WisdomTree, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2016 March (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

or

For the transition period from                      to                     .

Commission File Number 001-10932

WisdomTree Investments, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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 Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

As of April 29, 2016, there were 136,485,963 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

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WISDOMTREE INVESTMENTS, INC.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2016

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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 beliefs 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” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. If one or more of these or other 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 (“SEC”) 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 may include statements about:

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

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

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)

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

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WisdomTree Investments, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In Thousands)

(Unaudited)

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)

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., through its global subsidiaries (collectively, “WisdomTree” or the “Company”), is an exchange traded product (“ETP”) sponsor and asset manager headquartered in New York. WisdomTree offers ETPs covering equity, fixed income, currency, alternative and commodity asset classes. The Company has the following operating subsidiaries:

The WisdomTree ETFs are issued in the U.S. by WTT. WTT, a non-consolidated third party, is a Delaware statutory trust registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment company. The Company has licensed to WTT the use of certain of its own indexes on an exclusive basis for the WisdomTree ETFs in the U.S. The Boost ETPs are issued by BI. BI, a non-consolidated third party, is a public limited company organized in Ireland. The WisdomTree UCITS ETFs are issued by WTI. WTI, a non-consolidated third party, is a public limited company organized in Ireland.

The Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of WTT, BI and WTI, respectively, are separate from the Board of Directors of the Company. The Trustees and Directors of WTT, BI and WTI respectively, are primarily responsible for overseeing the management and affairs of the WisdomTree ETFs, Boost ETPs and the WisdomTree UCITS ETFs for the benefit of the WisdomTree ETF, Boost ETP and the WisdomTree UCITS ETF shareholders, respectively, and have contracted with the Company to provide for general management and administration services. 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, BI and WTI.

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.

All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain accounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s consolidated financial statements presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported operating results.

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Consolidation

The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity. Factors considered in this analysis include whether it is a legal entity, a scope exception applies, a variable interest exists and stockholders have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance, as well as the equity ownership, and any related party implications of the Company’s involvement with the entity.

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated based on the end of period exchange rates from local currency to U.S. dollars. Results of operations are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 from its ETPs, as well as licensing fees from third parties. ETP advisory fees are based on a percentage of the ETPs’ average daily net assets and recognized over the period the related service is provided. Licensing fees 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:

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.

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 primarily with one large financial institution.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable are customer and other obligations due under normal trade terms. 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 reduction in earnings per share assuming options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

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Investments

The Company accounts for all of its investments as held-to-maturity, which are recorded at amortized cost. 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.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the fair value of the purchase price over the fair values of the identifiable net assets at the acquisition date. The Company tests its goodwill for impairment at least annually. An impairment loss is triggered if the estimated fair value of the operating reporting unit is less than the estimated net book value. Such loss is calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and its carrying value.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows independent of other assets. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows generated from the assets are less than their carrying amount. Measurement of an impairment loss would be based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset group over its fair value.

Stock-Based Awards

Accounting for stock-based compensation requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all equity awards based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and is amortized over the relevant service period.

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.

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 records 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 licensed to WTT and WTI the use of certain of its own indexes on an exclusive basis for the WisdomTree ETFs in the U.S. and Europe. 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 WTT has contracted with the Company to provide for general management and administration of WTT and the WisdomTree ETFs. The Company is also responsible for certain expenses of WTT, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, legal, audit, and other non-distribution services, excluding extraordinary expenses, taxes and certain other expenses. 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the balance of accounts receivable from WTT was approximately $19,663 and $24,560, respectively, which is included as a component of accounts receivable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenues from advisory services provided to WTT for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $58,642 and $59,346, respectively.

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the balance of accounts receivable from BI and WTI was approximately $578 and $487, respectively, which is included as a component of accounts receivable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenues from advisory fee services provided to BI and WTI for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $1,523 and $523, respectively.

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Third-Party Sharing Arrangements

The Company pays a percentage of its advisory fee revenues based on incremental growth in AUM, subject to caps or minimums, to marketing agents to sell WisdomTree ETFs and for including WisdomTree ETFs on third party customer platforms.

Segment, Geographic and Customer Information

The Company operates as a single business segment as an ETP sponsor and asset manager providing investment advisory services. Substantially all of the Company’s revenues, pretax income and assets are derived or located in the U.S. The Company maintains operations in Europe and Japan.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09). The standard is intended to simplify several areas of accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the income tax impact, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeitures. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02), which requires lessees to include most leases on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17), which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. ASU 2015-17 provides presentation requirements to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 effective December 31, 2015, retrospectively. Adoption resulted in a reduction of $9,279 in current assets on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015.

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02), which amends the consolidation guidance in ASC 810. The standard eliminates the deferral of FAS 167, per ASC 810-10-65-2(a), which has allowed certain investment funds to follow the previous consolidation guidance in FIN 46 (R). The standard changes whether (1) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider represent a variable interest, (2) a limited partnership or similar entity has the characteristics of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and (3) a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The effective date of the standard is for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 for public companies, and early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-02 effective January 1, 2016. Adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which is a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard on the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts entered into with customers. In July 2015, the FASB deferred this ASU’s effective date by one year, to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The deferral allows early adoption at the original effective date. During 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, and ASU 2016-10, which clarifies identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. ASU 2014-09 allows for the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective adoption method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations

The Company includes the results of operations of the businesses that it acquires from the respective dates of acquisition. The fair values of the purchase price of the acquisitions are allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase price over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.

Acquisitions

The net assets of businesses purchased are recorded at their fair value at the acquisition date and the Company’s consolidated financial statements include their results of operations from that date. Any excess of acquisition consideration over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The major classes of assets and liabilities that the Company generally allocates the purchase price to, excluding goodwill, include identifiable intangible assets. The estimated fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on critical estimates, judgments and assumptions derived from: analysis of market conditions; discount rate; discounted cash flows; customer retention rates; and estimated useful lives.

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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.

3. Investments and Fair Value Measurements

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

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

The following table sets forth the maturity profile of investments; however, these investments may be called prior to the maturity date:

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.

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The Company estimated the fair value of the acquisition payable to be $9,900, of which $4,687 has been recorded as of March 31, 2016 (Note 11). The fair value measurement of the acquisition payable is categorized as Level 3 and based on a predefined formula that includes the following inputs: the contractual minimum payment obligation, European AUM, the Company’s enterprise value over global AUM, and operating results of the European business.

At each reporting period, the fair value of the acquisition payable is determined using a discounted cash flows analysis. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement as of March 31, 2016 were the projected AUM of the European listed ETPs (ranging from $1.0 billion to $6.0 billion), the projected operating results of the European business, and the discount rate (27.5%). These inputs were unchanged from December 31, 2015. Significant increases (decreases) to the projected AUM of the European listed ETPs or operating results of the European business in isolation would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) to the discount rate in isolation would be expected to result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded an expense of $745 and $257, which was recorded as acquisition contingent payment on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Some of the Company’s 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.

4. Fixed Assets

The following table summarizes fixed assets:

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 March 31, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $864 and $794.

Future minimum lease payments with respect to non-cancelable operating leases at March 31, 2016 were approximately as follows:

Letter of Credit

The Company collateralized its U.S. office lease through a standby letter of credit totaling $1,384. The collateral is included in investments on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Contingencies

The Company is subject to various routine reviews and inspections by regulatory authorities as well as 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 its business, financial position or results of operations.

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6. Stock-Based Awards

The Company grants equity awards to employees and directors. Options may be issued for terms of ten years and may vest between two to four years. Options may be issued with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company on the date of grant. The Company estimates the fair value for options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. All stock and option awards require future service as a condition of vesting with certain awards subject to acceleration under certain conditions.

The Company has three equity award plans, which are similar in nature (collectively, referred to as the “Plans”). Under the Plans, the Company can issue a maximum of 23,000,000 shares of common stock pursuant to stock options and other stock-based awards and also has issued from time to time stock-based awards outside the Plans. Options outstanding at March 31, 2016 expire on dates ranging from June 25, 2016 to November 15, 2021.

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

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $3,503 and $2,344 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

A summary of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense and average remaining vesting period is as follows:

7. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has a 401(k) savings plan covering all eligible employees in which the Company can make discretionary contributions from its profits. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company made discretionary contributions in the amount of $452 and $391, respectively.

8. Earnings Per Share

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

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Diluted earnings per share reflects the reduction in earnings per share assuming options or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock under the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of common stock equivalents was included in the diluted earnings per share in the three months ended March 31, 2015. There were no anti-dilutive common stock equivalents included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016. 696 common stock equivalents were determined to be anti-dilutive and were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

9. Income Taxes

Net operating losses – U.S.

The Company has generated net operating losses for tax purposes (“NOLs”). The following table summarizes the activity for NOLs for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

At March 31, 2016, $17,863 of the NOLs were generated from stock-based compensation amounts recognized for tax purposes at the time options are exercised (at the intrinsic value) or restricted stock is vested (at fair value of the share price) in excess of amounts previously expensed at the date of grant for U.S. GAAP purposes. These amounts cannot be recognized as a deferred tax asset under U.S. GAAP.

A summary of the components of the gross and tax affected deferred tax asset as of March 31, 2016 is as follows:

Net operating losses – Non-U.S.

The Company’s foreign subsidiaries generated NOLs outside the U.S. The following table summarizes the activity for these NOLs for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, a deferred tax asset related to these NOLs has been fully offset by a valuation allowance of $2,381 and $2,051, respectively.

10. Shares Repurchased

On October 29, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a three-year share repurchase program of up to $100 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 3,407 shares of its common stock under this

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program for an aggregate cost of $35,555. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 773 shares of its common stock under this program for an aggregate cost of $14,070. As of March 31, 2016, $40,329 remains under this program for future purchases.

11. Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Asset

Acquisitions

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interest in each of GreenHaven Commodity Services, LLC, the managing owner of the GreenHaven Continuous Commodity Index Fund, and GreenHaven Coal Services, LLC, the sponsor of the GreenHaven Coal Fund, from GreenHaven, LLC and GreenHaven Group LLC, respectively, for approximately $11.8 million in cash. As part of the acquisition, the Company recognized an intangible asset of approximately $10.0 million and goodwill of approximately $1.8 million.

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation:

On April 15, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Boost, a U.K. and Jersey based ETP sponsor, now known as WisdomTree Europe. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company incurred $745 and $6 of compensation expense and $0 and $251 of interest expense, which represents contingent consideration due to the co-CEOs and non-employee shareholders. These amounts have both been recorded in acquisition contingent payment on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

Goodwill

The following table summarizes the goodwill activity during the period:

Intangible Asset

As part of its acquisition of GreenHaven, the Company identified an intangible asset related to its customary advisory agreement with the GreenHaven ETFs for $9,953. This intangible asset was determined to have an indefinite useful life.

12. Subsequent Event

On April 27, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a $60.0 million increase to the Company’s share repurchase program and extended the term through April 27, 2019. The total authorized repurchase amount is now $100.3 million. Purchases under this program will include purchases to offset future equity grants made under the Company’s equity plans and will be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions. This authority may be exercised from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warrant, and subject to regulatory considerations. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, market conditions and other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities. The repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

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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 Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. 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.

Executive Summary

Introduction

We were the eighth largest ETP sponsor in the world based on assets under management (“AUM”), with AUM of $45.1 billion globally as of March 31, 2016. An ETP is a pooled investment vehicle that holds a basket of securities, financial instruments or other assets and generally seeks to track (index-based) or outperform (actively managed) the performance of a broad or specific equity, fixed income or alternatives market segment, commodity or currency (or an inverse or multiple thereof). ETPs are listed on an exchange with their shares traded in the secondary market at market prices, generally at approximately the same price as the net asset value of their underlying components. ETP is an umbrella term that includes ETFs, exchange-traded notes and exchange-traded commodities.

Through our operating subsidiaries, we provide investment advisory and other management services to the WisdomTree ETFs, WisdomTree UCITS ETFs and Boost ETPs, collectively offering ETPs covering equity, fixed income, currency, alternatives and commodity asset classes. In exchange for providing these services, we receive advisory fee revenues based on a percentage of the ETPs’ average daily AUM. Our expenses are predominantly related to selling, operating and marketing our ETPs. We have contracted with third parties to provide certain operational services for the ETPs. We distribute our ETPs through all major channels within the asset management industry, including brokerage firms, registered investment advisers, institutional investors, private wealth managers and discount brokers primarily through our sales force. Our sales efforts are not directed towards the retail segment but rather are directed towards financial or investment advisers that act as intermediaries between the end-client and us.

$44.3 billion of our AUM are from our U.S. listed WisdomTree ETFs. As of March 31, 2016, we were the fifth largest sponsor of ETFs in the United States based on AUM. As the pie chart below reflects, 53% of our U.S. AUM is concentrated in European and Japanese equity exposures which hedge the Euro (trading under the symbol HEDJ) or Yen (trading under the symbol DXJ) against the U.S. dollar. The weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro or Yen or negative sentiment towards these two markets is likely to have an adverse effect on our results.

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Market Environment

The first quarter of 2016 was a challenging market environment. A rebound in oil prices, easy monetary policy and better-than-expected U.S. economic data left major equity market indexes with gains for the quarter despite significant volatility and losses from the first six weeks of the year, when stocks fell sharply amid concerns about the global economy and an unclear course for the world’s central banks. The S&P 500 rose 1.3%, MSCI EAFE (local currency) fell 6.5% and MSCI Emerging Markets Index (U.S. dollar) rose 5.7%. In addition, Europe and Japan equity markets were significantly out of favor with MSCI EMU Index falling 6.6% and MSCI Japan Index falling 12.7% in local currency terms. The U.S. dollar also weakened significantly against other major currencies in the first quarter with the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index declining 4.1%.

As a result of the volatility, ETF industry flows were muted. The following charts reflect the U.S. ETF industry net flows in total and net inflows/(outflows) by broad category:

Source: Investment Company Institute, WisdomTree

As the charts above reflect, industry flows for the first quarter of 2016 were $31.9 billion. Fixed Income and Gold ETFs gathered the majority of the flows.

Our Operating and Financial Results

The following charts reflect the net flows into and from our U.S. listed ETFs:

We had outflows of $5.4 billion in the first quarter of 2016 primarily due to the negative sentiment to our two largest exposures due to the factors described above. This negative sentiment led to outflows in Europe and Japan focused ETFs for both us and our competitors’ products. Our U.S. listed AUM declined from $55.8 billion as of March 31, 2015 to $44.3 billion as of March 31, 2016 primarily due to the outflows and $2.2 billion of negative market movement.

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Despite these challenges, we generated solid financial results as reflected in the chart below:

Acquisition of GreenHaven

Effective January 1, 2016, we completed our acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interest in each of GreenHaven Commodity Services, LLC, the managing owner of the GreenHaven Continuous Commodity Index Fund, and GreenHaven Coal Services, LLC, the sponsor of the GreenHaven Coal Fund, from GreenHaven, LLC and GreenHaven Group LLC, respectively, for approximately $11.8 million in cash. As part of the acquisition, we recognized an intangible asset of approximately $10.0 million and goodwill of approximately $1.8 million.

Increase in Share Repurchase Authorization

On April 27, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a $60.0 million increase to our share repurchase program and extended the term through April 27, 2019. The total authorized repurchase amount is now $100.3 million. Purchases under this program will include purchases to offset future equity grants made under our equity plans and will be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions. This authority may be exercised from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warrant, and subject to regulatory considerations. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, market conditions and other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities. The repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.

Expanding Footprint into Canada and Japan

In February 2016, we formally commenced operations in Japan to sell our ETFs to the institutional investor market.

In April 2016, we announced plans to launch locally-listed ETFs in Canada. We have established an office in Toronto, Canada and pending Canadian regulatory approval, we will sponsor and distribute a select range of locally-listed ETFs.

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Industry Developments

On April 6, 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) published its final rule to address conflicts of interest in retirement advice, commonly referred to as the Fiduciary Rule. When financial professionals are governed by a suitability standard in recommending investments to their clients, we believe that ETFs are competitive with traditional investment products. To the extent the fiduciary standard replaces the suitability standard with respect to investments governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), we believe that ETFs’ competitiveness generally will increase due to the inherent benefits of ETFs – transparency and liquidity.

Additionally, while the shift toward fee-based models continues to take hold in the U.S. market, regulatory initiatives in international markets are accelerating this trend in new markets. The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) in the United Kingdom and Client Relationship Model, Phase 2 (CRM2) in Canada are two such examples. We believe regulations that discourage a commission model and mandate transparency of fees are conducive for ETF growth.

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 ETPs 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:

Key Operating Statistics

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

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

Source: Investment Company Institute, Bloomberg, WisdomTree

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Revenues

Advisory fees

Advisory fees revenues increased 1.2% from $59.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $60.6 million in the comparable period in 2016 as higher revenues from our European listed products offset declines in our U.S. listed ETFs due to lower average AUM. Our average advisory fee for our U.S. listed ETFs remained at 0.52%.

Other income

Other income was essentially unchanged at $0.3 million.

Expenses

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Compensation and benefits

Compensation and benefits expense decreased 22.3% from $19.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $15.2 million in the comparable period in 2016. Lower accrued incentive compensation relating to outflows we experienced in the quarter was partly offset by higher headcount related expenses to support our growth, higher stock-based compensation due to equity awards we granted as part of 2015 incentive compensation and seasonally higher payroll taxes due to bonus payments in the quarter. Our global headcount was 136 at March 31, 2015 compared to a global headcount of 191 at March 31, 2016.

Fund management and administration

Fund management and administration expense decreased 1.2% from $10.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $10.0 million in the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to lower costs for our U.S. listed ETFs because of lower average AUM partially offset by additional European listed fund launches. We had 70 U.S. listed ETFs and 63 European listed products at March 31, 2015 compared to 93 U.S. listed ETFs and 89 European listed products at March 31, 2016.

Marketing and advertising

Marketing and advertising expense increased 24.6% from $3.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $3.8 million in the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to planned higher levels of advertising related activities to support our growth.

Sales and business development

Sales and business development expense increased 28.8% from $1.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $2.4 million in the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to planned higher spending for sales related activities and product development initiatives.

Professional and consulting fees

Professional and consulting fees increased 93.8% from $1.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $2.8 million in the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to higher corporate consulting related expenses as well as advisory fees associated with our acquisition of the GreenHaven ETFs.

Occupancy, communications and equipment

Occupancy, communications and equipment expense increased 33.1% from $0.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $1.2 million in the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to technology equipment spending initiatives and higher occupancy costs for our London office.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was relatively unchanged at approximately $0.3 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Third-party sharing arrangements

Third-party sharing arrangements increased 220.5% from $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $0.9 million for the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to higher fees to our third party marketing agent in Latin America.

Acquisition contingent payment

Acquisition contingent payment expense increased 189.9% from $0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $0.7 million in the comparable period in 2016. This expense represents the change in the estimated fair value of the buyout obligation we have to the former shareholders of our European ETP business, which we acquired in April 2014. The buyout obligation is based on a formula that takes into account the AUM in the business, its profitability levels and the trading multiple of our common stock.

Other

Other expense increased 32.1% from $1.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $1.6 million in the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to higher general and administrative expenses.

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Income tax

Income tax expense was $9.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. The effective tax rate on our U.S. listed ETF business was approximately 40% in the first quarter. Our overall effective tax rate was 44.3% due to the non-deductibility of losses in our European ETP business. These losses may be recognized in the future after the European business is profitable.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

Liquidity

We consider our available liquidity to be our liquid assets less our liabilities. Liquid assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable 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 receivables from advisory fees we earn from our ETPs. 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 decreased by $50.3 million in the first three months of 2016 to $159.8 million at March 31, 2016 primarily due to $23.0 million of cash payments related to bonuses for 2015, $10.9 million used for our quarterly dividend, $35.6 million used to repurchase shares of our common stock and $11.8 million for our acquisition of GreenHaven.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $13.6 million in the first three months of 2015 to $151.7 million at March 31, 2015 primarily due to $14.1 million of cash used to repurchase 773 shares of our common stock under our share repurchase program, $10.8 million used for our quarterly dividend and $8.4 million used to purchase investments. Partly offsetting these decreases was an increase of $16.9 million of cash from our operating activities due to record inflow levels and $2.1 million of proceeds from employees exercising stock options.

Capital Resources

Our principal source of financing is our operating cash flows. 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. As a result, we expect that our main uses of cash will be to fund the ongoing operations of our business, invest in strategic growth initiatives, expand our business through strategic acquisitions and fund our capital return program. As part of our capital management, we maintain a capital return program which includes a $0.08 per share quarterly cash dividend and authority to purchase up to $100.3 million of our common stock over three years, including purchases to offset future equity grants made under our equity plans. During the first quarter of 2016, we repurchased 3.4 million shares of our common stock under the repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $35.6 million.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our future cash payments associated with contractual obligations as of March 31, 2016:

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 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.

Revenue Recognition

We earn investment advisory fees from ETPs, as well as licensing fees from third parties. ETP advisory fees are based on a percentage of the ETPs’ average daily net assets and recognized over the period the related service is provided. Licensing fees are based on a percentage of the average monthly net assets and recognized over the period the related service is provided.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09). The standard is intended to simplify several areas of accounting for share-based compensation arrangements, including the income tax impact, classification on the statement of cash flows and forfeitures. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, Leases (ASU 2016-02), which requires lessees to include most leases on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17), which simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes. ASU 2015-17 provides presentation requirements to classify deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17 effective December 31, 2015, retrospectively. Adoption resulted in a reduction of $9,279 in current assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015.

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02), which amends the consolidation guidance in ASC 810. The standard eliminates the deferral of FAS 167, per ASC 810-10-65-2(a), which has allowed certain investment funds to follow the previous consolidation guidance in FIN 46 (R). The standard changes whether (1) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider represent a variable interest, (2) a limited partnership or similar entity has the characteristics of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and (3) a reporting entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The effective date of the standard is for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 for public companies, and early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-02 effective January 1, 2016. Adoption had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which is a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard on the financial reporting requirements for revenue from contracts

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entered into with customers. In July 2015, the FASB deferred this ASU’s effective date by one year, to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The deferral allows early adoption at the original effective date. During 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, which clarifies principal versus agent considerations, and ASU 2016-10, which clarifies identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. ASU 2014-09 allows for the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective adoption method. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The following information, together with information included in other parts of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, describes key aspects of the market risk to the Company.

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 ETPs that generally result from fluctuations in securities prices, foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar, and interest rates. Nearly all of our revenues are derived from advisory agreements for the WisdomTree ETFs. Under these agreements, the advisory fee we receive is based on the average 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 and sentiment, 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 AUM on which our revenues are earned. These declines may cause investors to withdraw funds from our ETPs 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.

Interest Rate Risk

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 $182.3 million and $233.8 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. We do not anticipate that changes in interest rates will have a material impact on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

Exchange Rate Risk

As a result of our operations in Europe and Japan, we now operate globally and are subject to currency translation exposure on the results of our non-U.S. operations. Foreign currency translation risk is the risk that exchange rate gains or losses arise from translating foreign entities’ statements of earnings and balance sheets from functional currency to our reporting currency (the U.S. Dollar) for consolidation purposes. We generate the vast majority of our revenues and expenses in the U.S. dollar and expect to do so for some time. We do not anticipate that changes in exchange rates, predominantly the British pound or Euro, as they relate to translating functional currency to our reporting currency, will have a material impact on our financial condition, operating results or cash flows. Currently, we do not enter into derivative financial instruments aimed at offsetting certain exposures in the statement of operations or the balance sheet but may look to do so in the future.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of March 31, 2016, 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 March 31, 2016, 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 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 March 31, 2016, 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.

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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the information set forth in this Report, as well as 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, 2015.

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

Recent sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

Purchases 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.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

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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 9^th day of May 2016.

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