WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
3. INVESTMENTS:
Investment balances are presented in the table below (in thousands). All of these investments are carried at market value. The money market funds are accounted for as available for sale securities. The other investments are accounted for as trading securities.
| | Cost | | | Gross Unrealized Gains | | | Gross Unrealized Losses | | | Estimated Market Value | |
June 30, 2008: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations | | $ | 1,969 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,969 | |
Funds: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Money market | | | 16,191 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 16,191 | |
Equity and fixed income | | | 4,896 | | | | - | | | | (18 | ) | | | 4,878 | |
Marketable securities | | $ | 23,056 | | | $ | - | | | $ | (18 | ) | | $ | 23,038 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2007: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government and Government agency obligations | | $ | 1,942 | | | $ | 1 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 1,943 | |
Funds: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Money market | | | 15,117 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 15,117 | |
Equity and fixed income | | | 4,854 | | | | 230 | | | | - | | | | 5,084 | |
Marketable securities | | $ | 21,913 | | | $ | 231 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 22,144 | |
4. EQUITY:
On April 24, 2008, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on common stock payable on July 1, 2008 to stockholders of record on June 13, 2008.
On February 27, 2008, we granted an aggregate of 183,800 shares of restricted stock to certain employees. These shares are subject to vesting conditions as described in “Note 5. Stock-Based Compensation”.
On February 27, 2008, we purchased 22,500 shares of our common stock from employees of Westwood to satisfy tax obligations related to vested restricted shares. The shares were purchased at $35.65, the closing price of our common stock on that date, and are shown as treasury shares in the equity section of our balance sheet at cost.
On February 6, 2008, we declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on common stock payable on April 1, 2008 to stockholders of record on March 14, 2008.
5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
We have issued stock options and restricted shares to our employees, non-employee directors and a non-employee consultant. The Third Amended and Restated Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") reserves shares of Westwood common stock for issuance to eligible employees, directors and consultants of Westwood or its subsidiaries in the form of restricted stock and stock options. The total number of shares that may be issued under the Plan (including the predecessor plans to the Plan) may not exceed 1,948,100 shares. In the event of a change in control of Westwood, the Plan contains provisions providing for the acceleration of the vesting of restricted stock and stock options. At June 30, 2008, approximately 241,000 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.
The following table presents the total stock-based compensation expense we recorded and the total income tax benefit recognized for stock-based compensation arrangements:
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS---(Continued)
(Unaudited)
| | Six months ended June 30, | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | |
Total stock-based compensation expense | | $ | 3,151,000 | | | $ | 2,260,000 | |
Total income tax benefit recognized related to stock-based compensation | | | 937,000 | | | | 710,000 | |
Restricted Stock
Under the Plan, we have granted restricted stock to employees, non-employee directors and a non-employee consultant, which are subject to a service condition, and to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, which are subject to a service condition and performance goals. Until the shares vest, they are restricted from sale, transfer or assignment in accordance with the terms of the agreements under which they were issued. We calculate compensation cost for restricted stock grants by using the fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant, the number of shares issued and an estimate of shares that will not vest due to forfeitures. This compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting period. As of June 30, 2008, there was approximately $16.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years. In order to satisfy tax liabilities employees will owe on their vested shares, we may withhold a sufficient number of vested shares from employees on the date vesting occurs. For 2008, we expect the number of shares withheld for this purpose to total 61,570 shares. Our two types of restricted stock grants are discussed below.
Employee and non-employee director restricted share grants
Restricted stock granted to employees vest over four years and the non-employee directors’ shares vest over one year. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, we recorded $2.7 million of expense for these grants. The following table details the status and changes in our restricted stock grants that are subject only to a service condition for the three months ended June 30, 2008:
Restricted shares subject only to a service condition: | | Shares | | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |
| | | | | | |
Non-vested, January 1, 2008 | | | 523,175 | | | $ | 22.95 | |
Granted | | | 183,800 | | | | 35.65 | |
Vested | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited | | | - | | | | - | |
Non-vested, June 30, 2008 | | | 706,975 | | | | 26.25 | |
CEO and CIO performance-based restricted share grants
Under the Plan, we granted restricted shares to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer that vest over four years and six years, respectively, provided annual performance goals established by the Compensation Committee of Westwood’s board of directors are met. In each year during the applicable vesting period, the Compensation Committee will establish a specific goal for that year’s vesting of the restricted shares, which will be based in all cases upon Westwood’s adjusted pre-tax income, as defined. In February 2008, the Compensation Committee established the goal for 2008 as an increase of at least 7% in adjusted pre-tax income over the adjusted pre-tax income for the year 2007. If in any year during the vesting period the performance goal is not met, the Compensation Committee may establish a goal for a subsequent vesting period, which if achieved or exceeded may result in full or partial vesting of the shares that did not otherwise become vested in a prior year. However, in no event will the maximum number of shares, which may become vested over the vesting period, exceed 100,000 shares in the case of our Chief Executive Officer and 300,000 shares in the case of our Chief Investment Officer. If a portion of the performance-based restricted shares do not vest, no compensation expense is recognized for that portion and any previously recognized compensation expense related to the shares that do not vest would be reversed.
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS---(Continued)
(Unaudited)
Restricted shares subject to service and performance conditions: | | Shares | | | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | |
| | | | | | |
Non-vested, January 1, 2008 | | | 250,000 | | | $ | 18.81 | |
Granted | | | - | | | | - | |
Vested | | | - | | | | - | |
Forfeited | | | - | | | | - | |
Non-vested, June 30, 2008 | | | 250,000 | | | | 18.81 | |
Because the performance goal was met in 2007, the shares subject to vesting were vested in substance, but required certification by the Compensation Committee, at which time a share price was determined for tax purposes. On February 27, 2008, the 2007 shares, which were expensed in 2007, were certified as vested and the total fair value of the shares was determined to be $2,674,000, utilizing a share price of $35.65, the closing price of our common stock as of the day of certification. In the second quarters of 2008 and 2007, we concluded that it was probable that we would meet the performance goals required in order for the applicable percentage of the performance-based restricted shares awarded to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer to vest in each year. As a result, we recognized expense of approximately $470,000 in both the current and prior year second quarters related to these performance-based restricted stock grants.
Stock Options
Options granted under the Plan have a maximum ten-year term and vested over a period of four years. All of our stock options are vested and exercisable. All of our options became fully expensed in 2007. The following table sets forth the summary of option activity under our stock option program for the six months ended June 30, 2008:
| | Options | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value |
| | | | | | | | | |
Options outstanding, January 1, 2008 | | | 77,300 | | | $ | 12.92 | | | | |
Granted | | | - | | | | - | | | | |
Exercised | | | (3,750 | ) | | | 12.90 | | | | |
Forfeited/expired | | | - | | | | - | | | | |
Options outstanding and exercisable, June 30, 2008 | | | 73,550 | | | | 12.93 | | 4.00 | $ | 1,977,000 |
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 was $83,000 and $260,000, respectively. Options exercised represent newly issued shares.
WESTWOOD HOLDINGS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS---(Continued)
(Unaudited)
6. SEGMENT REPORTING:
We operate two segments: the Westwood Management segment and the Westwood Trust segment. These segments are managed separately based on types of products and services offered and their related client bases. We evaluate the performance of our segments based primarily on income before income taxes. The entity Westwood Holdings, the parent company of Westwood Management and Westwood Trust, does not have revenues or employees and is the entity in which we record the expense for stock based compensation.
Westwood Management
Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations and the WHG Funds, as well as investment subadvisory services to mutual funds and clients of Westwood Trust.
Westwood Trust
Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals.
All segment accounting policies are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Intersegment balances that eliminate in consolidation have been applied to the appropriate segment.
| | Westwood Management | | | Westwood Trust | | | Westwood Holdings | | | Eliminations | | | Consolidated | |
| | (in thousands) |
Three months ended June 30, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues from external sources | | $ | 6,956 | | | $ | 2,695 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 9,651 | |
Net intersegment revenues | | | 948 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | (950 | ) | | | - | |
Income before income taxes | | | 3,944 | | | | 596 | | | | (1,942 | ) | | | - | | | | 2,598 | |
Segment assets | | | 31,023 | | | | 4,531 | | | | 3,673 | | | | - | | | | 39,227 | |
Segment goodwill | | | 1,790 | | | | 512 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,302 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Three months ended June 30, 2007 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues from external sources | | $ | 5,397 | | | $ | 2,560 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 7,957 | |
Net intersegment revenues | | | 935 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | (937 | ) | | | - | |
Income before income taxes | | | 2,948 | | | | 654 | | | | (1,361 | ) | | | - | | | | 2,241 | |
Segment assets | | | 23,817 | | | | 4,513 | | | | 3,237 | | | | - | | | | 31,567 | |
Segment goodwill | | | 1,790 | | | | 512 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,302 | |
| | Westwood Management | | | Westwood Trust | | | Westwood Holdings | | | Eliminations | | | Consolidated | |
| | (in thousands) |
Six months ended June 30, 2008 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues from external sources | | $ | 13,307 | | | $ | 5,471 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 18,778 | |
Net intersegment revenues | | | 1,954 | | | | 4 | | | | - | | | | (1,958 | ) | | | - | |
Income before income taxes | | | 7,493 | | | | 1,269 | | | | (3,151 | ) | | | - | | | | 5,611 | |
Segment assets | | | 31,023 | | | | 4,531 | | | | 3,673 | | | | - | | | | 39,227 | |
Segment goodwill | | | 1,790 | | | | 512 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,302 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six months ended June 30, 2007 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net revenues from external sources | | $ | 10,335 | | | $ | 4,975 | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 15,310 | |
Net intersegment revenues | | | 1,846 | | | | 3 | | | | - | | | | (1,849 | ) | | | - | |
Income before income taxes | | | 5,629 | | | | 1,210 | | | | (2,259 | ) | | | - | | | | 4,580 | |
Segment assets | | | 23,817 | | | | 4,513 | | | | 3,237 | | | | - | | | | 31,567 | |
Segment goodwill | | | 1,790 | | | | 512 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 2,302 | |
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this report that are not purely historical facts, including statements about our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, as well as other statements including words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “goal,” “target,” “designed,” “on track,” “comfortable with,” “optimistic” 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 risks described under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC, and those set forth below:
■ | our ability to identify and successfully market services that appeal to our customers; |
■ | the significant concentration of our revenues in four of our customers; |
■ | our relationships with investment consulting firms; |
■ | our relationships with current and potential customers; |
■ | our ability to retain qualified personnel; |
■ | our ability to successfully develop and market new asset classes; |
■ | our ability to maintain our fee structure in light of competitive fee pressures; |
■ | competition in the marketplace; |
■ | downturn in the financial markets; |
■ | the passage of legislation adversely affecting the financial services industries; |
■ | changes in our effective tax rate; |
■ | our ability to maintain an effective system of internal controls; and |
■ | the other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC reports. |
You should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we are not obligated to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Overview
We manage investment assets and provide services for our clients through our two subsidiaries, Westwood Management and Westwood Trust. Westwood Management provides investment advisory services to corporate pension funds, public retirement plans, endowments, foundations and a family of mutual funds, which we call the WHG Funds, as well as investment subadvisory services to other mutual funds and clients of Westwood Trust. Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals. Our revenues are generally derived from fees based on a percentage of assets under management. We have been providing investment advisory services since 1983 and, according to recognized industry sources, including Morningstar, Inc., when measured over multi-year periods ten years and longer, our principal asset classes have consistently ranked above the median in performance within their peer groups. Percentages stated in this section are rounded to the nearest whole percent.
Revenues
We derive our revenues from investment advisory fees, trust fees, and other revenues. Our advisory fees are generated by Westwood Management, which manages its clients' accounts under investment advisory and subadvisory agreements. Advisory fees are calculated based on a percentage of assets under management, and are paid in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Westwood Management's advisory fees are paid quarterly in advance based on the assets under management on the last day of the preceding quarter, quarterly in arrears based on the assets under management on the last day of the quarter just ended, or are based on a daily or monthly analysis of assets under management for the stated period. Westwood Management recognizes revenues as services are rendered. A limited number of our clients have a performance-based fee component in their contract, which would pay us an additional fee if we outperform a specified index over a specific period of time. We would record as revenue any performance-based fees earned at the end of the performance period. We recognized a performance-based fee in the second quarter of 2008 related to a client that has an annual performance period that ends in June. In addition, as of June 30, 2008, we were on track to earn a performance-based fee in 2008 as we did in the fourth quarter of 2007 from a client that has an annual performance period that ends in December. The exact amount of this fee will remain uncertain and cannot be recorded as revenue until the performance period ends on December 31, 2008. Since most of our advance paying clients’ billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which payment relates, the revenue related to those clients is fully recognized within the quarter; consequently, there is not a significant amount of deferred revenue contained in our financial statements.
Our trust fees are generated by Westwood Trust pursuant to trust or custodial agreements. Trust fees are separately negotiated with each client and are generally based on a percentage of assets under management, which in turn is influenced by the complexity of the operations of the trust and the services provided. Westwood Trust also provides trust services to a small number of clients on a fixed fee basis. Most trust fees are paid quarterly in advance and are recognized as services are rendered. Since the majority of Westwood Trusts’ advance paying clients’ billing periods coincide with the calendar quarter to which payment relates, the revenue related to those clients is fully recognized within the quarter; consequently, there is not a significant amount of deferred revenue contained in our financial statements.
Our other revenues generally consist of interest and investment income and unrealized gains and losses on our investments. We invest most of our cash in money market funds, although we also invest smaller amounts in bonds and equity instruments.
Assets Under Management
Assets under management increased $900 million to $7.7 billion at June 30, 2008, compared with $6.8 billion at June 30, 2007. Average assets under management for the second quarter of 2008 were $7.6 billion compared to $6.5 billion for the second quarter of 2007, an increase of 17%. The increase in period ending assets under management was principally attributable to asset inflows from new and existing clients and was partially offset by market depreciation of assets under management and the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. The following table sets forth Westwood Management’s and Westwood Trust’s assets under management as of June 30, 2008 and 2007:
| | As of June 30, (in millions) | | | % Change | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | June 30, 2008 vs. June 30, 2007 | |
Westwood Management | | | | | | | | | |
Separate Accounts | | $ | 3,725 | | | $ | 3,047 | | | | 22 | % |
Subadvisory | | | 1,068 | | | | 1,042 | | | | 3 | |
WHG Funds | | | 319 | | | | 223 | | | | 43 | |
Westwood Funds | | | 357 | | | | 388 | | | | (8 | ) |
Managed Accounts | | | 493 | | | | 401 | | | | 23 | |
Total | | | 5,962 | | | | 5,101 | | | | 17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Westwood Trust | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commingled Funds | | | 1,395 | | | | 1,355 | | | | 3 | |
Private Accounts | | | 304 | | | | 251 | | | | 21 | |
Agency/Custody Accounts | | | 86 | | | | 140 | | | | (39 | ) |
Total | | | 1,785 | | | | 1,746 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Assets Under Management | | $ | 7,747 | | | $ | 6,847 | | | | 13 | % |
______________
Westwood Management. In the preceding table, "Separate Accounts" represent corporate pension and profit sharing plans, public employee retirement accounts, Taft Hartley plans, endowments, foundations and individuals. "Subadvisory" represents relationships where Westwood Management provides investment management services for funds offered by other financial institutions. “WHG Funds” represent the family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves as advisor. "Westwood Funds" represent the family of mutual funds for which Westwood Management serves as subadvisor. "Managed Accounts" represent relationships with brokerage firms and other registered investment advisors who offer Westwood Management's products to their customers.
Westwood Trust. In the preceding table, "Commingled Funds" represent funds that have been established to facilitate investment of fiduciary funds of multiple clients by combining assets into a single trust for taxable and tax-exempt entities. "Private Accounts" represent discretionary accounts where Westwood Trust acts as trustee or agent and has full investment discretion. "Agency/Custody Accounts" represent non-discretionary accounts in which Westwood Trust provides agent or custodial services, but does not act in an advisory capacity. For certain assets in this category, Westwood Trust provides limited custody services for a minimal or zero fee currently, but views these assets as potentially converting to fee-generating managed assets in the future. As an example, some assets in this category consist of low-basis stock that is being held in custody for clients currently, but may transfer to fee-generating managed assets during an intergenerational transfer of wealth at some point in the future.
Results of Operations
The following table (dollars in thousands) and discussion of our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2008 is based upon data derived from the consolidated statements of income contained in our consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with these statements, which are included elsewhere in this quarterly report.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | % Change | |
| | Three months ended June 30, | | | Six months ended June 30, | | | Three months ended June 30, 2008 vs. | | | Six months ended June 30, 2008 vs. | |
| | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | 2008 | | | 2007 | | | June 30, 2007 | | | June 30, 2007 | |
Revenues | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Advisory fees | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asset-based | | $ | 6,606 | | | $ | 5,003 | | | $ | 12,996 | | | $ | 9,586 | | | | 32 | % | | | 36 | % |
Performance-based | | | 80 | | | | - | | | | 80 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Trust fees | | | 2,677 | | | | 2,516 | | | | 5,425 | | | | 4,892 | | | | 6 | | | | 11 | |
Other revenues | | | 288 | | | | 438 | | | | 277 | | | | 832 | | | | (34 | ) | | | (67 | ) |
Total revenues | | | 9,651 | | | | 7,957 | | | | 18,778 | | | | 15,310 | | | | 21 | | | | 23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Employee compensation and benefits | | | 5,352 | | | | 4,266 | | | | 10,014 | | | | 7,975 | | | | 25 | | | | 26 | |
Sales and marketing | | | 195 | | | | 147 | | | | 332 | | | | 268 | | | | 33 | | | | 24 | |
WHG mutual funds | | | 106 | | | | 66 | | | | 141 | | | | 101 | | | | 61 | | | | 40 | |
Information technology | | | 266 | | | | 249 | | | | 527 | | | | 482 | | | | 7 | | | | 9 | |
Professional services | | | 439 | | | | 379 | | | | 887 | | | | 779 | | | | 16 | | | | 14 | |
General and administrative | | | 695 | | | | 609 | | | | 1,266 | | | | 1,125 | | | | 14 | | | | 13 | |
Total expenses | | | 7,053 | | | | 5,716 | | | | 13,167 | | | | 10,730 | | | | 23 | | | | 23 | |
Income before income taxes | | | 2,598 | | | | 2,241 | | | | 5,611 | | | | 4,580 | | | | 16 | | | | 23 | |
Provision for income taxes | | | 867 | | | | 768 | | | | 1,925 | | | | 1,600 | | | | 13 | | | | 20 | |
Net income | | $ | 1,731 | | | $ | 1,473 | | | $ | 3,686 | | | $ | 2,980 | | | | 18 | % | | | 24 | % |
Three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to three months ended June 30, 2007
Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 21% to $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $8.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Asset-based advisory fees increased by 32% to $6.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $5.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Management due to inflows from new and existing clients, partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients and the market depreciation of assets. Performance-based advisory fees were $80,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to zero in the prior year quarter, as a result of a performance-based fee earned in the annual measurement period ended June 30, 2008. Trust fees increased by 6% to $2.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $2.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Trust due to inflows from new and existing clients, offset in part by market depreciation of assets and the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Other revenues, which generally consist of interest and investment income, decreased by 34% to $288,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $438,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Other revenues are presented net and decreased primarily due to a decrease of $228,000 in realized and unrealized gains/losses on investments and a decrease of $81,000 in interest income. An increase of $159,000 in dividend income partially offset these decreases. Dividend income in the second quarter 2008 includes a $200,000 dividend from Teton Advisors (formerly Gabelli Advisers).
Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits costs generally consist of salaries, incentive compensation, equity based compensation expense and benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased by 25% to $5.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was due primarily to an increase of approximately $580,000 in restricted stock expense due to additional restricted stock grants in July 2007 and February 2008, increased salary and benefits expense due to increased headcount and salary increases for certain employees, increased incentive compensation expense due to higher pretax income and increased 401(k) match expense related to increased salaries and incentive compensation. Beginning in 2008, restricted stock grants were awarded in the first quarter of the year in order to synchronize the payment of cash incentive bonus awards with the personal tax liability resulting from restricted stock vesting. In the second quarters of 2008 and 2007, we concluded that it was probable that we would meet the performance goals required in order for the applicable percentage of the performance-based restricted shares awarded to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer to vest in each year. As a result, we recognized expense of approximately $470,000 in both the current and prior year second quarters related to these performance-based restricted stock grants. We expect to recognize a similar amount in the third and fourth quarters of 2008 related to these performance-based restricted stock grants. The conclusion related to the 2008 expense is based, in part, on our belief that it is likely that we will recognize a performance-based fee in the fourth quarter of 2008 related to a client that has an annual performance period that ends in December. We had 57 full-time employees as of June 30, 2008 compared to 50 full-time employees as of June 30, 2007.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs generally consist of costs associated with our marketing efforts, including travel and entertainment, direct marketing and advertising costs. Sales and marketing costs increased by 33% to $195,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $147,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily the result of increased direct marketing and travel expenses.
WHG Mutual Funds. WHG Mutual Funds expenses generally consist of costs associated with our marketing, distribution and administration efforts related to the WHG Funds. WHG Mutual Funds expenses increased by 61% to $106,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $66,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Decreased fund expense reimbursements due to a higher level of assets in the funds were offset by increased shareholder servicing fees related to the funds.
Information Technology. Information technology expenses are generally costs associated with proprietary investment research tools, maintenance and support, computing hardware, software licenses, telecommunications and other related costs. Information technology costs increased by 7% to $266,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $249,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily due to increased expenses for support services, research tools and quotations. Decreases in data fees, equipment rental expense and depreciation expense partially offset these increases.
Professional Services. Professional services expenses generally consist of costs associated with subadvisory fees, audit, legal and other professional services. Professional services expenses increased by 16% to $439,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $379,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily due to higher advisory fees paid to external subadvisors due to increased average assets under management in international equity, growth and high-yield common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust and increased public relations fees.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses generally consist of costs associated with the lease of our office space, investor relations, licenses and fees, depreciation, insurance, office supplies and other miscellaneous expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 14% to $695,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $609,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily due to increases in miscellaneous expenses, custody expense, director’s fees, occupancy expenses and charitable contributions. These increases were partially offset by decreased insurance expense.
Provision for Income Tax Expense. Provision for income tax expenses increased by 13% to $867,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $768,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 as a result of increased income. The effective tax rate was 33.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 34.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
Six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to six months ended June 30, 2007
Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased by 23% to $18.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $15.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Asset-based advisory fees increased by 36% to $13.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $9.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Management due to inflows from new and existing clients, partially offset by the withdrawal of assets by certain clients and the market depreciation of assets. Performance-based advisory fees were $80,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to zero for the first six months of the prior year, as a result of a performance-based fee earned in the annual measurement period ended June 30, 2008. Trust fees increased by 11% to $5.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $4.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007, as a result of increased average assets under management by Westwood Trust due to inflows from new clients, offset in part by market depreciation of assets and the withdrawal of assets by certain clients. Other revenues, which generally consist of interest and investment income, decreased by 67% to $277,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $832,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Other revenues decreased primarily due to a decrease of $574,000 in realized and unrealized gains/losses on investments and a decrease of $95,000 in interest income. An increase of $115,000 in dividend income partially offset these decreases.
Employee Compensation and Benefits. Employee compensation and benefits increased by 26% to $10.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $8.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. This increase was due primarily to an increase of approximately $891,000 in restricted stock expense due to additional restricted stock grants in July 2007 and February 2008, increased salary and benefits expense due to increased headcount and salary increases for certain employees, increased incentive compensation expense due to higher pretax income, increased 401(k) match expense related to increased salaries and incentive compensation expense, increased profit sharing expense and increased health insurance costs. Beginning in 2008, restricted stock grants were awarded in the first quarter of the year in order to synchronize the payment of cash incentive bonus awards with the personal tax liability resulting from restricted stock vesting. We had 57 full-time employees as of June 30, 2008 compared to 50 full-time employees as of June 30, 2007.
Sales and Marketing. Sales and marketing costs increased by 24% to $332,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $268,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily the result of increases in direct marketing, travel and entertainment expenses.
WHG Mutual Funds. WHG Mutual Funds expenses increased by 40% to $141,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $101,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Decreased fund expense reimbursements due to a higher level of assets in the funds was offset by increased shareholder servicing fees related to the funds.
Information Technology. Information technology costs increased by 9% to $527,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $482,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily due to increased expenses for support services, software licenses and maintenance, research tools and quotations. Decreases in data fees, equipment rental expense and depreciation expense partially offset these increases.
Professional Services. Professional services expenses increased by 14% to $887,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $779,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily due to higher advisory fees paid to external subadvisors due to increased average assets under management in international equity, growth and high-yield common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust and increased professional fees related to new products and human resources. Decreases in legal expenses partially offset these increases.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by 13% to $1.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase is primarily due to increases in miscellaneous expenses, director’s fees, occupancy expenses, charitable contributions, office supplies expense, investor relations expense and custody expense. These increases were partially offset by decreases in insurance expense.
Provision for Income Tax Expense. Provision for income tax expenses increased by 20% to $1.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as a result of increased income. The effective tax rate was 34.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 34.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Supplemental Financial Information
As supplemental information, we are providing non-generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) performance measures that we refer to as cash earnings and cash expenses. We provide these measures in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income and total expenses, which are reported on a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) basis. Management and our board of directors review cash earnings and cash expenses to evaluate our ongoing performance, allocate resources and review dividend policy. We believe that these non-GAAP performance measures, while not substitutes for GAAP net income and total expenses, are useful for both management and investors to evaluate our underlying operating and financial performance and our available resources. We do not advocate that investors consider these non-GAAP measures without considering financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.