Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We determine estimated fair values for our financial instruments using available information. The fair value amounts discussed in our condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of either amounts realizable upon disposition of these instruments or our intent or ability to dispose of these assets. The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, dividends payable, compensation and benefits payable and income taxes payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term maturities and are classified as level 1 fair value measurements. The carrying amount of investments designated as “trading” securities, primarily U.S. Government and Government agency obligations, money market funds, Westwood Funds® mutual funds and Westwood Trust common trust fund shares, equals their fair value based on prices quoted in active markets and, with respect to funds, the net asset value of the shares held as reported by each fund. Market values of our money market holdings generally do not fluctuate.

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures regarding certain fair value measurements. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy for measuring fair value as follows:

·	level 1 – quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets

·	level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices that are directly or indirectly observable

·	level 3 – unobservable inputs where there is little or no market activity

The following table summarizes the values of our assets as of the dates indicated within the fair value hierarchy (in thousands).

	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
As of September 30, 2014:
Investments in securities:
Trading	$	70,925	$	2,174	$	—	$	73,099
Total financial instruments	$	70,925	$	2,174	$	—	$	73,099

As of December 31, 2013:
Investments in securities:
Trading	$	64,554	$	—	$	—	$	64,554
Total financial instruments	$	64,554	$	—	$	—	$	64,554

Investments categorized as level 2 assets consist of investments in common trust funds sponsored by Westwood Trust. Common trust funds are private investment vehicles comprised of commingled investments held in trusts that are valued using the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) calculated by us as administrator of the funds. The NAV is quoted on an inactive private market however the unit price is based on the market value of the underlying investments that are traded on an active market. Westwood Trust sponsors common trust funds for most of the investment strategies managed by Westwood Management. These strategies are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Investments in the funds are generally redeemable on a daily basis. There are no current plans to sell any of these investments.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

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