Core Insights - SEI is set to release its second quarter 2025 earnings on July 23, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call at 5 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results [1] - The public can listen to the conference call and access a replay through the company's investor relations website [2] - As of March 31, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.6 trillion in assets, positioning itself as a leading global provider of financial technology and asset management services [3]

Company Overview - Virtus Investment Partners (VRTS) shares increased by 6.3% to close at $200.71, with notable trading volume exceeding typical levels [1] - The stock has gained 10.5% over the past four weeks, indicating positive momentum [1] Market Sentiment - Broader market optimism regarding potential trade agreements and expectations of earlier interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve has positively influenced investor sentiment towards finance stocks [2] - Investors are seeking better investment options for higher yields, which is expected to lead to inflows for asset managers, positively impacting their revenues [2] Earnings Expectations - Virtus is projected to report quarterly earnings of $6.17 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.5% [3] - Expected revenues for the upcoming quarter are $188.7 million, down 7.1% from the same quarter last year [3] Earnings Estimate Trends - The consensus EPS estimate for Virtus has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, suggesting that stock price movements may not sustain without trends in earnings estimate revisions [4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook [4] Industry Comparison - Virtus operates within the Zacks Financial - Investment Management industry, where SEI Investments (SEIC) also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and has seen a 7.7% return over the past month [4][5] - SEI's consensus EPS estimate has increased by 2.9% over the past month, reflecting a year-over-year change of 9.5% [5]

Core Insights - BlackRock Inc. has completed the acquisition of HPS Investment Partners, marking a significant move into the private credit market, which is becoming increasingly lucrative in global finance [1][12]. Private Credit Market - The private credit sector is reshaping financial markets and facilitating the convergence of public and private markets, with capital markets becoming the primary financing avenue for asset managers [2]. Strategic Initiatives - To leverage opportunities in private credit, BlackRock is launching Private Financing Solutions (PFS), which will integrate its private credit, GP, LP solutions, and both private and liquid CLO businesses [3]. Financial Projections - The acquisition of HPS is projected to increase BlackRock's private markets fee-paying assets under management (AUM) by 40% and management fees by 35%. In 2025, HPS is expected to contribute approximately $850 million in base fees and nearly $360 million in post-tax fee-related earnings (FRE) at a 50% margin [4][12]. Growth Targets - BlackRock aims to raise $400 billion in private markets fundraising by 2030 as part of its strategy to enhance private credit capabilities [5]. Recent Acquisitions - In March 2025, BlackRock acquired Preqin to improve its private markets data offerings and previously acquired Global Infrastructure Partners to enhance its infrastructure capabilities [6]. AUM and Revenue Growth - BlackRock's AUM has shown a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%, reaching a record $11.58 trillion as of March 31, 2025, with net inflows of $83 billion [7]. Product Diversification - The company is diversifying its product suite, which is expected to bolster revenue mix and reduce revenue concentration risk, aiding AUM growth [9]. Dividend and Share Repurchase - BlackRock announced a 2% increase in its quarterly dividend to $5.21 per share and has a share repurchase plan aiming to buy back $1.5 billion worth of shares in 2025 [14][18]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have revised the earnings per share estimates for 2025 and 2026 upward to $44.92 and $50.71, indicating positive growth expectations [19]. Valuation Metrics - BlackRock's price-to-book ratio of 3.39X is lower than the industry average of 3.73X, suggesting the stock is trading at a discount relative to expected earnings growth [25][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article compares Janus Henderson Group plc (JHG) and SEI Investments (SEIC) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Valuation Metrics - Both JHG and SEIC currently hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and improving earnings outlooks [3] - JHG has a forward P/E ratio of 11.50, while SEIC has a forward P/E of 19.08 [5] - JHG's PEG ratio is 1.36, compared to SEIC's PEG ratio of 1.59, suggesting JHG may offer better value relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - JHG has a P/B ratio of 1.27, while SEIC's P/B ratio is significantly higher at 4.95, indicating JHG is more attractively valued based on book value [6] - JHG earns a Value grade of B, while SEIC receives a Value grade of C, further supporting JHG as the superior value option [6][7]

Core Insights - The narrative surrounding the top stock picks has shifted dramatically from March, with a focus now on which stocks can maintain their gains and finish strong in the second half of 2025 [3] Stock Performance Summary - Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) has seen a significant decline of 32.70% year-to-date, with a recent drop of 21.25% in Q1 and 14.70% in Q2 [3] - Bloom Energy (BE) has rebounded with a 9.89% gain in Q2, although it remains below its year-to-date breakeven level [3][5] - Boeing (BA) has shown resilience with a 16.27% increase in Q2, leading to a 12.03% year-to-date gain [3][5] - Carvana (CVNA) has surged with a remarkable 51.87% gain in Q2, resulting in a 56.17% year-to-date increase [3] - CF Industries (CF) has rebounded with a 27.34% gain in Q2, bringing its year-to-date performance to 16.64% [3][6] - Coinbase Global (COIN) has experienced a significant turnaround with a 76.55% gain in Q2, leading to a 22.46% year-to-date increase [3][7] - Dell Technologies (DELL) has gained 30.27% in Q2, with a modest year-to-date increase of 3.04% [3][8] - Deutsche Bank (DB) has performed exceptionally well, with a 62.31% year-to-date gain, including a 16.11% increase in Q2 [3][8] - Nebius Group (NBIS) has surged with a 127.85% gain in Q2, resulting in a 73.83% year-to-date increase [3][9] - Rocket Lab (RKLB) has shown a 66.85% gain in Q2, leading to a 17.17% year-to-date performance [3][10] - Sea Ltd (SE) has maintained a strong performance with a 17.90% gain in Q2, resulting in a 45.00% year-to-date increase [3][11] - STMicroelectronics NV (STM) has seen a nearly 60% increase from its five-year low, supported by a price-target hike [3][12] - Roku Inc (ROKU) has only increased by 10.5% year-to-date, but a new partnership with Amazon could enhance its prospects [3][13] Market Sentiment and Technical Analysis - A total of 13 stocks have transitioned from negative to positive performance in Q2, with only two stocks remaining in the red [3] - The overall total return for the top picks has shifted from a loss of -163% in Q1 to a gain of approximately 271% year-to-date [3] - The market sentiment remains cautious, with lingering negative sentiment from Q1 underperformance affecting some stocks [15] - Stocks like EZPW and Rocket Lab have notable short interest, indicating potential volatility [16]

Core Insights - BlackRock Inc. plans to expand its presence in private markets, targeting $400 billion in fundraising by 2030, with expectations for the private credit market to grow from $1.6 trillion in 2023 to $4.5 trillion by 2030 [2][3] - The company aims to double its operating income to $15 billion and market capitalization to $280 billion by 2030, with an annual revenue target exceeding $35 billion, indicating a 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) [3][4] Strategic Initiatives - BlackRock is pursuing strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in private markets, including the purchase of Preqin for $3.2 billion, Global Infrastructure Partners, and HPS Investment for $12.1 billion [5][6][12] - The integration of acquired data and technology into its Aladdin platform is expected to drive revenue growth [7][12] Financial Performance - As of March 31, 2025, BlackRock's total assets under management (AUM) reached a record $11.58 trillion, with net inflows of $83 billion, supported by strong ETF and active equity contributions [9][11] - The company has experienced a five-year CAGR of 9.2% in AUM and a 7% CAGR in GAAP revenues over the past five years [9][11] Product Diversification - BlackRock's product diversification efforts, including the launch of iShares Bitcoin and collaborations to enhance retail investor access to alternative investments, are expected to bolster revenue and reduce concentration risk [10][11] - The company aims for organic base fee growth of 5% or more and an adjusted operating margin of 45% or more by 2030 [4] Valuation and Shareholder Returns - BlackRock's price-to-book ratio of 3.13X is lower than the industry average of 3.49X, indicating a potential discount for investors [23][27] - The company has a share repurchase plan, aiming to buy back $1.5 billion worth of shares in 2025, and has increased its quarterly dividend by 2% to $5.21 per share [18][25] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have revised earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 upward, reflecting positive sentiment towards BlackRock's growth prospects [15][31]

Core Insights - The research by SEI highlights that private market asset managers face challenges due to data replication and fragmentation from multiple fund administrators, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased costs [1][2][4] Industry Overview - Global private markets assets under management have grown nearly 20% annually since 2018, prompting firms to work with multiple fund administrators due to regulatory pressures, cross-border operations, or M&A activity [2][4] - The complexity of the environment is increasing pressure on firms to meet investor demand while maintaining operational efficiency and improving profitability [4] Research Methodology - The research was conducted by Cutter Associates, surveying senior decision-makers at private markets firms with at least $2 billion in assets under management, covering various asset classes including private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure, and hedge funds [5] Key Findings - A significant portion of firms (55%) maintain an internal accounting book of record, and 43% have more than half of their non-investment staff involved in oversight or replication, indicating high replication costs [7] - One-third of firms express concerns about technology costs, and 47% report that replication delays their reporting by three or more days, affecting data visibility [7] - The majority of firms (57%) work with multiple administrators, but 58% prefer to consolidate to one provider, with 21% desiring just two [7] - A quarter of firms (24%) are actively reducing replication, and 55% would consider it in future strategic plans, with 62% stating that the ability to reduce replication influences their choice of fund administrator [7]

Core Insights - Advisors are actively seeking strategies to refine and future-proof their practices, with 40% considering significant business transitions within the next 18 months [1][4][5] - The financial advisory industry is undergoing profound transformation due to evolving client expectations, technological advancements, and demographic shifts [3][4] Business Transition and Planning - 40% of financial advisors are contemplating selling their practices, merging with other firms, or making key changes in strategic partnerships [1] - Succession and continuity planning are top concerns for advisors, emphasizing the need for structured exit strategies [1][4] Operational Focus - 92% of advisors prioritize expanding their businesses, with 80% identifying business planning as a top priority [8] - 51% of advisors cite operational efficiency as crucial for strengthening their firm's foundation for scalable growth [8] - 43% are investing in people and culture to enhance talent acquisition, retention, and long-term team development [8] SEI's Business Audit Tool - SEI's business audit tool provides personalized insights into business health and areas of opportunity for advisors [2] - The tool helps advisors assess key areas of their businesses and strategically prioritize next steps [3]

Core Insights - UBS Group AG's subsidiary, UBS Asset Management, has reached a definitive agreement to sell its hedge fund, private credit, and commodities business, O'Connor, to Cantor Fitzgerald as part of its strategy to streamline operations [1][5] - The transaction involves approximately $11 billion in assets under management and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals [2][5] - UBS will maintain a long-term commercial arrangement with Cantor Fitzgerald to ensure continuity for UBS Global Wealth Management clients [3] Company Strategy - The divestiture aligns with UBS's broader strategy of focusing on core operations following the acquisition of Credit Suisse in 2023, aiming to reduce non-core and legacy risk-weighted assets to below $8 billion by the end of 2025 [5] - UBS has also formed a strategic partnership with 360 ONE WAM Ltd, acquiring a 4.95% share while selling its onshore Indian wealth business [6] Financial Performance - UBS aims to achieve $13 billion in gross cost savings by the end of 2026 through its restructuring efforts [7] - Despite these efforts, UBS shares have decreased by 2.4% over the past six months, contrasting with the industry's growth of 21.7% [8]

Company Participation - SEI will participate in the William Blair 45th Annual Growth Stock Conference in Chicago, IL on June 5, 2025, with a presentation by Sean Denham, Chief Financial and Chief Operating Officer, at 10:20 a.m. ET [1] - Denham and Michael Lane, Executive Vice President and Head of Asset Management, will host one-on-one or small group meetings throughout the day [2] Company Overview - SEI is a leading global provider of financial technology, operations, and asset management services within the financial services industry [3] - As of March 31, 2025, SEI manages, advises, or administers approximately $1.6 trillion in assets [3]