WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012.

OR

For the transition period from             to             .

Commission file number 1-31234

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

200 CRESCENT COURT, SUITE 1200

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

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

Shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of October 16, 2012: 8,026,845.

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WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

INDEX

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

(in thousands, except par value and share amounts)

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

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WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

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WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

(in thousands, except share amounts)

(unaudited)

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

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WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

See notes to interim consolidated financial statements.

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WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 12, 2001. Westwood manages investment assets and provides services for its clients through its subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. (“Westwood Management”), Westwood Trust (“Westwood Trust”) and Westwood International Advisors Inc. (“Westwood International”). Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate retirement plans, public retirement plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds, individuals and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides institutions and high net worth individuals with trust and custodial services and participation in its sponsored common trust funds. Westwood International provides investment advisory services to institutional investors. 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 revenues and results of operations.

Westwood Management is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Westwood Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas Department of Banking. Westwood International is registered as a portfolio manager and exempt market dealer with the Ontario Securities Commission.

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, 2012, 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”). 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, 2011. Operating results for the periods in these consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Westwood and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Use of Estimates

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

Revenue Recognition

Investment advisory and trust fees are recognized as services are provided. These fees are determined in accordance with contracts between our subsidiaries and their clients and are generally based on a percentage of assets under management. A limited number of our clients have contractual performance-based fee arrangements, which would pay us an additional fee if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We record revenue for performance-based fees at the end of the measurement period. Most advisory and trust fees are payable in advance or in arrears on a calendar quarterly basis. Advance payments are deferred and recognized over the periods services are performed. Since billing periods for most of our advance paying clients coincide with the calendar quarter to which payment relates, revenue is fully recognized within the quarter. Consequently there is not a significant amount of deferred revenue contained in our 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. These revenues are recognized as earned or as the services are performed.

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Variable Interest Entities

A variable interest entity (“VIE”) is an entity in which either (a) the equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its own activities without additional financial support or (b) the voting rights of the equity investors are not proportional to their obligations to absorb expected losses or receive expected residual returns of the entity.

We have examined whether the entities in which we have an interest are VIEs and whether we qualify as the primary beneficiary of the VIEs that we identify. We have included the disclosures related to VIEs in a note to these consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less, other than pooled investment vehicles that are considered investments.

Accounts Receivable

Our accounts receivable balances generally consist of advisory and trust fees receivable from customers that we believe and have experienced to be fully collectable. Our trade accounts receivable balances do not include any allowance for doubtful accounts nor has any bad debt expense attributable to trade receivables been recorded for the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

Investments

Class A shares of Teton Advisors, Inc. (“Teton shares”) are classified as available for sale. The Teton shares are carried at quoted market value with a 25% discount for lack of marketability. Unrealized gains and losses on the Teton shares are recorded through other comprehensive income. All other marketable securities are classified as trading securities and are carried at quoted market value on the accompanying consolidated 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 and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired assets over the fair value of the underlying identifiable assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment.

During the third quarter of 2012, we completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment and determined that no impairment loss was required. We perform annual impairment assessments as of July 1 and reassess if circumstances indicate a potential impairment between annual assessment dates. We assess the fair value of our business units for goodwill purposes using a market multiple approach.

Our intangible assets represent the acquisition date fair value of acquired client relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements and are reflected net of amortization. In valuing these assets, we made significant estimates regarding their useful lives, growth rates and potential attrition. We periodically review intangible assets for events or circumstances that would indicate impairment. For a further discussion of our intangible assets, please see “Note 6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS” of these consolidated financial statements.

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 basis of assets and liabilities as measured at enacted income tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is generally the result of changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes relate primarily to stock-based compensation expense.

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We do not have uncertain tax positions for any of the periods presented. If an uncertain tax position should arise, we would report a liability for an unrecognized tax expense from an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. We include penalties and interest on income based taxes in “Provision for income taxes” on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of our non-U.S. dollar functional currency subsidiary are translated at exchange rates as of the applicable reporting dates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the periods indicated. The gains and losses resulting from translating non-U.S. dollar functional currency into U.S. dollars are recorded through other comprehensive income.

Long-term Compensation Agreements

We entered into long-term compensation agreements with certain key employees of Westwood International Advisors Inc., our Canadian subsidiary launched in the second quarter of 2012. These agreements stipulate that cash sign on bonuses paid to these employees can be earned over multi-year periods. In certain circumstances, these payments will be forfeited to us if the employment of these individuals is terminated before completion of the contractual earning period. Payments made in advance under these agreements are included in “Other current assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, net of amounts already amortized.

Stock Based Compensation

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Under ASC 718, stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at grant date, is recognized over the relevant service period, and is adjusted each period for anticipated forfeitures. The compensation cost recorded for these awards is based on their grant-date fair value as required by ASC 718.

We have issued restricted stock and granted stock options in accordance with our Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan as amended, (the “Plan”). We valued stock options granted in accordance with the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and expensed this value over the periods in which the options vested. Implementation of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model required 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 consolidated 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, our stock-based compensation expense and results of operations could be materially affected.

3. 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, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Diluted earnings per share for these periods is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive shares of restricted stock and stock options granted to employees and non-employee directors and contingently issuable shares. There were no anti-dilutive restricted shares or options as of September 30, 2012 or 2011.

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

4. INVESTMENTS

Investment balances are presented in the table below (in thousands). All investments are carried at fair value. Our investments in Teton shares are accounted for as available for sale securities. All other investments are accounted for as trading securities.

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We determined estimated fair values of our financial instruments using available information. The fair value amounts discussed in Notes 4 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of either the amounts realizable upon disposition of these instruments or our intent or ability to dispose of these assets. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, 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, money market funds, Westwood Funds^TM mutual funds and Westwood Trust 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. Market values of our money market holdings generally do not fluctuate. The fair value of the Teton shares, which is designated as an “available for sale” security, is equal to the closing market price as of September 30, 2012 of $13.00 per share, less a 25% discount for lack of marketability.

Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of FASB ASC No. 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and

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requires additional disclosures regarding certain fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy for measuring fair value as follows:

The following table summarizes the values of our assets within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands).

Investments categorized as level 2 assets consist of investments in common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust. Common trust funds are private investment vehicles comprised of commingled investments held in trusts that are valued using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) calculated by us as administrator of the funds. The NAV is quoted on an inactive private market; however, the unit price is based on the market value of the underlying investments that are traded on an active market.

We used level 3 inputs to determine the fair value of our Teton shares. This fair value amount is not necessarily indicative of either the amount we would realize upon disposition of these shares or our intent or ability to dispose of them. There were no transfers of assets (including level 3 assets) to or from other asset classes. In the second quarter of 2012, we sold 100,000 Teton shares and an option to purchase the remaining 100,000 Teton shares by December 31, 2012. The following table presents information regarding this investment.

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6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following is a summary of our intangible assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

Amortization expense was $366,000 and $374,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for the next five years follows (in thousands):

7. EQUITY

On July 19, 2012, our board of directors authorized management to repurchase up to $10.0 million of our outstanding common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. This authorization supersedes a share repurchase program authorized in August 2011 that was scheduled to expire on August 9, 2012. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be discontinued at any time by our board of directors.

On July 19, 2012, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per share on common stock payable on October 1, 2012 to stockholders of record on September 14, 2012.

On April 19, 2012, we granted an aggregate of 9,000 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors. These shares are subject to vesting conditions as described in “Note 9. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION”.

On April 19, 2012, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per share on common stock payable on July 2, 2012 to stockholders of record on June 15, 2012.

On March 5 and February 24, 2012, we purchased 462 shares and 85,991 shares of our common stock, respectively, from Westwood employees to assist in satisfying their tax obligations related to vested restricted shares. The shares were purchased at the closing price of our common stock on those days and are shown as treasury shares in the equity section of our balance sheet.

On February 23, 2012, we granted an aggregate of 400,780 shares of restricted stock to certain employees. These shares are subject to vesting conditions as described in “Note 9. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION”.

On February 2, 2012, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per share on common stock payable on April 2, 2012 to stockholders of record on March 15, 2012.

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8. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Westwood Trust sponsors common trust funds (“CTFs”) for its clients. These funds allow clients to commingle assets to achieve economies of scale. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to the Westwood Funds™, a family of mutual funds. Some clients of Westwood Management hold their investments in ten limited liability companies and one limited partnership that we formed and sponsor. The CTFs, Westwood Funds™, limited liability companies and partnerships (the “Westwood VIEs”) are considered VIEs because our clients, who hold the equity at risk, do not have direct or indirect ability through voting or similar rights to make decisions about the funds that have a significant effect on their success. We receive fees for managing assets in these entities commensurate with market rates.

We evaluate all of our advisory relationships and CTFs to determine whether or not we qualify as the primary beneficiary based on whether there is an obligation to absorb the majority of expected losses or a right to receive the majority of residual returns. Since all losses and returns are distributed to the shareholders of the Westwood VIEs, we are not the primary beneficiary and consequently the Westwood VIEs are not included in our consolidated financial statements.

We have not provided any financial support that we were not previously contractually obligated to provide and there are no arrangements that would require us to provide additional financial support to any of the Westwood VIEs. Our investments in the Westwood Funds™ and the CTFs are accounted for as investments in accordance with our other investments described in “Note. 4 INVESTMENTS”. The following table displays assets under management, corporate money invested and risk of loss in each vehicle (in millions).

9. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Plan reserves shares of Westwood common stock for issuance to eligible employees, directors and consultants of Westwood or its subsidiaries in the form of restricted stock and stock options. The total number of shares that may be issued under the Plan (including predecessor plans) may not exceed 3,398,100 shares and as of September 30, 2012, approximately 472,000 shares remained available for issuance under the Plan.

The following table presents the total expense recorded for stock based compensation (in thousands):

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Restricted Stock

Under the Plan, we have granted to employees and non-employee directors restricted stock that is subject to a service condition, and to certain key employees restricted stock that is subject to a service condition and performance goals. As of September 30, 2012, approximately $24.5 million of remaining unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 2.2 years. Our two types of restricted stock grants are discussed below.

Employee and non-employee director restricted share grants

Restricted shares granted to employees vest over four years and non-employee directors’ shares vest over one year. The following table details the status and changes in our restricted stock grants that are subject only to a service condition for the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

Performance-based restricted share grants

Under the Plan, we granted to certain key employees restricted shares that vest over five years, provided that annual performance goals established by Westwood’s Compensation Committee are met. In February 2012, the Compensation Committee established the 2012 goal as adjusted pre-tax income of at least $26,661,000, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7% over annual adjusted pre-tax income recorded in 2007. Adjusted pre-tax income is determined based on our audited financial statements and is equal to income before income taxes increased by expenses incurred for the year for (i) incentive compensation for all officers and employees and (ii) performance-based restricted stock awards. Revenues and expenses associated with subsidiaries acquired or newly launched in 2012 are excluded from the calculation of adjusted pre-tax income. In the second quarter of 2012, we concluded that it was probable that we would meet the performance goals required to vest the applicable percentage of the performance-based restricted shares this year and began recording expense related to those shares.

The following table details the status and changes in our restricted stock grants that are subject to service and performance conditions for the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

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10. CONTINGENCIES

On August 3, 2012, AGF Management Limited and AGF Investments Inc. (“AGF”) filed a lawsuit in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Westwood, certain Westwood employees and executive recruiting firm Warren International, LLC (File no. CV-12-460520). The suit is related to the hiring of certain members of Westwood’s Global and Emerging Markets investment team who were previously employed by the plaintiff. AGF is alleging the former employees breached their contractual and fiduciary obligations when they resigned from AGF, and that Westwood and Warren induced such breaches. AGF is seeking an unspecified amount of damages and punitive damages of $10 million. We intend to vigorously defend these allegations.

11. SEGMENT REPORTING

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

Advisory

Our Advisory segment provides investment advisory services to corporate retirement plans, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations, individuals and the Westwood Funds™, as well as investment subadvisory services to mutual funds and our Trust segment. Westwood Management and Westwood International Adivsors are included in our Advisory segment.

Trust

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

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.