United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

xQuarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Forfor the Quarterly Period Ended March 31,June 30, 2006.

 

¨Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Forfor the Transition Period from            to            .

Commission file number 1-31234

 


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE 75-2969997

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

200 CRESCENT COURT, SUITE 1200

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201

(Address of Principal Executive Office)(Zip Code)

TELEPHONE NUMBER (214) 756-6900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 


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 periods that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x  Yes    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Large accelerated filer  ¨Accelerated filer  xNon-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value — 5,989,1476,395,397 shares as of AprilJuly 24, 2006.

 



WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

INDEX

 

      PAGE

PART I

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  1

Item 1.

  

Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

  1
  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

1

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 and March 31,June 30, 2005

  2
  

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006

  3
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 and March 31,June 30, 2005

  4
  

Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

  5

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  1112

Item 3.

  

Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

  1617

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

  1618

PART II

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  18

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

  1618

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

  1618

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  1618

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  1618

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  1618

Item 5.

  

Other Information

  1719

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

  1719

Signatures

  1720


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of March 31,June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

  

March 31,

2006

  

December 31,

2005

   

June 30,

2006

  December 31,
2005
 
ASSETS        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

  $1,081  $1,897   $2,850  $1,897 

Accounts receivable

   2,838   2,452    2,411   2,452 

Investments, at market value ents, at market value

   17,657   17,878 

Investments, at market value

   18,469   17,878 

Other current assets

   460   410    347   410 
              

Total current assets

   22,036   22,637    24,077   22,637 

Goodwill

   2,302   2,302    2,302   2,302 

Deferred income taxes

   971   817    1,426   817 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $586 and $523

   1,496   1,554 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $654 and $523

   1,410   1,554 
              

Total assets

  $26,805  $27,310   $29,215  $27,310 
              
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        

Current Liabilities:

        

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $702  $715   $621  $715 

Dividends payable

   539   539    575   539 

Compensation and benefits payable

   878   2,980    1,807   2,980 

Income taxes payable

   849   694    771   694 

Other current liabilities

   7   7    9   7 
              

Total current liabilities

   2,975   4,935    3,783   4,935 

Deferred rent

   794   816    769   816 
              

Total liabilities

   3,769   5,751    4,552   5,751 
              

Stockholders’ Equity:

        

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 5,991,647 shares at March 31, 2006; issued and outstanding 5,986,647 shares at December 31, 2005

   60   60 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 6,389,147 shares at June 30, 2006; issued and outstanding 5,986,647 shares at December 31, 2005

   64   60 

Additional paid-in capital

   15,607   21,459    16,819   21,459 

Unamortized stock compensation

   —     (6,572)   —     (6,572)

Retained earnings

   7,369   6,612    7,780   6,612 
              

Total stockholders’ equity

   23,036   21,559    24,663   21,559 
              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $26,805  $27,310   $29,215  $27,310 
              

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

1


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  Three months ended
March 31,
  Three months ended
June 30,
  Six months ended
June 30,
  2006  2005  2006  2005  2006  2005

REVENUES:

            

Advisory fees

  $4,179  $3,191  $4,311  $3,309  $8,490  $6,500

Trust fees

   1,898   1,703   2,042   1,668   3,940   3,371

Other revenues

   434   188   286   276   720   464
                  

Total revenues

   6,511   5,082   6,639   5,253   13,150   10,335
                  

EXPENSES:

            

Employee compensation and benefits

   3,191   2,598   3,730   2,681   6,921   5,279

Sales and marketing

   188   82   177   145   365   227

Information technology

   242   185   220   192   462   377

Professional services

   353   319   375   274   728   593

General and administrative

   494   477   520   435   1,014   912
      ��           

Total expenses

   4,468   3,661   5,022   3,727   9,490   7,388
                  

Income before income taxes

   2,043   1,421   1,617   1,526   3,660   2,947

Provision for income taxes

   786   546   631   589   1,417   1,135
                  

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   1,257   875   986   937   2,243   1,812

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes of $21

   39   —     —     —     39   —  
                  

Net income

  $1,296  $875  $986  $937  $2,282  $1,812
                  

Earnings per share:

            

Basic:

            

Continuing operations

  $0.23  $0.16  $0.18  $0.17  $0.41  $0.33

Cumulative effect of an accounting change

   —     —     —     —     —     —  
                  

Net income

  $0.23  $0.16  $0.18  $0.17  $0.41  $0.33
                  

Diluted:

            

Continuing operations

  $0.22  $0.16  $0.18  $0.17  $0.40  $0.32

Cumulative effect of an accounting change

   0.01   —     —     —     0.01   —  
                  

Net income

  $0.23  $0.16  $0.18  $0.17  $0.41  $0.32
                  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the ThreeSix Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2006

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  

Westwood Holdings

Group, Inc.

Common Stock, Par

  

Additional

Paid-In

Capital

  

Unamortized

Stock

Compensation

  

Retained

Earnings

  Total   

Westwood Holdings
Group, Inc.

Common Stock, Par

  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Unamortized
Stock
Compensation
  Retained
Earnings
  Total 
  Shares  Amount     Shares  Amount   

BALANCE, January 1, 2006

  5,986,647  $60  $21,459  $(6,572) $6,612  $21,559   5,986,647  $60  $21,459  $(6,572) $6,612  $21,559 

Net income

         1,296   1,296          2,282   2,282 

Issuance of restricted stock

  397,000   4   (4)    —   

Reversal of unamortized stock compensation due to FAS 123 (R) implementation

       (6,572)  6,572    —          (6,572)  6,572    —   

Dividends declared ($0.09 per share)

         (539)  (539)

Dividends declared ($0.18 per share)

         (1,114)  (1,114)

Amortization of stock compensation

       639     639        1,765     1,765 

Stock options vested

       61     61        122     122 

Tax benefit related to equity compensation

       14     14        37     37 

Stock options exercised

  5,000   —     66     66   5,500   —     72     72 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

       (60)    (60)       (60)    (60)
                                      

BALANCE, March 31, 2006

  5,991,647  $60  $15,607  $—    $7,369  $23,036 

BALANCE, June 30, 2006

  6,389,147  $64  $16,819  $—    $7,780  $24,663 
                                      

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  For the three months
ended March 31,
   For the six months
ended June 30,
 
  2006 2005   2006 2005 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income

  $1,296  $875   $2,282  $1,812 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

   71   67    138   135 

Unrealized gains on investments

   (168)  (26)   (110)  (99)

Stock option expense

   61   63    122   125 

Restricted stock amortization

   639   385    1,765   800 

Deferred income taxes

   (175)  (156)   (630)  (301)

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   (39)  —      (39)  —   

Net purchases of investments – trading securities

   (55)  (27)   (129)  (52)

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Increase in accounts receivable

   (386)  (187)

Increase (decrease) in other current assets

   (50)  28 

Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable

   41   (134)

Decrease in other current assets

   55   170 

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (13)  (105)   (94)  (17)

Decrease in compensation and benefits payable

   (2,102)  (1,939)   (1,173)  (1,126)

Increase in income taxes payable

   169   484    114   126 

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

   4   (1)

Increase in other liabilities

   9   53 
              

Net cash used in operating activities

   (748)  (539)

Net cash provided by operating activities

   2,351   1,492 
              

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchases of money market funds – available for sale

   (1,442)  (392)   (2,775)  (1,982)

Sales of money market funds – available for sale

   1,886   2,232    2,423   2,233 

Purchase of property and equipment

   (39)  (22)   (40)  (52)
              

Net cash provided by investing activities

   405   1,818 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (392)  199 
              

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   66   3    72   165 

Cash dividends

   (539)  (460)   (1,078)  (920)
              

Net cash used in financing activities

   (473)  (457)   (1,006)  (755)
              

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH

   (816)  822 

NET INCREASE IN CASH

   953   936 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   1,897   720    1,897   720 
              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $1,081  $1,542   $2,850  $1,656 
              

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

  $792  $217   $1,934  $1,310 

Cancellation of restricted stock

   —     (140)   —     (140)

Tax benefit allocated directly to equity

   14   9    37   16 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”, the “Company”, “we” or “our”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 12, 2001, as a subsidiary of SWS Group, Inc. (“SWS”). On June 28, 2002, SWS completed the spin-off of Westwood by effecting a dividend distribution of all of the Westwood common stock held by SWS to all of its stockholders on a pro rata basis.

Westwood manages investment assets and provides services for its clients through two subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. (“Management”) and Westwood Trust (“Trust”). Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, the WHG Funds, a family of institutional, no-load mutual funds, other mutual funds and clients of Trust. Trust provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors. Revenue is largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management (“AUM”). Accordingly, fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of AUM impact revenue and results of operations.

Management is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas Department of Banking.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared without an audit and reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of March 31,June 30, 2006, and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. All such adjustments are normal and recurring in nature. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented using the accrual basis of accounting and have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for the presentation of interim financial information as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and, therefore, do not purport to contain all necessary financial disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America that might otherwise be necessary in the circumstances, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. Refer to the accounting policies described in the notes to the Company’s annual financial statements, which were consistently followed in preparing this interim financial information. Operating results for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2006 or any future period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Investment advisory and trust fees are recognized as services are provided. These fees are determined in accordance with contracts between the Company’s subsidiaries and their clients and are generally based on a percentage of AUM. Most advisory and trust fees are payable in advance or in arrears on a calendar quarterly basis. Advance payments are deferred and recognized over the periods services are performed. Since most of our

5


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

advance paying clients’ billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which payment relates, the revenue related to those clients is fully recognized within the quarter; consequently, there is not a significant amount of deferred revenue contained in these financial statements. Deferred revenue is shown on the balance sheet under the heading of “Other current liabilities”. Other revenues generally consist of interest and investment income and consulting fees. These revenues are recognized as earned or as the services are performed.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less.

Investments

Money market securities are classified as available for sale securities and have no significant fluctuating values. All other marketable securities are classified as trading securities. All securities are carried at quoted market value on the accompanying balance sheet. Net unrealized holding gains or losses on investments classified as trading securities are reflected as a component of other revenues. The Company measures realized gains and losses on investments using the specific identification method.

Goodwill

Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Upon adoption of SFAS 142 the Company discontinued its amortization of goodwill. During the third quarter of 2005, the Company completed its annual impairment assessment as required by SFAS 142. No impairment loss was required. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of July 1.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassificationsReclassifications of prior period amounts in the statement of cash flows have been made to conform to the current period presentation.presentation of net purchases of investments-trading securities.

Federal Income Taxes

The Company files a Federal income tax return as a consolidated group for the Company and its subsidiaries.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured at enacted income tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is generally the result of changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments have been determined by the Company using available information. The fair value amounts discussed in Note 3 are not necessarily indicative of either the amounts the Company would realize upon disposition of these instruments or the Company’s intent or ability to dispose of these assets. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, as well as accounts receivable and payable, approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities. The carrying amount of investments designated as “trading” securities, primarily U.S. Government and Government agency obligations as well as mutual funds and common trust fund shares, equals their fair value, which is equal to prices quoted in active markets and, with respect to funds, the net asset value of the shares held as reported by the fund. The carrying amount of investments designated as “available for sale” securities, primarily money market accounts, equals their fair value, which is equal to the net asset value of the shares held as reported by the fund. The market values of the Company’s money market holdings generally do not fluctuate.

6


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the periods ended March 31,June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for these periods is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the effect of the dilutive impact of stock options and shares of restricted stock granted to employees and non-employee directors. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the treasury stock method.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted shares (in thousands, except share amounts):

 

 Three months ended
March 31,
  Three months ended
June 30,
  Six months ended June 30,
 2006 2005  2006  2005  2006  2005

Net income

 $1,296 $875  $986  $937  $2,282  $1,812

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

  5,516,620  5,414,889   5,520,053   5,422,040   5,518,347   5,418,484

Dilutive potential shares from stock options

  45,202  40,192   46,766   34,951   47,381   39,089

Dilutive potential shares from restricted shares

  160,142  112,690   —     111,757   —     123,168
                

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

  5,721,964  5,567,771   5,566,819   5,568,748   5,565,728   5,580,741
                

Stock Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock based compensation in accordance with FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 Revised (“SFAS No. 123R”). Under SFAS No. 123R, stock based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock based awards measured at grant date, is recognized over the relevant service period, and is adjusted each period for anticipated forfeitures. We have elected to use the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS No. 123R and therefore have not restated our financial results for prior periods. Under this transition method, we will apply the provisions of SFAS No. 123R to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after January 1, 2006. Additionally, we will recognize compensation cost for the portion of awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of January 1, 2006, as the remaining service is rendered. The compensation cost we record for these awards will be based on their grant-date fair value as required by SFAS No. 123R. The Company has issued restricted stock and stock options in accordance with its SecondThird Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. We value stock options issued based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognize this value as an expense over the periods in which the options vest. Implementation of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires us to make certain assumptions, including expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield and expected life of the options. We utilized assumptions that we believed to be most appropriate at the time of the valuation. Had we used different assumptions in the pricing model the expense recognized for stock options may have been different than the expense recognized in our financial statements. We must also apply judgment in developing an expectation of awards of restricted stock and stock options that may be forfeited. If actual experience differs significantly from these estimates, stock based compensation expense and the Company’s results of operations could be materially affected.

7


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

3. INVESTMENTS:

Investments held as trading securities and investments held as available for sale securities are as follows (in thousands):

 

  Cost  

Gross

Unrealized
Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Estimated

Market

Value

  Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Market
Value

March 31, 2006:

        

June 30, 2006:

        

U.S. Government and Government agency obligations

  $1,789  $—    $—    $1,789  $1,809  $—    $—    $1,809

Funds:

                

Money Market

   12,690   —     —     12,690

Money market

   13,164   —     —     13,164

Equity and fixed income

   2,820   358   —     3,178   3,197   299   —     3,496
                        

Marketable securities

  $17,299  $358  $—    $17,657  $18,170  $299  $—    $18,469
                        

December 31, 2005:

                

U.S. Government and Government agency obligations

  $1,686  $—    $—    $1,686  $1,686  $—    $—    $1,686

Funds:

                

Money Market

   13,206   —     —     13,206

Money market

   13,206   —     —     13,206

Equity and fixed income

   2,797   189   —     2,986   2,797   189   —     2,986
                        

Marketable securities

  $17,689  $189  $—    $17,878  $17,689  $189  $—    $17,878
                        

All of these investments are carried at market value. The money market funds are available for sale securities. The other investments are trading securities.

4. EQUITY:

On May 25, 2006, under the Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan, the Company granted an aggregate of 400,000 shares of performance-based restricted stock to its Chief Investment Officer and Chief Executive Officer, which are subject to vesting conditions as described in “Note 5. Stock Based Compensation”.

On April 27, 2006, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on common stock payable on July 3, 2006 to stockholders of record on June 15, 2006.

On February 7, 2006, the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share on common stock payable on April 3, 2006 to stockholders of record on March 15, 2006.

The Company eliminated its unamortized stock compensation balance against additional paid in capital as required by SFAS 123R.

5. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recorded certain adjustments to comply with SFAS 123R. Since the Company accounted for forfeitures of equity based awards as they occurred instead of estimating the effect of forfeitures when applying the original Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, on January 1, 2006 the Company recorded a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle totaling $39,000, net of tax, in order to reverse compensation expense recorded for unvested securities as of December 31, 2005 that was in excess of what the Company estimates will vest. The difference between the amount of stock based compensation expense recorded in continuing operations in the first quarterhalf of 2006 using estimated forfeitures was not materially different than it would have been had the Company not estimated forfeitures.

The SecondThird Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) reserves shares of Westwood common stock for issuance to eligible employees and directors of Westwood or its subsidiaries in the form of restricted stock and stock options. The total number of shares that may be issued under the Plan (including

8


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

the predecessor plans to the Plan) may not exceed 948,1001,948,100 shares. In the event of a change in control of the Company, the Plan contains provisions providing for the acceleration of the vesting of restricted stock and stock options. At March 31,June 30, 2006 approximately 200,000800,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan. The Company recognized total compensation cost related to stock based compensation of approximately $700,000$1,887,000 and $447,000$925,000 for the quarterssix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

Restricted Stock

Under the Plan, the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has granted restricted stock to employees and non-employee directors.directors and performance-based restricted stock to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer. The employees’ shares vest over four years, and the directors’ shares vest over one year and the performance-based shares will vest annually over the next four years for shares granted to the Chief Executive Officer and over the next six years for shares granted to the Chief Investment Officer, provided annual performance goals, established by the compensation committee, are met. For the first vesting year, 2006, the officer will become vested in the applicable percentage of his or her restricted shares if Westwood’s adjusted pre-tax income for 2006 is at least 10% greater than Westwood’s adjusted pre-tax income for the 2005 year. In each subsequent year during the applicable vesting period, the compensation committee will establish a specific goal for that year’s vesting of the restricted shares, which will be based in all cases upon Westwood’s adjusted pre-tax income. If, in any year during the vesting period, the performance goal is not met, the compensation committee may establish a goal for a subsequent vesting period, which, if achieved or exceeded, may result in full or partial vesting of the shares that did not otherwise become vested in a prior year. In no event, however, will the maximum number of shares which may become vested over the vesting period exceed 100,000 shares, in the case of our chief executive officer, and 300,000 shares, in the case of our chief investment officer. If a portion of the performance-based restricted shares do not vest, no compensation expense is recognized for that portion and any previously recognized compensation expense related to the shares that do not vest would be reversed. Until therestricted shares vest they are restricted from sale, transfer or assignment in accordance with the terms of the agreements under which they were issued. The Company calculates compensation cost for restricted stock grants by using the fair market value of its common stock at the date of grant, the number of shares issued and an estimate of shares that will not vest due to forfeitures. This compensation cost is amortized over the applicable vesting period. The following table details the status and changes in its restricted stock for the quartersix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006:

 

  Shares  

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

  Shares Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value

Non-vested restricted shares, January 1, 2006

  472,000  $18.41  472,000  $18.41

Granted

  —     —    400,000   18.81

Vested

  —     —    —     —  

Forfeited

  —     —    (3,000)  18.29
          

Non-vested restricted shares, March 31, 2006

  472,000   18.41

Non-vested restricted shares, June 30, 2006

  869,000   18.59
          

As of March 31,June 30, 2006, there was approximately $5.7$12.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted shares. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.52.6 years.

9


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

Stock Options

Options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan have a maximum ten-year term and vest over a period of four years. The following table sets forth the summary of option activity under our stock option program for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006:

 

  Options 

Weighted

Average

Exercise
Price

  

Weighted
Average

Remaining

Contractual
Term (years)

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

  Options Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  

Weighted
Average

Remaining

Contractual
Term
(years)

  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Options outstanding, January 1, 2006

  155,625  $12.93      155,625  $12.93    

Granted

  —     —        —     —      

Exercised

  (5,000)  13.19      (5,500)  13.16    

Forfeited/expired

  —     —        —     —      
                  

Options outstanding, March 31, 2006

  150,625   12.92  6.26  $825,000

Options outstanding, June 30, 2006

  150,125   12.92  6.01  $822,000
                  

Options exercisable, March 31, 2006

  105,000   12.91  6.26  $575,000

Options exercisable, June 30, 2006

  104,500   12.92  6.01  $572,000
                  

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the quarterssix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 and 2005 was $27,900$37,300 and $1,400,$51,300, respectively. As of March 31,June 30, 2006, there was approximately $63,000$3,500 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, which we expect to recognize completely in 2006.

6. SEGMENT REPORTING:

The Company operates two segments: the Management segment and the Trust segment. Such segments are managed separately based on types of products and services offered and their related client bases. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based primarily on income before income taxes.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

Management

The Management segment provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, the WHG Funds, a family of institutional, no-load mutual funds, other mutual funds and clients of Trust.

Trust

The Trust segment provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that Trust sponsors.

All segment accounting policies are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment balances that eliminate in consolidation have been applied to the appropriate segment.

 

   Management  Trust  Other  Eliminations  Consolidated
   (in thousands)

Three months ended March 31, 2006

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $4,583  $1,928  $—    $—    $6,511

Net intersegment revenues

   707   1   —     (708)  —  

Income before income taxes

   2,344   398   (699)  —     2,043

Segment assets

   20,549   4,437   1,819   —     26,805

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

Three months ended March 31, 2005

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $3,365  $1,717  $—    $—    $5,082

Net intersegment revenues

   645   1   —     (646)  —  

Income before income taxes

   1,504   365   (448)  —     1,421

Segment assets

   19,958   4,161   1,413   —     25,532

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

10


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

   Management  Trust  Other  Eliminations  Consolidated
   (in thousands)

Three months ended June 30, 2006

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $4,559  $2,080  $—    $—    $6,639

Net intersegment revenues

   758   2   —     (760)  —  

Income before income taxes

   2,338   467   (1,188)  —     1,617

Segment assets

   21,786   4,475   2,954   —     29,215

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

Three months ended June 30, 2005

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $3,564  $1,689  $—    $—    $5,253

Net intersegment revenues

   701   2   —     (703)  —  

Income before income taxes

   1,712   291   (477)  —     1,526

Segment assets

   21,291   4,208   1,719   —     27,218

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

   Management  Trust  Other  Eliminations  Consolidated
   (in thousands)

Six months ended June 30, 2006

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $9,142  $4,008  $—    $—    $13,150

Net intersegment revenues

   1,465   3   —     (1,468)  —  

Income before income taxes

   4,682   865   (1,887)  —     3,660

Segment assets

   21,786   4,475   2,954   —     29,215

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

Six months ended June 30, 2005

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $6,929  $3,406  $—    $—    $10,335

Net intersegment revenues

   1,346   3   —     (1,349)  —  

Income before income taxes

   3,216   656   (925)  —     2,947

Segment assets

   21,291   4,208   1,719   —     27,218

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

11


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this report, including statements in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” concerning our financial position and liquidity, results of operations, prospects for future growth, and other matters are forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove correct. Factors that could cause our results to differ materially from the results discussed in, or contemplated by, such forward-looking statements include the risks described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such risks include, without limitation, risks related to poor investment performance of the assets managed by us; risks related to our inability to capitalize on the costs we have recently incurred and are continuing to incur to develop some new asset classes and otherwise broaden Westwood’s capabilities; risks related to some members of our management being critical to our success and our inability to attract and retain key employees, which could compromise our future success; risks related to some of our executive officers having substantial influence over our investment policies; risks related to the negative performance of the securities markets; risks related to our business being dependent on investment advisory, subadvisory and trust agreements that are subject to termination or non-renewal and the related risk of losing any of our clients on very short notice; risks related to having a small number of clients account for a substantial portion of our business; risks related to any event that negatively affects the asset management industry; risk related to the substantial cost and time required to introduce new asset classes in our industry; risks related to our inability to successfully and timely expand our asset classes; risks related to our business being subject to pervasive regulation with attendant costs of compliance and serious consequences for violations; risks related to potential misuse of assets and information in the possession of our investment professionals and employees; risks related to acquisitions, which may be part of our long-term business strategy and involve inherent risks that could compromise the success of the combined business and dilute the holdings of our stockholders; risks related to various factors hindering our ability to declare and pay dividends; risks related to our business being vulnerable to systems failures; risks related to our potential inability to fund our capital requirements; risks related to the indemnification obligations contained in the tax separation agreement that we entered into with SWS and that neither party may be able to satisfy; and risks related to certain provisions in our charter documents discouraging a third party from acquiring control of us.

Overview

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”) manages investment assets and provides services for its clients through its two subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. (“Management”) and Westwood Trust (“Trust”). Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, the WHG Funds, a family of institutional, no-load mutual funds, other mutual funds and clients of Trust. Trust provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors. We have been providing investment advisory services since 1983 and, according to recognized industry sources, including Morningstar, Inc., when measured over multi-year periods ten years and longer, our principal asset classes have consistently ranked above the median in performance within their peer groups.

Revenues

We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees, and other revenues. Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management, which manages its clients’ accounts under investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. Advisory fees are calculated based on a percentage of assets under management, and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Westwood Management’s advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on the assets under management on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on the assets under management on the last day of the quarter just ended, or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of assets under management for the stated period. Westwood Management recognizes revenues as services are rendered. Since most of our advance paying clients’ billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which payment relates, the revenue related to those clients is fully recognized within the quarter; consequently, there is not a significant amount of deferred revenue contained in our financial statements.

12


Our trust fees are generated by Westwood Trust pursuant to trust or custodial agreements. Trust fees are separately negotiated with each client and are generally based on a percentage of assets under management, which in turn is influenced by the complexity of the operations of the trust and the services provided. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. Most trust fees are paid quarterly in advance and are recognized as services are rendered. Since the majority of Westwood Trusts’ advance paying clients’ billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which payment relates, the revenue related to those clients is fully recognized within the quarter; consequently, there is not a significant amount of deferred revenue contained in our financial statements.

Our other revenues generally consist of interest income, investment income and consulting fees. We invest most of our cash in money market funds, although we do invest smaller amounts in bonds and equity instruments. The most significant component of our other revenues is consulting fees paid to us by Gabelli Advisers, Inc.

Assets Under Management

Assets under management increased $1.3$1.1 billion, or 31.4%26.5%, to $5.4 billion at March 31,June 30, 2006, compared with $4.1$4.3 billion at March 31,June 30, 2005. Average assets under management for the firstsecond quarter of 2006 were $5.1$5.4 billion compared to $4.0$4.2 billion for the firstsecond quarter of 2005, an increase of 27.4%28.9%. The increase in period ending assets under management was principally attributable to asset inflows from new and existing clients and market appreciation of assets under management, partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. The following table sets forth Management’s and Trust’s assets under management as of March 31,June 30, 2006 and March 31,June 30, 2005:

 

  

As of March 31,

(1) (in millions)

  % Change   

As of June 30,

(1) (in millions)

  % Change 
  2006  2005  

March 31, 2006 vs.

March 31, 2005

   2006  2005  June 30, 2006 vs.
June 30, 2005
 

Westwood Management Corp.

            

Separate Accounts

  $2,512  $1,824  37.7%  $2,538  $1,972  28.7%

Subadvisory

   851   638  33.4    882   655  34.7 

Westwood Funds

   375   359  4.5    365   358  2.0 

Managed Accounts

   286   173  65.3    286   158  81.0 
                    

Total

   4,024   2,994  34.4    4,071   3,143  29.5 

Westwood Trust

            

Commingled Funds

   1,057   905  16.8    1,076   941  14.3 

Private Accounts

   224   138  62.3    215   149  44.3 

Agency/Custody Accounts

   60   45  33.3    54   48  12.5 
                    

Total

   1,341   1,088  23.3    1,345   1,138  18.2 

Total Assets Under Management

  $5,365  $4,082  31.4%  $5,416  $4,281  26.5%
                    

(1)The above table excludes the SWS cash reserve funds for which Westwood Management serves as investment advisor and Westwood Trust serves as custodian. The SWS cash reserve funds were $169$162 million and $195$166 million as of March 31,June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. These accounts are noted separately due to their unique nature within our business and because they can experience significant fluctuations on a weekly basis.

Management. In the preceding table, “Separate Accounts” represent corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement accounts, Taft Hartley plans, endowments, foundations, individuals and the WHG Funds. “Subadvisory” represents relationships where Management provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions. “Westwood Funds” represent the family of mutual funds for which Management serves as subadvisor. “Managed Accounts” represent relationships with brokerage firms and other registered investment advisors who offer Management’s products to their customers.

Trust. In the preceding table, “Commingled Funds” represent funds that have been established to facilitate investment of fiduciary funds of multiple clients by combining assets into a single trust for taxable and tax-exempt entities. “Private Accounts” represent discretionary accounts where Trust acts as trustee or agent and has full investment discretion. “Agency/Custody Accounts” represent non-discretionary accounts in which Trust provides agent or custodial services for a fee, but does not act in an advisory capacity.

13


Results of Operations

The following table (dollars in thousands) and discussion of our results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 is based upon data derived from the consolidated statements of income contained in our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with these statements, which are included elsewhere in this quarterly report.

 

  Three months ended
June 30,
  Six months ended
June 30,
  % Change 
  Three months
ended March 31,
  

% Change

Three months ended
March 31, 2006 vs.

March 31, 2005

    

Three months ended
June 30, 2006 vs.

June 30, 2005

  

Six months ended
June 30, 2006 vs.

June 30, 2005

 
  2006  2005    2006  2005  2006  2005   

Revenues

                 

Advisory fees

  $4,179  $3,191  31.0%  $4,311  $3,309  $8,490  $6,500  30.3% 30.6%

Trust fees

   1,898   1,703  11.5    2,042   1,668   3,940   3,371  22.4  16.9 

Other revenues

   434   188  130.9    286   276   720   464  3.6  55.2 
                             

Total revenues

   6,511   5,082  28.1    6,639   5,253   13,150   10,335  26.4  27.2 
                             

Expenses

                 

Employee compensation and benefits

   3,191   2,598  22.8    3,730   2,681   6,921   5,279  39.1  31.1 

Sales and marketing

   188   82  129.3    177   145   365   227  22.1  60.8 

Information technology

   242   185  30.8    220   192   462   377  14.6  22.5 

Professional services

   353   319  10.7    375   274   728   593  36.9  22.8 

General and administrative

   494   477  3.6    520   435   1,014   912  19.5  11.2 
                             

Total expenses

   4,468   3,661  22.0    5,022   3,727   9,490   7,388  34.7  28.5 
                             

Income before income taxes

   2,043   1,421  43.8    1,617   1,526   3,660   2,947  6.0  24.2 

Provision for income taxes

   786   546  44.0    631   589   1,417   1,135  7.1  24.8 
                             

Income from continuing operations

   1,257   875  43.7    986   937   2,243   1,812  5.2  23.8 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

   39   —    N/A    —     —     39   —    N/A  N/A 
                             

Net income

  $1,296  $875  48.1%  $986  $937  $2,282  $1,812  5.2% 25.9%
                             

Three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared to three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005

Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 28.1%26.4% to $6.5$6.6 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $5.1$5.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. Advisory fees increased by 31.0%30.3% to $4.2$4.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $3.2$3.3 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005, primarily as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Management due to inflows from new clients and market appreciation of assets. These increases were partially offset somewhat by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Trust fees increased by 11.5%22.4% to $1.9$2.0 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005, primarily as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Trust due to inflows from new and existing clients and market appreciation of assets, offset in part by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Other revenues, which generally consist of interest and investment income and consulting fees, increased by 130.9%3.6% to $434,000$286,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $188,000$276,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. Other revenues increased primarily as a result of increased mark to market value recorded on the Company’s investments, increased interest and dividends from the Company’s investments, increased realized gains from the Company’s investments and an increase in consulting revenue. A decrease in mark to market value recorded on the Company’s investments partially offset these increases.

Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits costs generally consist of salaries, incentive compensation, equity based compensation expense and benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased by 22.8%39.1% to $3.2$3.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $2.6$2.7 million for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. ThisThe largest component of this increase resulted primarily fromwas an increase of approximately $254,000$711,000 in restricted stock expense due to additional restricted stock grants in July 2005 and grants of performance-based restricted stock to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer in May 2006. In the second quarter of 2006, we concluded that it is probable that we will meet the performance goal required in order for the applicable percentage of these performance-based shares to vest for 2006. As a result, we recognized expense of approximately $470,000 in the second quarter of 2006 related to the expected vesting of these shares. We expect to recognize a similar amount in the third and fourth quarters of 2006 related to these performance-based restricted stock grants. In addition, we will begin to recognize in the third quarter of 2006 expense related to grants of restricted stock made to other key employees in July 2006. Other components of the increase in employee

14


compensation and benefits costs were increased salary expense due to increased headcount and salary increases for certain employees and increased headcount and increased incentive compensation expense,

increased payroll taxes related to the increases in salary and incentive compensation expense and increased employee health insurance expense. We had 4748 full-time employees as of March 31,June 30, 2006 compared to 45 full-time employees as of March 31,June 30, 2005.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs generally consist of costs associated with our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct and consultant marketing, mutual fund marketing expenses and advertising costs. Sales and marketing costs increased by 129.3%22.1% to $188,000$177,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $82,000$145,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily the result of expenses incurred this year related to the recently launched WHG Funds increased entertainment expense and increased travel costs.direct marketing expense.

Information Technology. Information technology expenses are generally costs associated with proprietary investment research tools, maintenance and support, computing hardware, software licenses, telecommunications and other related costs. Information technology costs increased by 30.8%14.6% to $242,000$220,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $185,000$192,000 for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily due to the costs related to a new performance measurement service and increased expense for system maintenance.

Professional Services. Professional services expenses generally consist of costs associated with subadvisory fees, audit, legal and other professional services. Professional services expenses increased by 36.9% to $375,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $274,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily due to increased legal expense, higher advisory fees paid to external subadvisors due to increased assets under management in international equity and growth common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust and adjustments related to prior year audit costs. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in audit expense due to reduced external audit and Sarbanes-Oxley costs resulting from our change in external auditors for the fiscal year 2006.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of our office space, investor relations, licenses and fees, depreciation, insurance, office supplies and other miscellaneous expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 19.5% to $520,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $435,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily due to increased charitable contributions, an increase in the fees paid to the Company’s independent directors, an increase in occupancy costs, an increase in custody expense related to asset inflows, an increase in office supplies expense and an increase in employee training costs.

Provision for Income Tax Expense. Provision for income tax expense increased by 7.1% to $631,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $589,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The effective tax rate was 39.1% and 38.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2005, respectively.

Six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to six months ended June 30, 2005

Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 27.2% to $13.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. Advisory fees increased by 30.6% to $8.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $6.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, primarily as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Management due to inflows from new clients and market appreciation of assets. These increases were offset somewhat by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Trust fees increased by 16.9% to $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, primarily as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Trust due to inflows from new and existing clients and market appreciation of assets, offset in part by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Other revenues increased by 55.2% to $720,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $464,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005. Other revenues increased primarily as a result of increased interest and dividends from the Company’s investments, increased realized gains from the Company’s investments, an increase in consulting revenue and increased mark to market value recorded on the Company’s investments.

Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased by 31.1% to $6.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $5.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. This increase resulted primarily from an increase of approximately $965,000 in restricted stock expense due to additional restricted stock grants in May 2006 and July 2005, increased salary expense due to increased headcount

15


and salary increases for certain employees, increased incentive compensation expense, increased payroll taxes related to the increases in salary and incentive compensation expense and increased employee health insurance expense. We had 48 full-time employees as of June 30, 2006 compared to 45 full-time employees as of June 30, 2005.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs increased by 60.8% to $365,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $227,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily the result of expenses incurred this year related to the recently launched WHG Funds, increased direct marketing expenses, increased entertainment expense and increased travel costs.

Information Technology. Information technology costs increased by 22.5% to $462,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared with $377,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily due to the costs of deploying new computing equipment and other system maintenance, increased software costs related to the upgrade of a critical application and start-up costs related to the WHG Funds website.a new performance measurement service.

Professional Services. Professional services expenses generally consist of costs associated with subadvisory fees, audit, legal and other professional services. Professional services expenses increased by 10.7%22.8% to $353,000$728,000 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $319,000$593,000 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily the result of higher advisory fees paid to external subadvisors due to increased assets under management in international equity and growth common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust and an increase in legal expense. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in audit expense due to reduced external audit and Sarbanes-Oxley costs resulting from our change in external auditors for the fiscal year 2006.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of our office space, investor relations, licenses and fees, depreciation, insurance, office supplies and other miscellaneous expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 3.6%11.2% to $494,000$1.0 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $477,000$912,000 for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the fees paid to the Company’s independent directors, andan increase in charitable contributions, current period costs related to an investor and analyst conference. These increases were partially offset by a decreaseconference, an increase in custody expense related to prior year expense for asset inflows, a reductionoccupancy costs and an increase in other expenses and a reduction in office supplies expense related to costs incurred in the 2005 period related to furnishing the Company’s office.employee training costs.

Provision for Income Tax Expense. Provision for income tax expense increased by 44.0%24.8% to $786,000$1.4 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 compared with $546,000$1.1 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2005. The effective tax rate was 38.4%38.7% and 38.5% for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 and March 31, 2005.June 30, 2005, respectively.

Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle, Net of Tax. In December 2004, the FASB revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123 (R)”), requiring public companies to recognize the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in their financial statements. The Company has applied the fair value provisions of the original SFAS No. 123 for all options and restricted shares it has issued and accounted for forfeitures as they occurred. Under SFAS No. 123 (R) we are required to estimate the effect of forfeitures. As a result, on January 1, 2006 the Company recorded a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle totaling $39,000, net of tax, in order to reverse compensation expense recorded for unvested securities as of December 31, 2005 that is in excess of what the Company estimates will vest.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We fund our operations and cash requirements with cash generated from operating activities. As of March 31,June 30, 2006, we had no long-term debt. The changes in net cash provided by operating activities generally reflect the changes in earnings plus the effect of non-cash items and changes in working capital. Changes in working capital, especially accounts receivable and accounts payable, are generally the result of timing differences between collection of fees billed and payment of operating expenses.

During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006, cash flow used inprovided by operating activities, principally our investment advisory business, was $748,000.$2.4 million. At March 31,June 30, 2006, we had working capital of $19.1$20.3 million. Cash flow provided byused in investing activities during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 of $405,000$392,000 was primarily related to net salespurchases of investments to fund annual incentive compensation payments and other cash requirements.investments. Cash flow used in financing activities during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2006 of $473,000$1.0 million was primarily due to cash dividends paid and was partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock related to the exercise of stock options.

16


We had cash and investments, net of dividends payable, of $18.2$20.7 million at March 31,June 30, 2006, compared to $19.2 million at December 31, 2005. Dividends payable were $575,000 and $539,000 as of March 31,June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005.2005, respectively. We had no liabilities for borrowed money at March 31,June 30, 2006.

Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors. We believe that current cash and short-term investment balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet the operating and capital requirements of our ordinary business operations through at least the next twelve months. However, there can be no assurance that we will not require additional financing within this time frame. Our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support our operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary. The failure to raise needed capital on attractive terms, if at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s contractual obligations since December 31, 2005.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

None.The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We have evaluated the positions in the tax returns we have filed and the amounts comprising our deferred tax assets and do not believe that FIN 48 will have a material impact on our financial statements.

The state of Texas recently passed House Bill 3 (HB 3), which revises the existing franchise tax system to create a new tax on virtually all Texas businesses. Starting in the fiscal year 2007, HB 3 changes the franchise tax base, lowers the tax rate and extends coverage to active businesses receiving state law liability protection. The Company has been subject to Texas franchise taxes and expects HB 3 to have an impact on its provision for income taxes, but has not determined the extent of this impact.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no significant changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2005.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Westwood utilizes various financial instruments, which entail certain inherent market risks. We do not currently participate in any hedging activities, nor do we currently utilize any derivative financial instruments. The following information describes the key aspects of certain financial instruments that have market risks.

Interest Rates and Securities Markets

Our cash equivalents and other investment instruments are exposed to financial market risk due to fluctuation in interest rates, which may affect our interest income. These instruments are not entered into for speculative trading purposes. We do not expect our interest income to be significantly affected by a sudden change in market interest rates.

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The value of our assets under management is affected by changes in interest rates and fluctuations in securities markets. Since we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from investment advisory and trust fees based on the value of assets under management, our revenues may be adversely affected by changing interest rates or a decline in the prices of securities generally.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Westwood’s management evaluated, with the participation of Westwood’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of Westwood’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that Westwood’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. There has been no change in Westwood’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Westwood’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are subject from time to time to certain claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material impact on our financial position, operations or cash flow.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We face a number of significant risks and uncertainties in our business, which are detailed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and summarized in this report under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” These risks and uncertainties may affect our current position and future prospects, and should be considered carefully in evaluating us and an investment in our common stock.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

NoneThe Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. was held on April 27, 2006 in Dallas, Texas, for the purpose of considering and acting upon the following:

(a)Election of directors. The stockholders elected the following directors to hold office until the next annual meeting or until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.

Nominee

  For  Withheld

Susan M. Byrne

  5,549,538  5,079

Brian O. Casey

  5,549,538  5,079

Tom C. Davis

  5,516,841  37,776

Richard M. Frank

  5,549,523  5,094

Frederick R. Meyer

  5,517,113  37,504

Jon L. Mosle, Jr.

  5,516,836  37,781

Raymond E. Wooldridge

  5,517,482  37,135

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(b)The ratification of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2006.

For

  

Against

  

Abstain

5,553,872

  449  297

(c)Approval of the Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan.

For

  

Against

  

Abstain

3,452,409

  1,524,903  3,972

(d)Approval of performance-based annual incentive awards.

For

  

Against

  

Abstain

5,573,222

  10,183  1,089

(e)Approval of performance-based restricted stock goals.

For

  

Against

  

Abstain

4,734,024

  243,494  3,766

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
32.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of SEC Regulation S-K, these exhibits are furnished rather than filed with this report.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: AprilJuly 26, 2006

 WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
 By: 

/s/ Brian O. Casey

  Brian O. Casey
  Chief Executive Officer
 By: 

/s/ William R. Hardcastle, Jr.

  William R. Hardcastle, Jr.
  Chief Financial Officer

 

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