Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that a HODL strategy may not yield significant alpha or maintain a high Sharpe ratio over the long term, suggesting that active management is essential for maximizing returns and minimizing opportunity costs [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company advocates for active management in investment strategies to achieve high positive returns, indicating that simply holding assets is insufficient for generating high alpha [1]. - It is highlighted that seeking high returns does not equate to generating high alpha, which is a critical distinction for investors [1]. Group 2: Analyst Background - The analyst has a strong educational background with a degree in Business Economics from UCLA and a Master of Accounting from UMich Ross School of Business, indicating a solid foundation in financial analysis [1]. - The analyst's experience includes a role as a senior analyst at a multi-strategy hedge fund, showcasing expertise in fundamental equity research and global macro strategy [1].

Analyst Update Data as of March 31, 2025 Federated Hermes, Inc. 1 25-30034 Forward-looking information This presentation is provided as of the date on the cover and contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts are forward-looking, including those related to product performance, the potential for business ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets under management (AUM) decreased to $167.5 billion as of March 31, primarily due to market performance and net outflows [9][16][20] - Earnings per share (EPS) as adjusted was $5.73, a decline from the previous quarter but an increase of 6% year-over-year [13][28] - Operating income as adjusted was $54.6 million, down from $74.5 million sequentially, largely due to seasonal employment expenses [26][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional AUM accounted for 34% of total AUM, with net outflows of $1.2 billion primarily from large cap equity strategies [16][20] - Retail separate accounts experienced net outflows of $700 million, largely due to the soft closing of a specific equity model offering [10][21] - ETFs saw positive net flows of $300 million, with a year-over-year organic growth rate of 73% [12][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the quarter were $6.2 billion, slightly down from $6.4 billion in the previous quarter, with stable sales across products despite market disruptions [9][19] - Institutional sales remained relatively unchanged at $1.5 billion, while retail separate account sales were also stable at $1.7 billion [19][20] - The average fee rate was 41.7 basis points, consistent with the previous quarter, reflecting a mix of asset classes [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its offerings in ETFs, global funds, and retail separate accounts, with several strategies under development [8][9] - Management emphasized the importance of active management in volatile markets, with over 70% of equity strategies outperforming their benchmarks [7][8] - The company aims to maintain a balanced approach to capital management, investing in growth while returning capital to shareholders [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing market volatility and uncertainty, which they believe provides opportunities for active managers to demonstrate value [6][10] - The company remains cautious about investor behavior in light of market conditions, with trends in retail investments remaining consistent [12][20] - Management expressed confidence in their investment performance, with a strong track record recognized by industry rankings [8][18] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 146,000 shares during the quarter, reducing shares outstanding by 3% on a net basis [14][29] - The first quarter typically represents the highest cash utilization due to annual incentives and revenue participation payments [29][30] - The net present value of the tax asset is approximately $112 million, providing a cash tax benefit not included in adjusted EPS [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Fee rate outlook and changes - Management indicated that the fee rate will be influenced by market conditions and the mix of assets, with a target range of 41 to 42 basis points for modeling purposes [32][34] Question: Capital allocation and share repurchases - Management acknowledged an increase in share repurchases compared to previous quarters, emphasizing the importance of stock performance in capital allocation decisions [36][38] Question: SMAs and capacity constraints - Management confirmed that the soft closing of a successful SMA strategy was a response to market challenges, but they have other strategies available to investors [42][44] - There are no current capacity constraints in other areas of the retail channel, with expectations for growth in mid-cap strategies [45] Question: Monetizing deferred tax assets - Management clarified that they are achieving economic benefits from tax attributes and will continue to provide transparency regarding their value [46][47]