Key Takeaways BRK.B bought about 17.85M Alphabet shares and cut its Apple stake to 238.2M shares.The conglomerate is reducing concentration risk while exiting BYD and lifting Japanese holdings.BRK.B's EPS estimates have slipped even as consensus sees revenue rising in 2025 and 2026.Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B) is yet again rephasing its portfolio — bought shares in Alphabet and trimming stake at Apple. Per TheStreet, Berkshire has purchased around 17.85 million shares for about $4.34 billion as found in ...

Core Insights - Franklin Resources (BEN) is actively expanding through acquisitions and partnerships to enhance its alternative investments and multi-asset solutions offerings [2][11] - The acquisition of Apera Asset Management significantly increased BEN's alternative credit assets under management (AUM) by over $90 billion, bringing total alternative asset strategies to nearly $270 billion as of September 30, 2025 [3] - The company is focusing on higher-growth asset classes, particularly alternatives, to capture incremental flows and support long-term AUM expansion [7] Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships - In October 2025, Franklin Resources completed the acquisition of Apera Asset Management, enhancing its position in the alternative credit market [3] - In September 2025, Franklin partnered with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, DigitalBridge, and Actis to expand its private infrastructure platform [4] - In July 2024, Franklin collaborated with SBI Holdings to enter the ETF and digital assets space, targeting younger investors [5] - The acquisition of Putnam Investments in January 2024 boosted Franklin's defined-contribution AUM above $100 billion [5] Market Position and Competitiveness - Franklin's strategic moves have strengthened its presence in the separately managed account (SMA) market and expanded its capabilities across private debt, real estate, hedge funds, and private equity [6] - The company's focus on alternatives aligns with industry trends, enhancing its competitive positioning and potential for sustained revenue growth [7] - Peers like BlackRock and T. Rowe Price are also pursuing similar inorganic growth strategies through acquisitions and partnerships [8][12] Financial Performance and Valuation - Franklin's shares have increased by 1.7% over the past three months, contrasting with an 18.2% decline in the industry [14] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.71X, below the industry average of 13.98 [16] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year earnings growth of 12.6% and 12.5% for 2026 and 2027, respectively, although recent estimates have been revised downward [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total investment income for Q3 2025 was $36.7 million, up from $35.1 million in Q2 2025, while net investment income increased to $15.7 million from $13.9 million [15][16] - The weighted average portfolio risk rating rose to 2.42 in Q3 2025 from 2.33 in Q2 2025 [15] - The dollar-weighted loan-to-value ratio increased from 29.6% to 31.4% [15] - The total investment portfolio's fair value decreased by 7.7% to $946 million from $1.02 billion [16] - NAV per share decreased by 1.9% to $13.55 from $13.66 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed 11 investments totaling $128.3 million in Q3 2025, focusing on technology, healthcare, and select consumer sectors [7][10] - The acquisition of SWK Holdings is expected to scale the portfolio by approximately $242 million, increasing exposure in healthcare and life sciences from 14% to 31% [9][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a competitive environment in private markets, with increased competition affecting pricing and origination activity [9][34] - The venture debt space is experiencing spread compression, although not as severe as in broader markets [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its portfolio through both organic and inorganic growth, with a focus on diversification and risk mitigation [8][9] - The acquisition of SWK Holdings is seen as a strategic move to enhance earnings power and diversify the asset base [9][20] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to growth while leveraging the BC Partners credit platform for sourcing opportunities [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects a muted repayment activity in Q4 2025 compared to Q3, with origination opportunities being actively pursued [25] - The integration of SWK is anticipated to enhance the company's financial profile and shareholder value, with expected accretion in earnings [20][55] - The ongoing government shutdown may delay SEC regulatory approval for the merger, with a projected close in early 2026 [22][55] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 397,983 shares during the third quarter under a $25 million stock repurchase program [22] - A regular distribution of $0.33 per share was declared for Q4 2025 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expected closing date of the SWK merger and origination activity in Q4 - Management indicated that repayments would be muted in Q4, with origination activity utilizing the existing pipeline and BC Partners credit platform [25] Question: Integration of SWK portfolio and yield profile - The SWK portfolio is expected to have a slightly higher yield than Runway's existing portfolio, with plans to explore upsizing the best loans post-merger [27][29] Question: Drivers of realized loss and unrealized portfolio depreciation - Losses were primarily in the equity portfolio, with no specific sector theme identified [30] Question: Prepayment activity and expectations for next year - Prepayment activity is driven by M&A and refinancing options, with expectations for normal prepayment rates moving forward [31] Question: Competitive dynamics in venture debt space - Management noted spread compression in the venture debt space, but not as severe as in other markets [34] Question: Integration of SWK team post-merger - The SWK team will assist with the transition and new originations during the integration period [35] Question: Dividend declaration and earnings power - The board's decision on the dividend was based on anticipated prepayment activity and the need to cover the base dividend with Q4 earnings [38][40] Question: Characteristics of loans added to the Kadma JV - Loans added to the Kadma JV are growth loans, suited for that vehicle due to specific characteristics [46] Question: Accretion from the SWK merger - The merger is expected to be accretive in the first full quarter after closing, with potential for OID accretion [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total investment income for Q3 2025 was $36.7 million, an increase from $35.1 million in Q2 2025, while net investment income rose to $15.7 million from $13.9 million [15][16] - The weighted average portfolio risk rating increased to 2.42 from 2.33 in the previous quarter [15] - The dollar-weighted loan-to-value ratio increased from 29.6% to 31.4% [15] - The total investment portfolio's fair value decreased by 7.7% to $946 million from $1.02 billion [16] - NAV per share decreased by 1.9% to $13.55 from $13.66 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed 11 investments totaling $128.3 million in Q3 2025, including new investments in Federal Hearings and Appeals Services and DigiCert Inc. [10][11] - The acquisition of SWK Holdings is expected to scale the portfolio by approximately $242 million, increasing exposure in healthcare and life sciences from 14% to 31% [9][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The debt portfolio generated a dollar-weighted average annualized yield of 16.8%, up from 15.4% in the previous quarter [16] - Total available liquidity was $371.9 million, including unrestricted cash and cash equivalents [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on both organic and inorganic growth, with a definitive merger agreement to acquire SWK Holdings to enhance its portfolio and earnings power [5][9] - The strategy includes diversifying the portfolio through smaller position sizes and expanding financing solutions [7][11] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to growth while leveraging the BC Partners credit platform for sourcing opportunities [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the merger with SWK Holdings, anticipating it will enhance earnings power and financial profile [20][21] - The company expects to see a normal course of prepayments and is optimistic about origination activity in Q4 2025 [26][33] - Management acknowledged competitive dynamics in the venture debt space, noting some spread compression but not as severe as in broader markets [37] Other Important Information - The company declared a regular distribution for Q4 2025 of $0.33 per share, with net investment income of $0.43 per share [24][42] - The merger is structured as a NAB-for-NAB transaction with an estimated purchase price of approximately $220 million [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What should be expected regarding origination and repayment activity in Q4? - Management indicated that repayments would likely be muted compared to Q3, with ongoing origination opportunities available [26] Question: What is the yield profile expected after integrating the SWK portfolio? - The SWK portfolio is expected to have a slightly higher yield than the current portfolio, with pro formas to be provided in future filings [27][28] Question: What drove the realized loss and unrealized portfolio depreciation? - Losses were primarily in the equity portfolio, attributed to idiosyncratic factors rather than sector-wide issues [31][32] Question: What is driving prepayment activity, and is it expected to continue? - Prepayment activity is driven by M&A activity and companies finding cheaper refinancing options, with expectations for normal prepayment rates moving forward [33] Question: How will the SWK team be integrated into the company? - The SWK team will assist with the transition and new originations during the integration period [38] Question: Will the merger be accretive in 2026? - Management expects the merger to be accretive in the first full quarter after closing [59] Question: What stage of development do typical SWK investments target? - SWK targets growth-stage companies that are generating revenue but are generally pre-profit [62]

Core Insights - Runway Growth Finance Corp. reported total investment income of $36.7 million and net investment income of $15.7 million for Q3 2025, maintaining similar levels compared to Q3 2024 [4][6][7] - The company declared a fourth quarter dividend of $0.33 per share, reflecting its ongoing commitment to return value to shareholders [3][13] - The investment portfolio as of September 30, 2025, had a fair value of $0.9 billion, with a focus on senior secured loans [9][11] Financial Performance - Total investment income for Q3 2025 was $36.7 million, unchanged from Q3 2024 [4] - Net investment income for Q3 2025 was $15.7 million, or $0.43 per share, compared to $15.9 million, or $0.41 per share, in Q3 2024 [6][8] - Operating expenses increased slightly to $21.0 million in Q3 2025 from $20.8 million in Q3 2024 [6] Investment Activity - The company completed 11 investments totaling $128.3 million during the third quarter, net of refinances [7][10] - The investment portfolio included $878.8 million in loans, with 97.6% being senior secured loans [9] - The company experienced a net realized loss on investments of $1.3 million in Q3 2025, compared to no realized gains or losses in Q3 2024 [7] Net Asset Value - As of September 30, 2025, the net asset value per share was $13.55, a decrease of 0.8% from $13.66 as of June 30, 2025 [11] - Total net assets at the end of Q3 2025 were $489.5 million [11] Liquidity and Capital Resources - The company had approximately $371.9 million in available liquidity, including $7.9 million in cash and $364.0 million in borrowing capacity [12] - The core leverage ratio improved to approximately 92% from 105% in the previous quarter [12] Recent Developments - The company announced a proposed acquisition of SWK Holdings, which is expected to enhance its healthcare and life sciences exposure [3] - The merger agreement with SWK Holdings includes provisions for share conversions and cash considerations for SWK shareholders [16][17]

Core Insights - Millicom reported strong operational and financial performance in Q3 2025, with significant growth in adjusted EBITDA and net profit [5][6] - The company achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of $695 million, reflecting a margin of 48.9%, and a notable increase in operating profit [4][6] - Millicom's revenue growth was driven by mobile subscriber additions and ARPU expansion, with a year-over-year increase of 3.5% in service revenue [6][8] Financial Highlights - Q3 2025 revenue was $1.42 billion, a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to Q3 2024, but organic growth was 3.0% [4] - Operating profit for Q3 2025 reached $390 million, up 30.1% from the previous year [4] - Net profit attributable to company owners was $195 million, a significant increase from $51 million in Q3 2024 [4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $695 million, an 18.7% increase year-over-year [4] - Equity free cash flow for the quarter was $243 million, reflecting a year-to-date increase of $98 million compared to the same period last year [4][6] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on executing its strategic plan, which includes advancing inorganic growth initiatives and improving operational efficiency [6] - Millicom aims to achieve an equity free cash flow target of around $750 million for 2025, with a year-end leverage below 2.5x [9] - The company declared an additional interim dividend of $2.5 per share in August, totaling approximately $420 million [8]

Group 1 - Actis, owned by General Atlantic, is interested in reacquiring Sprng Energy from Shell Plc, with a potential buyback deal valued at approximately $1.55 billion enterprise value [1][16] - Sprng Energy currently possesses 2.3 GW of operational renewable energy projects and has an additional 5 GW in the pipeline [1][16] - Other prospective bidders for Sprng Energy include Blackstone and Brookfield Asset Management Inc., indicating strong interest in the renewable energy sector [2][16] Group 2 - The scale of India's green energy market is attracting significant interest from both Indian and global investors, with plans to increase renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 [4][16] - Inorganic growth is a key strategy in the energy sector, with mergers and acquisitions being a priority for organizations seeking to enhance energy security and scale renewables [7][8] - Recent transactions in the renewable energy space include various acquisitions and IPOs, highlighting the active investment landscape [14][15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales grew by 5% in Q3 2025, with adjusted EBITDA reaching a record $147 million, exceeding initial guidance of $140 million to $145 million [20][30] - Adjusted EBITDA growth would have been 10% when excluding the graphics business divestiture [20] - Adjusted EBITDA margin improved by approximately 20 basis points year over year in constant currency terms, with a margin of 28% when excluding the impact of pass-through metal sales [24][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics segment achieved 7% organic growth, driven by strong performance in semi and assembly, and exceptional volume growth in circuitry solutions [20][23] - Circuitry solutions sales grew 13% organically, supported by demand for data center applications and mobile phone activity [25] - Industrial and specialty organic net sales were flat year over year, but underlying chemistry volumes for the industrial solutions vertical were up mid-single digits [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electronics business is projected to exceed $2 billion in revenue following the acquisition of Micromax, which is expected to contribute approximately $40 million of adjusted EBITDA on a full-year basis [17][18] - The offshore business continues to grow, driven by stable energy prices and drilling activity, although a slowdown in drilling activity is anticipated into 2026 [72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Micromax is seen as a strategic move to enhance the electronics portfolio and is expected to be more than 5% accretive to adjusted EPS [18][19] - The company is focused on disciplined investment in markets it understands and growth businesses that are better under its ownership [18] - Future growth levers include new product introductions in high-value categories and substantial remaining balance sheet capacity for further investments [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, expecting full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be between $545 million and $550 million, indicating a positive outlook despite market volatility [30] - The company anticipates continued robust demand in leading-edge electronics driven by high-performance computing and data centers [32] - Management noted that while EV volumes are expected to decline, there are substantial customer wins and growth opportunities in power electronics [74] Other Important Information - The company generated $84 million of adjusted free cash flow in Q3 2025, with a net leverage ratio of 1.9 times at the end of the quarter [27][28] - The Micromax transaction is expected to be funded with a combination of cash on hand and modest incremental debt, maintaining financial flexibility for future opportunities [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on Micromax's performance under Element Solutions - Management is excited about Micromax's integration, expecting it to outperform the market due to enhanced connectivity in the supply chain and modest cost synergies [37][38] Question: Update on Kouprion commercialization activities - The mid-scale site for Kouprion is on track to be operational by year-end, with meaningful sales and profits expected next year [40][41] Question: Growth stability of Micromax - Micromax's growth has been stable, with a strong product portfolio that is sticky and specialized for demanding applications [46] Question: Capital flexibility and leverage considerations - The company maintains a long-term target ceiling for leverage at 3.5 times, with plenty of capacity for incremental capital deployment [47] Question: Sustainability of offshore business strength - The offshore business is expected to sustain growth, driven by stable energy prices and ongoing drilling activity [72] Question: Margin performance in industrial solutions - There is potential for further margin expansion in the industrial business as volume growth recovers [68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total assets under management (AUM) of $169 billion as of September 30, which is slightly below the previous quarter level due to net outflows despite favorable market performance [8] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased to $6.69 from $6.25 in the second quarter, reflecting a 7% increase, while year-over-year EPS decreased by 3% due to lower average assets [10][19] - Operating margin improved by 170 basis points to 33%, with an incremental margin above 50% [10][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ETF business saw significant growth, with AUM reaching $4.7 billion, a 79% increase year-over-year, and the highest quarterly sales and net flows at $0.9 billion each [5][14] - Total sales increased by 12% to $6.3 billion, driven by higher sales in fixed income and alternative strategies [15] - Net outflows for the quarter were $3.9 billion, unchanged from the previous quarter, with institutional net outflows improving from $2.2 billion to $1.5 billion [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive net flows were observed in fixed income and alternative strategies, while equity strategies faced headwinds due to a focus on quality-oriented strategies [9][10] - The company noted that flows across products and asset classes in October were trending similarly to the third quarter, with strong ETF sales continuing [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase retail separate account offerings, expand ETF availability in key channels, and grow the wealth management business [4][5] - Inorganic growth opportunities remain a focus, with a disciplined approach to adding capabilities or increasing scale [7][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging environment for quality-oriented strategies, which have underperformed compared to momentum strategies over the past two years [27][33] - The company remains optimistic about the potential for quality strategies to regain favor, which could enhance performance and flows [27][33] Other Important Information - The company completed a debt refinancing, providing significant liquidity and flexibility to invest in the business and return capital to shareholders [11][20] - The quarterly dividend was increased for the eighth consecutive year, reflecting a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [5][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key strategies attracting interest in ETFs? - Management indicated that both the ETF wrapper and specific strategies are driving interest, with a focus on expanding access and offerings [24][25] Question: Any updates on inorganic opportunities? - Management confirmed that the environment remains active for potential acquisitions, focusing on high-performing capabilities and private market expansion [26][28] Question: How to improve net flows moving forward? - Management highlighted positive flows in fixed income and alternative strategies, while addressing the need to grow areas less correlated to quality-oriented strategies [32][33] Question: Details on office space consolidation and operating expenses? - Management noted that the benefits of office consolidation are now reflected in the run rate, with expectations for lower operating expenses moving forward [37][38] Question: Status of discrete expenses and buyback activity? - Management stated that discrete expenses related to inorganic activities are ongoing, and buybacks remain a core part of the capital strategy [43][45]

Core Insights - Edelman Financial Engines has appointed Ralph Haberli as acting CEO while considering long-term leadership needs following the resignation of former CEO Jay Shah [2][3] - The firm manages over $308 billion in assets and aims to expand its wealth management services, particularly in defined contribution retirement plans [1][3] Leadership Changes - Former CEO Jay Shah will transition to an advisory role until the end of the year [2] - Ralph Haberli, who joined from Capital Group, will temporarily lead the firm and has full authority during this transition [3] Strategic Direction - Haberli emphasized the firm's unique position to support clients throughout their financial journey, from initial employment to retirement [4] - The company plans to pursue both acquisition and organic growth, leveraging its scale and technology to attract partners [5] Recent Developments - Under Shah's leadership, the firm made significant acquisitions, including two firms with assets totaling $726 million this year [6] - Edelman Financial Engines was formed through the merger of Ric Edelman's RIA and Financial Engines in 2018, with a minority stake acquired by Warburg Pincus in 2021 [5]