Core Insights - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. reported significant growth in its ETF platform, surpassing $200 million in assets under management (AUM) and successfully closing its second flagship energy secondaries fund with over $300 million in commitments [1][2] - The Managed Investment Solutions team secured its first institutional client, highlighting the company's commitment to delivering innovative investment solutions [1] - Revenues increased due to strong investor interest in ETFs and private energy secondaries funds, with a notable rise in average AUM [1][3] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company reported income of $1.9 million, a decrease from $3.7 million in the third quarter, primarily due to higher performance-related incentive compensation [3][4] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter were $0.21, down from $0.41 in the previous quarter [3][4] - Total revenues for the fourth quarter reached $27.1 million, an increase from $24.3 million in the third quarter and $25.6 million a year ago [7] Yearly Overview - For the fiscal year 2025, net income was $7.1 million, significantly up from $2.2 million in 2024, driven by higher revenues and unrealized appreciation on strategic private investments [5][16] - The diluted EPS for the year was $0.79, compared to $0.26 in 2024 [5][16] - Economic earnings for 2025 were reported at $14.3 million, with an economic EPS of $1.61, compared to $6.9 million and $0.82 in 2024, respectively [5][16] Assets and Equity - As of December 31, 2025, firmwide AUM and assets under advisement totaled $17.4 billion, with $16.5 billion in AUM and $0.9 billion in AUA [2] - The company held $44.1 million in cash and liquid investments, an increase of $4.5 million from the previous quarter [7] - Stockholders' equity totaled $125.6 million as of December 31, 2025, with no debt reported [7][17] Dividends - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 1, 2026, to stockholders of record on March 3, 2026 [7]

Core Viewpoint - Westwood Holdings Group (WHG) announced monthly income distributions for its ETFs, focusing on providing investors with income through dividends and options premiums [1][2]. ETF Distributions - The Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) has a distribution of $0.225 per share, with an annualized distribution rate of 9.9% [2]. - The Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI) also has a distribution of $0.225 per share, with an annualized distribution rate of 11.9% [2]. - The Westwood Enhanced Income Opportunity (YLDW) has a distribution of $0.149 per share, with an annualized distribution rate of 7.0% [2]. Fund Objectives and Management - MDST, launched on April 8, 2024, aims to deliver current income and capital appreciation by investing in midstream energy companies, with net assets of $188 million as of January 29, 2026 [3]. - WEEI, launched on April 30, 2024, provides exposure to various energy sectors and has net assets of $40 million as of January 29, 2026 [4]. - YLDW, launched on December 11, 2025, seeks income and capital appreciation from diverse asset classes, with net assets of $10 million as of January 29, 2026 [5]. Performance Metrics - MDST has a year-to-date (QTD) NAV return of 0.28% and a one-year return of 7.21% [6]. - WEEI shows a QTD NAV return of 3.38% and a one-year return of 11.25% [6]. - YLDW has a QTD NAV return of 0.22% since its inception [6]. Yield Information - The subsidized 30-day yield for MDST is 4.42%, while WEEI's is 2.57% [6][8]. - The current month's distribution for MDST and WEEI is 100% return of capital (ROC) [8].

Group 1 - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE: WHG) will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings on February 13, 2026, after the close of the New York Stock Exchange [1] - A live audio webcast and conference call will be held at 4:30 PM Eastern Time on the same day [1] - Westwood is a boutique asset management firm offering a range of actively-managed investment strategies and wealth services to various client types [2][3] Group 2 - The firm emphasizes a client-first approach, which has fostered long-term relationships through a commitment to bespoke investment strategies and exceptional client service [2] - Westwood's team is diverse, reflecting its origins as a woman-founded firm, and is dedicated to incorporating varied insights into its services [3] - The company's core values include integrity, reliability, responsiveness, adaptability, teamwork, and a focus on driving results [3]

Core Viewpoint - Cumulus Media's Westwood One will provide live coverage of NFL Championship Sunday on January 25, featuring two championship games with significant stakes for the participating teams [1][2][3]. Group 1: NFL Championship Coverage - Westwood One will broadcast the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos at 2:00 PM ET, with coverage starting at that time [2][3]. - The NFC Championship game will feature the Los Angeles Rams against the Seattle Seahawks, with live coverage beginning at 6:30 PM ET [3]. - This season marks Westwood One's 39th consecutive year as the official audio partner of the NFL [3]. Group 2: Broadcast Details - The AFC Championship will be announced by Ryan Radtke and Mike Golic, with Laura Okmin as the sideline reporter [3]. - The NFC Championship will have Kevin Harlan and Kurt Warner as announcers, with Ross Tucker reporting from the sidelines [3]. - Scott Graham will host the pre-, half-, and post-game coverage for NFL Championship Sunday for the 17th consecutive season [3]. Group 3: Broadcasting Reach - Westwood One will cover every NFL postseason game, including Wild Card Weekend through Super Bowl LX, on approximately 500 radio stations nationwide [4]. - Coverage will also be available on westwoodonesports.com, the Westwood One Sports App, SiriusXM, NFL+, and via the NFL App [4]. Group 4: About Westwood One Sports - Westwood One Sports has been the exclusive network radio partner to the NFL since 1987, covering regular and postseason NFL football, NCAA Basketball, NCAA Football, The Masters, US Soccer, and other major sporting events [5]. Group 5: About Cumulus Media - Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company reaching a quarter billion people monthly through 395 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets [6]. - The company provides nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming through Westwood One and engages listeners via the Cumulus Podcast Network [6].

Core Insights - Westwood Holdings Group successfully closed its Westwood Energy Secondaries Fund II, raising over $300 million, significantly surpassing its initial target of $150 million, indicating strong investor interest in its energy secondaries business [1][3] Fund Overview - WES II aims to achieve attractive, risk-adjusted returns through investments in a diversified portfolio of energy-focused secondary and continuation fund opportunities, primarily targeting 7-12 year-old limited partnership interests at significant discounts [2] - The fund has deployed $200 million in energy investments in 2025 and has approximately $100 million remaining to invest in 2026 [2] Investor Demand - The fund received commitments from a diverse group of investors, including institutional allocators, RIAs, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, marking a significant achievement for Westwood's energy secondaries strategy [3] Leadership Commentary - Westwood's CEO expressed satisfaction with the reception of WES II, noting the doubling of the initial capital target in 2025 and highlighting the dynamic partnerships established in the energy private equity industry [4] Market Dynamics - The energy secondaries and continuation fund market is experiencing rapid growth due to evolving capital needs in the industry and increased demand for liquidity solutions from institutional investors [5]

Core Viewpoint - Westwood Holdings Group has launched the Westwood Enhanced Income Opportunity ETF (YLDW), expanding its income-generating ETF offerings and leveraging a covered-call options strategy to enhance income potential [1][3]. Company Overview - Westwood Holdings Group (NYSE: WHG) is a boutique asset management firm with over 40 years of experience, providing a range of actively and passively-managed investment strategies to institutional and private wealth clients [7]. - The firm emphasizes a client-first approach, focusing on delivering customized investment strategies and exceptional client service [7][8]. Product Details - YLDW is designed for investors seeking consistent and diversified current income with potential for capital appreciation, utilizing a disciplined multi-asset allocation approach combined with strategic covered-call overlays [2][10]. - The ETF aims to provide flexibility across multiple asset classes while maintaining the transparency and liquidity characteristic of ETFs [2]. Strategic Importance - The launch of YLDW is a significant milestone for Westwood, marking the first multi-asset strategy to join the Enhanced Income Series™ ETFs, reinforcing the firm's commitment to innovation in investment solutions [3][4]. - YLDW joins existing ETFs in the Enhanced Income Series™, such as the Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI), highlighting Westwood's position as an innovative provider of income-focused ETFs [4]. Key Benefits - The ETF offers potential for meaningful monthly income distributions, exposure to multiple asset classes for volatility management, and broader total-return opportunities within a transparent ETF structure [10].

Core Insights - Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. was recognized in the 2025 Best Places to Work in Money Management awards by Pensions & Investments, marking its 11th win of this prestigious award [1][3] Company Overview - Westwood Holdings Group is a boutique asset management firm that offers a diverse array of actively and passively managed, outcome-oriented investment strategies, along with trust and wealth services for institutional, intermediary, and private wealth clients [6] - The firm has a client-first approach that has fostered strong, long-term client relationships for over 40 years, emphasizing bespoke investment strategies and exceptional client service [6] Workplace Culture - The company is noted for fostering a culture of growth and collaboration, providing comprehensive professional development opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to diverse investment strategies [2] - Competitive compensation, robust benefits, and recognition programs contribute to high employee retention and engagement rates [2] - Employees appreciate the inclusive environment and the opportunity to make meaningful impacts within a supportive and innovative setting [2] Award Evaluation Process - The award evaluation consisted of a two-part survey process: the first part evaluated workplace policies and practices (20% of total evaluation), while the second part measured employee experience through a survey (80% of total evaluation) [4]

Core Insights - Cumulus Media's Westwood One has launched a new morning show hosted by Drake C. Toll, airing Monday to Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, aiming to capture a dynamic audience in the sports media landscape [1][4] Company Overview - Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company that reaches a quarter billion people monthly through 395 radio stations across 84 markets, offering a variety of programming including sports, news, and entertainment [5] - The company operates Westwood One, the largest audio network in America, providing nationally-syndicated content and engaging listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network [5] Host Background - Drake C. Toll has a diverse media background, starting with EagleVision in Arkansas, and has been recognized for his work with major outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated [3] - Toll's previous experience includes hosting successful podcasts and providing play-by-play commentary for the Savannah Bananas, showcasing his ability to engage audiences [2][3] Show Concept - The new show is designed to offer sharp insights and fearless opinions, utilizing various platforms to create an interactive sports experience [2][4] - Toll emphasizes a commitment to authenticity and connection with listeners, promising to deliver engaging content that resonates with a wide audience [4] Industry Position - Westwood One Sports is a leading provider of sports broadcasts, including exclusive partnerships with the NFL and coverage of major NCAA events, enhancing its reputation in the audio sports broadcasting sector [6]

Group 1 - The quarterly results indicated a significant increase in net income both quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and year-over-year (YoY), primarily driven by a private-valuation update that is non-recurring, unrealized, and non-cash [1] Group 2 - The investment strategy focuses on long-only investment, evaluating companies from an operational and buy-and-hold perspective, rather than market-driven dynamics [2] - The articles emphasize understanding the long-term earnings potential of companies and the competitive dynamics within their industries [2] - The majority of recommendations are expected to be holds, reflecting a cautious approach in a bullish market [2]

Group 1 - The quarterly results indicated a significant increase in net income both quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) and year-over-year (YoY), primarily driven by a private-valuation update that is non-recurring, unrealized, and non-cash [1] Group 2 - The investment strategy focuses on long-only investment, evaluating companies from an operational and buy-and-hold perspective, rather than market-driven dynamics [2] - The articles emphasize understanding the long-term earnings potential of companies and the competitive dynamics within their industries [2] - The majority of recommendations are expected to be holds, reflecting a cautious approach in a bullish market [2]