WisdomTree Inc

Previous wording

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, which is currently available in the U.S. in 38 states, representing approximately 70% of the U.S. population.

Current wording

We are a global financial innovator, offering a diverse suite of ETPs, models, solutions and products leveraging blockchain technology. Our offerings empower investors to shape their financial future and equip financial professionals to grow their businesses. Leveraging the latest financial infrastructure, we create products that emphasize access, transparency and provide an enhanced user experience. Building on our heritage of innovation, we have introduced next-generation digital products and services, including Digital Funds, tokenized assets, and our blockchain-native digital wallet, WisdomTree Prime, which is currently available in 45 U.S. states, covering approximately 80% of the U.S. population. Our institutional platform, WisdomTree Connect, further expands access to our products.

Previous wording

We had approximately $100.1 billion in AUM as of December 31, 2023. Our family of ETPs includes products that provide exposure to equities, fixed income, commodities, leveraged-and-inverse, currency, alternatives and cryptocurrency 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.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we managed approximately $109.8 billion in AUM. Our ETPs span a broad range of strategies including equities, fixed income, commodities, leveraged-and-inverse, currency, alternatives and cryptocurrency exposures. We have launched many first-to-market products and pioneered a unique alternative-weighting approach called “Modern Alpha” that combines the outperformance potential of active management with the cost effective benefits of passive management.

Previous wording

We are executing on our long-term growth strategy and expect ongoing flows and AUM growth to translate into further margin expansion and outperformance going forward, with our recent investments in digital assets creating additional value for our stockholders over time.

Current wording

We remain committed to our long-term growth strategy, anticipating that organic inflows and AUM growth will continue to drive margin expansion and performance. Additionally, we believe our investments in digital assets are positioned to deliver further value for our stockholders over time.

Previous wording

U.S. listed ETF net flows for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $489.1 billion. U.S. equity and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.

Current wording

U.S. listed ETF net flows for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $867.9 billion. U.S. equity and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.

Previous wording

European listed ETP net flows were $146.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. Equities and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.

Current wording

European listed ETP net flows were $98.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. Equities and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.

Previous wording

Substantially all of our revenues are comprised of advisory fees we earn from our ETPs. These advisory fees are calculated based on a percentage of the ETPs’ average daily net assets. As of the date of this Report, our weighted average fee rates by product category are as follows:

Current wording

A significant portion of our revenues is comprised of advisory fees we earn from our ETPs. These advisory fees are calculated based on a percentage of the ETPs’ average daily net assets. As of the date of this Report, our weighted average fee rates by product category are as follows:

Previous wording

Other income includes rebates from swap providers to our European listed ETPs, creation/redemption fees earned on our European non-UCITS products and fees from licensing our indexes to third parties.

Current wording

Other revenues include rebates from swap providers to our European listed ETPs, creation/redemption fees earned on our European non-UCITS products and fees from licensing our indexes and index data to third parties.

Previous wording

Employee compensation and benefits expenses are expensed when incurred and include salaries, incentive compensation, and related benefit costs. To attract and retain qualified personnel, we must maintain competitive employee compensation and benefit plans and amounts we pay may be affected by inflation. Virtually all of our employees receive incentive compensation which is variable and will fluctuate taking into consideration our operating and financial results, as well as discretion.

Current wording

Employee compensation and benefits expenses are expensed when incurred and include salaries, incentive compensation, and related benefit costs. To attract and retain qualified personnel, we must maintain competitive employee compensation and benefit plans and amounts we pay may be affected by inflation. Virtually all of our employees receive incentive compensation which is variable and will fluctuate taking into consideration our operating and financial results, as well as individual performance and discretion.

Previous wording

We depend on a number of parties to provide critical portfolio management services to our ETPs. The fees we pay our sub-advisers generally are the higher of the fixed minimums per fund, which range from $25,000 to $180,000 per year, or the percentage fee, which ranges between 0.01% and 0.50% per annum of average daily AUM at various breakpoint levels depending on the nature of the ETP. In addition, we pay certain costs based on transactions in our ETPs or based on inflow levels.

Current wording

We depend on a number of parties to provide critical administrative, custody and portfolio management services to our ETPs. The fees we pay our sub-advisers generally are the higher of the fixed minimums per fund, which range from $25,000 to $180,000 per year, or the percentage fee, which ranges between 0.01% and 0.20% per annum of average daily AUM at various breakpoint levels depending on the nature of the ETP. In addition, we pay certain costs based on transactions in our ETPs or based on inflow levels.

Previous wording

Deferred consideration arose in connection with the ETFS Acquisition and was remeasured each reporting period using forward-looking gold prices observed on the CMX exchange, a selected discount rate and perpetual growth rate. This obligation was terminated on May 10, 2023 for approximately $137.0 million. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Current wording

Deferred consideration arose in connection with our acquisition of the European exchange-traded commodity, currency and leveraged-and-inverse business of ETFS Capital Limited, or the ETFS Acquisition, and was remeasured each reporting period using forward-looking gold prices observed on the CMX exchange, a selected discount rate and perpetual growth rate. This obligation was terminated on May 10, 2023 for approximately $137.0 million. See Note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Previous wording

Our compensation expense for the year ending December 31, 2024 is currently estimated to range from $108.0 million to $118.0 million and takes into consideration planned hires as well as year-end compensation adjustments and the annualization of hires made during 2023. The range also considers variability in incentive compensation with drivers including the magnitude of our flows, revenue and operating income growth, margin expansion and our share price performance in relation to our peers. A wide range is provided in consideration of uncertain market conditions.

Current wording

Our compensation to revenue ratio for the year ending December 31, 2025 is currently estimated to range from 28% to 30% and takes into consideration planned hires as well as year-end compensation adjustments and the annualization of hires made during 2024. The range also considers variability in incentive compensation with drivers including the magnitude of our flows, revenue and operating income growth, margin expansion and our stock price performance in relation to our peers. A range is provided in consideration of uncertain market conditions.

Previous wording

Discretionary spending includes marketing, sales, professional fees, occupancy and equipment, depreciation and amortization and other expenses. We currently estimate our discretionary spending for the year ending December 31, 2024 to range from $64.0 million to $68.0 million.

Current wording

Discretionary spending includes marketing, sales, professional fees, occupancy and equipment, depreciation and amortization and other expenses. We currently estimate our discretionary spending for the year ending December 31, 2025 to range from $68.0 million to $72.0 million.

Previous wording

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. For the year ending December 31, 2024, we currently estimate that our gross margin percentage will be 79.0% to 80.0% at current AUM and revenue levels. If AUM drives higher from continued organic flow growth or favorable market conditions, we would anticipate further gross margin expansion.

Current wording

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. For the year ending December 31, 2025, we currently estimate that our gross margin percentage will be 81.0% to 82.0% taking into consideration current AUM and revenue levels, changes in service providers and anticipated fund launches. If AUM increases, we would anticipate further gross margin expansion.

Previous wording

We currently estimate third-party distribution expense to be approximately $10.0 million to $11.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2024, which is dependent upon the AUM growth on our respective platforms.

Current wording

We currently estimate third-party distribution expense to be approximately $11.0 million to $12.0 million for the year ending December 31, 2025, which is dependent upon the AUM growth on our respective platforms.

Previous wording

We currently estimate that our consolidated normalized effective tax rate will be approximately 24.0% to 25.0% for the year ending December 31, 2024, a slight increase as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 to account for the full year impact of the U.K. tax rate change to 25.0% that went into effect on April 1, 2023.

Current wording

We currently estimate that our consolidated normalized effective tax rate will be approximately 24.0% to 25.0% for the year ending December 31, 2025, taking into consideration the current distribution of profits among our U.S. and European businesses.

Previous wording

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, reductions in unrecognized tax benefits, 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.

Current wording

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.

Previous wording

Our revenues are also highly correlated to the level and relative mix of our AUM, as well as the fee rate associated with our ETPs. Changes in product mix have led to a decline in our average advisory fee, which for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023 were 0.41%, 0.38% and 0.36%, respectively.

Current wording

Our revenues are also highly correlated to the level and relative mix of our AUM, as well as the fee rate associated with our ETPs. Changes in product mix have led to a decline in our average advisory fee, which for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024 were 0.38%, 0.36% and 0.36%, respectively.

Previous wording

Compensation and benefits expense increased 11.0% from $88.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 to $97.9 million in the comparable period in 2022 due to higher incentive compensation and headcount. Headcount was 241 and 273 at December 31, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Current wording

Compensation and benefits expense increased 10.7% from $109.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 to $121.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to higher stock-based compensation, incentive compensation and headcount. Headcount was 303 and 313 at December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Previous wording

Fund management and administration expense increased 9.9% from $58.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 to $64.8 million in the comparable period in 2022 primarily due to higher average AUM, product launches and inflows. We had 75 U.S. listed ETFs and 254 European listed ETPs at December 31, 2021 compared to 79 U.S. listed ETFs and 269 European listed ETPs at December 31, 2022.

Current wording

Fund management and administration expense increased 17.7% from $71.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 to $84.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher average AUM. We had 76 U.S. listed ETFs and 261 European listed ETPs at December 31, 2023 compared to 78 U.S. listed ETFs and 275 European listed ETPs at December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Sales and business development expense increased 19.8% from $9.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 to $11.9 million in the comparable period in 2022 primarily resulting from increases in conference and events spending as well as market data costs.

Current wording

Sales and business development expense increased 9.1% from $13.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 to $14.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily resulting from increases in travel and events spending.

Previous wording

Other expenses increased 25.6% from $6.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 to $8.7 million in the comparable period in 2022 primarily due to higher insurance, public company compliance, travel and directors expenses.

Current wording

Other expenses increased 6.8% from $9.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 to $10.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily due to higher insurance and travel-related expenses.

Previous wording

Interest expense increased 21.1% from $12.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2021 to $14.9 million in the comparable period in 2022 due to a higher level of debt outstanding in the current period. Our effective interest rate was 4.6% during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2022.

Current wording

Interest expense increased 24.1% from $15.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 to $18.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to a higher level of debt outstanding, partly offset by a lower average interest rate.

Previous wording

Gains and losses also generally arise from the sale of gold earned from advisory fees paid by our physically-backed gold ETPs, foreign exchange fluctuations and other miscellaneous items.

Current wording

Other gains/(losses), net were ($1.6) million and $0.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The current year includes a $4.0 million civil money penalty in connection with the SEC ESG Settlement. Also included are net gains of $4.9 million and net losses of $1.1 million on our financial instruments owned and our investments, respectively. Gains and losses also generally arise from the sale of gold earned from advisory fees paid by our physically-backed gold ETPs, foreign exchange fluctuations and other miscellaneous items.

Previous wording

Other income increased 105.0% from $7.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 to $15.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to large flows from some of our European products.

Current wording

Other revenues increased 105.0% from $7.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 to $15.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to higher other revenues attributable to our European listed ETPs.

Previous wording

Adjusted net income as reported on a non-GAAP basis during the year ended December 31, 2023 also excludes a gain of $8.0 million recognized upon the repurchase of our Series C Preferred Stock, which was convertible into approximately 13.1 million shares of our common stock. Under U.S. GAAP, this amount is excluded from net income, but is required to be added to net income to arrive at income available to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share.

Current wording

During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized a loss of $13.2 million (which includes an excise tax of $1.8 million) and a gain of $8.0 million, respectively, related to the repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred Stock. These items are excluded from net income, but are required to be added to net income to arrive at income available to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share under U.S. GAAP.

Previous wording

We consider our available liquidity to be our liquid assets, less our current liabilities and regulatory capital requirements of certain European subsidiaries. Liquid assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, 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, deferred consideration and accrued incentive compensation for employees.

Current wording

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 and cash equivalents, 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, deferred consideration and accrued incentive compensation for employees.

Previous wording

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $2.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 due to $184.3 million used to repurchase and settle our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, $57.4 million used to purchase financial instruments owned, at fair value, $50.0 million used to terminate our deferred consideration—gold payments obligation, $40.0 million used to repurchase our Series C Preferred Stock, $20.1 million used to pay dividends on our common stock, $11.2 million used to purchase investments, $3.6 million used to repurchase our common stock, $3.5 million used to pay issuance costs in respect of our 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028, or the 2023 Notes, $2.1 million used for software development and $1.2 million used in other activities. These decreases were partly offset by $130.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2023 Notes, $123.6 million of proceeds from the sale of financial instruments owned, at fair value, $85.6 million of net cash provided by operating activities, $28.8 million of proceeds from the exit from our investment in Securrency, Inc. in connection with the sale of Securrency, Inc. to an unaffiliated third party, $1.5 million from receipt of contingent consideration related to the sale of our Canadian ETF business, and $1.1 million from other activities.

Current wording

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $2.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 due to $184.3 million used to repurchase and settle our 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023, $57.4 million used to purchase financial instruments owned, at fair value, $50.0 million used to terminate our deferred consideration—gold payments obligation, $40.0 million used to repurchase our Series C Preferred Stock, $20.1 million used to pay dividends on our common stock, $11.2 million used to purchase investments, $3.6 million used to repurchase our common stock, $3.5 million used to pay issuance costs in respect of our 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028, $2.1 million used for software development and $1.2 million used in other activities. These decreases were partly offset by $130.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028, $123.6 million of proceeds from the sale of financial instruments owned, at fair value, $85.6 million of net cash provided by operating activities, $28.8 million of proceeds from the exit from our investment in Securrency, Inc. in connection with the sale of Securrency, Inc. to an unaffiliated third party, $1.5 million from receipt of contingent consideration related to the sale of our Canadian ETF business, and $1.1 million from other activities.

Previous wording

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”).

Current wording

Each class of notes were issued pursuant to indentures dated as of the issuance dates between us and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (either initially or as successor to U.S. Bank National Association, the “Trustee”), in private offerings to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Previous wording

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 year ended December 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.

Current wording

In connection with the issuance of the 2029 Notes, we repurchased $104.2 million in aggregate principal amount of 2028 Notes. As a result of this repurchase, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of approximately $30.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

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 December 31, 2023 was approximately $29.2 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.

Current wording

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 December 31, 2024 was approximately $39.4 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.

Previous wording

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 635,653 shares of our common stock under the repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $3.6 million. Currently, approximately $96.4 million remains under this program for future purchases. We also repurchased our Series C Preferred Stock, which was convertible into approximately 13.1 million shares of 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.

Current wording

During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 6,800,301 shares of our common stock under the repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $62.9 million. Currently, $150.0 million remains under this program for future purchases. In addition, on August 13, 2024, we repurchased all of our then-outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, which was convertible into 14,750,000 shares of our common stock, from ETFS Capital for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $143.8 million. See Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Previous wording

We currently have $280.0 million 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, 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.

Current wording

We currently have $520.8 million in aggregate principal amount of Convertible Notes outstanding, of which $150.0 million, $25.8 million and $345.0 million are scheduled to mature on June 15, 2026, August 15, 2028 and August 15, 2029, in respect of the 2026 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2029 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.

Previous wording

The Convertible Notes require cash settlement of 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 its common stock. We currently anticipate refinancing these obligations when due.

Current wording

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

Previous wording

On November 20, 2023, we repurchased our Series C Preferred 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. The implied price per share was $6.02 when considering the interest-free financing element of the transaction.

Current wording

On November 20, 2023, we repurchased our Series C Preferred Stock from GBH for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $84.4 million. Under the terms of the transaction, we paid GBH $54.8 million to date, with the remainder of the purchase price payable in equal, interest-free installments on the second and third anniversaries of the closing date. The implied price per share was $6.02 when considering the interest-free financing element of the transaction.

Previous wording

Total future minimum lease payments with respect to our operating lease liabilities were $0.6 million at December 31, 2023. 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.

Current wording

Total future minimum lease payments with respect to our operating lease liabilities were $1.0 million at December 31, 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.

Previous wording

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 analysis indicated no impairment based upon a quantitative assessment.

Current wording

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.

Previous wording

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 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%.

Current wording

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 10.3%.

Previous wording

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.

Current wording

We account for equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value under the measurement alternative prescribed within Accounting Standards Codification Topic 321,Investments – Equity Securities, 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.

Previous wording

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.

Current wording

We earn a significant portion of our revenues 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.