Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Firm-wide assets under management (AUM) reached $860 billion, with a record high of $153 billion in Bernstein Private Wealth [4][5] - Net revenues for the third quarter were $885 million, a 5% increase year-over-year, while adjusted earnings per unit rose 12% to $0.86 [25][26] - Total performance fees decreased by $6 million to approximately $20 million [25] - Adjusted operating income increased by 15% to $303 million, reflecting strong margin expansion of 290 basis points [28][34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional asset management business AUM stood at $351 billion, while the retail platform reached $356 billion [4] - Tax-exempt fixed income saw over $4 billion in inflows, marking 11 consecutive quarters of positive organic growth [5][6] - Private markets generated nearly $3 billion in net inflows, with strong origination for investment-grade corporate and ABS private placements [6][8] - Active equities experienced outflows of over $6 billion, primarily due to growth-oriented redemptions [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. equity markets delivered strong returns, with the S&P 500 returning 8.1% in the third quarter [11] - Emerging markets outperformed, while global developed equities underperformed the U.S. [11][12] - The firm observed a rebound in client flows into American Income, reflecting renewed interest in U.S. dollar-denominated assets [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its third-party insurance asset management business and enhancing its leadership in global insurance asset management [8] - A strategic alliance with Equitable is expected to provide a competitive advantage, allowing the company to scale higher-fee, longer-dated private alternative strategies [9] - The firm aims to achieve $90 to $100 billion in private markets AUM by 2027, leveraging partnerships and expanding capabilities [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management maintains a positive outlook on fixed income, anticipating a reallocation wave as bonds regain diversification value [11] - The company is optimistic about capturing market share in Asia, particularly in taxable fixed income, despite geopolitical tensions [46][47] - Management emphasized the importance of innovation in retirement planning, with a focus on custom target date funds and lifetime income solutions [17][18] Other Important Information - The company is lowering its non-compensation expense projection for the full year to $600 to $610 million, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency [27] - The effective tax rate for the third quarter was 6%, in line with full-year guidance [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the insurance opportunity and the Ruby Re sidecar? - Management expressed excitement about the insurance asset management business and clarified that the timing of funding for Ruby Re has not changed, with positive results expected [37][41] Question: What is the current state of credit quality in private credit? - Management noted competitive environments in private credit but reassured that there is no material deterioration in credit quality, with manageable maturities and positive cash flow generation [42][44] Question: How is the Asia business performing post-trade conflicts? - Management reported improvement in the Asia business, particularly in taxable fixed income, with strong engagement from institutional clients [46][47] Question: What is the capital allocation strategy regarding buybacks? - Management indicated that the light buyback this quarter was due to timing and not related to Equitable, with plans to fund deferred compensation [58] Question: How is the company positioned to benefit from bond reallocations? - Management highlighted strong demand for taxable fixed income in Asia and noted the company's success in the tax-exempt SMA space, indicating readiness to capture market share [60][61]