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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007.March 31, 2008.

OR

 

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

For the transition period from            to            .

Commission file number 1-31234

 


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE 75-2969997

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

200 CRESCENT COURT, SUITE 1200

DALLAS, TEXAS

75201

(Address of principal executive office)

(Zip Code)

DALLAS, TEXAS

75201
(Address of principal executive office)(Zip Code)

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

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

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

Large accelerated filer  ¨Accelerated filer                  x
Non-accelerated filer    ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company¨

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

The number of shares of the issuer’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of October 19, 2007: 6,802,303.April 18, 2008: 6,968,708.

 



WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

INDEX

 

   PAGE
PART I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
Item 1.  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and December 31, 20062007 (audited)  1
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 and September 30, 2006  2
  Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008  3
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 and September 30, 2006  4
  Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements  5
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  12
Item 3.  Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  1917
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures  2018
PART II  OTHER INFORMATION  
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings  2018
Item 1A.  Risk Factors  2018
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  21
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities21
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders21
Item 5.Other Information2119
Item 6.  Exhibits  2119
Signatures  2219


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and December 31, 20062007

(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)

 

  September 30,
2007
(unaudited)
 December 31,
2006
  March 31,
2008
(unaudited)
 December 31,
2007
 

ASSETS

      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $4,953  $2,177  $4,042  $4,560 

Accounts receivable

   3,680   3,111   3,682   6,599 

Investments, at market value

   19,485   17,933   22,690   22,144 

Deferred income taxes

   954   1,267   1,286   1,512 

Other current assets

   975   465   610   651 
             

Total current assets

   30,047   24,953   32,310   35,466 

Goodwill

   2,302   2,302   2,302   2,302 

Deferred income taxes

   88   214   451   225 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $951 and $774

   1,038   1,253

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,059 and $1,002

   976   1,031 
             

Total assets

  $33,475  $28,722  $36,039  $39,024 
      
       

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current Liabilities:

      

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $775  $778  $958  $1,024 

Dividends payable

   3,398   996   2,091   1,702 

Compensation and benefits payable

   2,566   2,801   1,798   4,848 

Income taxes payable

   —     689   484   1,505 

Other current liabilities

   11   10   11   11 
             

Total current liabilities

   6,750   5,274   5,342   9,090 

Deferred rent

   621   713   554   588 
             

Total liabilities

   7,371   5,987   5,896   9,678 
             

Stockholders’ Equity:

      

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued 6,834,452 and outstanding 6,802,303 shares at September 30, 2007; issued and outstanding 6,638,525 shares at December 31, 2006

   68   66

Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares, issued 7,024,127 and outstanding 6,968,708 shares at March 31, 2008; issued 6,840,327 and outstanding 6,807,408 shares at December 31, 2007

   70   68 

Additional paid-in capital

   26,092   20,289   29,503   27,770 

Treasury stock, at cost – 32,149 shares at September 30, 2007; 0 shares at December 31, 2006

   (1,042)  —  

Treasury stock, at cost—55,419 shares at March 31, 2008; 32,919 shares at December 31, 2007

   (1,872)  (1,070)

Retained earnings

   986   2,380   2,442   2,578 
             

Total stockholders’ equity

   26,104   22,735   30,143   29,346 
             

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $33,475  $28,722  $36,039  $39,024 
             

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
  Three months ended
March 31,
  2007  2006  2007  2006  2008 2007

REVENUES:

           

Advisory fees

  $5,782  $4,391  $15,368  $12,881

Advisory fees—asset based

  $6,390  $4,583

Trust fees

   2,666   2,086   7,558   6,026   2,748   2,376

Other revenues

   291   418   1,123   1,138

Other revenues, net

   (11)  394
                  

Total revenues

   8,739   6,895   24,049   20,045   9,127   7,353
                  

EXPENSES:

           

Employee compensation and benefits

   4,669   4,058   12,644   10,979   4,662   3,709

Sales and marketing

   164   148   432   431   137   121

WHG mutual funds

   43   80   144   167   35   35

Information technology

   239   225   721   682   261   233

Professional services

   420   312   1,199   1,040   448   400

General and administrative

   565   508   1,690   1,522   571   516
    ��             

Total expenses

   6,100   5,331   16,830   14,821   6,114   5,014
                  

Income before income taxes

   2,639   1,564   7,219   5,224   3,013   2,339

Provision for income taxes

   957   643   2,557   2,060   1,058   832
                  

Income before cumulative effect of accounting change

   1,682   921   4,662   3,164

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

   —     —     —     39
            

Net income

  $1,682  $921  $4,662  $3,203  $1,955  $1,507
                  

Earnings per share:

           

Basic:

        

Continuing operations

  $0.28  $0.16  $0.80  $0.58

Cumulative effect of an accounting change

   —     —     —     —  
            

Net income

  $0.28  $0.16  $0.80  $0.58
            

Diluted:

        

Continuing operations

  $0.27  $0.16  $0.76  $0.56

Cumulative effect of an accounting change

   —     —     —     0.01
            

Net income

  $0.27  $0.16  $0.76  $0.57
            

Basic

  $0.32  $0.26

Diluted

  $0.31  $0.25

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the NineThree months Ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  

Westwood Holdings
Group, Inc.

Common Stock, Par

  

Additional
Paid-In

Capital

  

Treasury

Stock

  

Retained

Earnings

  Total   Westwood Holdings
Group, Inc.

Common Stock, Par
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Treasury
Stock
  Retained
Earnings
  Total 
  Shares Amount     Shares Amount   

BALANCE, January 1, 2007

  6,638,525  $66  $20,289  $—    $2,380  $22,735 

BALANCE, January 1, 2008

  6,807,408  $68  $27,770  $(1,070) $2,578  $29,346 

Net income

        4,662   4,662         1,955   1,955 

Issuance of restricted stock

  154,571   2   (2)    —     183,800   2   (2)    —   

Dividends declared ($0.90 per share)

        (6,056)  (6,056)

Dividends declared ($0.30 per share)

        (2,091)  (2,091)

Restricted stock amortization

      3,797     3,797       1,209     1,209 

Tax benefit related to equity compensation

      1,475     1,475       526     526 

Stock options exercised

  41,356   —     533     533 

Purchase of treasury stock

  (32,149)     (1,042)   (1,042)  (22,500)     (802)   (802)
                                      

BALANCE, September 30, 2007

  6,802,303  $68  $26,092  $(1,042) $986  $26,104 

BALANCE, March 31, 2008

  6,968,708  $70  $29,503  $(1,872) $2,442  $30,143 
                                      

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

  For the nine months
ended September 30,
   For the three months ended
March 31,
 
  2007 2006   2008 2007 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

      

Net income

  $4,662  $3,203   $1,955  $1,507 

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

   176   202    57   63 

Unrealized gains on investments

   (52)  13 

Stock option expense

   —     122 

Unrealized (gains) and losses on investments

   193   (151)

Restricted stock amortization

   3,797   3,152    1,209   898 

Deferred income taxes

   439   (296)   —     255 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

   —     (39)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

   (1,226)  (19)   (430)  (147)

Net purchases of investments – trading securities

   (1,089)  (788)

Net purchases of investments—trading securities

   (37)  (280)

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

   (569)  (52)   2,917   596 

Other current assets

   (82)  (129)   (37)  (8)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   (3)  (63)   (66)  (129)

Compensation and benefits payable

   (235)  (1,084)   (3,050)  (1,758)

Income taxes payable

   361   (267)   (495)  (107)

Other liabilities

   (10)  8    74   (1)
              

Net cash provided by operating activities

   6,169   3,963    2,290   738 
              

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchases of money market funds – available for sale

   (5,320)  (5,536)

Sales of money market funds – available for sale

   4,909   8,846 

Purchases of money market funds—available for sale

   (1,353)  (1,227)

Sales of money market funds—available for sale

   651   1,186 

Purchase of property and equipment

   (45)  (57)   (32)  (23)
              

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   (456)  3,253 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (734)  (64)
              

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

      

Purchase of treasury stock

   (1,042)  —      (802)  (131)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

   1,226   19    430   147 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   533   293    —     122 

Cash dividends

   (3,654)  (1,653)   (1,702)  (996)
              

Net cash used in financing activities

   (2,937)  (1,341)   (2,074)  (858)
              

NET INCREASE IN CASH

   2,776   5,875    (518)  (184)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   2,177   1,897    4,560   2,177 
              

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $4,953  $7,772   $4,042  $1,993 
              

Supplemental cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during the period for income taxes

  $1,756  $2,622   $1,554  $684 

Issuance of restricted stock

   5,330   11,507 

Issuance and (cancellation) of restricted stock

   6,552   (59)

Tax benefit allocated directly to equity

   1,475   380    526   206 

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

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. (“Westwood Management”) and Westwood Trust (“Westwood Trust”). Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, and a family of institutional mutual funds, which we call the WHG Funds, and investment subadvisory services to mutual funds and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides to institutions and high net worth individuals trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors. 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.

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

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 our financial position as of September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, 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, as permitted by SEC rules, do not contain certain information and footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.2007. Refer to the accounting policies described in the notes to our annual financial statements, which were consistently followed in preparing this interim financial information. Operating results for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 20072008 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 our subsidiaries and their clients and are generally based on a percentage of

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

AUM. A limited number of our clients have a performance-based fee component in their contract, which couldwould pay us an additional fee if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We would record as revenue any performance-based fees earned at the end of the performance period. Most advisory and trust fees are payable in advance or in arrears on a calendar quarterly basis. Advance payments are deferred and recognized over the periods services are performed. Since 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 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.income and unrealized gains and losses on our investments. 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. We measure realized gains and losses on investments using the specific identification method.

Goodwill

During the third quarter of 2007, we completed our annual impairment assessment as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No.142. No impairment loss was required. We perform our annual impairment assessment as of July 1.

Federal Income Taxes

We file a Federal income tax return as a consolidated group for Westwood 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 and relates primarily to stock-based compensation expense.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments have been determined by us using available information. The fair value amounts discussed in Note 3 are not necessarily indicative of either the amounts we would realize upon disposition of these instruments or our 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 our money market holdings generally do not fluctuate.

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 September 30,March 31, 2008 and 2007, and 2006, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for these periods is computed based on the weighted average number of

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

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.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

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

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
  Three months ended March 31,
  2007  2006  2007  2006  2008  2007

Net income

  $1,682  $921  $4,662  $3,203  $1,955  $1,507

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

   5,937,270   5,662,064   5,820,673   5,566,779   6,026,073   5,755,941

Dilutive potential shares from stock options

   41,942   42,522   44,365   45,737   36,069   45,954

Dilutive potential shares from restricted shares

   284,010   112,744   277,158   —     297,051   259,758
                  

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

   6,263,222   5,817,330   6,142,196   5,612,516   6,359,193   6,061,653
                  

Earnings per share:

    

Basic

  $0.32  $0.26

Diluted

  $0.31  $0.25

Stock-Based Compensation

We account 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. The compensation cost we record for these awards is based on their grant-date fair value as required by SFAS No. 123R.

We have issued restricted stock and stock options in accordance with our Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan. We valued stock options issued based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognized this value as an expense over the periods in which the options vest.vested. Implementation of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requiresrequired 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 our results of operations could be materially affected.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

3. INVESTMENTS:

Investment balances are presented in the table below (in thousands). All of these investments are carried at market value. The money market funds are accounted for as available for sale securities. The other investments are accounted for as trading securities.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

  Cost  

Gross

Unrealized
Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

 Estimated
Market
Value
  Cost  Gross
Unrealized
Gains
  Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated
Market
Value

September 30, 2007:

       

March 31, 2008:

        

U.S. Government and Government agency obligations

  $1,929  $1  $—    $1,930  $1,958  $3  $—    $1,961

Funds:

               

Money market

   12,555   —     —     12,555   15,819   —     —     15,819

Equity and fixed income

   4,617   431   (48)  5,000   4,875   35     4,910
                        

Marketable securities

  $19,101  $432  $(48) $19,485  $22,652  $38  $—    $22,690
                        

December 31, 2006:

       

December 31, 2007:

        

U.S. Government and Government agency obligations

  $1,757  $—    $—    $1,757  $1,942  $1  $—    $1,943

Funds:

               

Money market

   12,241   —     —     12,241   15,117   —     —     15,117

Equity and fixed income

   3,603   332   —     3,935   4,854   230   —     5,084
                        

Marketable securities

  $17,601  $332  $—    $17,933  $21,913  $231  $—    $22,144
                        

4. EQUITY:

On July 26, 2007, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share and a special cash dividend of $0.25 per share on common stock both payable on October 1, 2007 to stockholders of record on September 14, 2007.

On July 26, 2007,February 27, 2008, we granted an aggregate of 172,600183,800 shares of restricted stock to certain employees, non-employee directors and a non-employee consultant.employees. These shares are subject to vesting conditions as described in “Note 5. Stock BasedStock-Based Compensation”.

On July 1, 2007,February 27, 2008, we purchased 26,65222,500 shares of our common stock from employees of Westwood to satisfy tax obligations related to vested restricted shares. The shares were purchased at $34.16, the closing price of our common stock on that date, and are shown as treasury shares in the equity section of our balance sheet at cost.

On April 26, 2007, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on common stock payable on July 2, 2007 to stockholders of record on June 15, 2007.

On February 22, 2007, we purchased 5,497 shares of our common stock from employees of Westwood to satisfy tax obligations related to vested restricted shares. The shares were purchased at $23.88,$35.65, the closing price of our common stock on that date, and are shown as treasury shares in the equity section of our balance sheet at cost.

On February 7, 2007,6, 2008, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20$0.30 per share on common stock payable on April 2, 20071, 2008 to stockholders of record on March 15, 2007.14, 2008.

5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We have issued stock options and restricted shares to our employees, non-employee directors and a non-employee consultant. The Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) reserves shares of Westwood common stock for issuance to eligible employees, directors and consultants of Westwood or its subsidiaries in the form of restricted stock and stock options. The total number of shares that may be issued under the Plan (including the predecessor plans to the Plan) may not exceed 1,948,100 shares. In the event of a change in control of Westwood, the Plan contains provisions providing for the acceleration of the vesting of restricted stock and stock options. At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, approximately 425,000241,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

The following table presents the total stock-based compensation expense we recorded and the total income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements:

 

  Nine months ended
September 30,
  Three months ended March 31,
  2007  2006  2008  2007

Total stock-based compensation expense

  $3,797,000  $3,274,000  $1,209,000  $898,000

Total income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation

   2,957,000   883,000   909,000   654,000

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

Restricted Stock

WeUnder the Plan, we have granted restricted stock to employees, non-employee directors and a non-employee consultant, which are subject to a service condition, and to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, which are subject to a service condition and performance goals. Until the shares vest, they are restricted from sale, transfer or assignment in accordance with the terms of the agreements under which they were issued. We calculate compensation cost for restricted stock grants by using the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant, the number of shares issued and an estimate of shares that will not vest due to forfeitures. This compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting period. As of September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, there was approximately $15.0$18.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.6 years. In order to satisfy tax liabilities that employees will owe on their vested shares, that vest, we may withhold a sufficient number of vested shares from employees on the date vesting occurs. For 2007,2008, we estimate that the number of shares that could be withheld for this purpose could total approximately 33,00074,000 shares. Our two types of restricted stock grants are discussed below.

Employee and non-employee director restricted share grants

Restricted stock granted to employees vest over four years and the non-employee directors’ shares vest over one year. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, we recorded $2.9$1.2 million of expense for these grants. The following table details the status and changes in our restricted stock grants that are subject only to a service condition for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2007:March 31, 2008:

 

   Shares  

Weighted Average

Grant Date Fair
Value

Restricted shares subject only to a service condition:

   

Non-vested, January 1, 2007

  558,788  $18.24

Granted

  172,600   32.77

Vested

  (186,809)  18.50

Forfeited

  (18,029)  18.10
     

Non-vested, September 30, 2007

  526,550   22.92
     

Certain employees that retired from Westwood in the first quarter of 2007 had a portion of their non-vested restricted shares vest ahead of the vesting schedule. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $6.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

    Shares  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

Restricted shares subject only to a service condition:

    

Non-vested, January 1, 2008

  523,175  $22.95

Granted

  183,800   35.65

Vested

  —     —  

Forfeited

  —     —  
       

Non-vested, March 31, 2008

  706,975   26.25
       

CEO and CIO performance-based restricted share grants

WeUnder the Plan, we granted restricted shares to our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Investment Officer that vest over four years and six years, respectively, provided annual performance goals established by the Compensation Committee of Westwood’s board of directors are met. In each 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, as defined. In February 2007,2008, the Compensation Committee established the goal for 20072008 as an increase of at least 7% in adjusted pre-tax income over the adjusted pre-tax

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

income for the year 2006.2007. 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. However, in no event 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.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

  Shares  

Weighted Average

Grant Date Fair
Value

  Shares  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value

Restricted shares subject to service and performance conditions:

        

Non-vested, January 1, 2007

  325,000  $18.81

Non-vested, January 1, 2008

  250,000  $18.81

Granted

  —     —    —     —  

Vested

  —     —    —     —  

Forfeited

  —     —    —     —  
           

Non-vested, September 30, 2007

  325,000   18.81

Non-vested, March 31, 2008

  250,000   18.81
           

Because the performance goal was met in 2006,2007, the shares subject to vesting were vested in substance, but required certification by the Compensation Committee, at which time a share price was determined for tax purposes. On February 22,27, 2008, the 2007 the 2006 shares, which were expensed in 2006,2007, were certified as vested and the total fair value of the shares was determined to be $1,791,000,$2,674,000, utilizing a share price of $23.88,$35.65, the closing price of our common stock as of the day of certification. InWe have not yet recorded expense for the second quarters of 2007 and 2006,shares that could vest in 2008 as we have not concluded that it was probable that we would meet the performance goals required in order for the applicable percentage of the performance-based restricted shares awarded to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer to vest in each year. As a result, we recognized expense of approximately $470,000 in both the second and third quarters of the current and prior years related to these performance-based restricted stock grants.will be met.

Stock Options

Options granted under the Plan have a maximum ten-year term and vested over a period of four years. All of our stock options are vested and exercisable. All of our outstanding and exercisable options were fully expensed in 2006.2007. The following table sets forth the summary of option activity under our stock option program for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2007:March 31, 2008:

 

  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, 2007

  124,531  $12.92    

Options outstanding, January 1, 2008

  77,300  $12.92    

Granted

  —     —        —     —      

Exercised

  (41,356)  12.91      —     —      

Forfeited/expired

  —     —        —     —      
                  

Options outstanding and exercisable, September 30, 2007

  83,175   12.92  4.76  $1,779,000

Options outstanding and exercisable, March 31, 2008

  77,300   12.92  4.25  $1,915,000
                  

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2008 and 2007 was $0 and 2006 was $541,000 and $141,000,$95,000, respectively. Options exercised represent newly issued shares.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

6. SEGMENT REPORTING:

We operate two segments: the Westwood Management segment and the Westwood Trust segment. These segments are managed separately based on types of products and services offered and their related client bases. We evaluate the performance of our segments based primarily on income before income taxes. The entity Westwood Holdings, the parent company of Westwood Management and Westwood Trust, does not have revenues or employees and is wherethe entity in which we record the expense for stock based compensation.

Westwood Management

Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations and the WHG Funds, as well as investment subadvisory services to mutual funds and clients of Westwood Trust.

Westwood Trust

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

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.

 

  Westwood
Management
  Westwood
Trust
  Westwood
Holdings
 Eliminations Consolidated  Westwood
Management
  Westwood
Trust
  Westwood
Holdings
 Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)  (in thousands)

Three months ended September 30, 2007

        

Three months ended March 31, 2008

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $6,023  $2,716  $—    $—    $8,739  $6,351  $2,776  $—    $—    $9,127

Net intersegment revenues

   965   1   —     (966)  —     1,006   2   —     (1,008)  —  

Income before income taxes

   3,453   724   (1,538)  —     2,639   3,549   673   (1,209)  —     3,013

Segment assets

   23,106   4,411   5,958   —     33,475   28,052   4,833   3,154   —     36,039

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

Three months ended September 30, 2006

        

Three months ended March 31, 2007

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $4,769  $2,126  $—    $—    $6,895  $4,938  $2,415  $—    $—    $7,353

Net intersegment revenues

   782   1   —     (783)  —     911   1   —     (912)  —  

Income before income taxes

   2,464   487   (1,387)  —     1,564   2,681   556   (898)  —     2,339

Segment assets

   18,475   4,571   7,834   —     30,880   20,852   4,466   2,782   —     28,100

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302   1,790   512   —     —     2,302
  Westwood
Management
  Westwood
Trust
  Westwood
Holdings
 Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)

Nine months ended September 30, 2007

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $16,358  $7,691  $—    $—    $24,049

Net intersegment revenues

   2,811   4   —     (2,815)  —  

Income before income taxes

   9,082   1,934   (3,797)  —     7,219

Segment assets

   23,106   4,411   5,958   —     33,475

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

Nine months ended September 30, 2006

        

Net revenues from external sources

  $13,911  $6,134  $—    $—    $20,045

Net intersegment revenues

   2,247   4   —     (2,251)  —  

Income before income taxes

   7,146   1,352   (3,274)  —     5,224

Segment assets

   18,475   4,571   7,834   —     30,880

Segment goodwill

   1,790   512   —     —     2,302

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this report that are not purely historical facts, including statements about our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as well as other statements including words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “goal,” “target,” “designed,” “on track,” “comfortable with,” “optimistic” and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results and the timing of some events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation, the risks described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20062007 filed with the SEC, and those set forth below:

 

our ability to identify and successfully market services that appeal to our customers;

 

the significant concentration of our revenues in four of our customers;

 

our relationships with investment consulting firms;

 

our relationships with current and potential customers;

 

our ability to retain qualified personnel;

 

our ability to successfully develop and market new asset classes;

 

our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures which could reduce revenues and profit margins;pressures;

 

competition in the marketplace;

 

downturn in the financial markets;

 

the passage of legislation adversely affecting the financial services industries;

 

interest rates;

 

changes in our effective tax rate;

 

our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls; and

 

the other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC reports.

You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Overview

We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our two subsidiaries, Westwood Management and Westwood Trust. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations and a family of institutional mutual funds, which we call the WHG Funds, as well as investment subadvisory services to other mutual funds and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of assets under management. 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. Percentages stated in this section are rounded to the nearest whole percent.

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. A limited number of our clients have a performance-based fee component in their contract, which could pay us an additional fee if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We would record as revenue any performance-based fees earned at the end of the performance period. 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.

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 and investment income.income and unrealized gains and losses on our investments. We invest most of our cash in money market funds, although we also invest smaller amounts in bonds and equity instruments.

Assets Under Management

Assets under management increased $2.0$1.3 billion, or 35.4%21%, to $7.7$7.5 billion at September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, compared with $5.7$6.1 billion at September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. Average assets under management for the thirdfirst quarter of 2008 were $7.7 billion compared to $6.0 billion for the first quarter of 2007, were $7.3 billion compared to $5.5 billion for the third quarter of 2006, an increase of 31.0%27%. The increase in period ending assets under management was principally attributable to asset inflows from new and existing clients and was partially offset by market appreciationdepreciation of assets under management partially offset byand the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. The following table sets forth Westwood Management’s and Westwood Trust’s assets under management as of September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2006:March 31, 2007:

 

   As of September 30,
(1) (in millions)
  % Change 
   2007  2006  

September 30, 2007
vs.

September 30, 2006

 

Westwood Management

      

Separate Accounts

  $3,701  $2,563  44.4%

Subadvisory

   1,062   912  16.4 

WHG Funds

   228   93  145.2 

Westwood Funds

   363   373  (2.7)

Managed Accounts

   484   292  65.8 
            

Total

   5,838   4,233  37.9 

Westwood Trust

      

Commingled Funds

   1,400   1,119  25.1 

Private Accounts

   331   210  57.6 

Agency/Custody Accounts

   123   120  2.5 
            

Total

   1,854   1,449  28.0 

Total Assets Under Management

  $7,692  $5,682  35.4%
            

   As of March 31,
(1) (in millions)
  %
Change
 
   2008  2007  March 31, 2008 vs.
March 31, 2007
 

Westwood Management

      

Separate Accounts

  $3,647  $2,594  41%

Subadvisory

   982   980  —   

WHG Funds

   247   154  60 

Westwood Funds

   353   371  (5)

Managed Accounts

   473   359  32 
            

Total

   5,702   4,458  28 

Westwood Trust

      

Commingled Funds

   1,353   1,303  4 

Private Accounts

   308   251  23 

Agency/Custody Accounts

   87   124  (30)
            

Total

   1,748   1,678  4 

Total Assets Under Management

  $7,450  $6,136  21%
            

(1)The above table excludes the SWS cash reserve funds for which Westwood Management served as investment advisor and Westwood Trust served as custodian. The SWS cash reserve funds were $0 and $182$177 million as of September 30,March 31, 2008 and 2007, and 2006, respectively. These accounts were noted separately due to their unique nature within our business and because they were subject to significant fluctuations on a weekly basis.

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

Westwood 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 Westwood Trust acts as trustee or agent and has full investment discretion. “Agency/Custody Accounts” represent non-discretionary accounts in which Westwood Trust provides agent or custodial services, but does not act in an advisory capacity. For certain assets in this category, Westwood Trust provides limited custody services for a minimal or zero fee currently, but views these assets as potentially converting to fee-generating managed assets in the future. As an example, some assets in this category consist of low-basis stock that is being held in custody for clients currently, but may transfer to fee-generating managed assets during an intergenerational transfer of wealth at some point in the future.

Results of Operations

The following table (dollars in thousands) and discussion of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 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.

 

              % Change 
  Three months ended
September 30,
  Nine months ended
September 30,
  

Three months ended
September 30, 2007
vs.

September 30, 2006

  

Nine months ended
September 30, 2007
vs.

September 30, 2006

   Three months ended
March 31,
  Three months ended
March 31, 2008 vs.
March 31, 2007
 
  2007  2006  2007  2006     2008 2007  

Revenues

                

Advisory fees

  $5,782  $4,391  $15,368  $12,881  31.7% 19.3%

Advisory fees—asset based

  $6,390  $4,583  39%

Trust fees

   2,666   2,086   7,558   6,026  27.8  25.4    2,748   2,376  16 

Other revenues

   291   418   1,123   1,138  (30.4) (1.3)

Other revenues, net

   (11)  394  (103)
                             

Total revenues

   8,739   6,895   24,049   20,045  26.7  20.0    9,127   7,353  24 
                             

Expenses

                

Employee compensation and benefits

   4,669   4,058   12,644   10,979  15.1  15.2    4,662   3,709  26 

Sales and marketing

   164   148   432   431  10.8  0.2    137   121  13 

WHG mutual funds

   43   80   144   167  (46.3) (13.8)   35   35  0 

Information technology

   239   225   721   682  6.2  5.7    261   233  12 

Professional services

   420   312   1,199   1,040  34.6  15.3    448   400  12 

General and administrative

   565   508   1,690   1,522  11.2  11.0    571   516  11 
                             

Total expenses

   6,100   5,331   16,830   14,821  14.4  13.6    6,114   5,014  22 
                             

Income before income taxes

   2,639   1,564   7,219   5,224  68.7  38.2    3,013   2,339  29 

Provision for income taxes

   957   643   2,557   2,060  48.8  24.1    1,058   832  27 
                             

Income from continuing operations

   1,682   921   4,662   3,164  82.6  47.3 

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax

   —     —     —     39  N/A  N/A 
                   

Net income

  $1,682  $921  $4,662  $3,203  82.6% 45.6%  $1,955  $1,507  30%
                             

Three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared to three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007

Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 26.7%24% to $8.7$9.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $6.9$7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. Advisory fees increased by 31.7%39% to $5.8$6.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $4.4$4.6 million for

the three months ended September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Management due to market appreciation of assets and inflows from new and existing clients, partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients.clients and the market

depreciation of assets. Trust fees increased by 27.8%16% to $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $2.1$2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Trust due to inflows from new clients, and existing clients and market appreciation of assets, offset in part by market depreciation of assets and the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Other revenues, which generally consist of interest and investment income, decreased by 30.4%103% to $291,000($11,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $418,000$394,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. Other revenues are presented net and were negative this quarter due to unrealized losses related to our investments. Other revenues decreased primarily due to a decrease of $84,000$347,000 in consulting revenue from Gabelli Advisers due to the termination of our consulting fee arrangementrealized and unrealized gains/losses on investments and a decrease of $62,000$59,000 in realizeddividend and unrealized gains on investments. We were notified in the fourth quarter 2006 by Gabelli Advisers that our consulting payment arrangement with them was to be replaced by a dividend payment.interest income.

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 15.1%26% to $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $4.1$3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. This increase was due primarily to increased incentive compensation expense due to higher pretax income, an increase of approximately $150,000$311,000 in restricted stock expense due to additional restricted stock grants in July 2007 and February 2008, increased salary and benefits expense due to increased headcount and salary increases for certain employees, increased incentive compensation expense due to higher pretax income and increased 401(k) match expense related to increased salaries and incentive compensation expense. InBeginning in 2008, restricted stock grants were awarded in the second quartersfirst quarter of 2007 and 2006, we concluded that it was probable that we would meet the performance goals requiredyear in order forto synchronize the applicable percentagepayment of cash incentive bonus awards with the performance-based restricted shares awarded to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer to vest in each year. As a result, we recognized expense of approximately $470,000 in the second and third quarters of both the current and prior year quarters related to these performance-basedpersonal tax liability resulting from restricted stock grants. We expect to recognize a similar amount in the fourth quarter of 2007 related to these performance-based restricted stock grants.vesting. We had 5155 full-time employees as of September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared to 48 full-time employees as of September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs generally consist of costs associated with our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct marketing and advertising costs. Sales and marketing costs increased by 10.8%13% to $164,000$137,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $148,000$121,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. The increase is primarily the result of increased direct marketing and travel and entertainment expenses. Decreased consultant marketing expenses partially offset these increases.

WHG Mutual Funds. WHG Mutual Funds expenses generally consist of costs associated with our marketing, distribution and administration efforts related to the WHG Funds. WHG Mutual Funds expenses decreased 46.3% to $43,000were $35,000 for each of the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $80,000 forMarch 31, 2008 and the three months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease was due primarily to lowerMarch 31, 2007. Decreased fund expense reimbursements due to a higher level of assets in the funds compared to last year. This decrease was partially offset by increased direct marketing costs and travel expenseservicing fees related to the funds.

Information Technology. Information technology expenses are generally costs associated with proprietary investment research tools, maintenance and support, computing hardware, software licenses, telecommunications and other related costs. Information technology costs increased by 6.2%12% to $239,000$261,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $225,000$233,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. The increase is primarily due to increased expenses for software licenses and maintenance, support services, research tools, quotations and software licenseshardware maintenance. Decreases in data fees, depreciation expense and maintenance. Decreased depreciationequipment rental expense partially offset thethese increases.

Professional Services. Professional services expenses generally consist of costs associated with subadvisory fees, audit, legal and other professional services. Professional services expenses increased by 34.6%12% to $420,000$448,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $312,000$400,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. The increase is primarily due to 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 increased professional fees related to new products and human resources. Decreases in legal expense.expenses partially offset these increases.

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 11.2%11% to $565,000$571,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $508,000$516,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007. The increase is primarily due to increases in miscellaneous expenses, director’s fees, occupancy expenses, charitable contributions and office supplies and research expense. These increases were partially offset by decreases in tax expenseinsurance expenses and insurance expense.licenses and fees.

Provision for Income Tax Expense. Provision for income tax expenseexpenses increased by 48.8%27% to $957,000$1,058,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $643,000$832,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 as a result of increased income. The effective tax rate was 36.3%35.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared to 41.1%35.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the decrease in state taxes owed resulting from a change in tax law by the State of Texas.

Nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2006

Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 20.0% to $24.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $20.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Advisory fees increased by 19.3% to $15.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Management due to inflows from new and existing clients and the market appreciation of assets. These increases were partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Trust fees increased by 25.4% to $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Trust due to inflows from new and existing clients and the market appreciation of assets, offset in part by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Other revenues decreased by 1.3% to $1,123,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $1,138,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Other revenues decreased primarily as a result of a decrease of $271,000 in consulting revenue from Gabelli Advisers due to the termination of our consulting fee arrangement, which was replaced by a dividend payment from them. We accrued $90,000 in the first nine months of 2007 related to the dividend forMarch 31, 2007. These decreases were partially offset by increased realized and unrealized gains on investments and increased dividend and interest income.

Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased by 15.2% to $12.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $11.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was due primarily to increased incentive compensation expense due to higher pretax income, an increase of approximately $645,000 in restricted stock expense due to additional restricted stock grants in July 2006 and 2007, increased salary and benefits expense due to salary increases for certain employees and increased headcount, increased 401(k) match expense and increased payroll taxes related to increased salaries and incentive compensation expense. A decrease in compensation expense related to stock options partially offset these increases.

Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs increased by 0.2% to $432,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $431,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase is primarily the result of increased travel and entertainment expenses and increased advertising expenses. Decreases in consultant and direct marketing expenses partially offset these increases.

WHG Mutual Funds. WHG Mutual Funds expenses decreased 13.8% to $144,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $167,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease was due primarily to decreased fund expense reimbursements due to a higher level of assets in the funds compared to last year. This decrease was partially offset by increased direct marketing costs and travel expense related to the funds.

Information Technology. Information technology costs increased by 5.7% to $721,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $682,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase is primarily due to increased expenses for research tools, software licenses and maintenance, network support and quotations. Decreases in depreciation and website related expenses partially offset the increases.

Professional Services. Professional services expenses increased by 15.3% to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase is primarily due to 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. These increases were partially offset by decreased legal and audit expenses.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by 11.0% to $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The increase is primarily due to increases in miscellaneous expenses, director’s fees, office supplies, employee training costs, subscriptions and research expenses and occupancy expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in tax expense.

Provision for Income Tax Expense. Provision for income tax expense increased by 24.1% to $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared with $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as a result of increased income. The effective tax rate was 35.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 39.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the decrease in state taxes owed resulting from a change in tax law by the State of Texas.

Cumulative Effect of a Change in Accounting Principle, Net of Tax. In December 2004, the FASB revised SFAS No. 123 (“SFAS No. 123R”), requiring public companies to recognize the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions in their financial statements. We have applied the fair value provisions of the original SFAS No. 123 for all options and restricted shares we issued and accounted for forfeitures as they occurred. Under SFAS No. 123R we are required to estimate the effect of forfeitures. As a result, on January 1, 2006 we 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, 2006 that was in excess of what we estimated will vest.

Supplemental Financial Information

As supplemental information, we are providing non-generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) performance measures that we refer to as cash earnings and cash expenses. We provide these measures in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income and total expenses, which are reported on a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis. Management and our board of directors review cash earnings and cash expenses to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources and review dividend policy. We believe that these non-GAAP performance measures, while not substitutes for GAAP net income and total expenses, are useful for both management and investors to evaluate our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources. We do not advocate that investors consider these non-GAAP measures without considering financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

In calculating cash earnings, we add to net income the non-cash expense associated with equity-based compensation awards of restricted stock and stock options. In calculating cash earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, we also eliminate the non-cash cumulative effect of change in accounting principle associated with our implementation of SFAS 123R. We define cash expenses as total expenses less non-cash equity-based compensation expense. Although depreciation on fixed assets is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when calculating cash earnings or deduct it when calculating cash expenses because depreciation charges represent a decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement.

Our cash earnings increased by 39.4%32% to $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 compared with $2.3$2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 primarily due to a 26.7%24% increase in total revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, cash earnings increased by 31.4% to $8.5 million compared with $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to a 20.0% increase in total revenues.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of net income to cash earnings and total expenses to cash expenses (in thousands):

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30
 

%

Change

   Three Months Ended
March 31
 %
Change
 
  2007 2006   2008 2007 

Net Income

  $1,682  $921  82.6%  $1,955  $1,507  30%

Add: Restricted stock expense

   1,537   1,387  10.8    1,209   898  35 

Add: Stock option expense

   —     1  N/A 
                    

Cash earnings

  $3,219  $2,309  39.4   $3,164  $2,405  32 
                    

Total expenses

  $6,100  $5,331  14.4   $6,114  $5,014  22 

Less: Restricted stock expense

   (1,537)  (1,387) 10.8    (1,209)  (898) 35 

Less: Stock option expense

   —     (1) N/A 
                    

Cash expenses

  $4,563  $3,943  15.7%  $4,905  $4,116  19%
                    
  Nine months Ended
September 30
 

%

Change

 
  2007 2006 

Net Income

  $4,662  $3,203  45.6%

Add: Restricted stock expense

   3,797   3,152  20.5 

Add: Stock option expense

   —     122  N/A 

Less: Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

   —     (39) N/A 
          

Cash earnings

  $8,459  $6,438  31.4 
          

Total expenses

  $16,830  $14,821  13.6 

Less: Restricted stock expense

   (3,797)  (3,152) 20.5 

Less: Stock option expense

   —     (122) N/A 
          

Cash expenses

  $13,033  $11,547  12.9%
          

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We fund our operations and cash requirements with cash generated from operating activities. As of September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, 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 ninethree months ended September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, cash flow provided by operating activities, principally our investment advisory business, was $6.2$2.3 million. At September 30, 2007,March 31, 2008, we had working capital of $23.3$27.0 million. Cash flow used in investing activities during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 of $456,000$734,000 was primarily related to net purchases of investments and purchases of fixed assets. Cash flow used in financing activities during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 of $2.9$2.1 million was primarily due to cash dividends paid and the purchase of treasury shares. Those cash uses were partially offset by proceeds from the issuance of common stock related to the exercise of stock options and tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

We had cash and investments net of dividends payable, of $21.0$26.7 million at September 30, 2007each of March 31, 2008 and $19.1 million at December 31, 2006.2007. Dividends payable were $3.4$2.0 million and $1.0$1.7 million as of September 30, 2007March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2006,2007, respectively. We had no liabilities for borrowed money at September 30, 2007.March 31, 2008.

Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including our results of operations, the timing and magnitude of capital expenditures and strategic initiatives (if any) and our dividend policy. 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 our contractual obligations since December 31, 2006.2007.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2007, the FASB ratified a consensus opinion reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) on EITF issue 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.” EITF Issue 06-11 requires an employer to recognize tax benefits realized from dividend or dividend equivalents paid to employees for certain share-based payment awards as an increase to additional paid-in capital and include such amounts in the pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards. If an entity’s estimate of forfeitures increases, or if an award is no longer expected to vest, entities should reclassify the dividends or dividend equivalents paid on that award from retained earnings to compensation cost. The provisions of EITF Issue 06-11 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We have adopted EITF Issue 06-11 and do not expect the adoption of EITF Issue 06-11it to have a significant effect on our financial statements since we have historically accounted for the income tax benefits of dividends paid for share-based payment awards in the manner described.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”), which addresses how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use a fair value measure for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potentialadopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 and have determined that SFAS 157 will not have a material impact of the adoption of SFAS 157.on our financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of the statement is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The provisions of SFAS 159 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potentialadopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, did not make any fair value elections and determined that it will not have a material impact of the adoption of SFAS 159.on our financial statements.

Critical and Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no significant changes in our critical or significant accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2006.2007.

 

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Interest Rates and Securities Markets

Our cash equivalents and other investment instruments are exposed to financial market risk due to 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.

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

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of September 30, 2007,the end of the quarter just completed, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2007,just completed, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our 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, 20062007 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

The following table displays information with respect to the treasury shares we purchased during the three months ended September 30, 2007.March 31, 2008.

 

Period

  Total
number of
shares
purchased
  Average
price paid
per share
  

Total number
of shares
purchased as

part of publicly
announced
plans or
programs

  

Maximum
number of

shares that
may yet be
purchased
under the
plans or
programs

July 1 through July 31, 2007

  26,652  $34.16  —    —  

August 1 through August 31, 2007

  —     —    —    —  

September 1 through September 30, 2007

  —     —    —    —  
             

Total

  26,652  $34.16  —    —  

Period

  Total
number of
shares
purchased
  Average
price paid
per share
  Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans or
programs
  Maximum
number of
shares that
may yet be
purchased
under the
plans or
programs

January 1 through January 31, 2008

  —     —    —    —  

February 1 through February 29, 2008

  22,500  $35.65  —    —  

March 1 through March 31, 2008

  —     —    —    —  
             

Total

  22,500  $35.65  —    —  

Note: The treasury shares were purchased from Westwood employees at the market close price on the date of purchase in order to assist our employees in satisfying their tax obligations from restricted shares that vested. We anticipate purchasing additional treasury shares in 2007,2008, and potentially in subsequent years, for the same purpose.

 

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

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

None

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a)
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.

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: OctoberApril 24, 20072008  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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