• Westwood Holdings Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 15 Feb 2023 15:10:00   America/Chicago

    Closed Strategic Acquisition of Salient Partners' Asset Management Business
    Strong Investment Performance

    DALLAS, Feb. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE: WHG) today reported fourth quarter earnings. Significant items include:

    • We closed the acquisition of Salient Partners' asset management business on November 18, 2022.
      • This transaction is expected to be highly accretive to earnings per share ("EPS"), adding about 100% of economic EPS accretion in 2023, the first full year following closing.
      • Salient’s complementary, highly differentiated strategies across Energy Infrastructure, Real Estate, Tactical Absolute Return and Private Investments bring new products and talented investment professionals to grow and enhance our multi-asset, real assets and alternatives platforms.
      • Westwood’s distribution capabilities expand significantly with the dynamic combination of two complementary teams, with very little client overlap, and uniquely successful histories of focusing on different distribution channels.
    • Numerous strategies beat their primary benchmarks, including SMidCap Value, SmallCap Value, AllCap Value, Select Equity, Dividend Select, Income Opportunity, Total Return, High Income and Alternative Income.
    • Quarterly peer rankings benefited from our strong investment performance as SmallCap Value achieved a top 15th percentile ranking, AllCap Value and Select Equity scored top 20th percentile rankings, and Dividend Select and Income Opportunity posted top third rankings.
    • We reported revenues totaling $20.5 million compared with $15.4 million in the third quarter and $19.4 million a year ago, and a net loss of $3.1 million compared with a net loss of $1.2 million in the third quarter and net income of $2.8 million in last year's fourth quarter. Fourth quarter 2022 results reflect pre-tax acquisition expenses of $5.3 million recorded during the fourth quarter.
    • Net loss totaled $4.6 million in 2022, including the impact of acquisition-related expenses, versus net income of $9.8 million for the previous year.
    • Non-GAAP Economic Earnings (Loss) of $(0.7) million, which also includes the impact of acquisition-related expenses, compared with $0.8 million in the third quarter and $4.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2021.
    • Westwood held $39.2 million in cash and short-term investments at December 31, 2022, down $34.8 million from September 30, 2022 due principally to the upfront cash payment for the Salient acquisition. Stockholders' equity totaled $110.6 million as of December 31, 2022 and we continue to have no debt.
    • We declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 3, 2023 to stockholders of record on March 1, 2023.

    Brian Casey, Westwood’s CEO, commented, "We were very pleased with the 4th quarter’s investment results, with strong performances delivered across the firm’s suite of products. In November we were extremely pleased to close the acquisition of Salient Partners’ asset management business, which we firmly believe will prove to be one of the most impactful transactions in Westwood’s history. The benefits to stakeholders are many, including significant accretion to Economic Earnings starting this year and the arrival of great products in Energy Infrastructure, Real Estate, Tactical Absolute Return and Private Investments joining our line-up of investment strategies. We are also gaining an experienced team of talented investment professionals serving a diverse group of clients, a complementary distribution footprint with little overlap with Westwood’s existing distribution channels, and a very strong cultural fit that became even more apparent as we worked together to bring the deal to fruition. Following an interesting January for the markets, we are excited to see how the balance of the year plays out and anticipate continued improvements in our fee mix and flows."

    Revenues of $20.5 million increased $1.1 million from 2021's fourth quarter principally due to higher average assets under management ("AUM"). Revenues rose $5.1 million versus the third quarter principally on higher average AUM and higher performance fees.

    Firm wide assets under management and advisement totaled $16.1 billion at quarter end, which consisted of AUM of $14.8 billion and assets under advisement ("AUA") of $1.3 billion.

    AUM of $14.8 billion at December 31, 2022 rose from $11.5 billion at September 30, 2022 principally due to $2.7 billion of AUM from the acquisition of Salient. AUA of $1.3 billion at December 31, 2022 rose from $0.3 billion in the prior quarter principally due to $0.9 billion of AUA acquired in the Salient transaction. For AUA, we provide model portfolios and related investment advice on a fee basis without having investment management authority.

    Fourth quarter net loss of $3.1 million compared to the third quarter's loss of $1.2 million due to higher expenses, primarily related to the acquisition ($5.3 million), and unrealized depreciation on private investments, partially offset by higher revenues. Diluted EPS of $(0.40) compared to $(0.15) per share for the third quarter. Non-GAAP Economic Earnings (Loss) were $(0.7) million, or $(0.09) per share, compared to the third quarter's $0.8 million, or $0.10 per share.

    Fourth quarter net loss of $3.1 million compared to last year's fourth quarter net income of $2.8 million on higher expenses, primarily related to the acquisition ($5.3 million), and unrealized depreciation on private investments, partially offset by higher revenues. Diluted EPS of $(0.40) compared with $0.36 per share for 2021's fourth quarter. Non-GAAP Economic Earnings (Loss) of $(0.7) million, or $(0.09) per share, compared to $4.7 million, or $0.59 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2021.

    2022 net loss of $4.6 million compared to 2021's net income of $9.8 million on lower revenues, higher expenses primarily related to the acquisition ($7.1 million, $1.8 million of which was incurred in the first three quarters of 2022 and included in earnings), and higher realized gains on private investments in 2021. Diluted EPS was $(0.59) per share compared with $1.23 per share for 2021. Economic EPS of $0.45 compared with $2.20 in 2021.

    Economic Earnings (Loss) and Economic EPS are non-GAAP performance measures and are explained and reconciled with the most comparable GAAP numbers in the attached tables.

    Westwood will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022 results and other business matters at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time today. To join the conference call, please register here:

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI62b7c3ccbeda480a8d66dcd292d70f52

    After registering, you will be provided with a dial-in number containing a personalized PIN.

    Webcast Link: : https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/2rnyqw4x

    ABOUT WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP

    Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. is an investment management boutique and wealth management firm. Westwood offers high-conviction equity and outcome-oriented solutions to institutional investors, private wealth clients and financial intermediaries. The firm offers several distinct investment capabilities: U.S. Value Equity, Asset Allocation, Energy & Real Assets, Alternative Income, Tactical Absolute Return and Systematic Equity. Strategies are made available through separate accounts, the Westwood Funds® family of mutual funds and other pooled vehicles. Westwood benefits from significant, broad-based employee ownership and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WHG.” Based in Dallas, Westwood also maintains offices in Houston and San Francisco.

    For more information on Westwood, please visit westwoodgroup.com.

    Forward-looking Statements

    Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts, including, without limitation, statements about our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as well as other statements including without limitation, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “could,” and other similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results and the timing of some events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: the composition and market value of our AUM; our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures; our stockholder rights agreement may make it more difficult for others to obtain control over us, even if it would be beneficial to our stockholders; risks associated with actions of activist stockholders; distributions to our common stockholders have included and may in the future include a return of capital; inclusion of foreign company investments in our AUM; regulations adversely affecting the financial services industry; our ability to maintain effective cyber security; litigation risks; our ability to develop and market new investment strategies successfully; our reputation and our relationships with current and potential customers; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; our ability to perform operational tasks; our ability to select and oversee third-party vendors; our dependence on the operations and funds of our subsidiaries; our ability to maintain effective information systems; our ability to prevent misuse of assets and information in the possession of our employees and third-party vendors, which could damage our reputation and result in costly litigation and liability for our clients and us; our stock is thinly traded and may be subject to volatility; in addition to our stockholder rights agreement, our organizational documents contain provisions that may prevent or deter another group from paying a premium over the market price to our stockholders to acquire our stock; competition in the investment management industry; our ability to avoid termination of client agreements and the related investment redemptions; the significant concentration of our revenues in a small number of customers; our relationships with investment consulting firms; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to identify and execute on our strategic initiatives; our ability to declare and pay dividends; our ability to fund future capital requirements on favorable terms; our ability to properly address conflicts of interest; our ability to maintain adequate insurance coverage; our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls; and the other risks detailed from time to time in Westwood’s SEC filings, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Westwood is not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    SOURCE: Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.

    (WHG-G)

    CONTACT:
    Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.
    Terry Forbes
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
    (214) 756-6900


    WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
    (unaudited)

     Three Months Ended
     December 31, 2022 September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021
    REVENUES:     
    Advisory fees:     
    Asset-based$13,441  $10,474  $12,081 
    Performance-based 1,018   —   1,376 
    Trust fees 5,429   5,177   5,797 
    Trust performance-based —   —   101 
    Other, net 568   (245)  36 
    Total revenues 20,456   15,406   19,391 
          
    EXPENSES:     
    Employee compensation and benefits 11,131   9,526   10,479 
    Sales and marketing 677   335   388 
    Westwood mutual funds 890   615   1,084 
    Information technology 2,104   2,170   1,971 
    Professional services 1,664   1,660   920 
    General and administrative 2,530   2,182   2,181 
    Acquisition expenses 5,271   —   — 
    Total expenses 24,267   16,488   17,023 
    Net operating income (loss) (3,811)  (1,082)  2,368 
    Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on private investments (984)  (249)  327 
    Investment income 173   104   306 
    Other income 309   206   212 
    Income (loss) before income taxes (4,313)  (1,021)  3,213 
    Provision for income taxes (1,185)  154   400 
    Net income (loss)$(3,125) $(1,175) $2,813 
    Total comprehensive income (loss)$(3,125) $(1,175) $2,813 
          
    Earnings per share:     
    Basic$(0.40) $(0.15) $0.36 
    Diluted$(0.40) $(0.15) $0.36 
          
    Weighted average shares outstanding:     
    Basic 7,775,545   7,794,060   7,842,867 
    Diluted 7,775,545   7,794,060   7,910,673 
          
    Economic Earnings (Loss)$(738) $800  $4,654 
    Economic EPS$(0.09) $0.10  $0.59 
          
    Dividends declared per share$0.15  $0.15  $0.15 


    WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
    (in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
    (unaudited)

     Year Ended December 31,
      2022   2021 
    REVENUES:   
    Advisory fees:   
    Asset-based$46,685  $45,927 
    Performance-based 1,018   3,335 
    Trust fees 21,686   24,030 
    Trust performance-based —   101 
    Other, net (708)  (339)
    Total revenues 68,681   73,054 
        
    EXPENSES:   
    Employee compensation and benefits 40,124   42,532 
    Sales and marketing 2,003   1,280 
    Westwood mutual funds 2,201   2,657 
    Information technology 7,719   8,161 
    Professional services 5,357   4,391 
    General and administrative 9,057   8,074 
    Acquisition expenses 7,093   — 
    Total expenses 73,554   67,095 
    Net operating income (loss) (4,873)  5,959 
    Realized gains on private investments —   8,371 
    Net change in unrealized depreciation on private investments (1,495)  (1,797)
    Investment income 266   868 
    Other income 907   602 
    Income (loss) before income taxes (5,195)  14,003 
    Provision for income taxes (567)  4,240 
    Net income (loss)$(4,628) $9,763 
    Total comprehensive income (loss)$(4,628) $9,763 
        
    Earnings (loss) per share:   
    Basic$(0.59) $1.24 
    Diluted$(0.59) $1.23 
        
    Weighted average shares outstanding:   
    Basic 7,844,363   7,875,395 
    Diluted 7,844,363   7,927,972 
        
    Economic Earnings$3,564  $17,458 
    Economic EPS$0.45  $2.20 
        
    Dividends declared per share$0.60  $2.95 


    WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (in thousands, except par value and share amounts)
    (unaudited)

     December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
    ASSETS   
    Current Assets:   
    Cash and cash equivalents$23,859  $15,206 
    Accounts receivable 13,652   11,152 
    Investments, at fair value 15,342   65,024 
    Income taxes receivable 446   233 
    Other current assets 4,739   2,246 
    Total current assets 58,038   93,861 
    Investments 4,455   4,455 
    Noncurrent investments at fair value 9,701   4,513 
    Goodwill 35,291   16,401 
    Deferred income taxes 1,762   848 
    Operating lease right-of-use assets 4,976   4,868 
    Intangible assets, net 29,352   11,911 
    Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,277 and $8,637 1,828   2,114 
    Other long-term assets 929   634 
    Total long-term assets 88,294   45,744 
    Total assets$146,332  $139,605 
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
    Current Liabilities:   
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$5,486  $2,637 
    Dividends payable 1,745   1,800 
    Compensation and benefits payable 8,689   9,530 
    Operating lease liabilities 1,502   1,409 
    Income taxes payable —   466 
    Total current liabilities 17,422   15,842 
    Accrued dividends 701   1,133 
    Contingent consideration 12,999   — 
    Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 4,562   4,724 
    Total long-term liabilities 18,262   5,857 
    Total liabilities 35,684   21,699 
    Stockholders’ Equity:   
    Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 25,000,000 shares, issued 11,058,937 and outstanding 8,881,831 shares at December 31, 2022; issued 10,658,644 and outstanding 8,253,491 shares at December 31, 2021 115   107 
    Additional paid-in capital 199,914   195,187 
    Treasury stock, at cost – 2,645,713 shares at December 31, 2022; 2,405,154 shares at December 31, 2021 (85,128)  (81,750)
    Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (4,253)  4,362 
    Total stockholders’ equity 110,648   117,906 
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$146,332  $139,605 


    WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    (in thousands)
    (unaudited)

     Year ended December 31,
      2022   2021 
    Cash flows from operating activities:   
    Net income (loss)$(4,628) $9,763 
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:   
    Depreciation 687   750 
    Amortization of intangible assets 1,889   1,624 
    Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments 2,136   1,845 
    Realized gains on private investments —   (8,371)
    Stock-based compensation expense 6,001   5,835 
    Deferred income taxes (931)  620 
    Gain on asset disposition —   (148)
    Non-cash lease expense 1,110   1,235 
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:   
    Net (purchases) sales of investments – trading securities 48,977   4,513 
    Accounts receivable 72   (1,702)
    Other current assets (2,288)  189 
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,251   1,009 
    Compensation and benefits payable (861)  2,042 
    Income taxes payable (241)  1,750 
    Other liabilities (1,304)  (1,569)
    Net cash provided by operating activities 51,870   19,385 
    Cash flows from investing activities:   
    Acquisition, net of cash acquired (33,804)  — 
    Sale of investments —   9,258 
    Purchases of investments —   (15)
    Purchases of property and equipment (320)  (178)
    Proceeds on sale of property and equipment —   501 
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (34,124)  9,566 
    Cash flows from financing activities:   
    Purchases of treasury stock (2,851)  (2,990)
    Restricted stock returned for payment of taxes (622)  (884)
    Cash dividends (5,625)  (22,932)
    Net cash used in financing activities (9,098)  (26,806)
    Effect of currency rate changes on cash 5   45 
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 8,653   2,190 
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 15,206   13,016 
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$23,859  $15,206 
        
    Supplemental cash flow information:   
    Cash paid during the period for income taxes$1,858  $1,858 
    Accrued dividends$2,446  $2,933 
    Acquired contingent consideration$12,999  $— 


    WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Economic Earnings (Loss)
    (in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
    (unaudited)

    As supplemental information, we are providing non-GAAP performance measures that we refer to as Economic Earnings (Loss) and Economic EPS. We provide these measures in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share, which are reported on a GAAP basis. Our management and Board of Directors review Economic Earnings (Loss) and Economic EPS to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources, and review our dividend policy. We believe that these non-GAAP performance measures, while not substitutes for GAAP net income (loss) or earnings (loss) per share, are useful for management and investors when evaluating our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources. We do not advocate that investors consider these non-GAAP measures without also considering financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    We define Economic Earnings (Loss) as net income (loss) plus non-cash stock-based compensation expense, amortization of intangible assets and deferred taxes related to goodwill. Although depreciation on fixed assets is a non-cash expense, we do not add it back when calculating Economic Earnings (Loss) because depreciation charges represent an allocation of the decline in the value of the related assets that will ultimately require replacement. In addition, we do not adjust Economic Earnings (Loss) for tax deductions related to restricted stock expense or amortization of intangible assets. Economic EPS represents Economic Earnings (Loss) divided by diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

     Three Months Ended
     December 31,
    2022    		 September 30,
    2022    		 December 31,
    2021
    Net Income (Loss)$(3,125) $(1,175) $2,813 
    Stock-based compensation expense 1,591   1,509   1,375 
    Intangible amortization 671   407   406 
    Tax benefit from goodwill amortization 125   59   60 
    Economic Earnings (Loss)$(738) $800  $4,654 
          
    Earnings (loss) per share$(0.40) $(0.15) $0.36 
    Stock-based compensation expense 0.19   0.19   0.17 
    Intangible amortization 0.09   0.05   0.05 
    Tax benefit from goodwill amortization 0.02   0.01   0.01 
    Economic EPS$(0.09) $0.10  $0.59 
    Diluted weighted average shares 7,775,545   7,794,060   7,910,673 


     Year Ended December 31,
      2022   2021 
    Net Income (Loss)$(4,628) $9,763 
    Stock-based compensation expense 6,001   5,834 
    Intangible amortization 1,889   1,624 
    Tax benefit from goodwill amortization 302   237 
    Economic Earnings$3,564  $17,458 
        
    Earnings (loss) per share$(0.59) $1.23 
    Stock-based compensation expense 0.77   0.74 
    Intangible amortization 0.24   0.20 
    Tax benefit from goodwill amortization 0.04   0.03 
    Economic EPS$0.45  $2.20 
    Diluted weighted average shares 7,844,363   7,927,972 

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