WisdomTree Publishes Presentation Highlighting Company’s Track Record of Success and Strategic Momentum Ahead of 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
WisdomTree has released a comprehensive presentation ahead of its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled for June 12, 2024, to highlight its financial performance and strategic achievements.
Key points include record assets under management (AUM), continuous organic growth, and margin expansion. The company boasts a near 40% year-to-date stock price increase due to strong financial results. WisdomTree's strategy includes investments in tokenization and blockchain-enabled finance.
The presentation also emphasizes the importance of a refreshed Board, with 67% female representation. WisdomTree urges stockholders to vote 'FOR' all its director nominees and reject ETFS Capital's demands for a strategic review, which WisdomTree claims are self-serving and against long-term shareholder interests.
- Record AUM achieved, demonstrating financial strength.
- Near 40% increase in stock price year-to-date.
- Continuous organic growth and operating margin expansion.
- Three consecutive years of positive inflows.
- Top performing Total Stockholder Return (TSR) among U.S. publicly traded asset managers.
- Early-mover advantage in tokenization and blockchain-enabled finance.
- Strong investments in digital assets, positioning for future growth.
- Board refreshment with 67% female representation and new expertise bringing fresh perspectives.
- Two directors nominated by ETFS Capital support the current strategic plan.
- ETFS Capital’s demand for a strategic review creates shareholder uncertainty.
- Potential internal conflicts with ETFS Capital could disrupt focus and strategic execution.
- ETFS Capital's actions are interpreted as attempts to liquidate its position, possibly indicating lack of confidence in long-term growth.
Insights
WisdomTree's recent presentation emphasizes their impressive financial performance and strategic growth. Notably, their assets under management (AUM) are at historic highs, showcasing a track record of positive inflows over multiple years. This suggests both strong market positioning and effective asset management strategies.
However, the presentation also appears to be a strategic move to counter ETFS Capital's demands for an independent review, which WisdomTree claims is self-serving. This implies an underlying tension that investors should be aware of, particularly how it might influence future governance and strategic decisions.
From a short-term perspective, the 40% rise in stock price year-to-date is promising. But, the long-term implications of the ongoing dispute with ETFS Capital could affect stability. Investors should weigh these factors, considering the potential volatility tied to governance conflicts.
Overall, the company's diversification into tokenization and blockchain is forward-thinking, positioning itself ahead of peers in a nascent but growing market. Yet, these ventures also carry inherent risks due to the unpredictability of the digital finance sector.
WisdomTree’s emphasis on their refreshed Board highlights their commitment to corporate governance. With 67% of the Board now comprised of women and significant refreshment in recent years, they aim to present a modern, diverse leadership team aligned with best practices. This can enhance decision-making processes and align with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria, potentially attracting ESG-focused investors.
However, the ongoing friction with ETFS Capital points to underlying governance challenges. ETFS Capital’s call for a strategic review indicates dissatisfaction which could signal potential governance risks. Investors should monitor how this situation evolves, as it may impact the company's strategic direction and shareholder value.
The current Board’s mix of institutional knowledge and fresh perspectives is touted as essential for guiding WisdomTree through its next growth phase. While this is positive, the real test will be how effectively this diverse board can navigate ongoing disputes and continue delivering shareholder value.
WisdomTree’s strong total stockholder return (TSR) metrics across various timeframes are indicative of robust market performance in comparison to peers. This is a critical indicator for prospective investors assessing relative performance within the asset management sector.
The company’s investments in digital assets and blockchain technology also highlight their proactive approach to innovation. Being an early mover in this space could offer significant competitive advantages, though it also involves navigating regulatory uncertainties and market adoption risks.
Investors should consider the potential for high growth in these digital initiatives, balanced against the associated risks. The clear message from WisdomTree is their confidence in continued organic growth and operating margin expansion, which is promising but will require sustained execution and strategic agility.
Showcases WisdomTree’s Financial Performance, Successful Execution of its Strategic Plan, Commitment to Delivering Stockholder Value, and the Current Board’s Essential Mix of Expertise and Institutional Knowledge
WisdomTree Urges Stockholders to Repudiate ETFS Capital’s Self-Serving Demands for a Strategic Review. There is No Case for Change – Enough is Enough
Vote “FOR” All Nine of WisdomTree’s Highly Qualified Director Nominees on WHITE proxy card
The presentation outlines the disciplined execution of WisdomTree’s stated strategic plan to deliver record assets under management (“AUM”), as well as the Company’s continued organic growth and operating margin expansion – all of which are generating significant value for stockholders.
Our Board of Directors regularly reviews and evaluates the Company’s performance and is always open to value-maximizing opportunities. However, ETFS Capital’s demand for an independent strategic review appears to be motivated by a desire to liquidate its position in the Company, which is entirely self-serving and not in the best interests of all stockholders. WisdomTree’s stock price is up almost
WisdomTree’s execution and success are highlighted in its presentation, summarized below:
- WisdomTree has demonstrated strong momentum with its current strategy and is in a pivotal phase of execution and growth as it continues to grow its traditional ETP business and leverage its early-mover advantage in tokenization and blockchain-enabled finance.
- WisdomTree is achieving new financial milestones, generating record AUM and more than three consecutive calendar years of positive inflows.
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WisdomTree has a top performing Total Stockholder Return (TSR) among its
U.S. publicly traded asset manager peers1 over the most recent YTD, 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year time periods. - WisdomTree continues to make important investments in tokenization and blockchain-enabled finance, and the Company is well ahead of its peers, with a digital assets strategy that positions WisdomTree for its next chapter of growth.
The presentation also provides an in-depth review of WisdomTree’s refreshed and diverse Board, including the invaluable skillsets, expertise and institutional knowledge the Company’s longer-tenured directors bring to the successful oversight of WisdomTree.
- WisdomTree has demonstrated that Board refreshment is its priority. Six new independent directors have joined the Board since 2021, all with the right expertise to help WisdomTree execute its strategy.
- WisdomTree’s Board includes two directors previously nominated by ETFS Capital and elected by stockholders, both of whom fully support the Company’s current strategic plan and vision and provide ETFS Capital with the appropriate, proportionate representation of its ownership.
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Women now constitute
67% of the Board and all committee chair roles have been rotated, with each now held by directors elected to the Board in the past three years. The Board also has refreshed committee memberships, including adding its newest directors to each committee. - The critical institutional knowledge, skillsets and expertise of WisdomTree’s three longer-tenured directors, combined with fresh perspectives from its newer Board members, provide the Board with the guidance crucial to unlocking stockholder value.
- WisdomTree’s corporate governance practices ensure that the best expertise is provided to its management team and that directors hold management accountable to serve in the best interests of all stockholders.
Vote “FOR” all nine director nominees using the WHITE proxy card, including Anthony Bossone, Win Neuger and Jonathan Steinberg. Send a message that enough is enough and repudiate ETFS Capital’s self-serving campaign to disrupt WisdomTree’s positive momentum and trajectory.
Stockholders can find out more about the proxy vote at the 2024 Annual Meeting by visiting the WisdomTree investor relations website and navigating to the page entitled “2024 Annual Meeting”: https://ir.wisdomtree.com/2024-annual-meeting-proxy-vote.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE VOTE THE WHITE PROXY CARD TODAY “FOR” ALL WISDOMTREE NOMINEES!
Remember, you can vote your shares via the Internet. Please follow the easy instructions on the enclosed WHITE proxy card.
If you have any questions or need assistance in voting your shares on the WHITE proxy card, please contact our proxy solicitor:
Innisfree M&A Incorporated Stockholders and All Others Call Toll Free: (877) 750-5836 Banks and Brokers Call: (212) 750-5833 |
Advisors
BofA Securities is serving as financial advisor, and Paul Hastings and Goodwin Procter are serving as legal counsel to WisdomTree. Innisfree M&A is serving as proxy solicitor, and H/Advisors Abernathy is serving as strategic communications advisor.
About WisdomTree
WisdomTree is a global financial innovator, offering a well-diversified suite of exchange-traded products (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. WisdomTree is 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 or blockchain-enabled mutual funds and tokenized assets, as well as our blockchain-native digital wallet, WisdomTree Prime®.*
*The WisdomTree Prime digital wallet and digital asset services are made available through WisdomTree Digital Movement, Inc. (NMLS ID: 2372500) and WisdomTree Digital Trust Company, LLC, in select
WisdomTree currently has approximately
For more information about WisdomTree and WisdomTree Prime®, visit: https://www.wisdomtree.com.
Please visit us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @WisdomTreeNews.
WisdomTree® is the marketing name for WisdomTree, Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this letter that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements are identified by use of the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “should,” “views,” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on current expectations, but are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated, including, but not limited to, the impact and contributions of the slate of director nominees WisdomTree has nominated, and WisdomTree’s ability to achieve its financial and business plans, goals and objectives and drive stockholder value, including with respect to its ability to successfully implement its strategy relating to WisdomTree Prime®, and other risk factors discussed from time to time in WisdomTree’s filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in its most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2024, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. WisdomTree assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law, to reflect events or circumstances occurring after today’s date.
Important Information Regarding the 2024 Annual Meeting and Where to Find It
The Company has filed with the SEC a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”), containing a form of WHITE proxy card, in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the 2024 Annual Meeting and, beginning on April 29, 2024, mailed the Proxy Statement and other relevant documents to its stockholders as of the April 19, 2024 record date for the 2024 Annual Meeting. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other document that the Company has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with any solicitation by the Company. THE COMPANY’S STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD FILED BY THE COMPANY AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. The Company’s stockholders may obtain copies of these documents and other documents filed with the SEC by the Company free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by the Company are also available free of charge by accessing the Company’s website at https://ir.wisdomtree.com/.
Certain Information Regarding Participants in the Solicitation
The Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2024 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, of the Company’s directors and executive officers in the Company is included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters”, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2024 and can be found through the SEC’s website. To the extent holdings of the Company’s securities by such potential participants (or the identity of such participants) have changed since the information printed in the Proxy Statement, such information has been or will be reflected in Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3 and 4 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Category: Business Update
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1 In addition to WisdomTree,
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240523318466/en/
Investor Relations
WisdomTree, Inc.
Jeremy Campbell
+1.917.267.3859
Jeremy.campbell@wisdomtree.com
Media Relations
WisdomTree, Inc.
Jessica Zaloom
+1.917.267.3735
jzaloom@wisdomtree.com
H/Advisors Abernathy
Tom Johnson / Dana Gorman
tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / dana.gorman@h-advisors.global
Source: WisdomTree, Inc.
FAQ
What is the date for WisdomTree's 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders?
What significant achievements has WisdomTree highlighted in its presentation?
Why is WisdomTree urging stockholders to vote 'FOR' the director nominees?
How has WisdomTree performed financially in recent years?
What role does tokenization and blockchain-enabled finance play in WisdomTree's strategy?
What changes have been made to WisdomTree's Board?
What is ETFS Capital demanding from WisdomTree?
How can stockholders vote in the upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting?
