Core Viewpoint - T. Rowe Price has launched three new active transparent equity ETFs, expanding its lineup to a total of 22 offerings, aimed at providing long-term capital appreciation through sector-specific investments [1][2][4]. Group 1: New ETF Launches - The newly launched ETFs are T. Rowe Price Financials ETF (TFNS), T. Rowe Price Health Care ETF (TMED), and T. Rowe Price Natural Resources ETF (TURF) [1][2]. - Each ETF has an expense ratio of 0.44% and seeks to invest at least 80% of its net assets in their respective sectors [2][3][4]. Group 2: Investment Strategies - TFNS focuses on the financial services industry, typically maintaining a portfolio of 50-70 companies [2]. - TMED targets health care innovations, with a diversified portfolio of 100 to 150 stocks across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and health care services [3]. - TURF invests in natural resource companies, primarily in energy, minerals, and agriculture, holding 60-80 securities globally [4]. Group 3: Company Background - T. Rowe Price, founded in 1937, manages USD $1.62 trillion in assets as of May 31, 2025, and is known for its investment excellence and active management approach [5]. - The firm has a commitment to growing its active ETF business and aims to deliver compelling investment ideas through rigorous global research [5].

Core Viewpoint - The midyear outlook for global financial markets indicates a shift towards deglobalization, a reconfiguration of global trade due to tariffs, and an expansion of stock market opportunities beyond U.S. equities and mega-cap tech stocks, alongside a bond market regime change driven by trade policy and German fiscal expansion [1][2]. Economic Outlook - The global economy is facing pressures from trade war fallout, which could slow growth, with U.S. fiscal and tax policy expected to be significant in the latter half of the year [6]. - The likelihood of a global recession has increased, particularly with the U.S. leading the downturn, resulting in a longer period of subpar growth characterized by higher unemployment and inflation [5][7]. Equity Market Insights - There is an anticipated broadening of equity markets, reducing the concentration on U.S. and mega-cap stocks, favoring value stocks and select emerging markets [4][6]. - Active management is expected to outperform in the current challenging market environment, which includes higher interest rates and increased volatility [2]. Fixed Income Landscape - The U.S. tariffs and significant German fiscal expansion have altered the global fixed income landscape, leading to a weaker outlook for developed market sovereign bonds while improving prospects for credit and some emerging markets [5][6]. - Above-target inflation is noted in some developed markets, particularly the U.S., affecting corporate bonds which are entering an economic downturn with historically high credit quality [6]. Multi-Asset Strategy - T. Rowe Price emphasizes inflation protection and equity diversification in its multi-asset portfolios, suggesting that inflation-protected bonds and real assets can serve as effective hedges against expected inflation [6]. - More attractive valuations are leading to a preference for international and value equities in multi-asset portfolio allocations [6].

Group 1 - T. Rowe Price Group is an asset manager with an 88-year operating history, recognized for its ability to compound returns over time [1] - The company focuses on identifying high-quality companies with durable competitive advantages and strong balance sheets [1] - The investment strategy aims to purchase shares when they are available at irrational prices in the market [1]

Core Viewpoint - T. Rowe Price Group has experienced a decline of -7% since the previous analyses in July and September 2023, indicating a period of stagnation for the company [1]. Company Analysis - The company has been characterized as "dead money" over the recent months, reflecting a lack of significant movement in its stock price [1]. - The analyst has a beneficial long position in T. Rowe Price Group shares, indicating confidence in the company's future performance despite recent underperformance [2]. Market Context - The performance of T. Rowe Price Group is part of a broader market trend where past performance does not guarantee future results, highlighting the inherent risks in investment [3].

Core Insights - The issuance of dollar-denominated bonds by governments in Asia and Europe has significantly decreased, with a 19% year-on-year drop to $86.2 billion in the first five months of the year, marking the first decline in three years [1][2] - Global sovereign local currency bond issuance has risen to $326 billion, the highest level in five years, as investors withdraw from U.S. assets due to concerns over tariffs and the stability of U.S. financial dominance [2] Group 1 - The dollar bond issuance from Canada and Saudi Arabia fell by 31% and 29% respectively, amounting to $10.9 billion and $11.9 billion [2] - Israel and Poland also saw declines in dollar bond issuance by 37% and 31%, reaching $4.9 billion and $5.4 billion [2] - The decline in dollar bond issuance is accompanied by a notable increase in local currency bond issuance, driven by easing inflation pressures and lower local interest rates in countries like India, Indonesia, and Thailand [5] Group 2 - Brazil is considering issuing its first sovereign bonds in renminbi following a series of investment agreements and a currency swap deal with China [5] - Saudi Arabia raised €2.25 billion (approximately $2.36 billion) through euro-denominated bonds, including its first green bonds, aligning with its strategy to diversify away from dollar-linked financing [5] - The local currency bond market is expected to mature further, particularly in India, as its bonds are included in global bond indices, potentially expanding the investor base [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed 2024 with $1.61 trillion in assets under management and reported $43.2 billion in net client outflows, which were reduced by half year over year [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific data on individual business lines was provided in the meeting Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or key metrics changes were discussed in the meeting Company Strategy and Development Direction and Industry Competition - The company emphasized the importance of its associates' dedication to clients and the firm, which drives confidence in the path ahead [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future, attributing it to the dedication of associates and the firm's commitment to clients [32] Other Important Information - The company held a virtual annual meeting, which has become standard for many public companies, citing efficiency and accessibility for shareholders [25] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: How does the compensation committee use the compensation actually paid total compensation figures in its calculation of the CEO target total compensation award for the upcoming year? - The compensation committee evaluates the CEO's performance independently each year and does not consider previous years' stock awards in determining the current year's award [21][22] Question: Why have in-person annual meetings not resumed after COVID? - The company finds virtual meetings to be efficient and has not received significant requests from shareholders to change the meeting format [25][26]

Assets Under Management - Assets under management decreased by $40.3 billion to $1,566.3 billion as of March 31, 2025, driven by market depreciation of $31.7 billion and net cash outflows of $8.6 billion[89]. - Target date retirement portfolios saw an increase in assets to $484.2 billion, with net flows of $6.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025[91]. - Investment advisory clients outside the United States accounted for 8.7% of total assets under management as of March 31, 2025[90]. - Average assets under management (AUM) increased by $135.9 billion, or 9.2%, to $1,620.3 billion in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024[110]. - Ending AUM was $1,566.3 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting a 1.6% increase from $1,542.2 billion in Q1 2024[102]. - As of March 31, 2025, total assets in strategic investment advice solutions were $566 billion, with $551 billion included in reported assets under management[92]. Financial Performance - Net revenues for Q1 2025 were $1,763.9 million, a 0.8% increase from $1,750.2 million in Q1 2024, primarily driven by a 4.0% increase in investment advisory fees[103]. - Investment advisory fees rose to $1,598.4 million in Q1 2025, up 4.0% from $1,536.4 million in Q1 2024[102]. - Performance-based advisory fees decreased by 40.9% to $10.4 million in Q1 2025 from $17.6 million in Q1 2024[102]. - Net income to T. Rowe Price Group was $490.5 million in Q1 2025, down 14.5% from $573.8 million in Q1 2024[102]. - Diluted earnings per share decreased to $2.15 in Q1 2025 from $2.49 in Q1 2024, a decline of 13.7%[108]. - The operating margin for Q1 2025 was 33.8%, slightly up from 33.5% in Q1 2024, driven by net revenue growth outpacing operating expense growth[107]. - For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the adjusted net income attributable to T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. was $509.3 million, down from $548.5 million in the same period of 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 7.1%[136]. - The diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $2.23, compared to $2.38 for the same period in 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 6.3%[136]. Operating Expenses - Operating expenses on a U.S. GAAP basis were $1,167.6 million, a 0.3% increase from $1,163.6 million in Q1 2024[105]. - Total operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $1,167.6 million, a slight increase of $4.0 million or 0.3% compared to Q1 2024[117]. - Total adjusted operating expenses rose to $1,135.1 million, reflecting an increase of $63.7 million or 5.9% year-over-year[117]. - Compensation, benefits, and related costs increased by $28.6 million or 4.5% to $657.9 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to higher salaries and employee benefits[117]. - Distribution and servicing costs were $93.6 million, up $11.7 million or 14.3% compared to the previous year, driven by higher average assets under management[118]. - Technology, occupancy, and facility costs increased by $17.7 million or 11.8% to $167.6 million, attributed to ongoing investments in technology capabilities[121]. - General, administrative, and other expenses rose to $103.3 million, an increase of $10.7 million or 11.6% compared to the prior year[122]. - Product and recordkeeping related costs were $83.8 million, reflecting an increase of $8.8 million or 11.7% year-over-year[120]. Cash Flow and Investments - The total cash and discretionary investments as of March 31, 2025, amounted to $3,297.1 million, an increase from $3,106.9 million at December 31, 2024, reflecting a growth of about 6.1%[137]. - The company reported cash and cash equivalents of $2,836.7 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $2,649.8 million at the end of 2024, indicating an increase of approximately 7.1%[137]. - Operating cash flows for the first quarter of 2025 were $771.9 million, an increase of $32.4 million from $739.5 million in 2024, primarily driven by a $165.4 million increase in non-cash items[146]. - Net cash used in investing activities totaled $95.6 million in 2025, compared to $34.4 million in 2024, with net proceeds from the sale of investments decreasing from $65.3 million to $2.1 million[148]. - Net cash used in financing activities was $489.4 million in 2025, an increase from $355.2 million in 2024, with $215.2 million used for share repurchases[149]. Shareholder Returns - T. Rowe Price increased its quarterly recurring dividend per common share by 2.4% to $1.27 in February 2025, up from $1.24[142]. - The company repurchased 2.1 million shares of its outstanding common stock for $217.5 million in the first quarter of 2025, at an average price of $101.57 per share[142]. - Since the end of 2022, T. Rowe Price has returned nearly $3.4 billion to stockholders through stock repurchases and dividends, with total cash returned in 2023 at $1,376.2 million and projected at $1,469.7 million for 2024[143]. - A 2.4% increase in quarterly dividends per share was implemented in 2025, contributing to a $3.0 million increase in dividends paid compared to the previous year[149]. Market and Economic Conditions - Major stock indexes, including the S&P 500, declined by 4.3% in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting concerns over economic growth and inflation[84]. - The 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield decreased from 4.58% to 4.23% during the first quarter of 2025 amid slowing economic growth concerns[85]. - Emerging equity markets rose but underperformed developed non-U.S. markets in U.S. dollar terms, with Latin America and EMEA showing mostly positive trends[83]. - T. Rowe Price's ability to attract and retain investor assets is influenced by market conditions, investment performance, and competitive factors in the financial services sector[155]. Regulatory and Operational Risks - Regulatory changes, including proposed Maryland sales tax on IT services, could significantly impact operations and investor interest[157]. - No material change in market risks reported since the previous Form 10-K Annual Report for 2024[158]. - Future results are dependent on fluctuations in advertising and promotion expenses to expand investment advisory business and penetrate distribution channels[156]. - Total compensation expenses may vary due to bonuses, equity grants, employee count changes, and competitive factors[156]. - Potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets could impact financial results[156]. - Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect costs of international operations[156].

Core Insights - T. Rowe Price reported revenue of $1.76 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.8% but a slight miss against the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77 billion, resulting in a revenue surprise of -0.39% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $2.23, down from $2.38 in the same quarter last year, but it exceeded the consensus EPS estimate of $2.09, leading to an EPS surprise of +6.70% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Assets Under Management (EOP) for Equity stood at $773.4 billion, below the average estimate of $806.24 billion [4] - Multi-asset Assets Under Management (EOP) were reported at $544.4 billion, compared to the average estimate of $553.12 billion [4] - Total Assets Under Management reached $1,566.3 billion, missing the average estimate of $1,607.56 billion [4] - Total net cash inflows were negative at $-8.6 billion, contrasting with the average estimate of $9.37 billion [4] - Net revenues from capital allocation-based income were reported at -$1.20 million, significantly lower than the estimated $6.07 million, marking a year-over-year decline of -102.6% [4] - Administrative, distribution, and servicing fees generated net revenues of $156.30 million, exceeding the average estimate of $142.50 million, representing a year-over-year increase of +4.8% [4] - Investment advisory fees totaled $1.60 billion, slightly below the estimated $1.61 billion, but reflecting a year-over-year increase of +2.9% [4] - Investment Advisory Fees from Alternatives were reported at $80.90 million, surpassing the estimated $72.05 million, with a year-over-year increase of +9.2% [4] - Multi-asset Investment Advisory Fees generated $454.70 million, slightly below the average estimate of $459.77 million, with a year-over-year increase of +5.8% [4] - Fixed income Investment Advisory Fees, including money market, were reported at $103.60 million, below the average estimate of $108.38 million, with a year-over-year increase of +3% [4] - Performance-based advisory fees were reported at $10.40 million, exceeding the estimated $10.09 million [4] - Equity Investment Advisory Fees totaled $959.20 million, slightly above the average estimate of $959.01 million, with a year-over-year increase of +1% [4] Stock Performance - T. Rowe Price shares returned +2.2% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which declined by -0.5% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. reported better-than-expected adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025, but experienced a year-over-year decline in net income and revenues, indicating mixed performance amidst rising expenses and market challenges [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025 were $2.23, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09, but down 6.3% from the previous year [1]. - Net income on a GAAP basis was $490.5 million, a decline of 14.5% year-over-year, compared to an estimate of $439.8 million [2]. - Net revenues increased nearly 1% year-over-year to $1.76 billion, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77 billion [3]. Revenue Sources - Investment advisory fees rose by 4% to $1.6 billion, exceeding the estimate of $1.63 billion [3]. - Capital allocation-based income significantly dropped to negative $1.2 million from $47.1 million in the prior-year quarter, primarily due to lower market returns [4]. Expenses and Costs - Total operating expenses increased slightly to $1.17 billion, below the estimate of $1.26 billion, while adjusted operating expenses were $1.14 billion, reflecting a 5.9% increase [4]. Assets Under Management (AUM) - As of March 31, 2025, total AUM grew 1.6% year-over-year to $1.57 trillion, although it was below the projected $1.69 trillion [5]. - The AUM was negatively impacted by net market depreciation and cash outflows totaling $8.6 billion [5]. Liquidity and Capital Distribution - The company maintained a strong liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents of $2.84 billion as of March 31, 2025, up from $2.65 billion at the end of 2024 [5]. - T. Rowe Price distributed $506 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases in the first quarter [6]. Strategic Outlook - The company’s solid AUM balance, expanding distribution reach, and diversification efforts through acquisitions are expected to support future growth [7]. - However, concerns remain regarding elevated expenses and reliance on investment advisory fees, alongside a challenging operating environment [7].

T. Rowe Price (TROW) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.23 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.38 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 6.70%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this financial services firm would post earnings of $2.23 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.12, delivering a surprise of -4.93%.Over the last four quarters, ...