WisdomTree Investments, Inc.
Annual Report 2015
April 29, 2016
Dear Fellow Stockholders,
In 2015, we achieved record operating results demonstrating the dynamic growth and overall strength of our business.
We grew global assets under management (AUM) from $39.5 billion at the beginning of 2015 to $52.4 billion by the end
of the year. We achieved nearly $18 billion in inflows globally, which drove significant year-over-year revenue growth
and earnings for our investors. Over the course of 2015, we grew top-line revenues by nearly 63% to $298.9 million and
increased pre-tax income by 86.5% to $137.2 million. While we continued to focus on growth and investments, the
increasing scale and efficiency of our business helped WisdomTree recognize significant improvement in our financial
resources. We reported cash and investments of $292.7 million on our growing balance sheet at year-end and achieved
amongst the highest pre-tax margins of any traditional, publicly traded asset manager with a smaller base of AUM than
this peer group. We continued the capital return program initiated in 2014, returning over $100 million in 2015 through
a combination of regular and special dividends as well as share buybacks. The strong foundation underpinning our
operations, our greater scale and expanding financial resources positions WisdomTree soundly for the future.
2015 was a tale of two distinct periods. The first half of the year represented immense growth. Beginning in the second
half of the year, volatility in global markets, declining equity prices and uncertainty around central bank policies created
a challenging operating environment for asset managers and investors. Against this backdrop, WisdomTree’s two largest
strategies covering the Japanese and European markets experienced outflows in the second half of 2015 continuing
through the first quarter of 2016. We believe that these regions will continue to be important long-term allocations for
investors and we remain confident in our differentiated and innovative solutions in these and other important asset
categories. Not only are we confident in WisdomTree’s ability to innovate and grow within the ETF market, we believe
the ETF industry as a whole is poised for continued growth as new and existing client channels increase investment in
ETFs worldwide. In fact, industry growth is being aided and accelerated by global regulatory initiatives placing more
emphasis on fees, transparency and liquidity – some of the greatest competitive advantages of the ETF structure.
We are responding to these opportunities and we are also taking steps to expand and diversify our platform through
strategic investments in our product footprint, talent and technology. During 2015, we expanded our core U.S.
distribution capabilities by investing in our sales, technology and client-facing services and broadening our product set
with the launch of 17 new funds in the U.S. across equity, fixed income and alternative strategies. In addition to organic
listings, we acquired the GreenHaven Commodity Funds, representing our expansion into Commodity ETF offerings. We
also increased head count in Europe and opened a sales office in Japan to address these emerging opportunities. We
see virtually unlimited opportunity for ETF growth and are continuing to strengthen and broaden WisdomTree’s
leadership positions.
In closing, I wish to thank the entire WisdomTree team. Our continued success is a reflection their passion and
dedication. And to all of our stockholders, thank you for your continued support and interest in the success of
WisdomTree.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Steinberg
Chief Executive Officer
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
(cid:95) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
or
(cid:133) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number 001-10932
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
245 Park Avenue, 35th Floor
New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
13-3487784
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
10167
(Zip Code)
212-801-2080
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Name of each exchange on which registered:
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. (cid:95) Yes (cid:133) No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act. (cid:133) Yes (cid:95) 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 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. (cid:95) Yes (cid:133) No
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). (cid:95) Yes (cid:133) No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the 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. (cid:133)
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer (cid:95)
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (cid:133) (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
(cid:133)
(cid:133)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). Yes (cid:133) No (cid:95)
At June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates (computed by reference to
the closing sale price of such shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2015) was $2,515,088,646.
At February 17, 2016, there were 136,406,918 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding (voting shares).
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The information required by Part III of this Report, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated herein by reference from
the registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2016, which definitive proxy
statement shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this
Report relates.
WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS, INC.
Form 10-K
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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 Accountant Fees and Services .................................................................................................................
PART IV .........................................................................................................................................................................................
Item 15. Exhibits; Financial Statement Schedules ................................................................................................................
Signatures ..............................................................................................................................................................................
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i
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, or Report, contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s belief
and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in
these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, and
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or
achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied
by these forward-looking statements.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,”
“intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other
comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements
because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond our control and
which could materially affect our results. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include,
among other things, those listed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report. If one or more of these risks or
uncertainties occur, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those
implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. You
should read this Report and the documents that we reference in this Report and have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or the SEC, as exhibits to this Report, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be
materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
In particular, forward-looking statements in this Report include statements about:
•
anticipated trends, conditions and investor sentiment in the global markets and exchange traded products, or ETPs, which
include exchange traded funds, or ETFs;
anticipated levels of inflows into and outflows out of our ETPs;
•
• our ability to deliver favorable rates of return to investors;
• our ability to develop new products and services;
•
our ability to maintain current vendors or find new vendors to provide services to us at favorable costs;
our ability to successfully expand our business into non-U.S. markets;
timing of payment of our cash income taxes;
competition in our business; and
the effect of laws and regulations that apply to our business.
•
•
•
•
The forward-looking statements in this Report represent our views as of the date of this Report. We anticipate that subsequent
events and developments may cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at
some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. Therefore, these
forward-looking statements do not represent our views as of any date other than the date of this Report.
2
ITEM 1.
Our Company
BUSINESS
PART I
We are the only publicly-traded asset management company that focuses exclusively on ETPs. We were the eighth largest ETP
sponsor in the world based on assets under management, or AUM, with AUM of $52.4 billion globally as of December 31, 2015. An
ETP is a pooled investment vehicle that holds a basket of securities, financial instruments or other assets and generally seeks to track
(index-based) or outperform (actively managed) the performance of a broad or specific equity, fixed income or alternatives market
segment, or a basket of or a single commodity or currency (or an inverse or multiple thereof). ETPs are listed on an exchange with
their shares traded in the secondary market at market prices, generally at approximately the same price as the net asset value of their
underlying components. ETP is an umbrella term that includes ETFs, exchange-traded notes and exchange-traded commodities.
Our U.S. listed ETFs make up the vast majority of our global AUM, and are discussed in more detail below. As of
December 31, 2015, we were the fifth largest ETF sponsor in the United States by AUM. Our family of ETFs includes funds that track
our own indexes, funds that track third party indexes and actively managed funds. We distribute our ETFs through all major channels
within the asset management industry, including brokerage firms, registered investment advisers and institutional investors.
We focus on creating ETFs for investors that offer thoughtful innovation, smart engineering and redefined investing. Most of
our index-based funds employ a fundamentally weighted investment methodology, which weights securities on the basis of factors
such as dividends or earnings, whereas most other ETF industry indexes use a capitalization weighted methodology. In addition, we
also offer actively managed ETFs, which are ETFs that are not based on a particular index but rather are actively managed with
complete transparency into the ETF’s portfolio on a daily basis. Our broad regulatory exemptive relief enables us to use our own
indexes for certain of our ETFs and actively manage other ETFs.
3
Our AUM has been growing and reaching record levels each year, which has helped improve our profitability. The following
charts reflect key operating and financial metrics for our business:
U.S. Listed AUM
($ in billions)
U.S. Listed Net Inflows
($ in billions)
16.9
51.6
14.3
34.9
39.3
5.1
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
U.S. ETF Inflow Market Share
8.0%
7.3%
Revenues
($ in millions)
298.9
183.8
149.5
2.1%
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
Pre-Tax Income
($ in millions)
137.2
73.5
51.5
2013
2014
2015
4
The following charts reflect the distribution and asset mix of our U.S. listed ETFs as of December 31, 2015:
AUM by Distribution Channel
Retail
3%
Int'l
13%
Institutional
13%
Registered
Investment
Advisors
37%
Wirehouse
34%
AUM by Asset Class
Other
3%
Emerging
Markets
Equity
7%
Int'l Equity
9%
U.S. Equity
17%
Int'l Hedged
Equity
64%
Approximately 60% of our AUM have been gathered in two of our U.S. listed ETFs – WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity
Fund (HEDJ) and WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ) – which invest in European or Japanese equities, respectively, using
our fundamentally weighted approach and, in addition, hedge exposure to the Euro or Yen. These two products also accounted for
approximately 60% of our revenues in 2015.
Our Industry
An ETF is an investment fund that holds securities such as equities or bonds and/or other assets such as derivatives or
commodities, and generally trades at approximately the same price as the net asset value of its underlying components over the course
of the trading day. ETFs offer exposure to a wide variety of asset classes and investment themes, including domestic, international and
global equities, and fixed income securities, as well as securities in specific industries and countries. There are also ETFs that track
certain specific investments, such as commodities, real estate or currencies.
5
We believe ETPs, the vast majority of which are comprised of ETFs, have been one of the most innovative investment products
to emerge in the last two decades in the asset management industry. As of December 31, 2015, there were approximately 1,800 ETPs
in the United States with aggregate AUM of $2.1 trillion. The chart below reflects the AUM of the global ETP industry since 2001:
Global ETP Industry AUM
($ in trillions)
3.0
2.8
2.4
1.9
1.5
1.5
1.2
0.9
0.8
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.2
0.6
0.4
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Source: BlackRock
As of December 31, 2015, we were the fifth largest ETF sponsor in the U.S. and the eighth largest ETP sponsor in the world by
AUM:
Rank
ETF Sponsor
AUM (in billions)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
$
iShares
$
Vanguard
$
State Street
$
PowerShares
Deutsche Bank $
$
Nomura
$
Lyxor
$
WisdomTree
$
First Trust
$
Schwab
1,110
510
443
102
86
65
54
52
43
40
Source: BlackRock
According to Morningstar, Inc., ETFs were initially marketed primarily to institutional investors. However, today, institutional
investors account for only about half of the assets held in ETFs. ETFs have become more popular among a broad range of investors as
they come to understand the benefits of ETFs and use them for a variety of purposes and strategies, including low cost index investing
and asset allocation, access to specific asset classes, protective hedging, income generation, arbitrage opportunities and diversification.
While ETFs are similar to mutual funds in many respects, they have some important differences as well:
•
•
Transparency. ETFs disclose the composition of their underlying portfolios on a daily basis, unlike mutual funds, which
typically disclose their holdings every 90 days.
Intraday trading, hedging strategies and complex orders. Like stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold on exchanges
throughout the trading day at market prices. ETFs update the indicative values of their underlying portfolios every 15
seconds. As publicly-traded securities, ETF shares can be purchased on margin and sold short, enabling the use of hedging
strategies, and traded using limit orders, allowing investors to specify the price points at which they are willing to trade.
6
• Tax efficiency. In the United States, whenever a mutual fund or ETF realizes a capital gain that is not balanced by a
realized loss, it must distribute the capital gain to its shareholders. These gains are taxable to all shareholders, even those
who reinvest the gain distributions in additional shares of the fund. However, most ETFs typically redeem their shares
through “in-kind” redemptions in which low-cost securities are transferred out of the ETF in exchange for fund shares in a
non-taxable transaction. By using this process, ETFs avoid the transaction fees and tax impact incurred by mutual funds
that sell securities to generate cash to pay out redemptions.
• Uniform pricing. From a cost perspective, ETFs are one of the most equitable investment products on the market.
Investors, regardless of their size, structure or sophistication, pay identical advisory fees. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs do
not have different share classes or different expense structures for retail and institutional clients and ETFs are not sold
with sales loads or 12b-1 fees. In many cases, ETFs offer lower expense ratios than comparable mutual funds.
ETFs are used in various ways by a range of investors, from conservative to speculative uses including:
•
•
Low cost index investing. ETFs provide exposure to a variety of broad-based indexes across equities, fixed income,
commodities and other asset classes and strategies, and can be used as both long-term portfolio holdings or short term
trading tools. ETFs offer an efficient and less costly method by which to gain exposure to indexes as compared to
individual stock ownership.
Improved access to specific asset classes. Investors often use ETFs to gain access to specific market sectors or regions
around the world by investing in an ETF that holds a portfolio of securities in that region or segment rather than buying
individual securities.
• Asset allocation. Investors seeking to invest in various asset classes to develop an asset allocation model in a cost-
effective manner can do so easily with ETFs, which offer broad exposure to various asset classes in a single security.
• Protective hedging. Investors seeking to protect their portfolios may use ETFs as a hedge against unexpected declines in
prices.
•
•
Income generation. Investors seeking to obtain income from their portfolios may buy fixed income ETFs that typically
distribute monthly income or dividend-paying ETFs that encompass a basket of dividend-paying stocks rather than buying
individual stocks.
Speculative investing. Investors with a specific directional opinion about a market sector may choose to buy or sell (long
or short) an ETF covering or leveraging that market sector.
• Arbitrage. Sophisticated investors may use ETFs in order to exploit perceived value differences between the ETF and the
value of the ETF’s underlying portfolio of securities.
• Diversification. By definition, ETFs represent a basket of securities and each fund may contain hundreds or even
thousands of different individual securities. The “instant diversification” of ETFs provides investors with broad exposure
to an asset class, market sector or geography.
ETFs are one of the fastest growing sectors of the asset management industry. According to the Investment Company Institute, since
2007 ETFs have generated approximately 60% of the total inflows into ETFs and long-term mutual funds. However, during that time
ETFs generated positive inflows into equity funds of approximately $1.1 trillion and long-term equity mutual funds experienced
outflows of approximately $356 billion. We believe this trend is due to the inherent benefits of ETFs, that is: transparency, liquidity
and tax efficiency.
We believe our growth, and the growth of the ETF industry in general, will continue to be driven by the following factors:
• Education and greater investor awareness. Over the last several years, ETFs have been taking a greater share of inflows
and AUM from mutual funds. We believe as a result of market downturns during the economic crisis, investors have
become more aware of some of the deficiencies of mutual funds and other financial products. In particular, we believe
investors are beginning to focus on important characteristics of their traditional investments—namely transparency,
tradability, liquidity, tax efficiency and fees. Their attention and education focused on these important investment
characteristics may be one of the drivers of the shift in inflows from traditional mutual funds to ETFs. We believe as
investors become more aware and educated about ETFs and their benefits, ETFs will continue to take market share from
traditional mutual funds and other financial products or structures such as hedge funds, separate accounts and individual
stocks.
7
• Move to fee-based models. Over the last several years, many financial advisers have changed the revenue model that they
charge clients from one that is “transaction-based,” that is, based on commissions for trades or receiving sales loads, to a
“fee-based” approach, where an overall fee is charged based on the value of AUM. This fee-based approach lends itself to
the adviser selecting no-load, lower-fee financial products, and in our opinion, better aligns advisers with the interests of
their clients. Since ETFs generally charge lower fees than mutual funds, we believe this model shift will benefit the ETF
industry. As major brokerage firms and asset managers encourage their advisers to move towards fee-based models, we
believe overall usage of ETFs likely will increase.
•
Innovative product offerings. Historically, ETFs tracked traditional equity indexes, but the volume of ETF growth has led
to significant innovation and product development. As demand increased, the number of ETFs has also increased and
today, ETFs are available for virtually every asset class including fixed income, commodities, alternative strategies,
leveraged/inverse, real estate and currencies. We believe, though, that there remain substantial areas for ETF sponsors to
continue to innovate, including alternative- and investment theme-based strategies, hard and soft commodities, and
actively managed strategies. We believe the further expansion of ETFs will fuel further growth and investments from
investors who typically access these products through hedge funds, separate accounts, stock investments or the futures and
commodity markets.
• New distribution channels. Discount brokers, including E*Trade, TD Ameritrade, Schwab and Fidelity, now offer free
trading and promotion of select ETFs. We believe the promotion of ETF trading by discount brokers and their marketing
of ETFs to a wider retail channel will contribute to the future growth of ETFs. Increasingly, institutional investors such as
pensions, endowments and even mutual funds are using ETFs as trading tools as well as core holdings.
• Changing demographics. As the “baby boomer” generation continues to mature and retire, we expect that there will be a
greater demand for a broad range of investment solutions, with a particular emphasis on income generation and principal
protection, and that more of these investors will seek advice from professional financial advisers. We believe these
financial advisers will migrate more of their clients’ portfolios to ETFs due to their lower fees, better fit within fee-based
models, and their ability to (i) provide access to more diverse market sectors, (ii) improve multi-asset class allocation, and
(iii) be used for different investment strategies, including income generation. Overall, we believe ETFs are well-suited to
meet the needs of this large and important group of investors. In addition, since many younger investors and financial
advisers have demonstrated a preference for the ETF structure over traditional product structures, we believe that wealth
transfers from one generation to another will also have a positive effect on ETF industry growth.
•
International Markets. We believe the growth of ETFs is a global phenomenon. While the U.S. currently represents the
vast majority of global ETF assets, Europe, Asia and Latin America are growing quickly. The same growth drivers
powering the U.S. ETF industry are gradually taking hold in global markets. Additionally, there is an increasing trend of
non-U.S. institutional investors investing in U.S.-listed ETFs.
• Regulation. When financial professionals are governed by a suitability standard in recommending investments to their
clients, we believe that ETFs are competitive with traditional investment products. If the Department of Labor’s rule
proposed in April 2015 is adopted such that the fiduciary standard were to replace the suitability standard with respect to
investments governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), we believe that ETFs’ competitiveness
generally will increase due to the inherent benefits of ETFs – transparency and liquidity. Additionally, while the shift
toward fee-based models continues to take hold in the U.S. market as described above, regulatory initiatives in
international markets are accelerating this trend in new markets. We believe regulations that discourage a commission
model and mandate transparency of fees are conducive for ETF growth.
Our Competitive Strengths
• Well-positioned in large and growing markets. We believe that ETFs are well positioned to grow significantly faster than
the asset management industry as a whole, making our focus on ETFs a significant advantage versus other traditional asset
management firms. In 2013, 2014 and 2015, we were among the fastest growing top 10 ETF sponsors and at
December 31, 2015 we were the fifth largest ETF sponsor in the United States by AUM. Within the ETF industry, being a
first mover, or one of the first providers of ETFs in a particular asset class, can be a significant advantage. We believe that
our early leadership in a number of asset classes positions us well to maintain a leadership position.
• Strong performance. We create our own indexes, most of which weight companies in our equity ETFs by a measure of
fundamental value and are rebalanced annually. By contrast, traditional indexes are market capitalization weighted and
tend to track the momentum of the market. In addition, we also offer actively managed ETFs, as well as ETFs based on
third party indexes. In evaluating the performance of our U.S. listed equity, fixed income and alternative ETFs against
actively managed and index based mutual funds and ETFs, 94% of the $51.1 billion invested in our ETFs and 66% (43 of
65) of our ETFs outperformed their comparable Morningstar average since inception as of December 31, 2015.
8
• Differentiated product set, powered by innovation. We have a broad and diverse product set. Our products span a variety
of traditional and high growth asset classes, including equities, fixed income, currencies and alternatives, and include both
passive and actively managed funds. Our innovations include launching the industry’s first emerging markets small-cap
equity ETF, the first actively managed currency ETFs, one of the first international local currency denominated fixed
income ETFs, the first managed futures strategy ETF and the first currency hedged international equity ETFs.
Our product development strategy comes from two competitive advantages:
•
•
Self-indexing. The majority of our ETFs are based on proprietary WisdomTree indexes which we believe gives us
several advantages. First, it minimizes our third party index licensing fees, which increases our
profitability. Second, because we develop our own intellectual property, we are intimately familiar with our
strategies and able to effectively communicate their value proposition in the market with research content and
support. Third, it can enhance our speed to market and first mover advantage. Fourth, because these indexes are
proprietary to WisdomTree, we may face similar competition, but we never face exact competition. Our
competitors license similar third party indexes and need to compete on price to differentiate their offerings.
Broad regulatory relief. Our broad exemptive relief also allows us to bring unique products to markets, including
actively managed funds.
We believe that our expertise in product development combined with our self-indexing capabilities and regulatory exemptive
relief provides a strategic advantage, enabling us to launch innovative ETFs that others may not be able to launch as quickly.
• Extensive marketing, research and sales efforts. We have invested significant resources to establish the WisdomTree
brand through targeted television, print and online advertising, social media, as well as through our public relations
efforts. The majority of our employees are dedicated to marketing, research and sales. Our sales professionals are the
primary points of contact for financial advisers, independent advisory firms and institutional investors who use our ETFs.
Their efforts are enhanced through value-added services provided by our research and marketing efforts. We have strong
relationships with financial advisers at leading national brokerage firms, registered investment advisers and high net worth
advisers. We believe the recent growth we have experienced by strategically aligning these adviser relationships and
marketing campaigns with targeted research and sales initiatives with products that align with market sentiment,
differentiates us from our competitors and contributes to our strong inflows.
• Efficient business model with lower risk profile. We have invested heavily in the internal development of our core
competencies with respect to product development, marketing, research and sales of ETFs. We outsource to third parties
those services that are not our core competencies or may be resource or risk intensive, such as the portfolio management
responsibilities and fund accounting operations of our ETFs. In addition, since we create our own indexes for most of our
ETFs, we usually do not incur many licensing costs.
•
Strong, seasoned and creative management team. We have built a strong and dedicated senior leadership team. Most of
our leadership team has significant ETF or financial services industry experience in fund operations, regulatory and
compliance oversight, product development and management or marketing and communications. We believe our team, by
developing an ETF sponsor from the ground up despite significant competitive, regulatory and operational barriers, has
demonstrated an ability to innovate as well as recognize and respond to market opportunities and effectively execute our
strategy.
Our Growth Strategies
Our goal is to become one of the top five ETF sponsors in the world. In 2009, we were the eleventh largest ETF sponsor in the
U.S. based on AUM. We increased our AUM to become the eighth largest U.S. ETF sponsor in 2010, the seventh largest in 2012 and
the fifth largest in 2015, with $51.6 billion in AUM. We believe our continued execution will enable us to increase trading volumes
and build longer performance track records, which should allow us to attract additional investors and, in turn, further grow our AUM.
We will seek to increase our market share and build additional scale by continuing to implement the following growth strategies:
•
Increase penetration within existing distribution channels and expand to new distribution channels. We believe there is
an opportunity to increase our market share by further penetrating existing distribution channels, expanding into new
distribution channels and by cross-selling additional WisdomTree ETFs. In order to achieve these objectives, we intend to
continue our strategy of targeted advertising and direct marketing, coupled with our research-focused sales support
initiatives, to enhance product awareness and increase our market share of ETF net inflows. Our share of ETF industry net
inflows has fluctuated from 8.0% in 2013, to 2.1% in 2014 and 7.3% in 2015.
• Launch innovative new products that diversify our product offerings and revenues. We believe our track record has
shown that we can create and sell innovative ETFs that meet market demand. We believe that continued launches of new
products will strengthen our business by allowing us to realize additional inflows, maintain and grow our AUM and
generate revenues across different market cycles as particular investment strategies move in and out of favor.
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• Expand internationally and grow non U.S. institutional distribution channel. To date, our sales and marketing have
been principally focused on the domestic U.S. market. However, we have taken steps to broaden our reach around the
world.
•
•
•
•
Europe. In April 2014, we completed the acquisition of Boost ETP, LLP, or Boost, a U.K. and Jersey based ETP
provider, and renamed it WisdomTree Europe. Through the WisdomTree Europe platform, we have listed 12
WisdomTree branded UCITS ETFs, and for some have created additional currency-hedged share classes, on the
London Stock Exchange, Borsa Italiana, Deutsche Börse and SIX Swiss Exchange, and we continue to manage
and grow the Boost lineup of short and leveraged fully collateralized ETPs under the Boost brand.
Latin America. We have cross-listed in the special international section on the Mexican stock exchange 32 of our
ETFs, where certain institutional investors trade foreign securities in Mexico. Additionally, 13 of our ETFs were
approved by the Chilean pension funds investment regulator for sale to Chilean pension funds and 12 of our ETFs
were approved by the Peruvian pension funds investment regulator for sale to Peruvian pension funds. In 2010, we
entered into a marketing arrangement with the Compass Group to market WisdomTree ETFs in Latin America.
Australia, New Zealand and Israel. In 2014, we entered into a marketing arrangement with BetaShares to market
our U.S. listed ETFs in Australia and New Zealand, and in 2015, we entered into a similar arrangement in Israel.
Japan. We filed notifications with the Financial Services Agency of Japan making 17 of our ETFs available for
sale in Japan through Japanese securities companies. In February 2016, we became registered as a Type 1
Financial Instruments Business with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Finance and will
serve the institutional market in Japan selling our U.S. listed ETFs.
As ETFs are increasingly traded globally, we believe that international expansion of our marketing, communication and
sales strategies will provide significant new growth avenues to participate in new regional markets as well as increasing
cross-border investments by non U.S. institutional investors. In
• Selectively pursue acquisitions or partnerships. We may pursue acquisitions or enter into partnerships or other
commercial arrangements that will enable us to strengthen our current business, expand and diversify our product
offering, increase our AUM or enter into new markets. We believe entering into partnerships or pursuing acquisitions is a
cost-effective means of growing our business and AUM. In April 2014, we completed the acquisition of Boost to establish
operations in Europe. In January 2016, we acquired the managing owner of the GreenHaven Continuous Commodity
Index Fund (NYSE Arca:GCC) and the sponsor of the GreenHaven Coal Fund (NYSE Arca:TONS) to add commodities
to our product set.
Regulatory Framework of the ETF Industry
Not all ETPs are ETFs. ETFs are a distinct type of security with features that are different than other ETPs. ETFs are open-end
investment companies or unit investment trusts regulated by the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Investment Company Act.
This regulatory structure is designed to provide investor protection within a pooled investment product. For example, the Investment
Company Act requires that at least 40% of the Trustees for each ETF must not be affiliated persons of the fund’s investment manager,
or Independent Trustees. If the ETF seeks to rely on certain rules under the Investment Company Act, a majority of the Trustees for
that ETF must be Independent Trustees. In addition, as discussed below, ETFs have received orders from the staff of the SEC which
exempt them from certain provisions of the Investment Company Act; however, ETFs generally operate under regulations that
prohibit affiliated transactions, are subject to standard pricing and valuation rules and have mandated compliance programs. ETPs can
take a number of forms in addition to ETFs, including exchange traded notes, grantor trusts or limited partnerships. In the U.S. market,
a key factor differentiating ETFs, grantor trusts and limited partnerships from exchange traded notes is that the former hold assets
underlying the ETP. Exchange traded notes, on the other hand, are debt instruments issued by the exchange traded note sponsor. Also,
each of these structures has implications for taxes, liquidity, tracking error and credit risk.
Because ETFs do not fit into the regulatory provisions governing mutual funds, ETF sponsors need to obtain “exemptive relief”
from the SEC from certain provisions of the Investment Company Act in order to operate ETFs. This exemptive relief allows the ETF
sponsor to bring to market the specific products or structures for which the relief was requested and obtained. Applying for exemptive
relief can be costly and take several months to several years depending on the type of exemptive relief sought. See “Business—
Regulation” below.
Our U.S. Listed Products
As of December 31, 2015, we offered a comprehensive family of 86 ETFs.
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International Hedged Equity ETFs
In December 2009, we launched the industry’s first currency hedged equity ETFs and currently have 23 such ETFs in the
market. These ETFs provide exposure to a specified international equity market while hedging the currency exposure of that market
relative to the U.S. dollar. Our international hedged equity ETFs are sub-advised by Mellon Capital.
Equity ETFs
We offer equity ETFs that provide access to the securities of large, mid and small-cap companies located in the United States,
international developed markets and emerging markets, as well as particular market sectors and styles. Our equity ETFs track our own
indexes, the majority of which are fundamentally weighted as opposed to market capitalization weighted indexes, which assign more
weight to stocks with the highest market capitalizations. These fundamentally weighted indexes focus on securities of companies that
pay regular cash dividends or on securities of companies that have generated positive cumulative earnings over a certain period. We
believe weighting equity markets by dividends and income, rather than by market capitalization, can provide investors with better risk-
adjusted returns over longer term periods in core equity exposures. Our equity ETFs are sub-advised by Mellon Capital, a subsidiary
of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, or BNY Mellon.
Fixed Income ETFs
In 2010, we began launching international fixed income ETFs that invest in emerging market countries, Asia Pacific ex-Japan
countries or European countries. These ETFs are denominated in either local or U.S. currencies. We intend to launch additional fixed
income bond funds and broaden our product offerings in this category. In December 2013, we launched a suite of rising rate bond
ETFs based on leading fixed income benchmarks we license from third parties and in July 2015, we launched an ETF that seeks to
track a yield-enhanced index of U.S. investment grade bonds. Our fixed income ETFs are sub-advised by either Mellon Capital or
Western Asset Management, a subsidiary of Legg Mason.
Currency ETFs
We launched the industry’s first currency ETFs in May 2008 using our regulatory exemption for actively managed funds. We
offer currency ETFs that provide investors with exposure to developed and emerging markets currencies, including the Chinese Yuan
and the Brazilian Real. In December 2013, we launched a U.S. Dollar Bullish Fund licensing a new Bloomberg index. Currency ETFs
invest in U.S. money market securities, forward currency contracts and swaps and seek to achieve the total returns reflective of both
money market rates in selected countries available to foreign investors and changes to the value of these currencies relative to the U.S.
dollar. Our currency ETFs are sub-advised by Mellon Capital and Western Asset Management.
Alternative Strategy ETFs
In 2011, we launched the industry’s first managed futures strategy ETF and a global real return ETF. In 2015, we launched a
dynamic long/short U.S. equity ETF and a dynamic bearish U.S. equity ETF. We also intend to explore additional alternative strategy
products in the future. Our managed futures strategy ETF and dynamic long/short and bearish U.S. equity ETFs are sub-advised by
Mellon Capital and our global real return ETF is sub-advised by Western Asset Management.
Commodity ETFs
In January 2016, we acquired the GreenHaven family of commodity ETFs, which have been renamed the WisdomTree
Continuous Commodity Index Fund (NYSE Arca:GCC) and the WisdomTree Coal Fund (NYSE Arca:TONS).
Our Non-U.S. Listed Products
WisdomTree UCITS ETFs
In connection with our acquisition of Boost and the subsequent build out of our European platform, we have listed six
WisdomTree branded UCITS ETFs, including 10 additional currency hedged share classes, on the London Stock Exchange, Borsa
Italiana, Deutsche Börse and SIX Swiss Exchange, providing exposure to large and small-cap U.S. and European equities and
emerging markets. In April 2015, we listed the WisdomTree ISEQ 20® ETF (ISEQ) on the London Stock Exchange, concurrent to
WisdomTree’s merger with the original ISEQ 20® ETF (IETF).
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Boost Short and Leveraged ETPs
As part of the Boost acquisition, we acquired Boost’s short and leveraged fully collateralized equity, commodity, fixed income
and currency ETPs, which are listed in Europe. As of December 31, 2015, there were 64 ETPs on the Boost platform.
Sales, Marketing and Research
We distribute our ETFs through all major channels within the asset management industry, including brokerage firms, registered
investment advisers and institutional investors. Our primary sales efforts are not directed towards the retail segment but rather are
directed towards the financial or investment adviser who acts as the intermediary between the end-client and us. We do not pay
commissions nor do we offer 12b-1 fees to financial advisers to use or recommend the use of our ETFs.
We have developed an extensive network and relationships with financial advisers and we believe our ETFs and related research
are well structured to meet their needs and those of their clients. Our sales professionals act in a consultative role to provide the
financial adviser with value-added services. We seek to consistently grow our network of financial advisers and we opportunistically
seek to introduce new products that best deliver our investment strategies to investors through these distribution channels. We have
our own team of 55 sales professionals located in the United States as of December 31, 2015. We plan to continue to increase our sales
force and invest in sales-related resources over the course of 2016 to further penetrate existing sales channels, and to better service
new emerging distribution channels.
In addition, we have agreements with third parties to serve as the external marketing agents for the WisdomTree ETFs in Latin
America, Australia, New Zealand and Israel as well as with E*Trade Financial and Charles Schwab & Co. to allow certain of our
ETFs to trade commission free on their brokerage platforms in exchange for a percentage of our advisory fee revenues from certain
AUM. We believe these arrangements expand our distribution capabilities in a cost-effective manner and we may continue to enter
into such arrangements in the future.
Our marketing efforts are focused on three objectives: generating new clients and inflows to our ETFs; retaining existing clients,
with a focus on cross-selling additional WisdomTree ETFs; and building brand awareness. We pursue these objectives through a
multi-faceted marketing strategy targeted at financial advisers. We utilize the following strategies:
• Targeted advertising. We create highly targeted multi-media advertising campaigns limited to established core financial
media. For example, our television advertising runs exclusively on the cable networks CNBC, Fox Business and
Bloomberg Television; online advertising runs on investing or ETF-specific web sites, such as www.seekingalpha.com
and www.etfdatabase.com; and print advertising runs in core financial publications, including Barron’s, Pensions &
Investments and Investor’s Business Daily.
• Media relations. We have a full time public relations team who has established relationships with the major financial
media outlets including: the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, New York Times and
USA Today. We utilize these relationships to help create awareness of the WisdomTree ETFs and the ETF industry in
general. Several members of our management team and multiple members of our research team are frequent market
commentators and conference panelists.
• Direct marketing. We have a database of financial advisers to which we regularly market through targeted and segmented
communications, such as on-demand research presentations, ETF-specific or educational events and presentations,
quarterly newsletters and market commentary from our senior investment strategy adviser, Professor Jeremy Siegel.
• Social media. We have implemented a social media strategy that allows us to connect directly with financial advisers and
investors by offering timely access to our research material and more general market commentary. Our social media
strategy allows us to continue to enhance our brand reputation of expertise and thought leadership in the ETF industry. For
example, we have established presence on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube, and our blog content is syndicated across
multiple business-oriented websites.
• Sales support. We create comprehensive materials to support our sales process including whitepapers, research reports,
webinars, blogs, podcasts, videos and performance data for our ETFs.
We will continue to evolve our marketing and communication efforts in response to changes in the ETF industry, market
conditions and marketing trends.
Our research team has three core functions: index development and oversight, investment research and sales support. In its index
development role, the research group is responsible for creating the investment methodologies and overseeing the maintenance of our
indexes that the WisdomTree ETFs are designed to track. The team also provides a variety of investment research around these
indexes and market segments. Our research is typically academic-type research to support our products, including white papers on the
strategies underlying our indexes and ETFs, investment insights on current market trends, and types of investment strategies that drive
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long-term performance. We distribute our research through our sales professionals, online through our website and blog, targeted
emails to financial advisers, or through financial media outlets. On some occasions, our research has been included in “op-ed” articles
appearing in the Wall Street Journal. Shorter research notes are also developed to promote our ideas, which are distributed online
through social media channels. Finally, the research team supports our sales professionals in meetings as market experts and through
custom analysis on client portfolio holdings. In addition, we consult with our senior investment strategy adviser, Professor Jeremy
Siegel, on product development ideas and market commentaries.
Product Development
We are focused on driving continued growth through innovative product development. Due to our broad based regulatory
exemptive relief, proprietary index development capabilities and a strategic focus on product development at the senior management
level, we have demonstrated an ability to launch innovative and differentiated ETFs. When developing new funds, we seek to
introduce product that can be first to market, offer improvement in structure or strategy relative to an incumbent product or offer some
other key distinction relative to an incumbent product. In short, we want to add choice in the market and seek to introduce thoughtful
investment solutions by avoiding commoditized products. Lastly, when launching new products we seek to expand and diversify our
overall product line.
Competition
The asset management industry is highly competitive and we face substantial competition in virtually all aspects of our business.
Factors affecting our business include fees for our products, investment performance, brand recognition, business reputation, quality
of service and the continuity of our financial adviser relationships. We compete directly with other ETF sponsors and mutual fund
companies and indirectly against other investment management firms, insurance companies, banks, brokerage firms and other
financial institutions that offer products that have similar features and investment objectives to those offered by us. The vast majority
of the firms we compete with are subsidiaries of large diversified financial companies and many others are much larger in terms of
AUM, years in operations and revenues and, accordingly, have much larger sales organizations and budgets. In addition, these larger
competitors may attract business through means that are not available to us, including retail bank offices, investment banking,
insurance agencies and broker-dealers.
The ETF industry is becoming significantly more competitive. Certain existing players have chosen to compete on price in
commoditized categories. In addition, we have witnessed existing players broaden their suite of products to different strategies that are, in
some cases, similar to ours. Lastly, large traditional asset managers are also launching ETFs, some with similar strategies to ours.
We do not know what effect, if any, the launch of these ETFs or price cuts may have on our business. Within the ETF industry,
being a first mover, or one of the first providers of ETFs in a particular asset class, can be a significant advantage, as the first ETF in a
category to attract scale in AUM and trading liquidity is generally viewed as the most attractive ETF. We believe that our early launch
of ETFs in a number of asset classes or strategies, including fundamental weighting and currency hedging, positions us well to
maintain our position as one of the leaders of the ETF industry. Additionally, we believe our affiliated indexing or “self-indexing”
model enables us to launch proprietary products which do not have exact competition.
We believe our ability to successfully compete will depend largely on our competitive product structure and our ability to offer
exposure to compelling investment strategies, develop distribution relationships, create new investment products, build trading
volume, AUM and outperforming track records in existing funds, offer a diverse platform of investment choices, build upon our brand
and attract and retain talented sales professionals and other employees.
U.S. Regulation
The investment management industry is subject to extensive regulation and virtually all aspects of our business are subject to
various federal and state laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are primarily intended to protect investment advisory clients
and shareholders of registered investment companies. These laws generally grant supervisory agencies broad administrative powers,
including the power to limit or restrict the conduct of our business and to impose sanctions for failure to comply with these laws and
regulations. Further, such laws and regulations may provide the basis for litigation that may also result in significant costs to us.
We are currently subject to the following laws and regulations, among others. The costs of complying with such laws and
regulations have increased and will continue to contribute to the costs of doing business:
• The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Investment Advisers Act). The SEC is the federal agency generally responsible for
administering the U.S. federal securities laws. One of our subsidiaries, WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc., or WTAM,
is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act and, as such, is regulated by the SEC. The
Investment Advisers Act requires registered investment advisers to comply with numerous and broad obligations,
including, among others, recordkeeping requirements, operational procedures, registration and reporting and disclosure
obligations.
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•
The Investment Company Act of 1940 (ICA). Nearly all of our WisdomTree ETFs are registered with the SEC pursuant
to the Investment Company Act. These WisdomTree ETFs must comply with the requirements of the Investment
Company Act and related regulations, as well as conditions imposed in the exemptive orders received by the ETFs,
including, among others, requirements relating to operations, fees charged, sales, accounting, recordkeeping, disclosure
and governance. In addition, the SEC has proposed new and/or revised provisions under the ICA that may impact current
and future ETF investments and/or operations.
• Broker-Dealer Regulations. Although we are not registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Exchange Act, nor are we a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority, or FINRA, many of our employees, including all of our salespersons, are licensed with FINRA and are
registered as associated persons of the distributor of the WisdomTree ETFs and, as such, are subject to the regulations of
FINRA that relate to licensing, continuing education requirements and sales practices. FINRA also regulates the content
of our marketing and sales material.
•
Internal Revenue Code. The WisdomTree Trust generally has obligations with respect to the qualification of the
registered investment company for pass-through tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.
• U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and National Futures Association (NFA). In 2012, the CFTC
adopted regulations that have required us to become a member of the NFA and register as a Commodity Pool Operator for
a select number of our ETFs. In addition, in January 2016, we acquired the ownership interest in two commodity pool
operators to ETFs that are not registered under the ICA. Each commodity pool operator is required to comply with
numerous CFTC and NFA requirements.
• Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. This comprehensive overhaul of the financial
services regulatory environment requires federal agencies to implement numerous new rules, which, as they are adopted
may impose additional regulatory burdens and expenses on our business.
With respect to ETFs registered under the ICA, because such ETFs do not fit into the regulatory provisions governing mutual
funds, ETF sponsors need to obtain from the SEC exemptive relief from certain provisions of the ICA in order to operate ETFs. This
exemptive relief allows the ETF sponsor to bring products to market for the specific products or structures for which the relief was
requested and obtained. Applying for exemptive relief can be costly and take several months to several years depending on the type of
exemptive relief sought. In addition, each WisdomTree ETF is listed on a secondary market, (each, an Exchange) and any new
WisdomTree ETF will seek listing on an Exchange. While the SEC has already approved rules for Exchanges to allow index-based
ETFs to list that meet prescribed requirements (e.g., minimum number, market value and trading volume of securities in the new
ETF’s benchmark index), these rules do not allow any actively managed ETFs or index-based ETFs that do not meet the prescribed
requirements without specific SEC approval. The SEC approval process has historically taken months to complete and, in some cases,
years. The SEC may ultimately determine not to allow such potential new WisdomTree ETFs or may require strategy modifications
prior to approval.
FINRA rules and guidance may affect how WisdomTree ETFs are sold by member firms. Although WisdomTree currently does
not offer so-called leveraged ETFs in the U.S., which may include within their holdings derivative instruments such as options futures
or swaps, recent FINRA guidance on margin requirements and suitability determinations with respect to customers trading in
leveraged ETFs may influence how member firms effect sales of certain WisdomTree ETFs, such as our currency ETFs, which also
use some forms of derivatives, including forward currency contracts and swaps, our international hedged equity ETFs, which use
currency forwards, and our rising rates bond ETFs and alternative strategy ETFs, which use futures. In September 2015, FINRA
issued an investor alert to help investors better understand “smart beta” products, or products that are linked to and seek to track the
performance of alternatively weighted indices.
Finally, our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and we are therefore also subject to their rules
including corporate governance listing standards, as well as federal and state securities laws. In addition, the WisdomTree ETFs are
listed on NYSE Arca, the NASDAQ Market and the BATS Exchange, and accordingly are subject to the listing requirements of those
exchanges.
Non-U.S. Regulation
Our operations outside the U.S. are subject to the laws and regulations of various non-U.S. jurisdictions and non-U.S. regulatory
agencies and bodies. As we continue to expand our international presence, a number of our subsidiaries and international operations
have become subject to regulatory systems, in various jurisdictions, comparable to those covering our operations in the U.S.
Regulators in these non-U.S. jurisdictions may have broad authority with respect to the regulation of financial services including,
among other things, the authority to grant or cancel required licenses or registrations.
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Irish and European Regulation
In connection with our acquisition of Boost and the subsequent build out of our European platform, we are subject to Irish and
European regulation of our WisdomTree UCITS ETFs and Boost ETPs as follows:
WisdomTree UCITS ETFs
The investment management industry in Ireland is subject to both Irish domestic law and European Union law. The Central
Bank of Ireland, or the Central Bank, is responsible for the authorization and supervision of collective investment schemes, or CIS, in
Ireland. CIS’s are also commonly known as funds/schemes. There are two main categories of funds authorized by the Central Bank,
UCITS (Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) and funds that are not UCITS. ETFs form part of the Irish
and European regulatory frameworks that govern UCITS, with ETFs having been the subject of specific consideration at European
level (which is then repeated and/or interpreted by the Central Bank in its UCITS Notices and Guidance Notes).
One of our subsidiaries, WisdomTree Management Limited, is an Ireland based investment manager providing investment and
other management services to WisdomTree Issuer plc, or WTI, and WisdomTree UCITS ETFs. The WisdomTree UCITS ETFs are
issued by WTI. WTI, a non-consolidated third party, is a public limited company organized in Ireland and is authorized as a UCITS by
the Central Bank. All UCITS have their basis in EU legislation and once authorized in one European Economic Area, or EEA,
Member State, may be marketed throughout the EU, without further authorization. This is described as an EU passport.
WTI is established and operated as a public limited company with segregated liability between its sub-funds. The sub-funds are
segregated portfolios, each with their own investment objective and policies and assets. Each sub-fund has a separate authorization
from the Central Bank, and each is authorized as an ETF. Each sub-fund tracks a different index. The index must comply with
regulatory criteria that govern, among others, the eligibility and diversification of its constituents, and the availability of information
on the index such as the frequency of calculation of the index, the index’s transparency, its methodology and frequency of calculation.
Each sub-fund is listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and has shares admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange and, typically,
on various European stock exchanges and, accordingly, is subject to the listing requirements of those exchanges.
WTI is currently subject to the following legislation and regulatory requirements:
• European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations 2011 (as
amended) (UCITS Regulations). The UCITS Regulations, which transpose Council Directive 2009/65/EC, Commission
Directive 2010/43/EC and Commission Directive 2010/44/EC into Irish law, are effective from July 1, 2011. UCITS
established in Ireland are authorized under the UCITS Regulations.
• Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (Section 48(1)) (Undertakings for Collective Investment in
Transferable Securities) Regulations 2015 (Central Bank UCITS Regulations). The Central Bank UCITS Regulations
were adopted in November 2015 and, together with the UCITS Regulations, any guidance notes produced by the Central
Bank, and the Central Bank forms, they form the basis for all of the requirements that the Central Bank imposes on
UCITS, UCITS management companies and depositaries of UCITS.
• Central Bank Guidance Notes. The Central Bank has also produced Guidance Notes which provide direction on issues
relating to the funds industry, certain of which set down conditions not contained in the Regulations with which UCITS
must conform.
• The Companies Acts 2014 (Companies Acts). WTI is incorporated as a public limited company under the Irish
Companies Acts. Therefore, WTI is required to comply with various obligations under the Companies Acts such as, but
not limited to, convening general meetings and keeping proper books and records. The segregation of liability between
sub-funds means there cannot be, as a matter of Irish law, cross-contamination of liability as between sub-funds so that the
insolvency of one sub-fund affects another sub-fund.
• Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on OTC derivatives,
central counterparties and trade repositories, known as the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR).
EMIR, which became effective on August 16, 2012, provides for certain over-the-counter, or OTC, derivative contracts to
be submitted to central clearing and imposes, inter alia, margin posting and other risk mitigation techniques, reporting and
record keeping requirements. WTI uses OTC derivatives instruments to hedge the currency risk of some of its sub-funds,
which are subject to EMIR. WTI has adhered to the 2013 EMIR Portfolio Reconciliation, Dispute Resolution and
Disclosure Protocol published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. The Central Bank has been
designated as the competent authority for EMIR.
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Boost ETPs
One of our subsidiaries, Boost Management Limited, is a Jersey based investment manager providing investment and other
management services to Boost Issuer PLC, or BI, and Boost ETPs. The Boost ETPs are issued by BI. BI, a non-consolidated third
party, is a public limited company organized in Ireland. It was established as a special purpose vehicle for the purposes of issuing
collateralized exchange traded securities, or ETP Securities, under the Collateralized ETP Securities Programme described in its Base
Prospectus. BI is not required to be licensed, registered or authorized under any current securities, commodities or banking laws of
Ireland and operates without supervision by any authority in any jurisdiction.
The Central Bank, as competent authority under Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended by Directive 2010/73/EU), or the
Prospectus Directive, has approved the Base Prospectus as meeting the requirements imposed under Irish and EU law pursuant to the
Prospectus Directive. Such approval relates only to ETP Securities which are to be admitted to trading on a regulated market for the
purpose of Directive 2004/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on markets in financial instruments (MiFID) and/or
which are to be offered to the public in any Member State of the European Economic Area.
The Central Bank has, at the request of BI, notified the approval of the Base Prospectus in accordance with Article 18 of the
Prospectus Directive to the U.K. Listing Authority (the United Kingdom financial supervisory authority), the Commissione Nazionale
per la Societá e la Borsa (the Italian financial supervisory authority), the Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (the German
Federal financial supervisory authority) and the Financial Market Authority of Austria, by providing them, inter alia, with certificates
of approval attesting that this Base Prospectus has been drawn up in accordance with the Prospectus Directive. BI may request the
Central Bank to provide competent authorities in other EEA Member States with such certificates whether for the purposes of making
a public offer in such Member States or for admission to trading of all or any ETP Securities on a regulated market therein or both.
BI is currently subject to the following legislation and regulatory requirements:
• The Companies Acts. BI is incorporated as a public limited liability company under the Companies Acts. Therefore, BI is
required to comply with various obligations under the Companies Acts such as, but not limited to, convening general
meetings and keep proper books and records.
•
The Prospectus Directive. The Base Prospectus has been drafted, and any offer of ETP Securities in any EEA Member
State that has implemented the Prospectus Directive is made in compliance with the Prospectus Directive and any relevant
implementing measure in such Member States.
• EMIR. BI hedges its payment obligations in respect of the ETP Securities by entering into swap transactions with swap
providers, which are subject to EMIR. The Central Bank has been designated as the competent authority for EMIR and, in
order to assess compliance with EMIR, requests that BI submits annually an EMIR Regulatory Return.
Japanese Regulation
In February 2016, our Tokyo, Japan-based subsidiary, WisdomTree Japan K.K., or WTJ, became registered as a Type 1
Financial Instruments Business with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (a part of Japan’s Ministry of Finance under authority delegated
by the Financial Services Agency of Japan, or FSA). WTJ also is a member of the Japan Securities Dealers Association and the Japan
Investor Protection Fund. Although WTJ has not launched locally listed ETFs in the Japanese market, it will serve the institutional
market in Japan selling our U.S. listed ETFs and, as such, is subject to local regulation within the parameters of its Type 1 Business
license.
WTJ is currently subject to the following legislation and regulatory requirements:
• The Companies Act. WTJ is incorporated as a “Kabushiki Kaisha”, or KK, under the Companies Act of Japan. KKs are
similar to U.S. C corporations. WTJ is required to comply with various obligations under the Companies Act such as, but
not limited to, convening general meetings, appointing a statutory auditor and maintaining proper books and records.
•
The Financial Instruments and Exchange Law. WTJ is subject to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law, or
FIEL, which is administered and enforced by the FSA. The FSA establishes standards for compliance, including capital
adequacy and financial soundness requirements, customer protection requirements and conduct of business rules. The
FSA is empowered to conduct administrative proceedings that can result in censure, fines, the issuance of cease and desist
orders or the suspension or revocation of registrations and licenses granted under the FIEL.
Intellectual Property
We regard our name, WisdomTree, as material to our business and have registered WisdomTree® as a service mark with the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in various foreign jurisdictions.
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Our index-based equity ETFs are based on our own indexes and we do not license them from, nor do we pay licensing fees to, third
parties for these indexes. We do, however, license third party indexes for certain of our fixed income, currency and alternative ETFs.
On March 6, 2012, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued to us our patent on Financial Instrument Selection and
Weighting System and Method, which is embodied in our dividend weighted equity indexes. We also have two patent applications
pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office that relate to the operation of our ETFs and our index methodology. There is no
assurance that patents will be issued from these applications and we currently do not rely upon our recently issued or future patents for
a competitive advantage.
Employees
As of December 31, 2015, we had 177 full-time employees. Of these employees, 55 are engaged in our U.S. sales function, 34
are in Europe and 6 are in Japan, with the remainder providing managerial, finance, marketing, legal, regulatory compliance,
operations and research functions for our U.S. business. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and
we consider our relations with employees to be good.
Segment and Geographic Areas
We operate as one business segment, as an ETP sponsor and asset manager providing investment advisory services. Revenues
are primarily derived in the U.S. and the vast majority of our assets under management are currently located in the U.S.
Available Information
Company Website and Public Filings
Our website is located at www.wisdomtree.com, and our investor relations website is located at http://ir.wisdomtree.com. We
make available, free of charge through our investor relations website, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with, or furnished to, the
SEC. The public may read and copy any materials filed by us with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE,
Washington, D.C., 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-
800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding
the Company at www.sec.gov.
We webcast our earnings calls and certain events we participate in or host with members of the investment community on our
investor relations website. Additionally, we provide notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial performance,
including SEC filings, investor events, press and earnings releases as part of our investor relations website. Further corporate
governance information, including board committee charters and code of conduct, is also available on our investor relations website
under the heading “Corporate Governance.” The contents of our websites are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on
Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our websites are intended to be inactive
textual references only.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Any investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the specific risk factors
described below in addition to the other information contained in this Report before making a decision to invest in our common stock.
If any of these risks actually occur, our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects could be harmed. This could
cause the trading price of our common stock to decline and a loss of all or part of your investment. Certain statements below are
forward-looking statements. See the section entitled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry
Financial growth in recent years may not provide an accurate representation of the financial growth we may experience in the
future, which may make it difficult to evaluate our future prospects.
We launched our first 20 ETFs in June 2006. We incurred significant losses following the launch of our first ETFs. We first
reported net income in the first quarter of 2011 and we only began to generate positive cash flow on a full quarterly basis in the second
fiscal quarter of the year ended December 31, 2010 and, as a result, our historical growth in recent years may not provide an accurate
representation of the growth we may experience in the future, which may make it difficult to evaluate our future prospects. Although
we have reported net income for the last five fiscal years, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability. Prior to
generating net income for 2011, we incurred net losses of $27.0 million, $21.2 million and $7.5 million in 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively. Because of the various risks outlined in this Report, we cannot assure you that we will continue to be profitable.
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The significant AUM growth we have experienced over the past three years may be difficult to sustain.
Our U.S. listed AUM, which makes up the vast majority of our global AUM, has increased significantly over the last three fiscal
years, from $18.3 billion at the end of 2012 to $51.6 billion at the end of 2015. The absolute measure of our AUM represents a
significant rate of growth that has been and may continue to be difficult to sustain. Furthermore, as we grow larger and increase our
AUM, it may become increasingly difficult to maintain our current rate of growth. In addition, as compared to 17 other traditional
publicly traded asset managers, we were ranked number one for our rate of organic growth of 44.8% in 2015. The continued growth of
our business will depend on, among other things, devoting sufficient resources to maintain existing investment strategies and to
selectively develop new strategies that align with market sentiment. Our business growth will also depend on our success in achieving
superior investment performance from our investment strategies, as well as our ability to maintain and extend our distribution
capabilities, to deal with changing market conditions, to maintain adequate financial and business controls and to comply with new
legal and regulatory requirements arising in response to both the increased sophistication of the investment management industry and
the significant market and economic events of the last few years.
Declining prices of securities can adversely affect our business by reducing the market value of the assets we manage or causing
WisdomTree ETF shareholders to sell their fund shares and trigger redemptions.
We are subject to risks arising from declining prices of securities, which may result in a decrease in demand for investment
products, a higher redemption rate and/or a decline in AUM. The securities markets are highly volatile and securities prices may
increase or decrease for many reasons, including general economic conditions, political events, acts of terrorism and other matters
beyond our control. Substantially all of our revenues are determined by AUM in equity securities, in both the international and U.S.
markets. As a result, our business can be expected to generate lower revenues in declining equity market environments or general
economic downturns. A decline in the prices of securities held by the WisdomTree ETFs may cause our revenues to decline by either
causing the value of our AUM to decrease, which would result in lower advisory fees, or causing investors in the WisdomTree ETFs
to sell their shares in favor of investments they perceive to offer greater opportunity or lower risk, thus triggering redemptions that
would also result in decreased AUM and lower fees.
Fluctuations in the amount and mix of our AUM may negatively impact revenues and operating margins.
The level of our revenues depends on the amount and mix of our AUM. Our revenues are derived primarily from advisory fees
based on a percentage of the value of our AUM and vary with the nature of the ETFs, which have different fee levels. Fluctuations in
the amount and mix of our AUM may be attributable in part to market conditions outside of our control that have had, and in the
future could have, a negative impact on our revenues and operating margins.
Withdrawals or broad changes in investments in our ETFs by investors with significant positions may negatively impact revenues
and operating margins.
We have had in the past, and may have in the future, investors who maintain significant positions in one or more of our ETFs. If
such an investor were to broadly change or withdraw its investments in our ETFs because of a change to its investment strategy,
market conditions or any other reason, it may significantly change the amount and mix of our AUM, which may negatively affect our
revenues and operating margins.
We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from two products that are invested in securities of Japanese and European
companies, with a currency hedge, and as a result, our operating results are particularly exposed to the performance of these funds
and our ability to maintain the AUM of these funds, as well as investor sentiment toward investing in the funds’ strategies and
market-specific political and economic risk.
At December 31, 2015, approximately 62% of our U.S. listed ETF AUM was concentrated in two of our WisdomTree ETFs,
with 33% in WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Fund (HEDJ) and 29% in WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund (DXJ). As a
result, our operating results are particularly exposed to the performance of these funds and our ability to maintain the AUM of these
funds, as well as investor sentiment toward investing in the funds’ strategies. We are also subject to political, economic and market
risks in either of these markets and to a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro or Yen. If the AUM in these funds were to
decline, either because of declining market values or net outflows from these funds, our revenues would be adversely affected.
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Most of our AUM is held in ETFs that invest in foreign securities and we therefore have substantial exposure to foreign market
conditions and are subject to currency exchange rate risks.
Many of our ETFs invest in securities of companies, governments and other organizations located outside the United States and
at December 31, 2015, approximately 82% of our AUM was held by these ETFs. Therefore, the success of our business is closely tied
to market conditions in foreign markets. Investments in non-U.S. issuers are affected by political, social and economic uncertainty
affecting a country or region in which we are invested. In addition, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could reduce the
revenues we earn from certain foreign invested ETFs. This occurs because an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to non-
U.S. currencies may result in a decrease in the dollar value of the AUM in these ETFs, which, in turn, would result in lower revenues.
Furthermore, investors are likely to believe certain foreign invested ETFs, as well as certain of our currency and fixed income ETFs,
are a less attractive investment opportunity when the value of the U.S. dollar rises relative to non-U.S. currencies, which could have
the effect of reducing investments in these ETFs, thus reducing revenues. Conversely, a weakening U.S. dollar may make less
attractive our international hedged equity ETFs, as unhedged alternatives would benefit from the appreciation of the foreign currency
or currencies while our hedged ETFs would not, which could result in redemptions in our funds. Since a substantial portion of our
AUM at December 31, 2015 was held in our international hedged equity ETFs, a weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro or
Yen may adversely affect our AUM and revenues.
Many of our WisdomTree ETFs have a limited track record and poor investment performance could cause our revenues to decline.
Many of our ETFs have a limited track record upon which an evaluation of their investment performance can be made. At
December 31, 2015, of our total 86 ETFs, 46 had at least a three year track record, 41 had at least a five year track record and none
had a ten year track record. Furthermore, as part of our strategy, we continuously evaluate our product offerings to ensure that all of
our funds are useful, compelling and differentiated investment offerings, to more competitively align our overall product line in the
current ETF landscape and to reallocate our attention and resources to areas of greater client interest. As a result, we may further
adjust our product offering, which may result in the closing of some of our ETFs, changing their investment objective or offering of
new funds. The investment performance of our funds is important to our success. While strong investment performance could
stimulate sales of our ETFs, poor investment performance, on an absolute basis or as compared to third party benchmarks or
competitive products, could lead to a decrease in sales or stimulate redemptions, thereby lowering the AUM and reducing our
revenues. Our fundamentally-weighted equity ETFs are designed to provide the potential for better risk-adjusted investment returns
over full market cycles and are best suited for investors with a longer-term investment horizon. However, the investment approach of
our equity ETFs may not perform well during certain shorter periods of time during different points in the economic cycle.
We currently depend on State Street Bank and Trust Company to provide us with critical administrative services to operate our
business and the WisdomTree ETFs. The failure of State Street to adequately provide such services could materially affect our
operating business and harm WisdomTree ETF shareholders.
We currently depend upon State Street Bank and Trust Company, or State Street, to provide the WisdomTree Trust with custody
services, fund accounting, administration, transfer agency and securities lending services. The failure of State Street to successfully
provide us and the WisdomTree ETFs with these services could result in financial loss to us and WisdomTree ETF shareholders. In
addition, because State Street provides a multitude of important services to us, changing this vendor relationship would be
challenging. It might require us to devote a significant portion of management’s time to negotiate a similar relationship with another
vendor or have these services provided by multiple vendors, which would require us to coordinate the transfer of these functions to
another vendor or vendors.
We depend on BNY Mellon and Western Asset Management to provide portfolio management services and other third parties to
provide many critical services to operate our business and the WisdomTree ETFs. The failure of key vendors to adequately provide
such services could materially affect our operating business and harm WisdomTree ETF shareholders.
We depend on third party vendors to provide us with many services that are critical to operating our business, including BNY
Mellon and Western Asset Management, as sub-advisers that provide us with portfolio management services, third party providers of
index calculation services for our indexes, a distributor of the WisdomTree ETFs and a third party provider of indicative values of the
portfolios of the WisdomTree ETFs. The failure of any of these key vendors to provide us and the WisdomTree ETFs with these
services could lead to operational issues and result in financial loss to us and WisdomTree ETF shareholders.
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The asset management business is intensely competitive. Many of our competitors have greater market share, offer a broader range of
products and have greater financial resources than we do. As a result, we may experience pressures on our pricing and market share.
Our business operates in intensely competitive industry segments. We compete directly with other ETF sponsors and mutual
fund companies and indirectly against other investment management firms, insurance companies, banks, brokerage firms and other
financial institutions that offer products that have similar features and investment objectives to those offered by us. We compete based
on a number of factors, including name recognition, service, investment performance, product features and breadth of product choices,
and fees. Several ETF sponsors with whom we directly compete are seeking to obtain market share based on low fees. Many of our
competitors have greater market share, offer a broader range of products and have greater financial resources than we do. Some
financial institutions operate in a more favorable regulatory environment and/or have proprietary products and distribution channels,
which may provide certain competitive advantages to them and their investment products. Our competitors may also adopt products,
services or strategies similar to ours, including the use of fundamentally-weighted indexes. In addition, over time certain sectors of the
financial services industry have become considerably more concentrated, as financial institutions involved in a broad range of
financial services have been acquired by or merged into other firms. This convergence could result in our competitors gaining greater
resources and we may experience pressures on our pricing and market share as a result of these factors and as some of our competitors
seek to increase market share by reducing prices. We believe that competition within the ETF industry will continue to increase as
more traditional asset management companies become ETF sponsors.
Competitive pressures could reduce revenues and profit margins.
The ETF industry is becoming significantly more competitive as existing players broaden their suite of products to different
strategies, in some cases, similar to ours. Although the ETF industry currently has a higher barrier to entry as a result of the need for
ETF sponsors to obtain exemptive relief from the SEC in order to operate ETFs, traditional asset managers, many of whom are much
larger than us, have started to enter the ETF space, and some competitors have launched ETFs using either third party or proprietary
fundamentally weighted or factor-based indexes or currency hedged ETFs with fees that are generally equivalent to, and in some
instances lower than, our comparable ETFs. We expect that additional companies, both new and traditional asset managers, will
continue to enter the ETF space.
There has also been increased price competition in not only commoditized product categories such as traditional, market
capitalization weighted index exposures, but also in fundamental or other non-market cap weighted or factor-based exposures.
Vanguard, Schwab, iShares and State Street primarily compete in this space and have offered low fee product for many years.
However more recently, iShares and State Street have lowered prices across additional funds, or launched new funds at lower price
points, along with other new market entrants noted above.
In addition, in 2008, the SEC proposed a rule that, if adopted, would eliminate the need to obtain exemptive relief, thereby
lowering the barrier to entry. This proposed rule was never adopted and it is unclear whether a new rule could be proposed in 2016.
ETFs that do not meet generic exchange listing standards, such as actively managed ETFs, currently undergo a lengthy exchange
listing process, which sometimes takes in excess of a year. In February 2015, the New York Stock Exchange proposed generic listing
standards for such ETFs, which would substantially reduce barriers to entry. While this proposal withdrawn in October 2015, it may
be re-proposed in 2016.
In addition, in December 2014, the SEC granted Eaton Vance and related parties an exemption from certain provisions of the
Investment Company Act to permit the offering of a form of non-transparent exchange traded managed funds. In addition, the SEC
rejected proposals from Precidian and BlackRock to also offer a form of non-transparent exchange traded product. Subsequently,
Precidian refiled its application with changes intended to address the SEC’s concerns. Non-transparent exchange traded products are
expected to launch in 2016 and may allow traditional actively managed mutual fund sponsors to compete more effectively against
ETFs, which could reduce our revenues and profit margins.
Our revenues could be adversely affected if the WisdomTree Trust determines that the advisory fees we receive from the
WisdomTree ETFs should be reduced.
Our advisory agreements with the WisdomTree Trust and the fees we collect from the WisdomTree ETFs are subject to review
and approval by the Independent Trustees of the WisdomTree Trust. The advisory agreements are subject to initial review and
approval. After the initial two-year term of the agreement for each ETF, the continuation of such agreement must be reviewed and
approved at least annually by a majority of the Independent Trustees. In determining whether to approve the agreements, the
Independent Trustees consider factors such as the nature and quality of the services provided by us, the fees charged by us and the
costs and profits realized by us in connection with such services, as well as any ancillary or “fall-out” benefits from such services, the
extent to which economies of scale are shared with the WisdomTree ETFs, and the level of fees paid by other similar funds. If the
Independent Trustees determine that the advisory fees we charge to any particular fund are too high, we will need to reduce our fees,
which could adversely affect our revenues.
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Our risk management policies and procedures, and those of our third party vendors upon which we rely, may not be fully effective
in identifying or mitigating risk exposure, including employee misconduct. If our policies and procedures do not adequately protect
us from exposure to these risks, we may incur losses that would adversely affect our financial condition, reputation and market
share.
We have developed risk management policies and procedures and we continue to refine them as we conduct our business. Many
of our procedures involve oversight of third party vendors that provide us with critical services such as portfolio management, custody
and fund accounting and administration, and index calculation services. Our policies and procedures to identify, monitor and manage
risks may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure. Moreover, we are subject to the risks of errors and misconduct by our
employees, including fraud and non-compliance with policies. These risks are difficult to detect in advance and deter, and could harm
our business, results of operations or financial condition. Although we maintain insurance and use other traditional risk-shifting tools,
such as third party indemnification, in order to manage certain exposures, they are subject to terms such as deductibles, coinsurance,
limits and policy exclusions, as well as risk of counterparty denial of coverage, default or insolvency. If our policies and procedures do
not adequately protect us from exposure and our exposure is not adequately covered by insurance or other risk-shifting tools, we may
incur losses that would adversely affect our financial condition and could cause a reduction in our revenues as WisdomTree ETF
shareholders shift their investments to the products of our competitors.
Compliance with extensive, complex and changing regulation imposes significant financial and strategic costs on our business,
and non-compliance could result in fines and penalties.
Our business is subject to extensive regulation of our business and operations. Our U.S. subsidiary, WisdomTree Asset
Management, Inc., or WTAM, is a registered investment adviser and is subject to oversight by the SEC pursuant to its regulatory
authority under the Investment Advisers Act. We also must comply with certain requirements under the Investment Company Act,
with respect to the WisdomTree ETFs for which WTAM acts as investment adviser. WTAM is also a member of the NFA and
registered as a Commodity Pool Operator for certain of our ETFs. In addition, two of our other subsidiaries, WisdomTree Commodity
Services, LLC and WisdomTree Coal Services, LLC, are also members of the NFA and registered as Commodity Pool Operators for
two of our recently acquired commodity ETFs. As a Commodity Pool Operator, we are subject to oversight by the NFA and the CFTC
pursuant to regulatory authority under the Commodity Exchange Act. In addition, the content and use of our marketing and sales
materials and of our sales force is subject to the regulatory authority of FINRA. We are also subject to foreign laws and regulatory
authorities with respect to operational aspects of our ETFs that invest in securities of issuers in foreign countries and in the offer
and/or sales of our ETFs in foreign jurisdictions. Each of the regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over us has regulatory powers dealing
with many aspects of our business, including the authority to grant, and, in specific circumstances to cancel, permissions to carry on
particular businesses. Our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations could result in fines, censure, suspensions of personnel
or other sanctions, including revocation of our registration as an investment adviser. Even if a sanction imposed against us or our
personnel is small in monetary amount, the adverse publicity arising from the imposition of sanctions against us by regulators could
harm our reputation and thus result in redemptions from our ETFs and impede our ability to retain WisdomTree ETF shareholders and
develop new WisdomTree ETF shareholders, all of which may reduce our revenues.
We face the risk of significant intervention by regulatory authorities, including extended investigation activity, adoption of
costly or restrictive new regulations and judicial or administrative proceedings that may result in substantial penalties. Among other
things, we could be fined or be prohibited from engaging in some of our business activities. The requirements imposed by our
regulators are designed to ensure the integrity of the financial markets and to protect WisdomTree ETF shareholders and our advisory
clients, and are not designed to protect our stockholders. Consequently, these regulations often serve to limit our activities, including
through WisdomTree ETF shareholder protection and market conduct requirements.
The regulatory environment in which we operate also is subject to modifications and further regulation. Recently, concerns have
been raised about ETFs’ possible contribution to market volatility as well as the disclosure requirements applicable to certain types of
more complex ETFs. In addition, the SEC has proposed a broad set of reforms regarding data reporting, fund liquidity and derivatives
usage that would apply to all registered funds, including ETFs, which may have a negative impact on our existing ETFs (including
their operations and/or their performance) and our ability to launch new and innovative ETFs. New laws or regulations, or changes in
the enforcement of existing laws or regulations, applicable to us and our clients also may adversely affect our business, and our ability
to function in this environment will depend on our ability to constantly monitor and react to these changes. Regulatory uncertainty
continues to surround the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which represented a comprehensive
overhaul of the financial services regulatory environment and requires federal agencies to implement numerous new rules, which, if
adopted, may impose additional regulatory burdens and expenses on our business. Compliance with new laws and regulations may
result in increased compliance costs and expenses.
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Specific regulatory changes also may have a direct impact on our revenues. In addition to regulatory scrutiny and potential fines
and sanctions, regulators continue to examine different aspects of the asset management industry. New regulation, judicial
interpretations, revised viewpoints, outcomes of lawsuits against other fund complexes or growth in our ETF assets and/or profitability
related to the annual approval process for investment advisory agreements may result in the reduction of fees under these agreements,
which would mean a reduction in our revenues.
Our operations outside the U.S. are subject to the laws and regulations of various non-U.S. jurisdictions and non-U.S. regulatory
agencies and bodies. As we continue to expand our international presence, a number of our subsidiaries and international operations
have become subject to regulatory systems, in various jurisdictions, comparable to those covering our operations in the U.S.
Regulators in these non-U.S. jurisdictions may have broad authority with respect to the regulation of financial services including,
among other things, the authority to grant or cancel required licenses or registrations.
Damage to our reputation could adversely affect our business.
We believe we have developed a strong brand and a reputation for innovative, thoughtful products, favorable long-term
investment performance and excellent client services. The WisdomTree name and brand is a valuable asset and any damage to it could
hamper our ability to maintain and grow our AUM and attract and retain employees, thereby having a material adverse effect on our
revenues. Risks to our reputation may range from regulatory issues to unsubstantiated accusations. Managing such matters may be
expensive, time-consuming and difficult.
Abnormally wide bid/ask spreads and market disruptions that halt or disrupt trading or create extreme volatility could undermine
investor confidence in the ETF investment structure and limit investor acceptance of ETFs.
The shares of the WisdomTree ETFs, like the shares of all ETFs, trade on exchanges in market transactions that generally
approximate the value of the underlying portfolio of securities held by the particular ETF. Trading involves risks including the
potential lack of an active market for fund shares, abnormally wide bid/ask spreads (the difference between the prices at which shares
of an ETF can be bought and sold) that can exist for a variety of reasons and losses from trading. These risks can be exacerbated
during periods when there is low demand for an ETF, when the markets in the underlying investments are closed, when markets
conditions are extremely volatile or when trading is disrupted. This could result in limited growth or a reduction in the overall ETF
market and result in our revenues not growing as rapidly as it has in the recent past or even in a reduction of revenues.
We have experienced significant growth in recent years, and if we were unable to manage this growth it could have a material
adverse effect on our business.
We have experienced significant growth in recent years, which has placed increased demands on our management and other
resources and will continue to do so in the future. We may not be able to maintain or accelerate our current growth rate, manage our
expanding operations effectively or achieve planned growth on a timely or profitable basis. Managing our growth effectively will
involve, among other things:
•
continuing to retain, motivate and manage our existing employees and attract and integrate new employees;
• developing, implementing and improving our operational, financial, accounting, reporting and other internal systems and
controls on a timely basis; and
• maintaining and developing our various support functions including human resources, information technology, legal and
corporate communications.
If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, there could be a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain or increase
revenues and profitability.
Continued growth will require continued investment in personnel, information technology infrastructure and marketing
activities, as well as further development and implementation of financial, operational and compliance systems and controls. We may
not be successful in implementing all of the processes that are necessary to support our growth. Unless our growth results in an
increase in our revenues that is at least proportionate to the increase in our costs associated with this growth, our gross margins and
our future profitability will be adversely affected.
Our growth strategy also involves, among other things, launching innovative new products that diversify our product offerings
and revenues. This will require us to develop products in areas in which we do not have significant prior experience. We may not be
successful in developing new products and if developed and launched, we may not be successful in marketing these new products.
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We recently expanded our business into Europe and Japan and may expand into other geographic areas in the international
marketplace, which could increase our operational, regulatory and other risks.
In April 2014, we expanded into Europe through the acquisition Boost, and in February 2016, we commenced operations in
Japan. In the future, we may expand into other geographic areas. As a result of such expansion, we expect to face increased
operational, regulatory, compliance, reputational and foreign exchange rate risks. The failure of our compliance and internal control
systems to properly mitigate such additional risks, or of our operating infrastructure to support such expansion, could result in
operational failures and regulatory fines or sanctions. If our international products and operations experience any negative results or
are perceived negatively in non-U.S. markets, it may also harm our reputation in other markets, including the U.S. market. Future
international expansion could require us to incur a number of up-front expenses, including those associated with obtaining regulatory
approvals, as well as additional ongoing expenses, including those associated with leases, the employment of additional support staff
and regulatory compliance. Operating our business in non-U.S. markets may be more expensive than in the United States. To the
extent that our revenues do not increase to the same degree our expenses increase in connection with our expansion outside the United
States, our profitability could be adversely affected. Expanding our business into non-U.S. markets may also place significant
demands on our existing infrastructure and employees.
Future strategic transactions, including business combinations, mergers and acquisitions, may occur at any time, be significant in
size relative to our assets and operations, result in significant changes in our business and materially and adversely affect our
stock price. Additionally, we may expend significant financial, management time and other resources without the consummation of
such transactions or the realization of the anticipated benefits.
We believe attractive opportunities for strategic transactions exist, some of which may be material to our operations and
financial condition if consummated. We have engaged in the past and expect to continue to engage in the future in strategic
discussions that we believe may enable us to strengthen our business, expand and diversify our product offering, increase our AUM or
enter into new markets. Such transactions may result in our issuing a significant amount of our common stock or other security that
could be dilutive to our stockholders, result in substantial borrowings, result in changes in our board composition and/or management
team, constitute a change of control of our Company, lead to significant changes in our product offering, business operations and
earning and risk profiles, and/or result in a decline in the price of our common stock.
Even if consummated, such transactions may involve numerous risks, including, among others:
failure to achieve financial, operating or business objectives;
failure to integrate successfully and in a timely manner any operations, products, services or technology;
•
• diversion of the attention of management and other personnel;
failure to obtain necessary regulatory, stockholder or other approvals;
failure to retain personnel;
failure to obtain any necessary financing on acceptable terms or at all;
•
• unforeseen liabilities or expenses;
failure of counterparties to indemnify us against liabilities arising from such transactions;
potential loss of, or harm to, our relationship with our and the counterparties’ employees, customers and suppliers as a
result of integration of new businesses;
accounting charges;
•
• unfavorable market conditions that could negatively impact the acquired or combined businesses; and
•
legal proceedings, including lawsuits brought by stockholders of us or the counterparties which may result in expenses
and/or have a material adverse effect on our business.
We could be prevented from, or significantly delayed in, achieving our strategic goals if we are unable to successfully integrate
acquired businesses. Our ability to complete future strategic transactions depends upon a number of factors that are not entirely within
our control, including our ability to identify suitable merger or acquisition candidates, negotiate acceptable terms, conclude
satisfactory agreements and secure financing. Our failure to complete strategic transactions or to integrate and manage acquired or
combined businesses successfully could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial conditions.
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•
•
•
•
Our ability to operate effectively could be impaired if we fail to retain or recruit key personnel.
The success of our business and the implementation of our growth strategy are highly dependent on our ability to attract, retain
and motivate highly skilled, and sometimes highly specialized, employees, including in particular, operations, product development,
research and sales personnel. Our employees may voluntarily terminate their employment at any time. The market for these
individuals is extremely competitive and is likely to become more so as additional investment management firms enter the ETF
industry. Our compensation methods may not enable us to recruit and retain required personnel. In particular, our use of equity grants
as a component of total employee compensation may be ineffective if the market price of our common stock declines. Also, we may
need to increase compensation levels, which would decrease our net income or increase our losses. If we are unable to retain and
attract key personnel, it could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in U.S. federal income tax law could make some of our products less attractive to investors.
Many of the WisdomTree ETFs seek to obtain the investment return achieved by our proprietary indexes that weigh index
components based upon dividends. Even with the recent increase in income tax rates applicable to dividends, corporate dividends
continue to enjoy favorable tax treatment under current U.S. federal income tax law. If the income tax rates imposed on dividends
were increased further, it may make these WisdomTree ETFs less attractive to investors.
Our expenses are subject to fluctuations that could materially affect our operating results.
Our results of operations are dependent in part on the level of our expenses, which can vary from quarter to quarter. Our
expenses may fluctuate primarily as a result of discretionary spending, including additional headcount, marketing, advertising and
sales expenses we incur to support our growth initiatives. Accordingly, our results of operation may vary from quarter to quarter.
Any significant limitation, or failure of our technology systems, or of our third party vendors’ technology systems, or any security
breach of our information and cyber security infrastructure, software applications, technology or other systems that are critical to
our operations could interrupt or damage our operations and result in material financial loss, regulatory violations, reputational
harm or legal liability.
We are dependent upon the effectiveness of our own, and our vendors’, information security policies, procedures and capabilities to
protect the technology systems used to operate our business and to protect the data that reside on or are transmitted through them.
Although we and our third party vendors take protective measures to secure information, our and our vendors’ technology systems may
still be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses or other events that could result in inaccuracies in our information or system
disruptions or failures, which could materially interrupt or damage our operations. In addition, technology is subject to rapid change and
we cannot guarantee that our competitors may not implement more advanced technology platforms for their products, which could affect
our business. Any inaccuracies, delays, system failures or breaches, or advancements in technology, and the cost necessary to address
them, could subject us to client dissatisfaction and losses or result in material financial loss, regulatory violations, reputational harm or
legal liability, which, in turn, could cause a decline in our earnings or stock price.
We may from time to time in the future be involved in legal proceedings that could require significant management time and
attention, possibly resulting in significant expense or in an unfavorable outcome, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
From time to time, we may be subject to litigation. In connection with any litigation in which we are involved, we may be
forced to incur costs and expenses in connection with defending ourselves or in connection with the payment of any settlement or
judgment or compliance with any injunctions in connection therewith if there is an unfavorable outcome. The expense of defending
litigation may be significant. The amount of time to resolve lawsuits is unpredictable and defending ourselves may divert
management’s attention from the day-to-day operations of our business, which could adversely affect our business, results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in any such litigation could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Catastrophic and unpredictable events could have a material adverse effect on our business.
A terrorist attack, war, power failure, cyber-attack, natural disaster or other catastrophic or unpredictable event could adversely
affect our revenues, expenses and operating results by: interrupting our normal business operations; inflicting employee casualties,
including loss of our key employees; requiring substantial expenditures and expenses to repair, replace and restore normal business
operations; and reducing investor confidence. We have a disaster recovery plan to address certain contingencies, but this plan may not
be sufficient in responding or ameliorating the effects of all disaster scenarios. Similarly, these types of events could also affect the
ability of the third party vendors that we rely upon to conduct our business, including parties that provide us with sub-advisory
portfolio management services custodial, fund accounting and administration services, or index calculation services, to continue to
provide these necessary services to us, even though they may also have disaster recovery plans to address these contingencies. If we or
our third party vendors are unable to respond adequately or in a timely manner, this failure may result in a loss of revenues and/or
increased expenses, either of which would have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
24
A change of control of our Company would automatically terminate our investment management agreements relating to the
WisdomTree ETFs unless the Board of Trustees of the WisdomTree Trust and shareholders of the WisdomTree ETFs voted to
continue the agreements. A change in control could occur if a third party were to acquire a controlling interest in our Company.
Under the Investment Company Act, an investment management agreement with a fund must provide for its automatic
termination in the event of its assignment. The fund’s board must vote to continue such an agreement following any such assignment
and the shareholders of the WisdomTree ETFs must approve the assignment. The cost of obtaining such shareholder approval can be
significant and which ordinarily would be borne by us. Similarly, under the Investment Advisers Act, a client’s investment
management agreement may not be “assigned” by the investment adviser without the client’s consent.
An investment management agreement is considered under both acts to be assigned to another party when a controlling block of
the adviser’s securities is transferred. Under both acts, there is a presumption that a stockholder beneficially owning 25% or more of
an adviser’s voting stock controls the adviser and conversely a stockholder beneficially owning less than 25% is presumed not to
control the adviser. In our case, an assignment of our investment management agreements may occur if a third party were to acquire a
controlling interest in our Company. We cannot be certain that the Trustees of the WisdomTree ETFs would consent to assignments of
our investment management agreements or approve new agreements with us if a change of control occurs. And even if such approval
were obtained, approval from the shareholders of the WisdomTree ETFs would be required to be obtained; such approval could not be
guaranteed and even if obtained, likely would result in significant expense. This restriction may discourage potential purchasers from
acquiring a controlling interest in our Company.
We may from time to time be subject to claims of infringement of third party intellectual property rights, which could harm our
business.
Third parties may assert against us alleged patent, copyright, trademark or other intellectual property rights to intellectual
property that is important to our business. Any claims that our products or processes infringe the intellectual property rights of others,
regardless of the merit or resolution of such claims, could cause us to incur significant costs in responding to, defending and resolving
such claims, and may divert the efforts and attention of our management from our business. As a result of such intellectual property
infringement claims, we could be required or otherwise decide that it is appropriate to:
pay third party infringement claims;
•
• discontinue selling the particular funds subject to infringement claims;
• discontinue using the processes subject to infringement claims;
• develop other intellectual property or products not subject to infringement claims, which could be time-consuming and
costly or may not be possible; or
•
license the intellectual property from the third party claiming infringement, which license may not be available on
commercially reasonable terms.
The occurrence of any of the foregoing could result in unexpected expenses, reduce our revenues and adversely affect our
business and financial results.
We have been issued a patent and have applied for other patents, but additional patents may not be issued to us and we may not be
able to enforce or protect our patents and other intellectual property rights, which may harm our ability to compete and harm our
business.
Although we have a patent and have applied for other patents relating to our index methodology and the operation of our ETFs,
these other patents may not be issued to us. In addition, even if issued, our ability to enforce our patents and other intellectual property
rights is subject to general litigation risks. While we have been competing without the benefit of these patents being issued, if they are
not issued or we cannot successfully enforce them, we may lose the benefit of a future competitive advantage that they would
otherwise provide to us. If we seek to enforce our rights, we could be subject to claims that the intellectual property right is invalid or
is otherwise not enforceable. Furthermore, our assertion of intellectual property rights could result in the other party seeking to assert
alleged intellectual property rights of its own or assert other claims against us, which could harm our business. If we are not ultimately
successful in defending ourselves against these claims in litigation, we may be subject to the risks described in the immediately
preceding risk factor entitled “We may from time to time be subject to claims of infringement of third party intellectual property
rights, which could harm our business.”
25
Risks Relating to our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your
investment.
The market price of our common stock has been and may continue to fluctuate widely, depending upon many factors, some of
which may be beyond our control, including:
• decreases in our AUM;
variations in our quarterly operating results;
•
• differences between our actual financial operating results and those expected by investors and analysts;
• publication of research reports about us or the investment management industry;
•
•
•
•
•
•
changes in expectations concerning our future financial performance and the future performance of the ETF industry and
the asset management industry in general, including financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts;
our strategic moves and those of our competitors, such as acquisitions or consolidations;
changes in the regulatory framework of the ETF industry and the asset management industry in general and regulatory
action, including action by the SEC to lessen the regulatory requirements or shortening the process to obtain regulatory
relief under the Investment Company Act that is necessary to become an ETF sponsor;
the level of demand for our stock, including the amount of short interest in our stock;
changes in general economic or market conditions; and
realization of any other of the risks described elsewhere in this section.
In addition, stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a
particular company. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. Furthermore, in the
past, market fluctuations and price declines in a company’s stock have led to securities class action litigations or other derivative
stockholder lawsuits. If such a suit were to arise, it could cause substantial costs to us and divert our resources regardless of the
outcome.
If equity research analysts issue unfavorable commentary or downgrade our common stock, the price of our common stock could
decline.
The trading market for our common stock relies in part on the research and reports that equity research analysts publish about us
and our business. We do not control the opinions of these analysts. The price and trading volume of our common stock could decline
if one or more equity analysts downgrade our common stock or if analysts issue other unfavorable commentary or cease publishing
reports about us or our business.
Future issuances of our common stock could lower our stock price and dilute the interests of existing stockholders.
We may issue additional shares of our common stock in the future, either in connection with an acquisition or for other business
reasons. The issuance of a substantial amount of common stock could have the effect of substantially diluting the interests of our
current stockholders. In addition, the sale of a substantial amount of common stock in the public market, either in the initial issuance
or in a subsequent resale by the target company in an acquisition which received such common stock as consideration or by investors
who acquired such common stock in a private placement could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common
stock.
The members of our Board of Directors, their affiliates and our executive officers, as stockholders, can exert significant influence
over our Company.
As of December 31, 2015, the members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers, as stockholders, collectively
beneficially owned approximately 15.4% of our outstanding common stock. As a result of this ownership, they have the ability to
significantly influence all matters requiring approval by stockholders of our Company, including the election of directors. This
concentration of ownership also may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our Company that may be
favored by other stockholders. This could prevent transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their
shares over current market prices.
26
Although our directors and officers have a duty of loyalty to us under Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation,
transactions that we enter into in which a director or officer has a conflict of interest are generally permissible so long as (i) the
material facts relating to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest as to the transaction are disclosed to our Board of Directors
and a majority of our disinterested directors, or a committee consisting solely of disinterested directors, approves the transaction,
(ii) the material facts relating to the director’s or officer’s relationship or interest as to the transaction are disclosed to our stockholders
and a majority of our disinterested stockholders approves the transaction, or (iii) the transaction is otherwise fair to us. Under our
certificate of incorporation, representatives of our stockholders are not required to offer to us any transaction opportunity of which
they become aware and could take any such opportunity for themselves or offer it to other companies in which they have an
investment, unless such opportunity is expressly offered to them solely in their capacity as a director of ours. The listing requirements
of the NASDAQ Global Select Market, upon which our common stock is listed, also require that certain transactions in which a
director or officer has a conflict of interest must be considered and approved by our Audit Committee, which consists solely of
independent directors.
A provision in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws may prevent or delay an acquisition of our Company, which could
decrease the market value of our common stock.
Provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our by-laws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger,
acquisition or other change in control that stockholders may consider favorable. These provisions may also prevent or delay attempts
by stockholders to replace or remove our current management or members of our Board of Directors. These provisions include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
a classified Board of Directors;
limitations on the removal of directors;
advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations;
the inability of stockholders to act by written consent or to call special meetings;
the ability of our Board of Directors to make, alter or repeal our by-laws; and
the authority of our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with such terms as our Board of Directors may determine.
In addition, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which limits business
combination transactions with stockholders of 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock that our Board of Directors has not
approved. These provisions and other similar provisions make it more difficult for stockholders or potential acquirers to acquire us
without negotiation. These provisions may apply even if some stockholders may consider the transaction beneficial to them.
As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
These provisions might also discourage a potential acquisition proposal or tender offer, even if the acquisition proposal or tender offer
is at a premium over the then current market price for our common stock.
The payment of dividends to our stockholders is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and may be limited by our
financial condition, and any applicable laws.
In November 2014, we commenced a quarterly cash dividend and intend to continue to pay regular dividends to our
stockholders. Our Board of Directors may, in its discretion, increase or decrease the level of dividends. Further, our Board of Directors
has the discretion to discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. Any determination as to the payment of dividends, as well as the
level of such dividends, will depend on, among other things, general economic and business conditions, our level of AUM, our
strategic plans, our financial results and condition, new credit facilities or other agreements that could limit the amount of dividends
we are permitted to pay and any applicable laws. If, as a consequence of these various limitations and restrictions, we are unable to
generate sufficient income from our business, we may need to reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends on our common stock.
Any change in the level of our dividends or the suspension of the payment thereof could adversely affect our stock price.
In addition, our Board of Directors is authorized, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with such terms as our
Board of Directors may, in its discretion, determine. Our Board of Directors could, therefore, issue preferred stock with dividend
rights superior to that of the common stock, which could also limit the payment of dividends on the common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
We have no unresolved comments from the SEC staff relating to our periodic or current reports filed with the SEC pursuant to
the Exchange Act.
27
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
Our principal executive office is located at 245 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10167. We occupy approximately 38,000
square feet of office space under a lease that expires in July 2029. We believe that the space we lease is sufficient to meet our needs
until the expiration of the lease.
ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As an investment adviser, we may be subject to routine reviews and inspections by the SEC, NFA and foreign regulators, as
well as legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently party to any litigation or other legal
proceedings that are expected to have a material impact on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “WETF.” The following table sets forth
the intra-day high and low sale prices per share as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Period
High
Low
Dividends
Declared
Fiscal 2015
Quarter ended December 31, 2015 ........................................................... $
Quarter ended September 30, 2015 ........................................................... $
Quarter ended June 30, 2015 .................................................................... $
Quarter ended March 31, 2015 ................................................................. $
22.33 $
26.23 $
23.26 $
22.35 $
14.68 $
15.25 $
18.08 $
14.09 $
Fiscal 2014
Quarter ended December 31, 2014 ........................................................... $
Quarter ended September 30, 2014 ........................................................... $
Quarter ended June 30, 2014 .................................................................... $
Quarter ended March 31, 2014 ................................................................. $
16.71 $
12.95 $
13.66 $
18.50 $
9.57 $
9.63 $
9.11 $
12.34 $
0.33(1)
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.08
—
—
—
(1) Represents special cash dividend of $0.25 per share and regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share.
As of December 31, 2015, there were 184 holders of record of shares of our common stock and we believe there were
approximately 53,000 beneficial owners of our common stock.
Dividends
In November 2014, we commenced a quarterly cash dividend and intend to continue to pay regular dividends to our
stockholders. In November 2015, we paid a special cash dividend in addition to our regular quarterly cash dividend. Our Board of
Directors may, in its discretion, increase or decrease the level of dividends. Further, our Board of Directors has the discretion to
discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. Any determination as to the payment of dividends, as well as the level of such
dividends, will depend on, among other things, general economic and business conditions, our level of AUM, our strategic plans, our
financial results and condition, new credit facilities or other agreements that could limit the amount of dividends we are permitted to
pay, and any applicable laws.
28
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The table below sets forth information with respect to shares of common stock that may be issued under the Company’s equity
compensation plans as of December 31, 2015. Information is included for equity compensation plans approved by our stockholders
and equity compensation plans not approved by our stockholders.
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)
1,444,597 $
100,000 $
1,544,597 $
2.65
2.26
2.62
1,165,606
631,865
1,797,471
Plan category
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders(1) ................................
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders(2) ...........
Total .......................................................
(1)
Includes securities issuable upon exercise of outstanding options that were issued pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Performance
Equity Plan.
(2) Our non-plan options are similar to options granted under our equity compensation plans and generally were granted outside of
these plans when insufficient shares were available for grant under our plans. These options provide the holder with the right to
purchase a certain number of shares of our common stock at a predetermined fixed price for a period of not more than ten years.
All of the non-plan options were granted to directors, employees or advisers to our Board of Directors and the exercise price was
determined to be not less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated
purchaser” of shares of the Company’s common stock.
Period
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
Average Price
Paid Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs(1)
Approximate
Dollar Value
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
(in thousands)
October 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015 .................
November 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015 .........
December 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 ..........
Total ...................................................................
25,615 $
— $
— $
25,615 $
$16.68
—
—
$16.68
25,615
—
—
25,615 $
75,884
(1) On October 29, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a three-year share repurchase program of up to $100 million. During
the three months ended December 31, 2015, we repurchased 25,615 shares of our common stock under this program for an
aggregate cost of $427,258. As of December 31, 2015, $75.9 million remained under this program for future purchases.
In January and February 2016, we repurchased 3,407,305 shares of our common stock under the repurchase program for an
aggregate cost of $35.6 million. Currently $40.3 million remains under this program for future purchases.
29
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
You should read the selected consolidated financial data presented below in conjunction with the section entitled
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Report and our consolidated
financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Report. The selected consolidated statements of operations data
presented below under the heading “Consolidated Statements of Operations Data” for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and
2015 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data presented below under the heading “Consolidated Balance Sheet Data” as of
December 31, 2014 and 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report.
The selected consolidated financial data presented below under the headings “Consolidated Statements of Operations Data” for the
years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and under “Consolidated Balance Sheet Data” as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013
have been derived from our consolidated financial statements not included in this Report. The historical results presented below are
not necessarily indicative of the financial results to be expected for future periods.
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
(in thousands, except per share data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Revenues:
ETF advisory fees ................................................................ $
Other income .......................................................................
Total revenues ............................................................
64,366 $
794
65,160
Expenses:
84,024 $ 148,594 $ 182,816 $ 297,944
998
298,942
946
183,762
874
149,468
774
84,798
Compensation and benefits..................................................
Fund management and administration .................................
Marketing and advertising ...................................................
Sales and business development ..........................................
Professional and consulting fees .........................................
Occupancy, communications and equipment ......................
Depreciation and amortization ............................................
Third party sharing arrangements ........................................
Acquisition contingent payment ..........................................
Other ....................................................................................
ETF shareholder proxy ........................................................
Litigation, net ......................................................................
Exchange listing and offering ..............................................
Total expenses ...........................................................
Income before taxes.............................................................
Income tax expense .............................................................
Net income
$
19,634
19,882
4,475
3,603
4,307
1,127
267
5,651
—
2,243
—
150
729
62,068
3,092
—
3,092 $
23,233
23,020
5,363
3,586
4,603
1,419
307
5,468
—
2,976
3,264
176
353
73,768
11,030
—
11,030 $
36,210
35,076
8,309
6,474
2,748
2,784
439
1,368
—
4,523
—
—
—
97,931
51,537
—
51,537 $
40,995
34,383
11,514
6,221
7,578
3,578
821
594
—
4,530
—
—
—
110,214
73,548
12,497
61,051 $
Net income per share—basic ........................................................ $
Net income per share—diluted ..................................................... $
Weighted average common shares—basic ....................................
Weighted average common shares—diluted .................................
Cash dividends declared per common share ................................. $
0.03 $
0.02 $
0.09 $
0.08 $
0.41 $
0.37 $
0.46 $
0.44 $
114,132
135,539
122,138
137,968
126,651
139,797
131,770
138,551
— $
— $
— $
0.08 $
73,228
42,782
13,371
9,189
7,067
4,299
1,006
2,443
2,185
6,187
—
—
—
161,757
137,185
57,133
80,052
0.58
0.58
137,242
138,825
0.57
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................ $
Total assets .................................................................................... $
Total liabilities .............................................................................. $
Stockholders’ equity ..................................................................... $
25,630 $
42,567 $
16,714 $
25,853 $
30
41,246 $ 104,316 $ 165,284 $ 210,070
63,425 $ 141,791 $ 220,751 $ 292,693
58,191
12,365 $
51,060 $ 109,029 $ 184,285 $ 234,502
36,466 $
32,762 $
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our
consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Report. In
addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our
plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors
that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below. For a more complete description of the risks noted
above and other risks that could cause our actual results to materially differ from our current expectations, please see Item 1A. “Risk
Factors” of this Report. We assume no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law.
Introduction
We were the eighth largest ETP sponsor in the world (based on AUM), with AUM of $52.4 billion globally as of December 31,
2015. An ETP is a pooled investment vehicle that holds a basket of securities, financial instruments or other assets and generally seeks
to track (index-based) or outperform (actively managed) the performance of a broad or specific equity, fixed income or alternatives
market segment, commodity or currency (or an inverse or multiple thereof). ETPs are listed on an exchange with their shares traded in
the secondary market at market prices, generally at approximately the same price as the net asset value of their underlying
components. ETP is an umbrella term that includes ETFs, exchange-traded notes and exchange-traded commodities.
Through our operating subsidiaries, we provide investment advisory and other management services to the WisdomTree ETFs
and Boost ETPs collectively offering ETPs covering equity, fixed income, currency, alternatives and commodity asset classes. In
exchange for providing these services, we receive advisory fee revenues based on a percentage of the ETPs’ average daily AUM. Our
expenses are predominantly related to selling, operating and marketing our ETPs. We have contracted with third parties to provide
certain operational services for the ETPs. We distribute our ETPs through all major channels within the asset management industry,
including brokerage firms, registered investment advisers, institutional investors, private wealth managers and discount brokers
primarily through our sales force. Our sales efforts are not directed towards the retail segment but rather are directed towards financial
or investment advisers that act as intermediaries between the end-client and us.
Executive Summary
Our U.S. listed AUM, which makes up the vast majority of our global AUM, has increased significantly over the last three fiscal
years, from $18.3 billion at the end of 2012 to $51.6 billion at the end of 2015. The significant growth in AUM was a result of record net
inflows in 2013 and 2015. We experience particularly strong inflows when our products align with market sentiment. The significant
inflows we experienced in 2013 were in our currency hedged Japanese equity ETF (DXJ). Political and economic policy changes in
Japan, in particular the Japanese government’s desire to implement policies that have decreased the value of the Yen, drove increased
investor interest in the region and in our Japanese hedged equity ETF. In 2015, our currency hedged European equity ETF (HEDJ)
comprised the vast majority of our net inflows and offset the outflows we experienced in emerging markets as the aggressive monetary
policy of the European Central Bank weakened the Euro, potentially stimulating the equity markets. We believe our increasing inflow
levels and AUM are a result of our innovative product offerings and new product launches to further diversify our product offering, as
well as a longer track record for the funds we launched in 2006 and 2007. Our growth strategy seeks to increase our market share of ETF
industry inflows through continued product diversification and execution of our marketing and sales strategies.
Our strong operating results have translated into record financial results. Our revenues increased significantly from $149.5
million in 2013 to $298.9 million in 2015 primarily due to higher AUM. Pre-tax income increased from $51.5 million in 2013 to
$137.2 million in 2015.
Other business highlights for 2015 include the following:
• We continued to invest in strategic growth initiatives in 2015 to better position us for longer term success. We launched
17 U.S. listed ETFs capitalizing on macro-investment themes and diversifying our product offerings. We invested in
marketing and sales related initiatives to support our existing ETFs as well as new ETF launches. We added 36 new
employees in the U.S., predominantly in sales and functions supporting sales, including research and marketing.
• We executed on our global growth plans by establishing an office in Japan, creating a new distribution relationship in
Israel and strengthening our existing distribution relationships in Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. We also
continued to build out our European business with the successful launch of 14 new Boost ETPs and six new WisdomTree
ETFs, as well as the launch of multiple currency-hedged share classes.
•
To further expand and diversify our product offering, in October 2015, we announced our agreement to acquire the
GreenHaven family of commodity ETFs, which was completed in January 2016.
31
• Due to our growing scale and cash generation as a result of record net inflows, we returned approximately $100 million to
our stockholders through our ongoing quarterly cash dividend, a special cash dividend in the fourth quarter of 2015 and
stock buybacks.
The following charts reflect key operating and financial metrics for our business:
U.S. Listed AUM
($ in billions)
51.6
34.9
39.3
14.3
U.S. Listed Net
Inflows
($ in billions)
U.S. ETF Inflow
Market Share
16.9
8.0%
7.3%
5.1
2.1%
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
Revenues
($ in millions)
298.9
Pre-Tax Income
($ in millions)
137.2
149.5
183.8
73.5
51.5
2013
2014
2015
2013
2014
2015
Background
Market Environment
The economic environment and markets have generally improved over the last three years; however, the markets continue to
experience volatility. The following chart reflects the annual returns of the broad based equity indexes over the last three years:
175
150
125
100
75
2012
Index Total Return Performance
12/31/12 - 12/31/15, monthly
2013
2014
2015
S&P 500
MSCI EAFE (Local)
MSCI Emerging Markets (USD)
Source: Bloomberg.
32
As the chart reflects, the broad based equity market indexes generally have been increasing since 2012, with the exception of
emerging markets. In addition, volatility increased beginning in the second half of 2015.
The U.S. ETF industry also has been experiencing generally higher flows as the charts below reflect. In 2015, international
equities gathered the majority of net inflows for the year:
U.S. ETF Industry
Net Inflows
($ in billions)
2015 U.S. ETF Industry
Net Inflows
($ in billions)
241
230
Global / int'l equities
110
180
Domestic equities
Fixed income
65
55
Other
1
2013
2014
2015
Source: Investment Company Institute.
Industry Developments
The ETF industry is becoming significantly more competitive. Certain existing players have chosen to compete on price in
commoditized categories. In addition, existing players have broadened their suite of products to different strategies that are, in some
cases, similar to ours. Lastly, large traditional asset managers are also launching ETFs, some with similar strategies to ours. We do not
know what effect, if any, the launch of these ETFs may have on our business. Within the ETF industry, being a first mover, or one of
the first providers of ETFs in a particular asset class, can be a significant advantage as the first ETF in a category to attract scale in
AUM and trading liquidity is generally viewed as the most attractive ETF. We believe that our early launch of ETFs in a number of
asset classes or strategies, including fundamental weighting and currency hedging, positions us well to maintain our position as one of
the leaders of the ETF industry. Additionally, we believe our affiliated indexing or “self-indexing” model enables us to launch
proprietary products which do not have exact competition.
The SEC has proposed a broad set of reforms regarding data reporting, fund liquidity and derivatives usage that would apply to
all registered funds, including ETFs. One of the proposed rules may have a negative impact on our existing ETFs and our ability to
launch new and innovative ETFs. In December 2015, the SEC proposed new requirements concerning the use of derivatives and other
financial transactions, commonly referred to as the “derivatives rule.” The two most important pieces of this proposal cover limits on
derivative exposure and requirements concerning the collateralization of derivative exposure generally. We believe substantially all of
our ETFs currently meet the proposed portfolio limitations for derivative transactions. We further believe our ETFs could operate to
meet the proposed asset segregation and additional risk management reporting processes and requirements, if adopted. However, the
actual costs and related impacts are unclear, and we generally believe the regulatory goal of addressing investor protection through
prescriptive requirements that significantly change the current regulatory landscape governing funds’ derivatives use may be neither
necessary nor beneficial from an investor protection standpoint and may unnecessarily diminish the investment experience of end-
investors in open-end mutual funds and ETFs, among other potential consequences. We may put forward specific recommendations in
connection with the SEC’s request for public comment, either directly or through industry channels.
In addition, in April 2015, the Department of Labor proposed a rule that would require financial professionals to abide by a
fiduciary standard and act in the best interest of their clients with respect to investments governed by the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act (ERISA), such as 401(k) plans and IRAs. Investment advisers registered with the SEC already are held to this
standard. However, brokers are primarily held to a suitability standard, which requires them to reasonably believe that any investment
recommendation they give is suitable for an investor’s objectives, means and age. When financial professionals are governed by a
suitability standard in recommending investments to their clients, we believe that ETFs are competitive with traditional investment
products. If the fiduciary standard were to replace the suitability standard, we believe that ETFs’ competitiveness generally will
increase due to the inherent benefits of ETFs – transparency and liquidity.
33
Recent Developments
Market volatility has increased significantly entering 2016. From January 1, 2016 through February 17, 2016, the S&P 500,
MSCI EAFE (local currency) and MSCI Emerging Market (U.S. dollar) broad indexes have declined approximately 6.0%, 10.0% and
7.0%, respectively. Our U.S. listed AUM has declined approximately 15.0% from $51.6 billion to $44.0 billion as a result of $4.8
billion of negative market movement and $2.8 billion of net outflows in our ETFs, primarily in HEDJ and DXJ.
In January and February 2016, we repurchased 3.4 million shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program for
an aggregate cost of $35.6 million. Currently $40.3 million remains under this program for future purchases.
Components of Revenue
Advisory fees
The majority of our revenues are comprised of advisory fees we earn from our U.S. listed ETFs. We earn this revenue based on
a percentage of the average daily value of AUM. Our average daily value of AUM is the average of the daily aggregate AUM of our
ETFs as determined by the then current net asset value (as defined under Investment Company Act Rule 2a-4) of such ETFs as of the
close of business each day. Our fee percentages for individual U.S. listed ETFs range from 0.12% to 0.95%.
We determine the appropriate advisory fee to charge for our ETFs based on the cost of operating each particular ETF taking into
account the types of securities the ETFs will hold, fees third party service providers will charge us for operating the ETFs and our
competitors’ fees for similar ETFs. Generally, our actively managed ETFs, along with our emerging markets ETFs, are priced higher
than our other index based ETFs.
Each of our ETFs has a fixed advisory fee. In order to increase the advisory fee, we would need to obtain approval from a
majority of the ETF shareholders, which may be difficult or not possible to achieve. There also may be a significant cost in obtaining
such ETF shareholder approval. We do not need ETF shareholder approval to lower our advisory fee. From time to time, we
implement voluntary waivers of a portion of our advisory fee. These waivers may expire without shareholder approval needing to be
obtained. In addition, we earn a fee based on daily aggregate AUM of our ETFs in exchange for bearing certain fund expenses not
covered by our advisory fee.
Our ETF advisory fee revenues may fluctuate based on general stock market trends, which include market value appreciation or
depreciation, currency fluctuations against the U.S. dollar and level of inflows or outflows from our ETFs. In addition, these revenues
may fluctuate due to increased competition or a determination by the independent trustees of the WisdomTree ETFs to terminate or
significantly alter the funds’ investment management agreements with us.
Other income
Other income includes interest income from investing our corporate cash and fees from licensing our indexes to third parties.
These revenues are immaterial to our financial results and we do not expect them to be material in the near term.
Components of Expenses
Our operating expenses consist primarily of costs related to selling, operating and marketing our ETFs as well as the
infrastructure needed to run our business.
Compensation and benefits
Employee compensation and benefits expenses are expensed when incurred and include salaries, incentive compensation, and
related benefit costs. Virtually all our employees receive incentive compensation that is based on our operating results as well as their
individual performance. Therefore, a portion of this expense will fluctuate with our business results. In order to attract and retain
qualified personnel, we must maintain competitive employee compensation and benefit plans. In normal circumstances, we expect to
experience a general rise in employee compensation and benefit expenses over the long term as we grow; however, the rate of increase
should be less than the rate of increase in our revenues.
Also included in compensation and benefits are costs related to equity awards granted to our employees. Our executive
management and Board of Directors strongly believe that equity awards are an important part of our employees’ overall compensation
package and that incentivizing our employees with equity in the Company aligns the interest of our employees with that of our
stockholders. We use the fair value method in recording compensation expense for equity based awards. Under the fair value method,
compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and is recognized as an expense
over the vesting period.
34
We intend to continue to increase our headcount in 2016 to support our growth and expect our compensation and benefits
expense for our U.S. based employees will be between 24% to 28% of U.S. listed revenues in 2016.
Fund management and administration
Fund management and administration expenses are expensed when incurred and are comprised of costs we pay third party
service providers to operate our ETFs. Under our advisory agreement with the WisdomTree Trust, the Trustees have approved us and
other third parties to provide essential management and administrative services to the Trust and each ETF in exchange for an advisory
fee. The costs include:
• portfolio management of our ETFs (sub-advisory);
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
fund accounting and administration;
custodial services;
transfer agency;
accounting and tax services;
printing and mailing of stockholder materials;
index calculation;
distribution fees;
legal and compliance services;
exchange listing fees;
trustee fees and expenses;
preparation of regulatory reports and filings;
insurance;
certain local income taxes; and
•
• other administrative services.
We are not responsible for extraordinary expenses, taxes and certain other expenses.
BNY Mellon acts as sub-adviser for the majority of our ETFs and, prior to April 2014, also provided fund administration,
custody and accounting related services for all the WisdomTree ETFs. In April 2014, we transferred our fund administration, custody
and accounting related services to State Street. The fees we pay BNY Mellon, our other sub-advisers and State Street have minimums
per fund which range from $25,000 to $50,000 per year with additional fees ranging between 0.015% and 0.18% of average daily
AUM at various breakpoint levels depending on the nature of the ETF. In addition, we pay certain costs based on transactions in our
ETFs or based on inflow levels. The fees we pay for accounting, tax, transfer agency, index calculation and exchange listing are based
on the number of ETFs we have. The remaining fees are based on a combination of both AUM and number of funds, or as incurred.
Marketing and advertising
Marketing and advertising expenses are recorded when incurred and include the following:
•
•
•
advertising and product promotion campaigns that are initiated to promote our existing and new ETFs as well as brand
awareness;
development and maintenance of our website; and
creation and preparation of marketing materials.
Our discretionary advertising comprises the largest portion of this expense and we expect these costs to increase in the future as
we continue to execute our growth strategy and compete against other ETF sponsors. In addition, we may incur expenditures in certain
periods to attract inflows, the benefit of which may or may not be recognized from increases to our AUM in future periods. However,
due to the discretionary nature of some of these costs, they can generally be reduced if there were a decline in the markets.
35
Sales and business development
Sales and business development expenses are recorded when incurred and includes the following:
travel and entertainment or conference related expenses for our sales force;
•
• market data services for our research team;
•
•
sales related software tools; and
legal and other advisory fees associated with the development of new funds or business initiatives.
Professional and consulting fees
Professional fees are expensed when incurred and consist of fees we pay to corporate advisers including accountants, tax
advisers, legal counsel, investment bankers, human resources or other consultants. These expenses fluctuate based on our needs or
requirements at the time. Certain of these costs are at our discretion and can fluctuate year to year.
Occupancy, communications and equipment
Occupancy, communications and equipment expense includes costs for our corporate headquarters in New York City. We
entered into a new 16 year lease beginning in August 2013 for a larger office facility to support our growth.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense results primarily from amortization of leasehold improvements to our office space as
well as depreciation on fixed assets we purchase, which is depreciated over five to fifteen years.
Third party sharing arrangements
Third party sharing arrangements expense includes payments to our third party marketing agents in Latin America, Australia,
New Zealand and Israel. In addition, this expense includes fees we pay to allow our ETFs to be listed on certain third party platforms.
Acquisition contingent payment
Acquisition contingent payment represents the change in the fair value of the buyout obligation we have to the former
shareholders of our European ETP business, which we acquired in April 2014. The buyout obligation is based on a formula that takes
into account the AUM in the business, its profitability levels and the trading multiple of our common stock. The fair value of the
buyout obligation is based on a scenario based quantitative and qualitative assessment.
Other
Other expenses consist primarily of insurance premiums, general office related expenses, securities license fees for our sales
force, public company related expenses, corporate related travel and entertainment and board of director fees, including stock-based
compensation related to equity awards we granted to our directors.
Income tax
Income tax expense consists of taxes due to various state and federal authorities on our income. The effective tax rate on our
U.S. listed ETF business is approximately 39% and our overall effective tax rate is approximately 43% due to the non-deductibility of
losses in our European ETP business. These losses may be recognized in the future after the European business is profitable. Our U.S.
rate may change in the future as our share of income attributable to the various states changes. We plan on performing this analysis on
an annual basis in connection with the preparation of our U.S. income tax returns.
Factors that May Impact our Future Financial Results
Our revenues are highly correlated to the level and relative mix of our AUM, as well as the fee rate associated with our ETFs.
While our AUM has increased on an annual basis, we have experienced fluctuations on a quarterly basis due to changes in net inflows
and market movement.
36
A significant portion of our AUM is invested in securities issued outside of the U.S. Therefore, our AUM and revenues are
affected by movements in global capital market levels and the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies.
As the chart below reflects, as of December 31, 2015, 62% of our U.S. AUM was concentrated in two products with similar strategies
– HEDJ, our European equity ETF which hedges the Euro, and DXJ, our Japanese equity ETF which hedges the Yen. The
strengthening of the Euro or Yen against the U.S. dollar, or the decline in European or Japanese equity markets, may have an adverse
effect on our results.
U.S. Listed AUM
Emerging
Markets
Equity
7%
Other
14%
HEDJ
33%
U.S.
Equity
17%
DXJ
29%
Another factor impacting our revenues is the fees associated with our ETFs. Our overall average fee rate is affected by the mix
of flows into our ETFs. With a significant portion of our AUM invested in securities issued outside of the U.S., favorable market
sentiment toward international equities (particularly during a time when the U.S. dollar is strengthening) is likely to have a positive
effect on our overall revenues and conversely unfavorable market sentiment is likely to have a negative impact.
In addition, we currently compete within the ETF market against several large ETF sponsors, many smaller sponsors, as well as
new entrants to the marketplace, and will compete against large asset management companies who have recently launched or
announced intentions to launch ETF products. However, it is our belief that our ability to gather inflows into our ETFs, coupled with
general stock market trends, will have the greatest impact on our business.
We have and will continue to strategically invest in our business in order to continue and accelerate our growth. We expect our
investment in strategic growth initiatives to range from $12.0 to $16.0 million in 2016. These initiatives include:
• Continue to expand our sales force, sales support staff and sales activities;
• Continue to launch ETFs to expand and diversify our product set;
•
•
Increase marketing activities to bring more awareness of our existing and new products, as well as our brand; and
Invest in technology and operational support to better scale for future growth.
The components of our strategic growth initiatives may increase or decrease from our planned estimates depending on the nature
of the growth initiatives and market conditions.
Seasonality
We believe seasonal fluctuations in the asset management industry are common. However, since we began our operations, we
believe these seasonal trends may have been masked by the unprecedented volatility in the global equity markets. Therefore, period to
period comparisons of ours or the industry’s net inflows may not be meaningful or indicative of results in future periods.
37
Key Operating Statistics
The following table presents key operating statistics that serve as indicators for the performance of our business:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
Total ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows .............................................................................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ..................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
39,281
16,856
(4,498)
51,639
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
55,930
ETF Industry and Market Share (in billions)
ETF industry net inflows .................................................. $
WisdomTree market share of industry inflows ................
232
7.3%
$
$
$
$
34,884
5,075
(678)
39,281
35,308
241
2.1%
$
$
$
$
18,286
14,323
2,275
34,884
28,472
180
8.0%
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
International Hedged Equity ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows .............................................................................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ..................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
17,760
18,277
(2,726)
33,311
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
34,936
U.S. Equity ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows/(outflows) ............................................................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ..................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
9,390
(299)
(488)
8,603
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
9,261
International Developed Equity ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows .............................................................................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ..................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
3,988
650
(113)
4,525
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
4,552
Emerging Markets Equity ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows/(outflows) ............................................................
Market depreciation..........................................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
6,187
(1,346)
(1,016)
3,825
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
5,500
Fixed Income ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows/(outflows) ............................................................
Market depreciation..........................................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
1,152
(219)
(134)
799
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
910
Currency ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows/(outflows) ............................................................
Market depreciation..........................................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
599
(221)
(10)
368
551
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
13,348
4,865
(453)
17,760
13,383
7,181
1,462
747
9,390
7,949
3,864
573
(449)
3,988
4,667
7,448
(810)
(451)
6,187
7,208
1,906
(680)
(74)
1,152
1,465
979
(373)
(7)
599
465
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,258
10,441
1,649
13,348
8,770
4,371
1,477
1,333
7,181
5,819
2,474
967
423
3,864
2,959
7,332
865
(749)
7,448
7,762
2,118
121
(333)
1,906
2,352
611
418
(50)
979
673
38
Alternative Strategy ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ............................................... $
Inflows .............................................................................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ..................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
Average assets during the period ...................................... $
Average ETF asset mix during the period
International hedged equity ETFs ....................................
U.S. equity ETFs ..............................................................
Emerging markets equity ETFs ........................................
International developed equity ETFs................................
Fixed income ETFs ..........................................................
Currency ETFs .................................................................
Alternative strategy ETFs .................................................
Total .................................................................................
Average ETF advisory fee during the period
Number of ETFs—end of period
International developed equity ETFs................................
International hedged equity ETFs ....................................
U.S. equity ETFs ..............................................................
Fixed income ETFs ..........................................................
Emerging markets equity ETFs ........................................
Currency ETFs .................................................................
Alternative strategy ETFs .................................................
Total .................................................................................
EUROPEAN LISTED ETPs
Total ETPs (in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
$
$
$
205
14
(11)
208
220
62%
17%
10%
8%
2%
1%
0%
100%
$
$
$
158
38
9
205
171
38%
23%
20%
13%
4%
1%
1%
100%
122
34
2
158
137
31%
20%
27%
11%
8%
2%
1%
100%
0.53%
0.52%
0.52%
20
19
15
13
9
6
4
86
17
12
13
12
8
6
2
70
16
6
13
11
7
6
2
61
Beginning of period assets*** ......................................... $
Inflows .............................................................................
Market depreciation..........................................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
165,018
539,780
(266,864)
437,934
Average ETP advisory fee during the period ........................
Number of ETPs—end of period ............................................
Total UCITS ETFs (in thousands)
0.83%
64
Beginning of period assets**** ....................................... $
Inflows .............................................................................
Market appreciation..........................................................
End of period assets ......................................................... $
16,179
287,573
32,186
335,938
Average ETF advisory fee during the period ........................
Number of ETFs—end of period ............................................
Global headcount .....................................................................
0.46%
19
177
$
$
$
$
96,817
119,084
(50,883)
165,018
$ —
—
—
$ —
0.79%
50
—
—
—
16,036
143
16,179
$ —
—
—
$ —
0.38%
6
124
—
—
87
*** As of April 15, 2014
**** UCITS first launched October 24, 2014
39
Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014
Overview
As of and for the Year
Ended December 31,
2015
2014
Change
Percent
Change
U.S. Listed AUM (in millions)
Beginning of period assets .......................................................... $
Net inflows ..................................................................................
Market depreciation .....................................................................
39,281 $
16,856
(4,498)
End of period assets ..................................................................... $
51,639 $
34,884
5,075 $
(678)
39,281 $
11,781
232.1%
12,358
31.5%
Financial Results (in thousands)
Total revenues ............................................................................. $
Total expenses .............................................................................
298,942 $
161,757
183,762 $
110,214
115,180
51,543
Pre-tax income............................................................................. $
Net income .................................................................................. $
137,185 $
80,052 $
73,548 $
61,051 $
63,637
19,001
62.7%
46.8%
86.5%
31.1%
Our U.S. listed AUM increased 31.5% from $39.3 billion at the end of 2014 to $51.6 billion at the end of 2015 primarily due to
$16.9 billion of net inflows slightly offset by market depreciation. We reported pre-tax income of $137.2 million in 2015, an increase
of 86.5% from 2014 primarily due to higher revenues, and we reported net income of $80.1 million in 2015 compared to $61.1 million
in 2014.
Revenues
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
2014
Change
U.S. listed-Average AUM (in millions) .................................. $
U.S. listed-Average ETF advisory fee .....................................
Advisory fees (in thousands) ................................................... $
Other income (in thousands) ...................................................
55,930
$
35,308
$
0.53%
0.52%
297,944
998
$
182,816
946
$
20,622
0.01
115,128
52
Total revenues (in thousands) .................................................. $
298,942
$
183,762
$
115,180
Percent
Change
58.4%
1.9%
63.0%
5.5%
62.7%
Advisory fees
Advisory fees revenues increased 63.0% from $182.8 million in 2014 to $297.9 million in 2015. This increase was primarily
due to higher average asset balances due to our level of net inflows. The average U.S. advisory fee earned increased from 0.52% in
2014 to 0.53% in 2015 due to inflows into our higher fee ETFs.
Other income
Other income increased 5.5% from 2014 to 2015. This increase was primarily due to higher interest income from our growing
cash balances and higher index licensing fees partly offset by losses on foreign currencies.
40
Expenses
Year Ended
December 31,
(in thousands)
2015
2014
Change
Compensation and benefits .......................................................... $
Fund management and administration ..........................................
Marketing and advertising ............................................................
Sales and business development ...................................................
Professional and consulting fees ..................................................
Occupancy, communications and equipment ...............................
Depreciation and amortization .....................................................
Third party sharing arrangements .................................................
Acquisition contingent payment ...................................................
Other ...................................................................................
73,228 $
42,782
13,371
9,189
7,067
4,299
1,006
2,443
2,185
6,187
40,995 $
34,383
11,514
6,221
7,578
3,578
821
594
—
4,530
32,233
8,399
1,857
2,968
(511)
721
185
1,849
2,185
1,657
Total expenses ........................................................... $
161,757 $
110,214 $
51,543
Percent
Change
78.6%
24.4%
16.1%
47.7%
(6.7%)
20.2%
22.5%
311.3%
n/a
36.6%
46.8%
As a Percent of Revenues:
Compensation and benefits .................................................................................
Fund management and administration ................................................................
Marketing and advertising ...................................................................................
Sales and business development .........................................................................
Professional and consulting fees .........................................................................
Occupancy, communications and equipment ......................................................
Depreciation and amortization ............................................................................
Third party sharing arrangements........................................................................
Acquisition contingent payment ..........................................................................
Other ...................................................................................................................
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
2014
24.5%
14.3%
4.5%
3.1%
2.4%
1.4%
0.3%
0.8%
0.7%
2.1%
22.3%
18.7%
6.3%
3.4%
4.1%
1.9%
0.5%
0.3%
0.0%
2.5%
Total expenses .....................................................................................................
54.1%
60.0%
Compensation and benefits
Compensation and benefits expense increased 78.6% from $41.0 million in 2014 to $73.2 million in 2015. This increase was
primarily due to higher accrued incentive compensation due to our record inflow levels, increased headcount related expenses to
support our growth and higher stock-based compensation due to equity awards granted to our employees as part of 2014
compensation. Our U.S. headcount was 101 and our non-U.S. headcount was 23 at the end of 2014 compared to a U.S. headcount of
137 and a non-U.S. headcount of 40 at the end of 2015.
Fund management and administration
Fund management and administration expense increased 24.4% from $34.4 million in 2014 to $42.8 million in 2015. This
increase was primarily due to costs associated with higher average U.S. listed AUM; printing and mailing fees as a result of additional
holders of our U.S. listed ETFs; and other costs associated with additional ETFs. We had 86 U.S. listed ETFs at the end of
2015. Lastly, we incurred higher costs for our non-U.S. listed ETFs as a result of new ETFs launched or cross listed in Europe.
Marketing and advertising
Marketing and advertising expense increased 16.1% from $11.5 million in 2014 to $13.4 million in 2015 primarily due to higher
levels of advertising related activities to support our growth.
41
Sales and business development
Sales and business development expense increased 47.7% from $6.2 million in 2014 to $9.2 million in 2015 primarily due to
higher levels of spending for sales and product development related initiatives.
Professional and consulting fees
Professional and consulting fees decreased 6.7% from $7.6 million in 2014 to $7.1 million in 2015. This decrease was primarily
due to lower fees for strategic consulting services, and advisory costs associated with our acquisition of Boost in 2014, partly offset by
higher recruiting fees as part of our sales force expansion plan.
Occupancy, communications and equipment
Occupancy, communications and equipment expense increased 20.2% from $3.6 million in 2014 to $4.3 million in 2015
primarily due to equipment purchases as part of our technology enhancements.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 22.5% from $0.8 million in 2014 to $1.0 million in 2015 primarily due to
amortization of leasehold improvements to our office space.
Third party sharing arrangements
Third party sharing arrangements expense increased 311.3% from $0.6 million in 2014 to $2.4 million in 2015 primarily due to
higher fees to our third party marketing agent in Latin America as well as fees we pay to list our ETFs on a third party platform.
Acquisition contingent payment
Acquisition contingent payment expense was $2.2 million in 2015. This expense represents the change in the estimated fair
value of the buyout obligation we have to the former shareholders of our European ETP business, which we acquired in April
2014. The buyout obligation is based on a formula that takes into account the AUM in the business, its profitability levels and the
trading multiple of WETF.
Other
Other expenses increased 36.6% from $4.5 million in 2014 to $6.2 million in 2015 due to higher general and administrative
expenses.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense was $57.1 million in 2015. The effective tax rate on our U.S. listed ETF business was 38.9% and our
overall effective tax rate was 42.5% due to the non-deductibility of losses in our European ETP business.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013
Overview
U.S. Listed AUM (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ........................................................... $
Net inflows ...................................................................................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ..............................................
End of period assets ...................................................................... $
Financial Results (in thousands)
Total revenues .............................................................................. $
Total expenses ..............................................................................
Pre-tax income.............................................................................. $
Net income ................................................................................... $
42
As of and for the Year
Ended December 31,
2014
2013
Change
Percent
Change
34,884 $
5,075
(678)
39,281 $
18,286
14,323 $
2,275
34,884 $
(9,248)
(64.6%)
4,397
12.6%
183,762 $
110,214
73,548 $
61,051 $
149,468 $
97,931
51,537 $
51,537 $
34,294
12,283
22,011
9,514
22.9%
12.5%
42.7%
18.5%
Our U.S. listed AUM increased 12.6% from $34.9 billion at the end of 2013 to $39.3 billion at the end of 2014 primarily due to
$5.1 billion of net inflows slightly offset by market depreciation. We reported pre-tax income of $73.5 million in 2014, an increase of
42.7% from 2013 primarily due to higher revenues, and we reported net income of $61.1 million in 2014 compared to $51.5 million in
2013.
Revenues
U.S. listed-Average AUM (in millions) ................................... $
U.S. listed-Average ETF advisory fee ......................................
Advisory fees (in thousands) .................................................... $
Other income (in thousands) ....................................................
Total revenues (in thousands) ................................................... $
Advisory fees
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
35,308
$
2013
28,472
$
0.52%
0.52%
182,816
946
183,762
$
$
148,594
874
149,468
$
$
Change
Percent
Change
6,836
—
34,222
72
34,294
24.0%
—
23.0%
8.2%
22.9%
Advisory fees revenues increased 23.0% from $148.6 million in 2013 to $182.8 million in 2014. This increase was primarily
due to higher average asset balances due to our level of net inflows. The average fee earned remained unchanged at 0.52% from 2013.
Other income
Other income increased 8.2% from 2013 to 2014. This increase was primarily due to higher interest income from our growing
cash balances and realized gains on foreign currencies that we hold partly offset by lower index licensing fees.
Expenses
(in thousands)
Compensation and benefits ............................................................ $
Fund management and administration ............................................
Marketing and advertising ..............................................................
Sales and business development .....................................................
Professional and consulting fees ....................................................
Occupancy, communications and equipment .................................
Depreciation and amortization .......................................................
Third party sharing arrangements ...................................................
Other ...............................................................................................
Total expenses ...................................................................... $
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
40,995 $
34,383
11,514
6,221
7,578
3,578
821
594
4,530
110,214 $
2013
36,210 $
35,076
8,309
6,474
2,748
2,784
439
1,368
4,523
97,931 $
Change
Percent
Change
4,785
(693)
3,205
(253)
4,830
794
382
(774)
7
12,283
13.2%
(2.0%)
38.6%
(3.9%)
175.8%
28.5%
87.0%
(56.6%)
0.2%
12.5%
As a Percent of Revenues:
Compensation and benefits .................................................................................
Fund management and administration ................................................................
Marketing and advertising ...................................................................................
Sales and business development .........................................................................
Professional and consulting fees .........................................................................
Occupancy, communications and equipment ......................................................
Depreciation and amortization ............................................................................
Third party sharing arrangements........................................................................
Other ...................................................................................................................
Total expenses ...........................................................................................
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
22.3%
18.7%
6.3%
3.4%
4.1%
1.9%
0.5%
0.3%
2.5%
60.0%
2013
24.2%
23.5%
5.6%
4.3%
1.8%
1.9%
0.3%
0.9%
3.0%
65.5%
43
Compensation and benefits
Compensation and benefits expense increased 13.2% from $36.2 million in 2013 to $41.0 million in 2014. This increase was
due to our acquisition of Boost, costs associated with our higher U.S. headcount and stock based compensation due to equity awards
we granted to our U.S. employees as part of 2013 compensation. Partly offsetting these increases was a decrease in accrued incentive
compensation due to our inflow levels in 2014 compared to 2013. Our headcount increased from 87 employees at the end of 2013 to
101 in the U.S. and 124 globally at the end of 2014.
Fund management and administration
Fund management and administration expense decreased 2.0% from $35.1 million in 2013 to $34.4 million in 2014. Costs
associated with the number of ETFs increased as we launched nine ETFs in 2014. We incurred costs to terminate our relationship with
BNY Mellon for fund accounting, administration and custodial services. In addition, we incurred higher expenses due to our
acquisition of Boost and the launch of WisdomTree branded ETFs in Europe. More than offsetting the foregoing, variable costs tied to
AUM levels declined due to lower pricing from State Street for fund accounting, administration and custodial services, despite higher
average AUM.
Marketing and advertising
Marketing and advertising expense increased 38.6% from $8.3 million in 2013 to $11.5 million in 2014 primarily due to higher
levels of television, print and online advertising to support our existing and new ETFs.
Sales and business development
Sales and business development expense decreased 3.9% from $6.5 million in 2013 to $6.2 million in 2014 primarily due to
lower levels of spending for new product development partly offset by our acquisition of Boost.
Professional and consulting fees
Professional and consulting fees increased 175.8% from $2.7 million in 2013 to $7.6 million in 2014. This increase was
primarily due to advisory fees associated with our acquisition of Boost as well as other strategic corporate consulting services.
Occupancy, communications and equipment
Occupancy, communications and equipment expense increased 28.5% from $2.8 million in 2013 to $3.6 million in 2014
primarily due to costs for new and larger office space, which we began to occupy in January 2014.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 87.0% from $0.4 million to $0.8 million primarily due to amortization of
leasehold improvements for our new office space.
Third party sharing arrangements
Third party sharing arrangements expense decreased 56.6% from $1.4 million in 2013 to $0.6 million in 2014 primarily due to
lower fees to our third party marketing agent in Latin America.
Other
Other expenses remained relatively unchanged at $4.5 million for 2013 and 2014 as higher fees we paid for our corporate
directors, who we began to pay in July 2013, were offset by lower office related expenses.
44
Income tax expense
Tax expense was $12.5 million in 2014. In the first quarter of 2014, we recorded an income tax benefit of $13.7 million to
recognize our deferred tax asset, which previously had been reserved with a 100% valuation allowance. In the third quarter of 2014,
we completed a state income tax study, which resulted in a reduction of our current baseline operating tax rate in the U.S. from 45% to
approximately 38%. This rate may change in the future as our share of income attributable to the various states changes. We plan on
performing this analysis on an annual basis in connection with the preparation of our U.S. income tax returns. We recorded a charge to
income tax expense in the third quarter to reduce the value of our deferred tax asset, which had previously been recorded using a 45%
rate. In addition, we took a tax charge to account for non-deductible expenses associated with our acquisition of Boost. While we
record income tax expense, we did not pay cash income taxes for 2014 and do not expect to pay cash income taxes for some time
thereafter due to tax losses attributable to excess stock option and restricted stock deductions. Such amounts will be applied to reduce
taxes payable with a corresponding increase to equity.
Quarterly Results
The following tables set forth our unaudited consolidated quarterly statement of operations data, both in dollar amounts and as a
percentage of total revenues, and our unaudited consolidated quarterly operating data for the quarters in 2014 and 2015. In our
opinion, this unaudited information has been prepared on substantially the same basis as the consolidated financial statements
appearing elsewhere in this Report and includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair
statement of the unaudited consolidated quarterly data. The unaudited consolidated quarterly data should be read together with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Report. The results for any quarter are not necessarily
indicative of results for any future period, and you should not rely on them as such.
(in thousands)
Revenues
Q1/14
Q2/14
Q3/14
Q4/14
Q1/15
Q2/15
Q3/15
Q4/15
ETF advisory fees ............... $ 42,609
Other income .......................
311
$ 43,938 $ 46,942 $ 49,327 $ 59,869 $ 81,320 $ 80,520
233
239
273
190
172
272
$ 76,235
254
Total revenues ....................
42,920
44,128
47,114
49,600
60,141
81,559
80,753
76,489
Expenses
Compensation and
benefits ...........................
9,355
7,551
9,990
14,099
19,601
18,669
19,407
15,551
Fund management and
administration .................
9,168
7,818
8,465
8,932
10,168
11,208
10,519
10,887
Marketing and
advertising ......................
2,578
2,726
3,341
2,869
3,076
3,628
3,573
3,094
Sales and business
development ...................
Professional and consulting
fees .................................
Occupancy,
1,301
1,727
1,279
1,914
1,900
2,076
2,438
2,775
1,795
1,840
1,383
2,560
1,463
1,604
1,570
2,430
communications and
equipment .......................
900
Depreciation and
amortization...................
192
Third party sharing
arrangements ..................
10
Acquisition contingent
853
201
115
882
207
187
943
221
282
918
220
283
943
1,183
1,255
223
497
253
485
310
1,178
1,492
1,823
payment
.........................
—
Other ...................................
1,142
—
1,164
—
1,123
—
1,101
257
1,235
264
1,509
172
1,620
Total expenses ..................... 26,441
23,995
26,857
32,921
39,121
40,621
41,220
40,795
Income before taxes................ 16,479
Income tax
expense/(benefit) ............... (13,725)
20,133
20,257
16,679
21,020
40,938
39,533
35,694
9,531
9,634
7,057
8,958
16,766
16,245
15,164
Net income ............................. $ 30,204
$ 10,602 $ 10,623 $ 9,622 $ 12,062 $ 24,172 $ 23,288
$ 20,530
45
Q1/14
Q2/14
Q3/14
Q4/14
Q1/15
Q2/15
Q3/15
Q4/15
Percent of Revenues
Revenues
ETF advisory fees ...............
Other income .......................
99.3%
0.7%
99.6%
0.4%
99.6%
0.4%
99.4%
0.6%
99.5%
0.5%
99.7%
0.3%
99.7%
0.3%
99.7%
0.3%
Total revenues .....................
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Expenses
Compensation and
benefits ...........................
21.8%
17.1%
21.2%
28.4%
32.6%
22.9%
24.0%
20.3%
Fund management and
administration .................
21.4%
17.7%
18.0%
18.0%
16.8%
13.7%
13.0%
14.2%
Marketing and
advertising ......................
6.0%
6.2%
7.1%
5.8%
5.1%
4.4%
4.4%
Sales and business
development ...................
Professional and consulting
fees .................................
Occupancy,
communications and
equipment .......................
Depreciation and
3.0%
4.2%
3.9%
2.7%
3.9%
3.2%
2.5%
3.0%
4.2%
2.9%
5.2%
2.4%
2.0%
2.0%
2.1%
1.9%
1.9%
1.9%
1.5%
1.2%
1.5%
amortization...................
0.4%
0.5%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.3%
0.3%
Third party sharing
arrangements ..................
0.0%
0.3%
0.4%
0.6%
0.5%
0.6%
0.6%
Acquisition contingent
payment ..........................
Other ...................................
0.0%
2.7%
0.0%
2.6%
0.0%
2.4%
0.0%
2.2%
0.4%
2.1%
0.3%
1.9%
0.2%
2.0%
Total expenses .....................
61.6%
54.4%
57.0%
66.4%
65.0%
49.8%
51.0%
Income before taxes................
Income tax
expense/(benefit) ...............
38.4%
45.6%
43.0%
33.6%
35.0%
50.2%
49.0%
(32.0%)
21.6%
20.4%
14.2%
14.9%
20.6%
20.1%
Net income .............................
70.4%
24.0%
22.5%
19.4%
20.1%
29.6%
28.8%
4.0%
3.6%
3.2%
1.7%
0.4%
1.5%
2.0%
2.4%
53.3%
46.7%
19.8%
26.8%
46
Q1/14
Q2/14
Q3/14
Q4/14
Q1/15
Q2/15
Q3/15
Q4/15
Operating Statistics
Total ETF AUM
(in millions)
Beginning of period assets ......... $ 34,884 $ 33,884 $ 35,500 $ 35,823 $ 39,281 $ 55,758 $ 61,299 $ 53,047
Inflows/(outflows) ......................
(2,601)
748
Market
6,598
13,520
4,496
(502)
(661)
334
appreciation/(depreciation) ....
1,193
(425)
End of period assets .................... $ 33,884 $ 35,500 $ 35,823 $ 39,281 $ 55,758 $ 61,299 $ 53,047 $ 51,639
(1,057)
(7,591)
(1,038)
1,282
2,957
(498)
Average assets during the
period ..................................... $ 33,859 $ 34,141 $ 35,554 $ 37,680 $ 46,391 $ 61,153 $ 59,572 $ 56,603
ETF Industry and Market Share
(in billions)
ETF industry net inflows ..................... $ 14.5 $ 57.7 $ 48.8 $ 119.7 $ 55.5 $ 41.4 $ 43.2 $ 91.4
WisdomTree market share of industry
inflows .............................................
n/a
0.6%
1.5%
3.8%
24.4%
15.9%
n/a
n/a
International Hedged Equity ETFs
(in millions)
Beginning of period assets ................... $ 13,348 $ 12,612 $ 12,557 $ 13,971 $ 17,760 $ 33,925 $ 39,222 $ 34,608
(1,997)
Inflows/(outflows) ...............................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ......
700
End of period assets ............................. $ 12,612 $ 12,557 $ 13,971 $ 17,760 $ 33,925 $ 39,222 $ 34,608 $ 33,311
6,083
(786)
4,580
(791)
751
(5,365)
13,440
2,725
(12)
(724)
(502)
447
799
615
Average assets during the period ......... $ 13,052 $ 12,189 $ 12,654 $ 15,637 $ 24,559 $ 38,548 $ 39,061 $ 37,577
U.S. Equity ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ................... $ 7,181 $ 7,505 $ 8,052 $ 7,939 $ 9,390 $ 9,748 $ 9,245 $ 8,247
Inflows/(outflows) ...............................
(14)
370
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ......
End of period assets ............................. $ 7,505 $ 8,052 $ 7,939 $ 9,390 $ 9,748 $ 9,245 $ 8,247 $ 8,603
84
(197)
(320)
(183)
(259)
(739)
294
64
968
483
221
326
189
135
Average assets during the period ......... $ 7,176 $ 7,721 $ 8,067 $ 8,833 $ 9,770 $ 9,664 $ 8,876 $ 8,733
International Developed Equity
ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ................... $ 3,864 $ 4,830 $ 5,340 $ 4,494 $ 3,988 $ 4,323 $ 4,829 $ 4,394
(56)
Inflows/(outflows) ...............................
187
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ......
End of period assets ............................. $ 4,830 $ 5,340 $ 4,494 $ 3,988 $ 4,323 $ 4,829 $ 4,394 $ 4,525
(452)
(394)
(305)
(201)
21
(456)
518
(8)
497
9
812
154
188
147
Average assets during the period ......... $ 4,347 $ 5,135 $ 5,016 $ 4,170 $ 4,111 $ 4,790 $ 4,714 $ 4,592
Emerging Markets Equity ETFs
(in millions)
Beginning of period assets ................... $ 7,448 $ 6,753 $ 7,606 $ 7,495 $ 6,187 $ 6,068 $ 6,244 $ 4,288
(418)
Inflows/(outflows) ...............................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ......
(45)
End of period assets ............................. $ 6,753 $ 7,606 $ 7,495 $ 6,187 $ 6,068 $ 6,244 $ 4,288 $ 3,825
(1,013)
(943)
270
(381)
(836)
(472)
(165)
46
(632)
(63)
250
(74)
388
465
Average assets during the period ......... $ 6,775 $ 7,088 $ 7,878 $ 7,092 $ 6,147 $ 6,336 $ 5,253 $ 4,264
Fixed Income ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ................... $ 1,906 $ 1,610 $ 1,376 $ 1,379 $ 1,152 $
Inflows/(outflows) ...............................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ......
End of period assets ............................. $ 1,610 $ 1,376 $ 1,379 $ 1,152 $
956 $
(85)
(77)
794 $
(210)
(38)
904 $
67
(15)
956 $
794
9
(4)
799
(278)
44
(164)
(63)
(306)
10
69
(66)
904 $
Average assets during the period ......... $ 1,747 $ 1,435 $ 1,385 $ 1,294 $ 1,018 $
929 $
884 $
810
47
Currency ETFs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets ................... $
Inflows/(outflows) ...............................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ......
End of period assets ............................. $
Average assets during the period ......... $
Alternative Strategy ETFs (in
millions)
Q1/14
Q2/14
Q3/14
Q4/14
Q1/15
Q2/15
Q3/15
Q4/15
979 $
(549)
(8)
422 $
422 $
(21)
5
406 $
406 $
(35)
(9)
362 $
362 $
232
5
599 $
599 $
(44)
10
565 $
565 $
7
1
573 $
573 $
(63)
(5)
505 $
505
(121)
(16)
368
611 $
413 $
380 $
456 $
571 $
651 $
562 $
420
Beginning of period assets ................... $
Inflows/(outflows) ...............................
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ......
End of period assets ............................. $
158 $
(4)
(2)
152 $
152 $
8
3
163 $
163 $
13
7
183 $
183 $
21
1
205 $
205 $
17
3
225 $
225 $
14
(9)
230 $
230 $
(13)
(6)
211 $
211
(4)
1
208
Average assets during the period ......... $
Average ETF asset mix during the
period
International hedged equity ETFs ...............
U.S. equity ETFs ........................................
Emerging markets equity ETFs ..................
International developed equity ETFs ..........
Fixed income ETFs .....................................
Currency ETFs............................................
Alternative strategy ETFs ...........................
Total ...........................................................
Average ETF advisory fee during the
period
Number of ETFs—end of period
International developed equity ETFs ..........
International hedged equity ETFs ...............
U.S. equity ETFs ........................................
Fixed income ETFs .....................................
Emerging markets equity ETFs ..................
Currency ETFs............................................
Alternative strategy ETFs ...........................
Total ......................................
151 $
160 $
174 $
198 $
215 $
235 $
222 $
207
39%
21%
20%
13%
5%
2%
0%
100%
36%
23%
21%
15%
4%
1%
0%
100%
36%
23%
22%
14%
4%
1%
0%
100%
42%
23%
19%
11%
3%
1%
1%
100%
53%
21%
14%
9%
2%
1%
0%
100%
63%
16%
10%
8%
2%
1%
0%
100%
66%
15%
9%
8%
1%
1%
0%
100%
66%
15%
8%
8%
2%
1%
0%
100%
0.51%
0.51%
0.52%
0.52%
0.52%
0.53%
0.53%
0.52%
16
6
13
12
7
6
2
62
17
12
13
12
7
6
2
69
17
12
13
12
7
6
2
69
17
12
13
12
8
6
2
70
17
13
13
11
8
6
2
70
18
16
13
12
8
6
2
75
18
17
15
13
8
6
2
79
20
19
15
13
9
6
4
86
EUROPEAN LISTED ETPs
Total ETPs (in thousands)
Beginning of period assets*** .................... $ —
Inflows ........................................................ —
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ............. —
End of period assets .................................... $ —
Average ETP advisory fee during the
$ 96,817 $ 113,244
19,224
17,685
(9,258)
(1,258)
$ 113,244 $ 123,210
$ 123,210 $ 165,018 $ 288,801
50,331
145,381
82,175
44,957
(21,598)
(40,367)
$ 165,018 $ 288,801 $ 384,089
$ 384,089
191,044
(143,874)
$ 431,259
$ 431,259
153,023
(146,348)
$ 437,934
period
—
0.82%
0.79%
0.78%
0.81%
0.82%
0.83%
0.85%
—
Number of ETPs—end of period
Total UCITS ETFs (in thousands)
Beginning of period assets**** .................. $ —
Inflows ........................................................ —
Market appreciation/(depreciation) ............. —
End of period assets ............... $ —
38
42
50
57
57
62
64
$ — $ —
—
—
$ — $ —
—
—
$ — $ 16,179 $ 45,846
144,234
28,851
16,036
38,508
816
143
$ 16,179 $ 45,846 $ 228,588
$ 228,588
62,217
(26,353)
$ 264,452
$ 264,452
52,271
19,215
$ 335,938
Average ETF advisory fee during the
period
Number of ETFs—end of period
Global headcount
—
—
90
—
—
103
—
—
117
0.38%
6
124
0.40%
6
136
0.44%
10
146
0.45%
12
162
0.45%
19
177
*** As of April 15, 2014
**** UCITS first launched October 24, 2014
48
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes key data regarding our liquidity, capital resources and use of capital to fund our operations:
Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):
Cash and cash equivalents ................................................ $
Investments ......................................................................
Accounts receivable .........................................................
Total liabilities .................................................................
$
December 31,
2015
2014
210,070
23,689
27,576
(58,191)
203,144
$
$
165,284
13,990
18,176
(36,466)
160,984
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
Cash Flow Data (in thousands):
Operating cash flows ............................................................... $
Investing cash flows ................................................................
Financing cash flows ...............................................................
Foreign exchange rate effect ....................................................
155,111
(12,319)
(98,136)
130
$
82,630
(5,831)
(15,772)
(59)
$
70,124
(7,027)
(27)
—
Increase in cash and cash equivalents ...................................... $
44,786
$
60,968
$
63,070
Liquidity
We consider our available liquidity to be our liquid assets less our liabilities. Liquid assets consist of cash and cash equivalents,
current receivables and investments. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing
deposits with financial institutions. Accounts receivable primarily represents advisory fees we earn from the WisdomTree ETFs which
is collected by the fifth business day of the month following the month earned. Investments represent debt instruments of U.S.
government and agency securities. Our liabilities consist primarily of payments owed to vendors and third parties in the normal course
of business, accrued year end incentive compensation for employees as well as consideration owed in connection with our acquisition
of Boost in April 2014.
Cash and cash equivalents increased $44.8 million in 2015 primarily due to $155.1 million of cash flows generated by our
operating activities as a result of higher revenues from higher average AUM. We received $4.8 million from the redemption of
investments we held during the year and $4.5 million from the exercise of stock options. We used $78.5 million to pay dividends on
our common stock and $24.1 million to repurchase our common stock. We used $14.5 million to purchase investments and $2.6
million for leasehold and other capital expenditures for our office space.
Cash and cash equivalents increased $61.0 million in 2014 primarily due to $82.6 million of cash flows generated by our
operating activities as a result of higher revenues from higher average AUM. We received $1.5 million from the exercise of stock
options, acquired $1.3 million in cash from our acquisition of Boost and received $0.9 million from the redemption of investments we
held during the year. We used $10.8 million to pay a dividend on our common stock and $6.5 million to repurchase our common
stock. We used $4.9 million for leasehold and other capital expenditures for our new office space and $3.2 million to purchase
investments.
Cash and cash equivalents increased $63.1 million in 2013 primarily due to $70.1 million of cash flows generated by our
operating activities as a result of higher revenues from higher average AUM, $1.6 million received from the exercise of stock options
and $2.8 million from the redemption of investments we held during the year. Partly offsetting these increases was $6.2 million used
for purchase of fixed assets and leasehold improvements for our new office space and $3.6 million used to purchase new investments.
Capital Resources
Currently, our principal source of financing is our operating cash flow. We believe that current cash flows generated by our
operating activities and existing cash balances should be sufficient for us to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.
49
Use of Capital
Our business does not require us to maintain a significant cash position. We expect that our main uses of cash will be to fund the
ongoing operations of our business, invest in strategic growth initiatives, expand our business through strategic acquisitions and fund
our capital return program. In October 2014, we announced a capital return program which includes a $0.08 per share quarterly cash
dividend and authority to purchase up to $100 million of our common stock over three years, including purchases to offset future
equity grants made under our equity plans. In 2015, we repurchased 1,190,356 shares of our common stock under the repurchase
program for an aggregate cost of $24.1 million. In January and February 2016, we repurchased 3,407,305 shares of our common stock
under the program for an aggregate cost of $35.6 million. Currently $40.3 million remains under this program for future purchases.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our future cash payments associated with contractual obligations for leased office space and the
buyout obligation for our European business as of December 31, 2015.
Payments Due by Period
(in thousands)
Total
Less than 1
year
1 to 3 years
3 to 5 years
More than 5
years
Operating leases ........................................................................... $ 40,489 $
Acquisition payable .....................................................................
9,900
Total ................................................................................... $ 50,389 $
3,925 $
—
3,925 $
6,631 $
4,950
11,581 $
8,632 $
4,950
13,582 $
21,301
—
21,301
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Other than operating leases, which are included in the table above, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing or other
arrangements. We have neither created nor are party to any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising
capital, incurring debt or operating our business.
Critical Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
The Company earns investment advisory fees for ETPs and separately managed accounts as well as licensing fees from third
parties. ETP advisory fees are based on a percentage of the ETPs average daily net assets and recognized over the period the related
service is provided. Licensing fees are based on a percentage of the average monthly net assets and recognized over the period the
related service is provided.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at grant date and is recognized over
the relevant service period.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 (ASU
2015-02), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. ASU 2015-17
provides presentation requirements to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial
position. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting
period. Early adoption is permitted for any interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. The Company early
adopted ASU 2015-17 effective December 31, 2015, retrospectively.
In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02 (ASU 2015-02) Amendments to the Consolidation
Analysis, which amends the consolidation guidance in ASC 810. The standard eliminates the deferral of FAS 167, per ASC 810-10-
65-2(a), which has allowed certain investment funds to follow the previous consolidation guidance in FIN 46 (R). The standard
changes whether (1) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider represent a variable interest, (2) a limited partnership or similar
entity has the characteristics of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and (3) a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The
effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015
for public companies, and early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-02 effective December 31, 2015,
retrospectively. Adoption resulted in a reduction of $9,279 and $3,872 in current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Adoption had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for December 31,
2015 and 2014.
50
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09) Revenue from Contracts with Customers,
which is a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard on the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts
entered into with customers. In July 2015, the FASB deferred this ASU’s effective date by one year, to interim and annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2017. The deferral allows early adoption at the original effective date. The Company is currently
assessing the potential impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In the normal course of business, our financial results are subject to market risk.
Market Risk
Market risk to us generally represents the risk of changes in the value of financial instruments held in the portfolios of the
WisdomTree ETPs that generally results from fluctuations in equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar,
and interest rates. Nearly all of our revenues are derived from advisory agreements for the WisdomTree ETFs. Under these
agreements, the advisory fee we receive is based on the average market value of the assets in the WisdomTree ETF portfolios we
manage.
Fluctuations in the value of these securities are common and are generated by numerous factors such as market volatility, the
overall economy, inflation, changes in investor strategies, availability of alternative investment vehicles, government regulations and
others. Accordingly, changes in any one or a combination of these factors may reduce the value of investment securities and, in turn,
the underlying AUM on which our revenues are earned. These declines may cause investors to withdraw funds from our ETPs in favor
of investments that they perceive as offering greater opportunity or lower risk, thereby compounding the impact on our revenues. We
believe challenging and volatile market conditions will continue to be present in the foreseeable future.
Interest Rate Risk
In order to maximize yields, we invest our corporate cash in short-term interest earning assets, primarily money market
instruments at a commercial bank and U.S. government and agency debt instruments which totaled $14.0 million and $23.7 million as
of December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. We do not anticipate that changes in interest rates will have a material impact on our
financial condition, operating results or cash flows.
Exchange Rate Risk
As a result of our acquisition of Boost and operations in Japan, we now operate globally and are subject to currency translation
exposure on the results of our non-U.S. operations. Foreign currency translation risk is the risk that exchange rate gains or losses arise
from translating foreign entities’ statements of earnings and balance sheets from functional currency to our reporting currency (the
U.S. dollar) for consolidation purposes. We generate the vast majority of our revenues and expenses in the U.S. dollar and expect to
do so for some time. We do not anticipate that changes in exchange rates, predominantly the British pound or Euro, will have a
material impact on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows. Currently, we do not enter into derivative financial
instruments aimed at offsetting certain exposures in the statement of operations or the balance sheet but may look to do so in the
future.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The report of the independent registered public accounting firm and financial statements listed in the accompanying index are
included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Index to the consolidated financial statements on page F-1 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
51
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2015, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial
Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) promulgated under the
Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of
December 31, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level in ensuring that material
information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules, regulations and forms of the SEC, including ensuring that such
material information is accumulated by and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief
Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended December 31, 2015, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, management has conducted an assessment, including testing, using the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) (the COSO criteria). Our
system of internal control over financial reporting is designed 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. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; (ii) 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 (iii) 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Based on the assessment, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
52
PART III
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by Item 401 of Regulation S-K regarding directors and officers will be contained in our definitive
proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for the 2015 Annual Meeting of our stockholders, expected to be filed within
120 days of our fiscal year end, or in an amendment to this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K will be contained in our definitive proxy statement or in an amendment
to this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer. The Code of Conduct is posted on our website at
http://ir.wisdomtree.com/governance.cfm.
We will post any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of this Code of Conduct by posting such information on our
website, at the address and location specified above.
The information required by Item 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K will be contained in our definitive proxy
statement or in an amendment to this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 402 and Item 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K will be contained in our definitive proxy
statement or in an amendment to this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by Item 201(d) and Item 403 of Regulation S-K will be contained in our definitive proxy statement or
in an amendment to this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by Item 404 and Item 407(a) of Regulation S-K will be contained in our definitive proxy statement or
in an amendment to this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A will be contained in our definitive proxy statement or in an amendment
to this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS; FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a). The following are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
PART IV
1.
2.
Consolidated Financial Statements: The consolidated financial statements and report of independent registered public
accounting firm required by this item are included beginning on page F-1.
Financial Statement Schedules: None.
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is
shown either in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes thereto.
(b). Exhibits: The attached list of exhibits in the “Exhibit Index” immediately preceding the exhibits to this annual report is
incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
53
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
February 29, 2016
WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS, INC.
By:
/S/ JONATHAN L. STEINBERG
Jonathan L. Steinberg
Chief Executive Officer and Director
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 indicated below on the 29th day of February, 2016.
Signature
Title
/s/ JONATHAN L. STEINBERG
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Jonathan L. Steinberg
/s/ AMIT MUNI
Amit Muni
/s/ MICHAEL STEINHARDT
Michael Steinhardt
/s/ STEVEN L. BEGLEITER
Steven L. Begleiter
/s/ ANTHONY BOSSONE
Anthony Bossone
/s/ BRUCE I. LAVINE
Bruce I. Lavine
/s/ R. JARRETT LILIEN
R. Jarrett Lilien
/s/ WIN NEUGER
Win Neuger
/s/ FRANK SALERNO
Frank Salerno
(Principal Executive Officer)
Executive Vice President—Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
54
WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ...........................................................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 ...................................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .................................................
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ............................
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 ...............................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ....................................................................................................................................
F-2
F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-9
F-1
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. 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 audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, NY
February 29, 2016
F-2
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2015 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ 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 Management on 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 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 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, WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the
consolidated balance sheets of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2015 of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries and our report dated February 29, 2016 expressed
an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, NY
February 29, 2016
F-3
WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
December 31,
2015
2014
Assets
Current assets: .................................................................................................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents ..................................................................................................................... $ 210,070 $ 165,284
Accounts receivable ..............................................................................................................................
18,176
Other current assets ...............................................................................................................................
1,708
27,576
2,899
Total current assets .........................................................................................................................................
Fixed assets, net ..............................................................................................................................................
Investments .....................................................................................................................................................
Deferred tax asset, net .....................................................................................................................................
Goodwill .........................................................................................................................................................
Other noncurrent assets ...................................................................................................................................
240,545
11,974
23,689
14,071
1,676
738
185,168
10,356
13,990
9,490
1,676
71
Total assets ...................................................................................................................................................... $ 292,693 $ 220,751
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Liabilities:
Current liabilities: ...........................................................................................................................................
Fund management and administration payable ..................................................................................... $
Compensation and benefits payable ......................................................................................................
Accounts payable and other liabilities ...................................................................................................
12,971 $
28,060
8,063
Total current liabilities: ...................................................................................................................................
Acquisition payable ...............................................................................................................................
Deferred rent payable ............................................................................................................................
Total liabilities ................................................................................................................................................
49,094
3,942
5,155
58,191
9,983
14,333
5,115
29,431
1,757
5,278
36,466
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01; 2,000 shares authorized: ...................................................................
Common stock, par value $0.01; 250,000 shares authorized; issued: 138,415 and 134,959;
outstanding: 136,794 and 133,445 ....................................................................................................
Additional paid-in capital ......................................................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ................................................................................................
Accumulated deficit ..............................................................................................................................
—
—
1,384
257,960
(126)
(24,716)
1,350
209,216
(53)
(26,228)
Total stockholders’ equity ...............................................................................................................................
234,502
184,285
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity ........................................................................................................ $ 292,693 $ 220,751
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-4
WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
Revenues:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
ETF advisory fees ............................................................................................................. $ 297,944 $ 182,816 $ 148,594
Other income ....................................................................................................................
874
946
998
Total revenues ............................................................................................................................
Expenses:
298,942
183,762
149,468
Compensation and benefits...............................................................................................
Fund management and administration ..............................................................................
Marketing and advertising ................................................................................................
Sales and business development .......................................................................................
Professional and consulting fees ......................................................................................
Occupancy, communications, and equipment ..................................................................
Depreciation and amortization .........................................................................................
Third party sharing arrangements .....................................................................................
Acquisition contingent payment .......................................................................................
Other .................................................................................................................................
73,228
42,782
13,371
9,189
7,067
4,299
1,006
2,443
2,185
6,187
40,995
34,383
11,514
6,221
7,578
3,578
821
594
—
4,530
36,210
35,076
8,309
6,474
2,748
2,784
439
1,368
—
4,523
Total expenses............................................................................................................................
161,757
110,214
97,931
Income before taxes ...................................................................................................................
Income tax expense ....................................................................................................................
137,185
57,133
73,548
12,497
51,537
—
Net income ................................................................................................................................ $
80,052 $
61,051 $
51,537
Net income per share—basic ..................................................................................................... $
0.58 $
0.46 $
Net income per share—diluted .................................................................................................. $
0.58 $
0.44 $
0.41
0.37
Weighted-average common shares—basic ................................................................................
137,242
131,770
126,651
Weighted-average common shares—diluted .............................................................................
138,825
138,551
139,797
Cash dividends declared per common share .............................................................................. $
0.57 $
0.08
—
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-5
WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In Thousands)
Comprehensive income
Net income ............................................................................................................................ $ 80,052 $ 61,051 $ 51,537
Other comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation adjustment ...............................................................................
(73)
(53)
—
Comprehensive income ................................................................................................................. $ 79,979 $ 60,998 $ 51,537
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-6
WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(In Thousands)
Common Stock
Shares
Issued
Par
Value
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Comprehensive
Loss
Accumulated
Deficit
126,554 $ 1,265 $ 177,826 $
10
(1)
48
—
—
974
(137)
4,856
—
—
(10)
(1,612)
1,538
6,459
—
— $
—
—
—
—
—
(128,031) $
—
—
—
—
51,537
Balance—January 1, 2013 ...............................
Restricted stock issued, net.....................
Shares repurchased .................................
Exercise of stock options, net .................
Stock-based compensation .....................
Net income .............................................
Balance—December 31, 2013 .........................
Restricted stock issued, net.....................
Shares repurchased .................................
Exercise of stock options, net .................
Stock-based compensation .....................
Tax benefit from stock option exercised
and vested restricted shares ...............
Foreign currency translation
adjustment..........................................
Dividends ...............................................
Net income .............................................
Balance—December 31, 2014 .........................
Restricted stock issued, net.....................
Shares repurchased .................................
Exercise of stock options, net .................
Stock-based compensation .....................
Tax benefit from stock option exercised
and vested restricted shares ...............
Foreign currency translation
adjustment..........................................
Dividends ...............................................
Net income .............................................
132,247
613
(416)
2,515
—
1,322
6
(4)
26
—
184,201
(6)
(6,527)
1,518
8,137
—
—
21,893
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
134,959
861
(1,190)
3,785
—
1,350
9
(12)
37
—
209,216
(9)
(24,104)
4,483
10,900
—
—
57,474
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(53)
—
—
(53)
—
—
—
—
—
(73)
—
—
Total
51,060
—
(1,613)
1,586
6,459
51,537
109,029
—
(6,531)
1,544
8,137
(76,494)
—
—
—
—
—
21,893
—
(10,785)
61,051
(26,228)
—
—
—
—
(53)
(10,785)
61,051
184,285
—
(24,116)
4,520
10,900
—
57,474
—
(78,540)
80,052
(73)
(78,540)
80,052
Balance—December 31, 2015 .........................
138,415 $ 1,384 $ 257,960 $
(126) $
(24,716) $ 234,502
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-7
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
80,052 $
61,051 $
51,537
WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income ............................................................................................................................... $
Non-cash items included in net income:
Income tax expense ........................................................................................................
Depreciation and amortization and other ........................................................................
Stock-based compensation .............................................................................................
Deferred rent ..................................................................................................................
Accretion to interest income and other ...........................................................................
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable ..............................................................................................
Other assets ...........................................................................................................
Acquisition contingent payment ...........................................................................
Fund management and administration payable .....................................................
Compensation and benefits payable ......................................................................
Accounts payable and other liabilities ..................................................................
Net cash provided by operating activities ................................................................................
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of fixed assets ...........................................................................................................
Purchase of investments ...........................................................................................................
Cash acquired on acquisition ...................................................................................................
Proceeds from the redemption of investments .........................................................................
Net cash used in investing activities ........................................................................................
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid .........................................................................................................................
Shares repurchased ..................................................................................................................
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants ............................................................
53,018
1,006
10,900
(83)
4
(9,321)
(1,864)
2,185
2,978
13,286
2,950
12,403
821
8,137
1,572
(72)
(369)
99
—
(445)
(186)
(381)
155,111
82,630
(2,616)
(14,467)
—
4,764
(4,894)
(3,225)
1,349
939
(12,319)
(5,831)
(78,540)
(24,116)
4,520
(10,785)
(6,531)
1,544
Net cash used in financing activities ........................................................................................
(98,136)
(15,772)
Increase/(decrease) in cash flow due to changes in foreign exchange rate ..............................
130
(59)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year........................................................................
44,786
165,284
60,968
104,316
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year .................................................................................. $ 210,070 $ 165,284 $ 104,316
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes ......................................................................................................... $
1,262 $
66 $
38
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Cashless exercise of stock options and warrants ............................................................ $
— $
— $
267
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-8
—
439
6,459
706
116
(5,020)
(579)
—
3,470
12,122
874
70,124
(6,211)
(3,597)
—
2,781
(7,027)
—
(1,613)
1,586
(27)
—
63,070
41,246
WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
1. Organization and Description of Business
WisdomTree Investments, Inc., through its global subsidiaries (collectively, “WisdomTree” or the “Company”), is an exchange
traded product (“ETP”) sponsor and asset manager headquartered in New York. WisdomTree offers ETPs covering equity, fixed
income, currency, alternative and commodity asset classes. The Company has the following operating subsidiaries:
• WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. (“WTAM”) is a New York based investment adviser registered with the SEC
providing investment advisory and other management services to the WisdomTree Trust (“WTT”) and WisdomTree
exchange traded funds (“ETFs”).
• Boost Management Limited (“BML” or “Boost”) is a Jersey based investment manager providing investment and other
management services to Boost Issuer PLC (“BI”) and Boost ETPs.
• WisdomTree Europe Limited (“WisdomTree Europe”) is a U.K. based company registered with the Financial Conduct
Authority providing management and other services to BML and WisdomTree Management Limited.
• WisdomTree Management Limited (“WTML”) is an Ireland based investment manager providing investment and other
management services to WisdomTree Issuer plc (“WTI”) and WisdomTree UCITS ETFs.
• WisdomTree Japan K. K. (“WTJ”) is a Japan based company that is registered as a Type 1 Financial Instruments Business
with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Finance and serves the institutional market selling U.S. listed
WisdomTree ETFs in Japan.
The WisdomTree ETFs are issued in the U.S. by WTT. WTT, a non-consolidated third party, is a Delaware statutory trust
registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company. The Company has licensed to WTT the use of certain of its
own indexes on an exclusive basis for the WisdomTree ETFs in the U.S. The Boost ETPs are issued by BI. BI, a non-consolidated
third party, is a public limited company organized in Ireland. The WisdomTree UCITS ETFs are issued by WTI. WTI, a non-
consolidated third party, is a public limited company organized in Ireland.
The Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of WTT, BI and WTI, respectively, are separate from the Board of Directors of
the Company. The Trustees and Directors of WTT, BI and WTI respectively, are primarily responsible for overseeing the management
and affairs of the WisdomTree ETFs, Boost ETPs and the WisdomTree UCITS ETFs for the benefit of the WisdomTree ETF, Boost
ETP and the WisdomTree UCITS ETF shareholders, respectively, and have contracted with the Company to provide for general
management and administration services. The Company, in turn, has contracted with third parties to provide the majority of these
administration services. In addition, certain officers of the Company provide general management services for WTT, BI and WTI.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(“GAAP”) and in the opinion of management reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair statement of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. The consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries.
All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain accounts in the prior years’
consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s consolidated financial statements
presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported operating results.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated based on the end of period
exchange rates from local currency to U.S. dollars. Results of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during
the period.
F-9
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet dates and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition
The Company earns investment advisory fees from its ETPs, as well as licensing fees from third parties. ETP advisory fees are
based on a percentage of the ETPs’ average daily net assets and recognized over the period the related service is provided. Licensing
fees are based on a percentage of the average monthly net assets and recognized over the period the related service is provided.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation is provided for using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:
Equipment.........................................................................
Furniture and fixtures .......................................................
5 years
15 years
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of their respective leases or service lives of the improvements, whichever
is shorter. Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Marketing and Advertising
Advertising costs, including media advertising and production costs, are expensed when incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be
classified as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held primarily with one large financial institution.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Accounts receivable are customer and other obligations due under normal trade terms. An allowance for doubtful accounts is not
provided since, in the opinion of management, all accounts receivable recorded are deemed collectible.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
On a periodic basis, the Company performs a review for the impairment of long-lived assets when events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets are less than their
carrying amounts or when other events occur which may indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the reduction in earnings per share assuming
options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
Investments
The Company accounts for all of its investments as held-to-maturity, which are recorded at amortized cost. For held-to-maturity
investments, the Company has the intent and ability to hold investments to maturity and it is not more-likely-than-not that the
Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity.
On a periodic basis, the Company reviews its portfolio of investments for impairment. If a decline in fair value is deemed to be
other-than-temporary, the security is written down to its fair value through earnings.
F-10
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the fair value of the purchase price over the fair values of the identifiable net assets at the acquisition
date. The Company tests its goodwill for impairment at least annually. An impairment loss is triggered if the estimated fair value of
the operating reporting unit is less than the estimated net book value. Such loss is calculated as the difference between the estimated
fair value of goodwill and its carrying value.
Stock-Based Awards
Accounting for stock-based compensation requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all equity
awards based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and is
amortized over the relevant service period.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, which requires the determination of deferred tax assets and
liabilities based on the differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for
the year in which differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are adjusted by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight
of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In order to recognize and measure any unrecognized tax benefits, management evaluates and determines whether any of its tax
positions are more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation
processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets this recognition threshold, the
position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company
records interest expense and penalties related to tax expenses as income tax expense.
Related Party Transactions
The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from investment advisory agreements with WTT and WisdomTree ETFs. Under
these agreements, the Company has licensed to WTT and WTI the use of certain of its own indexes on an exclusive basis for the
WisdomTree ETFs in the U.S. and Europe The Trustees are primarily responsible for overseeing the management and affairs of the
WisdomTree ETFs and the Trust for the benefit of the WisdomTree ETF shareholders and WTT has contracted with the Company to
provide for general management and administration of WTT and the WisdomTree ETFs. The Company is also responsible for certain
expenses of WTT, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, legal, audit, and other non-
distribution services, excluding extraordinary expenses, taxes and certain other expenses. In exchange, the Company receives fees
based on a percentage of the ETF average daily net assets. The advisory agreements may be terminated by WTT upon notice. Certain
officers of the Company also provide general management oversight of WTT; however, these officers have no material decision
making responsibilities and primarily implement the decisions of the Trustees. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the
balance of accounts receivable from WTT was approximately $24,560 and $17,288, respectively, which is included as a component of
accounts receivable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenues from advisory services provided to WTT for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $293,788, $181,987 and $148,594, respectively.
At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the balance of accounts receivable from BI and WTI was approximately $487
and $157, respectively, which is included as a component of accounts receivable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenues from advisory fee services provided to BI and WTI for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately
$4,156 and $829, respectively.
Third-Party Sharing Arrangements
The Company pays a percentage of its advisory fee revenues based on incremental growth in AUM, subject to caps or
minimums, to marketing agents to sell WisdomTree ETFs and for including WisdomTree ETFs on third party customer platforms.
Segment, Geographic and Customer Information
The Company operates as a single business segment as an ETP sponsor and asset manager providing investment advisory
services. Substantially all of the Company’s revenues, pretax income and assets are derived or located in the U.S. The Company
maintains operations in Europe and Japan.
F-11
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 (ASU
2015-17), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. ASU 2015-17
provides presentation requirements to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial
position. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting
period. Early adoption is permitted for any interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. The Company early
adopted ASU 2015-17 effective December 31, 2015, retrospectively.
In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02 (ASU 2015-02) Amendments to the Consolidation
Analysis, which amends the consolidation guidance in ASC 810. The standard eliminates the deferral of FAS 167, per ASC 810-10-
65-2(a), which has allowed certain investment funds to follow the previous consolidation guidance in FIN 46 (R). The standard
changes whether (1) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider represent a variable interest, (2) a limited partnership or similar
entity has the characteristics of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and (3) a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The
effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015
for public companies, and early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-02 effective December 31, 2015,
retrospectively. Adoption resulted in a reduction of $9,279 and $3,872 in current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Adoption had no impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for December 31,
2015 and 2014.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09) Revenue from Contracts with Customers,
which is a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard on the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts
entered into with customers. In July 2015, the FASB deferred this ASU’s effective date by one year, to interim and annual periods
beginning after December 15, 2017. The deferral allows early adoption at the original effective date. The Company is currently
assessing the potential impact of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
Business Combinations
The Company includes the results of operations of the businesses that it acquires from the respective dates of acquisition. The
fair values of the purchase price of the acquisitions are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated
fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as
goodwill.
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the date of the consolidated financial statements to consider whether or not
the impact of such events needed to be reflected or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. Such evaluation was performed
through the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements.
3. Investments and Fair Value Measurements
The following table is a summary of the Company’s investments:
2015
Held-to-
Maturity
2014
Held-to-
Maturity
Federal agency debt instruments ......................................... $
23,689
$
13,990
The following table summarizes unrealized gains, losses, and fair value of investments:
2015
Held-to-
Maturity
2014
Held-to-
Maturity
Cost/amortized cost ............................................................. $
Gross unrealized gains ........................................................
Gross unrealized losses .......................................................
23,689
82
(609)
$
13,990
112
(386)
Fair value............................................................................. $
23,162
$
13,716
F-12
The following table sets forth the maturity profile of investments; however these investments may be called prior to maturity
date:
Due within one year ................................................................. $
Due one year through five years...............................................
Due five years through ten years ..............................................
Due over ten years ....................................................................
2015
Held-to-
Maturity
—
8,369
3,127
12,193
$
2014
Held-to-
Maturity
—
1,409
350
12,231
Total ......................................................................................... $
23,689
$
13,990
Fair Value Measurement
Under the accounting for fair value measurements and disclosures, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to
sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, or the exit price, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement
date. The accounting guidance establishes a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation
techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while
unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions.
These three types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in
markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are
observable.
Level 3—Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The Company’s held-to-maturity securities are categorized
as Level 1.
The Company estimated the fair value of the acquisition payable to be $9,900, of which $3,942 has been recorded as of
December 31, 2015 (Note 11). The fair value measurement of the acquisition payable is categorized as Level 3 and based on a
predefined formula that includes the following inputs: the contractual minimum payment obligation, European AUM, the Company’s
enterprise value over global AUM, and operating results of the European business.
At each reporting period, the fair value of the acquisition payable is determined using a discounted cash flows analysis. The
significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement as of December 31, 2015 are the projected AUM of the European
listed ETPs (ranging from $1.0 billion to $6.0 billion), the projected operating results of the European business, and the discount rate
(27.5%). Significant increases (decreases) to the projected AUM of the European listed ETPs or operating results of the European
business in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) to the discount rate in
isolation would be expected to result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the
Company recorded an expense of $2,185, which was recorded as acquisition contingent payment on the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
Some of the Company’s financial instruments are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts
that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature.
F-13
4. Fixed Assets
The following table summarizes fixed assets:
Equipment ................................................................................ $
Furniture and fixtures ...............................................................
Leasehold improvements..........................................................
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization .....................
December 31,
$
2014
913
1,620
8,795
(972)
2015
1,258
2,382
10,312
(1,978)
Total ......................................................................................... $
11,974
$
10,356
5. Commitments and Contingencies
Contractual Obligations
The Company has entered into obligations under operating leases with initial non-cancelable terms in excess of one year for
office space, telephone, and data services. Expenses recorded under these agreements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014,
and 2013 were approximately $3,447, $3,157 and $2,323, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments with respect to non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2015 are approximately as
follows:
2016 ............................................................................................ $
2017 ............................................................................................
2018 ............................................................................................
2019 and thereafter .....................................................................
3,925
3,512
3,119
29,933
Total ............................................................................................ $
40,489
Letter of Credit
The Company collateralized its U.S. office lease through a standby letter of credit totaling $1,384. The collateral is included in
investments on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Contingencies
The Company is subject to various routine reviews and inspections by regulatory authorities as well as legal proceedings arising
in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently party to any litigation or other legal proceedings that are expected to
have a material impact on its business, financial position or results of operations.
6. Stock-Based Awards
Stock Options
The Company grants equity awards to employees and directors. Options may be issued for terms of ten years and may vest
between two to four years. Options may be issued with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company on the date of grant.
The Company estimated the fair value for options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All stock and option awards require
future service as a condition of vesting with certain awards subject to acceleration under certain conditions.
The Company has three equity award plans, which are similar in nature (collectively, referred to as the “Plans”). Under the
Plans, the Company can issue a maximum of 23,000,000 shares of common stock pursuant to stock options and other stock-based
awards and also has issued from time to time stock-based awards outside the Plans. Options outstanding at December 31, 2015 expire
on dates ranging from May 21, 2016 to November 15, 2021.
F-14
A summary of option activity is as follows:
Outstanding January 1, 2013 ..........................................
Granted ...........................................................................
Forfeitures or expirations ...............................................
Exercised ........................................................................
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 ................................
Granted ...........................................................................
Forfeitures or expirations ...............................................
Exercised ........................................................................
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 ................................
Granted ...........................................................................
Forfeitures or expirations ...............................................
Exercised ........................................................................
Outstanding at December 31, 2015 ................................
Options
12,760,191
—
(40,000)
(4,875,500)
7,844,691
—
—
(2,514,621)
5,330,070
—
—
(3,785,473)
1,544,597
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
0.95
—
4.11
0.38
1.29
—
—
0.61
1.61
—
—
1.19
2.62
$
$
$
$
The following table summarizes information on stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:
Options Outstanding
Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices
$0.70 – $0.70 ...........................................
$1.07 – $1.07 ...........................................
$2.09 – $2.26 ...........................................
$5.05 – $5.05 ...........................................
$6.36 – $6.82 ...........................................
$7.01 – $8.51 ...........................................
Restricted stock
Number
Outstanding at
December 31,
2015
435,000
263,635
396,426
285,000
74,536
90,000
1,544,597
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life in Years
3.1
1.3
3.4
5.1
5.4
5.7
3.5 $
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Number
Exercisable at
December 31,
2015
435,000
263,635
396,426
210,000
74,536
90,000
1,469,597 $
0.70
1.07
2.20
5.05
6.46
7.48
2.62
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value at
December 31,
2015
0.70
1.07
2.20
5.05
6.46
7.48
2.50 $
6,516
3,852
5,345
2,232
687
738
19,370
The Company grants restricted stock to employees and directors. All restricted stock awards require future service as a condition
of vesting with certain awards subject to acceleration under certain conditions. Restricted stock awards generally vest over three years.
The following table summarizes information about restricted shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013:
Unvested balance at January 1, 2013 .................................
Granted ..............................................................................
Vested ................................................................................
Forfeited ............................................................................
Unvested balance at December 31, 2013 ...........................
Granted ..............................................................................
Vested ................................................................................
Forfeited ............................................................................
Unvested balance at December 31, 2014 ...........................
Granted ..............................................................................
Vested ................................................................................
Forfeited ............................................................................
Unvested balance at December 31, 2015 ...........................
F-15
Restricted
Stock Awards
1,281,144
981,810
(358,334)
(7,743)
1,896,877
623,088
(996,385)
(9,641)
1,513,939
886,413
(753,917)
(25,709)
1,620,726
The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation expense:
Employees and directors option awards ....................................... $
Employees and directors restricted stock awards..........................
Year Ended December 31,
2015
295
10,605
$
2014
487
7,650
$
2013
381
6,078
Total .............................................................................................. $
10,900
$
8,137
$
6,459
Stock-based compensation expense related to directors is included in other expenses on the consolidated statements of
operations.
The following table summarizes the Company’s unrecognized stock-based compensation expense and remaining vesting period
as of December 31, 2015:
Employees and directors option awards ......
Employees and directors restricted stock
awards.....................................................
Unrecognized Stock-Based
Compensation
$
$
120
17,008
Average
Remaining
Vesting Period
1.07
1.61
7. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has a 401(k) savings plan covering all eligible employees in which the Company can make discretionary
contributions from its profits.
A summary of the Company made discretionary contributions is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
$
763
$
588
$
491
8. Earnings Per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation:
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
Net income ........................................................................... $
80,052
(shares in thousands)
$
61,051
$
51,537
Shares of common stock and common stock
equivalents: .....................................................................
Weighted average shares used in basic computation ...........
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents ......................
Weighted average shares used in dilutive computation .......
137,242
1,583
138,825
131,770
6,781
138,551
126,651
13,146
139,797
Basic earnings per share ...................................................... $
Diluted earnings per share ................................................... $
0.58
0.58
$
$
0.46
0.44
$
$
0.41
0.37
Diluted earnings per share reflects the reduction in earnings per share assuming options or other contracts to issue common
stock were exercised or converted into common stock under the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of common stock
equivalents was included in the diluted earnings per share in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 1,247
common stock equivalents were determined to be anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share
for the year ended December 31, 2014. There were no anti-dilutive common stock equivalents included in the calculation of diluted
earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2013.
F-16
9. Income Taxes
The components of current and deferred income tax expense included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 as determined in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), are as follows:
Current:
Federal ................................................................................... $
State and local .......................................................................
Foreign ..................................................................................
Deferred:
Federal ...................................................................................
State and local .......................................................................
Foreign ..................................................................................
Year Ended December 31,
2015
2014
2013
1,598
2,431
210
4,239
46,784
6,233
(123)
52,894
$
—
94
—
$ —
—
—
94
—
10,739
1,664
—
—
—
—
12,403
—
Income tax expense from operations .............................................. $
57,133
$
12,497
$ —
The Company has recorded its non-income based taxes as part of other liabilities and other expenses.
Net operating losses – U.S.
The Company has generated net operating losses for tax purposes (“NOLs”) during the year ended December 31, 2013 and prior
periods which may be used to minimize income taxes. The following table provides a summary of the NOL activity for the years
indicated:
Beginning NOLs ............................................................... $
2014 return to provision adjustment .................................
U.S. GAAP income ...........................................................
Tax differences:
Temporary ...............................................................
Permanent ................................................................
State taxes .........................................................................
Year Ended December 31,
2015
(109,839)
3,906
143,665
11,804
(73,175)
(2,431)
$
2014
(140,959)
—
77,609
(1,425)
(45,064)
—
$
2013
(136,515)
—
51,537
5,580
(61,561)
—
Ending NOLs .................................................................... $
(26,070)
$
(109,839)
$
(140,959)
Temporary differences are primarily comprised of the timing difference between recognizing expenses for tax purposes and U.S.
GAAP purposes associated with rent, stock-based compensation, accrued compensation and depreciation of fixed assets.
Permanent differences are primarily comprised of the difference between stock-based compensation amounts recognized for tax
purposes, and previously expensed at the date of grant for U.S. GAAP purposes, at the time options are exercised (at the intrinsic
value) or restricted stock is vested (at fair value of the share price). The Company may record additional NOLs from stock-based
compensation awards which have been granted to employees and remain unexercised or unvested as of December 31, 2015. See
Note 6 for additional details related to outstanding stock compensation awards.
F-17
The Company’s NOLs generally expire 20 years from the time they are generated. In addition, due to the Company incurring a
series of changes in ownership as defined by Section 382 under the Internal Revenue Code, the Company is limited as to the amount
of NOLs it may use in a given year. Prior to the consideration of any limitations imposed due to ownership changes, the Company’s
available NOLs will expire as follows:
Year Ending December 31:
2019 .................................................................. $
2021 ..................................................................
2023 ..................................................................
2024 ..................................................................
2032 ..................................................................
2033 ..................................................................
5,078
579
608
1,942
13,419
4,444
$
26,070
The amounts summarized above are subject to the following annual limitations as indicated by the years such NOLs were
incurred:
NOLs generated between
Annual
Prospective
Limitation
Amount
Deemed
Worthless
Total
1998 — 2004 ....................................................................................... $
2005 — 2013 .......................................................................................
8,207 $
17,863
NOLs ................................................................................................... $
26,070 $
524 $
—
524 $
3,487
—
3,487
Any NOLs not used because of the annual limitation can be used in future periods until expiration.
Net operating losses – Non-U.S.
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries generated $6,685 and $4,061 of
NOLs for a total of $10,746. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, a deferred tax asset related to these NOLs has been fully offset by a
valuation allowance of $2,051 and $816 respectively.
Deferred tax asset
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, $17,863 and $101,108 of the NOLs has been generated from stock-based compensation
amounts recognized for tax purposes at the time options are exercised (at the intrinsic value) or restricted stock is vested (at fair value
of the share price) and previously expensed at the date of grant for U.S. GAAP purposes. These amounts cannot be recognized as a
deferred tax asset under U.S. GAAP. Similarly, a deferred tax asset for AMT credit of $1,598 that was created in 2015 also cannot be
recognized.
A reconciliation of the NOLs presented above and the amount utilized in calculating the deferred tax asset at December 31,
2015 and 2014, respectively, is as follows:
NOLs ................................................................................... $
NOLs deemed worthless .....................................................
Unrecognized stock-based compensation............................
Gross NOLs available for deferred tax asset .......................
Tax rate ...............................................................................
December 31,
2015
26,070
(3,487)
(17,863)
4,720
38.74%
$
2014
109,839
(3,487)
(101,108)
5,244
38.38%
Tax affected ......................................................................... $
1,828
$
2,013
F-18
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the composition of the deferred tax asset is summarized as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
NOLs ............................................................................ $
Foreign NOLs ...............................................................
Stock-based compensation ............................................
Accrued expenses .........................................................
Deferred rent liability ...................................................
Other .............................................................................
Deferred tax assets ........................................................
Deferred tax liabilities:
Incentive compensation ................................................
Fixed assets ...................................................................
Unrealized gains ...........................................................
Deferred tax liabilities ..................................................
Total deferred tax assets less deferred tax liabilities.....
Less: valuation allowance .............................................
2015
1,828
2,051
4,868
10,197
2,116
82
21,142
2,753
2,272
(5)
5,020
16,122
(2,051)
December 31,
$
2014
2,013
816
6,046
5,236
2,170
82
16,363
4,092
1,965
—
6,057
10,306
(816)
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities ........................... $
14,071
$
9,490
During the first quarter of 2014, management determined that although realization is not assured, it believed that it is more
likely than not that its gross deferred tax asset would be realized. Therefore, it released the valuation allowance previously recorded
resulting in an income tax benefit of $21,221 on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2015 and
2014, the Company generated foreign losses resulting in a deferred tax asset of $2,051 and $816, respectively, that is currently not
expected to be realized in the foreseeable future and, accordingly, a valuation allowance was established.
During the third quarter of 2014, the Company completed a state income tax study, which resulted in a reduction in its baseline
operating tax rate in the U.S. from 45% to approximately 38%. The Company recorded a charge to income tax expense in the third
quarter to reduce the value of its deferred tax asset, which had previously been recorded using a 45% rate. The Company recorded a
credit to additional paid-in capital of $21,893 for the amount of NOLs from stock-based compensation utilized to reduce taxes payable
during the period.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% and the Company’s effective rate is as follows:
December 31,
2015
2014
2013
Federal statutory rate ..........................................................................
Permanent differences.........................................................................
State income tax rate, net of federal benefit ........................................
Foreign tax differential .......................................................................
Change in valuation allowance ...........................................................
Change in effective state rate ..............................................................
Other differences, net ..........................................................................
35.00%
0.69%
4.11%
0.82%
0.90%
(0.06%)
0.19%
35.00%
0.69%
1.55%
0.82%
(27.74%)
6.86%
(0.19%)
35.00%
0.09%
10.06%
—
(45.13%)
—
(0.02%)
Effective rate .......................................................................................
41.65%
16.99%
0.00%
Uncertain tax positions
As of December 31, 2015, the Company determined that it has no uncertain tax positions, interest or penalties as defined within
ASC 740-10. The Company does not have unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that
the total unrecognized benefits will significantly increase within the next 12 months. The Company is not currently under audit by any
taxing authority. Tax returns filed with each jurisdiction remain open to examination under the normal three-year statute of limitations.
F-19
APB 23 – Accounting for Income Taxes
The Company recognizes deferred tax liabilities associated with outside basis differences on investments in foreign subsidiaries
unless the difference is considered essentially permanent in duration. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has not recorded any
deferred taxes on approximately $117 of undistributed earnings and profits as they are considered permanently reinvested. In addition,
foreign tax credits will likely be available to eliminate a substantial portion of any future tax from distributions of these foreign
earnings. As of December 31, 2015, the determination of the unrecorded deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not
practicable. If circumstances change in the foreseeable future and it becomes apparent that some or all of the undistributed earnings
will not be reinvested indefinitely, or will be remitted in the foreseeable future, an additional deferred tax liability will be recorded for
some or all of the outside basis difference.
10. Shares Repurchased
On October 29, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a three-year share repurchase program of up to
$100 million. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 1,190 shares of its common stock under this
program for an aggregate cost of $24,116. As of December 31, 2015, $75,884 remains under this program for future purchases. During
the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 416 and 137 shares of its common stock for an aggregate
cost of $6,531 and $1,613, respectively.
11. Acquisition and Goodwill
On April 15, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Boost, a U.K. and Jersey based ETP sponsor, now known as
WisdomTree Europe, as part of the Company’s strategy to expand internationally. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company
owns 75% of WisdomTree Europe and the former Boost shareholders own 25%. The Company will acquire the remaining 25%
ownership interest on or about March 31, 2018 using a predefined formula based on the 180-day average of European AUM at
December 31, 2017 and will be tied to the Company’s enterprise value over the 180-day average of global AUM at December 31,
2017, and affected by profitability of the European business. No consideration was transferred on the acquisition date. The ultimate
payout will be made in cash over the two years subsequent to December 31, 2017.
Two shareholders of Boost, who owned 88% of Boost prior to the acquisition, became co-CEOs of WisdomTree Europe and are
guaranteed a minimum payment of $1,757 for their interest if they terminate their employment without good reason or they are
terminated for cause prior to December 31, 2017. The Company determined that this minimum payment represents consideration
transferred and was recognized and measured at acquisition-date fair value to determine the purchase price. Any future payments
made to the co-CEOs in excess of the minimum payments is accounted for separately from the business combination as acquisition
contingent payment on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and represents
compensation for post-acquisition services, which will be recognized through December 31, 2017. The obligation to mandatorily
redeem the remaining 12% minority shareholders’ interest in Boost is measured at the fair value of the amount of cash that would be
paid under the conditions specified in the agreement. Any change in the carrying amount of the liability will be recognized as an
expense.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company incurred $997 of compensation expense and $1,188 of interest expense,
which represents contingent consideration due to the co-CEOs and non-employee shareholders, respectively. These amounts have both
been recorded in acquisition contingent payment on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive
Income.
Because the Company is required to redeem the shares from the former Boost shareholders on or about March 31, 2018 using a
predefined formula, under U.S. GAAP, the Company does not reflect the 25% interest held by the former Boost shareholders in
WisdomTree Europe as non-controlling interest.
The Company recorded goodwill of $1,676 in connection with this acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess value of the
purchase price over the $81 fair value of the net assets acquired, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, accounts payable and
fixed assets. While the Company paid no consideration up front to the former Boost shareholders, under the terms of the acquisition
agreement, $1,757 was deemed to represent the purchase price. Goodwill is not expected to be tax deductible.
F-20
The following table summarizes the activity of goodwill:
Balance at January 1, 2014 ........................................... $ —
Goodwill acquired during the period ............................
1,676
Balance at December 31, 2014 .....................................
Goodwill acquired during the period ............................
1,676
—
Balance at December 31, 2015 ..................................... $
1,676
12. Subsequent Event
On October 29, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire GreenHaven Commodity Services, LLC, the managing
owner of the GreenHaven Continuous Commodity Index Fund (NYSE Arca: GCC), and GreenHaven Coal Services, LLC, the sponsor
of the GreenHaven Coal Fund (NYSE Arca: TONS), from GreenHaven, LLC and GreenHaven Group LLC, respectively, for
approximately $11,839 in cash. The transaction closed on January 4, 2016 with an effective date of January 1, 2016. The Company
has retained GreenHaven Advisors, LLC as the sub-advisor to the funds to conduct portfolio management services.
In January and February 2016, the Company repurchased 3.4 million shares of its common stock under its share repurchase
program for an aggregate cost of $35.6 million.
F-21
Exhibit
Number
EXHIBIT INDEX
Description
3.1(1)
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
3.2(1)
Amended and Restated Bylaws
4.1(1)
Specimen Common Stock Certificate
4.2(1)
Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement among Registrant and certain investors dated December 21, 2006
4.3(1)
Securities Purchase Agreement among Registrant and certain investors dated December 21, 2006
4.4(1)
Securities Purchase Agreement among Registrant and certain investors dated October 15, 2009
4.5(1)
Third Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated October 15, 2009
10.1(1)
Representative Form of Advisory Agreement between WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. and WisdomTree Trust
10.2(2)
Amended and Restated License Agreement between WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and WisdomTree Trust dated
March 1, 2012
10.3(1) WisdomTree Investments, Inc. 2000 Performance Equity Plan
10.4(1) WisdomTree Investments, Inc. 2001 Performance Equity Plan
10.5(1) WisdomTree Investments, Inc. 2005 Performance Equity Plan
10.6(1)
10.7(1)
Amendment to WisdomTree Investments, Inc. 2005 Performance Equity Plan approved by stockholders on August 20,
2007
Amendment to WisdomTree Investments, Inc. 2005 Performance Equity Plan approved by stockholders on August 23,
2010
10.8(1)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Multiple Year Vesting) for Executive Officers
10.9(1)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Single Year Vesting) for Executive Officers
10.10(1)
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Executive Officers
10.11(1)
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for Independent Directors
10.12(1)
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Independent Directors
10.13(1)
Form of Amendment dated January 26, 2009 to Existing Option Agreements between Registrant and Employees
10.14(1)
Stock Option Agreement between Registrant and Luciano Siracusano dated January 26, 2009
10.15(1) Amendment dated March 30, 2011 to Stock Option Agreements between Registrant and Luciano Siracusano dated
January 26, 2009
10.16(1) Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. and Peter
M. Ziemba dated as of May 24, 2011
10.17(1) Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. and Amit Muni dated
as of May 24, 2011
10.18(1)
Form of Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement
10.19(1)
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Officers and Directors
10.20(3)
Employment Agreement between WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. and Gregory Barton dated as of October 8,
2012
21.1(4)
Subsidiaries of WisdomTree Investments, Inc.
23.1(4)
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.
31.1(4)
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certifications
31.2(4)
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certifications
Exhibit
Number
32.1(4)
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
Description
101.INS(4) XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH(4) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL(4) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF(4) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB(4) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE(4) XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC on March 31, 2011.
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 14, 2012.
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 10, 2012.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4) Filed herewith.
This 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K is being mailed in connection with WisdomTree’s 2016 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. You may also review this document and all exhibits on our website (http://ir.wisdomtree.com). We
will provide printed copies of exhibits to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, but will charge a reasonable fee per
page to any requesting stockholder. Send that request in writing to WisdomTree Investments, Inc., 245 Park
Avenue, 35th Floor, New York, NY 10167, Attention: Corporate Secretary. The request must include a
representation by the stockholder that as of April 27, 2016, the record date, the stockholder was entitled to vote at
the Annual Meeting.
Exhibit 21.1
Name of Subsidiary
WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc.
WisdomTree International (U.K.) Ltd.
WisdomTree Europe Holdings Limited
WisdomTree Management Limited
Boost Management Limited
WisdomTree Europe Ltd.
WisdomTree Japan K. K.
WisdomTree Commodity Services, LLC
WisdomTree Coal Services, LLC
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Delaware
United Kingdom
Jersey
Ireland
Jersey
United Kingdom
Japan
Delaware
Georgia
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-176652) of WisdomTree
Investments, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 2, 2011 of our reports dated February 29, 2016,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries and the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in this Annual Report (Form 10-
K) for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Exhibit 23.1
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
February 29, 2016
Certification
Exhibit 31.1
I, Jonathan L. Steinberg, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of WisdomTree Investments, Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading
with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under
our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this
report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
By:
/s/ Jonathan Steinberg
Jonathan Steinberg
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 29, 2016
Certification
Exhibit 31.2
I, Amit Muni, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of WisdomTree Investments, Inc.;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading
with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this report;
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under
our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is
made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this
report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial
information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
By:
/s/ Amit Muni
Amit Muni
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: February 29, 2016
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Exhibit 32.1
In connection with the Annual Report of WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended
December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the date hereof (the “Report”), we,
Jonathan L. Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Amit Muni, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to our knowledge, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company.
This certification is being furnished and not filed, and shall not be incorporated into any documents for any purpose, under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. A signed original of this written statement require by Section 906 has been provided to
the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.
By: /s/ Jonathan Steinberg
Jonathan Steinberg
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
By: /s/ Amit Muni
Amit Muni
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
February 29, 2016
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