Core Insights - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (WHG) reported a significant increase in assets under management (AUM), reaching $18.3 billion, up from $16.8 billion a year ago [2][3] - The company achieved several milestones, including its addition to the Russell 2000 Index, enhancing institutional accessibility [2] - The Enhanced Midstream Energy ETF (MDST) surpassed $100 million in assets with a distribution rate of 10.2% per annum [1][2] Financial Performance - Second quarter net income was $1.0 million, compared to a net income of $0.5 million in the first quarter and a loss of $2.2 million in the same quarter last year [3][4] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the second quarter was $0.12, an increase from $0.05 in the first quarter and a loss of $0.27 in the second quarter of 2024 [3][4] - Non-GAAP Economic Earnings for the second quarter were $2.8 million, or $0.32 per share, compared to $2.5 million, or $0.29 per share, in the first quarter [3][4][6] Revenue and Expenses - Quarterly revenues totaled $23.1 million, slightly down from $23.3 million in the first quarter but up from $22.7 million a year ago [6] - Total expenses for the second quarter were $22.3 million, down from $23.3 million in the first quarter and significantly lower than $26.9 million in the second quarter of 2024 [6] - The company held $33.1 million in cash and liquid investments as of June 30, 2025, an increase of $6.0 million from the first quarter [6] Dividends and Equity - Westwood declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on October 1, 2025, to stockholders of record on September 2, 2025 [6] - Stockholders' equity totaled $120.3 million, with no debt reported [6]

Company Overview - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE: WHG) is a boutique asset management firm that provides a variety of actively-managed and outcome-oriented investment strategies, along with trust and wealth services to institutional, intermediary, and private wealth clients [2][3] - The firm has a client-first approach that has fostered strong, long-term relationships, emphasizing bespoke investment strategies and exceptional client service for over 40 years [2] Upcoming Earnings Release - The company will release its second quarter 2025 earnings after the close of the New York Stock Exchange on August 8, 2025 [1] - Following the earnings release, a live audio webcast and conference call will be held at 4:30 PM Eastern Time [1] Conference Call Details - Registration is required to join the conference call, and participants will receive a personalized PIN after registering [2] - The webcast can be accessed through the company's investor relations website [2] Company Culture and Values - Westwood emphasizes a diverse team that reflects its origins as a woman-founded firm, incorporating varied insights into its services [3] - The company's core values include integrity, reliability, responsiveness, adaptability, teamwork, and a focus on driving results, which support its pursuit of excellence [3]

Core Viewpoint - WEBs Investments Inc. has launched the WEBs Defined Volatility Sector ETFs, a suite of 11 funds that apply a Defined Volatility strategy to individual sectors of the S&P 500, allowing investors to manage risk while pursuing market upside [1][2]. Group 1: Product Details - The new ETFs track Defined Volatility indices created by Syntax, providing exposure to underlying Select Sector SPDR ETFs [2]. - Each fund evaluates short-term realized volatility daily based on the previous 21 trading days, adjusting exposure to the underlying ETF or reallocating to cash equivalents or U.S. Treasuries based on volatility levels [2]. - The Defined Volatility rates for the ETFs range from 20% to 30%, depending on the sector [3]. Group 2: Strategic Benefits - The Defined Volatility Sector ETFs offer investors precise control over risk and sector exposure, enabling tactical sector rotation and fine-tuning within broader portfolios [2][3]. - The approach aims to provide a more stable investment experience and better risk-adjusted returns for sector-focused allocations [2]. Group 3: Company Background - WEBs Investments Inc. was founded in 2024 by industry veterans and is dedicated to developing innovative investment strategies [5]. - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. provides operational and distribution support for the new ETFs, leveraging over 40 years of experience in asset management [6][4].

Group 1 - Westwood Holdings Group (NYSE: WHG) has experienced positive performance in 2023, particularly in fund inflows, aligning with favorable trends in value and small-cap factors, to which the company is over-indexed [1] - The positive trend in fund inflows is expected to continue into the second quarter of 2025 [1] Group 2 - Quipus Capital adopts a long-only investment strategy, focusing on operational aspects and the long-term earnings potential of companies rather than market-driven dynamics [2] - The investment philosophy emphasizes holding companies independently of future price movements, with most recommendations being holds [2] - The approach aims to provide valuable information for future investors while maintaining a healthy skepticism towards a bullish market [2]

Core Insights - Westwood Holdings Group's Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) has surpassed $100 million in assets under management, indicating strong investor engagement and confidence in the fund's strategy [1][4][5] - The fund has achieved an annualized distribution rate of 10.2%, distributed monthly, reflecting its objective of providing a steady income stream [2][7] - MDST employs a covered-call strategy to enhance income through options premiums, targeting the midstream energy sector, which is characterized by stability and strong cash flows [3][4] 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 [10] - The firm emphasizes a client-first approach, aiming to build long-term relationships through tailored investment strategies and exceptional service [10][11] Fund Performance - As of March 31, 2025, MDST reported a net asset value (NAV) return of 22.95% since inception, with a market price return of 23.19% [5] - The fund has an expense ratio of 0.80%, indicating a relatively low cost structure for investors [5] Investment Strategy - MDST focuses on providing targeted exposure to midstream energy infrastructure, allowing investors to benefit from cash flow strength while managing risk through its investment approach [3][4] - The fund's structure is designed to be tax-efficient, avoiding the need for investors to file a K-1, which is typically required for investments in master limited partnerships (MLPs) [4][19]

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]