WisdomTree, Inc.
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 9, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 9, 2025
WT$19.48+2.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-07.
0001214659-24-018545
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-09.
0001214659-25-007249
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 181 previous paragraphs and 129 current paragraphs.
74 unchanged; 45 reworded; 10 added; 59 removed; 3 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 37 previous and 31 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (10)
Current report
As of March 31, 2025, we managed approximately $115.8 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.
Current report
As pioneers in tokenization and blockchain technology, we view this as the next phase in the evolution in financial services. Through our digital assets strategy, we are committed to “responsible DeFi,” aligning with regulatory standards to foster growth in this rapidly evolving space. We believe that expanding into digital assets and blockchain-enabled finance not only complements our core competencies, but will diversify our revenue streams and further contribute to our growth.
Current report
The first quarter of 2025 was characterized by global volatility. U.S. equities declined amid concerns over tariffs, while European markets outperformed, supported in part by Germany’s announced fiscal stimulus measures. Investor uncertainty surrounding the potential impact of tariffs on global economic growth contributed to increased demand for safe haven assets, including gold, which experienced significant price appreciation during the quarter. In March 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve revised its 2025 U.S. GDP growth forecast for 2025 downward to 1.7% from 2.1% and increased its inflation outlook to 2.7% from 2.5%. The federal funds target rate remained unchanged during the quarter, within a range of 4.25% to 4.50%.
Current report
While the volatility factors above have inevitably impacted our overall AUM, our diverse and balanced AUM mix has provided relative stability, enabling us to mitigate the severity of declines compared to broader market indices. Our strategic emphasis on diversification, including exposure across asset classes, geographic regions and investment strategies, has allowed us to maintain resilience during periods of elevated uncertainty, underscoring the strength and effectiveness of our business model. However, fluctuations in our AUM attributable to market conditions outside of our control have had, and in the future could have, a negative impact on our revenues and operating margins.
Current report
Compensation to Revenue Ratio
Current report
Professional fees expense decreased 23.4% from $3.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $2.8 million in the comparable period in 2025 as the prior period included activist campaign expenses and expenses incurred in connection with a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding certain statements about the ESG screening process for three ETFs advised by WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. (the “SEC ESG Settlement”).
Current report
Other losses and gains, net
Current report
Income Taxes
Current report
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased by $10.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 due to $12.7 million used to repurchase our common stock, $4.6 million used to pay dividends, $1.9 million of excise tax paid on common stock repurchased and $0.6 million used to pay for software development. These decreases were partly offset by $6.4 million provided from operating activities, $0.4 million of proceeds from the sale of financial instruments owned, at fair value and $2.2 million from other activities.
Current report
Investments in debt instruments are accounted for at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in other income/(expenses).
Removed paragraphs (59)
Previous report
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.
Previous report
U.S. equity markets recovered from a correction experienced in early August and there was a rotation into small cap and value stocks. Interest rates fell in anticipation of the Federal Reserve easing cycle leading to strong total returns for fixed income.
Previous report
Compensation Expense
Previous report
Not included in the guidance above are non-recurring expenses in response to an activist campaign, including $5.0 million incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and $4.1 million of legal and other related expenses expected to be covered by insurance.
Previous report
The change in guidance from the prior quarter is due to an increase in debt effectuated to facilitate the repurchase of Series A Non-Voting Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) from ETFS Capital, as well as the repurchase of shares of common stock.
Previous report
Our weighted average diluted shares were 156.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024. We currently estimate our weighted average diluted shares to be between 147.0 million and 148.0 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024 taking into consideration the full quarter impact of the repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock and additional shares of common stock which occurred in mid-August of 2024. Our weighted average diluted share guidance was previously 166.0 million and 168.0 million during the year ending December 31, 2024.
Previous report
Other revenues increased 200.9% from $3.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $11.5 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher other revenues attributable to our European listed products and $3.7 million of legal and other related expenses, expected to be covered by insurance, incurred in connection with the SEC ESG Settlement described in Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Previous report
Sales and business development expense was essentially unchanged from the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Previous report
Professional fees expense increased 69.8% from $3.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $6.3 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to $3.7 million of legal and other related expenses incurred in connection with the SEC ESG Settlement. An equal and offsetting amount is recorded in other revenues as these expenses are expected to be covered by insurance.
Previous report
Occupancy, communications and equipment expense was essentially unchanged from the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Previous report
Impairments
Previous report
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $2.7 million, primarily related to our investment in Securrency, Inc., as we marked our investment to its estimated realizable value in connection with Securrency entering into an agreement to be acquired by an unrelated third party.
Previous report
Loss on Extinguishment of Convertible Notes
Previous report
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of convertible notes of $30.6 million arising from the repurchase of $104.2 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2028 Notes.
Previous report
Other losses, net
Previous report
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Previous report
Selected Operating and Financial Information
Previous report
Operating Revenues
Previous report
Advisory fees
Previous report
Advisory fee revenues increased 19.0% from $246.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $293.1 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher average AUM. Our average advisory fee was 0.36% during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 0.37% during the comparable period in 2024.
Previous report
Other revenues
Previous report
Operating Expenses
Previous report
Compensation and benefits
Previous report
Compensation and benefits expense increased 11.7% from $81.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $91.2 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher incentive and stock-based compensation expense and increased headcount.
Previous report
Fund management and administration
Previous report
Fund management and administration expense increased 15.5% from $52.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $61.1 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher average AUM and product launches.
Previous report
Marketing and advertising
Previous report
Marketing and advertising expense increased 17.1% from $12.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $14.4 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher spending related to digital assets and our U.S. listed products.
Previous report
Sales and business development
Previous report
Contractual gold payments
Previous report
Contractual gold payments expense decreased from $6.1 million during the nine months ended September 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.
Previous report
Professional fees
Previous report
Professional fees increased 4.9% from $15.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $16.5 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to $4.1 million of legal and other related expenses incurred in connection with the SEC ESG Settlement. An equal and offsetting amount is recorded in other revenues as these expenses are expected to be covered by insurance. This increase was partly offset by 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.
Previous report
Occupancy, communications and equipment
Previous report
Depreciation and amortization
Previous report
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 132.4% from $0.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $1.2 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to amortization of software development costs.
Previous report
Third-party distribution fees
Previous report
Third-party distribution fees increased 16.8% from $6.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $8.0 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to AUM growth we are experiencing on our various platforms and new platform relationships.
Previous report
Other
Previous report
Other Income/(Expenses)
Showing the first 40 of 59 passages. Open the source sections for the rest.
Reworded paragraphs (45)
Previous wording
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 in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. 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.
Current wording
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, 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.
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 and institutional platform, WisdomTree Connect. WisdomTree Prime is available in the U.S. in 45 states and to approximately 80% 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 47 U.S. states, covering approximately 85% of the U.S. population. Our institutional platform, WisdomTree Connect, further expands access to our products.
Previous wording
We had approximately $112.6 billion in AUM as of September 30, 2024. Our family of ETPs includes products that provide exposure to equities, commodities, fixed income, leveraged-and-inverse, cryptocurrency, currency 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.
Current wording
Our products are distributed across all major asset management industry channels, including banks, brokerage firms, registered investment advisers, institutional investors, private wealth managers and online brokers, primarily through our dedicated sales team. We believe technology is transforming how financial advisors conduct business, and through our Advisor and Portfolio Solutions programs we offer technology-enabled and research-driven solutions. These include portfolio construction, asset allocation, practice management services and digital tools to help advisors address technology challenges and scale their businesses.
Previous wording
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 September 30, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023:
Current wording
We offer ETPs covering equity, fixed income, commodities and currency, leveraged-and-inverse, alternatives and cryptocurrency. The chart below sets forth the asset mix of our ETPs at March 31, 2024, December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025:
Previous wording
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 9.1%, 7.9%, 8.2%, 11.4%, 3.4% and 12.8%, respectively, during the quarter. The U.S. dollar weakened 4.2%, 5.7% and 13.1% versus the euro, British pound and the Japanese yen, respectively, during the quarter.
Current wording
During the quarter, the MSCI EAFE Index (local currency), MSCI EMU Index (local currency), MSCI Emerging Markets Index (U.S. dollar) and gold prices increased by 3.0%, 7.7%, 3.0% and 19.3%, respectively, while the S&P 500 and the MSCI Japan Index (local currency) decreased by 4.3% and 4.4%, respectively. The U.S. dollar weakened 2.5%, 1.8% and 0.1% versus the euro, British pound and Japanese yen, respectively, during the quarter.
Previous wording
U.S. listed ETF industry net flows were $283.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024. U.S. equity and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.
Current wording
U.S. listed ETF industry net flows were $286.4 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025. U.S. equity and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.
Previous wording
European listed ETP industry net flows were $67.1 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Equity and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.
Current wording
European listed ETP industry net flows were $65.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Equity and fixed income gathered the majority of those flows.
Previous wording
The AUM of our U.S. listed exchange traded funds, or U.S. listed ETFs, increased from $79.7 billion at June 30, 2024 to $81.3 billion at September 30, 2024 due to market appreciation, partly offset by net outflows.
Current wording
The AUM of our U.S. listed exchange traded funds, or U.S. listed ETFs, increased from $79.1 billion at December 31, 2024 to $80.5 billion at March 31, 2025 due to net inflows, partly offset by market depreciation.
Previous wording
The AUM of our European listed (including internationally cross-listed) ETPs, or European listed ETPs, increased from $30.0 billion at June 30, 2024 to $31.3 billion at September 30, 2024 due to market appreciation, partly offset by net outflows.
Current wording
The AUM of our European listed (including internationally cross-listed) ETPs, or European listed ETPs, increased from $30.7 billion at December 31, 2024 to $35.1 billion at March 31, 2025 due to market appreciation and net inflows.
Previous wording
Our compensation to revenue ratio for the year ending December 31, 2024 is currently estimated to range from 28% to 29% (unchanged from the prior quarter). 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.
Current wording
Our compensation to revenue ratio for the year ending December 31, 2025 is currently estimated to range from 28% to 30% (unchanged from our guidance provided last quarter) 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, revenues 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, discretionary spending was $45.3 million. We currently estimate discretionary spending for the year ending December 31, 2024 to range from $62.0 million to $65.0 million (previously $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. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, our discretionary spending was $16.3 million. We currently estimate our discretionary spending for the year ending December 31, 2025 to range from $68.0 million to $72.0 million (unchanged from our guidance range provided last quarter).
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. Our gross margin was 80.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. We currently estimate our gross margin guidance for the year ending December 31, 2024 to be between 80% and 81% (unchanged from the prior quarter) considering current AUM levels and higher forecasted other revenues going forward. If AUM increases, 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. Our gross margin was 80.8% during the three months ended March 31, 2025. For the year ending December 31, 2025, we currently estimate that our gross margin percentage will be 81.0% to 82.0% (unchanged from our guidance range provided last quarter). We anticipate our gross margin to be at the lower end of this range taking into consideration current AUM and revenue levels. If AUM increases from continued organic growth or favorable market conditions, we would anticipate trending toward the middle to upper end of this range.
Previous wording
We currently estimate third-party distribution fees to range from $10.0 million to $11.0 million (unchanged from the prior quarter), 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 (unchanged from our guidance range provided last quarter), which is dependent upon the AUM growth on our respective platforms.
Previous wording
We currently estimate our interest expense for the year ending December 31, 2024 to be $18.9 million (previously $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.
Current wording
We currently estimate our interest expense for the year ending December 31, 2025 to be $22.0 million (unchanged from our guidance range provided last quarter), which is inclusive of approximately $2.0 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 Gold Bullion Holdings (Jersey) Limited (“GBH”), a subsidiary of the World Gold Council, in November 2023.
Previous wording
We currently estimate our interest income for the year ending December 31, 2024 to be $6.0 million (previously $5.0 million), based upon the magnitude of our forecasted interest earning assets.
Current wording
We currently estimate our interest income for the year ending December 31, 2025 to be $8.0 million (previously $7.0 million), based upon the magnitude of our forecasted interest earning assets.
Previous wording
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.
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 (unchanged from the guidance range provided last quarter), taking into consideration the current distribution of profits between the U.S. and Europe.
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, the non-deductible loss on extinguishment on convertible notes, a non-deductible civil money penalty of $4.0 million relating to the SEC ESG Settlement, 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
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, $11.04 per share for the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 and $11.82 per share for the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029.
Current wording
We currently estimate our weighted average diluted shares to be between 147.0 million and 149.0 million during the year ending December 31, 2025. 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, $11.04 per share for the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 and $11.82 per share for the 3.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029.
Previous wording
Advisory fee revenues increased 17.4% from $86.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $101.7 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher average AUM. Our average advisory fee was 0.37% and 0.36% during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Advisory fee revenues increased 7.6% from $92.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $99.5 million in the comparable period in 2025 due to higher average AUM. Our average advisory fee was 0.35% during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 0.36% during the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Previous wording
Other revenues increased 100.3% from $12.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $23.9 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher other revenues attributable to our European listed products and $4.1 million of legal and other related expenses expected to be covered by insurance, incurred in connection with the SEC ESG Settlement.
Current wording
Other revenues increased 96.7% from $4.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $8.5 million in the comparable period in 2025 due to higher other revenues attributable to our European listed ETPs.
Previous wording
Compensation and benefits expense increased 5.2% from $28.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $29.4 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to higher stock-based compensation expense and headcount. Headcount was 299 and 314 at September 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Compensation and benefits expense increased 8.8% from $31.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $33.8 million in the comparable period in 2025 due to higher stock-based compensation expense and increased headcount. Headcount was 300 and 315 at March 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Previous wording
Fund management and administration expense increased 16.5% from $18.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $21.0 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher average AUM. We had 80 U.S. listed ETFs and 273 European listed ETPs at September 30, 2023 compared to 78 U.S. listed ETFs and 274 European listed ETPs at September 30, 2024.
Current wording
Fund management and administration expense increased 3.8% from $20.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $20.7 million in the comparable period in 2025 primarily due to higher average AUM. We had 78 U.S. listed ETFs and 275 European listed ETPs at March 31, 2024 compared to 78 U.S. listed ETFs, 280 European listed ETPs and 17 digital assets products at March 31, 2025.
Previous wording
Marketing and advertising expense increased 27.8% from $3.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $4.9 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher spending related to digital assets and our U.S. listed products.
Current wording
Marketing and advertising expense increased 9.2% from $4.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $4.8 million in the comparable period in 2025 primarily due to higher spend related to our U.S. listed ETFs.
Previous wording
Sales and business development expense increased 10.4% from $9.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $10.7 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to increases in travel and events spending, as well as higher market data spending.
Current wording
Sales and business development expense increased 14.6% from $3.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $4.1 million in the comparable period in 2025 primarily due to increases in travel and events spending, as well as higher spending on sales tools and data.
Previous wording
Occupancy, communications and equipment expense increased 12.8% from $3.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to $3.9 million in the comparable period in 2024 primarily due to higher spending on office equipment.
Current wording
Occupancy, communications and equipment expense increased 22.5% from $1.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $1.5 million in the comparable period in 2025 primarily due to higher internet and communications expenses.
Previous wording
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 45.6% from $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $0.4 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to amortization of software development costs.
Current wording
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 41.0% from $0.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $0.5 million in the comparable period in 2025 primarily due to higher amortization of capitalized software.
Previous wording
Third-party distribution fees expense increased 10.7% from $2.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $3.0 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to AUM growth we are experiencing on our various platforms and new platform relationships.
Current wording
Third-party distribution fees expense increased 34.9% from $2.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $3.1 million in the comparable period in 2025 due to growth in AUM across our various platforms.
Previous wording
Interest expense increased 45.2% from $3.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $5.0 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to a higher level of debt outstanding, partly offset by a lower average interest rate. The increase is also due to the recognition of imputed interest related to the interest-free financing of our repurchase of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock from GBH in November 2023.
Current wording
Interest expense increased 31.8% from $4.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $5.4 million in the comparable period in 2025 due to a higher level of debt outstanding, partly offset by a lower average interest rate. Our effective interest rate during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2025 was 5.0% and 3.9%, respectively.
Previous wording
Interest income increased 126.9% from $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 to $1.8 million in the comparable period in 2024 due to a higher level of interest-earning assets.
Current wording
Interest income increased 35.7% from $1.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 to $1.9 million in the comparable period in 2025 duetoa higher level of interest earning assets.
Previous wording
Other losses, net were $1.3 million and $3.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024, respectively. The three months ended September 30, 2024, includes a $4.0 million civil money penalty in connection with the SEC ESG Settlement. Also included are net gains of $0.8 million and $0.6 million on our financial instruments owned and investments, 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.
Current wording
Other losses and gains, net were $2.6 million and ($0.3) million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively. The three months ended March 31, 2025 includes net losses of $0.4 million on our financial instruments and net gains of $0.3 million on our investments. 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.
Previous wording
Our effective income tax rate during the three months ended September 30, 2024 was 216.0%, resulting in income tax expense of $8.4 million. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to a non-deductible loss on extinguishment of convertible notes, a non-deductible civil money penalty of $4.0 million and non-deductible executive compensation. These items were partly offset by a lower tax rate on foreign earnings.
Current wording
Our effective income tax rate during the three months ended March 31, 2025 was 18.9%, resulting in income tax expense of $5.7 million. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to tax windfalls associated with the vesting of stock-based compensation awards and a lower tax rate on foreign earnings. These items were partly offset by state and local income taxes and non-deductible executive compensation.
Previous wording
Our effective income tax rate during the three months ended September 30, 2023 was 31.0%, resulting in income tax expense of $5.8 million. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to an increase in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance on losses recognized on the Company’s investments and non-deductible executive compensation.
Current wording
Our effective income tax rate during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was 20.5%, resulting in income tax expense of $5.7 million. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the decrease in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance on losses recognized on our financial instruments owned, tax windfalls associated with the vesting of stock-based compensation awards and a lower tax rate on foreign earnings. These items were partly offset by state and local income taxes.
Previous wording
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:
Current wording
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 they 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:
Previous 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, 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.
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, 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 and accrued incentive compensation for employees.
Previous wording
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased by $47.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 due to $345.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes, $78.9 million of cash provided by operating activities, $42.3 million of proceeds from the sale of financial instruments owned, at fair value and $2.1 million provided by other activities. These increases were partly offset by $143.8 million used to repurchase Series A Preferred Stock, $132.7 million to repurchase a portion of our 2028 Notes, $62.9 million used to repurchase common stock, $57.9 million used to purchase financial instruments owned, at fair value, $14.8 million used to pay dividends, $7.7 million used to pay convertible notes issuance costs and $1.8 million used to pay for software development.
Current wording
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased by $12.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 due to $7.8 million used to repurchase our common stock, $5.0 million used to pay dividends, $2.5 million used to purchase financial instruments owned, at fair value, $1.0 million used in operating activities, $0.6 million used to pay for software development and $0.7 million used for other activities. These decreases were partly offset by $5.2 million of proceeds from the sale of financial instruments owned, at fair value.
Previous wording
Each class of notes were issued pursuant to indentures dated as of the issuance dates between us and either U.S. Bank National Association or U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (or its successor in interest, the “Trustee”), in private offerings to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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
As of September 30, 2024, we had an aggregate principal amount of $520,845 outstanding of the 2026 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2029 Notes (collectively, the “Convertible Notes”).
Current wording
As of March 31, 2025, we had an aggregate principal amount of $520.8 million outstanding of the 2026 Notes, the 2028 Notes and the 2029 Notes (collectively, the “Convertible Notes”).
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 September 30, 2024 was approximately $35.1 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.
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 March 31, 2025 was approximately $35.6 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, 2028, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024, we repurchased 6,800,301 shares of our common stock under the repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $62.9 million. Currently, approximately $35.5 million remains under this program for future purchases.
Current wording
During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we repurchased 1,282,498 shares of our common stock under the repurchase program for an aggregate cost of $12.7 million. Currently, approximately $150.0 million remains under this program for future purchases.
Previous wording
See the section titled “Issuance of Convertible Notes” above for additional information.
Current wording
See the section titled “Convertible Notes” above for additional information.
Showing the first 40 of 45 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (3)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Our effective interest rate during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2024 was 5.0% and 4.4%, respectively.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Other expenses were essentially unchanged from the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.