Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of
our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes
and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Report. In addition to historical consolidated financial information, the
following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ
materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include
those discussed below. For a more complete description of the risks noted above and other risks that could cause our actual results to
materially differ from our current expectations, please see Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. We assume no obligation to
update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required
by law.
Executive Summary
We are a global financial innovator, offering
a well-diversified suite of ETPs, models, solutions and products leveraging blockchain technology. We empower investors and consumers
to shape their future and support financial professionals to better serve their clients and grow their businesses. We are leveraging the
latest financial infrastructure to create products that provide access, transparency and an enhanced user experience. Building on our
heritage of innovation, we are also developing and have launched next-generation digital products, services and structures, including
Digital Funds and tokenized assets, as well as our blockchain-native digital wallet, WisdomTree Prime. WisdomTree Prime is available in
the U.S. in 44 states and to approximately 79% of the U.S. population.
We had approximately $109.7 billion in AUM as
of June 30, 2024. Our family of ETPs includes products that provide exposure to equities, fixed income, commodities, leveraged-and-inverse,
currency, cryptocurrency and alternatives strategies. We have launched many first-to-market products and pioneered alternative weighting
we call “Modern Alpha,” which combines the outperformance potential of active management with the benefits of passive management
to offer investors cost-effective funds that are built to perform. Most of our equity-based funds employ a fundamentally weighted investment
methodology, which weights securities based on factors such as dividends, earnings or investment factors, whereas most other industry
indexes use a capitalization weighted methodology. These products are distributed through all major channels in the asset management industry,
including banks, brokerage firms, registered investment advisers, institutional investors, private wealth managers and online brokers
primarily through our sales force. We believe technology is altering the way financial advisors conduct business and through our Advisor
and Portfolio Solutions programs we offer technology-enabled and research-driven solutions including portfolio construction, asset allocation,
practice management services and digital tools to help financial advisors address technology challenges and grow and scale their businesses.
We are at the forefront of innovation and believe
that tokenization and leveraging the utility of blockchain technology is the next evolution in financial services. We are building the
foundation that we believe will allow us to lead in this coming evolution. WisdomTree Prime, our blockchain-native digital wallet, positions
us to expand our blockchain-enabled financial product and services offerings with a new direct-to-consumer channel where spending, saving
and investing are united. As we continue to pursue our digital assets strategy, we are embracing what we refer to as “responsible
DeFi,” which we believe upholds the foundational principles of regulation in this innovative and quickly evolving space. We believe
that our expansion into digital assets and blockchain-enabled finance complements our existing core competencies in a holistic manner
and will diversify our revenue streams and contribute to our growth.
We were incorporated under the laws of the state
of Delaware on September 19, 1985 as Financial Data Systems, Inc. and were ultimately renamed WisdomTree, Inc. on November 7, 2022.
35
Table of Contents
Assets
Under
Management
WisdomTree
ETPs
We
offer
ETPs
covering
equities,
commodities
and
currency,
fixed
income,
leveraged-and-inverse,
cryptocurrency
and
alternatives.
The
chart
below
sets
forth
the
asset
mix
of
our
ETPs
at
June
30,
2024,
March
31,
2024
and
June
30,
2023:
Market
Environment
Emerging
markets
outperformed
developed
markets
in
the
second
quarter
of
2024.
U.S.
shares
gained,
led
higher
by
the
information
technology
and
communication
service
sectors.
Annual
U.S.
inflation
eased
slightly
and
the
labor
market
remained
strong.
Eurozone
shares
moved
lower
in
the
second
quarter
of
2024
amid
political
uncertainty
and
sticky
inflation.
The
S&P
500,
MSCI
EAFE
Index
(local
currency),
MSCI
EMU
Index
(local
currency),
MSCI
Japan
Index
(local
currency),
MSCI
Emerging
Markets
Index
(U.S.
dollar)
and
gold
prices
increased
by
9.9%,
8.0%,
8.1%,
12.8%,
2.4%
and
5.3%,
respectively,
during
the
quarter.
The
U.S.
dollar
strengthened
0.7%
and
5.9%
versus
the
euro
and
the
Japanese
yen,
respectively,
and
weakened
0.1%
versus
the
British
pound
during
the
quarter.
36
Table of Contents
U.S.
Listed
ETF
Industry
Flows
U.S.
listed
ETF
industry
net
flows
were
$208.9
billion
for
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2024.
U.S.
equity
and
fixed
income
gathered
the
majority
of
those
flows.
Source:
Morningstar
37
Table of Contents
European
Listed
ETP
Industry
Flows
European
listed
ETP
industry
net
flows
were
$53.9
billion
for
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2024.
Equity
and
fixed
income
gathered
the
majority
of
those
flows.
Source:
Morningstar
38
Table of Contents
Our
Operating
and
Financial
Results
We
operate
as
an
ETP
sponsor
and
asset
manager,
providing
investment
advisory
services
globally
through
our
subsidiaries
in
the
U.S.
and
Europe.
U.S.
Listed
ETFs
The
AUM
of
our
U.S.
listed
exchange
traded
funds,
or
U.S.
listed
ETFs,
increased
from
$78.1
billion
at
March
31,
2024
to
$79.7
billion
at
June
30,
2024
due
to
market
appreciation
and
net
inflows.
European
Listed
ETPs
The
AUM
of
our
European
listed
(including
internationally
cross-listed)
ETPs,
or
European
listed
ETPs,
increased
from
$29.1
billion
at
March
31,
2024
to
$30.0
billion
at
June
30,
2024
due
to
market
appreciation,
partly
offset
by
net
outflows.
39
Table of Contents
Consolidated
Operating
Results
The
following
table
sets
forth
our
revenues
and
net
income
for
the
most
recent
five
quarters.
●
Revenues – Total revenues increased 24.9% from the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $107.0 million in the comparable
period in 2024 primarily due to higher average AUM and higher other revenues attributable to our European listed products.
●
Expenses – Total operating expenses increased 8.9% from the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $73.5 million in
the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher incentive and stock-based compensation expense and increased headcount, fund management
and administration costs, third-party distribution fees and marketing expenses. These increases were partly offset by lower professional
fees and the termination of the deferred consideration—gold payments obligation on May 10, 2023.
●
Other Income/(Expenses) – Other income/(expenses) includes interest income and interest expense, gains on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration–gold payments, impairments and other losses and gains. Further information is provided herein.
●
Net income – We reported net income of $21.8 million and $54.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024
and 2023, respectively.
Guidance Update for the Year Ending December 31, 2024
Compensation Expense
Our compensation to revenue ratio for the year
ending December 31, 2024 is currently estimated to range from 28% to 29% (our prior compensation expense guidance was $108.0 million to
$118.0 million). Our estimated compensation to revenue ratio takes into consideration planned hires for 2024 and variability in incentive
compensation, with drivers including the magnitude of flows, revenues and operating income growth, margin expansion and share price performance
in relation to our peers.
Discretionary Spending
Discretionary spending includes marketing, sales,
professional fees, occupancy and equipment, depreciation and amortization and other expenses. During the six months ended June 30, 2024,
discretionary spending was $30.5 million. We currently estimate discretionary spending for the year ending December 31, 2024 to range
from $64.0 million to $68.0 million (unchanged from our guidance range provided last quarter). Due to seasonality, the discretionary spend
for the remainder of the year will likely be more skewed toward the fourth quarter.
Not included in the guidance above are non-recurring
expenses in response to an activist campaign, including $5.0 million incurred during the six months ended June 30, 2024.
Gross Margin
We define gross margin as total operating revenues
less fund management and administration expenses. Gross margin percentage is calculated as gross margin divided by total operating revenues.
Our gross margin was 80.3% during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and we have updated our gross margin guidance for the year ending
December 31, 2024 to be between 80% and 81% (previously 79.0% to 80.0%) considering current AUM levels and higher forecasted other revenues
going forward. If AUM increases from continued organic flow growth or favorable market conditions, we would anticipate further gross margin
expansion.
40
Table of Contents
Third-Party
Distribution
Fees
We
currently
estimate
third-party
distribution
fees
to
range
from
$10.0
million
to
$11.0
million
(unchanged
from
our
guidance
range
provided
last
quarter),
which
is
dependent
upon
the
AUM
growth
on
our
respective
platforms.
Interest
Expense
We
currently
estimate
our
interest
expense
for
the
year
ending
December
31,
2024
to
be
$16.5
million,
which
is
inclusive
of
approximately
$2.6
million
of
interest
cost
we
are
required
to
impute
under
U.S.
GAAP
related
to
our
interest-free
financing
of
the
shares
of
Series
C
Non-Voting
Convertible
Preferred
Stock
(the
“Series
C
Preferred
Stock”)
we
repurchased
from
GBH
in
November
2023.
Interest
Income
We
currently
estimate
our
interest
income
for
the
year
ending
December
31,
2024
to
be
$5.0
million,
based
upon
the
magnitude
of
our
forecasted
interest
earning
assets.
Income
Tax
Expense
We
currently
estimate
that
our
consolidated
normalized
effective
tax
rate
will
be
24.0%
to
25.0%
(unchanged
from
our
guidance
range
provided
last
quarter)
taking
into
consideration
the
current
distribution
of
profits
among
our
U.S.
and
European
businesses.
This
estimated
rate
may
change
and
is
dependent
upon
our
actual
taxable
income
earned
in
relation
to
our
forecasts
as
well
as
any
other
items
which
may
arise
that
are
not
currently
forecasted.
Such
items
may
include,
but
are
not
limited
to,
increases
or
decreases
in
valuation
allowances
and
any
stock-based
compensation
windfalls
or
shortfalls.
Additional
corporate
tax
legislation
could
also
impact
our
normalized
effective
tax
rate.
Weighted
Average
Diluted
Shares
We
currently
estimate
our
weighted
average
diluted
shares
to
be
between
166.0
million
and
168.0
million
during
the
year
ending
December
31,
2024.
This
guidance
does
not
take
into
consideration
any
variability
in
shares
associated
with
our
convertible
notes.
While
our
convertible
notes
require
principal
to
be
paid
in
cash,
our
diluted
shares
would
need
to
be
increased
for
any
incremental
shares
associated
with
an
exercise
of
the
conversion
option
if
our
stock
price
exceeds
the
applicable
conversion
price
of
our
convertible
notes
of
$9.54
per
share
for
the
5.75%
Convertible
Senior
Notes
due
2028
and
$11.04
per
share
for
the
3.25%
Convertible
Senior
Notes
due
2026.
41
Table of Contents
Key
Operating
Statistics
The
following
table
presents
key
operating
statistics
that
serve
as
indicators
for
the
performance
of
our
business:
Three
Months Ended
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
March 31,
June 30,
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2024
2023
2024
2023
GLOBAL
ETPs (in millions )
Beginning of period assets
$
107,230
$
100,124
$
90,740
$
100,124
$
81,993
Inflows
340
1,990
2,327
2,330
8,668
Market appreciation
2,116
5,116
599
7,232
3,005
End of period assets
$
109,686
$
107,230
$
93,666
$
109,686
$
93,666
Average assets during the period
$
108,392
$
102,360
$
91,578
$
105,376
$
89,543
Average advisory fee during the period
0.37
%
0.36
%
0.36
%
0.37
%
0.36
%
Number of ETPs—end of period
350
338
344
350
344
U.S.
LISTED ETFs (in millions )
Beginning of period assets
$
78,087
$
72,486
$
61,283
$
72,486
$
55,973
Inflows
1,106
1,983
3,249
3,089
7,261
Market appreciation
529
3,618
1,371
4,147
2,669
End of period assets
$
79,722
$
78,087
$
65,903
$
79,722
$
65,903
Average assets during the period
$
78,436
$
74,730
$
62,712
$
76,583
$
61,071
Number of ETFs – end of the period
78
77
80
78
80
EUROPEAN
LISTED ETPs (in millions)
Beginning of period assets
$
29,143
$
27,638
$
29,457
$
27,638
$
26,020
(Outflows)/inflows
(766
)
7
(922
)
(759
)
1,407
Market appreciation/(depreciation)
1,587
1,498
(772
)
3,085
336
End of period assets
$
29,964
$
29,143
$
27,763
$
29,964
$
27,763
Average assets during the period
$
29,956
$
27,630
$
28,866
$
28,793
$
28,472
Number of ETPs—end of period
272
261
264
272
264
PRODUCT
CATEGORIES (in millions)
U.S. Equity
Beginning of period assets
$
31,670
$
29,156
$
24,534
$
29,156
$
24,112
Inflows
221
536
414
757
265
Market (depreciation)/appreciation
(57
)
1,978
1,053
1,921
1,624
End of period assets
$
31,834
$
31,670
$
26,001
$
31,834
$
26,001
Average assets during the period
$
31,252
$
30,056
$
24,732
$
30,654
$
24,729
Commodity & Currency
Beginning of period assets
$
21,944
$
21,336
$
24,924
$
21,336
$
22,097
(Outflows)/inflows
(1,499
)
(460
)
(1,513
)
(1,959
)
490
Market appreciation/(depreciation)
1,542
1,068
(1,027
)
2,610
(203
)
End of period assets
$
21,987
$
21,944
$
22,384
$
21,987
$
22,384
Average assets during the period
$
22,437
$
20,837
$
24,033
$
21,635
$
23,918
Fixed Income
Beginning of period assets
$
21,218
$
21,197
$
18,708
$
21,197
$
15,273
Inflows/(outflows)
236
(14
)
1,471
222
4,984
Market (depreciation)/appreciation
(24
)
35
36
11
(42
)
End of period assets
$
21,430
$
21,218
$
20,215
$
21,430
$
20,215
Average assets during the period
$
21,277
$
21,082
$
19,185
$
21,180
$
18,181
International Developed
Market Equity
Beginning of period assets
$
18,103
$
15,103
$
11,433
$
15,103
$
10,195
Inflows
1,253
1,599
1,593
2,852
2,043
Market appreciation
29
1,401
397
1,430
1,185
End of period assets
$
19,385
$
18,103
$
13,423
$
19,385
$
13,423
Average assets during the period
$
18,809
$
16,688
$
12,276
$
17,749
$
11,578
42
Table of Contents
Three
Months Ended
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
March 31,
June 30,
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2024
2023
2024
2023
Emerging Market Equity
Beginning of period assets
$
11,189
$
10,726
$
8,811
$
10,726
$
8,116
Inflows
57
217
329
274
815
Market appreciation
629
246
51
875
260
End of period assets
$
11,875
$
11,189
$
9,191
$
11,875
$
9,191
Average assets during the period
$
11,448
$
10,900
$
8,998
$
11,174
$
8,832
Leveraged & Inverse
Beginning of period assets
$
1,828
$
1,815
$
1,785
$
1,815
$
1,754
(Outflows)/inflows
(18
)
(50
)
12
(68
)
55
Market appreciation
112
63
67
175
55
End of period assets
$
1,922
$
1,828
$
1,864
$
1,922
$
1,864
Average assets during the period
$
1,905
$
1,792
$
1,798
$
1,849
$
1,778
Cryptocurrency
Beginning of period assets
$
874
$
414
$
239
$
414
$
136
Inflows/(outflows)
75
158
(1
)
233
12
Market (depreciation)/appreciation
(111
)
302
10
191
100
End of period assets
$
838
$
874
$
248
$
838
$
248
Average assets during the period
$
856
$
614
$
236
$
735
$
213
Alternatives
Beginning of period assets
$
404
$
377
$
306
$
377
$
310
Inflows
15
4
22
19
4
Market (depreciation)/appreciation
(4
)
23
12
19
26
End of period assets
$
415
$
404
$
340
$
415
$
340
Average assets during the period
$
408
$
391
320
$
400
$
314
Headcount:
304
300
291
304
291
Note: Previously issued statistics may be restated
due to fund closures and trade adjustments.
Source: WisdomTree
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended
June 30, 2023
Selected Operating and Financial Information
Three
Months Ended
June 30,
Percent
2024
2023
Change
Change
AUM (in millions)
Average AUM
$
108,392
$
91,578
$
16,814
18.4%
Operating Revenues (in thousands)
Advisory fees
$
98,938
$
82,004
$
16,934
20.7%
Other revenues
8,096
3,720
4,376
117.6%
Total operating revenues
$
107,034
$
85,724
$
21,310
24.9%
Operating Revenues
Advisory fees
Advisory fee revenues increased 20.7% from $82.0
million during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $98.9 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher average
AUM. Our average advisory fee was 0.36% and 0.37% during the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Other revenues
Other revenues increased 117.6% from $3.7 million
during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $8.1 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher other revenues attributable
to our European listed products.
43
Table of Contents
Operating
Expenses
Three
Months Ended
June 30,
Percent
(in
thousands)
2024
2023
Change
Change
Compensation and benefits
$
30,790
$
26,319
$
4,471
17.0%
Fund management and administration
20,139
17,727
2,412
13.6%
Marketing and advertising
5,110
4,465
645
14.4%
Sales and business development
3,640
3,326
314
9.4%
Contractual gold payments
—
1,583
(1,583
)
n/a
Professional fees
6,594
8,334
(1,740
)
(20.9%
)
Occupancy, communications and equipment
1,314
1,172
142
12.1%
Depreciation and amortization
418
121
297
245.5%
Third-party distribution fees
2,687
1,881
806
42.8%
Other
2,831
2,615
216
8.3%
Total operating expenses
$
73,523
$
67,543
$
5,980
8.9%
Three Months Ended
June 30,
As a Percent of Revenues:
2024
2023
Compensation and benefits
28.8
%
30.7
%
Fund management and administration
18.8
%
20.7
%
Marketing and advertising
4.8
%
5.2
%
Sales and business development
3.4
%
3.9
%
Contractual gold payments
n/a
1.8
%
Professional fees
6.2
%
9.7
%
Occupancy, communications and equipment
1.2
%
1.4
%
Depreciation and amortization
0.4
%
0.1
%
Third-party distribution fees
2.5
%
2.2
%
Other
2.6
%
3.1
%
Total operating
expenses
68.7
%
78.8
%
Compensation and benefits
Compensation and benefits expense increased
17.0% from $26.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $30.8 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher incentive
and stock-based compensation expense, as well as increased headcount. Headcount was 291 and 304 at June 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Fund management and administration
Fund management and administration expense increased
13.6% from $17.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $20.1 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to
higher average AUM. We had 80 U.S. listed ETFs and 264 European listed ETPs at June 30, 2023 compared to 78 U.S. listed ETFs and 272 European
listed ETPs at June 30, 2024.
Marketing and advertising
Marketing and advertising expense increased
14.4% from $4.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $5.1 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to
higher spending related to our U.S. listed products.
Sales and business development
Sales and business development expense increased
9.4% from $3.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $3.6 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to increases
in travel and events spending.
Contractual gold payments
Contractual gold payments expense decreased from
$1.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to zero in the comparable period in 2024 due to the termination of our deferred
consideration—gold payments obligation on May 10, 2023. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
44
Table of Contents
Professional
fees
Professional
fees
expense
decreased
20.9%
from
$8.3
million
during
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2023
to
$6.6
million
in
the
comparable
period
in
2024
due
to
non-recurring
expenses
incurred
during
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2023
to
settle
our
deferred
consideration—gold
payments
obligation
and
our
acquisition
of
WisdomTree
Transfers,
Inc.
(formerly
Securrency
Transfers,
Inc.).
Occupancy,
communications
and
equipment
Occupancy,
communications
and
equipment
expense
was
essentially
unchanged
from
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2023.
Depreciation
and
amortization
Depreciation
and
amortization
expense
increased
245.5%
from
$0.1
million
during
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2023
to
$0.4
million
in
the
comparable
period
in
2024
due
to
amortization
of
software
development
costs.
Third-party
distribution
fees
Third-party
distribution
fees
expense
increased
42.8%
from
$1.9
million
during
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2023
to
$2.7
million
in
the
comparable
period
in
2024
due
to
AUM
growth
we
are
experiencing
on
our
various
platforms
and
new
platform
relationships.
Other
Other
expenses
were
essentially
unchanged
from
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2023.
Other
Income/(Expenses)
Three
Months Ended
June 30,
Percent
(in
thousands)
2024
2023
Change
Change
Interest expense
$
(4,140
)
$
(4,021
)
$
(119
)
3.0%
Gain on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration—gold payments
—
41,361
(41,361
)
n/a
Interest income
1,438
1,000
438
43.8%
Other losses
and gains, net
(1,283
)
1,286
(2,569
)
(199.8%
)
Total other (expenses)/income, net
$
(3,985
)
$
39,626
$
(43,611
)
(110.0%
)
Three
Months Ended
June 30,
As a Percent of Revenues:
2024
2023
Interest expense
(3.8%
)
(4.7%
)
Gain on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration—gold payments
n/a
48.2%
Interest income
1.3%
1.2%
Other losses
and gains, net
(1.2%
)
1.5%
Total other
(expenses)/income, net
(3.7%
)
46.2%
Interest expense
Interest expense was essentially unchanged from
the three months ended June 30, 2023. Our effective interest rate during the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024 was 5.0% and 4.95%,
respectively.
Gain on revaluation/termination of deferred consideration—gold
payments
We recognized a gain on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration—gold payments of $41.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023. This obligation was settled
on May 10, 2023 for approximately $137.0 million. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Interest income
Interest income increased 43.8% from $1.0 million
during the three months ended June 30, 2023 to $1.4 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to a higher level of interest-earning
assets.
Other losses and gains, net
Other losses and gains, net were $1.3 million
and ($1.3) million during the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The three months ended June 30, 2024 include losses
of $1.3 million and $0.3 million on our investments and financial instruments owned, respectively. Gains and losses also generally arise
from the sale of gold earned from management fees paid by our physically-backed gold ETPs, foreign exchange fluctuations and other miscellaneous
items.
45
Table of Contents
Income
Taxes
Our
effective
income
tax
rate
during
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2024
was
26.3%,
resulting
in
income
tax
expense
of
$7.8
million.
The
effective
tax
rate
differs
from
the
federal
statutory
rate
of
21.0%
primarily
due
to
non-deductible
executive
compensation,
an
increase
in
the
deferred
tax
asset
valuation
allowance
on
losses
recognized
on
our
investments
and
state
and
local
income
taxes.
These
items
were
partly
offset
by
a
lower
tax
rate
on
foreign
earnings.
Our
effective
income
tax
rate
for
the
three
months
ended
June
30,
2023
was
6.1%,
resulting
in
income
tax
expense
of
$3.6
million.
The
effective
tax
rate
differs
from
the
federal
statutory
rate
of
21%
primarily
due
to
a
non-taxable
gain
on
revaluation/termination
of
deferred
consideration—gold
payments
and
a
decrease
in
the
deferred
tax
asset
valuation
allowance
on
losses
recognized
on
our
investments.
These
items
were
partly
offset
by
non-deductible
executive
compensation.
Six
Months
Ended
June
30,
2024
Compared
to
Six
Months
Ended
June
30,
2023
Selected
Operating
and
Financial
Information
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
Percent
2024
2023
Change
Change
AUM (in millions)
Average AUM
$
105,376
$
89,543
$
15,833
17.7%
Operating Revenues (in thousands)
Advisory fees
$
191,439
$
159,641
$
31,798
19.9%
Other revenues
12,433
8,127
4,306
53.0%
Total revenues
$
203,872
$
167,768
$
36,104
21.5%
Operating Revenues
Advisory fees
Advisory fee revenues increased 19.9% from $159.6
million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $191.4 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher average AUM.
Our average advisory fee was 0.36% during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 0.37% during the comparable period in 2024.
Other revenues
Other revenues increased 53.0% from $8.1 million
during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $12.4 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher other revenues attributable
to our European listed products.
Operating Expenses
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
Percent
(in
thousands)
2024
2023
Change
Change
Compensation and benefits
$
61,844
$
53,717
$
8,127
15.1%
Fund management and administration
40,101
34,880
5,221
15.0%
Marketing and advertising
9,518
8,472
1,046
12.3%
Sales and business development
7,251
6,320
931
14.7%
Contractual gold payments
—
6,069
(6,069
)
n/a
Professional fees
10,224
12,049
(1,825
)
(15.1%
)
Occupancy, communications and equipment
2,524
2,273
251
11.0%
Depreciation and amortization
801
230
571
248.3%
Third-party distribution fees
4,994
4,134
860
20.8%
Other
5,154
4,872
282
5.8%
Total operating
expenses
$
142,411
$
133,016
$
9,395
7.1%
46
Table of Contents
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
As a Percent of Revenues:
2024
2023
Compensation and benefits
30.4%
32.0%
Fund management and administration
19.7%
20.8%
Marketing and advertising
4.7%
5.0%
Sales and business development
3.6%
3.8%
Contractual gold payments
n/a
3.6%
Professional fees
5.0%
7.2%
Occupancy, communications and equipment
1.2%
1.4%
Depreciation and amortization
0.4%
0.1%
Third-party distribution fees
2.4%
2.5%
Other
2.5%
2.9%
Total operating
expenses
69.9%
79.3%
Compensation and benefits
Compensation and benefits expense increased
15.1% from $53.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $61.8 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher incentive
and stock-based compensation expense and increased headcount.
Fund management and administration
Fund management and administration expense increased
15.0% from $34.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $40.1 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to
higher average AUM and product launches.
Marketing and advertising
Marketing and advertising expense increased
12.3% from $8.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $9.5 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher
spending related to our U.S. listed products.
Sales and business development
Sales and business development expense increased
14.7% from $6.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $7.3 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to increases
in travel and events spending.
Contractual gold payments
Contractual gold payments expense decreased
from $6.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to zero in the comparable period in 2024 due to the termination of our deferred
consideration—gold payments obligation on May 10, 2023. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial statements for additional information.
Professional fees
Professional fees decreased 15.1% from $12.0 million
during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $10.2 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to lower activist campaign expenses
and non-recurring expenses incurred in the prior year to settle our deferred consideration—gold payments obligation and our acquisition
of WisdomTree Transfers, Inc.
Occupancy, communications and equipment
Occupancy, communications and equipment expense
was essentially unchanged from the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased
248.3% from $0.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $0.8 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to amortization
of software development costs.
Third-party distribution fees
Third-party distribution fees increased 20.8%
from $4.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $5.0 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to AUM growth we are
experiencing on our various platforms and new platform relationships.
47
Table of Contents
Other
Other
expenses
were
essentially
unchanged
from
the
six
months
ended
June
30,
2023.
Other
Income/(Expenses)
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
Percent
(in
thousands)
2024
2023
Change
Change
Interest expense
$
(8,268
)
$
(8,023
)
$
(245
)
3.1%
Gain on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration—gold payments
—
61,953
(61,953
)
n/a
Interest income
2,836
2,083
753
36.1%
Impairments
—
(4,900
)
4,900
n/a
Loss on extinguishment of convertible
notes
—
(9,721
)
9,721
n/a
Other gains
and losses, net
1,309
(721
)
2,030
(281.6%
)
Total other
income/(expenses), net
$
(4,123
)
$
40,671
$
(44,794
)
(110.1%
)
Six
Months Ended June 30,
As a Percent of Revenues:
2024
2023
Interest expense
(4.0%
)
(4.8%
)
Gain on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration—gold payments
n/a
36.9%
Interest income
1.4%
1.2%
Impairments
n/a
(2.9%
)
Loss on extinguishment of convertible
notes
n/a
(5.8%
)
Other gains
and losses, net
0.6%
(0.4%
)
Total other
income/(expenses), net
(2.0%
)
24.2%
Interest expense
Interest expense was essentially unchanged from
the six months ended June 30, 2023. Our effective interest rate during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024 was 4.9% and 4.95%,
respectively.
Gain on revaluation/termination of deferred consideration—gold
payments
We recognized a gain on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration—gold payments of $62.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023. This obligation was settled
on May 10, 2023 for approximately $137.0 million. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Interest income
Interest income increased 36.1% from $2.1 million
during the six months ended June 30, 2023 to $2.8 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to a higher level of interest-earning assets.
Impairments
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we
recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $4.9 million on our investment in Securrency, Inc.
Loss on Extinguishment of Convertible Notes
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we
recognized a loss on extinguishment of convertible notes of $9.7 million arising from the repurchase of $115.0 million in aggregate principal
amount of our 2020 Notes.
Other gains and losses, net
Other gains and losses, net were ($0.7) million
and $1.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively. This period includes gains on our financial instruments
owned of $1.8 million and losses on our investments of $1.2 million. Gains and losses also generally arise from the sale of gold earned
on management fees paid by our physically-backed gold ETPs, foreign exchange fluctuations and other miscellaneous items.
48
Table of Contents
Income
Taxes
Our
effective
income
tax
rate
for
the
six
months
ended
June
30,
2024
was
23.5%,
resulting
in
an
income
tax
expense
of
$13.5
million.
Our
tax
rate
differs
from
the
federal
statutory
rate
of
21%
primarily
due
to
non-deductible
executive
compensation
and
state
and
local
income
taxes.
These
items
were
partly
offset
by
a
lower
tax
rate
on
foreign
earnings
and
tax
windfalls
associated
with
the
vesting
of
stock-based
compensation
awards.
Our
effective
income
tax
rate
for
the
six
months
ended
June
30,
2023
was
6.5%,
resulting
in
an
income
tax
expense
of
$4.9
million.
Our
tax
rate
differs
from
the
federal
statutory
rate
of
21%
primarily
due
to
a
non-taxable
gain
on
revaluation/termination
of
deferred
consideration—gold
payments,
a
reduction
in
unrecognized
tax
benefits
associated
with
the
release
of
the
tax-related
indemnification
asset
and
a
lower
tax
rate
on
foreign
earnings.
These
items
were
partly
offset
by
a
non-deductible
loss
on
extinguishment
of
our
convertible
notes
during
the
first
quarter
of
2023,
non-deductible
executive
compensation
and
an
increase
in
the
deferred
tax
asset
valuation
allowance
on
losses
recognized
on
our
investments.
Non-GAAP
Financial
Measurements
In
an
effort
to
provide
additional
information
regarding
our
results
as
determined
by
GAAP,
we
also
disclose
certain
non-GAAP
information
which
we
believe
provides
useful
and
meaningful
information.
Our
management
reviews
these
non-GAAP
financial
measurements
when
evaluating
our
financial
performance
and
results
of
operations;
therefore,
we
believe
it
is
useful
to
provide
information
with
respect
to
these
non-GAAP
measurements
so
as
to
share
this
perspective
of
management.
Non-GAAP
measurements
do
not
have
any
standardized
meaning,
do
not
replace
nor
are
superior
to
GAAP
financial
measurements
and
are
unlikely
to
be
comparable
to
similar
measures
presented
by
other
companies.
These
non-GAAP
financial
measurements
should
be
considered
in
the
context
with
our
GAAP
results.
The
non-GAAP
financial
measurements
contained
in
this
Report
include:
Adjusted
Net
Income
and
Diluted
Earnings
per
Share
We
disclose
adjusted
net
income
and
diluted
earnings
per
share
as
non-GAAP
financial
measurements
in
order
to
report
our
results
exclusive
of
items
that
are
non-recurring
or
not
core
to
our
operating
business.
We
believe
presenting
these
non-GAAP
financial
measurements
provides
investors
with
a
consistent
way
to
analyze
our
performance.
These
non-GAAP
financial
measurements
exclude
the
following:
●
Unrealized gains or losses on revaluation/termination of deferred consideration—gold payments: Deferred consideration—gold
payments was an obligation we assumed in connection with the ETFS Acquisition that was carried at fair value. This item represented the
present value of an obligation to pay fixed ounces of gold into perpetuity and is measured using forward-looking gold prices. Changes
in the forward-looking price of gold and changes in the discount rate used to compute the present value of the annual payment obligations
have had a material impact on the carrying value of the deferred consideration and our reported financial results. We exclude this item
when calculating our non-GAAP financial measurements as it was not core to our operating business. The item was not adjusted for income
taxes as the obligation was assumed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours that is based in Jersey, a jurisdiction where we are subject
to a zero percent tax rate. During the second quarter of 2023, we terminated this obligation for aggregate consideration totaling approximately
$137.0 million.
●
Gains or losses on financial instruments owned: We account for our financial instruments owned as trading securities, which
requires these instruments to be measured at fair value with gains and losses reported in net income. We exclude these items when calculating
our non-GAAP financial measurements as the gains and losses introduce volatility in earnings and are not core to our operating business.
●
Tax windfalls and shortfalls upon vesting of stock-based compensation awards: GAAP requires the recognition of tax windfalls
and shortfalls within income tax expense. These items arise upon the vesting of stock-based compensation awards and the magnitude is directly
correlated to the number of awards vesting as well as the difference between the price of our stock on the date the award was granted
and the date the award vested. We exclude these items when calculating our non-GAAP financial measurements as they introduce volatility
in earnings and are not core to our operating business.
●
Imputed interest on our payable to GBH: During the fourth quarter of 2023, we repurchased our Series C Preferred Stock,
which was convertible into approximately 13.1 million shares of our common stock, from GBH for aggregate cash consideration of approximately
$84.4 million. Under the terms of the transaction, we paid GBH $40.0 million on the closing date, with the remainder of the purchase price
payable in equal, interest-free installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the closing date. Under U.S. GAAP, the obligation
is recorded at its present value utilizing a market rate of interest on the closing date of 7.0% and the corresponding discount is amortized
as interest expense pursuant to the effective interest method of accounting over the life of the obligation. We exclude this item when
calculating our non-GAAP financial measurements as recognition of interest expense is non-cash and contrary to the stated terms of our
obligation.
49
Table of Contents
●
Other items: Gains and losses recognized on our investments, changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, expenses
incurred in response to an activist campaign, loss on extinguishment of convertible notes, impairments, remeasurement of contingent consideration
payable to us from the sale of our former Canadian ETF business, and litigation expenses associated with certain provisions of our Stockholder
Rights Agreement, dated as of March 17, 2023, as amended, are excluded when calculating our non-GAAP financial measurements.
Three
Months Ended
Six
Months Ended
Adjusted Net Income and
Diluted Earnings per Share:
June
30,
2024
June
30,
2023
June
30,
2024
June
30,
2023
Net income, as reported
$
21,759
$
54,252
$
43,870
$
70,485
Deduct: Gain on revaluation/termination
of deferred consideration—gold payments
—
(41,361
)
—
(61,953
)
Add back: Expenses incurred in
response to an activist campaign, net of income taxes
3,234
3,720
3,760
4,452
Add back/(deduct): Losses/(gains)
recognized on our investments, net of income taxes
998
(2,346
)
905
620
Add back: Imputed
interest on payable to GBH, net of income taxes
513
—
1,017
—
Add back/(deduct):
Increase/(decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance on financial instruments owned and investments
391
(508
)
(140
)
(31
)
Add back/(deduct): Losses/(gains)
on financial instruments owned, net of income taxes
220
762
(1,342
)
(717
)
(Deduct)/add
back: Tax (windfalls)/shortfalls upon vesting and exercise of stock-based compensation awards
(40
)
33
(739
)
(152
)
Add back: Litigation expenses
associated with certain provisions of the Stockholder Rights Agreement, net of income taxes
—
367
—
367
Add back: Loss on extinguishment
of convertible notes, net of income taxes
—
—
—
9,623
Add back: Impairments, net of
income taxes (where applicable)
—
—
—
4,900
Deduct: Remeasurement
of contingent consideration—sale of Canadian ETF business
—
—
—
(1,477
)
Adjusted net income
$
27,075
$
14,919
$
47,331
$
26,117
Deduct: Income distributed to
participating securities
(462
)
(496
)
(924
)
(994
)
Deduct: Undistributed
income allocable to participating securities
(2,053
)
(1,410
)
(3,506
)
(2,028
)
Adjusted net income available to
common stockholders
$
24,560
$
13,013
$
42,901
$
23,095
Weighted average
diluted shares, excluding participating securities (in thousands) (See Note 20 to our Consolidated Financial Statements)
151,208
147,815
150,642
146,155
Adjusted earnings per share
– diluted
$
0.16
$
0.09
$
0.28
$
0.16
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes key data regarding
our liquidity, capital resources and use of capital to fund our operations:
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Balance
Sheet Data (in thousands):
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
132,459
$
129,305
Financial instruments owned, at fair value
69,783
58,722
Accounts receivable
42,664
35,473
Securities held-to-maturity
218
230
Total: Liquid assets
245,124
223,730
Less: Total current liabilities
(84,688
)
(103,216
)
Less: Other assets—seed capital (WisdomTree Digital
Funds)
(19,890
)
(18,308
)
Less: Regulatory capital
requirements
(36,964
)
(29,156
)
Total: Available liquidity
$
103,582
$
73,050
50
Table of Contents
Six
Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
Cash Flow Data (in thousands):
Operating cash flows
$
31,172
$
20,029
Investing cash flows
(9,699
)
51,936
Financing cash flows
(17,693
)
(121,109
)
Foreign exchange
rate effect
(626
)
778
Increase/(decrease)
in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
3,154
$
(48,366
)
Liquidity
We consider our available liquidity to be our
liquid assets, less our current liabilities, seed capital in WisdomTree Digital Funds and regulatory capital requirements of certain of
our subsidiaries. Liquid assets consist of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, financial instruments owned, at fair value, accounts
receivable and securities held-to-maturity. Our financial instruments owned, at fair value are highly liquid investments. Accounts receivable
are current assets and primarily represent receivables from advisory fees we earn from our ETPs. Our current liabilities consist primarily
of payments owed to vendors and third parties in the normal course of business, accrued incentive compensation for employees and the current
portion of our payable to GBH.
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased
by $3.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2024 due to $14.2 million used to purchase financial instruments owned, at fair value,
$9.9 million used to pay dividends, $7.8 million used to repurchase our common stock, $1.2 million used to pay for software development
and $0.7 million used for other activities. These decreases were partly offset by $31.2 million provided by operating activities, $5.3
million of proceeds from the sale of financial instruments owned, at fair value, and $0.5 million of proceeds from the exit from our investment
in Securrency, Inc.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $48.3
million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 due to $184.3 million used to repurchase and settle at maturity our convertible notes,
$50.0 million used to settle our deferred consideration—gold payments obligation, $40.5 million used to purchase financial instruments
owned, at fair value, $10.0 million used to purchase investments, $9.7 million used to pay dividends, $3.5 million used to repurchase
our common stock, $3.5 million used for convertible notes issuance costs and $1.0 million used to acquire Securrency Transfers, Inc (renamed
WisdomTree Transfers, Inc.). These decreases were partly offset by $130.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes,
$102.0 million of proceeds from the sale of financial instruments owned, at fair value, $20.0 million provided by operating activities,
$1.5 million from receipt of contingent consideration and $0.7 million from other activities.
Issuance of Convertible Notes
On February 14, 2023, we issued and sold $130.0
million in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028 (the “2023 Notes”) pursuant to an indenture
dated February 14, 2023, between us and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, in a private offering to qualified
institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Rule 144A”).
On June 14, 2021, we issued and sold $150.0
million in aggregate principal amount of 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2021 Notes”) pursuant to an indenture
dated June 14, 2021, between us and the trustee, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A.
On June 16, 2020, we issued and sold $150.0
million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the “June 2020 Notes”) pursuant to an indenture
dated June 16, 2020, between us and the trustee, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. On August
13, 2020, we issued and sold $25.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 at a price equal to
101% of the principal amount thereof, plus interest deemed to have accrued since June 16, 2020, which constituted a further issuance of,
and formed a single series with, our June 2020 Notes (the “August 2020 Notes” and together with the June 2020 Notes, the “2020
Notes”).
In connection with the issuance of the 2023
Notes, we repurchased $115.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes. As a result of this repurchase, we recognized a
loss on extinguishment of approximately $9.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023. The remainder of the 2020 Notes matured
on June 15, 2023 and were settled for approximately $59.9 million of cash and approximately 1.0 million shares of our common stock.
After the repurchase and settlement at maturity
of the 2020 Notes and the issuance of the 2023 Notes (such 2023 Notes, together with the 2021 Notes, the “Convertible Notes”),
we had $280.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes outstanding.
51
Table of Contents
Key
terms
of
the
Convertible
Notes
are
as
follows:
2023 Notes
2021 Notes
Principal outstanding
$130.0
$150.0
Maturity date (unless earlier converted,
repurchased or redeemed)
August 15, 2028
June 15, 2026
Interest rate
5.75%
3.25%
Conversion price
$9.54
$11.04
Conversion rate
104.8658
90.5797
Redemption price
$12.40
$14.35
●
Interest rate: Payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year for the 2023 Notes (beginning
on August 15, 2023) and on June 15 and December 15 of each year for the 2021 Notes.
●
Conversion price: Convertible at an initial conversion rate set forth in the table above into shares of our common stock,
per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price set forth in the table above), subject to adjustment.
●
Conversion: Holders may convert at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately
preceding May 15, 2028 and March 15, 2026 for the 2023 Notes and the 2021 Notes, respectively, only under the following circumstances:
(i) if the last reported sale price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending
on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price for the
respective Convertible Notes on each applicable trading day; (ii) during the five business day period after any ten consecutive trading
day period (the “measurement period”) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for
each trading day of the measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sales price of our common stock and the
conversion rate on each such trading day; (iii) upon a notice of redemption delivered by us in accordance with the terms of the indentures
but only with respect to the Convertible Notes called (or deemed called) for redemption; or (iv) upon the occurrence of specified corporate
events. On or after May 15, 2028 and March 15, 2026 in respect of the 2023 Notes and the 2021 Notes, respectively, until the close of
business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Convertible Notes at any
time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
●
Cash settlement of principal amount: Upon conversion, we will pay cash up to the aggregate principal amount of the Convertible
Notes to be converted. At our election, we will also settle our conversion obligation in excess of the aggregate principal amount of the
Convertible Notes being converted in either cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock.
●
Redemption price: We may redeem for cash all or any portion of the Convertible Notes, at our option, on or after August
20, 2025 and June 20, 2023 in respect of the 2023 Notes and the 2021 Notes, respectively, and on or prior to the 55 th
scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130%
of the conversion price for the respective Convertible Notes then in effect for at least 20 trading days, including the trading day immediately
preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption, during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the
trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal
amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided
for the Convertible Notes.
●
Limited investor put rights: Holders of the Convertible Notes have the right to require us to repurchase for cash all or
a portion of their notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of certain change
of control transactions or liquidation, dissolution or common stock delisting events.
●
Conversion rate increase in certain customary circumstances: In certain circumstances, conversions in connection with a
“make-whole fundamental change” (as defined in the indentures) or conversions of Convertible Notes called (or deemed called)
for redemption may result in an increase to the conversion rate, provided that the conversion rate will not exceed 167.7853 shares and
144.9275 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2023 Notes and the 2021 Notes, respectively (the equivalent of
43,551,214 shares of our common stock in the aggregate), subject to adjustment.
●
Seniority and Security: The 2023 Notes and 2021 Notes rank equal in right of payment, and are our senior unsecured obligations,
but are subordinated in right of payment to our obligations to make certain redemption payments (if and when due) in respect of our Series
A Preferred Stock (See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements).
The indentures contain customary terms and covenants,
including that upon certain events of default occurring and continuing, either the trustee or the respective holders of not less than
25% in aggregate principal amount of the respective series of Convertible Notes outstanding may declare the entire principal amount of
all such respective Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued special interest, if any, to be immediately due and payable.
52
Table of Contents
Capital
Resources
Our
principal
source
of
financing
is
our
operating
cash
flow.
We
believe
that
current
cash
flows
generated
by
our
operating
activities
and
existing
cash
balances
should
be
sufficient
for
us
to
fund
our
operations
for
the
foreseeable
future.
Our
ability
to
satisfy
our
contractual
obligations
as
they
arise
are
discussed
in
the
section
titled
“Contractual
Obligations”
below.
Use
of
Capital
Our
business
does
not
require
us
to
maintain
a
significant
cash
position.
However,
certain
of
our
subsidiaries
are
required
to
maintain
a
minimum
level
of
regulatory
capital,
which
at
June
30,
2024
was
approximately
$37.0
million
in
the
aggregate.
Notwithstanding
these
regulatory
capital
requirements,
we
expect
that
our
main
uses
of
cash
will
be
to
fund
the
ongoing
operations
of
our
business.
We
also
maintain
a
capital
return
program
which
includes
a
$0.03
per
share
quarterly
cash
dividend
and
authority
to
purchase
our
common
stock
through
April
27,
2025,
including
purchases
to
offset
future
equity
grants
made
under
our
equity
plans
and
purchases
made
in
open
market
or
privately
negotiated
transactions.
During
the
six
months
ended
June
30,
2024,
we
repurchased
1,096,278
shares
of
our
common
stock
under
the
repurchase
program
for
an
aggregate
cost
of
$7.8
million.
Currently,
approximately
$88.6
million
remains
under
this
program
for
future
purchases.
Contractual
Obligations
Convertible
Notes
We
currently
have
$280.0
million
in
aggregate
principal
amount
of
Convertible
Notes
outstanding,
of
which
$150.0
million
and
$130.0
million
are
scheduled
to
mature
on
June
15,
2026
and
August
15,
2028,
in
respect
of
the
2021
Notes
and
the
2023
Notes,
respectively,
unless
earlier
converted,
repurchased
or
redeemed.
Conditional
conversions
or
a
requirement
to
repurchase
the
Convertible
Notes
upon
the
occurrence
of
a
fundamental
change
may
accelerate
payment.
The
Convertible
Notes
require
cash
settlement
of
up
to
the
principal
amount,
while
settlement
of
the
conversion
obligation
in
excess
of
the
aggregate
principal
amount
may
be
satisfied
in
either
cash,
shares
of
our
common
stock
or
a
combination
of
cash
and
shares
of
our
common
stock.
We
may
settle
and/or
refinance
these
obligations
when
due.
See
the
section
titled
“Issuance
of
Convertible
Notes”
above
for
additional
information.
Payable
to
GBH
On
November
20,
2023,
we
repurchased
our
Series
C
Preferred
Stock
from
GBH
for
aggregate
cash
consideration
of
approximately
$84.4
million.
The
Series
C
Preferred
Stock
was
originally
issued
to
GBH
on
May
10,
2023
in
connection
with
the
termination
of
the
Company’s
obligations
relating
to
the
contractual
gold
payments.
Under
the
terms
of
the
transaction,
we
paid
GBH
$40.0
million
on
the
closing
date,
with
the
remainder
of
the
purchase
price
payable
in
equal,
interest-free
installments
on
the
first,
second
and
third
anniversaries
of
the
closing
date.
Operating
Leases
Total
future
minimum
lease
payments
with
respect
to
our
operating
lease
liabilities
were
$0.9
million
at
June
30,
2024.
Cash
flows
generated
by
our
operating
activities
and
existing
cash
balances
should
be
sufficient
to
satisfy
the
future
minimum
lease
payments.
See
Note
13
to
our
Consolidated
Financial
Statements
for
additional
information.
Off-Balance
Sheet
Arrangements
We
do
not
have
any
off-balance
sheet
financing
or
other
arrangements
and
have
neither
created
nor
are
party
to
any
special-purpose
or
off-balance
sheet
entities
for
the
purpose
of
raising
capital,
incurring
debt
or
operating
our
business.
Critical
Accounting
Policies
and
Estimates
Goodwill
and
Intangible
Assets
Goodwill
is
the
excess
of
the
purchase
price
over
the
fair
values
of
the
identifiable
net
assets
at
the
acquisition
date.
We
test
goodwill
for
impairment
at
least
annually
and
at
the
time
of
a
triggering
event
requiring
re-evaluation,
if
one
were
to
occur.
Goodwill
is
considered
impaired
when
the
estimated
fair
value
of
the
reporting
unit
that
was
allocated
the
goodwill
is
less
than
its
carrying
value.
If
the
estimated
fair
value
of
such
reporting
unit
is
less
than
its
carrying
value,
goodwill
impairment
is
recognized
based
on
that
difference,
not
to
exceed
the
carrying
amount
of
goodwill.
A
reporting
unit
is
an
operating
segment
or
a
component
of
an
operating
segment
provided
that
the
component
constitutes
a
business
for
which
discrete
financial
information
is
available
and
management
regularly
reviews
the
operating
results
of
that
component.
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Table of Contents
Goodwill
is
allocated
to
our
U.S.
business
and
European
business
components.
For
impairment
testing
purposes,
these
components
are
aggregated
as
a
single
reporting
unit
as
they
fall
under
the
same
operating
segment
and
have
similar
economic
characteristics.
Goodwill
is
assessed
for
impairment
annually
on
November
30 th .
When
performing
our
goodwill
impairment
test,
we
consider
a
qualitative
assessment,
when
appropriate,
and
the
market
approach
and
its
market
capitalization
when
determining
the
fair
value
of
the
reporting
unit.
The
results
of
our
most
recent
analysis
indicated
no
impairment
based
upon
a
quantitative
assessment.
Indefinite-lived
intangible
assets
are
tested
for
impairment
at
least
annually
and
are
reviewed
for
impairment
whenever
events
or
changes
in
circumstances
indicate
that
the
carrying
amount
of
an
asset
may
not
be
recoverable.
Indefinite-lived
intangible
assets
are
impaired
if
their
estimated
fair
value
is
less
than
their
carrying
value.
We
may
rely
on
a
qualitative
assessment
when
performing
our
intangible
asset
impairment
test.
Otherwise,
the
impairment
evaluation
is
performed
at
the
lowest
level
of
reasonably
identifiable
cash
flows
independent
of
other
assets.
The
annual
impairment
testing
date
for
our
intangible
assets
is
November
30 th .
The
results
of
our
most
recent
analysis
identified
no
indicators
of
impairment
to
be
recognized
based
upon
a
quantitative
assessment
(discounted
cash
flow
analysis)
which
relied
upon
significant
unobservable
inputs
including
projected
revenue
growth
rates
of
3.0%
and
a
weighted
average
cost
of
capital
of
10.5%.
Investments
We
account
for
equity
investments
that
do
not
have
a
readily
determinable
fair
value
under
the
measurement
alternative
prescribed
within
ASU
2016-01,
Financial
Instruments
–
Recognition
and
Measurement
of
Financial
Assets
and
Financial
Liabilities ,
to
the
extent
such
investments
are
not
subject
to
consolidation
or
the
equity
method.
Under
the
measurement
alternative,
these
financial
instruments
are
carried
at
cost,
less
any
impairment
(assessed
quarterly),
plus
or
minus
changes
resulting
from
observable
price
changes
in
orderly
transactions
for
an
identical
or
similar
investment
of
the
same
issuer.
In
addition,
income
is
recognized
when
dividends
are
received
only
to
the
extent
they
are
distributed
from
net
accumulated
earnings
of
the
investee.
Otherwise,
such
distributions
are
considered
returns
of
investment
and
are
recorded
as
a
reduction
of
the
cost
of
the
investment.
See
Note
7
to
our
Consolidated
Financial
Statements
for
information.
Revenue
Recognition
We
earn
substantially
all
of
our
revenue
in
the
form
of
advisory
fees
from
our
ETPs
and
recognize
this
revenue
over
time,
as
the
performance
obligation
is
satisfied.
Advisory
fees
are
based
on
a
percentage
of
the
ETPs’
average
daily
net
assets.
Progress
is
measured
using
the
practical
expedient
under
the
output
method
resulting
in
the
recognition
of
revenue
in
the
amount
for
which
we
have
a
right
to
invoice.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.