Core Insights - Westwood Holdings Group has appointed Jan Ryan to its Board of Directors, enhancing its focus on innovation and long-term value creation for investors [1][2] - Jan Ryan brings over 30 years of leadership experience in technology, venture capital, and operational alignment, which will be crucial for the firm's growth strategy [2][3] - The firm emphasizes a client-first approach and aims to adapt to changing markets while delivering bespoke investment strategies [8][9] Company Overview - Westwood Holdings Group is a boutique asset management firm that offers a range of actively managed investment strategies and wealth services to various client segments [8] - The firm has a history of over 40 years, focusing on building strong, long-term client relationships through exceptional service and tailored investment solutions [8] - Westwood's culture is rooted in diversity and collaboration, reflecting its origins as a woman-founded firm [9] Jan Ryan's Background - Jan Ryan is a seasoned entrepreneur and growth strategist with a track record of leading technology-driven companies and achieving successful acquisitions and an IPO [3][4] - She has held various executive roles and currently leads 3Hills Group, an advisory firm focused on growth strategy [3][4] - Ryan has also contributed to academia and civic initiatives, including her role at the University of Texas at Austin and her involvement in women's entrepreneurial leadership [5][6]

DALLAS, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westwood Holdings Group (NYSE: WHG) (“Westwood”), a publicly traded investment management boutique, trust and wealth services firm, is pleased to announce that Randy A. Bowman has been elected as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors. Randy succeeds Dick Frank who served as a Westwood board member for 19 years, was Westwood’s Board Chair for the last 10 years of his service and will be stepping down as a member following his many years of dedicated service to We ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $23.3 million, down from $25.6 million in Q4 2024 and up from $22.7 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a decrease due to lower performance-based fees and an increase due to higher average assets under management [21][22] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $500,000 or $0.05 per share, compared to $2.1 million or $0.24 per share in Q4 2024 and $2.3 million or $0.27 per share in Q1 2024 [21][22] - Economic earnings were $2.5 million or $0.29 per share in Q1 2025, compared to losses of $3.4 million or $0.39 per share in Q4 2024 and $3 million or $0.36 per share in Q1 2024 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The firm reported assets under management and advisement totaling $18 billion, with $17 billion in assets under management and $1 billion in assets under advisement [22] - Institutional assets accounted for 53% of total assets under management, wealth management assets for 24%, and mutual fund assets for 23% [22] - The wealth management business saw inflows of $56 million in Q1 2025, with net flows of -$157 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. stock market hit record highs in February but declined sharply through the quarter, with the S&P 500 falling about 8.5% and the Russell 2000 declining nearly 12% [7][8] - Fixed income finished the quarter with positive returns, highlighting the benefits of diversification [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched the Westwood Libertay Global Equity ETF, which aims to limit exposure to authoritarian regimes while maintaining broad market exposure [5][16] - The firm is focusing on high-quality businesses and expects continued market uncertainty driven by tariffs and their impact on global economies [10][11] - The company is expanding its ETF platform and has seen strong traction in its existing ETFs, particularly the MDST ETF, which has surpassed asset thresholds required by some platforms [13][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the firm's strategic positioning and the value provided to clients, despite a challenging market environment [19] - The firm anticipates continued growth in its SMID cap product and a robust pipeline across multiple strategies [32][33] - Management highlighted the importance of their Managed Investment Solutions team, which had over 30 prospect meetings in Q1 2025 [32] Other Important Information - The firm reported cash and liquid investments totaling $26.9 million and a debt-free balance sheet [23] - A regular cash dividend of $0.15 per common share was approved, payable on July 1, 2025 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the flows in the small cap strategy and the potential for other mandates? - Management noted a significant sub-advisory mandate win in the small cap product, which is expected to help in overall marketing and has contributed to a pipeline of over $1 billion [26][27] Question: What are the expectations for growth in the MDST ETF and its qualification for national platforms? - Management indicated that they are making progress in getting onto several platforms and anticipate exponential growth if successful in securing larger platforms [28][29][30]

Company Overview - Westwood Holdings Group's AUM was $18.0 billion as of March 31, 2025, including $17.0 billion in AUM and $1.0 billion in AUA[7] - Employees and directors own approximately 33% of the company's equity[6] - The company reported total revenues of $23.2 million and net income of $0.5 million for 1Q 2025[21] Investment Strategies and Products - U.S Value Equity accounts for 51% of the firm's strategy breakdown[12] - Multi-Asset/Multi-Strategy represents 28% of the firm's strategy breakdown[12] - Wealth strategy accounts for 21% of the firm's strategy breakdown[12] - Institutional Separate Accounts & Other Managed Accounts make up 53% of assets by account type[12] - Westwood Mutual Funds & ETFs represent 23% of assets by account type[12] ETF Platform - Westwood launched its ETF platform in 2024 and has five funds[14, 15] Diversity and Inclusion - Approximately 41% of Westwood's employees are women[17] - Around 20% of the corporate board members are women[17] - In 2024, about 38% of new team members came from diverse backgrounds[17]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $23.3 million, down from $25.6 million in Q4 2024 and up from $22.7 million in Q1 2024, reflecting lower performance-based fees and higher average assets under management [21] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $500,000 or $0.05 per share, compared to $2.1 million or $0.24 per share in Q4 2024 and $2.3 million or $0.27 per share in Q1 2024 [21][22] - Economic earnings for Q1 2025 were $2.5 million or $0.29 per share, compared to losses of $3.4 million or $0.39 per share in Q4 2024 and $3 million or $0.36 per share in Q1 2024 [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The firm reported assets under management and advisement totaling $18 billion, with $17 billion in assets under management and $1 billion in assets under advisement [22] - Institutional assets accounted for 53% of total assets under management, while wealth management and mutual fund assets represented 24% and 23%, respectively [22] - The firm experienced net inflows of $600 million in assets under management during the quarter, alongside market depreciation of $300 million [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. stock market reached record highs in February but declined sharply by the end of the quarter, with the S&P 500 falling about 8.5% and the Russell 2000 declining nearly 12% [7] - Fixed income investments finished the quarter with positive returns, highlighting the benefits of diversification [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company launched the Westwood Libertay Global Equity ETF, which aims to limit exposure to authoritarian regimes while maintaining broad market exposure [5][15] - The firm is focusing on high-quality businesses and anticipates continued market uncertainty due to tariff-related risks [10] - The company is expanding its ETF platform and has seen strong traction in its existing ETFs, particularly the MDST ETF, which has surpassed asset thresholds for national platforms [13][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the firm's strategic positioning and the value provided to clients, despite a challenging market environment [19] - The firm is optimistic about growth in its ETF business and the institutional channel, with a robust pipeline exceeding $1 billion [11][32] - Management noted that the first quarter is typically a challenging expense quarter due to various costs, but they remain excited about future growth pathways [31] Other Important Information - The firm welcomed two new board members with extensive experience in finance and investment management [17] - A regular cash dividend of $0.15 per common share was approved, payable on July 1, 2025 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the flows in the small cap strategy and the potential for other mandates? - Management highlighted a significant sub-advisory mandate win in the small cap product, which is expected to enhance overall marketing efforts and has contributed to a robust pipeline exceeding $1 billion [26] Question: What are the expectations for growth in the MDST ETF and its qualification for national platforms? - Management confirmed that the MDST ETF is now on several platforms and is in discussions for larger platforms, which could lead to exponential growth [28][29]

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION [Financial Statements](index=3&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Financial%20Statements) Westwood Holdings Group reported slightly increased Q1 2025 revenues but a significant drop in net income due to a prior-year non-recurring gain, with total assets decreasing and operating cash flow reversing to an outflow [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=3&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $135.0 million, a decrease from $150.0 million at December 31, 2024, primarily due to reductions in cash and investments, while total liabilities significantly decreased due to contingent consideration settlement and lower compensation payable Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Assets** | | | | Cash and cash equivalents | $9,418 | $18,847 | | Investments, at fair value | $19,696 | $27,694 | | Total assets | $134,988 | $149,989 | | **Liabilities** | | | | Compensation and benefits payable | $2,416 | $10,924 | | Contingent consideration | $— | $4,657 | | Total liabilities | $13,602 | $27,657 | | **Equity** | | | | Total equity | $121,386 | $122,332 | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=4&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) For the three months ended March 31, 2025, total revenues increased slightly to $23.3 million, but a net operating loss of $68,000 was recorded, primarily due to the absence of a $2.9 million gain from contingent consideration in the prior year, leading to a sharp decline in net income attributable to the company Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024 Statement of Operations (in thousands, except per share data) | Metric | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total revenues | $23,252 | $22,732 | | Total expenses | $23,320 | $19,791 | | *Gain from change in fair value of contingent consideration* | *$—* | *$(2,949)* | | Net operating income (loss) | $(68) | $2,941 | | Income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | $478 | $2,296 | | Diluted EPS | $0.05 | $0.27 | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity](index=5&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Stockholders'%20Equity) Total equity decreased from $122.3 million at the end of 2024 to $121.4 million at March 31, 2025, primarily driven by dividend declarations and taxes paid on restricted stock returns, partially offset by net income and stock-based compensation expense - Dividends of **$0.15 per share** were declared during the first quarter of 2025, totaling approximately **$1.4 million**[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=6&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) Net cash used in operating activities was $4.9 million for Q1 2025, a significant shift from the $8.1 million provided in Q1 2024, mainly due to decreased compensation payable and contingent consideration payments, leading to a $9.4 million fall in cash and cash equivalents Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024 Cash Flow Summary (in thousands) | Cash Flow Activity | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | $(4,900) | $8,133 | | Net cash used in investing activities | $(1,418) | $(3) | | Net cash used in financing activities | $(3,111) | $(2,664) | | **Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents** | **$(9,429)** | **$5,466** | [Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements](index=7&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Condensed%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) The notes detail the company's business structure, accounting policies, and financial components, highlighting revenue growth in institutional advisory fees, the Advisory segment's profitability, new investment holdings, and a subsequent quarterly dividend declaration - The company operates through two main segments: Advisory and Trust, with the Advisory segment providing investment advisory services and the Trust segment offering trust and custodial services[19](index=19&type=chunk)[37](index=37&type=chunk) Revenue by Account Type (in thousands) | Account Type | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Institutional | $10,254 | $9,471 | | Mutual Funds | $6,832 | $6,911 | | Wealth Management | $645 | $435 | | Trust Fees | $5,429 | $5,113 | - The final payment for the revenue retention earn-out related to the Salient acquisition was made in Q1 2025, reducing the contingent consideration liability to zero[54](index=54&type=chunk) - On April 29, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of **$0.15 per share**, payable on July 1, 2025[72](index=72&type=chunk) [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=17&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management's%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management attributes the 2% year-over-year revenue growth to higher average Assets Under Management (AUM), which increased 5% to $17.0 billion, while the significant drop in net income is explained by a non-recurring $2.9 million gain on contingent consideration in Q1 2024, and despite a solid liquidity position, cash and liquid investments decreased to $26.9 million from $44.6 million at year-end Firm-wide Assets Under Management (AUM) (in millions) | Category | As of March 31, 2025 | As of March 31, 2024 | Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Institutional | $8,985 | $7,742 | 16% | | Wealth Management | $4,107 | $4,219 | (3)% | | Mutual Funds | $3,891 | $4,189 | (7)% | | **Total AUM** | **$16,983** | **$16,150** | **5%** | - The change in AUM for Q1 2025 was driven by net inflows of **$0.6 billion**, primarily in the SmallCap Value strategy, offset by market depreciation of **$0.3 billion**[95](index=95&type=chunk) Reconciliation to Non-GAAP Economic Earnings (in thousands) | Metric | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Income attributable to Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | $478 | $2,296 | | Stock-based compensation expense | $1,327 | $1,515 | | Intangible amortization | $1,045 | $1,042 | | Other adjustments & tax impacts | $(336) | $(1,841) | | **Economic Earnings** | **$2,514** | **$3,012** | - Cash and liquid investments decreased from **$44.6 million** at year-end 2024 to **$26.9 million** as of March 31, 2025[108](index=108&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](index=24&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20About%20Market%20Risk) The company states that there have been no significant changes in its Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk since its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 - There have been no significant changes in market risk disclosures from those reported in the 2024 Form 10-K[117](index=117&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=24&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management, including the CEO and CFO, evaluated the company's disclosure controls and procedures and concluded they were effective as of March 31, 2025, with no material changes to internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter - Management concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by the report[118](index=118&type=chunk) - No changes in internal controls over financial reporting occurred during the quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting[119](index=119&type=chunk) PART II OTHER INFORMATION [Legal Proceedings](index=25&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company reported no legal proceedings during the period - None[120](index=120&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=25&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 - There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Form 10-K[122](index=122&type=chunk) [Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=25&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%20and%20Use%20of%20Proceeds) The company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2025, and the share repurchase program has no expiration date and may be discontinued at any time - During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company did not repurchase any shares of our common stock[123](index=123&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=26&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Exhibits) This section lists all exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including CEO and CFO certifications and financial data formatted in iXBRL

[Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release](index=1&type=section&id=Westwood%20Holdings%20Group%2C%20Inc.%20Reports%20First%20Quarter%202025%20Results) [Financial & Operational Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20%26%20Operational%20Highlights) The firm reported strong Q1 2025 sales, including a major institutional mandate, and expanded its ETF platform - Firmwide assets under management and advisement totaled **$18.0 billion** as of Q1 2025, comprising $17.0 billion in AUM and $1.0 billion in AUA[3](index=3&type=chunk) - Strategic and operational achievements in Q1 2025 include a significant sub-advisory mandate of nearly **$1 billion** in the Institutional channel, the best Intermediary channel sales quarter since 2022, and the launch of a new global equity ETF[1](index=1&type=chunk)[2](index=2&type=chunk) Key Financial Metrics | Financial Metric | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Revenues** | $23.3M | $25.6M | $22.7M | | **Net Income** | $0.5M | $2.1M | $2.3M | | **Diluted EPS** | $0.05 | $0.24 | $0.27 | | **Non-GAAP Economic Earnings** | $2.5M | $3.4M | $3.0M | | **Non-GAAP Economic EPS** | $0.29 | $0.39 | $0.36 | - The company declared a cash dividend of **$0.15 per common share**, payable on July 1, 2025[4](index=4&type=chunk) - As of March 31, 2025, the company held **$26.9 million** in cash and liquid investments with no debt, and stockholders' equity totaled **$119.3 million**[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=4&type=section&id=CONDENSED%20CONSOLIDATED%20STATEMENTS%20OF%20OPERATIONS) Q1 2025 revenues grew year-over-year but fell sequentially due to a lack of performance-based fees Statement of Operations Highlights (in thousands) | (in thousands) | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Revenues** | **$23,252** | **$25,582** | **$22,732** | | Asset-based Fees | $17,731 | $18,025 | $16,817 | | Performance-based Fees | $0 | $1,875 | $0 | | Trust Fees | $5,429 | $6,117 | $5,113 | | **Total Expenses** | **$23,320** | **$23,021** | **$19,791** | | Employee Compensation | $14,501 | $14,090 | $14,711 | | (Gain) on Contingent Consideration | $0 | $1,199 | $(2,949) | | **Net Income** | **$477** | **$2,099** | **$2,166** | | **Diluted EPS** | **$0.05** | **$0.24** | **$0.27** | - Revenues decreased quarter-over-quarter primarily due to **zero performance-based fees** in Q1 2025, compared to $1.9 million in such fees in Q4 2024[14](index=14&type=chunk) - The significant variance in net income compared to Q1 2024 is largely attributable to a **$2.9 million non-cash gain** from contingent consideration recorded in the prior-year period[14](index=14&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=5&type=section&id=CONDENSED%20CONSOLIDATED%20BALANCE%20SHEETS) Total assets and liabilities decreased significantly due to contingent consideration and compensation payments Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | (in thousands) | March 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Assets** | **$134,988** | **$149,989** | | Cash and cash equivalents | $9,418 | $18,847 | | Investments, at fair value | $19,696 | $27,694 | | **Total Liabilities** | **$13,602** | **$27,657** | | Compensation and benefits payable | $2,416 | $10,924 | | Contingent consideration | $0 | $4,657 | | **Total Equity** | **$121,386** | **$122,332** | - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by **$9.4 million** during the quarter, from $18.8 million to $9.4 million[15](index=15&type=chunk) - A significant reduction in liabilities was driven by the full payment of contingent consideration (**$4.7 million**) and a decrease in compensation and benefits payable[15](index=15&type=chunk) [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=6&type=section&id=CONDENSED%20CONSOLIDATED%20STATEMENTS%20OF%20CASH%20FLOWS) The company experienced a net cash outflow driven by operating activities, primarily compensation payments Statement of Cash Flows Highlights (in thousands) | (in thousands) | Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities** | **$(4,900)** | **$8,133** | | **Net cash used in investing activities** | **$(1,418)** | **$(3)** | | **Net cash used in financing activities** | **$(3,111)** | **$(2,664)** | | **Net Change in Cash** | **$(9,429)** | **$5,466** | | **Cash, end of period** | **$9,418** | **$25,888** | - The significant cash outflow from operating activities was driven by an **$8.5 million** payment for compensation and benefits and a **$4.4 million** payment for contingent consideration[16](index=16&type=chunk) - Cash used in financing activities included **$1.6 million** for cash dividends and **$1.3 million** for restricted stock returned for tax payments[16](index=16&type=chunk) [Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures](index=7&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20Income%20Attributable%20to%20Westwood%20Holdings%20Group%2C%20Inc.%20to%20Economic%20Earnings) Non-GAAP Economic Earnings are reconciled from GAAP Net Income by adjusting for non-cash and tax-related items - Economic Earnings are defined as GAAP net income adjusted for non-cash equity-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, and related deferred taxes[17](index=17&type=chunk)[18](index=18&type=chunk) Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Economic Earnings (in thousands) | Reconciliation (in thousands) | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **GAAP Net Income** | **$478** | **$2,056** | **$2,296** | | Stock-based compensation | $1,327 | $1,216 | $1,515 | | Intangible amortization | $1,045 | $1,063 | $1,042 | | Other tax adjustments | $(336) | $(958) | $(1,841) | | **Economic Earnings** | **$2,514** | **$3,377** | **$3,012** | | **Economic EPS** | **$0.29** | **$0.39** | **$0.36** |

Core Insights - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. reported strong performance in Q1 2025, with significant achievements in both Institutional and Intermediary channels, including a nearly $1 billion sub-advisory mandate in Small Cap Value strategy and the best sales quarter since 2022 in the Intermediary channel [2][3] - The company launched the LBRTY Global Equity ETF and celebrated the one-year anniversary of the MDST ETF, which has an annualized distribution rate of 10.5% [1][2] - Firmwide assets under management (AUM) totaled $18.0 billion, comprising $17.0 billion in AUM and $1.0 billion in assets under advisement (AUA) [3] Financial Performance - Quarterly revenues were $23.3 million, down from $25.6 million in the previous quarter but up from $22.7 million a year ago [7] - Net income for Q1 2025 was $0.5 million, a decrease from $2.1 million in Q4 2024 and $2.3 million in Q1 2024 [4][5] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $0.05 compared to $0.24 in Q4 2024 and $0.27 in Q1 2024 [4][5] Economic Earnings - Non-GAAP Economic Earnings for Q1 2025 were $2.5 million, or $0.29 per share, compared to $3.4 million, or $0.39 per share in Q4 2024, and $3.0 million, or $0.36 per share in Q1 2024 [4][5][7] - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on July 1, 2025 [7] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of March 31, 2025, total assets were $134.988 million, down from $149.989 million at the end of Q4 2024 [14] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $9.418 million from $18.847 million in the previous quarter [15] - Stockholders' equity totaled $119.3 million, with no debt reported [7][14]

Core Viewpoint - Westwood Holdings Group celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI), which has achieved an annualized distribution rate of 11.9% as of March 28, 2025, indicating strong investor demand for income-focused investment solutions [1][2][3]. Company Overview - Westwood Holdings Group (NYSE: WHG) is a boutique asset management firm that provides a range of actively-managed investment strategies and wealth services to various clients, emphasizing a client-first approach and innovative investment solutions [7][8]. Fund Performance - WEEI has delivered a year-to-date net asset value (NAV) performance of 8.63% and a market price performance of 8.86% since its inception on April 30, 2024, with an expense ratio of 0.85% [4]. - The fund's structure aims to provide tax efficiency, transparency, and accessibility, aligning with Westwood's commitment to investor-focused strategies [3]. Investment Strategy - WEEI employs a covered-call strategy to enhance income, allowing investors to benefit from the cash flow generation of energy companies while also gaining additional yield through options premiums [2][3]. - The fund targets the energy sector, contrasting with its sister ETF, the Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST), which focuses on the midstream segment [2][3]. Market Position - WEEI has resonated with advisors and investors seeking reliable income solutions in a dynamic market environment, reflecting strong demand for income-generating investment options [2][3]. - The fund's performance and strategy have positioned it as a valuable tool for income-focused investors across various market cycles [3].

Company Overview - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. is a focused investment management boutique and wealth management firm, founded in 1983 [3] - The company offers a broad array of investment solutions to institutional investors, private wealth clients, and financial intermediaries [3] - Westwood specializes in distinct investment capabilities including U.S. Value Equity, Multi-Asset, Energy & Real Assets, Income Alternatives, Tactical Absolute Return, and Managed Investment Solutions [3] - The firm operates through separate accounts, the Westwood Funds® family of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other pooled vehicles [3] - Westwood is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WHG" and has significant employee ownership [3] Upcoming Earnings Release - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. will release its first quarter 2025 earnings after the close of the New York Stock Exchange on April 30, 2025 [1] - Following the earnings release, the company will host a live audio webcast and conference call at 4:30 PM Eastern Time [1][2] - Registration is required to join the conference call and view the webcast, with unique identifiers provided upon registration [2]