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WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2023 March (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 March 31, 2023
OR
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from              to             .
Commission file number 1-31234
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Delaware75-2969997
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(IRS Employer Identification No.)
200 CRESCENT COURT, SUITE 1200
DALLAS,Texas75201
(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 ClassTrading SymbolName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per shareWHGNew 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 filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller 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 April 28, 2023: 9,144,197.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
 



WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
INDEX
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 
 
 
 

 




WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value and share amounts)
(Unaudited)
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$16,751 $23,859 
Accounts receivable15,185 13,900 
Investments, at fair value15,594 15,342 
Prepaid income taxes— 446 
Other current assets5,272 4,645 
Total current assets52,802 58,192 
Investments4,455 4,455 
Equity method investments4,228 6,574 
Noncurrent investments at fair value3,044 3,027 
Goodwill39,929 35,732 
Deferred income taxes1,898 1,762 
Operating lease right-of-use assets4,679 4,976 
Intangible assets, net27,931 28,952 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,578 and $9,2771,876 1,828 
Other long-term assets957 929 
Total long-term assets$88,997 $88,235 
Total assets$141,799 $146,427 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$6,715 $5,678 
Dividends payable1,457 1,745 
Compensation and benefits payable3,073 8,689 
Operating lease liabilities1,519 1,502 
Income taxes payable435 — 
Total current liabilities13,199 17,614 
Accrued dividends515 701 
Contingent consideration11,841 12,901 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities4,374 4,563 
Total long-term liabilities16,730 18,165 
Total liabilities29,929 35,779 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 11,925,846 and outstanding 9,212,390 shares at March 31, 2023; issued 11,527,544 and outstanding 8,881,811 shares at December 31, 2022
119 115 
Additional paid-in capital200,453 199,914 
Treasury stock, at cost - 2,713,456 shares at March 31, 2023; 2,645,713 shares at December 31, 2022
(85,965)(85,128)
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)(3,752)(4,253)
Total Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity110,855 110,648 
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary1,015 — 
Total equity111,870 110,648 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$141,799 $146,427 
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1


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 March 31,
20232022
REVENUES:
Advisory fees:
Asset-based$17,033 $11,790 
Performance-based555 — 
Trust fees5,031 5,715 
Other, net108 (289)
Total revenues22,727 17,216 
EXPENSES:
Employee compensation and benefits14,202 10,334 
Sales and marketing740 482 
Westwood mutual funds732 596 
Information technology2,383 1,829 
Professional services1,529 1,520 
General and administrative1,986 2,040 
Acquisition expenses209 — 
Total expenses21,781 16,801 
Net operating income (loss)946 415 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on private investments— 37 
Net investment income (loss)172 (16)
Other income372 158 
Income before income taxes1,490 594 
Income tax provision776 544 
Net income$714 $50 
Total comprehensive income$714 $50 
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest21 — 
Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.$693 $50 
Earnings per share:
Basic$0.09 $0.01 
Diluted$0.09 $0.01 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic7,853,921 7,865,174 
Diluted7,968,504 7,931,453 
 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Common Stock, ParAdditional Paid-In CapitalTreasury StockRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Noncontrolling InterestTotal
SharesAmount
Balance, December 31, 20228,881,831 $115 $199,914 $(85,128)$(4,253)$— $110,648 
Net income
— — — — 693 21 714 
Acquisition— — — — — 994 994 
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
398,302 (4)— — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.15 per share)— — (1,205)— (192)— (1,397)
Stock-based compensation expense
— — 1,748 — — — 1,748 
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes
(67,743)— — (837)— (837)
Balance, March 31, 20239,212,390 $119 $200,453 $(85,965)$(3,752)$1,015 $111,870 

Common Stock, ParAdditional Paid-In CapitalTreasury StockRetained EarningsNoncontrolling InterestTotal
SharesAmount
Balance, December 31, 20218,253,491 $107 $195,187 $(81,750)$4,362 $— $117,906 
Net income
— — — — 50 — 50 
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
371,765 (3)— — — — 
Dividends declared ($0.15 per share)— — — — (1,250)— (1,250)
Stock-based compensation expense
— — 1,380 — — — 1,380 
Purchases of treasury stock
(12,202)— — (200)— — (200)
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes
(37,603)— — (626)— (626)
Balance, March 31, 20228,575,451 $110 $196,564 $(82,576)$3,162 $— $117,260 



See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
20232022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income71450
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation176 177 
Amortization of intangible assets1,021 405 
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments(369)239 
Stock-based compensation expense1,748 1,380 
Deferred income taxes(136)21 
Non-cash lease expense320 185 
Loss on asset disposition69 — 
Fair value change of contingent consideration(1,060)— 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Net sales of trading securities47 12,406 
Accounts receivable(657)1,414 
Other current assets(17)(283)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities141 (301)
Compensation and benefits payable(5,612)(7,221)
Income taxes payable881 524 
Other liabilities(445)(226)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(3,179)8,770 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisition, net of cash acquired(1,168)— 
Purchase of property and equipment(84)(30)
Net cash used in investing activities(1,252)(30)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of treasury stock— (200)
Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes(837)(626)
Cash dividends paid(1,840)(1,972)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,677)(2,798)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(7,108)5,942 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period23,859 15,206 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$16,751 $21,148 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes$32 $— 
Accrued dividends$1,972 $2,216 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


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 manages investment assets and provides services for its clients through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Westwood Management Corp., Westwood Advisors, L.L.C. Salient Advisors, LP ("Salient") and its majority-owned subsidiary Broadmark Asset Management LLC ("Broadmark"), (referred to hereinafter together as “Westwood Management”), and Westwood Trust.
Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to institutional clients, a family of mutual funds called the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, individual investors and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in self-sponsored common trust funds (“CTFs”) to institutions and high net worth individuals. Revenue is largely dependent on the total value and composition of assets under management ("AUM") and assets under advisement ("AUA"), and fluctuations in financial markets and in the composition of AUM and AUA impact our revenues and results of operations.
Westwood Management is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an investment adviser ("RIA") under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Westwood Trust is chartered and regulated by the Texas Department of Banking.
Acquisition of Broadmark Asset Management LLC
In January 2023 we acquired an additional 32% interest in Broadmark for $1.2 million (net of cash acquired), increasing our ownership of Broadmark to approximately 80%, representing a controlling interest for financial statement consolidation purposes (the "Broadmark Acquisition"). Broadmark is a San Francisco-based RIA managing and/or sub-advising mutual funds, retail and institutional separately managed accounts.
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 SEC.
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, 2022. 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.
3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Broadmark
Westwood completed the Broadmark Acquisition in January 2023, giving Westwood a controlling interest and requiring an allocation of the Broadmark Acquisition purchase price. The total consideration recorded for accounting purposes consisted of $1.2 million in cash (net of cash acquired).
Prior to the Broadmark Acquisition, Westwood had a $2.4 million equity method investment in Broadmark, the fair value of which was estimated using recent market transactions. Westwood's equity method investment was derecognized following the Broadmark Acquisition, and there was no gain or loss recognized upon investment derecognition, however there was a corresponding increase to goodwill.
5

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The Broadmark Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the tangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The total consideration of $1.6 million has been allocated using Broadmark’s historical balance sheet based on valuations of acquired assets and assumed liabilities in connection with the acquisition.
The allocation of the Broadmark Acquisition purchase price was as follows (in thousands):
(in thousands)
Cash consideration$1,570 
Cash acquired(402)
Total consideration, net of cash acquired$1,168 
Fair value of Westwood's investment in Broadmark before the business combination2,417 
Fair value of noncontrolling interest in Broadmark994 
Assets
Accounts receivable$629 
Other current assets150 
Property and equipment11 
Other long-term assets511 
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities919 
Total Identifiable Net Assets$382 
Goodwill$4,197 

As Westwood owns approximately 80% of Broadmark's equity, we recognized $1.0 million of a noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary. Fair value of the noncontrolling interest was estimated using recent market transactions.
At the time of the Broadmark Acquisition, the Company believed that its expanded operational opportunities, enhanced range of investment strategies and expected realization of synergies were the primary factors that contributed to a total purchase price that resulted in the recognition of goodwill. Goodwill arising from the Broadmark acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
For the first quarter of 2023, the Company has included $1.2 million of revenue and $0.1 million of net income related to Broadmark in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 assume the Broadmark Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2022. This unaudited pro forma information should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of the historical results that would have been obtained if the Broadmark Acquisition had actually occurred on that date, nor of the results that may be obtained in the future.

Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)20232022
Total revenues$22,727 $18,394 
Net income$714 $56 
4. 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 such as gains and losses from our seed
6

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
money investments into new investment strategies. The "Other, net” revenues on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are the unrealized gains and losses on our seed money investments, and our seed money investments are included in "Investments, at fair value" on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Advisory and trust fees are calculated based on a percentage of AUM or AUA, as applicable, 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.
Advisory Fee Revenues
Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management which manages client accounts under investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. Advisory fees are typically calculated based on a percentage of AUM and AUA and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on AUM on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on AUM on the last day of the quarter just ended or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of AUM 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) sub-advisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions; (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including collective investment trusts; and (iv) managed account relationships with brokerage firms and other RIAs 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 suite of 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, and a limited number of our mutual fund offerings have fees that generate additional revenues if we outperform specified indices over specific periods of time.
The revenue is based on future market performance and is subject to many 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 AUM. 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 AUM for the quarter, or monthly, based on the month-end value of AUM. 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 fee revenues.
Revenue Disaggregated
7

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Sales taxes are excluded from revenues. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by account type (in thousands).
Three Months Ended March 31,
20232022
Advisory Fees:
Institutional$9,603 $7,048 
Mutual Funds7,186 4,549 
Wealth Management244 193 
Performance-based555 — 
Trust Fees5,031 5,715 
Other, net108 (289)
Total revenues$22,727 $17,216 

We serve clients primarily in the United States, as well as in certain international locations. The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by our clients' geographical locations (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023AdvisoryTrustOtherTotal
Canada$292 $— $— $292 
United States17,296 5,031 108 22,435 
Total$17,588 $5,031 $108 $22,727 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022AdvisoryTrustOtherTotal
Canada$291 $— $— $291 
United States11,499 5,715 (289)16,925 
Total$11,790 $5,715 $(289)$17,216 

5. 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, a non-GAAP measurement. We define Economic Earnings as net income (loss) plus non-cash equity-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets and deferred taxes related to goodwill. Although depreciation on fixed assets is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when calculating Economic Earnings because depreciation charges represent an allocation of the decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement. In addition, we do not adjust Economic Earnings for tax deductions related to restricted stock expense or amortization of intangible assets.
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 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) sub-advisory relationships
8

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
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 collective investment trusts. Westwood Management, Salient and Broadmark provide investment advisory services to similar clients and 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)AdvisoryTrustWestwood
Holdings
EliminationsConsolidated
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Net fee revenues from external sources$17,588 $5,031 $— $— $22,619 
Net intersegment revenues1,662 77 — (1,739)— 
Other, net108 — — — 108 
Total revenues$19,358 $5,108 $— $(1,739)$22,727 
March 31, 2023 segment assets$256,946 $51,502 $16,616 $(183,265)$141,799 
March 31, 2023 segment goodwill$23,528 $16,401 $— $— $39,929 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Net fee revenues from external sources$11,790 $5,715 $— $— $17,505 
Net intersegment revenues577 90 — (667)— 
Other, net(289)— — — (289)
Total revenues$12,078 $5,805 $— $(667)$17,216 
March 31, 2022 segment assets$222,545 $57,913 $12,876 $(162,318)$131,016 
March 31, 2022 segment goodwill$— $16,401 $— $— $16,401 

6. INVESTMENTS
The Company has made strategic investments to enhance the services we provide our customers. Each of these investments is discussed below.
InvestCloud. During 2018, we made a strategic investment in InvestCloud, 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. Following InvestCloud's recapitalization in the first quarter of 2021, we re-invested $4.4 million of our proceeds into newly-issued shares of InvestCloud.
Charis. Our investment in Charis is included in “Noncurrent investments at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and is measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Private Equity Funding. In 2019, we made a $0.3 million investment in Westwood Hospitality. Our investment is included in “Noncurrent investments at fair value” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and it is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using net asset value ("NAV") as a practical expedient.
Zarvona Energy Fund GP, L.P. and Zarvona Energy Fund II-A, L.P. These investments represent ownership interests in non-controlled partnerships. These investments are included in “Equity method investments” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are measured based on our share of the net earnings or losses of the investees.
Broadmark Asset Management LLC. This investment represented a 47.5% ownership interest in a non-controlled corporation prior to the Broadmark Acquisition in 2023. This investment is included in “Equity method investments” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2022. In January 2023, as a result of the Broadmark Acquisition, we acquired additional equity interests in Broadmark and accounted for that investment as a consolidated subsidiary.
9

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
All other investments are carried at fair value on a recurring basis and are accounted for as trading securities.
Investments carried at fair value are presented in the table below (in thousands):
CostGross
Unrealized
Gains
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
Estimated
Fair
Value
March 31, 2023:
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations$7,727 $— $(316)$7,411 
Money market funds4,087 153 — 4,240 
Equity funds3,629 53 (329)3,353 
Equities483 — (41)442 
Exchange-traded bond funds162 — (14)148 
Total trading securities16,088 206 (700)15,594 
Private investment fund265 — (13)252 
Private equity3,475 — (683)2,792 
Total investments carried at fair value$19,828 $206 $(1,396)$18,638 
December 31, 2022:
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations$5,728 $— $(389)$5,339 
Money market funds4,093 111 — 4,204 
Equity funds4,863 32 (446)4,449 
Equities1,278 — (65)1,213 
Exchange-traded bond funds159 — (22)137 
Total trading securities16,121 143 (922)15,342 
Private investment fund265 — (30)235 
Private equity3,475 — (683)2,792 
Total investments carried at fair value$19,861 $143 $(1,635)$18,369 

The investments shown below are included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Equity method investments, as follows (in thousands):
March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Carrying valueOwnershipCarrying valueOwnership
Zarvona Energy Fund GP, L.P .$3,509 50.0 %$3,438 50.0 %
Zarvona Energy Fund II-A, L.P .700 0.5 %700 0.5 %
Broadmark Asset Management LLC— — %2,417 47.5 %
Salient MLP Total Return Fund, L.P.11 — %11 — %
Salient MLP Total Return TE Fund, L.P.0.2 %0.2 %
Total$4,228 $6,574 
7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
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
10

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Our strategic investment in InvestCloud, discussed in Note 6 “Investments,” is excluded from the recurring fair value table shown below because we have elected to apply the measurement alternative for this investment.
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 1Level 2Level 3
Investments Measured at NAV (1)
Total
As of March 31, 2023:
Investments in trading securities$15,594 $— $— $— $15,594 
Private investment fund— — — 252 252 
Private equity— — 2,792 — 2,792 
Total assets measured at fair value$15,594 $— $2,792 $252 $18,638 
Salient Acquisition contingent consideration— — $11,841 $— $11,841 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$— $— $11,841 $— $11,841 
As of December 31, 2022:
Investments in trading securities$15,342 $— $— $— $15,342 
Private investment fund— — — 235 235 
Private equity— — 2,792 — 2,792 
Total assets measured at fair value$15,342 $— $2,792 $235 $18,369 
Salient Acquisition contingent consideration— — 12,901 — 12,901 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$— $— $12,901 $— $12,901 
(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.

Our investment in Charis is included within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as we value it utilizing inputs not observable in the market. Historically, our investment was measured at fair value on a recurring basis using a market approach based on either a price to tangible book value multiple range determined to be reasonable in the current environment, or on market transactions. On April 3, 2023, Charis was acquired by Vista Bank ("Vista") in a transaction in which the Company traded its shares in Charis for shares in Vista. The carrying value of Charis was adjusted to reflect its fair value based on that pending transaction in the fourth quarter of 2022.

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 March 31,
20232022
Beginning balance$2,792 $4,369 
Unrealized gains (losses) on private investments— (43)
Ending balance$2,792 $4,326 
The March 31, 2023 private investment fair value of $2.8 million was valued based upon the 2023 sale of Charis to Vista.
11

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The following table summarizes the changes in Level 3 liabilities 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 March 31,
20232022
Beginning balance$12,901 $— 
Total (gains) losses included in earnings(1,060)— 
Ending balance$11,841 $— 
The March 31, 2023 contingent consideration fair value of $11.8 million was valued based upon updated revenue growth projections. The fair value of contingent consideration related to both the revenue retention earn-out and the growth earn-out is measured using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The Monte Carlo simulation considered assumptions including revenue growth projections, revenue volatility, risk free rates and discount rates. The projected contingent payment is discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow model. Increases or decreases in projected revenues, probabilities of payment, discount rates, projected payment dates and other inputs may result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.
The following table represents the range of the unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration classified as level 3:

Range
Earn-outUnobservable InputLowHighWeighted Average Rate
Revenue Retention earn-outDiscount rate12.5%13.0%12.75%
Volatility6.1%16.1%11.00%
Growth earn-outDiscount rate12.5%13.0%12.75%
Volatility6.1%16.1%11.00%

8. INCOME TAXES
Our effective income tax rate differed from the 21% statutory rate for the three months ended 2023 and 2022 due to permanent differences between book and tax restricted stock expense based on a decrease in our stock price between the restricted stock grant and vesting dates.
9. 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 109,000 and 85,000 anti-dilutive restricted shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively.
12

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
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 March 31,
20232022
Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.$693 $50 
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic7,853,921 7,865,174 
Dilutive potential shares from unvested restricted shares114,583 66,279 
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted7,968,504 7,931,453 
Earnings per share:
Basic$0.09 $0.01 
Diluted$0.09 $0.01 

10. 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 most recent annual goodwill impairment assessment during the third quarter of 2022 and determined that no goodwill impairment related to the Trust segment was required. There was no goodwill impairment in the Trust segment during the three months ended March 31, 2023 or March 31, 2022.
Changes in goodwill were as follows (in thousands):
March 31,
 20232022
Beginning balance$35,732 $16,401 
Broadmark Acquisition1
4,197 — 
Ending balance$39,929 $16,401 
1 The $4.2 million of goodwill acquired is attributable to the Advisory segment.
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 intangible asset impairments were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2023 or March 31, 2022.
11. LEASES
As of March 31, 2023 there have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business to our leases since December 31, 2022. For information regarding our leases, refer to Note 12 “Leases” in Part IV, Item 15. “Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share Repurchase Program
As of March 31, 2023, we have $1.9 million of shares that may yet be repurchased under our plan.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of our common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company repurchased 12,202 shares of our common stock at an average price of $16.39 per share, including commissions, for an aggregate purchase price of $0.2 million under our share repurchase plan.
13

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
13. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
We evaluated (i) our relationship as sponsor of the Common Trust Funds (“CTFs”) and managing member of the private equity funds Westwood Hospitality and Westwood Technology Opportunities Fund I, LP (collectively the “Private Funds”), (ii) our advisory relationships with the Westwood Funds® and (iii) our investments in InvestCloud, Charis, Zarvona Energy Fund GP and Zarvona Energy Fund II-A as discussed in Note 6 “Investments” (“Private Equity”) to determine whether each of these entities is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) or voting ownership entity (“VOE”).
Based on our analyses, we determined that the CTFs, Private Funds and Zarvona Energy Fund II-A were VIEs, as the at-risk equity holders do not have the ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' 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. As we do not qualify as primary beneficiaries for those entities, we have not consolidated our investments in those entities for the periods ending March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Based on our analyses, we determined the Westwood Funds®, InvestCloud, Charis and Zarvona Energy Fund GP (i) have sufficient equity at risk to finance the entities' activities independently, (ii) have the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to direct the activities of the entities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance and (iii) are not structured with disproportionate voting rights and are VOEs. As we do not own controlling financial interests in those entities, we have not consolidated our investments in those entities for the periods ending March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
We recognized fee revenue from the Westwood VIEs and Westwood VOEs as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2023March 31, 2022
Fee Revenues$8.0 $5.7 

The following table displays the AUM and the risk of loss in each vehicle (in millions):
As of March 31, 2023
Assets
Under
Management
Corporate
Investment
Amount at Risk
VIEs/VOEs:
Westwood Funds®$4,147 $— $— 
Common Trust Funds628 — — 
Private Funds14 11.5 0.2 
Private Equity— 0.2 8.2 
All other assets:
Wealth Management3,123 
Institutional7,039 
Total Assets Under Management$14,951 

14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company engages in transactions with its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to 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 AUM. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, the Company earned immaterial fees from the affiliated funds.
One of our directors serves as a consultant to the Company under a consulting agreement. We recorded immaterial expenses related to this agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022.
14

WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(Unaudited)
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Dividend Declared
On April 26, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share of common stock payable on July 3, 2023 to stockholders of record on June 2, 2023.

15


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, 2022 and those risks set forth below:
the composition and market value of our AUM and AUA;
our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures;
risks associated with actions of activist stockholders;
distributions to our common stockholders have included and may in the future include a return of capital;
inclusion of foreign company investments in our AUM;
regulations adversely affecting the financial services industry;
our ability to maintain effective cyber security;
litigation risks;
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 perform operational tasks;
our ability to select and oversee third-party vendors;
our dependence on the operations and funds of our subsidiaries;
our ability to maintain effective information systems;
our ability to prevent misuse of assets and information in the possession of our employees and third-party vendors, which could damage our reputation and result in costly litigation and liability for our clients and us;
our stock is thinly traded and may be subject to volatility;
competition in the investment management industry;
our ability to avoid termination of client agreements and the related investment redemptions;
the significant concentration of our revenues in a small number of customers;
we have made and may continue to make business combinations as a part of our business strategy, which may present certain risks and uncertainties;
our relationships with investment consulting firms;
our ability to identify and execute on our strategic initiatives;
our ability to declare and pay dividends;
our ability to fund future capital requirements on favorable terms;
our ability to properly address conflicts of interest;
our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage; and
our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls.
16


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., Westwood Advisors, L.L.C., Salient Advisors, LP and Broadmark Asset Management LLC (each of which is an SEC-registered investment advisor ("RIA") and referred to hereinafter together as “Westwood Management”) and Westwood Trust.
Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to institutional investors, a family of mutual funds called the Westwood Funds®, other mutual funds, individuals 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.
In January 2023 we acquired an additional 32% interest in Broadmark for $1.6 million, increasing our ownership of Broadmark to approximately 80%. Broadmark's tactical absolute return strategies offer us an established client base and provide future growth potential. Prior to the Broadmark acquisition, we had a $2.4 million equity method investment in Broadmark, which we derecognized upon acquiring a controlling interest in the first quarter of 2023.
Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of AUM and AUA, and Westwood Management and Westwood Trust collectively had AUM of approximately $15.0 billion and AUA of approximately $1.2 billion at March 31, 2023. We have established a track record of delivering competitive, risk-adjusted returns for our clients.
With respect to most of our client AUM, we utilize a “value” investment style focused on achieving superior long-term, risk-adjusted returns by investing in companies with high levels of free cash flow, improving returns on equity and strengthening balance sheets that are well positioned for growth but whose value is not fully recognized in the marketplace. This investment approach is designed to limit downside during unfavorable periods and provide superior real returns over the long term. Our investment teams have significant industry experience, with an average of over twenty years of investment experience among members.
We have built a foundation in terms of personnel and infrastructure to support a much larger business and we have developed investment strategies that we believe will be sought after within our target institutional, wealth management and intermediary markets. Developing new products and growing the organization has resulted in our incurring expenses that, in some cases, have not yet generated significant offsetting revenues. We believe that investors will recognize the potential for new revenue streams inherent in these products and services; however, there is no guarantee that they will occur.
Revenues
We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees and other revenues. Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management, which manages client accounts under investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements. Advisory fees are typically calculated based on a percentage of AUM and AUA and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on AUM on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on AUM on the last day of the quarter just ended or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of AUM for the stated period. We recognize advisory fee revenues as services are rendered. Certain 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 revenue for 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 AUM. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. Trust fees are primarily calculated quarterly in arrears based on a daily average of AUM 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 advisory fee revenues.
Our other revenues primarily consist of investment income from seed money investments into new investment strategies.
17


Employee Compensation and Benefits
Employee compensation and benefits costs generally consist of salaries, sales commissions, incentive compensation, stock-based compensation expense and benefits.
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing costs relate to our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct marketing and advertising costs.
Westwood Mutual Funds
Expenses for Westwood mutual funds relate to our marketing, distribution and administration of the Westwood Funds®.
Information Technology
Information technology expenses include 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 sub-advisory fees, audit, legal and other professional services.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of office space, amortization, depreciation, insurance, custody expense, Directors' fees, investor relations, licenses and fees, office supplies and other miscellaneous expenses.
Acquisition Expense
Acquisition expense consists of costs related to our 2022 acquisition of Salient.
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on Private Investments
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on private investments includes changes in the value of our private equity investments.
Investment Income
Investment income primarily includes interest and dividend income on fixed income securities and money market funds.
Other Income
Other income primarily consists of income from the sublease of a portion of our corporate offices.
Firm-wide Assets Under Management
Firm-wide assets under management of $16.2 billion at March 31, 2023 consisted of $15.0 billion of AUM and $1.2 billion of AUA.
AUM increased $1.1 billion to $15.0 billion at March 31, 2023 compared with $13.9 billion at March 31, 2022. The average of beginning and ending AUM for the first quarter of 2023 was $14.9 billion compared to $14.2 billion for the first quarter of 2022.
The following table displays AUM as of March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in millions):
As of March 31,
20232022Change
Institutional(1)
$7,039 $6,716 %
Wealth Management(2)
3,765 4,181 (10)
Mutual Funds(3)
4,147 2,957 40 
Total AUM(4)
$14,951 $13,854 %
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(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) sub-advisory relationships where Westwood provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions; (iii) pooled investment vehicles, including collective investment trusts; and (iv) managed account relationships with brokerage firms and other RIAs 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. provides advisory services to high net worth individuals. Investment sub-advisory services are provided for the common trust funds by Westwood Management and unaffiliated sub-advisors. For certain assets in this category Westwood Trust provides limited custodial services for a minimal or no fee, viewing these assets as potentially converting to fee-generating managed assets in the future.
(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, institutional investors and wealth management accounts.
(4)AUM excludes $1.2 billion and $314 million of AUA as of March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to our model portfolios for which we provide investment advice on a fee basis without having investment management authority.
Roll-Forward of Assets Under Management
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20232022
Institutional
Beginning of period assets*$6,968 $7,037 
Inflows130 79 
Outflows(161)(155)
Net client flows(31)(76)
Market appreciation (depreciation)102 (245)
Net change71 (321)
End of period assets$7,039 $6,716 
Wealth Management
Beginning of period assets$3,666 $4,420 
Inflows90 109 
Outflows
(130)(146)
Net client flows(40)(37)
Market appreciation (depreciation)139 (202)
Net change99 (239)
End of period assets$3,765 $4,181 
Mutual Funds
Beginning of period assets*$4,145 $3,046 
Inflows304 268 
Outflows(378)(218)
Net client flows(74)50 
Market appreciation (depreciation)76 (139)
Net change(89)
End of period assets$4,147 $2,957 
Total AUM
Beginning of period assets$14,779 $14,503 
Inflows524 456 
Outflows(669)(519)
Net client flows(145)(63)
Global Convertibles transition— — 
Market appreciation (depreciation)317 (586)
Net change172 (649)
End of period assets$14,951 $13,854 
* Certain assets under management acquired from Salient were reclassified from Mutual Funds to Institutional to be consistent with the classification of existing assets..
19



Three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022
The $0.2 billion increase in AUM for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was due to market appreciation of $0.3 billion and net outflows of $0.1 billion. Net outflows were primarily related to our Quality AllCap strategy.
The $0.6 billion decrease in AUM for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was due to market depreciation of $0.6 billion and net outflows of $0.1 billion. Net outflows were primarily related to our Enhanced Balance strategy.
Roll-Forward of Assets Under Advisement
AUA has historically been disclosed in totality due to its relative insignificance to our business. However, following our 2022 acquisition of the asset management business of Salient, AUA is now a more meaningful component of our business. Accordingly we will present further AUA details going forward:
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2023
Assets Under Advisement
Beginning of period assets$1,255 
Inflows46 
Outflows(95)
Net client flows(49)
Market appreciation (depreciation)(26)
Net change(75)
End of period assets$1,180 
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.
20


Three Months Ended
March 31,
20232022Change
Revenues:
Advisory fees: asset-based$17,033 $11,790 44 %
Advisory fees: performance-based555 — NM
Trust fees: asset-based5,031 5,715 (12)
Other, net108 (289)(137)
Total revenues22,727 17,216 32 
Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits14,202 10,334 37 
Sales and marketing740 482 54 
Westwood mutual funds732 596 23 
Information technology2,383 1,829 30 
Professional services1,529 1,520 
General and administrative1,986 2,040 (3)
Acquisition expenses209 — NM
Total expenses21,781 16,801 30 
Net operating income946 415 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on private investments— 37 (100)
Net investment income172 (16)(1,175)
Other income372 158 135 
Income before income taxes1,490 594 
Income tax provision776 544 43 
Net income$714 $50 1,328 %
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest21 — NM
Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.$693 $50 1,286 %
_________________________
NM    Not meaningful
Three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to three months ended March 31, 2022
Total revenues. Total revenues increased $5.5 million, or 32%, to $22.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared with $17.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Asset-based advisory fees increased $5.2 million, or 44%, reflecting higher average AUM following our 2022 acquisition of Salient. Trust fees decreased $0.7 million or 12%, primarily related to lower average AUM.
Employee compensation and benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased $3.9 million to $14.2 million compared with $10.3 million for 2022 due to additional headcount resulting from the Salient acquisition.
Information Technology. Information technology expenses increased $0.6 million, or 30%, to $2.4 million compared with $1.8 million for 2022 primarily due to additional software licenses and investment research expenses.
Income tax provision. Our effective tax rate differed from the 21% statutory rate for the first quarter of 2023 primarily due to permanent differences between book and tax restricted stock expense based on a decrease in our stock price between the restricted stock grant and vesting dates.
Supplemental Financial Information
As supplemental information, we are providing non-GAAP performance measures that we refer to as Economic Earnings and Economic EPS. We provide these measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income and earnings per share, which are reported on a GAAP basis. Our management and Board of Directors review Economic Earnings and Economic EPS to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources, and review our dividend policy. We believe that these non-GAAP performance measures, while not substitutes for GAAP net income or earnings per share, are useful for
21


management and investors when evaluating our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources. We do not advocate that investors consider these non-GAAP measures without also considering financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.
We define Economic Earnings as net income plus non-cash equity-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets and deferred taxes related to goodwill. Although depreciation on fixed assets is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when calculating Economic Earnings because depreciation charges represent an allocation of the decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement. In addition, we do not adjust Economic Earnings for tax deductions related to restricted stock expense or amortization of intangible assets. Economic EPS represents Economic Earnings divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
The following tables provide a reconciliation of net income to Economic Earnings and Economic Earnings by segment (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

Three Months Ended March 31,Change
20232022
Comprehensive income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.$693 $50 1,286 %
Stock-based compensation expense1,748 1,380 27 
Intangible amortization1,021 405 152 
Tax benefit from goodwill amortization125 59 112 
Economic Earnings$3,587 $1,894 89 %
Earnings per share$0.09 $0.01 800 %
Stock-based compensation expense0.21 0.17 24 
Intangible amortization0.13 0.05 160 
Tax benefit from goodwill amortization0.02 0.01 100 
Economic Earnings per share$0.45 $0.24 88 %
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding7,968,504 7,931,453 
Economic Earnings by Segment:
Advisory$5,007 $4,344 15 %
Trust482 788 (39)
Westwood Holdings(1,902)(3,238)(41)
Consolidated$3,587 $1,894 89 %

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. We had no debt as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The changes in net cash provided by operating activities generally reflect 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.
We had cash and short-term investments of $32.3 million and $39.2 million as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, working capital aggregated $39.6 million and $40.6 million, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, cash flow used in operating activities was $3.2 million, which included a reduction in compensation and benefits payable of $5.6 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2022,
22


cash flow provided by operating activities was $8.8 million, which included net sales of $12.4 million of current investments partially offset by a reduction in compensation and benefits payable of $7.2 million.
Cash flow used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily for the Broadmark Acquisition. Cash flow used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2022 was related to purchases of property and equipment.
Cash flows used in financing activities of $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 reflected the payment of dividends and restricted stock returned for the payment of taxes. Cash flows used in financing activities of $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 reflected the payment of dividends, restricted stock returned for the payment of taxes and treasury stock repurchases.
Westwood Trust is required to 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 March 31, 2023, Westwood Trust had approximately $14.3 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, 2022. 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. 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 March 31, 2023, there have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2022. 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, 2022.
Critical and Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates
There have been no significant changes in our critical or significant accounting policies and estimates since December 31, 2022. 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, 2022.
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, 2022.
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
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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 March 31, 2023, 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. Due to our significant investments in cloud-based systems, the impact of our employees working remotely did not hinder the execution of our internal control processes and procedures.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS
Our business and future results may be affected by a number of risks and uncertainties that should be considered carefully. In addition, this report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the risks set forth below.
There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K. You should carefully consider the following risks and the risks included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, together with all of the other information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The occurrence of any single risk or any combination of risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and the trading price of our common stock.
ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Our share repurchase program has no expiration date and may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of our common stock.
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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS
31.1*
31.2*
32.1**
32.2**
101*The following financial information from Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2023, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022; 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.

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

 
Dated:May 4, 2023WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC.
By:/s/ Brian O. Casey
Brian O. Casey
Chief Executive Officer
By:/s/ Murray Forbes III
Murray Forbes III
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

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