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WisdomTree, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

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 001-10932

 

 

WisdomTree Investments, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   13-3487784

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

380 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor

New York, New York

  10017
(Address of principal executive officers)   (Zip Code)

212-801-2080

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

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, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non-accelerated filer   ¨      Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

As of October 30, 2013 there were 129,391,406 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding (voting shares).

 

 

 


Table of Contents

WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS, INC.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page
Number
 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     4   

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

     4   

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

     14   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     26   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     27   

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

     27   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     27   

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

     27   

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

     27   

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     28   

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

     28   

Item 5. Other Information

  

Item 6. Exhibits

     28   

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s belief and assumptions and on information currently available to our management. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements relate to future events or our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could materially affect results. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. You should read this Report and the documents that we reference in this Report and have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to this Report, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

In particular, forward-looking statements in this Report include statements about:

 

    anticipated trends, conditions and investor sentiment in the global markets;

 

    anticipated levels of inflows into and outflows out of our exchange traded funds;

 

    our ability to deliver favorable rates of return to investors;

 

    our ability to develop new products and services;

 

    our ability to maintain current vendors or find new vendors to provide services to us at favorable costs;

 

    competition in our business; and

 

    the effect of laws and regulations that apply to our business.

The forward-looking statements in this Report represent our views as of the date of this Report. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments may cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. Therefore, these forward-looking statements do not represent our views as of any date other than the date of this Report.

 

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PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

     September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 
     (Unaudited)        

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 87,114      $ 41,246   

Accounts receivable

     16,254        9,348   

Other current assets

     1,975        1,273   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     105,343        51,867   

Fixed assets, net

     1,349        480   

Investments

     11,603        11,036   

Other noncurrent assets

     50        42   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 118,345      $ 63,425   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

    

Liabilities:

    

Current liabilities:

    

Fund management and administration payable

   $ 10,621      $ 6,924   

Compensation and benefits payable

     9,391        2,156   

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     4,026        3,272   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     24,038        12,352   

Other noncurrent liabilities

     3,063        13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     27,101        12,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, par value $0.01; 2,000 shares authorized:

     —         —    

Common stock, par value $0.01; 250,000 shares authorized; issued: 129,410 and 126,554; outstanding: 127,461 and 125,272

     1,294        1,265   

Additional paid-in capital

     182,920        177,826   

Accumulated deficit

     (92,970     (128,031
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     91,244        51,060   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 118,345      $ 63,425   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2013
     September 30,
2012
     September 30,
2013
     September 30,
2012
 

Revenues:

           

ETF advisory fees

   $ 39,437       $ 21, 440       $ 105,691       $ 60,645   

Other income

     193         221         611         579   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     39,630         21,661         106,302         61,224   

Expenses:

           

Compensation and benefits

     9,648         5,734         26,577         17,068   

Fund management and administration

     8,794         5,671         26,123         16,677   

Marketing and advertising

     2,031         862         6,164         3,736   

Sales and business development

     1,305         831         4,626         2,533   

Professional and consulting fees

     542         1,305         1,812         3,815   

Occupancy, communications, and equipment

     723         374         1,691         1,050   

Depreciation and amortization

     84         79         249         225   

Third-party sharing arrangements

     374         1,194         913         4,168   

Other

     1,164         859         3,086         2,211   

ETF shareholder proxy

     —          —          —          3,264   

Patent litigation, net

     —          219         —          700   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses

     24,665         17,128         71,241         55,447   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

     14,965         4,533         35,061         5,777   

Provision for income taxes

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 14,965       $ 4,533       $ 35,061       $ 5,777   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per share—basic

   $ 0.12       $ 0.04       $ 0.28       $ 0.05   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per share—diluted

   $ 0.11       $ 0.03       $ 0.25       $ 0.04   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares—basic

     126,509         123,214         125,909         121,445   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares—diluted

     140,097         138,458         139,805         137,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2013
    September 30,
2012
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 35,061      $ 5,777   

Non-cash items included in net income:

    

Depreciation and amortization and other

     249        225   

Stock-based compensation

     5,186        5,903   

Deferred rent

     111        (106

Accretion to interest income and other

     108        89   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (3,683     (3,759

Other assets

     (720     (185

Fund management and administration payable

     3,697        (736

Compensation and benefits payable

     7,235        (933

Accounts payable and other liabilities

     471        1,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     47,715        7,526   

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of fixed assets

     (1,118     (182

Purchase of investments

     (3,358     (6,098

Proceeds from the redemption of investments

     2,693        5,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,783     (623

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net proceeds from sale of common stock

     —         4,329   

Shares repurchased

     (1,413     (1,169

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     1,349        3,910   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities

     (64     7,070   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     45,868        13,973   

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period

     41,246        25,630   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents—end of period

   $ 87,114      $ 39,603   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 33      $ 29   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

1. Organization and Description of Business

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (“WisdomTree” or the “Company”) is a New York-based exchange-traded fund sponsor and asset manager. The Company is the fifth largest sponsor of ETFs in the United States based on assets under management (“AUM”) at September 30, 2013. In June 2006, the Company launched 20 ETFs and, as of September 30, 2013, had 53 ETFs with AUM of $31.4 billion. Through its operating subsidiary, the Company provides investment advisory and other management services to the WisdomTree Trust (“WTT”) and WisdomTree ETFs. The Company also licenses its indexes to third parties and promotes the use of WisdomTree ETFs in 401(k) plans. At September 30, 2013 the Company had the following subsidiaries:

 

    WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. (“WTAM”)—a wholly owned subsidiary formed in February 2005 is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). WTAM provides investment advisory and other management services to WTT and the WisdomTree ETFs. In exchange for providing these services, the Company receives advisory fee revenues based on a percentage of the ETFs average daily net assets under management.

 

    WisdomTree Retirement Services, Inc. (“WTRS”)—a wholly owned subsidiary formed in August 2007 and dissolved in September 2013, marketed with selected third parties the use of WisdomTree ETFs in 401(k) plans.

The WisdomTree ETFs are issued by WTT. WTT, a non-consolidated third-party, is a Delaware statutory trust registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company. WTT offers ETFs across equities, fixed income, currency, and alternatives asset classes. The Company has licensed the use of its own fundamentally-weighted indexes on an exclusive basis to WTT for the WisdomTree ETFs. The Board of WTT, or the Trustees, is separate from the Board of the Company. The Trustees are primarily responsible for overseeing the management and affairs of the WisdomTree ETFs and the Trust for the benefit of the WisdomTree ETF shareholders and has contracted with the Company to provide for general management and administration services of WTT and the WisdomTree ETFs. The Company, in turn, has contracted with third parties to provide the majority of these administration services. In addition, certain officers of the Company provide general management services for WTT.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and in the opinion of management reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries WTAM and WTRS. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods presented. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company earns investment advisory fees for ETFs and licensing fees from third parties. ETF advisory fees are based on a percentage of the ETFs average daily net assets and recognized over the period the related service is provided. Fees for separately managed accounts and licensing are based on a percentage of the average monthly net assets and recognized over the period the related service is provided.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation is provided for using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets as follows:

 

Equipment

     3 years   

Furniture and fixtures

     7 years   

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of their respective leases or service lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.

 

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Marketing and Advertising

Advertising costs, including media advertising and production costs, are expensed when incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of purchase to be classified as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held with one large financial institution.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are customers’ and other obligations due under normal trade terms. In addition at September 30, 2013, the Company has recorded $3,223 due from the owner of its new office space related to leasehold improvements. An allowance for doubtful accounts is not provided since, in the opinion of management, all accounts receivable recorded are deemed collectible.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

On a periodic basis, the Company performs a review for the impairment of long-lived assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets are less than their carrying amounts or when other events occur which may indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential reduction in earnings per share that could occur if options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Options and restricted shares to purchase shares of common stock were included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Investments

The Company accounts for all of its investments as held-to-maturity, which are recorded at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. For held-to-maturity investments, the Company has the intent and ability to hold investments to maturity and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity.

On a periodic basis, the Company reviews its portfolio of investments for impairment. If a decline in fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to its fair value through earnings.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the date of the consolidated financial statements to consider whether or not the impact of such events needed to be reflected or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. Such evaluation was performed through the issuance date of the consolidated financial statements.

Stock-Based Awards

Accounting for share-based compensation requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all equity awards based on estimated fair values. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for its employees based on the cost of employee services received in exchange for a stock-based award. Stock-based compensation is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and is amortized over the relevant service period.

Stock-based awards granted to non-employees for goods or services are valued at the fair value of the equity instruments issued or the fair value of consideration received, whichever is a more reliable measure of the fair value of the transaction, and recognized when performance obligations are complete.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, which requires the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are adjusted by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

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In order to recognize and measure any unrecognized tax benefits, management evaluates and determines whether any of its tax positions are more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Once it is determined that a position meets this recognition threshold, the position is measured to determine the amount of benefit to be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The Company has elected to record interest expense and penalties related to tax expenses as income tax expense.

Related-Party Transactions

The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from investment advisory agreements with WTT and WisdomTree ETFs. Under these agreements, the Company has granted WTT an exclusive license to its own indexes for operation of the WisdomTree ETFs. The Trustees are primarily responsible for overseeing the management and affairs of the WisdomTree ETFs and the Trust for the benefit of the WisdomTree ETF shareholders and has contracted with the Company to provide for general management and administration of WTT and the WisdomTree ETFs. The Company is also responsible for expenses of WTT, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, legal, audit, and other non-distribution services. In exchange, the Company receives fees based on a percentage of the ETF average daily net assets. The advisory agreements may be terminated by WTT upon notice. Certain officers of the Company also provide general management oversight of WTT; however, these officers have no material decision making responsibilities and primarily implement the decisions of the Trustees. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 the balance of accounts receivable from WTT was approximately $12,977 and $8,180, respectively which is included as a component of accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheet. Revenue from advisory services provided to WTT for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $39,437 and $21,440 respectively and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $105,691 and $60,645, respectively.

Third-Party Sharing Arrangements

Included in third party sharing arrangements expense are payments (reimbursements) from/(to) the Company with respect to (i) a collaborative arrangement and (ii) marketing agreements with third parties:

Collaborative Arrangement— The Company was the principal participant for transactions under a collaborative arrangement with Mellon Capital Management Corporation (“Mellon Capital”) and The Dreyfus Corporation (“Dreyfus”). This arrangement ended in December 2012. Under the arrangement, the parties collaborated in developing currency and fixed income ETFs under WTT. The Company was responsible for operating the ETFs and providing sales, marketing and research support at its own cost. Mellon Capital and Dreyfus were responsible for providing sub-advisory, fund administration and accounting services for these collaborative ETFs at their own cost. Any revenues less third party costs, such as marketing, legal, accounting or fund management, related to these collaborative products are shared, including any losses (“net profit/(loss)”). The Company was responsible for arranging any third party costs related to this collaborative arrangement. The Company recorded these transactions on a gross basis reflecting all of the revenues and third party expenses on its consolidated financial statements in accordance with the nature of the revenue or expense. Any net profit/(loss) payments are reflected in Third-Party Sharing Arrangements expense on the consolidated financial statements.

Revenues and expenses under this collaborative arrangement included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 

ETF advisory fee revenue

   $ 2,616       $ 8,139   

Expenses:

     

Fund management and administration

     311         987   

Marketing and advertising

     14         33   

Sales and business development

     7         17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total third party expenses

     332         1,037   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net profit

     2,284         7,102   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sharing

   $ 1,113       $ 3,455   

Marketing agreements— the Company has entered into agreements with certain firms to serve as the external marketing agents for the WisdomTree ETFs. Under these agreements, the Company will pay a percentage of their advisory fee revenue to the marketing agents based on incremental growth in assets under management. The Company incurred marketing fees of $374 and $81 for the three months September 30, 2013 and 2012 respectively. The Company incurred marketing fees of $913 and $713 for the nine months September 30, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

 

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Segment, Geographic and Customer Information

The Company operates as one business segment, as an ETF sponsor and asset manager providing investment advisory services. Revenues are derived in the U.S. and all of the Company’s assets are located in the U.S.

3. Investments and Fair Value Measurements

The following table is a summary of the Company’s investments:

 

     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 
     Held-to-
Maturity
     Held-to-
Maturity
 

Federal agency debt instruments

   $ 11,603       $ 11,036   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes unrealized gains, losses, and fair value of investments:

 

     September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 
     Held-to-
Maturity
    Held-to-
Maturity
 

Cost/amortized cost

   $ 11,603      $ 11,036   

Gross unrealized gains

     59        61   

Gross unrealized losses

     (1,066     (157
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value

   $ 10,596      $ 10,940   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the maturity profile of investments:

 

     September 30,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 
     Held-to-
Maturity
     Held-to-
Maturity
 

Due within one year

   $ —        $ —    

Due one year through five years

     —          —    

Due five years through ten years

     694         727   

Due over ten years

     10,909         10,309   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 11,603       $ 11,036   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement

Under the accounting for fair value measurements and disclosures, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, or the exit price, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The accounting guidance establishes a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions.

These three types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1—Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3—Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The Company’s held-to-maturity securities are categorized as Level 1. The amortized cost of the held-to-maturity securities approximates fair value. The Company does not intend to sell its investments held-to maturity before the recovery of their amortized cost bases which may be at maturity.

 

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Some of our financial instruments are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts that approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. Such financial assets and financial liabilities are categorized as Level 3.

4. Fixed Assets

As of September 30, 2013 the Company has capitalized approximately $563 for furniture and fixtures and $453 for leasehold improvements related to its new office space which it intends to depreciate and amortize when completed and ready for use.

The following table summarizes fixed assets:

 

     September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Equipment

   $ 888      $ 786   

Furniture and fixtures

     871        308   

Leasehold improvements

     1,515        1,062   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (1,925     (1,676
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,349      $ 480   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

5. Commitments and Contingencies

Contractual Obligations

The Company has entered into obligations under operating leases with initial non-cancelable terms in excess of one year for office space, telephone, and data services. Expenses recorded under these agreements for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $582 and $351, respectively and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $1,312 and $987 respectively.

Future minimum lease payments with respect to non-cancelable operating leases at September 30, 2013 are approximately as follows:

 

Remainder of 2013

   $ 1,060   

2014

     3,092   

2015

     2,880   

2016 and thereafter

     37,902   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 44,934   
  

 

 

 

The Company’s current office lease expires in January 2014 and the Company entered into a new 16 year lease agreement in August 2013.

Letter of Credit

The Company collateralizes its current office lease through a standby letter of credit of $419 as of September 30, 2013. In August 2013, the Company collateralized its new office lease through an additional standby letter of credit of $1,384 held as an investment in debt securities, which is included in investments on the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2013.

Contingencies

The Company is subject to various routine regulatory reviews and inspections by the SEC and may be subject to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company is not currently party to any litigation or other legal proceedings that are expected to have a material impact on our business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In December 2011, Research Affiliates LLC filed a patent infringement lawsuit against the Company. In November 2012, Research Affiliates withdrew its lawsuit and entered into a settlement agreement with the Company. The Company’s insurance carrier funded a significant majority of the cost of defending this patent infringement lawsuit. The Company incurred litigation expense of $219 and $700, net of insurance reimbursement, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

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6. Stock-Based Awards

The Company grants equity awards to employees and directors and has in the past granted such awards to special advisors for services:

 

    Options are issued generally for terms of ten years and vest between two to four years. Options are issued with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company estimated the fair value for options using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model.

 

    All restricted stock and option awards require future service as a condition of vesting with certain awards subject to acceleration under certain conditions. Awards generally vest over one to four years.

 

    Stock awards granted to advisors vested over the contractual period of the consulting arrangement. The fair value of these awards was measured at the grant dated fair value and re-measured at each reporting period. Fair value was initially determined as the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

A summary of options and restricted stock activity is as follows:

 

     Options    

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

of Options

    

Restricted

Stock

Awards

 

Balance at January 1, 2013

     12,760,191      $ 0.95         1,281,144   

Granted

     —       $ —          981,810   

Exercised/vested

     (1,998,000   $ 0.68         (308,334

Forfeitures

     (37,500   $ 4.23         (5,328
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2013

     10,724,691      $ 0.99         1,949,292   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

A summary of stock-based compensation expense is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012      2013      2012  

Employees and directors

   $ 1,781       $ 1,256       $ 5,186       $ 3,917   

Non-employees

     —          614         —          1,986   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,781       $ 1,870       $ 5,186       $ 5,903   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

7. Earnings Per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013      2012      2013      2012  
     (shares in thousands)      (shares in thousands)  

Net income

   $ 14,965       $ 4,533       $ 35,061       $ 5,777   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Shares of common stock and common stock equivalents:

           

Weighted averages shares used in basic computation

     126,509         123,214         125,909         121,445   

Dilutive effect of stock options and unvested restricted stock

     13,588         15,244         13,896         16,433   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted averages shares used in dilutive computation

     140,097         138,458         139,805         137,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.12       $ 0.04       $ 0.28       $ 0.05   

Dilutive earnings per share

   $ 0.11       $ 0.03       $ 0.25       $ 0.04   

Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential reduction in earnings per share that could occur if options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Options and restricted shares to purchase shares of common stock were included in the calculation of dilutive earnings per share for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2013 and 2012.

 

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8. Shares Repurchased

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased 118,156 and 182,172 shares of its Company stock for an aggregate cost of $1,413 and $1,169 respectively. The shares repurchased relate to the tax withholding obligations that occur upon the vesting of restricted common stock granted to employees.

9. Public Offerings

In February 2012, the Company completed a public offering of its common stock at $5.61 per share. The Company sold 1,000,000 shares and certain of our stockholders sold 15,516,587 shares. Proceeds to the Company, less commissions and other direct selling expenses were approximately $4,329 and were used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. In November 2012, the Company completed a second public offering of its common stock where certain of our existing stockholders sold 27,795,630 shares at $6.10 per share. The Company did not sell any stock in the second offering and did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of its common stock by the selling stockholders. The Company incurred $353 in expenses in the fourth quarter of 2012 related to the second offering.

10. ETF Shareholder Proxy Solicitation

In 2012, the Company completed its solicitation from the WisdomTree ETF shareholders to obtain approval for the Company to continue as investment advisor for the WisdomTree ETFs if the Company’s largest stockholder, Michael Steinhardt, who then beneficially owned 25.5% of the Company’s common stock prior to the second public offering discussed above in Note 9, were to sell or otherwise transfer shares of the Company’s common stock resulting in his beneficial ownership falling below 25%. The Investment Company Act presumes a change in control of the Company if Mr. Steinhardt’s ownership fell below the 25% threshold, which would trigger an automatic termination of the Company’s investment advisory agreements with the WisdomTree Trust and require approval of the WisdomTree ETF shareholders to continue the agreements. No further shareholder approval was required when Mr. Steinhardt’s ownership fell below 25%. In addition, the Company received approval from the WisdomTree ETF shareholders to allow the Company to change sub-advisors in the future. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company incurred proxy related expense of $3,264.

 

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

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Report. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below. For a more complete description of the risks noted above and other risks that could cause our actual results to materially differ from our current expectations, please see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013. We assume no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law.

Our Business

We were the fifth largest sponsor of ETFs in the United States based on AUM, with AUM of approximately $31.4 billion as of September 30, 2013. An ETF is an investment fund that holds securities such as stocks or bonds and trades at approximately the same price as the net asset value of its underlying assets. ETFs offer exposure to a wide variety of investment themes, including domestic, international and emerging market equities, fixed income securities, currencies or commodities, as well as securities in specific industries and countries. We currently offer a comprehensive family of 53 ETFs, which includes 40 equity ETFs, six fixed income ETFs, five currency ETFs and two alternative strategy ETFs.

Through our operating subsidiary, we provide investment advisory and other management services to the WisdomTree ETFs. In exchange for providing these services, we receive advisory fee revenues based on a percentage of the ETFs average daily net assets under management. Our expenses are predominantly related to selling, operating and marketing our ETFs. We have contracted with third parties to provide certain operational services for the ETFs.

We distribute our ETFs through all major channels within the asset management industry, including brokerage firms, registered investment advisors, institutional investors, private wealth managers and discount brokers. We do not target our ETFs for sale directly to the retail segment but rather to the financial advisor who acts as the intermediary between the end-client and us.

Our revenues are highly correlated to the level and relative mix of our AUM, as well as the fee rate associated with our ETFs. While our AUM has increased on an annual basis, we have experienced fluctuations on a quarterly basis due to changes in net inflows and market movement. A significant portion of our AUM is invested in securities issued outside of the United States. Accordingly, our AUM and our revenues are affected by movements in global capital market levels and the strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar against other currencies. It is our belief that our ability to generate inflows into our ETFs, coupled with general stock market trends, will have the greatest impact on our business.

 

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Market Environment

Economic conditions improved during the third quarter. As the charts below reflect, global equity indexes rebounded from the end of the second quarter. Concerns over European sovereign debt risk and growth concerns in the emerging markets declined and more importantly, U.S. economic indicators improved. This contributed to generally higher global equity prices. As a result, the U.S Federal Reserve signaled that a reduction of asset purchases at some point during the second half of 2013 would have been likely if the economic recovery continues. This contributed to more challenging markets during the latter half of the third quarter as interest rates and volatility increased. On September 18, 2013, the Federal Reserve announced it would not taper its economic stimulus program.

The following chart reflects the returns of the S&P 500, MSCI EAFE and MSCI Emerging Market indexes on a quarterly basis:

 

LOGO

As the charts below reflect, flows into ETFs increased from the second quarter; however, mutual funds continued to experience outflows primarily driven by outflows from fixed income products due to rising short term interest rates, although ETFs continued to experience net inflows into fixed income products:

 

LOGO

 

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Table of Contents

Our Results

Our AUM increased 71.5% in the first nine months of 2013, reaching $31.4 billion at September 30, 2013, primarily due to $12.0 billion of net inflows. We have experienced significant inflows in our Japanese hedged equity ETF in 2013 which accounted for $8.8 billion, or 73%, of our inflows. Political and economic policy changes in Japan, in particular the Japanese government’s desire to implement policies which have decreased the value of the Yen, drove increased investor interest in the region and our Japanese hedged equity ETF.

Our net inflows were $1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2013, which declined from $5.9 billion in the first quarter and $5.0 billion in the second quarter. We experienced lower levels of inflows into our Japan hedged equity ETF due to the strengthening of the Yen versus the U.S. dollar as well as volatility in the Japanese markets. In addition, due to rising interest rates, we experienced outflows in our fixed income ETFs.

Our market share of industry net inflows was 2.1% in the third quarter of 2013 and 9.8% for the first nine months of 2013. Our target is to achieve 3% to 5% of industry inflows on an annual basis. Our above target performance for the first nine months of 2013 was due to the strong inflows we experienced in our Japan hedged equity ETF.

 

LOGO

 

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Table of Contents

We continue to achieve record financial results. We recorded revenues of $39.6 million in the third quarter of 2013, up 83.0% from the third quarter of last year primarily due to higher average AUM from record net inflows. Our expenses increased 44.0% compared to the third quarter of last year, due to higher compensation costs resulting from our record level of net inflows, higher fund related costs resulting from higher average AUM and marketing related spending to support our growth. Included in the third quarter of 2012 were $0.2 million of net expenses related to our patent litigation. Our third quarter net income reached a record $15.0 million as compared to $4.5 million over the same period last year and our pre-tax operating margin reached 38% as compared to 21%.

 

LOGO

Other Developments

As the ETF industry grows, competition is increasing. For example, in August 2013, Charles Schwab & Co. launched six ETFs using the Russell fundamental indexes with fees generally equivalent with our comparable ETFs. In September 2013, iShares filed a registration statement for three currency hedged equity ETFs including a Japan hedged equity ETF. Also, Deutsche Bank launched three additional currency hedged equity ETFs. We do not know what effect, if any, the launch of these ETFs may have on our business. Within the ETF industry, being a first mover, or one of the first providers of ETFs in a particular asset class, can be a significant advantage, as the first ETF in a category to attract scale in AUM and trading liquidity is generally viewed as the most attractive ETF. We believe that our early launch of ETFs in a number of asset classes or strategies, including fundamental weighting and currency hedging, positions us well to maintain our position as one of the leaders of the ETF industry.

In September, 2013, we entered into an agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company to transfer fund administration and custody services from Bank of New York Mellon, effective April 1, 2014. As a result of this change, we expect costs savings and an improvement in our gross margins. For example, if State Street’s pricing had been in effect in the third quarter, fund expenses would have been approximately 1.5 million lower, or 6 million in annualized savings. This would have translated into a four percentage point improvement to our gross margins.

 

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Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Financial Measurements

Gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measurement which we believe provides useful and meaningful information as it is a financial measurement management reviews when evaluating the Company’s operating results. We define gross margin as total revenues less fund management and administration expenses and third-party sharing arrangements. We believe this financial measurement provides investors with a consistent way to analyze the amount we retain after paying third party service providers to operate our ETFs and third party marketing agents whose fees are associated with our AUM level. The following table reflects the calculation of our gross margin and gross margin percentage:

 

    

Three Months

Ended

   

Nine Months

Ended

 
     Sept. 30,     Sept. 30,     Sept. 30,     Sept. 30,  
     2013     2012     2013     2012  

GAAP total revenue

   $ 39,630      $ 21,661      $ 106,302      $ 61,224   

Fund management and administration

     (8,794     (5,671     (26,123     (16,677

Third party sharing arrangements

     (374     (1,194     (913     (4,168
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin

   $ 30,462      $ 14,796      $ 79,266      $ 40,379   

Gross margin percentage

     76.9     68.3     74.6     66.0

 

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Table of Contents

Key Operating Statistics

The following table presents key operating statistics that serve as indicators for the performance of our business:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    

September 30,

2013

   

June 30,

2013

   

September 30,

2012

   

September 30,

2013

   

September 30,

2012

 

Total ETFs (in millions)

        

Beginning of period assets

   $ 28,975      $ 25,103      $ 15,004      $ 18,286      $ 12,182   

Inflows/(outflows)

     1,160        4,962        1,036        12,015        3,673   

Market appreciation/(depreciation)

     1,217        (1,090     743        1,051        928   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period assets

   $ 31,352      $ 28,975      $ 16,783      $ 31,352      $ 16,783   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average assets during the period

   $ 30,473      $ 28,390      $ 15,769      $ 26,932      $ 15,051   

ETF Industry and Market Share
(in billions)

        

ETF industry net inflows

   $ 55.4      $ 15.4      $ 51.8      $ 123.0      $ 130.0   

WisdomTree market share of industry inflows

     2.1     32.2     2.0     9.8     2.8

International Developed Equity ETFs
(in millions)

        

Beginning of period assets

   $ 12,903      $ 8,525      $ 2,846      $ 3,732      $ 2,407   

Inflows/(outflows)

     957        4,433        (58     9,600        381   

Market appreciation/(depreciation)

     771        (55     108        1,299        108   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period assets

   $ 14,631      $ 12,903      $ 2,896      $ 14,631      $ 2,896   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average assets during the period

   $ 14,063      $ 11,444      $ 2,859      $ 10,526      $ 2,798   

Emerging Markets Equity ETFs
(in millions)

        

Beginning of period assets

   $ 7,172      $ 8,071      $ 5,430      $ 7,332      $ 3,613   

Inflows/(outflows)

     286        (51     736        1,111        2,596   

Market appreciation/(depreciation)

     245        (848     376        (740     333   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period assets

   $ 7,703      $ 7,172      $ 6,542      $ 7,703      $ 6,542   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average assets during the period

   $ 7,289      $ 7,964      $ 5,915      $ 7,719      $ 5,365   

US Equity ETFs (in millions)

        

Beginning of period assets

   $ 5,777      $ 5,161      $ 4,094      $ 4,371      $ 3,429   

Inflows/(outflows)

     273        547        363        1,111        815   

Market appreciation/(depreciation)

     221        69        183        789        396   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period assets

   $ 6,271      $ 5,777      $ 4,640      $ 6,271      $ 4,640   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average assets during the period

   $ 6,214      $ 5,541      $ 4,393      $ 5,502      $ 4,161   

Fixed Income ETFs (in millions)

        

Beginning of period assets

   $ 2,437      $ 2,600      $ 1,698      $ 2,118      $ 1,506   

Inflows/(outflows)

     (320     78        148        266        301   

Market appreciation/(depreciation)

     (22     (241     58        (289     97   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period assets

   $ 2,095      $ 2,437      $ 1,904      $ 2,095      $ 1,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average assets during the period

   $ 2,246      $ 2,700      $ 1,749      $ 2,466      $ 1,697   

Currency ETFs (in millions)

        

Beginning of period assets

   $ 547      $ 626      $ 769      $ 611      $ 950   

Inflows/(outflows)

     (48     (62     (129     (98     (315

Market appreciation/(depreciation)

     3        (17     14        (11     19   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period assets

   $ 502      $ 547      $ 654      $ 502      $ 654   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average assets during the period

   $ 515      $ 607      $ 694      $ 586      $ 819   

Alternative Strategy ETFs (in millions)

        

Beginning of period assets

   $ 139      $ 120      $ 167      $ 122      $ 277   

Inflows/(outflows)

     12        17        (24     25        (105

Market appreciation/(depreciation)

     (1     2        4        3        (25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period assets

   $ 150      $ 139      $ 147      $ 150      $ 147   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average assets during the period

   $ 146      $ 134      $ 159      $ 133      $ 211   

 

 

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Table of Contents
     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    

September 30,

2013

   

June 30,

2013

   

September 30,

2012

   

September 30,

2013

   

September 30,

2012

 

Average ETF assets during the period

          

International developed equity ETFs

     46     40     18     39     19

Emerging markets equity ETFs

     24     28     38     29     36

US equity ETFs

     20     20     28     20     28

Fixed income ETFs

     7     10     11     9     11

Currency ETFs

     2     2     4     2     5

Alternative strategy ETFs

     1     0     1     1     1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100     100     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average ETF advisory fee during the period

          

Alternative strategy ETFs

     0.94     0.94     0.94     0.94     0.95

Emerging markets equity ETFs

     0.66     0.66     0.67     0.66     0.67

Fixed income ETFs

     0.55     0.55     0.55     0.55     0.55

Currency ETFs

     0.50     0.51     0.50     0.50     0.50

International developed equity ETFs

     0.50     0.50     0.54     0.51     0.54

US equity ETFs

     0.35     0.35     0.35     0.35     0.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Blended total

     0.51     0.52     0.54     0.52     0.54
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Number of ETFs—end of the period

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
    

September 30,

2013

    

June 30,

2013

    

September 30,

2012

    

September 30,

2013

    

September 30,

2012

 

International developed equity ETFs

     20         20         18         20         18   

US equity ETFs

     13         12         12         13         12   

Emerging markets equity ETFs

     7         5         5         7         5   

Fixed income ETFs

     6         6         5         6         5   

Currency ETFs

     5         5         7         5         7   

Alternative strategy ETFs

     2         2         2         2         2   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     53         50         49         53         49   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Headcount

     84         79         70         84         70   

Note: Previously issued statistics may be restated due to trade adjustments

Source: Investment Company Institute, Bloomberg, WisdomTree

 

20


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to September 30, 2012

Revenues

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Change     Percent
Change
 
     2013     2012      

Average assets under management (in millions)

   $ 30,473      $ 15,769      $ 14,704        93.2

Average ETF advisory fee

     0.51     0.54     (0.03  

ETF advisory fees (in thousands)

   $ 39,437      $ 21,440      $ 17,997        83.9

Other income (in thousands)

     193        221        (28     (12.7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues (in thousands)

   $ 39,630      $ 21,661      $ 17,969        83.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

ETF advisory fees

ETF advisory fees revenue increased 83.9% from $21.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $39.4 million in the comparable period in 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher average AUM as a result of strong net inflows, in particular, into our Japanese hedged equity ETF, as well as market appreciation. Our average fee declined to 0.51% from 0.54% over the same period due to the change in mix of our AUM, primarily due to the strong flows into our Japanese hedged equity ETF which is priced at 0.48%.

Other income

Other income remained relatively unchanged at $0.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 as higher interest and investment income from larger available cash balances were offset by lower revenue due to the termination of a licensing arrangement for one of our indexes.

Expenses

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Change     Percent
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2013      2012       

Compensation and benefits

   $ 9,648       $ 5,734       $ 3,914        68.3

Fund management and administration

     8,794         5,671         3,123        55.1

Marketing and advertising

     2,031         862         1,169        135.6

Sales and business development

     1,305         831         474        57.0

Professional and consulting fees

     542         1,305         (763     (58.5 %) 

Occupancy, communication and equipment

     723         374         349        93.3

Depreciation and amortization

     84         79         5        6.3

Third-party sharing arrangements

     374         1,194         (820     (68.7 %) 

Other

     1,164         859         305        35.5

Patent litigation, net

     —          219         (219     na   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 24,665       $ 17,128       $ 7,537        44.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 

As a Percent of Revenues:

   2013     2012  

Compensation and benefits

     24.3     26.5

Fund management and administration

     22.2     26.2

Marketing and advertising

     5.1     4.0

Sales and business development

     3.3     3.8

Professional and consulting fees

     1.4     6.0

Occupancy, communication and equipment

     1.8     1.7

Depreciation and amortization

     0.2     0.4

Third-party sharing arrangements

     1.0     5.5

Other

     2.9     4.0

Patent litigation, net

     —         1.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     62.2     79.1

 

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Compensation and benefits

Compensation and benefits expense increased 68.3% from $5.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $9.6 million in the comparable period in 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher accrued incentive compensation due to our record level of net inflows on a year to date basis in 2013; higher headcount related expenses to support our growth; and higher stock based compensation due to the recognition of expense for equity awards granted to our employees as part of 2012 year-end compensation. Our headcount at the end of the third quarter of 2013 was 84 compared to 70 at the end of the third quarter of 2012.

Fund management and administration

Fund management and administration expenses increased 55.1% from $5.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $8.8 million in the comparable period in 2013. At the end of 2012, we ended our joint venture with BNY Mellon. As a result, we began to record certain operating costs related to our currency and fixed income ETFs, which were previously recognized by BNY Mellon as part of the joint venture. This resulted in approximately $0.5 million in higher costs during the third quarter of 2013. Higher average AUM resulted in a $2.3 million increase in portfolio management, fund administration, accounting, index licensing, regulatory and distribution fees. We had 49 ETFs at September 30, 2012 compared to 53 at September 30, 2013.

Marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising expense increased by $1.2 million from $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $2.0 million in the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to higher levels of online, print and television advertising. In the past, due to seasonality, we decreased marketing spending in the third quarter; however, we increased spending this quarter to support our growth.

Sales and business development

Sales and business development expense increased 57.0% from $0.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $1.3 million in the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to new product development related activities as well as higher levels of spending for sales related initiatives.

Professional and consulting fees

Professional and consulting fees decreased 58.5% from $1.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $0.5 million in the comparable period in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to no longer incurring variable stock based compensation for equity awards granted to strategic advisors partly offset by higher corporate consulting related fees.

Occupancy, communications and equipment

Occupancy, communications and equipment expense increased 93.3% from $0.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $0.7 million in the comparable period in 2013. This increase was primarily due to costs for new office space as well as expense related to commercial rent tax. Our current office space lease expires in January 2014 and in August 2013, we entered into a new 16 year lease agreement for new office space in NYC to support our future growth. We will occupy the new space when our current lease expires; however, we will incur rent expense for the new office space beginning September 2013. As such, we will incur additional rent expense of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense remained relatively unchanged at $0.08 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013. As discussed above, we anticipate having higher depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $0.2 million per quarter in future years due to amortization of leasehold improvements we will make to our new office space.

Third-party sharing arrangements

Third-party sharing arrangements decreased 68.7% from $1.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $0.4 million in the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to the end of our joint venture with BNY Mellon at the end of 2012. Partly offsetting this decrease were higher fees to our marketing agents due to higher levels of inflows from Latin America.

Other

Other expenses increased 35.5% from $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2012 to $1.2 million in the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to higher general and administrative expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to September 30, 2012

Revenues

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Change     Percent
Change
 
     2013     2012      

Average assets under management (in millions)

   $ 26,932      $ 15,051      $ 11,881        78.9

Average ETF advisory fee

     0.52     0.54     (0.02  

ETF advisory fees (in thousands)

   $ 105,691      $ 60,645      $ 45,046        74.3

Other income (in thousands)

     611        579        32        5.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues (in thousands)

   $ 106,302      $ 61,224      $ 45,078        73.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

ETF advisory fees

ETF advisory fees revenue increased 74.3% from $60.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $105.7 million in the comparable period in 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher average AUM as a result of record levels of net inflows, in particular, into our Japanese hedged equity ETF as well as market appreciation. Our average fee declined to 0.52% from 0.54% over the same period due to the change in mix of our AUM, primarily due to the strong flows into our Japanese hedged equity ETF which is priced at 0.48%.

Other income

Other income remained relatively unchanged at $0.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 as higher interest and investment income from larger available cash balances were offset by lower revenue due to the termination of a licensing arrangement for one of our indexes.

Expenses

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Change     Percent
Change
 

(in thousands)

   2013      2012       

Compensation and benefits

   $ 26,577       $ 17,068       $ 9,509        55.7

Fund management and administration

     26,123         16,677         9,446        56.6

Marketing and advertising

     6,164         3,736         2,428        65.0

Sales and business development

     4,626         2,533         2,093        82.6

Professional and consulting fees

     1,812         3,815         (2,003     (52.5 %) 

Occupancy, communication and equipment

     1,691         1,050         641        61.0

Depreciation and amortization

     249         225         24        10.7

Third-party sharing arrangements

     913         4,168         (3,255     (78.1 %) 

Other

     3,086         2,211         875        39.6

ETF shareholder proxy

     —          3,264         (3,264     na   

Patent litigation, net

     —          700         (700     na   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   $ 71,241       $ 55,447       $ 15,794        28.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

As a Percent of Revenues:

   2013     2012  

Compensation and benefits

     25.0     27.9

Fund management and administration

     24.5     27.3

Marketing and advertising

     5.8     6.1

Sales and business development

     4.4     4.2

Professional and consulting fees

     1.7     6.2

Occupancy, communication and equipment

     1.6     1.7

Depreciation and amortization

     0.2     0.4

Third-party sharing arrangements

     0.9     6.8

Other

     2.9     3.6

ETF shareholder proxy

     na        5.3

Patent litigation, net

     na        1.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     67.0     90.6

 

23


Table of Contents

Compensation and benefits

Compensation and benefits expense increased 55.7% from $17.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $26.6 million in the comparable period in 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher accrued incentive compensation due to our record level of net inflows. In addition, we incurred higher stock based compensation due to equity awards granted to our employees as part of year-end incentive compensation. Lastly, we incurred higher headcount related expenses to support our growth. Our headcount at September 30, 2012 was 70 compared to 84 at September 30, 2013.

Fund management and administration

Fund management and administration expenses increased 56.6% from $16.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $26.1 million in the comparable period in 2013. At the end of 2012, we ended our joint venture with BNY Mellon. As a result, we began to record certain operating costs related to our currency and fixed income ETFs, which were previously recognized by BNY Mellon as part of the joint venture. This resulted in approximately $1.7 million in higher costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Higher average AUM resulted in a $6.5 million increase in portfolio management, fund administration, accounting, index licensing, regulatory and distribution fees. We also incurred $0.8 million in higher printing related fees due to an increase in the number of holders of our ETFs. We had 49 ETFs at September 30, 2012 compared to 53 at September 30, 2013.

Marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising expense increased 65.0% from $3.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $6.2 million in the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to higher levels of online, print and television advertising to support our growth.

Sales and business development

Sales and business development expense increased 82.6% from $2.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $4.6 million in the comparable period primarily due to new product development related activities as well as higher levels of spending for sales related initiatives.

Professional and consulting fees

Professional and consulting fees decreased 52.5% from $3.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $1.8 million in the comparable period in 2013. This decrease was primarily due to no longer incurring variable stock based compensation for equity awards granted to strategic advisors.

Occupancy, communications and equipment

Occupancy, communications and equipment expense increased 61.0% from $1.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $1.7 million in the comparable period in 2013. This increase was primarily due to $0.3 million in commercial rent tax expense payable to NYC on our office space since we began occupying it in 2008. In addition, as discussed above, we incurred additional costs for new office space.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense remained relatively unchanged for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013.

Third-party sharing arrangements

Third-party sharing arrangements decreased 78.1% from $4.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $0.9 million in the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to the end of our joint venture with BNY Mellon at the end of 2012. Partly offsetting this decrease were higher fees to our marketing agents due to higher levels of inflows from Latin America.

Other

Other expenses increased 39.6% from $2.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $3.1 million in the comparable period in 2013 primarily due to higher general and administrative expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following table summarizes key data regarding our liquidity, capital resources and use of capital to fund our operations:

 

     September 30,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 87,114      $ 41,246   

Investments

   $ 11,603      $ 11,036   

Accounts receivable

   $ 16,254      $ 9,348   

Total liabilities

   $ 27,101      $ 12,365   
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2013     2012  

Cash Flow Data (in thousands):

    

Operating cash flows

   $ 47,715      $ 7,526   

Investing cash flows

     (1,783     (623

Financing cash flows

     (64     7,070   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 45,868      $ 13,973   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liquidity

We consider our available liquidity to be our liquid assets less our liabilities. Liquid assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, current receivables and investments. We account for investments as held to maturity securities and have the intention and ability to hold to maturity. However, if needed, such investments could be redeemed for liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions. Accounts receivable primarily represents advisory fees we earn from the WisdomTree ETFs which is collected by the fifth business day of the month following the month earned. Investments represent debt instruments of U.S. government and agency securities. Our liabilities consist primarily of payments owed to vendors and third parties in the normal course of business as well as accrued year end incentive compensation for employees.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $45.9 million in the first nine months of 2013 to $87.1 million at September 30, 2013 primarily due to $47.7 million of cash flow from operations due to our strong results, $1.3 million received from the proceeds from employees exercising stock options, $2.7 million of cash received from the redemption of investments, partly offset by $3.4 million used to purchase new investments, $1.4 million used to repurchase our common stock due to employees vesting in restricted stock awards and $1.1 million used to purchase leasehold improvements for our new office space.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $14.0 million in the first nine months of 2012 to $39.6 million at September 30, 2012 primarily due to $7.5 million of cash flow from operations due to our strong results, $4.3 million from the sale of our common stock, $3.9 million received from the proceeds from employees exercising stock options, $5.7 million of cash received from the redemption of investments, partly offset by $6.1 million used to purchase new investments and $1.2 million used for shares repurchased.

Capital Resources

Currently, our principal source of financing is our operating cash flows, though historically, our principal source of financing was through the private placement of our common stock. We believe that current cash flows generated by our operating activities should be sufficient for us to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months.

Use of Capital

Our business does not require us to maintain a significant cash position. We expect that our main uses of cash will be to fund the ongoing operations of our business, invest in strategic growth initiatives, re-acquire shares of our common stock issued to our employees as incentive compensation as discussed below or expand our business through strategic acquisitions.

During the first nine months of 2013, we repurchased 118,156 shares from our employees at then current market prices at a cost of $1.4 million in connection with tax withholding upon vesting of restricted stock. The amount repurchased represented the required amount of tax withholding. We expect to continue purchasing shares for similar reasons.

 

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Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our future cash payments associated with contractual obligations as of September 30, 2013.

 

            Payments Due by Period  
            (in thousands)  
     Total      Less than 1
year
     1 to 3 years      3 to 5 years      More than 5
years
 

Operating leases

   $ 44,934       $ 1,060       $ 5,972         8,322        29,580   

Our current office lease expires in January 2014 and we entered into a new 16 year lease agreement in August 2013.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than operating leases, which are included in the table above, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing or other arrangements. We have neither created nor are party to any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating our business.

Critical Accounting Policies

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of stock-based awards measured at grant date and is recognized over the relevant service period. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The Black-Scholes option valuation model we use includes the input of certain variables that are dependent on future expectations, including the expected lives of our options from grant date to exercise date, the volatility of our underlying common shares in the market over that time period, the rate of dividends that we may pay during that time and an appropriate risk-free interest rate. Many of these assumptions require management’s judgment. If actual experience differs significantly from these estimates, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be materially affected.

Income and Deferred Taxes

We recognize an asset or liability for the deferred tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. These temporary differences will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years when the reported amounts of assets are recovered or liabilities are settled. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying values of deferred tax assets and liabilities to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. As of September 30, 2013, we have net operating loss carry forwards and we have recognized a deferred tax asset for such carry forwards. Given the significant tax losses we have incurred since we began our operations, a valuation allowance has been recorded for the full amount of the deferred tax asset.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

None.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In the normal course of business, our financial results are subject to market risk. Market risk to us generally represents the risk of changes in the value of financial instruments held in the portfolios of the WisdomTree ETFs that generally results from fluctuations in equity prices, foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar, and interest rates. Nearly all of our revenue is derived from advisory agreements for the WisdomTree ETFs. Under these agreements, the advisory fee we receive is based on the market value of the assets in the WisdomTree ETF portfolios we manage.

Fluctuations in the value of these securities are common and are generated by numerous factors such as market volatility, the overall economy, inflation, changes in investor strategies, availability of alternative investment vehicles, government regulations and others. Accordingly changes in any one or a combination of these factors may reduce the value of investment securities and, in turn, the underlying assets under management on which our revenues are earned. These declines may cause investors to withdraw funds from our ETFs in favor of investments that they perceive as offering greater opportunity or lower risk, thereby compounding the impact on our revenues. We believe challenging and volatile market conditions will continue to be present in the foreseeable future.

In order to maximize yields, we invest our corporate cash in short-term interest earning assets, primarily money market instruments at a commercial bank and U.S. government and agency debt instruments which totaled $98.7 million and $52.3 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. We do not anticipate that changes in interest rates will have a material impact on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

 

26


Table of Contents
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2013, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act”. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level in ensuring that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules, regulations and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, including ensuring that such material information is accumulated by and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have 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

In addition to the risk factors and other information set forth below and elsewhere in this report, you should carefully consider the information set forth in Part 1, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2013.

 

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

Recent sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” of shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Period

   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
     Average Price
Paid Per Share(1)
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or
Programs
     Approximate
Dollar
Value of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
 

July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013

     67,596       $ 12.95         —        $  —    

August 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013

     21,901       $ 13.19         —        $  —    

September 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013

     —        $ —          —        $  —    
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     89,497       $ 13.02         —        $  —    
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

(1) The identified shares reflect restricted shares withheld pursuant to the terms of awards granted to employees to offset tax withholding obligations that occur upon vesting and release of the restricted share. The value of the shares withheld is based upon the volume weighted average price of the common stock on the date of vesting. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 89,497 restricted shares of Company stock withheld pursuant to the terms of awards granted to employees to offset tax withholding obligations for an aggregate price of $1,164,036 with an average price per share of $13.02.

 

27


Table of Contents
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.

      

Description

  

Reference
Exhibit No.

    3.1

  (1)    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.    3.1

    3.2

  (1)    Amended and Restated Bylaws.    3.2

    4.1

  (1)    Specimen Common Stock Certificate.    4.1

    4.2

  (1)    Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement among Registrant and certain investors dated December 21, 2006.    4.2

    4.3

  (1)    Securities Purchase Agreement among Registrant and certain investors dated December 21, 2006.    4.3

    4.4

  (1)    Securities Purchase Agreement among Registrant and certain investors dated October 15, 2009.    4.4

    4.5

  (1)    Third Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated October 15, 2009.    4.5

  31.1

  (2)    Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 of the Exchange Act.   

  31.2

  (2)    Certification of Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 of the Exchange Act.   

  32

  (2)    Section 1350 Certification.   

101.INS

  (2)*    XBRL Instance Document   

101.SCH

  (2)*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document   

101.CAL

  (2)*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document   

101.DEF

  (2)*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document   

101.LAB

  (2)*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document   

101.PRE

  (2)*    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document   

 

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form 10, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2011.
(2) Filed herewith
* Pursuant to Rule 406T, the interactive data files in Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

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 on this 7th day of November, 2013.

 

WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS, INC.
By:   /s/     JONATHAN STEINBERG        
  Jonathan Steinberg
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Authorized Officer
  and Principal Executive Officer)
WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS, INC.
By:   /S/    AMIT MUNI        
  Amit Muni
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Authorized Officer and Principal Financial
  and Accounting Officer)

 

29