WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

________________________________________________________________________________________________________



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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2019



☐	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)

(214) 756-6900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share	WHG	New York Stock Exchange

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 ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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



Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☒

Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐

		Emerging growth company	☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) 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 ☒

Shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of October 25, 2019: 8,863,674.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

INDEX



PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	PAGE

Item 1.	Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018	1

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	2

	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	5

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	32

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	32

PART II	OTHER INFORMATION	33

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	33

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	33

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33

Item 6.	Exhibits	34

Signatures		35

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value and share amounts)

(Unaudited)



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	58,372		$	52,449
Accounts receivable	12,872			18,429
Investments, at fair value	42,844			65,781
Prepaid income taxes	916			349
Other current assets	2,657			2,731
Total current assets	117,661			139,739
Investments	5,425			5,425
Noncurrent investments at fair value	3,020			—
Goodwill	19,804			19,804
Deferred income taxes	3,540			5,102
Operating lease right-of-use assets	7,851			8,698
Intangible assets, net	15,701			15,961
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $7,144 and $6,462	4,311			4,454
Total assets	$	177,313		$	199,183
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	2,040		$	2,518
Dividends payable	7,290			7,710
Compensation and benefits payable	6,858			15,102
Operating lease liabilities	1,554			1,432
Income taxes payable	254			365
Total current liabilities	17,996			27,127
Accrued dividends	1,100			1,576
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	8,158			9,331
Total liabilities	27,254			38,034
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 10,314,305 and outstanding 8,906,152 shares at September 30, 2019; issued 10,182,583 and outstanding 8,904,902 shares at December 31, 2018	103			102
Additional paid-in capital	202,278			194,116
Treasury stock, at cost - 1,408,152 shares at September 30, 2019; 1,277,681 shares at December 31, 2018	(63,335		)	(58,711		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,799		)	(4,883		)
Retained earnings	14,812			30,525
Total stockholders' equity	150,059			161,149
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	177,313		$	199,183

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data and share amounts)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2019		2018
REVENUES:
Advisory fees:
Asset-based	$	13,164		$	22,023	$	44,265	$	69,979
Performance-based	154			—		454		2,984
Trust fees	6,281			7,191		19,264		22,265
Other, net	293			640		1,480		953
Total revenues	19,892			29,854		65,463		96,181
EXPENSES:
Employee compensation and benefits	12,072			14,444		38,060		46,857
Sales and marketing	506			549		1,550		1,401
Westwood mutual funds	916			979		2,423		2,966
Information technology	2,017			2,332		6,276		6,753
Professional services	940			1,372		3,258		3,677
General and administrative	2,317			2,431		7,153		7,300
(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions	(402		)	596		1,142		(823		)
Total expenses	18,366			22,703		59,862		68,131
Net operating income	1,526			7,151		5,601		28,050
Gain on sale of operations	—			—		—		524
Other income	33			—		110		—
Income before income taxes	1,559			7,151		5,711		28,574
Provision for income taxes	442			1,783		2,341		7,236
Net income	$	1,117		$	5,368	$	3,370	$	21,338
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(482		)	616		1,084		(1,062		)
Total comprehensive income	$	635		$	5,984	$	4,454	$	20,276

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.13		$	0.64	$	0.40	$	2.55
Diluted	$	0.13		$	0.62	$	0.40	$	2.49
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	8,432,598			8,402,697		8,414,317		8,359,088
Diluted	8,470,673			8,598,230		8,467,823		8,561,918

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)



	Common Stock, Par					Additional Paid-In Capital		Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
	Shares		Amount			Additional Paid-In Capital		Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
BALANCE, June 30, 2019	8,944,733		$	104		$	200,028	$	(62,883	)	$	(3,317	)	$	20,054		$	153,986
Net income	—		—			—		—			—			1,117			1,117
Other comprehensive loss	—		—			—		—			(482		)	—			(482		)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	(22,059	)	(1		)	1		—			—			—			—
Dividends declared ($0.72 per share)	—		—			—		—			—			(6,359		)	(6,359		)
Stock based compensation expense	—		—			2,249		—			—			—			2,249
Purchases of treasury stock	(16,522	)	—			—		(452		)	—			—			(452		)
BALANCE, September 30, 2019	8,906,152		$	103		$	202,278	$	(63,335	)	$	(3,799	)	$	14,812		$	150,059



	Common Stock, Par				Additional Paid-In Capital		Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
	Shares		Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital		Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
BALANCE, June 30, 2018	9,026,806		$	102	$	187,367	$	(55,201	)	$	(3,442	)	$	32,315		$	161,141
Net income	—		—		—		—			—			5,368			5,368
Other comprehensive gain	—		—		—		—			616			—			616
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	(8,252	)	—		—		—			—			—			—
Dividends declared ($0.68 per share)	—		—		—		—			—			(6,134		)	(6,134		)
Stock based compensation expense	—		—		3,695		—			—			—			3,695
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes	(118	)	—		—		(14		)	—			—			(14		)
BALANCE, September 30, 2018	9,018,436		$	102	$	191,062	$	(55,215	)	$	(2,826	)	$	31,549		$	164,672

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)



	Common Stock, Par				Additional Paid-In Capital			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
	Shares		Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
BALANCE, December 31, 2018	8,904,902		$	102	$	194,116		$	(58,711	)	$	(4,883	)	$	30,525		$	161,149
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			3,370			3,370
Other comprehensive gain	—		—		—			—			1,084			—			1,084
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	131,721		1		(1		)	—			—			—			—
Dividends declared ($2.16 per share)	—		—		—			—			—			(19,083		)	(19,083		)
Stock based compensation expense	—		—		7,932			—			—			—			7,932
Reclassification of compensation liability to be paid in shares	—		—		231			—			—			—			231
Purchases of treasury stock	(68,435	)	—		—			(2,239		)	—			—			(2,239		)
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes	(62,036	)	—		—			(2,385		)	—			—			(2,385		)
BALANCE, September 30, 2019	8,906,152		$	103	$	202,278		$	(63,335	)	$	(3,799	)	$	14,812		$	150,059



	Common Stock, Par				Additional Paid-In Capital			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
	Shares		Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)			Retained Earnings			Total
BALANCE, December 31, 2017	8,899,587		$	100	$	179,241		$	(49,788	)	$	(1,764	)	$	28,607		$	156,396
Net income	—		—		—			—			—			21,338			21,338
Other comprehensive loss	—		—		—			—			(1,062		)	—			(1,062		)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	215,808		2		(2		)	—			—						—
Dividends declared ($2.04 per share)	—		—					—			—			(18,396		)	(18,396		)
Stock based compensation expense	—		—		11,658			—			—			—			11,658
Reclassification of compensation liability to be paid in shares	—		—		165			—			—			—			165
Purchases of treasury stock	(13,031	)	—		—			(726		)	—			—			(726		)
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes	(83,928	)	—		—			(4,701		)	—			—			(4,701		)
BALANCE, September 30, 2018	9,018,436		$	102	$	191,062		$	(55,215	)	$	(2,826	)	$	31,549		$	164,672

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	3,370		$	21,338
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	662			653
Amortization of intangible assets	1,281			1,255
Unrealized (gains) losses on trading investments	(501		)	145
Stock based compensation expense	7,932			11,658
Deferred income taxes	1,572			(1,693		)
Non-cash lease expense	852			789
Gain on sale of operations	—			(524		)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Net sales (purchases) of investments - trading securities	23,438			(19,824		)
Accounts receivable	5,673			1,537
Other current assets	(361		)	4,185
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(482		)	(650		)
Compensation and benefits payable	(8,100		)	(6,157		)
Income taxes payable	(668		)	3,265
Other liabilities	(1,057		)	(907		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	33,611			15,070
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment	(516		)	(676		)
Proceeds from Omaha divestiture	—			10,013
Additions to internally developed software	(584		)	—
Purchase of investments	(3,020		)	(5,425		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(4,120		)	3,912
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of treasury stock	(1,258		)	—
Purchase of treasury stock under employee stock plans	(981		)	(726		)
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes	(2,385		)	(4,701		)
Cash dividends paid	(19,979		)	(18,825		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(24,603		)	(24,252		)
Effect of currency rate changes on cash	1,035			(893		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	5,923			(6,163		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	52,449			54,249
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	58,372		$	48,086

Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	1,431		$	5,634
Accrued dividends	$	8,390		$	8,644

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (“Westwood”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on December 12, 2001. Westwood provides investment management services to institutional investors, high net worth individuals and financial intermediaries through its subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. and Westwood Advisors, L.L.C. (together “Westwood Management”), Westwood Trust, and Westwood International Advisors Inc. (“Westwood International”). 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.

Divestiture of our Omaha Operations

On September 6, 2017, we entered into an agreement to sell the Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business. The sale closed on January 12, 2018. We received proceeds of $10.0 million, net of working capital requirements, and recorded a $524,000 gain on the sale, which is included as “Gain on sale of operations” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The sale reduced goodwill and intangible assets but did not have a material impact on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The following table presents cash proceeds received and net assets sold (in thousands):



Cash Proceeds	$	10,013
Net assets sold:
Accounts receivable	99
Other current assets	112
Goodwill	7,340
Intangible assets, net	2,170
Property and equipment, net	18
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(241		)
Other liabilities	(9		)
Gain on sale of operations	$	524

The component is reported within both our Advisory and Trust segments. The sale did not represent a major strategic shift in our business and did not qualify for discontinued operations reporting.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and are presented in accordance with the requirements for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all of the information and footnote disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary in the opinion of management to present fairly our interim financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying unaudited Condensed 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, 2018, filed with the SEC. Operating results for the periods in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Westwood and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. In the current year, we created a new expense item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for “(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions,” which was previously included in “General and Administrative” expense, and a new cash flow item on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for “Non-cash lease expense,” which was previously included in the changes in operating assets and liabilities within “Other liabilities.” Prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to this presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net income, stockholders’ equity or cash flows as previously reported.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases at the commencement date, excluding short-term leases. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification impacting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2019 under the modified retrospective approach, which provides a method for recording existing leases at adoption and in comparative periods that approximates the results of a full retrospective approach. We elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which, among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification and elect hindsight to determine certain lease terms for existing leases. See further discussion in Note 13 “Leases.”

The following table summarizes the impacts of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to our previously reported results (in thousands):



Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018:	As Previously Reported		New Lease Standard Adjustment			As Restated
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	—	$	8,698		$	8,698
Operating lease liabilities	—		1,432			1,432
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities	—		9,331			9,331
Deferred rent	2,065		(2,065		)	—

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The purpose of this amendment is to simplify the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services by aligning it with the accounting used for arrangements with employees. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2019 and it did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Not Yet Adopted

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework- Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The purpose of this amendment is to modify, remove and add certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Under ASU 2018-13, entities are required to disclose the amount of total gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income attributable to assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The ASU includes an incremental requirement about significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. The requirement to disclose reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 was removed. Various requirements for Level 3 disclosure were also modified. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We do not expect the amendment to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements, and we plan to adopt this amendment within the required time frame.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Topic 350): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The purpose of this amendment is to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The amendments in this update are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. We do not expect the amendment to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements, and we plan to adopt the standard within the required time frame.

In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. The purpose of this amendment is to amend ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, to allow companies to irrevocably elect, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, the fair value option on financial instruments that were previously recorded at amortized cost and are within the scope of ASC 326-20, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Amortization Cost, if the instruments are eligible for the fair value option under Accounting Standards Codification 825 - Financial Instruments. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. The amendments in this update are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. We do not expect the amendment to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements, and we plan to adopt the standard within the required time frame.

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 applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the effect of any dilutive shares of restricted stock granted to employees and non-employee directors. There were approximately 81,000 anti-dilutive restricted shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2019, and there were no anti-dilutive restricted shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2018. There were approximately 87,000 and 3,251 anti-dilutive restricted shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Net income	$	1,117	$	5,368	$	3,370	$	21,338

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	8,432,598		8,402,697		8,414,317		8,359,088
Dilutive potential shares from unvested restricted shares	38,075		195,533		53,506		202,830
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	8,470,673		8,598,230		8,467,823		8,561,918

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.13	$	0.64	$	0.40	$	2.55
Diluted	$	0.13	$	0.62	$	0.40	$	2.49

4. INVESTMENTS

During 2018, we made a $5.4 million strategic investment in a private company (“Private Company”), which is included in “Investments” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. This investment represents an equity interest in a private company without a readily-determinable fair value. The Company has elected to apply the measurement alternative of cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no observable price changes or indicators of impairment for this investment.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

In February 2019, we made a $250,000 investment in Westwood Hospitality Fund I, LLC, a private investment fund. Our investment is included in “Noncurrent investments at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be measured at fair value on a recurring basis using net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient.

In September 2019, we made a $2.8 million investment in Charis Holdings, Inc. (“Charis”), the parent company of Westwood Private Bank. Our investment is included in “Noncurrent investments at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

All other investments are accounted for as trading securities, are carried at fair value on a recurring basis and are included in “Investments, at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments carried at fair value are presented in the table below (in thousands):



	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Market Value
September 30, 2019:
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations	$	24,036	$	145	$	—		$	24,181
Money market funds	12,072		—		—			12,072
Equity funds	6,329		280		(18		)	6,591
Total trading securities	42,437		425		(18		)	42,844
Private investment fund	250		—		—			250
Private equity	2,770		—		—			2,770
Total investments carried at fair value	$	45,457	$	425	$	(18	)	$	45,864

December 31, 2018:
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations	$	48,177	$	232	$	—		$	48,409
Money market funds	10,354		—		—			10,354
Equity funds	7,344		—		(326		)	7,018
Total trading securities	$	65,875	$	232	$	(326	)	$	65,781

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, approximately $6.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively, in corporate funds were invested in Westwood Funds®. See Note 8 “Variable Interest Entities.”

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We determine estimated fair values for our financial instruments using available information. The fair value amounts discussed in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of either amounts realizable upon disposition of these instruments or our intent or ability to dispose of these assets. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid income taxes, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable, compensation and benefits payable and income taxes payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities. The carrying amount of investments designated as trading securities, primarily U.S. Government and Government agency obligations, money market funds, Westwood Funds® mutual funds, Westwood Investment Funds Plc (the “UCITS Fund”) and Westwood Trust common trust fund shares, equals their fair value based on prices quoted in active markets and, with respect to common trust funds, the net asset value of the shares held as reported by each fund. Market values of our money market holdings generally do not fluctuate.

Our investment in Westwood Hospitality Fund I, LLC is measured at fair value using NAV.

Our investment in Charis is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using a market approach based on a price to tangible book value multiple range that is determined to be reasonable in the current environment. Management believes this valuation methodology is consistent with the banking industry and will reevaluate our methodology and inputs on a quarterly basis.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Our strategic investment in the Private Company discussed in Note 4 “Investments” is excluded from the recurring fair value table shown below, because we have elected to apply the measurement alternative for this investment.

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding certain fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy for measuring fair value, as follows:


•	Level 1 – quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets


•	Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable


•	Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs where there is little or no market activity

The following table summarizes the values of our investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy as of the dates indicated (in thousands):



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Investments Measured at NAV ⁽¹⁾		Total
As of September 30, 2019:
Investments in trading securities	$	42,844	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	42,844
Private investment fund	—		—		—		250		250
Private equity	—		—		2,770		—		2,770
Total investments carried at fair value	$	42,844	$	—	$	2,770	$	250	$	45,864

As of December 31, 2018:
Investments in trading securities	$	65,781	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	65,781
Total investments carried at fair value	$	65,781	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	65,781

(1) Comprised of certain investments measured at fair value using NAV as a practical expedient. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the

periods presented (in thousands):



	Fair Value using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	Private Equity Investment				Private Equity Investment
Beginning balance	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Purchases	2,770		—		2,770		—
Transfers into (out of) level 3	—		—		—		—
Realized gains (losses)	—		—		—		—
Unrealized gains (losses)	—		—		—		—
Ending balance	$	2,770	$	—	$	2,770	$	—

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquired assets over the fair value of the underlying identifiable assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at least annually. We completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment during the third quarter of 2019 and determined that no impairment loss was required. No impairments on goodwill were recorded during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018.

Other Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets represent the acquisition date fair value of acquired client relationships, trade names, non-compete agreements and internally developed software and are reflected net of amortization. In valuing these assets, we made significant estimates regarding their useful lives, growth rates and potential attrition. We periodically review intangible assets for events or circumstances that would indicate impairment. No impairments on intangible assets were recorded during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2019 or 2018.

7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” were as follows (in thousands):



	As of September 30, 2019			As of December 31, 2018
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	(3,799	)	$	(4,883	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(3,799	)	$	(4,883	)

Share Repurchase Program

On July 20, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of our outstanding common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The share repurchase program has no expiration date and may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors. In July 2016, Westwood's Board of Directors authorized an additional $5.0 million of repurchases under the share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2019, approximately $4.1 million remained available under the share repurchase program.

Between January 1, 2019 and September 30, 2019, under our share repurchase plan, the Company repurchased 43,388 shares of our common stock at an average price of $28.99, including commissions, at an aggregate purchase price of $1.3 million.

8. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

We have evaluated (i) our advisory relationships with the UCITS Fund and the Westwood Funds®, (ii) our relationship as sponsor of the Common Trust Funds (“CTFs”) and managing member of the private investment funds Westwood Hospitality Fund I, LLC and Westwood Technology Opportunities Fund I, LP (collectively, the “Private Funds”) and (iii) our investments in the Private Company and Charis discussed in Note 4 “Investments” (collectively, “Private Equity”) to determine whether each of these entities is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) or voting ownership entity (“VOE”). Based on our analysis, we determined that the CTFs and Private Funds were VIEs, as the at-risk equity holders do not have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and the Company and its representatives have a majority control of the entities' respective boards of directors and can influence the respective entities' management and affairs. Based on our analysis, we determined the UCITS Fund, Westwood Funds® and Private Equity (i) have sufficient equity at risk to finance the entity's activities independently, (ii) have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (iii) are not structured with disproportionate voting rights, and therefore the UCITS Funds, Westwood Funds® and Private Equity are not VIEs and should be analyzed under the VOE consolidation method. Based on our analysis of our investments in these entities for the periods ending

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we have not consolidated the CTFs, Private Funds or LLCs under the VIE method or the UCITS Fund, Westwood Funds® or Private Equity under the VOE method, and therefore the financial results of these entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial results.

As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our seed investments in the Westwood Funds aggregated approximately $6.5 million and $6.1 million, respectively. The seed investments were provided for the sole purpose of showing the economic substance needed to establish the funds and are included in “Investments, at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We have not otherwise provided any financial support not previously contractually obligated to provide, and there are no arrangements that would require us to provide additional financial support to any of these entities. Our seed investments in the above-mentioned Westwood Funds®, the UCITS Fund and the CTFs are accounted for as investments consistent with our other investments described in Note 4 “Investments.” We recognized fee revenue from the Westwood VIEs and Westwood VOEs of approximately $7.2 million and $11.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We recognized fee revenue from the Westwood VIEs and Westwood VOEs of approximately $24.3 million and $36.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The following table displays the assets under management, the amounts of our seed investments included in “Investments” on our consolidated balance sheets, and the risk of loss in each vehicle (in millions):



	As of September 30, 2019
	Assets Under Management		Corporate Investment		Amount at Risk
VIEs/VOEs:
Westwood Funds®	$	2,338	$	6.5	$	6.5
Common Trust Funds	1,409		—		—
UCITS Fund	309		—		—
Private Funds	11		0.3		0.3
Private Equity	—		8.2		8.2
All other assets:
Wealth Management	2,881
Institutional	8,038
Total Assets Under Management	$	14,986

9. REVENUE

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when the performance obligation (the investment management and advisory or trust services provided to the client) defined by the investment advisory or sub-advisory agreement is satisfied. For each performance obligation, we determine at contract inception whether the revenue satisfies over time or at a point in time. We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees and other sources of revenues. Advisory and Trust fees are calculated based on a percentage of assets under management and the performance obligation is realized over the current calendar quarter. Once clients receive our investment advisory services we have an enforceable right to payment.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Advisory Fee Revenues

Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management and Westwood International, which manage client accounts under investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. Advisory fees are typically calculated based on a percentage of assets under management and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on assets under management on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on assets under management on the last day of the quarter just ended or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of assets under management for the stated period. We recognize advisory fee revenues as services are rendered. Since our advance paying clients' billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which such payments relate, revenue is recognized within the quarter and our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred advisory fee revenues. Advisory clients typically consist of institutional and mutual fund accounts.

Institutional investors include separate accounts of (i) corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement funds, Taft Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals; (ii) subadvisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions; (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including the UCITS Fund and collective investment trusts; and (iv) managed account relationships with brokerage firms and other registered investment advisors that offer Westwood products to their customers.

Mutual funds include the Westwood Funds®, a family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves as advisor. These funds are available to individual investors, as well as offered as part of our investment strategies for institutional investors and wealth management accounts.

Arrangements with Performance Based Obligations

A limited number of our advisory clients have a contractual performance-based fee component in their contracts, which generates additional revenues if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. The revenue is based on future market performance and is susceptible to factors outside our control. We cannot conclude that a significant reversal in the cumulative amount of revenue recognized will not occur during the measurement period, and therefore the revenue is recorded at the end of the measurement period when the performance obligation has been satisfied.

Trust Fee Revenues

Our trust fees are generated by Westwood Trust pursuant to trust or custodial agreements. Trust fees are separately negotiated with each client and are generally based on a percentage of assets under management. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. The fees for most of our trust clients are calculated quarterly in arrears, based on a daily average of assets under management for the quarter. Since billing periods for most of Westwood Trust’s clients coincide with the calendar quarter, revenue is fully recognized within the quarter and our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred trust fee revenue.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Revenue Disaggregated

Sales taxes are excluded from revenues. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by account type (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Advisory Fees:
Institutional	$	8,664	$	14,426	$	28,475	$	46,815
Mutual Funds	4,375		7,527		15,452		23,030
Wealth Management	125		70		338		134
Performance-based	154		—		454		2,984
Trust Fees	6,281		7,191		19,264		22,265
Other	293		640		1,480		953
Total revenues	$	19,892	$	29,854	$	65,463	$	96,181

We serve clients in various locations around the world. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by our clients' geographical locations (in thousands):



Three Months Ended September 30, 2019	Advisory		Trust		Performance-based		Other		Total
Asia	$	410	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	410
Canada	608		—		—		44		652
Europe	836		—		154		—		990
United States	11,310		6,281		—		249		17,840
Total	$	13,164	$	6,281	$	154	$	293	$	19,892

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Asia	$	1,223	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	1,223
Australia	591		—		—		—		591
Canada	2,134		—		—		128		2,262
Europe	2,685		—		454		—		3,139
United States	37,632		19,264		—		1,352		58,248
Total	$	44,265	$	19,264	$	454	$	1,480	$	65,463

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended September 30, 2018	Advisory		Trust		Performance-based		Other		Total
Asia	$	853	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	853
Australia	927		—		—		—		927
Canada	1,707		—		—		38		1,745
Europe	1,249		—		—		—		1,249
United States	17,287		7,191		—		602		25,080
Total	$	22,023	$	7,191	$	—	$	640	$	29,854

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Asia	$	3,520	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	3,520
Australia	2,923		—		—		—		2,923
Canada	5,177		—		—		124		5,301
Europe	3,839		—		—		—		3,839
United States	54,520		22,265		2,984		829		80,598
Total	$	69,979	$	22,265	$	2,984	$	953	$	96,181

10. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

Restricted Stock Awards

We have issued restricted shares to our employees and non-employee directors. The Sixth 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. The total number of shares issuable under the Plan (including predecessor plans to the Plan) may not exceed 5,048,100 shares. At September 30, 2019, approximately 511,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.

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



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Service condition stock-based compensation expense	$	1,578	$	2,434	$	5,526	$	7,759
Performance condition stock-based compensation expense	491		1,107		1,909		3,471
Stock-based compensation expense under the Plan	2,069		3,541		7,435		11,230
Canadian Plan stock-based compensation expense	180		154		497		428
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	2,249	$	3,695	$	7,932	$	11,658

Restricted Stock

Under the Plan, we have granted to employees and non-employee directors restricted stock subject to service conditions and to certain key employees restricted stock subject to both service and performance conditions.

As of September 30, 2019, there was approximately $15.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost for restricted stock grants under the Plan, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years. Our two types of restricted stock grants under the Plan are discussed below.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Restricted Stock Subject Only to a Service Condition

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 adjustment for restrictions on dividends. This compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting period, with adjustments for forfeitures recorded as they occur.

The following table details the status and changes in our restricted stock grants subject only to a service condition for the nine months ended September 30, 2019:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, January 1, 2019	440,073		$	56.40
Granted	198,295		$	38.64
Vested	(162,287	)	$	57.14
Forfeited	(73,036	)	$	51.11
Non-vested, September 30, 2019	403,045		$	48.32

Restricted Stock Subject to Service and Performance Conditions

Under the Plan, certain key employees were provided agreements for grants of restricted shares that vest over multiple year periods subject to achieving annual performance goals established by the Compensation Committee of Westwood’s Board of Directors. Each year the Compensation Committee establishes specific goals for that year’s vesting of the restricted shares. The date that the Compensation Committee establishes annual goals is considered to be the grant date and the fair value measurement date to determine expense on the shares that are likely to vest. The vesting period ends when the Compensation Committee formally approves the performance-based restricted stock vesting based on the specific performance goals from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements. If a portion of the performance-based restricted shares does not vest, no compensation expense is recognized for that portion and any previously recognized compensation expense related to shares that do not vest is reversed.

In March 2019, the Compensation Committee established fiscal 2019 goals based on various departmental and company-wide performance goals. During the first nine months of 2019, we recorded expense related to the applicable percentage of the performance-based restricted shares expected to meet or exceed the performance goals needed to earn the shares.

The following table details the status and changes in our restricted stock grants subject to service and performance conditions for the nine months ended September 30, 2019:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, January 1, 2019	156,293		$	55.66
Granted	21,186		$	37.97
Vested	(80,493	)	$	56.09
Forfeited	(19,495	)	$	55.18
Non-vested, September 30, 2019	77,491		$	50.29

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

Canadian Plan

The Share Award Plan of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. for Service Provided in Canada to its Subsidiaries (the “Canadian Plan”) provides compensation in the form of common stock for services performed by employees of Westwood International. Under the Canadian Plan, no more than $10 million CDN ($7.6 million in U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate on September 30, 2019) may be funded to the plan trustee for purchases of common stock with respect to awards granted under the Canadian Plan. At September 30, 2019, approximately $2.3 million CDN ($1.7 million in U.S. Dollars using the exchange rate on September 30, 2019) remains available for issuance under the Canadian Plan, or approximately 62,000 shares based on the closing share price of our stock of $27.67 as of September 30, 2019. During the first nine months of 2019, the trust formed pursuant to the Canadian Plan purchased 25,047 Westwood common shares in the open market for approximately $980,000. As of September 30, 2019, the trust holds 61,078 shares of Westwood common stock. As of September 30, 2019, unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants under the Canadian Plan totaled $907,000, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years years.

Mutual Fund Share Incentive Awards

We may grant mutual fund incentive awards, which are bonus awards based on our mutual funds achieving specific performance goals, annually to certain employees. Awards granted are notionally credited to a participant account maintained by us that contains a number of mutual fund shares equal to the award amount divided by the net closing value of a fund share on the date the amount is credited to the account. We maintain the award in a corporate investment account until vesting. The investment may increase or decrease based on changes in the value of the mutual fund shares awarded, including reinvested income from the mutual funds during the vesting period. Unvested mutual fund awards are included under “Investments, at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Awards vest over approximately two years of service following the year in which the participant earned the award. We begin accruing a liability for mutual fund incentive awards when we believe it is probable that the award will be earned and record expense for these awards over the service period of the award, which is 3 years. During the year in which the amount of the award is determined, we record expense based on the expected value of the award. After the award is earned, we record expense based on the value of the shares awarded and the percentage of the vesting period that has elapsed. Our liability under these awards may increase or decrease based on changes in the value of the mutual fund shares awarded, including reinvested income from the mutual funds during the vesting period. Upon vesting, participants receive the value of the mutual fund share awards adjusted for earnings or losses attributable to the underlying mutual funds. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we recorded expense of approximately $12,000 and $89,000, respectively, related to mutual fund share incentive awards. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded a net $100,000 credit to mutual fund expense, primarily related to the forfeiture of a mutual fund award during the first quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recorded expense of approximately $274,000 related to mutual fund share incentive awards. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had an accrued liability of approximately $67,000 and $635,000, respectively, related to mutual fund share incentive awards.

11. INCOME TAXES

Our effective income tax rate was 28.4% for the third quarter of 2019, compared with 24.9% for the third quarter of 2018. Our effective income tax rate was 41.0% for the first nine months of 2019, compared with 25.3% for the first nine months of 2018. The current year-to-date rate was negatively impacted by a $638,000 discrete tax expense related to a permanent difference between book and tax restricted stock expense based on a decrease in our stock price between the grant and vesting dates.

Tax Audit

The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various state and foreign jurisdictions. The audit of our 2015, 2016 and 2017 tax returns in a state jurisdiction in which we operate has been closed with no findings and had no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Some of our directors, executive officers and their affiliates invest personal funds directly in trust accounts that we manage. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we recorded trust fees from these accounts of $90,000 and $89,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we recorded trust fees from these accounts of $252,000 and $276,000, respectively. There was approximately $90,000 and $84,000 due from these accounts as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

The Company engages in transactions with its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Westwood International and Westwood Management provide investment advisory services to the Westwood Funds®, and Westwood International provides investment advisory services to the UCITS Fund. Certain members of our management serve on the board of directors of the UCITS Fund, and we have capital invested in three of the Westwood Funds®. Under the terms of the investment advisory agreements, the Company earns quarterly fees paid by clients of the fund or by the funds directly. The fees are based on negotiated fee schedules applied to assets under management. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company earned approximately $708,000 and $1.0 million, respectively, in fees from the affiliated funds. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company earned approximately $2.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, in fees from the affiliated funds. These fees do not include fees paid directly to Westwood International by certain clients invested in the UCITS Fund that have an investment management agreement with Westwood International. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $240,000 and $295,000, respectively, of these fees were outstanding and included in “Accounts receivable” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As discussed in Note 4 “Investments,” the Company made a strategic investment in the Private Company during 2018. We previously entered into a separate agreement with this company to implement portfolio management and digital solutions products. For the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we incurred approximately $216,000 and $162,000, respectively, in expenses payable to this company. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we incurred approximately $796,000 and $767,000, respectively, in expenses payable to this company. These expenses are included in “Information technology expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Additionally discussed in Note 4 “Investments,” the Company made an investment in Charis in September 2019. We previously entered into an agreement to sublease a portion of our corporate headquarters to a subsidiary of Charis. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recorded other income of approximately $33,000 and $110,000, respectively, related to the sublease agreement. This income is included in “Other Income” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. We did not record any income from Charis for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2018.

13. LEASES

We have operating leases for corporate offices and for certain office equipment. The lease terms for our corporate offices vary and have remaining lease terms ranging from one to seven years. The corporate office lease payments are fixed and are based upon contractual monthly rates. The majority of our corporate office leases do not include options to extend or terminate the leases, and each lease is re-negotiated before its leasing period ends. We lease office equipment for a period of two years. In June 2019, we entered into a sublease agreement for a portion of newly built-out space in our corporate office. The sublease agreement has a term of seven years, and the sublease income is included in “Other income” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following table presents the components of lease costs, as well as supplemental cash flow information, related to our leases (in thousands):

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Operating lease cost	$	449	$	426	$	1,346	$	1,279
Sublease income	$	33	$	—	$	110	$	—
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	524	$	475	$	1,568	$	1,415
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$	—	$	569	$	—	$	1,010

Operating lease cost is included in “General and administrative” expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following table presents information regarding our operating leases (in thousands, except years and rates):



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	7,851		$	8,698

Operating lease liabilities	$	1,554		$	1,432
Non-current lease liabilities	8,158			9,331
Total lease liabilities	$	9,712		$	10,763

Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)	5.9			6.6
Weighted-average discount rate	5.0		%	5.0		%

The maturities of lease liabilities are as follows (in thousands):



Year Ending December 31,	Operating Leases
2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019)	$	524
2020	2,117
2021	2,081
2022	1,717
2023	1,719
2024	1,550
Thereafter	1,852
Total undiscounted lease payments	$	11,560
Less discount	(1,848		)
Total lease liabilities	$	9,712

remaining lease terms ranging from one year to seven years

14. SEGMENT REPORTING

We operate two segments: Advisory and Trust. These segments are managed separately based on the types of products and services offered and their related client bases. The Company’s segment information is prepared on the same basis that management reviews the financial information for operational decision-making purposes. The Company’s chief operating decision maker, our Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of our segments based primarily on fee revenues and Economic Earnings. Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., the parent company of Advisory and Trust, does not have revenues and is the entity in which we record typical holding company expenses including employee compensation and benefits for holding company employees, directors’ fees and investor relations costs. All segment

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

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

Advisory

Our Advisory segment provides investment advisory services to (i) corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement funds,Taft Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals, (ii) subadvisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services to the Westwood Funds®, funds offered by other financial institutions and funds offered by our Trust segment and (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including the UCITS Fund and collective investment trusts. Westwood Management and Westwood International, which provide investment advisory services to similar clients, 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.



(in thousands)	Advisory		Trust		Westwood Holdings			Eliminations			Consolidated
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Net fee revenues from external sources	$	13,318	$	6,281	$	—		$	—		$	19,599
Net intersegment revenues	755		38		—			(793		)	—
Net interest and dividend revenue	179		69		3			—			251
Other, net	39		3		—			—			42
Total revenues	$	14,291	$	6,391	$	3		$	(793	)	$	19,892
Economic Earnings	$	3,574	$	2,055	$	(1,758	)	$	—		$	3,871
Less: Restricted stock expense											2,249
Intangible amortization											445
Deferred taxes on goodwill											60
Net income											$	1,117

Segment assets	$	236,710	$	66,352	$	21,541		$	(147,289	)	$	177,313
Segment goodwill	$	3,403	$	16,401	$	—		$	—		$	19,804

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Net fee revenues from external sources	$	22,023	$	7,191	$	—		$	—		$	29,214
Net intersegment revenues	1,756		58		—			(1,814		)	—
Net interest and dividend revenue	187		52		—			—			239
Other, net	389		12		—			—			401
Total revenues	$	24,355	$	7,313	$	—		$	(1,814	)	$	29,854
Economic Earnings	$	10,553	$	1,357	$	(2,369	)	$	—		$	9,541
Less: Restricted stock expense											3,695
Intangible amortization											419
Deferred taxes on goodwill											59
Net income											$	5,368

Segment assets	$	220,138	$	60,658	$	16,839		$	(105,008	)	$	192,627
Segment goodwill	$	3,403	$	16,401	$	—		$	—		$	19,804

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)




(in thousands)	Advisory		Trust			Westwood Holdings			Eliminations			Consolidated
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Net fee revenues from external sources	$	44,719	$	19,264		$	—		$	—		$	63,983
Net intersegment revenues	2,638		180			—			(2,818		)	—
Net interest and dividend revenue	596		247			3			—			846
Other	645		(11		)	—			—			634
Total revenues	$	48,598	$	19,680		$	3		$	(2,818	)	$	65,463
Economic Earnings	$	13,665	$	4,872		$	(5,776	)	$	—		$	12,761
Less: Restricted stock expense												7,932
Intangible amortization												1,281
Deferred taxes on goodwill												178
Net income												$	3,370

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Net fee revenues from external sources	$	72,963	$	22,265		$	—		$	—		$	95,228
Net intersegment revenues	5,639		171			—			(5,810		)	—
Net interest and dividend revenue	464		152			—			—			616
Other	331		6			—			—			337
Total revenues	$	79,397	$	22,594		$	—		$	(5,810	)	$	96,181
Economic Earnings	$	37,463	$	4,034		$	(7,069	)	$	—		$	34,428
Less: Restricted stock expense												11,658
Intangible amortization												1,255
Deferred taxes on goodwill												177
Net income												$	21,338

We are providing a performance measure that we refer to as Economic Earnings. Our management and the Board of Directors review Economic Earnings to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources and determine our dividend policy. We also believe that this performance measure is useful for management and investors when evaluating our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources.

In calculating Economic Earnings, we add to net income the non-cash expense associated with equity-based compensation awards of restricted stock, amortization of intangible assets and the deferred taxes related to the tax-basis amortization of goodwill. Although depreciation on property and equipment is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when calculating Economic Earnings because depreciation charges represent a decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Net income to Economic Earnings (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Net income	$	1,117	$	5,368	$	3,370	$	21,338
Add: Stock-based compensation expense	2,249		3,695		7,932		11,658
Add: Intangible amortization	445		419		1,281		1,255
Add: Tax benefit from goodwill amortization	60		59		178		177
Economic Earnings	$	3,871	$	9,541	$	12,761	$	34,428

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

(Unaudited)

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Dividend Declared

In October 2019, Westwood’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.72 per common share, payable on January 2, 2020, to stockholders of record on December 6, 2019.

Share Repurchase Program

In October 2019, we repurchased 42,171shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.2 million.


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

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this report and the Annual Report to Stockholders that are not purely historical facts, including, without limitation, statements about our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as well as other statements including, without limitation, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “goal,” “potentially,” “may,” “designed” 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, 2018, filed with the SEC, and those risks set forth below:


•	the composition and market value of our assets under management;


•	regulations adversely affecting the financial services industry;


•	competition in the investment management industry;


•	our assets under management includes investments in foreign companies;


•	our ability to develop and market new investment strategies successfully;


•	our reputation and our relationships with current and potential customers;


•	our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;


•	our ability to maintain effective cyber security;


•	our ability to perform operational tasks;


•	our ability to identify and execute on our strategic initiatives;


•	our ability to maintain effective information systems;


•	our ability to select and oversee third-party vendors;


•	litigation risks;


•	our ability to properly address conflicts of interest;


•	our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage;


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


•	our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures;


•	our relationships with investment consulting firms; and


•	the significant concentration of our revenues in a small number of customers.

You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We are not obligated and do not undertake an obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise.

Overview

We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp. and Westwood Advisors, L.L.C. (each of which is an SEC-registered investment advisor and referred to hereinafter together as “Westwood Management”), Westwood International Advisors Inc. (“Westwood International”) and Westwood Trust. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to institutional investors, a family of mutual funds called the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, an Irish investment company authorized pursuant to the European Communities (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulation 2011 (as amended) (the “UCITS Fund”), individuals and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood International provides investment advisory services to institutional clients, the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, the UCITS Fund and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds to institutions and high net worth individuals. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of assets under management.

Divestiture of our Omaha Operations

On September 6, 2017, we entered into an agreement to sell the Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business. The sale closed on January 12, 2018. We received proceeds of $10.0 million, net of working capital requirements, and recorded a gain on the sale of $524,000, which is included as “Gain on sale of operations” on our Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The component is reported within both our Advisory and Trust segments. The sale did not represent a major strategic shift in our business and did not qualify for discontinued operations reporting.

Revenues

We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees and other revenues. Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management and Westwood International, which manage client accounts under investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. Advisory fees are typically calculated based on a percentage of assets under management and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on assets under management on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on assets under management on the last day of the quarter just ended or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of assets under management for the stated period. We recognize advisory fee revenues as services are rendered. A limited number of our clients have a contractual performance-based fee component in their contracts, which generates additional revenues if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We record revenues from performance-based fees at the end of the measurement period. Since our advance paying clients' billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which such payments relate, revenue is recognized within the quarter, and our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain no deferred advisory fee revenues.

Our trust fees are generated by Westwood Trust pursuant to trust or custodial agreements. Trust fees are separately negotiated with each client and are generally based on a percentage of assets under management. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. Trust fees are primarily either calculated quarterly in arrears based on a daily average of assets under management for the quarter. Since billing periods for most of Westwood Trust’s clients coincide with the calendar quarter or monthly based on the month-end assets under management. Since billing periods for most of Westwood Trust's clients coincide with the calendar quarter, revenue is fully recognized within the quarter, and our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements do not contain a significant amount of deferred trust fee revenues.

Our other revenues generally consist of interest and investment income. Although we generally invest most of our cash in U.S. Treasury securities, we also invest in equity and fixed income instruments and money market funds, including seed money for new investment strategies.

Employee Compensation and Benefits

Employee compensation and benefits expenses generally consist of salaries, incentive compensation, equity-based compensation and benefits.

Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing expenses relate to our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct marketing and advertising costs.

Westwood Mutual Funds

Westwood Mutual Funds expenses relate to our marketing, distribution and administration of the Westwood Funds®.

Information Technology

Information technology expenses are generally costs associated with proprietary investment research tools, maintenance and support, computing hardware, software licenses, telecommunications and other related costs.

Professional Services

Professional services expenses generally consist of costs associated with subadvisory fees, audit, tax, legal and other professional services.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of our office space, amortization, depreciation, insurance, custody expense, Directors' fees, investor relations, licenses and fees, office supplies and other miscellaneous expenses.

Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Transactions

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions consists of foreign currency transactions primarily related to Westwood International Advisors.

Gain on Sale of Operations

Gain on sale of operations includes the gain on the sale of our Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business.

Other Income

Other Income consists of income from the sublease of a portion of our corporate office.

Assets Under Management

Assets under management (“AUM”) decreased $5.8 billion to $15.0 billion at September 30, 2019 compared with $20.8 billion at September 30, 2018. The average of beginning and ending assets under management for the third quarter of 2019 was $15.2 billion compared to $21.2 billion for the third quarter of 2018. These decreases are due to net outflows, including $274 million of outflows related to the sale of the Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business, partially offset by market appreciation, over the last twelve months.

The following table displays assets under management as of September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in millions):




	As of September 30,
	2019		2018		% Change
Institutional⁽¹⁾	$	8,347	$	11,979	(30	)%
Wealth Management⁽²⁾	4,301		4,790		(10	)
Mutual Funds⁽³⁾	2,338		4,031		(42	)
Total Assets Under Management⁽⁴⁾	$	14,986	$	20,800	(28	)%

________________

(1)

Institutional includes (i) separate accounts of corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement funds, Taft-Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals; (ii) subadvisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions; (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including the UCITS Fund and collective investment trusts; and (iv) managed account relationships with brokerage firms and other registered investment advisors that offer Westwood products to their customers.

(2)

Wealth Management includes assets for which Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals pursuant to trust or agency agreements and assets for which Westwood Advisors, L.L.C. provided advisory services to high net worth individuals. Investment subadvisory services are provided for the common trust funds by Westwood Management, Westwood International Advisors and external unaffiliated subadvisors. For certain assets in this category Westwood Trust currently provides limited custody services for a minimal or no fee, viewing these assets as potentially converting to fee-generating managed assets in the future. As an example, some assets in this category consist of low-basis stock currently held in custody for clients where we believe such assets may convert to fee-generating managed assets following an intergenerational transfer of wealth.


(3)	Mutual Funds include the Westwood Funds®, a family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves as advisor. These funds are available to individual investors, as well as offered as part of our investment strategies for institutional and wealth management accounts.


(4)	AUM excludes $266 million and $268 million of assets under advisement (“AUA”) as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to our model portfolios for which we provided consulting advice but for which we did not have direct discretionary investment authority.

Roll-Forward of Assets Under Management



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)	2019			2018			2019			2018
Institutional
Beginning of period assets	$	8,377		$	12,457		$	9,327		$	14,421
Inflows	158			402			535			1,187
Outflows	(286		)	(1,265		)	(2,790		)	(3,858		)
Net client flows	(128		)	(863		)	(2,255		)	(2,671		)
Market appreciation (depreciation)	98			385			1,275			229
Net change	(30		)	(478		)	(980		)	(2,442		)
End of period assets	$	8,347		$	11,979		$	8,347		$	11,979

Wealth Management
Beginning of period assets	$	4,399		$	4,935		$	4,043		$	5,566
Inflows	87			106			326			293
Outflows⁽¹⁾	(237		)	(422		)	(576		)	(1,242		)
Net client flows	(150		)	(316		)	(250		)	(949		)
Market appreciation (depreciation)	52			171			508			173
Net change	(98		)	(145		)	258			(776		)
End of period assets	$	4,301		$	4,790		$	4,301		$	4,790

Mutual Funds
Beginning of period assets	$	2,612		$	4,199		$	3,236		$	4,242
Inflows	98			164			351			716
Outflows	(411		)	(466		)	(1,687		)	(1,034		)
Net client flows	(313		)	(302		)	(1,336		)	(318		)
Market appreciation (depreciation)	39			134			438			107
Net change	(274		)	(168		)	(898		)	(211		)
End of period assets	$	2,338		$	4,031		$	2,338		$	4,031

Total AUM
Beginning of period assets	$	15,388		$	21,591		$	16,606		$	24,229
Inflows	343			672			1,212			2,196
Outflows	(934		)	(2,153		)	(5,053		)	(6,134		)
Net client flows	(591		)	(1,481		)	(3,841		)	(3,938		)
Market appreciation (depreciation)	189			690			2,221			509
Net change	(402		)	(791		)	(1,620		)	(3,429		)
End of period assets	$	14,986		$	20,800		$	14,986		$	20,800

________________


(1)	Wealth Management outflows include approximately $271 million and $802 million of assets related to the sale of the Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively.

Three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

The $402 million decrease in assets under management for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was due to net outflows of $591 million, offset by market appreciation of $189 million. Net outflows were primarily related to our Income Opportunity, LargeCap Value and SMidCap strategies.

The $791 million decrease in assets under management for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was due to net outflows of $1.5 billion, partially offset by market appreciation of $690 million. Net outflows were primarily related to our Emerging Markets, SMidCap and Income Opportunity strategies, as well as outflows from the divestiture of our Omaha operations.

Nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

The $1.6 billion decrease in assets under management for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was due to net outflows of $3.8 billion, offset by market appreciation of $2.2 billion. Net outflows were primarily related to our Income Opportunity, Emerging Markets, LargeCap Value and SMidCap strategies, partially offset by net inflows to our SmallCap Value strategy.

The $3.4 billion decrease in assets under management for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was due to net outflows of $3.9 billion, partially offset by market appreciation of $509 million. Net outflows were primarily related to our Emerging Markets, SMidCap, Income Opportunity and LargeCap Value strategies, as well as outflows from the divestiture of our Omaha operations, partially offset by net inflows to our SmallCap Value strategy.

Results of Operations

The following table (dollars in thousands) and discussion of our results of operations are based upon data derived from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income contained in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with those statements included elsewhere in this report.




	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended					% Change
	September 30,					September 30,					Three		Nine
	2019			2018		2019		2018			Months		Months
Revenues:
Advisory fees: asset-based	$	13,164		$	22,023	$	44,265	$	69,979		(40	)%	(37	)%
Advisory fees: performance-based	154			—		454		2,984			NM		(85	)
Trust fees	6,281			7,191		19,264		22,265			(13	)	(13	)
Other revenues	293			640		1,480		953			NM		NM
Total revenues	19,892			29,854		65,463		96,181			(33	)	(32	)
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	12,072			14,444		38,060		46,857			(16	)	(19	)
Sales and marketing	506			549		1,550		1,401			(8	)	11
Westwood mutual funds	916			979		2,423		2,966			(6	)	(18	)
Information technology	2,017			2,332		6,276		6,753			(14	)	(7	)
Professional services	940			1,372		3,258		3,677			(31	)	(11	)
General and administrative	2,317			2,431		7,153		7,300			(5	)	(2	)
(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions	(402		)	596		1,142		(823		)	NM
Total expenses	18,366			22,703		59,862		68,131			(19	)	(12	)
Net operating income	1,526			7,151		5,601		28,050			(79	)	(80	)
Gain on sale of operations	—			—		—		524			NM		NM
Other income	33			—		110		—			NM		NM
Income before income taxes	1,559			7,151		5,711		28,574			(78	)	(80	)
Provision for income taxes	442			1,783		2,341		7,236			(75	)	(68	)
Net income	$	1,117		$	5,368	$	3,370	$	21,338		(79	)%	(84	)%

_________________________

NM Not meaningful

Three months ended September 30, 2019 compared to three months ended September 30, 2018

Total Revenues. Total revenues decreased $10.0 million, or 33%, to $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared with $29.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. Asset-based advisory fees decreased $8.8 million, or 40%, and Trust fees decreased $0.9 million, or 13%, both primarily due to lower average assets under management. We recorded performance-based fees of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019.

Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits decreased $2.3 million, or 16%, to $12.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared with $14.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease was due to reductions in compensation relating to short- and long-term incentive compensation as a result of lower asset-based revenues as compared to the prior year quarter.

Professional Services. Professional services decreased $0.5 million, or 31%, to $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 compared with $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to reductions in subadvisory costs and recruitment fees versus those incurred in the third quarter of 2018.

(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions. We recorded $402,000 in foreign currency gains in the current quarter as a result of a 1.1% increase in the Canadian dollar exchange rate.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 28.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2019 from 24.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The current quarter rate was negatively impacted by increased permanent differences between book and tax compensation expense as a result of additional compensation limitations under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2018

Total Revenues. Total revenues decreased $30.7 million, or 32%, to $65.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with $96.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Asset-based advisory fees decreased $25.7 million, or 37%, related to lower average assets under management, and Trust fees decreased $3.0 million, or 13%, primarily due to the sale of the Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business. Performance-based fees decreased $2.5 million to $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits costs decreased $8.8 million, or 19%, to $38.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared with $46.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease is due to reductions in compensation relating to the sale of the Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business and relating to short- and long-term incentive compensation as a result of lower asset-based revenues as compared to the prior year.

Westwood Mutual Funds. Westwood mutual funds expenses decreased $0.6 million or 18% to $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 compared to $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease was due to overall reductions in shareholder servicing costs on lower average mutual fund assets under management.

(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions. We recorded $1.1 million in foreign currency losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as a result of a 3.0% decrease in the Canadian dollar exchange rate.

Gain on Sale of Operations. The nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes a $0.5 million gain on the sale of our Omaha-based component of our Wealth Management business.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 41.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 from 25.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The current year rate was negatively impacted by a $638,000 discrete tax expense related to a permanent difference between book and tax restricted stock expense based on a decrease in our stock price between grant and vesting dates, as well as limitations on the deductibility of additional compensation under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Supplemental Financial Information

As supplemental information, we provide a non-U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) performance measure that we refer to as Economic Earnings. We provide this measure in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income reported on a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis. Our management and Board of Directors review Economic Earnings to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources and review our dividend policy. We believe that this non-GAAP performance measure, while not a substitute for GAAP net income, is useful for management and investors when evaluating our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources. We do not advocate that investors consider this non-GAAP measure without also considering financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

In calculating Economic Earnings, we add back to net income the non-cash expense associated with equity-based compensation awards of restricted stock, amortization of intangible assets and deferred taxes related to the tax-basis amortization of goodwill. Although depreciation on property and equipment is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when calculating Economic Earnings because depreciation charges represent a decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of Net income to Economic Earnings (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):



	Three Months Ended September 30,				% Change
	2019		2018		% Change
Net income	$	1,117	$	5,368	(79	)%
Add: Stock-based compensation expense	2,249		3,695		(39	)
Add: Intangible amortization	445		419		6
Add: Tax benefit from goodwill amortization	60		59		2
Economic Earnings	$	3,871	$	9,541	(59	)%

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	8,470,673		8,598,230
Economic Earnings per share	$	0.46	$	1.11



	Nine Months Ended September 30,				% Change
	2019		2018		% Change
Net Income	$	3,370	$	21,338	(84	)%
Add: Stock-based compensation expense	7,932		11,658		(32	)
Add: Intangible amortization	1,281		1,255		2
Add: Tax benefit from goodwill amortization	178		177		1
Economic Earnings	$	12,761	$	34,428	(63	)%

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	8,467,823		8,561,918
Economic Earnings per share	$	1.51	$	4.02

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We fund our operations and cash requirements with cash generated from operating activities. We may also use cash from operations to pay dividends to our stockholders. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had no debt. The changes in net cash provided by operating activities generally reflect the changes in earnings plus the effects of non-cash items and changes in working capital, including liquidation of investments used to cover current liabilities. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2019, cash flow provided by operating activities was $33.6 million, which included a $23.4 million liquidation of current investments partially offset by an $8.1 million decrease in compensation and benefits payables. Cash flow used in investing activities of $4.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily related to our investments in private equity and Westwood Hospitality Fund I, LLC, while the prior year quarter experienced positive cash flow provided by investing activities as a result of the sale of the Omaha-based component of our wealth management business. Cash flow used in financing activities of $24.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 reflected the payment of dividends, restricted stock returned for the payment of taxes and purchases of treasury shares under our share repurchase plan and for our Canadian share award plan.

We had cash and short-term investments of $101.2 million as of September 30, 2019 and $118.2 million as of December 31, 2018. Cash and cash equivalents included approximately $32 million and $33 million of undistributed income from Westwood International as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. If these funds were needed for our U.S. operations, we would be required to accrue and pay a 5% incremental Canadian withholding taxes to repatriate all or a portion of these funds. Our current intention is to permanently reinvest the funds subject to withholding taxes outside of the U.S., and our current forecasts do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations. At September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, working capital aggregated $99.7 million and $112.6 million, respectively.

Westwood Trust must maintain cash and investments in an amount equal to the minimum restricted capital of $4.0 million, as required by the Texas Finance Code. Restricted capital is included in Investments in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2019, Westwood Trust had approximately $22.1 million in excess of its minimum capital requirement.

Our future liquidity and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including our results of operations, the timing and magnitude of capital expenditures or strategic initiatives, our dividend policy and other business and risk factors described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC. We believe that current cash and short-term investment balances plus cash generated from operations will be sufficient to meet both the operating and capital requirements of our ordinary business operations through at least the next twelve months. However, there can be no assurance that we will not require additional financing within this time frame. The failure to raise needed capital on attractive terms, if at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Contractual Obligations

As of September 30, 2019, there have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2018. For information regarding our contractual obligations, refer to “Contractual Obligations” in Part II, Item 7. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Critical and Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases. Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and Note 13 “Leases” in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a detailed description of the adoption of ASU 2016-02.

There have been no other significant changes in our critical or significant accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2018. Information with respect to our critical accounting policies and estimates that we believe could have the most significant effect on our reported consolidated results and require difficult, subjective or complex judgment by management is described under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

Accounting Developments

Refer to Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of recently issued accounting guidance.


ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no significant changes in our Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk from those previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.


ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 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 Exchange Act) 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 the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended September 30, 2019, there were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.


ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS

We face a number of significant risks and uncertainties in our business, including those detailed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 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, including making 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, 2019:



	Total number of shares purchased	Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs	Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (1)
Repurchase program ⁽¹⁾					$	4,108,000
August 1-31, 2019	2,200	$	27.51
September 1-30, 2019	14,322	$	27.36
Canadian Plan ⁽²⁾	—	$	—	—	C$	2,259,000
Employee transactions ⁽³⁾	—	$	—	—	—

(1)

On July 20, 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. In July 2016, Westwood's Board of Directors authorized an additional $5.0 million of repurchases under the share repurchase program. The share repurchase program has no expiration date and may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors.

(2)

On April 18, 2013, our stockholders approved the Share Award Plan of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. for Service Provided in Canada to its Subsidiaries (the “Canadian Plan”), which contemplates a trustee purchasing up to $10.0 million CDN of our outstanding common stock on the open market for the purpose of making share awards to our Canadian employees. The Canadian Plan has no expiration date and may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors.


(3)	Consists of shares of common stock tendered by an employee at the market close price on the date of vesting in order to satisfy the employee’s minimum tax withholding obligations from vested restricted shares. We anticipate having additional shares tendered in subsequent periods for the same purpose.


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 Rule 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

101*		The following financial information from Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018; and (v) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

104*		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)


*	Filed herewith.


**	Furnished herewith.

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:	October 30, 2019	WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.

		By:	/s/ Brian O. Casey
			Brian O. Casey
			President and Chief Executive Officer

		By:	/s/ Murray Forbes III
			Murray Forbes III
			Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer