management, including
our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were
effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2016 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in
the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act was (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and
procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control
objectives.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the quarterly period ended December 31, 2016, there has been no change in our internal control over
financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial
reporting.
39
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)). Westwood’s internal
control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the company’s management and Board of Directors regarding
the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, contain inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems
determined to be effective can only provide 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 Westwood’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we
believe that, as of December 31, 2016, Westwood’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Westwood’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an audit report on our assessment of Westwood’s internal
control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 41.
By:
/s/ Brian O. Casey
Brian O. Casey, President & Chief Executive
Officer
/s/ Tiffany B. Kice
Tiffany B. Kice, Chief Financial Officer
February 23, 2017
Dallas, Texas
40
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
Dallas, Texas
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over
financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.’s Management Assessment of
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's
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 company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of
the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of 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, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2016 of the Company and our report dated
February 23, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 23, 2017
41
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this item is or will be set forth in the definitive proxy statement relating to the 2017
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., which is to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation
14A under the Exchange Act (the “Proxy Statement”). The Proxy Statement relates to a meeting of stockholders involving the
election of directors, and the portions therefrom required to be set forth in this Report by this item are incorporated herein by
reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
Item 11.
Executive Compensation.
The information required by this item is or will be set forth in the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement relates
to a meeting of stockholders involving the election of directors, and the portions therefrom required to be set forth in this
Report by this item are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table gives information as of December 31, 2016 about shares of our common stock that may be
issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under our Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group,
Inc. Stock Incentive Plan and the Share Award Plan of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. for Service Provided in Canada to its
Subsidiaries, our only equity compensation plans in effect at that time. The material terms of these plans were approved by our
stockholders and are discussed in Note 9 "Employee Benefits" to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Report.
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders..
Equity compensation plans not approved by security
holders.................................................................................
Total ....................................................................................
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted- average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column
(a)) (c)
— $
—
— $
—
—
—
466,000 (1)
—
466,000
(1) Includes 392,000 shares available under our Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan and
approximately 74,000 shares available under the Share Award Plan of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. for Service Provided in Canada to its
Subsidiaries.
The other information required by this item is or will be set forth in the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement
relates to a meeting of stockholders involving the election of directors, and the portions therefrom required to be set forth in
this Report by this item are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this item is or will be set forth in the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement relates
to a meeting of stockholders involving the election of directors, and the portions therefrom required to be set forth in this
Report by this item are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by this item is or will be set forth in the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement relates
to a meeting of stockholders involving the election of directors, and the portions therefrom required to be set forth in this
Report by this item are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K.
42
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
Financial Statement Schedules
PART IV
The financial statements included in this Report are listed in the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1 of this
Report. Schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are either not required
under the related instructions or are inapplicable.
Exhibits
The exhibits required to be furnished pursuant to Item 15 are listed in the Index to Exhibits filed herewith, which
Index to Exhibits is incorporated herein by reference.
43
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
By:
/s/ Brian O. Casey
Brian O. Casey
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Dated: February 23, 2017
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 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.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
/s/ Brian O. Casey
Brian O. Casey
/s/ Tiffany B. Kice
Tiffany B. Kice
/s/ Richard M. Frank
Richard M. Frank
/s/ Susan M. Byrne
Susan M. Byrne
/s/ Ellen H. Masterson
Ellen H. Masterson
/s/ Robert D. McTeer
Robert D. McTeer
/s/ Geoffrey R. Norman
Geoffrey R. Norman
/s/ Martin J. Weiland
Martin J. Weiland
/s/ Raymond E. Wooldridge
Raymond E. Wooldridge
Title
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
44
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP ...................................................
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Grant Thornton LLP........................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 .................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 ...........
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 ................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014...............................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ..................................................................................................................
Page
F-2
F-3
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
Dallas, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the
"Company") as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income,
stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 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 audit provides 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, 2016 and 2015 and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for the years then ended, 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 Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
and our report dated February 23, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial
reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 23, 2017
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2014 (not presented herein), and the related consolidated statements of
comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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 opinions.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014, and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 26, 2015
F-3
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015
(in thousands, except par values and share amounts)
Current Assets:
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents ....................................................................................
Accounts receivable..............................................................................................
Investments, at fair value......................................................................................
Other current assets...............................................................................................
Total current assets ........................................................................................
Goodwill.........................................................................................................................
Deferred income taxes....................................................................................................
Intangible assets, net ......................................................................................................
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,590 and $3,687 .........
Total assets.....................................................................................................
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities..............................................................
Dividends payable ................................................................................................
Compensation and benefits payable .....................................................................
Contingent consideration ......................................................................................
Income taxes payable............................................................................................
Total current liabilities...................................................................................
Accrued dividends..........................................................................................................
Deferred rent ..................................................................................................................
Total long-term liabilities ..............................................................................
Total liabilities...............................................................................................
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders’ Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued
9,801,938 and outstanding 8,810,375 shares at December 31, 2016; issued
9,425,309 and outstanding 8,630,687 shares at December 31, 2015.................
Additional paid-in capital .....................................................................................
Treasury stock, at cost – 991,563 shares at December 31, 2016; 794,622
shares at December 31, 2015 .............................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ...............................................................
Retained earnings..................................................................................................
Total stockholders’ equity..............................................................................
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity........................................................................
$
$
$
$
2016
2015
$
$
$
33,679
23,429
56,485
2,364
115,957
27,144
10,903
21,394
4,280
179,678
2,641
6,679
17,200
—
3,148
29,668
1,767
2,174
3,941
33,609
22,740
19,618
72,320
2,926
117,604
27,144
11,042
23,354
2,192
181,336
3,549
5,749
20,264
9,023
6,268
44,853
1,699
817
2,516
47,369
98
162,730
(44,353)
(4,287)
31,881
146,069
179,678
$
94
143,797
(34,910)
(4,688)
29,674
133,967
181,336
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
2016
2015
2014
Revenues:
Advisory fees
Asset-based .................................................................................
Performance-based......................................................................
Trust fees ............................................................................................
Other revenues, net.............................................................................
Total revenues .............................................................................
$
$
91,492
635
30,313
581
123,021
$
99,275
2,698
28,795
168
130,936
88,473
3,806
20,525
437
113,241
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits ................................................
Sales and marketing ...........................................................................
Westwood mutual funds.....................................................................
Information technology ......................................................................
Professional services ..........................................................................
General and administrative.................................................................
Total expenses.............................................................................
Income before income taxes ........................................................................
Provision for income taxes...........................................................................
Net income ..................................................................................................
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments ..........................................
Other comprehensive income (loss).............................................................
Total comprehensive income.....................................................................
Earnings per share:
Basic............................................................................................
Diluted.........................................................................................
Weighted average shares outstanding:
$
$
$
$
61,509
1,919
3,155
7,735
5,622
9,071
89,011
34,010
11,363
22,647
401
401
23,048
2.84
2.77
$
$
$
$
63,562
1,839
3,435
5,732
5,617
8,531
88,716
42,220
15,115
27,105
(3,457)
(3,457)
23,648
3.49
3.33
$
$
$
$
52,847
1,673
2,543
3,469
4,905
5,768
71,205
42,036
14,787
27,249
(974)
(974)
26,275
3.63
3.45
Basic............................................................................................
Diluted.........................................................................................
7,961,891
8,165,475
7,756,647
8,149,399
7,512,348
7,906,545
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-5
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Westwood Holdings
Group, Inc.
Common Stock, Par
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Treasury
Stock
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total
BALANCE, January 1, 2014 ..............................
8,176,417
$
88
$
103,853
$
(23,169) $
(257) $
8,148
$
88,663
Net income ............................................................
Other comprehensive loss .....................................
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures.......
231,642
2
Stock-based compensation expense ......................
Reclassification of compensation liability to be
paid in shares.......................................................
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation..
Dividends declared ($1.82 per share)....................
(2)
13,685
170
2,153
Purchases of treasury stock ...................................
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes .....
(11,476)
(88,123)
(669)
(5,190)
(974)
27,249
27,249
(974)
—
13,685
170
2,153
(15,080)
(15,080)
(669)
(5,190)
BALANCE, December 31, 2014 .........................
8,308,460
$
90
$
119,859
$
(29,028) $
(1,231) $
20,317
$ 110,007
Net income ............................................................
Other comprehensive loss .....................................
Issuance of common stock for acquisition ............
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures.......
109,712
305,342
1
3
Stock-based compensation expense ......................
Reclassification of compensation liability to be
paid in shares.......................................................
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation..
Dividends declared ($2.07 per share)....................
Purchases of treasury stock ...................................
(21,818)
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock
plans ....................................................................
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes .....
20,375
(91,384)
5,291
(3)
17,574
338
1,831
(1,093)
27,105
(3,457)
27,105
(3,457)
5,292
—
17,574
338
1,831
(1,327)
1,093
(5,648)
(17,748)
(17,748)
(1,327)
—
(5,648)
BALANCE, December 31, 2015 .........................
8,630,687
$
94
$
143,797
$
(34,910) $
(4,688) $
29,674
$ 133,967
Net income ............................................................
Other comprehensive income................................
Issuance of common stock for acquisition ............
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures.......
80,253
296,376
1
3
Stock-based compensation expense ......................
Reclassification of compensation liability to be
paid in shares.......................................................
Tax deficiencies related to stock-based
compensation.......................................................
Dividends declared ($2.33 per share)....................
Purchases of treasury stock ...................................
(128,026)
Issuance of treasury stock under employee stock
plans ....................................................................
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes .....
12,048
(80,963)
3,733
(3)
15,954
167
(256)
(662)
(6,248)
662
(3,857)
401
22,647
22,647
401
3,734
—
15,954
167
(256)
(20,440)
(20,440)
(6,248)
—
(3,857)
BALANCE, December 31, 2016 .........................
8,810,375
$
98
$
162,730
$
(44,353) $
(4,287) $
31,881
$ 146,069
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ........................................................................................................
$
22,647
$
27,105
$
27,249
2016
2015
2014
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation ..............................................................................................
Amortization of intangible assets..............................................................
Unrealized losses (gains) on trading investments .....................................
Stock-based compensation expense ..........................................................
Deferred income taxes ..............................................................................
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation ................................
Net sales (purchases) of investments – trading securities.........................
Other..........................................................................................................
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:...............................................
Accounts receivable ..........................................................................
Other current assets...........................................................................
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ..........................................
Compensation and benefits payable..................................................
Income taxes payable ........................................................................
Other liabilities..................................................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities .................................................
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of Woodway, net of cash acquired.................................................
Purchases of property, equipment and other.....................................................
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment ....................................................
Net cash used in investing activities .........................................................
Cash flows from financing activities:
Purchases of treasury stock ...............................................................................
Purchases of treasury stock under employee stock plans .................................
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes.................................................
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation ........................................
Payment of contingent consideration in acquisition .........................................
Cash dividends paid ..........................................................................................
Net cash used in financing activities.........................................................
Effect of currency rate changes on cash....................................................................
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ..........................................
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year......................................................
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year.................................................................
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the year for income taxes ...................................................
Common stock issued for acquisition ............................................................
Non-cash accrued contingent consideration...................................................
Accrued dividends..........................................................................................
Tenant allowance included in Property and equipment..................................
$
$
$
$
$
$
969
1,960
(510)
15,954
149
(165)
16,345
269
(3,493)
567
(926)
(2,848)
(3,655)
129
47,392
—
(1,819)
9
(1,810)
(5,634)
(614)
(3,857)
165
(5,562)
(19,442)
(34,944)
301
10,939
22,740
1,050
1,546
613
17,574
(3,285)
(1,455)
6,684
(58)
(5,192)
(375)
1,174
2,912
6,890
25
55,208
(24,133)
(951)
—
(25,084)
—
(1,327)
(5,648)
1,455
—
(16,619)
(22,139)
(3,376)
4,609
18,131
33,679
$
22,740
$
14,860
3,734
$
$
— $
$
$
8,446
1,236
11,639
5,292
9,023
7,448
$
$
$
$
— $
579
359
(75)
13,685
(2,133)
(1,850)
(14,991)
—
(369)
70
353
1,307
2,406
(67)
26,523
—
(478)
—
(478)
—
(669)
(5,190)
1,850
—
(13,962)
(17,971)
(807)
7,267
10,864
18,131
14,418
—
—
6,318
—
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-7
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”, “the Company”, we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated under the
laws of the State of Delaware on December 12, 2001. Westwood manages investment assets and provides services for its clients
through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. and Westwood Advisors, LLC (each of which is an SEC
registered investment advisor and referred to hereinafter together as “Westwood Management”), Westwood Trust and
Westwood International Advisors Inc. (“Westwood International”). Westwood Management and Westwood International
provide investment advisory services to institutional clients, a family of mutual funds called the Westwood Funds®, other
mutual funds, an Ireland-domiciled fund organized pursuant to the European Union’s Undertakings for Collective Investment in
Transferable Securities (“UCITS”), individuals and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial
services and participation in self-sponsored common trust funds ("CTFs") to institutions and high net worth individuals.
Revenue is largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management (“AUM”). Accordingly,
fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of AUM impact our revenues and results of operations.
Westwood Management is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Westwood
Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas Department of Banking. Westwood International is registered as a portfolio
manager and exempt market dealer with the Ontario Securities Commission and the Autorité des marchés financiers in Québec.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Westwood and its subsidiaries. All
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
We assess each legal entity that we manage to determine whether consolidation is appropriate at the onset of the
relationship. We first determine whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”), or a voting interest entity (“VOE”),
under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and whether we have a controlling financial interest in the
entity. Assessing whether or not an entity is a VOE or VIE and if it requires consolidation involves judgment and analysis.
Factors considered in this assessment include, but are not limited to, the legal organization of the entity, our equity ownership
and contractual involvement with the entity and any related party or de facto agent implications of our involvement with the
entity. We reconsider whether entities are a VIE or VOE whenever contractual arrangements change, the entity receives
additional equity or returns equity to its investors or changes in facts and circumstances occur that change the investors’ ability
to direct the activities of the entity.
A VIE is an entity in which (i) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to enable the entity to finance its
activities without subordinated financial support, (ii) the at-risk equity holders, as a group, lack the characteristics of a
controlling financial interest or (iii) the entity is structured with disproportionate voting rights, and substantially all of the
activities are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights. That is, the at-risk equity holders do
not have the obligation to absorb significant losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of
the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. An enterprise must consolidate all VIEs of which it
is the primary beneficiary. We determine if a sponsored investment meets the definition of a VIE by considering whether the
fund’s equity investment at risk is sufficient to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and
whether the fund’s at-risk equity holders absorb any losses, have the right to receive residual returns and have the right to direct
the activities of the entity most responsible for the entity’s economic performance. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is defined
as the party who, considering the involvement of related parties and de facto agents, has (i) the power to direct the activities of
the VIE that most significantly affect its economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right
to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This evaluation is updated continuously.
A VOE is an entity that is outside the scope of the guidance for VIEs. Consolidation of a VOE is required when a
reporting entity owns a controlling financial interest in a VOE. Ownership of a majority of the voting interests is the usual
condition for a controlling financial interest.
F-8
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
We have evaluated all of our advisory relationships with Westwood Investment Funds PLC (the “UCITS Fund”),
the Westwood Funds®, limited liability companies ("LLCs") and our relationship as sponsor of the Common Trust Funds
("CTFs") to determine whether each of these entities is a VIE or VOE. Based on our analysis, we determined that the limited
liability companies and CTFs were VIEs, as the at-risk equity holders do not have the ability to direct the activities that most
significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and the Company and its representatives have a majority control of the
entity's Board of Directors and can influence the entity's management and affairs. Although we have related parties on the
UCITS Fund board of directors, the shareholders have rights to remove the current directors with a simple majority vote, so we
determined the UCITS Fund is not a VIE. As the Company and its representatives do not have representation on the Westwood
Funds'® independent board of directors, which direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic
performance, we determined that the Westwood Funds® were not VIEs. Therefore, the UCITS Fund and the Westwood Funds®
should be analyzed under the VOE consolidation method.
Based on our analysis of our seed investments in these entities for the year ended December 31, 2016, we have
not consolidated the limited liability companies or CTFs under the VIE method or the UCITS Fund or the Westwood Funds®
under the VOE method, and therefore the results of these entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial
results. We have included the disclosures related to VIEs and VOEs in Note 11 "Variable Interest Entities."
Use of Estimates
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of money market accounts and other short-term, highly liquid investments with
maturities of three months or less, other than pooled investment vehicles that are considered investments. We maintain some
cash and cash equivalents balances with financial institutions that are in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
insurance limits. The Company has not experienced losses on uninsured cash accounts.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable represents balances arising from services provided to customers and are recorded on an
accrual basis, net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are written off when they are determined to be
uncollectible. Any allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on the Company’s historical amounts written off, existing
conditions in the industry, and the financial stability of the customer. The majority of our accounts receivable balances consist
of advisory and trust fees receivable from customers that we believe and have experienced to be fully collectible. Accordingly,
our Consolidated Financial Statements do not include an allowance for bad debt nor any bad debt expense.
Investments
Investments are classified as trading securities and are carried at quoted market values on the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. Net unrealized holding gains or losses on investments classified as trading securities are reflected
as a component of other revenues. We measure realized gains and losses on investments using the specific identification
method.
F-9
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
We determined the estimated fair values of our financial instruments using available information. The fair value
amounts discussed in Notes 3 "Investments" and 4 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" are not necessarily indicative of either
the amounts realizable upon disposition of these instruments or our intent or ability to dispose of these assets. The estimated fair
value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends
payable, compensation and benefits payable and income taxes 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, money market funds, Westwood Funds® mutual funds, UCITS and Westwood Trust common trust fund
shares, equals fair value based on prices quoted in active markets and, with respect to funds, the reported net asset value of the
shares held. Market values of our money market holdings generally do not fluctuate.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired assets over the fair value of the underlying identifiable
assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested at least annually for impairment.
We test more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist.
These indicators include, among others, declines in sales, earnings or cash flows, or the development of a material adverse
change in the business climate. We assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating
segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. We have identified two reporting units, which are
consistent with our reporting segments: Advisory and Trust. The Company is not required to calculate the fair value of a
reporting unit unless we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than the carrying amount. We assess
goodwill for impairment using either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. The qualitative assessment includes consideration
of the current trends in the industry in which we operate, macroeconomic conditions, recent financial performance of our
reporting units and a market multiple approach valuation. In performing the annual impairment test during the third quarter, or
more frequently when impairment indicators exist, and after assessing the qualitative factors, we may be required to utilize the
two-step approach prescribed by ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. We may also elect to skip the qualitative
assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative analysis. The quantitative analysis requires a comparison of each reporting
unit’s carrying value to the fair value of the respective unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, a second step is
performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated, entirely or
predominantly, using a market multiple approach. During the third quarter of 2016 we completed our annual goodwill
impairment assessment and determined that no impairment loss was required. No impairments were recorded during any of the
periods presented.
Our intangible assets represent the acquisition date fair value of the acquired client relationships, trade names and
non-compete agreements, as well as the cost of internally-developed software, each of which is reflected net of amortization. In
valuing these assets, we made significant estimates regarding the useful lives, growth rates and potential attrition. We
periodically review our intangible assets for events or circumstances that would indicate impairment. See Note 5 "Acquisitions,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."
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 lesser of the estimated useful life or lease term using the straight-line method. We capitalize leasehold
improvements, furniture and fixtures, computer hardware and most office equipment purchases.
F-10
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Revenue Recognition
Investment advisory and trust fees are recognized as 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. A limited number of our clients have contractual performance-based fee arrangements, which pay us an additional
fee if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We record revenue for performance-based fees at the end
of the measurement period. Most advisory and trust fees are payable in advance or in arrears on a calendar quarterly basis.
Advance payments are deferred and recognized over the periods services are performed. Since billing periods for most of our
advance paying clients coincide with the calendar quarter to which payment relates, revenue is fully recognized within the
quarter. Consequently no significant amount of deferred revenue is contained in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Deferred revenue is shown on the consolidated balance sheets under the heading of “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.”
Other revenues generally consist of interest and investment income, which are recognized as earned.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation.
Under ASC 718, stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at grant date, is
recognized over the relevant service period, and adjusted each period for anticipated forfeitures. We expense the fair value of
stock-based compensation awards granted to our employees and directors in our Consolidated Financial Statements on a
straight-line basis over the period that services are required to be provided in exchange for the award (“requisite service
period”), which is typically the period over which the award vests. Stock-based compensation is recognized only for awards
that vest, and our periodic accrual of compensation cost is based on the estimated number of awards expected to vest. We
measure the fair value of compensation cost related to restricted stock awards based on the closing market price of our common
stock on the grant date. For performance-based share awards, we assess actual performance versus the predetermined
performance goals and record compensation expense once we conclude it is probable that we will meet the performance goals
required to vest the applicable performance-based awards.
We have issued restricted stock in accordance with our Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group,
Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). We apply judgment in developing an expectation of awards of restricted stock that may
be forfeited. If actual experience differs significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of
operations could be materially affected.
The Share Award Plan of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. for Service Provided in Canada to its Subsidiaries (the
“Canadian Plan”) provides compensation in the form of common stock for services performed by employees of Westwood
International. We record compensation costs for these awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period once we determine
it is probable that the award will be earned. Awards expected to be settled in shares are funded into a trust pursuant to an
established Canadian employee benefit plan. Generally, the Canadian trust subsequently acquires Westwood common shares in
market transactions and holds such shares until the shares are vested and distributed, or forfeited. Shares held in the trust are
shown on our consolidated balance sheet as treasury shares. Until shares are acquired by the trust, we record compensation
costs and measure the liability as a cash-based award, which is included in “Compensation and benefits payable” on our
consolidated balance sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the compensation expense recorded for
these awards was $524,000, $145,000 and $359,000, respectively. When the number of shares related to an award is
determinable, the award becomes an equity award accounted for in a manner similar to restricted stock, which is described in
Note 9 "Employee Benefits."
Tax benefits realized upon the vesting of restricted shares that exceed the expense previously recognized for
reporting purposes are recorded in stockholder’s equity and reflected as a financing activity in our Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows. If the tax benefit upon vesting is less than the expense previously recorded, the shortfall is recorded in
stockholder’s equity. If the shortfall exceeds available windfall benefits in equity, they are recorded in our Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income and as an operating activity on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of Westwood International, our non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiary, are translated
at exchange rates as of applicable reporting dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the
periods indicated. The gains and losses resulting from translating non-U.S. dollar functional currency into U.S. dollars are
recorded through other comprehensive income.
F-11
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Income Taxes
We file a United States federal income tax return as a consolidated group for Westwood and its subsidiaries based
in the United States. We file a Canadian income tax return for Westwood International. Deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial statements 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 deferred
tax assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes relate primarily to incentive compensation and stock-based compensation expense.
We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe such assets will more likely than not be realized. In
making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing
taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In the
event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future, we would record a
valuation allowance. No valuation allowance has been recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We account for uncertain tax positions by recognizing the impact of a tax position in our Consolidated Financial
Statements when we believe it is more likely than not that the tax position would not be sustained upon examination by the
appropriate tax authority based on the merits of the position. We include penalties and interest on income-based taxes, if any, in
the “General and administrative” line on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. At December 31, 2016, we had
$2.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits accrued, net of $$942,000 federal deferred tax assets, related to uncertain tax
positions. At December 31, 2015, we had $1.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits accrued, net of $607,000 federal deferred
tax assets, related to uncertain tax positions. See Note 7 "Income Taxes."
Business Combinations
In allocating the purchase price of a business combination, the Company records all assets acquired and liabilities
assumed at fair value, with the excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair values recorded as goodwill. ASC 820, Fair
Value Measurements, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the
underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. To the
extent the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities
assumed, such excess is allocated to goodwill. The Company determines the estimated fair values after review and
consideration of relevant information, including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by
management. The fair value assigned to identifiable intangible assets acquired is based on estimates and assumptions made by
management at the time of the acquisition. The Company adjusts the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary,
during the measurement period of up to one year after the acquisition closing date as it obtains more information as to facts and
circumstances existing as of the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and
are expensed as incurred.
The acquired customer accounts, trade names and non-compete agreements are subject to fair value measurements
based primarily on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent level 3 measurements. The valuation of an
acquired customer list utilizes an income approach, which provides an estimate of the fair value of an asset based on discounted
cash flows and management estimates, including the estimated growth associated with existing clients, market growth and
client attrition. The valuation of acquired trade names uses a relief-from-royalty method in which the fair value of the intangible
asset is estimated to be the present value of royalties saved because the Company owns the intangible asset. Revenue
projections and estimated useful lives are used in estimating the fair value of the trade names. The non-compete agreements are
calculated using the with-or-without method, which utilizes the probability of these employees competing with the Company
and revenue projections to calculate the valuation of non-compete agreements.
When an acquisition includes future contingent consideration on achieving certain annualized revenue from the
post-closing acquired business over a specified time period, the Company estimates the fair value of the earn-out using overall
revenue growth projections combined with existing customer base lost revenue projections, both discounted and probability-
weighted. A liability is recorded for the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration on the acquisition date, and the fair
value of the contingent consideration is remeasured at each subsequent reporting period, with any change in fair value
recognized as income or expense within the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
F-12
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)
2017-04, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendment
eliminates step two from the goodwill impairment test in order to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. Under step
two, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value of its assets and liabilities at the impairment testing date
following procedures required to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.
Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a
reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying
amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The amendment is effective, on a prospective basis, for annual or interim periods
beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the amendment to have a material impact
on our Consolidated Financial Statements and expect to adopt the standard within the required time frame.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The
amendment addresses eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or debt
extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination,
proceeds from settlements of insurance claims, proceeds from settlements of corporate-owned life insurance policies,
distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions, and classification of
separately identifiable cash flows. Adoption should be applied using the retrospective transition method. Early adoption is
permitted. The amendment is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-08 to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial
Statements and disclosures and expect to adopt the standard within the required time frame.
In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance
Obligations and Licensing, which clarifies the guidance related to identifying performance obligations and the licensing
guidance in ASU 2014-09. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim
reporting periods within that reporting year. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-10 to have a material impact on our
Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures and expect to adopt the standard within the required time frame.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee
Share-Based Payment Accounting. The purpose of the amendment is to simplify the accounting for share-based payment
transactions, and includes changes to the accounting for the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification
of certain share-based payment items on the statement of cash flows, the accounting for forfeitures and certain income tax
consequences. The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within
those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the
statement of cash flows should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax
deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively.
An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using
either a prospective or retrospective transition method. We will adopt ASU 2016-09 effective January 1, 2017. The amendment
related to accounting for forfeitures will be adopted using a modified retrospective method, resulting in a cumulative-effect
adjustment in our consolidated balance sheet on January 1, 2017, to reflect actual forfeitures versus the previously-estimated
forfeiture rates, representing an approximate $700,000 reduction to "Retained earnings" with the offset to "Additional paid-in
capital." The amendments related to the recognition of excess tax benefits and tax shortfalls in the income statement and
presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows will be adopted prospectively, with no adjustments made to
prior periods.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Reporting Revenue
Gross versus Net), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations in ASU 2014-09. The
amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that
reporting year. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-08 to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial
Statements and disclosures and expect to adopt the standard within the required time frame.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a lease
liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases at the commencement date, excluding short-term leases. The amendment is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early
application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the application of ASU 2016-02 will have on our
Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures and expect to adopt the standard within the required time frame.
F-13
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement
of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The main objective of this update is to enhance the reporting model for financial
instruments to provide users of financial statements with more useful information for making decisions. The amendment
addresses various aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendment is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not
expect the application of ASU 2016-01 to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures and
expect to adopt the new standard in the required time frame.
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments
in Certain Entitites that Calculate Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share (or its Equivalent) to amend certain fair value disclosure
requirements. The update requires that all investments for which the fair value is measured using the NAV practical expedient
be excluded from the fair value hierarchy as Level 2 or Level 3 measurements. We have retrospectively adopted this guidance
as of December 31, 2016 in the fair value hierarchy table in Note 4 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments." As a result, $3.2
million and $3.1 million of investments were recategorized into the NAV practical expedient column and are no longer included
in Level 2 for the periods ending December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This adoption did not have a material impact on
our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.
This amendment modifies the analysis required to evaluate whether certain legal entities should be consolidated, including
variable interest entities. This amendment changes the evaluation of fee arrangements and related party transactions when
determining whether to consolidate a variable interest entity. The amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning
after December 15, 2016 and for interim periods within reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, although early
adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-02 to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial
Statements and disclosures and expect to adopt the standard within the required time frame.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which
resulted from a joint project by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to clarify the principles for
recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards
("IFRS"). The issuance of a comprehensive and converged standard on revenue recognition is expected to improve the ability of
financial statement users to understand and consistently analyze an entity’s revenue across industries, transactions, and
geographies. The standard will require additional disclosures to help financial statement users better understand the nature,
amount, timing, and potential uncertainty of the revenue being recognized. In August 2015, in order to amend the effective date
of ASU 2014-09, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Deferral of the Effective Date.
Under the amendment, the effective date of ASU 2014-09 has been extended by one year for all entities. For public entities, the
ASU will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods
within that reporting period. Retrospective application is required, with the entity either applying the change to each prior
reporting period presented or applying the cumulative effect of each prior reporting period presented at the date of initial
application. Early adoption is permitted based on the initial effective date of December 15, 2016. We expect to adopt the
standard effective January 1, 2018 and do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our
Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-14
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
3. INVESTMENTS:
Investments are presented below (in thousands). All investments are carried at fair value, and all investments are
accounted for as trading securities.
December 31, 2016:
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations .........
Money market funds ...............................................................
Equity funds............................................................................
Marketable securities.......................................................
December 31, 2015:
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations .........
Money market funds ...............................................................
Equity funds............................................................................
Marketable securities.......................................................
Cost
30,275
14,127
12,057
56,459
Cost
50,972
9,179
12,653
72,804
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
— $
—
204
204
$
(2) $
—
(176)
(178) $
30,273
14,127
12,085
56,485
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
15
—
—
15
$
$
(15) $
—
(484)
(499) $
50,972
9,179
12,169
72,320
The following amounts, except for income tax amounts, are included in our consolidated statements of
comprehensive income under the heading “Other revenues” for the years indicated (in thousands):
Realized gains ....................................................................................................
Realized losses ...................................................................................................
Net realized gains (losses)..................................................................................
Income tax expense (benefit) from gains (losses) ..............................................
Interest income – trading....................................................................................
Dividend income ................................................................................................
Unrealized gains/(losses)....................................................................................
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
113
(220)
(107) $
(37) $
$
282
$
265
$
510
$
283
(43)
$
240
$
84
$
143
284
$
(613) $
156
(50)
106
37
51
212
75
2016
2015
2014
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had seed investments totaling $11.0 million and $10.7 million,
respectively, in the Westwood Funds®, Westwood Common Trust Funds and the UCITS fund. which are included in
“Investments, at fair value” on our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 11 "Variable Interest Entities."
4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and
requires additional disclosures regarding certain fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy for
measuring fair value as follows:
• Level 1 – quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
• Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable
• Level 3 – unobservable inputs where there is little or no market activity
F-15
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes the values of our assets and liabilities as of the dates indicated within the fair
value hierarchy (in thousands):
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Investments
Measured at
NAV (1)
Total
As of December 31, 2016
Investments in trading securities ...
Total financial instruments.....
As of December 31, 2015
Investments in trading securities ...
Contingent consideration...............
Total financial instruments.....
$
$
$
$
53,319
53,319
69,260
—
69,260
$
$
$
$
— $
— $
— $
—
— $
— $
— $
— $
(9,023)
(9,023) $
3,166
3,166
3,060
—
3,060
$
$
$
$
56,485
56,485
72,320
(9,023)
63,297
(1) Comprised of certain investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient. These investments were recategorized and are
no longer included within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit
reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in our consolidated balance sheets (see Note 2 "Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies").
Contingent consideration categorized as a level 3 liability is related to the acquisition of Woodway (see Note 5
“Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”). As of the acquisition date, the Company estimated that the Earn-Out
Amount would be $9.1 million, based on then existing facts and circumstances. The fair value of contingent consideration is
measured using the projected payment date, discount rates, probabilities of payment, and projected revenues. The projected
contingent payment is discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Projected revenues are based
on the Company’s most recent internal operational budgets and long-range strategic plans. Increases or decreases in projected
revenues, probabilities of payment, discount rates or projected payment dates may result in higher or lower fair value
measurements. Fluctuations in any of the inputs may result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
For periods subsequent to the initial measurement of the contingent consideration, changes in the fair value of the
contingent consideration are recorded in Other revenues, net on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. During
the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company revised its estimate of the acquisition date Earn-Out Amount to $9.0 million and
recorded $78,600 in "Other revenues, net." During 2016, the Company finalized the Earn-Out Amount of $9.3 million based on
actual revenues from the post-closing business of Woodway for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2016 and recorded a
charge of $273,000 in "Other revenues, net" on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The following table
provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis that used
significant unobservable inputs (in thousands):
Beginning balance, December 31, 2015.................. $
Change in carrying value..................................
Payment of contingent consideration ...............
Ending balance, December 31, 2016....................... $
Contingent Consideration
9,023
273
(9,296)
—
The following table represents the range of the unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurement of the
contingent consideration classified as level 3:
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Discounted Cash Flow
Discount rate
Range
6.0 %
AUM growth rate
(7.5)% to 8.1%
Weighted Average Rate
6.0%
0.9 %
F-16
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
5. ACQUISITIONS, GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
Acquisition of Woodway Financial Advisors
Westwood completed the acquisition of Woodway on April 1, 2015. The total Merger consideration consisted of
(i) $30.6 million in cash and stock, as described below, and (ii) contingent consideration equal to the annualized revenue from
the post-closing business of Woodway for the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2016 (the “Earn-Out Period”), adjusted
for certain clients or accounts that have terminated, and capped at $15 million (the “Earn-Out Amount”). The final Earn-Out
Amount of $9.3 million (discounted from $10.1 million due to certain required holding periods on the Westwood shares) was
paid 54.84% in cash and 45.16% in shares of Westwood common stock, valued using the average closing price during the last
30 calendar days of the Earn-Out Period. In relation to the Merger, Westwood entered into employment agreements with certain
Woodway employees that, among other things, provided for specified compensation and benefits for the related employees.
The Merger consideration of $39.7 million consisted of (i) closing date consideration of $25.3 million paid in cash
and issuance of 109,712 shares of Westwood common stock, valued at $5.3 million (discounted from $6.7 million due to certain
required holding periods), and (ii) contingent consideration of $9.1 million, based on estimates and assumptions on the closing
date of the acquisition, to be paid no later than 75 calendar days after the last day of the Earn-Out Period. The estimated fair
value of the Earn-Out Amount was determined by using overall revenue growth projections combined with existing customer
base lost revenue projections, both discounted and probability-weighted. The fair value measurement of the Earn-Out Amount
was based primarily on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a level 3 measurement as defined in
ASC 820. See further discussion in Note 4 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments."
The acquisition of Woodway was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the
purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their estimated
fair values as of the acquisition date. As of December 31, 2016, consideration of $39.7 million has been allocated using
Woodway’s historical balance sheet at March 31, 2015 based on valuations of acquired assets and assumed liabilities in
connection with the acquisition.
The allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
Purchase Price Allocation
Cash and cash equivalents ........................... $
Accounts receivable .....................................
Other current assets......................................
Goodwill(i) ....................................................
Identifiable intangibles(ii) .............................
Property and equipment ...............................
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.....
Income tax payable ......................................
Purchase price ............................................ $
1,205
936
253
15,889
21,334
197
(61)
(20)
39,733
_________________
(i)
The excess of the purchase price over the fair value amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed represents the goodwill amount
resulting from the acquisition.
(ii)
The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangibles consists of the following (in thousands, except useful lives):
Intangible Asset
Client relationships .........
Non-compete agreements
Trade name......................
$
Fair Value
20,391
257
686
Estimated Useful Lives
15 years
3 years
5 years
At the time of the acquisition, the Company believed that its enhanced market position and future growth potential
were the primary factors that contributed to a total purchase price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill. As of
December 31, 2016, $15.9 million of the goodwill arising from the acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
F-17
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
We incurred transaction costs of $1.1 million related to the Woodway acquisition, of which $732,000 and
$392,000 are included in “Professional services” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Our consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2016 included Total revenues and Net income
attributable to Woodway of $9.6 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Our consolidated results for the year ended December
31, 2015 included Total revenues and Net income attributable to Woodway of $7.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015
and 2014 assume that the Woodway acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2014, after giving effect to acquisition accounting
adjustments relating to amortization of the valued intangible assets and to record additional compensation costs related to
employment contracts entered into as a result of the acquisition. These unaudited pro forma results exclude one-time, non-
recurring costs related to the acquisition, including $1.1 million of transaction costs. This unaudited pro forma information
should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of the historical results that would have been obtained if the Merger
had actually occurred on that date, nor of the results that may be obtained in the future.
Pro Forma Results (in thousands)
Total revenues..........................................
Net income...............................................
$
$
2016
123,021
22,647
$
$
2015
133,628
28,080
$
$
2014
123,729
29,429
Year Ended December 31,
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired assets over the fair value of the underlying identifiable
assets at the date of acquisition. Changes in goodwill are as follows (in thousands):
Beginning balance ....................................................
Acquisition of Woodway (1) ......................................
Ending balance..........................................................
$
$
27,144
—
27,144
$
$
11,255
15,889
27,144
(1) The $15.9 million of goodwill acquired through the acquisition of Woodway is entirely attributable to the Trust segment.
As of December 31,
2016
2015
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. We completed our annual goodwill
impairment assessment during the third quarter of 2016 and determined that no impairment loss was required. No impairments
were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 or 2014.
F-18
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Other Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets represent the acquisition date fair value of acquired client relationships, trade names, non-
compete agreements and internally-developed software and are reflected net of amortization. In valuing these assets, we made
significant estimates regarding their useful lives, growth rates and potential attrition. The following is a summary of intangible
assets at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except years):
2016
Client relationships............................
Trade names.......................................
Non-compete agreements ..................
Internally developed software ...........
2015
Client relationships............................
Trade names.......................................
Non-compete agreements ..................
Internally developed software ...........
Weighted Average
Amortization
Period (years)
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
14.8
4.2
2.9
7.0
14.8
4.2
2.9
7.0
$
$
$
$
25,396
942
283
136
26,757
25,396
942
283
136
26,757
$
$
$
$
(4,672) $
(496)
(176)
(19)
(5,363) $
(2,954) $
(358)
(91)
—
(3,403) $
20,724
446
107
117
21,394
22,442
584
192
136
23,354
Amortization expense, which is included in “General and administrative” expense on our consolidated statements
of comprehensive income, was $2.0 million, $1.5 million and $359,000 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014,
respectively.
Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets over the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
Estimated
Amortization Expense
For the year ending December 31,
2017 ........................................................... $
2018 ...........................................................
2019 ...........................................................
2020 ...........................................................
2021 ...........................................................
1,960
1,896
1,875
1,760
1,643
F-19
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
6. BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS:
Property and Equipment
The following table reflects information about our property and equipment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in
thousands):
As of December 31,
2016
2015
Leasehold improvements.......................................
Furniture and fixtures ............................................
Computer hardware and office equipment ............
Construction in progress........................................
Accumulated depreciation .....................................
Property and equipment, net..................................
$
$
3,908
2,362
2,306
294
(4,590)
4,280
$
$
1,728
1,804
2,116
231
(3,687)
2,192
Stockholders' Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows (in thousands):
As of December 31,
2016
2015
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $10 and $102............................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss .........................................................................
$
$
(4,287) $
(4,287) $
(4,688)
(4,688)
Share Repurchase Program
On July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of our outstanding
common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The share repurchase program has no expiration date
and may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors. In July 2016, Westwood's Board of Directors authorized an
additional $5.0 million of repurchases under the share repurchase program. As of December 31, 2016, approximately $9.4
million remained available under the share repurchase program.
Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, under our share repurchase plan, the Company repurchased
117,552 shares of our common stock at an average price of $47.93, including commissions, at an aggregate purchase price of
$5.6 million.
7. INCOME TAXES:
Income Tax Provision
Income (loss) before income taxes by jurisdiction is as follows (in thousands):
United States ................................................................................................
Canada..........................................................................................................
Total .............................................................................................................
$
$
21,539
12,471
34,010
$
$
27,324
14,896
42,220
$
$
36,104
5,932
42,036
Income tax expense differs from the amount that would otherwise have been calculated by applying the U.S.
Federal corporate tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes.
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
F-20
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The difference between the Federal corporate tax rate and the effective tax rate is comprised of the following (in
thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Income tax provision computed at US federal statutory
rate ......................................................................................
Canadian rate differential ...................................................
Change in uncertain tax positions, net of federal benefit ...
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit ...........
Other, net ............................................................................
Total income tax expense ...................................................
$ 11,893
(1,050)
542
230
(252)
$ 11,363
35.0% $ 14,777
(1,287)
(3.1)
1,059
1.6
35.0% $ 14,712
(520)
(3.0)
—
2.5
465
0.6
(0.7)
33.4% $ 15,115
101
1.1
0.2
442
153
35.8% $ 14,787
35.2%
35.0%
(1.2)
—
1.1
0.3
Effective income tax rate....................................................
33.4%
35.8%
35.2%
We include penalties and interest on income-based taxes in the “General and administrative” line on our
consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We recorded $101,000, $119,000 and $16,000 of penalties and interest in
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Income tax provision (benefit) as set forth in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income consisted of
the following components (in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Current taxes:
US Federal...................................................................................................
State and local .............................................................................................
Foreign ........................................................................................................
Total current taxes ..............................................................................................
Deferred taxes:
US Federal...................................................................................................
State and local .............................................................................................
Foreign ........................................................................................................
Total deferred taxes ............................................................................................
Total income tax expense ...................................................................................
$
$
6,765
1,136
3,313
11,214
314
36
(201)
149
11,363
$
$
12,015
2,564
3,821
18,400
(3,331)
(156)
202
(3,285)
15,115
$
$
16,230
690
—
16,920
(3,590)
(40)
1,497
(2,133)
14,787
F-21
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Deferred Income Taxes
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are
presented below (in thousands):
Deferred tax assets:
Share-based compensation expense......................................................................
Deferred rent.........................................................................................................
Compensation and benefits payable .....................................................................
Federal unrecognized tax benefit..........................................................................
Other .....................................................................................................................
Total deferred tax assets .................................................................................................
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment........................................................................................
Intangibles.............................................................................................................
Unrealized gains on investments ..........................................................................
Total deferred tax liabilities............................................................................................
Net deferred tax assets....................................................................................................
$
$
As of December 31,
2016
2015
6,325
762
4,907
942
74
13,010
(1,013)
(1,023)
(71)
(2,107)
10,903
$
$
6,258
51
5,222
607
166
12,304
(233)
(959)
(70)
(1,262)
11,042
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of
December 31, 2016, the Company’s 2013, 2014 and 2015 tax years are open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service,
and various state and foreign jurisdiction tax years remain open to examination. We are not currently under audit by any taxing
jurisdiction.
We have not provided United States income taxes and foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings of
our foreign subsidiary, Westwood International, because we intend to permanently reinvest such earnings outside the United
States. If these foreign earnings were to be repatriated in the future, the related United States tax liability may be reduced by
any foreign income taxes previously paid on these earnings. As of December 31, 2016, the cumulative amount of earnings upon
which United States income taxes have not been provided is approximately $20 million, and the unrecognized deferred tax
liability related to these earnings is approximately $3.0 million.
As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company's gross liability related to uncertain tax positions was $2.5
million and $1.6 million, respectively. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is finally resolved. To the
extent that the Company has favorable tax settlements, or determines that accrued amounts are no longer needed due to a lapse
in the applicable statute of limitations or other changes in circumstances, such liabilities, as well as the related interest and
penalties, would be reversed as a reduction of income tax expense, net of federal tax effects, in the period such determination is
made. We had no liability for uncertain tax positions recorded during the year ended December 31, 2014. A reconciliation of the
change in recorded uncertain tax positions during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):
Balance at January 1, 2015 ....................................................................
Additions for tax positions related to the current year .....................
Additions for tax positions related to prior years .............................
Balance at December 31, 2015 ..............................................................
Additions for tax positions related to the current year .....................
Additions for tax positions related to prior years .............................
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years...........................
Balance at December 31, 2016 ..............................................................
$
$
$
—
492
1,137
1,629
354
580
(101)
2,462
Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the liability for uncertain tax positions could
decrease by as much as $2.5 million as a result of settlements with certain taxing authorities that, if recognized, would decrease
our provision for income taxes by $1.6 million.
F-22
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
8. REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS:
Westwood Trust must maintain cash and investments in an amount equal to the required minimum restricted
capital of $4.0 million, as required by the Texas Finance Code. Restricted capital is included in Investments in the
accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2016, Westwood Trust had approximately $13.4
million in excess of its minimum capital requirement.
Westwood Trust is limited under applicable Texas law in the payment of dividends of undivided profits, which is
that part of equity capital equal to the balance of net profits, income, gains and losses since formation 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 us out of its
undivided profits.
Westwood International is subject to the working capital requirements of the Ontario Securities Commission,
which requires that combined cash and receivables exceed current liabilities by at least $100,000 CDN. At December 31, 2016
Westwood International had combined cash and receivables that were $35.6 million CDN (or $26.5 million in U.S. dollars
using the exchange rate on December 31, 2016) in excess of its current liabilities, which satisfies this requirement.
9. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
Restricted Stock Awards
We have issued restricted shares to our employees and non-employee directors. The Plan reserves shares of
Westwood common stock for issuance to eligible employees, directors and consultants 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 (including predecessor
plans to the Plan) may not exceed 4,398,100 shares. In the event of a change in control of Westwood, the Plan contains
provisions providing for the acceleration of the vesting of restricted stock. At December 31, 2016, approximately 392,000
shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.
The following table presents the total stock-based compensation expense recorded and the total income tax benefit
recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements for the years indicated (in thousands):
Service condition restricted stock expense.........................................................
Performance-based restricted stock expense......................................................
Restricted stock expense under the Plan ............................................................
Canadian Plan restricted stock expense .............................................................
Total stock-based compensation expense...........................................................
Total income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation .......
$
$
$
Restricted Stock
For the years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
10,377
4,927
15,304
650
15,954
4,749
$
$
$
9,439
7,403
16,842
732
17,574
6,217
$
$
$
7,580
5,718
13,298
387
13,685
5,764
Under the Plan, we have granted to employees and non-employee directors restricted stock subject to service
conditions, and to certain key employees restricted stock subject to both service and performance conditions. We accrue
dividends on unvested restricted stock, which are due and payable upon vesting of restricted stock. Accrued dividends coming
due within the next twelve months are included in "Dividends payable" on the consolidated balance sheet, with the remaining
noncurrent portion of accrued dividends included in "Accrued dividends" on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31,
2016, we had recorded $6.7 million and $1.8 million in Dividends payable and Accrued dividends, respectively. At December
31, 2015, we had recorded $5.7 million and $1.7 million in Dividends payable and Accrued dividends, respectively.
As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $23.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost for
restricted stock grants under the Plan, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. In order to
satisfy tax liabilities that employees will owe on their shares that vest, we may withhold a sufficient number of vested shares
from employees on the date vesting occurs to cover minimum tax withholding requirements. We withheld 80,963 shares in
2016 for this purpose. Our two types of restricted stock grants under the Plan are discussed below.
F-23
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Restricted Stock Subject Only to a Service Condition
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we granted restricted stock to employees and non-
employee directors. Employee shares generally vest over four years and Director shares vest over one year. We calculate
compensation cost for restricted stock grants using the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant, the number
of shares issued, an adjustment for restrictions on dividends and an estimate of shares that will not vest due to forfeitures. This
compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting period.
The following table details the status and changes in our restricted stock grants that are subject only to a service
condition for the year ended December 31, 2016:
Restricted shares subject only to a service condition:
Non-vested, January 1, 2016 ..............................................
Granted........................................................................
Vested ..........................................................................
Forfeited ......................................................................
Non-vested, December 31, 2016 ........................................
Number of
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
580,469
$
259,293
(183,405)
(48,856)
607,501
$
56.76
47.97
51.78
54.72
54.67
The following table shows the weighted-average grant date fair value for shares granted and the total fair value of
shares vested during the years indicated:
Restricted shares subject only to a service condition:
Weighted-average grant date fair value .............................................
Fair value of shares vested (in thousands) .........................................
$
$
2016
2015
2014
47.97
9,497
$
$
61.42
7,797
$
$
58.70
7,236
Years ended December 31,
Restricted Stock Subject to Service and Performance Conditions
Under the Plan, certain key employees were provided agreements for grants of restricted shares that vest over a
five-year period subject to achieving annual performance goals established by the Compensation Committee of Westwood’s
Board of Directors. Each year the Compensation Committee establishes a specific goal for that year’s vesting of the restricted
shares, which historically has been based upon Westwood’s adjusted pre-tax income, as defined. The date that the
Compensation Committee establishes the annual goal is considered to be the grant date and the fair value measurement date to
determine expense on the shares that are likely to vest. The vesting period ends when the Compensation Committee formally
approves the performance-based restricted stock vesting based on the final calculation of adjusted pre-tax income as derived
from the Company’s audited financial statements. If a portion of the performance-based restricted shares does not vest, no
compensation expense is recognized for that portion and any previously recognized compensation expense related to shares that
do not vest is reversed. In March 2016, the Compensation Committee established the 2016 goal for our Chief Executive Officer
as adjusted pre-tax income of $40 million for 50% of his award and an adjusted pre-tax income target of $47 million (ranging
from 50% of target for threshold performance of $40 million to 185.25% of target for maximum performance of $59 million)
for the remaining 50% of his award. For all other restricted stock grants subject to performance conditions, the Compensation
Committee established the 2016 goal as adjusted pre-tax income of at least $35.3 million. Adjusted pre-tax income is
determined based on our audited financial statements and is equal to income before income taxes increased by expenses
incurred for the year for (i) incentive compensation for all officers and employees, (ii) performance-based restricted stock
awards, and (iii) mutual fund share incentive awards, excluding start-up, non-recurring, and similar expense items, at the
Committee’s discretion. In the first quarter of 2016, we concluded that it was probable that we would meet the performance
goals required to vest the applicable percentage of the performance-based restricted shares this year and began recording
expense related to those shares.
F-24
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Restricted shares subject to service and performance conditions:
Non-vested, January 1, 2016 ...........................................................................
Granted .....................................................................................................
Vested .......................................................................................................
Forfeited ...................................................................................................
Non-vested, December 31, 2016 .....................................................................
Number of
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
101,313
$
153,620
(101,313)
—
153,620
$
61.29
55.90
61.29
—
55.90
The following table shows the weighted-average grant date fair value for shares granted and the total fair value of
shares vested during the years indicated:
Restricted shares subject to service and performance conditions:
Weighted-average grant date fair value.........................................
Fair value of shares vested (in thousands) ....................................
2016
2015
2014
$
$
55.90
6,209
$
$
61.29
5,936
$
$
58.59
4,143
Years ended December 31,
The above amounts as of December 31, 2016 do not include 51,258 non-vested restricted shares that potentially
vest over performance years subsequent to 2016, as the annual performance goals for those years have not been set by the
Compensation Committee and therefore no grant date has been established.
Canadian Plan
As discussed in Note 2, the Canadian Plan provides compensation in the form of common stock for services
performed by employees of Westwood International. Under the Canadian Plan, no more than $10 million CDN (or $7.4 million
in U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate on December 31, 2016) may be funded to the Plan Trustee to fund purchases of
common stock with respect to awards granted under the Canadian Plan. At December 31, 2016, approximately $4.4 million
remains available for issuance under the Canadian Plan, or approximately 74,000 shares based on the closing share price of our
stock of $59.99 as of the last business day of 2016. During 2016, the trust formed pursuant to the Canadian Plan purchased in
the open market 10,474 Westwood common shares for approximately $614,000. On December 1, 2016, 12,048 shares vested at
a total fair value of approximately $726,000. As of December 31, 2016, the trust holds 31,600 shares of Westwood common
stock. As of December 31, 2016, unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants under the Canadian Plan
totaled $651,000, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
Mutual Fund Share Incentive Awards
We grant annually to certain employees mutual fund incentive awards, which are bonus awards based on our
mutual funds achieving specific performance goals. Awards granted are notionally credited to a participant account maintained
by us that contains a number of mutual fund shares equal to the award amount divided by the net closing value of a fund share
on the date the amount is credited to the account.
These awards vest after approximately one year of service following the year in which the participant earns the
award. We begin accruing a liability for mutual fund incentive awards when we believe it is probable that the award will be
earned. We record expense for these awards over the service period, which is approximately two years. During the year in
which the amount of the award is determined, we record expense based on the expected value of the award. After the award is
earned, we record expense based on the value of the shares awarded and the percentage of the vesting period that has elapsed.
Our liability under these awards may increase or decrease based on changes in the value of the mutual fund shares awarded,
including reinvested income from the mutual funds during the vesting period. Upon vesting, participants receive the value of
the mutual fund share awards adjusted for earnings or losses attributable to the underlying mutual funds. For the years ended
December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, we recorded expense of $1.3 million, $1.2 million and $863,000, respectively, related to
mutual fund share incentive awards. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had an accrued liability of $1.7 million and $2.0
million, respectively, related to mutual fund incentive awards.
F-25
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Deferred Share Units
We have a deferred share unit (“DSU”) plan for employees of Westwood International. A DSU is an award linked
to the value of Westwood’s common stock and is represented by a notional credit to a participant account. The value of a DSU
is initially equal to the value of a share of our common stock. DSUs vest 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% after two, three, four and
five years of service, respectively. DSUs become fully vested after six years of service and the liability for these units is settled
in cash upon termination of the participant’s service. We record expense for DSUs based on the number of units vested on a
straight line basis, which may increase or decrease based on changes in the price of our common shares, and will increase for
additional units received from dividends declared on our shares. As of December 31, 2016, we had an accrued liability of
$365,000 for 8,331 deferred share units related to the 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 awards issued in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016,
respectively, which is based on the $59.99 per share closing price of our common stock on the last trading day of the year ended
December 31, 2016.
Benefit Plans
Westwood has a defined contribution and profit-sharing plan that was adopted in July 2002 and covers
substantially all of our employees. Discretionary employer profit-sharing contributions become fully vested after six years of
service by the participant. For U.S. employees, Westwood provides a 401(k) match of up to 6% of eligible compensation. For
Westwood International employees, Westwood provides a Registered Retirement Savings Plan match of up to 6% of eligible
compensation. These retirement plan matching contributions vest immediately.
The following table displays our profit-sharing and 401(k) contributions for the periods presented (in thousands):
Profit-sharing contributions.....................
Retirement plan matching contributions .
$
$
1,001
1,518
$
965
1,319
816
928
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
10. EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders
by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average shares of
common stock outstanding plus the effect of any dilutive shares of restricted stock granted to employees and non-employee
directors. There were 984 and 5,993 anti-dilutive restricted shares as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were
no anti-dilutive restricted shares as of December 31, 2014.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per
share and share amounts):
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Net income ..................................................................................................
$
22,647
$
27,105
$
27,249
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic .........................................
Dilutive potential shares from unvested restricted shares ....................
Dilutive potential shares from contingent consideration ......................
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted......................................
Earnings per share:
7,961,891
182,979
20,605
8,165,475
7,756,647
350,755
41,997
8,149,399
7,512,348
394,197
—
7,906,545
Basic .....................................................................................................
Diluted ..................................................................................................
$
$
2.84
2.77
$
$
3.49
3.33
$
$
3.63
3.45
F-26
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
11. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:
As discussed in Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies", the CTFs and LLCs (together the
“Westwood VIEs”) are considered VIEs, and the Westwood Funds® and UCITS Fund are considered VOEs (together the
"Westwood VOEs"). We receive fees for managing assets in these entities commensurate with market rates. As of December 31,
2016 and 2015, we evaluated all of the Westwood VIEs and Westwood VOEs to determine whether or not we should
consolidate the entities into our Consolidated Financial Statements. For the Westwood VIEs, we evaluated whether or not we
qualify as the primary beneficiary based on whether we have the obligation to absorb significant losses, the right to receive
residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic
performance. For the Westwood VOEs, we evaluated whether or not we own a controlling financial interest in the entities.
Based on our analysis, we have not consolidated the Westwood VIEs or Westwood VOEs into our financial statements for the
years ended December 31, 2016 or 2015.
In May 2015, the Company provided seed investments of $5.4 million for two new Westwood mutual funds. In
both December 2015 and January 2014, the Company provided seed investments of $2.0 million to two common trust funds. In
October 2014, the Company provided €1.6 million , or approximately $2.0 million, to the UCITS Fund. These seed investments
were provided for the sole purpose of showing economic substance needed to establish the funds or sub-funds. The Company's
seed investments in these funds are included in “Investments, at fair value” on our consolidated balance sheet at December 31,
2016.
Otherwise, we have not provided any financial support that we were not previously contractually obligated to
provide and there are no arrangements that would require us to provide additional financial support to any of these entities. Our
seed investments in the Westwood Funds®, the UCITS Fund and the CTFs are accounted for as investments in accordance with
our other investments described in Note 3 "Investments". We recognized fee revenue from the Westwood VIEs and Westwood
VOEs of approximately $52.2 million, $56.4 million and $48.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, 2015
and 2014, respectively.
The following table displays the assets under management, amount of our seed investments that are included in
“Investments, at fair value” on the consolidated balance sheets, and the risk of loss in each vehicle (in millions):
As of December 31, 2016
Assets
Under
Management
Seed
Investment
Amount at Risk
VIEs/VOEs:
Westwood Funds®
Common Trust Funds.........................................................................
LLCs...................................................................................................
UCITS Fund .......................................................................................
All other assets:
Private Wealth ....................................................................................
Institutional.........................................................................................
Total AUM.....................................................................................
$
$
$
3,810
2,532
119
518
2,869
11,393
21,241
$
6
3
—
2
6
3
—
2
F-27
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Some of our directors, executive officers and their affiliates invest personal funds directly in trust accounts that
we manage. There was approximately $97,000 in fees due from these accounts as of December 31, 2016 and no amounts due as
of December 31, 2015. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we recorded trust fees from these accounts of
$409,000, $454,000, and $264,000, respectively.
The Company engages in transactions with its affiliates as part of our operations. Westwood International and
Westwood Management provide investment advisory services to the UCITS Fund and the Westwood Funds®. Certain members
of our management serve on the board of directors of the UCITS Fund, and we have capital invested in three of the Westwood
Funds®. Under the terms of the investment advisory agreements, the Company earns fees paid by either clients of the fund or
directly by the funds. The fees are based on negotiated fee schedules applied to AUM. These fees are commensurate with
market rates. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we recorded fees from the affiliated Funds of $3.1
million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which are included in “Asset-based advisory fees” on our consolidated
statement of comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, $270,000 and $96,000 of these fees were unpaid and
included in “Accounts receivable” on our consolidated balance sheet, respectively.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Leases
We lease our offices under non-cancelable operating lease agreements with expiration dates that run through
2026. Rental expense for facilities and equipment leases for years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 aggregated
approximately $2.4 million, $2.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and is included in general and administrative and
information technology expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
At December 31, 2016, the future contractual rental payments for noncancelable operating leases for each of the
following five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
Year ending:
2017...................................................... $
2018......................................................
2019......................................................
2020......................................................
2021......................................................
Thereafter .............................................
Total payments due ........................................ $
2,339
2,138
1,571
1,509
1,511
5,971
15,039
Litigation
On August 3, 2012, AGF Management Limited and AGF Investments Inc. (together “AGF”) filed a lawsuit in the
Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Westwood, certain Westwood employees and Warren International, LLC, an executive
recruiting firm. The action relates to the hiring of certain members of Westwood’s global and emerging markets investment
team previously employed by AGF. AGF is alleging that the former employees breached certain obligations when they resigned
from AGF and that Westwood and Warren induced such breaches. AGF is seeking an unspecified amount of damages and
punitive damages of $10 million CDN in the lawsuit. On November 5, 2012, Westwood issued a response to AGF’s lawsuit
with a counterclaim against AGF for defamation. Westwood is seeking $1 million CDN in general damages, $10 million CDN
in special damages, $1 million CDN in punitive damages, and costs. On November 6, 2012, AGF filed a second lawsuit against
Westwood, Westwood Management and an employee of a Westwood subsidiary, alleging that the employee made defamatory
statements about AGF. In this second lawsuit, AGF is seeking $5 million CDN in general damages, $1 million CDN per
defendant in punitive damages, unspecified special damages, interest and costs. The pleadings phase was completed in 2013,
and we continue to be in the discovery phase.
While we intend to vigorously defend both actions and pursue our counterclaims, we are currently unable to
estimate the ultimate aggregate amount of monetary gain, loss or financial impact of these actions and counterclaims.
Defending these actions and pursuing these counterclaims may be expensive for us and time consuming for our personnel.
While we do not currently believe these proceedings will have a material impact, adverse resolution of these actions and
counterclaims could have a material adverse effect on our business and Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-28
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Our policy is to not accrue legal fees and directly related costs as part of potential loss contingencies. We have
agreed with our Directors & Officers insurance provider that 50% of the defense costs related to both AGF claims, excluding
Westwood’s counterclaim against AGF, will be covered by insurance. We expense legal fees and directly-related costs as they
are incurred. We received insurance proceeds of $430,000, $335,000 and $379,000 during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively,
and had recorded a receivable of $186,000 and $240,000 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, which represented
our minimum estimate of related incurred expenses that we expect to recover under our insurance policies. This receivable is
part of “Other current assets” on our consolidated balance sheets.
14. SEGMENT REPORTING:
We operate two segments: Advisory and Trust. These segments are managed separately based on the types of
products and services offered and their related client bases. The Company’s segment information is prepared on the same basis
that management reviews the financial information for operational decision-making purposes. The Company's chief operating
decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of our segments based primarily on fee revenues and
economic earnings. Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., the parent company of Advisory and Trust, does not have revenues and is
the entity in which we record typical holding company expenses including employee compensation and benefits for holding
company employees, directors’ fees and investor relations costs. All segment accounting policies are the same as those
described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment balances that eliminate in consolidation have been
applied to the appropriate segment.
Advisory
Our Advisory segment provides investment advisory services to corporate retirement plans, public retirement
plans, endowments, foundations, individuals, the Westwood Funds®, and the UCITS Fund, as well as investment subadvisory
services to mutual funds and our Trust segment. Westwood Management Corp. and Westwood International, which provide
investment advisory services to clients of similar type, are included in our Advisory segment, along with Westwood Advisors,
LLC.
Trust
Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to
institutions and high net worth individuals. Westwood Trust is included in our Trust segment.
F-29
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2016
Revenues:
Net fee revenues from external sources............................
Net intersegment revenues................................................
Net interest and dividend revenue ....................................
Other revenue ...................................................................
Total revenues .............................................................
Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization..........................................
Other operating expenses..................................................
Total expenses .............................................................
Income (loss) before income taxes ........................................
Income tax expense (benefit) .................................................
Net income (loss) ...................................................................
Add:
Restricted stock expense...................................................
Intangible amortization.....................................................
Deferred taxes on goodwill...............................................
Economic Earnings (Loss).....................................................
Segment assets .......................................................................
Segment goodwill ..................................................................
Expenditures for long-lived assets .........................................
Year Ended December 31, 2015
Revenues:
Net fee revenues from external sources............................
Net intersegment revenues................................................
Net interest and dividend revenue ....................................
Other revenue ...................................................................
Total revenues .............................................................
Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization..........................................
Other operating expenses..................................................
Total expenses .............................................................
Income (loss) before income taxes ........................................
Income tax expense (benefit) .................................................
Net income .............................................................................
Add:
Restricted stock expense...................................................
Intangible amortization.....................................................
Deferred taxes on goodwill...............................................
Economic Earnings ................................................................
Segment assets .......................................................................
Segment goodwill ..................................................................
Expenditures for long-lived assets .........................................
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Advisory
Trust
Westwood
Holdings
Eliminations
Consolidated
30,313
130
13
(260)
30,196
1,975
27,348
29,323
873
426
447
3,026
1,800
509
5,782
67,330
21,925
530
28,795
—
1
83
28,879
1,724
25,882
27,606
1,273
517
756
2,613
1,385
233
4,987
60,459
21,925
180
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $
—
—
—
—
379
15,573
15,952
(15,952)
(5,394)
(10,558) $
$
3,296
—
(7,262) $
— $
(7,663)
—
—
(7,663)
—
(7,663)
(7,663)
—
—
— $
— $
—
—
— $
122,440
—
547
34
123,021
2,929
86,082
89,011
34,010
11,363
22,647
15,954
1,960
547
41,108
13,985
$
— $
$
584
(76,588) $
— $
— $
179,678
27,144
1,819
— $
—
—
—
—
99
15,581
15,680
(15,680)
(4,732)
(10,948) $
$
3,084
—
—
(7,864) $
— $
(19,001)
—
—
(19,001)
—
(19,001)
(19,001)
—
—
— $
— $
—
—
— $
130,768
—
426
(258)
130,936
2,596
86,120
88,716
42,220
15,115
27,105
17,574
1,546
271
46,496
8,816
$
— $
$
267
(70,943) $
— $
— $
181,336
27,144
816
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
92,127
7,533
534
294
100,488
575
50,824
51,399
49,089
16,331
32,758
9,632
160
38
42,588
174,951
5,219
705
101,973
19,001
425
(341)
121,058
773
63,658
64,431
56,627
19,330
37,297
11,877
161
38
49,373
183,004
5,219
369
F-30
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Revenues:
Advisory
Trust
Westwood
Holdings
Eliminations
Consolidated
Net fee revenues from external sources............................
$
92,279
$
20,525
$
— $
— $
112,804
Net intersegment revenues................................................
Net interest and dividend revenue ....................................
Other revenue ...................................................................
Total revenues .............................................................
Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization..........................................
Other operating expenses..................................................
Total expenses .............................................................
Income (loss) before income taxes ........................................
Income tax expense (benefit) .................................................
Net income (loss) ...................................................................
Add:
Restricted stock expense...................................................
Intangible amortization.....................................................
Deferred taxes on goodwill...............................................
Economic Earnings (Loss).....................................................
Segment assets .......................................................................
Segment goodwill ..................................................................
Expenditures for long-lived assets .........................................
$
$
$
$
$
$
13,527
261
173
106,240
603
51,265
51,868
54,372
19,057
35,315
9,074
161
38
44,588
144,385
5,219
226
$
$
$
$
$
$
—
2
1
20,528
302
19,867
20,169
359
132
227
1,847
198
114
2,386
18,133
6,036
29
$
$
$
$
$
$
—
—
—
—
33
12,662
12,695
(12,695)
(4,402)
(8,293) $
$
2,764
—
—
(5,529) $
(13,527)
—
—
(13,527)
—
(13,527)
(13,527)
—
—
— $
— $
—
—
— $
—
263
174
113,241
938
70,267
71,205
42,036
14,787
27,249
13,685
359
152
41,445
10,435
$
— $
$
223
(33,079) $
— $
— $
139,874
11,255
478
We are providing a performance measure that we refer to as Economic Earnings. Our management and Board of
Directors review Economic Earnings to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources and determine our dividend
policy. We also believe that this performance measure is useful for management and investors when evaluating our underlying
operating and financial performance and our available resources.
In calculating Economic Earnings, we add to net income the non-cash expense associated with equity-based
compensation awards of restricted stock, amortization of intangible assets and the deferred taxes related to the tax-basis
amortization of goodwill. Although depreciation on property and equipment is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when
calculating Economic Earnings because depreciation charges represent a decline in the value of the related assets that will
ultimately require replacement.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to Economic Earnings (in thousands):
For the years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Net Income ...................................................................
Add: Restricted stock expense..................................
Add: Intangible amortization....................................
Add: Tax benefit from goodwill amortization..........
Economic Earnings......................................................
$
$
22,647
15,954
1,960
547
41,108
$
$
27,105
17,574
1,546
271
46,496
$
$
27,249
13,685
359
152
41,445
F-31
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Geographical information
(in thousands)
Revenues by geographic location of client:
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
U.S......................................................................................................
Canada ................................................................................................
Europe ................................................................................................
Asia.....................................................................................................
Australia .............................................................................................
Total Revenues.............................................................................................
$
$
103,261
7,714
5,416
4,872
1,758
123,021
$
$
109,816
9,238
6,019
4,538
1,325
130,936
$
$
94,955
8,635
8,146
21
1,484
113,241
(in thousands)
Property and equipment, net, by geographic area:
As of
December 31,
2016
2015
U.S. .......................................................................................................................
Canada ..................................................................................................................
Total Property and equipment, net .................................................................................
$
$
4,002
278
4,280
$
$
1,806
386
2,192
15. CONCENTRATION:
For each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, our ten largest clients accounted for
approximately 20% of our fee revenue. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of our fee revenues in any of these
years.
(in thousands)
Advisory fees from our largest client:
Years ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Asset-based fees....................................................................................
Performance-based fees ........................................................................
Percent of fee revenue ..........................................................................
$
$
4,872
—
4.0%
$
2,109
2,206
3.3%
2,183
3,806
5.3%
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
Dividends Declared
On February 8, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.62 per share on common
stock payable on April 3, 2017 to stockholders of record on March 10, 2017.
Restricted Stock Grants
On February 23, 2017, we issued approximately $9.5 million of restricted stock to employees, or approximately
155,000 shares based on the closing price of our stock on February 22, 2017. The shares are subject to vesting conditions
described in Note 9 "Employee Benefits" of our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Report.
F-32
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
17. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited):
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2015 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
2016
Revenues ........................................................................................
Income before income taxes ..........................................................
Net income .....................................................................................
Basic earnings per common share..................................................
Diluted earnings per common share ..............................................
2015
Revenues ........................................................................................
Income before income taxes ..........................................................
Net income .....................................................................................
Basic earnings per common share..................................................
Diluted earnings per common share ..............................................
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Quarter
$
$
$
$
29,129
5,646
3,522
0.45
0.44
29,608
8,378
5,610
0.74
0.71
$
$
31,023
8,512
5,661
0.71
0.69
37,311
14,752
9,795
1.25
1.23
$
$
31,777
9,053
5,887
0.74
0.72
32,451
10,502
7,013
0.90
0.87
31,092
10,799
7,577
0.95
0.92
31,566
8,588
4,687
0.60
0.58
F-33
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Corporate Information
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brian O. Casey
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
Susan M. Byrne
Founder & Vice Chairman of the Board,
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
Richard M. Frank(1)(2)(3)
Chairman of the Board
Former Executive Chairman, CEC Entertainment, Inc.
Raymond E. Wooldridge(1)(2)(3)
Private Investor
Ellen H. Masterson(1)(3)
Former Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Robert D. McTeer(3)
Former President, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
Geoffrey R. Norman(1)(3)
Former Executive Vice President, GE Asset Management
Martin J. Weiland(2)(3)
Former Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer,
Northern Trust Bank of Texas
(1) Audit Committee Member
(2) Compensation Committee Member
(3) Governance/Nominating Committee Member
CERTIFICATIONS REGARDING PUBLIC DISCLOSURES
& LISTINGS STANDARDS
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. has filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to its Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2016, the certifications required by Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding the quality of the company’s public
disclosure. In addition, the annual certification of the Chief Executive
Officer regarding compliance by Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. with
the corporate governance listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange will be submitted without qualification to the New York Stock
Exchange following the April 2017 annual stockholder meeting.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
Brian O. Casey
President & Chief Executive Officer
Tiffany B. Kice, CPA
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
Corporate Headquarters
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.756.6900
Stock Exchange Listing
New York Stock Exchange
Common Stock
Ticker Symbol: WHG
Transfer Agent & Registrar
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
800.937.5449
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche, LLP
Dallas, Texas
Corporate Counsel
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP
Dallas, Texas
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Wednesday, April 26, 2017, 10:00 am CDT
The Crescent Club
200 Crescent Court, 17th Floor
Dallas, Texas 75201
For more information about Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.,
visit our website at westwoodgroup.com or email
info@westwoodgroup.com. You may obtain information
about Westwood Funds by visiting westwoodfunds.com
or by calling 877.FUND.WHG.
Statements in this Annual Report to Stockholders that are not purely historical facts constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results and the timing of some events could differ materially from those
projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: the composition and market value of our assets under
management; regulation adversely affecting the financial services industry; competition in the investment management industry; our investments in foreign companies; our
ability to develop and market new investment strategies successfully; our relationships with current and potential customers; our ability to retain qualified personnel; our ability to
maintain effective cyber security; our ability to maintain effective information systems; our ability to pursue and properly integrate acquired businesses; litigation risks; our ability to
properly address conflicts of interest; our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls; our ability to maintain our
fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures; our relationships with investment consulting firms; the significant concentration of our revenues in a small number of customers;
and the other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC filings, including, but not limited to, those set forth under the “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” sections in
the Annual Report on Form 10-K included herein. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual
Report to Stockholders. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after
the date of this Annual Report to Stockholders or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Nothing in this Annual Report is intended to offer any investment advisory service or any investment or financial product. This
Annual Report should not be relied on to decide whether to use any investment advisory service from, or to purchase any investment or financial product managed or advised by,
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. or any of its affiliates.
200 Crescent Court
Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75201
214.756.6900
westwoodgroup.com
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