Core Insights - Victory Capital reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, driven by the acquisition of Amundi US, which nearly doubled assets under management and led to GAAP revenue of $351.2 million, exceeding analyst expectations by $14.4 million or 4.3% [1][2] - Despite record growth in scale, the company faced margin pressure with GAAP operating margin dropping to 26.8% from 50.4% in Q2 2024 due to integration and restructuring costs [1][6] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share reached $1.57, surpassing estimates of $1.48 and showing a year-over-year increase of 19.8% from $1.31 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue (GAAP) increased by 59.9% year-over-year, from $219.6 million in Q2 2024 to $351.2 million in Q2 2025 [2][6] - Net income (GAAP) decreased by 20.9% year-over-year, from $74.3 million in Q2 2024 to $58.7 million in Q2 2025 [2] Business Overview - Victory Capital operates a diversified global asset management platform, offering various investment strategies through multiple autonomous franchises [3] - The company aims to minimize risk by diversifying assets across client types, investment vehicles, and geographic regions [3] Strategic Focus - The acquisition of Amundi US significantly expanded Victory Capital's product lineup and international reach, particularly in fixed income and solutions products [4] - Key priorities include driving organic growth, integrating acquired franchises, and advancing ETF and alternative investment offerings [4] Asset Management Growth - Assets under management (AUM) reached $298.6 billion as of June 30, 2025, a significant increase from $168.7 billion in Q2 2024, primarily due to the Amundi US acquisition [5] - The company recorded long-term net outflows of $660 million, an improvement from previous quarters, but still not a return to organic growth [5] Margin and Expense Management - Operating expenses increased due to acquisition and restructuring costs, contributing to the decline in GAAP operating margin [6] - Management reaffirmed a long-term operating margin target near 49%, indicating expectations for margin normalization post-integration [6][11] Diversification and Performance - Non-U.S. assets accounted for $48.5 billion (16% of total AUM) as of June 30, 2025, a significant increase from $5.5 billion (3%) the previous year [7] - 58% of AUM outperformed benchmarks over a three-year period, and 64% of mutual fund and ETF assets received four- or five-star ratings from Morningstar [7] Capital Management - Net leverage improved to 1.2x EBITDA, the lowest since becoming a public company [10] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.49 per share and repurchased 439,000 shares during the period [10] Future Outlook - Management outlined continued investment in organic growth, global expansion, and digital capabilities, particularly in ETF and alternative product development [11] - The mergers and acquisitions pipeline remains active, with potential further expansion announcements in 2025 [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter revenues reached $391 million, reflecting a 1.5% increase year-over-year on a pro forma basis [23] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $114 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.2%, an improvement of 270 basis points compared to the previous year [24] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.27, representing a 29% year-over-year increase [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The transportation vertical showed positive growth despite macro-related slowing in base volumes, driven by upsell and cross-sell initiatives [11] - The retail and e-commerce sector experienced a decline in order volumes due to tariffs impacting U.S. consumers [11] - Healthcare hiring momentum tapered slightly, but the overall outlook for the industry remains positive [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International growth was strong, with a 7.2% increase in the quarter, particularly in EMEA and the U.K. markets [56] - The overall customer retention rate remained high at over 96% [24] - The macro environment has led to a normalization of hiring volumes, with a cautious tone among customers regarding their hiring plans [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing its FA 5.0 strategy, focusing on increasing market share in target verticals, accelerating international growth, and enhancing product offerings [8] - The integration of the $2.2 billion Sterling acquisition is ahead of schedule, emphasizing customer retention and synergy realization [8][9] - The company aims to achieve adjusted EBITDA margins of 28% for the full year, reflecting a meaningful expansion from 2024 [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a shift in base growth expectations for the second half of the year to slightly negative due to macroeconomic uncertainties [14][28] - Despite the cautious outlook, management remains confident in the company's ability to generate upsell and cross-sell revenues [29] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half, supported by a robust deal pipeline and high customer retention [29] Other Important Information - The company has increased its synergy target range to $65 million to $80 million within two years, with $47 million already actioned as of Q2 [25] - The company is focused on reducing net leverage towards approximately three times adjusted EBITDA within 24 months post-acquisition [27] - The passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to significantly reduce cash tax payments for 2025, enhancing free cash flow [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Change in base growth assumption for the back half - Management indicated that the change is broad-based and not specific to one vertical, driven by overall market perception [36][38] Question: Impact of Jennie I initiative on hiring - Customers are generally in a wait-and-see mode regarding hiring, influenced by broader policy uncertainties rather than specific initiatives [40][41] Question: Performance of verticals, particularly staffing - Staffing held its own, with financial services performing well, while healthcare saw a slight decline, which is not a major concern [46][48] Question: International growth metrics - International growth was up 7.2% in the quarter, with a diversified go-to-market strategy contributing to this success [56][58] Question: Upsell and cross-sell contributions from Sterling acquisition - Early revenue synergies from the Sterling acquisition are expected to materialize more in 2026, with current focus on improving customer experience [62][66] Question: Trends in July compared to Q2 - July trends were consistent with Q2, indicating continued strong performance despite cautious outlook for the second half [70][72] Question: Sales force adjustments due to weaker demand - The company is not reducing the sales force but is maintaining it to capitalize on expected demand as macro uncertainties clear up [116]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported sales of $771 million, reflecting a 9% increase as reported and an 8% increase in constant currency compared to the previous year [16] - Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were $2.95, up 12% year on year, while GAAP EPS was $2.47 [19] - Gross margin for the quarter was 58.3%, and adjusted operating margin was 29.1%, impacted by regional sales mix and tariff surcharges [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Instruments grew in mid-single digits, led by high single-digit growth in the liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) portfolio [7] - Recurring revenue grew 11%, driven by 9% service growth and double-digit chemistry growth [8] - Chemistry benefited from approximately $8 million in sales pull forward related to tariff dynamics, with overall constant currency growth rate at 7% and chemistry up 10% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - By end market, pharma grew low double digits, industrial grew 6%, and academic and government declined low single digits [9][16] - In the Americas, growth was partially offset by weakness in the TA division, particularly in macro-sensitive polymer and materials testing applications [8] - Asia grew 14%, driven by double-digit growth in China, India, and Japan, while Europe grew 8% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic pillars: commercial execution, revitalizing innovation, and capturing long-term growth in high-growth adjacencies [11] - The pending combination with BD's biosciences and diagnostic solutions business is expected to accelerate entry into high-growth adjacencies and enhance the company's growth trajectory [26] - The company raised its full-year 2025 constant currency sales growth guidance to 5.5% to 7.5% and adjusted EPS guidance to $12.95 to $13.05 [15][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong momentum of the core business and the positive impact of the upcoming combination with BD [26] - The company anticipates a gradual return to growth for BD's biosciences and diagnostics solutions business, with expected growth rates of 4.5% in 2026 and 5% in 2027 [31] - Management acknowledged ongoing industry headwinds in pharma drug discovery and academic funding but remains optimistic about the overall growth potential [30][97] Other Important Information - The company plans to use free cash flow to pay down $100 million of debt and increase cash reserves in the second half of the year [22] - The company expects to deliver $345 million in adjusted EBITDA synergies from the combination with BD by year five, with $200 million in cost synergies and $290 million in revenue synergies [33][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide an update on the replacement cycle in LC and competitive dynamics? - Management noted that the LCMS segment continues to grow high single digits, with strong replacement activity among large pharma customers and increasing growth in the CDMO customer base [55] Question: What is the timeline for bringing new products to market in microbiology? - Management indicated that it would take approximately three to five years to fully realize the opportunities in microbiology, with potential product introductions in two to three years [61] Question: How do you expect the margin to evolve in the fourth quarter? - Management expects progressive improvement in margins as volume leverage kicks in, with specific impacts from geographical mix and tariff remediation costs [80] Question: Can you elaborate on the $8 million sales pull forward? - Management expressed confidence in the $8 million figure based on order patterns and discussions with customers, indicating it may impact both Q3 and Q4 [84] Question: What is the outlook for the drug discovery business? - Management stated that the drug discovery segment remains slow, with no significant changes expected in the replacement cycle for this area [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter sales were $436 million, a 7.3% increase year over year, driven by strong performance in Aerospace and Defense (A&D) and Industrial segments [4] - Consolidated gross margin for the quarter was 44.8%, down from 45.3% in the same period last year, while adjusted diluted EPS was $2.84, up from $2.54, representing an 11.8% growth year over year [4][16] - Free cash flow reached a record $104.3 million, with a conversion rate of 152%, compared to $88.4 million and 144% last year [4][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - A&D sales increased by 10.4% year over year, with commercial aerospace growing by 9.6% and defense by 11.9% [5] - The industrial segment grew by 5.5% year over year, with distribution and aftermarket up by 10% [5] - Industrial gross margins were 46%, while A&D margins were 42.3%, with adjusted industrial gross margins at 47.1% [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog exceeded $1 billion for the first time, with $100 million attributed to industrial products [7] - The U.S. GDP expansion of 3% confirmed a strong industrial economy, with expectations for positive demand influenced by recent tax treatments for capacity investments [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth through product innovation and market development, with plans to expand capacities to meet customer demands [8][9] - The recent acquisition of VAACO is expected to enhance capabilities in marine and defense sectors, with strong synergies anticipated [10][11] - A well-defined five-year outlook is in place, with strategic planning based on historical sales and customer demand forecasts [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing unprecedented demand in key market areas and a strong balance sheet [12] - The company anticipates continued growth in the defense sector, projecting high single to low double-digit expansion for many quarters [8] - Management noted that the industrial distribution business saw a 10% increase, indicating a positive trend in the industrial economy [45] Other Important Information - The company plans to use generated cash to pay off debt and maintain a focus on deleveraging [17] - Guidance for the second quarter projects revenues between $445 million and $455 million, representing year-over-year growth of 11.8% to 14.4% [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What parts of the five-year outlook can be shared? - The company is aligning historical sales by account and assessing capacity needs based on customer demand forecasts [23][24] Question: Will more CapEx be needed for capacity expansion? - The company plans to maintain CapEx in the range of 3% to 4% of depreciation, with some real estate consolidation expected [26][28] Question: How will the recent infrastructure bill impact the business? - The bill is expected to positively affect demand from smaller industrial customers, while its impact on A&D is less clear [30] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from VACCO? - VACCO is anticipated to contribute approximately $10 million to $11 million monthly, with all revenue going into the A&D segment [33][37] Question: What are the trends in commercial aerospace? - Build rates are stabilizing, and the company expects to expand content on existing contracts with OEMs [38][39] Question: Is there confidence in sustainable industrial expansion? - The company sees positive signs in industrial distribution, with expectations for growth driven by recent tax changes [44][70] Question: How is the integration of VACCO progressing? - The integration is expected to enhance margins over 18 to 24 months, similar to past acquisitions [50][51] Question: Will supply chain constraints affect growth? - The company has secured extensive inventories of exotic materials to mitigate supply chain challenges [62][63]