Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported fee-related earnings (FRE) of $0.23 per share and distributable earnings (DE) of $0.21 per share for the second quarter [4] - FRE revenues grew by 29%, FRE increased by 23%, and DE rose by 20% year over year on a last twelve months basis [7] - The company raised $14 billion of new capital during the quarter, totaling a record $55 billion over the last twelve months, representing 28% of assets under management a year ago [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In alternative credit, the company closed a private offering of $850 million for a new interval fund, reflecting strong investor confidence [8] - The digital infrastructure strategy saw a final close of its third flagship fund at a $7 billion hard cap, with over half the capital already soft circled for investment [9] - The real estate credit strategy deployed over $3 billion year to date, with significant activity in the insurance channel [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital raised from EMEA and APAC investors increased to 23% from 14% two years ago, indicating ongoing globalization of the business [12] - The company raised $5.8 billion of equity in credit during the second quarter, marking a record quarter for the credit platform [24] - The direct lending portfolio gross returns were 3% in the second quarter and 13.5% over the last twelve months, with strong credit quality maintained [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its product offerings to meet varying investor needs across the risk-return spectrum, leveraging its scale and incumbency [7] - A new strategic partnership with Voya aims to deliver private market strategies tailored for defined contribution retirement plans, broadening access to alternative investments [20] - The company plans to grow FRE management fees to over $5 billion and FRE to over $3 billion, indicating a strong long-term growth trajectory [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of their investor base despite market disruptions, highlighting the secular demand for their strategies [12] - The company noted that the investments made over the past year are beginning to bear fruit, with a steady and predictable financial profile [33] - Management emphasized the importance of the current macro environment for direct lending, indicating optimism for future transaction volumes [84] Other Important Information - The company completed the listing of its technology-focused BDC, OTF, which is now the second largest publicly traded BDC by net assets [22] - The company has raised $3.5 billion of capital across strategies that did not exist two years ago, reflecting strong reception for new offerings [10] - The net lease pipeline continues to grow, with nearly $41 billion of transaction volume under letter of intent [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the asset origination channel and the scaling opportunity in asset-backed finance? - Management highlighted the significant opportunity in asset-backed finance and the integration of their asset-backed business with direct lending, emphasizing their strong origination capabilities [36][40] Question: What are the thoughts on the build-out of a target date fund with Voya? - Management discussed the importance of democratizing access to alternative investments for 401(k) participants and the potential for innovation in this area [50][54] Question: What should be expected regarding the integration and scaling of recently acquired businesses? - Management indicated that integration benefits are already being realized, with strong fundraising numbers and a diversified business model [60][66] Question: Can you comment on the competitive environment in the triple net lease market? - Management stated that their leadership in the net lease market has accelerated, with a growing pipeline and strong trust built with partners [75] Question: How is the direct lending business performing, and what are the expectations for the third quarter? - Management noted strong credit quality and a positive macro environment for direct lending, with signs of increased activity in the market [84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income for the quarter of $1.6 billion, with distributable earnings also at $1.6 billion or $1.21 per common share, reflecting a 25% year-over-year increase [5][6] - Fee-related earnings grew 31% year-over-year, contributing to a total fee revenue of $2.5 billion, up 27% year-over-year [30][32] - Total assets under management (AUM) increased 13% year-over-year to a record $1.2 trillion, supported by inflows of $52 billion in the second quarter and $212 billion over the last twelve months [7][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The private credit platform has seen significant growth, with AUM increasing threefold over the past five years to $484 billion, and revenue from this platform has increased more than fourfold [16][18] - The private wealth channel has grown AUM to nearly $280 billion, with revenue from flagship vehicles exceeding $700 million in the second quarter alone, compared to approximately $50 million five years ago [21][22] - Infrastructure AUM rose 32% year-over-year to $64 billion, supported by strong investment performance [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a favorable economic backdrop with resilient growth and declining inflation, which may allow the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates over time, positively impacting asset values [10][11] - The U.S. stock market is at record levels, with M&A activity accelerating and the IPO market reopening, indicating a more conducive environment for transactions [12][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its platforms in private wealth, credit, and insurance, along with launching multiple new funds [6][7] - The firm aims to capitalize on the $12 trillion U.S. defined contribution channel, which could provide significant growth opportunities [7] - The company is well-positioned to navigate the current dynamic environment, with a strong portfolio concentrated in compelling sectors and $181 billion of dry powder available for investment [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in transaction activity, citing a favorable regulatory environment and pent-up demand for M&A and IPOs [28][90] - The company anticipates an acceleration in net realizations as the market stabilizes and transaction activity increases [38][39] - Management highlighted the importance of investment performance, noting that the second quarter represented the highest amount of overall fund appreciation in nearly four years [7][33] Other Important Information - The company has launched BMAX, a multi-asset credit product aimed at expanding access to the private credit universe for individual investors [101] - The firm is targeting significant growth in its insurance channel, managing over $250 billion on behalf of insurers, up 20% year-over-year [18][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit market dynamics and demand - Management noted that demand for private credit remains robust, with clients focused on the enduring premium between liquid markets and private credit, which is expected to continue driving growth [43][45] Question: Real estate market recovery - Management indicated that the recovery in real estate is a matter of timing, with new supply declining and cost of capital improving, leading to a more favorable supply-demand dynamic [52][54] Question: Strategic partners and secondary fund outlook - Management highlighted strong returns in the secondary fund driven by significant new purchases and good appreciation in underlying funds, with a positive outlook for fundraising [61][64] Question: Retirement opportunity set - Management discussed the potential for alternatives in defined contribution plans, particularly in target date funds, emphasizing the need for patience regarding regulatory developments [70][72] Question: Forward-looking guidance on FRE margin - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong FRE margins, driven by healthy management fee growth and performance revenues, while noting some variability based on fund mix [78][80] Question: Confidence in deal-making activity - Management conveyed increased confidence in transaction activity resuming, supported by favorable market conditions and a busy IPO pipeline [86][90] Question: Real estate performance and accrued fees - Management indicated that a significant portion of real estate AUM is above hurdle rates, suggesting a favorable trajectory for accrued performance fees as the market normalizes [93][95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income for Q2 2025 of $1,600,000,000, with distributable earnings also at $1,600,000,000 or $1.21 per common share, reflecting a 25% year-over-year increase [5][6][31] - Fee-related earnings grew 31% year-over-year, contributing to total fee revenues of $2,500,000,000, up 27% year-over-year [6][30] - Total assets under management (AUM) increased 13% year-over-year to a record $1,200,000,000,000, supported by inflows of $52,000,000,000 in Q2 and $212,000,000,000 over the last twelve months [7][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The private credit platform has grown significantly, with AUM reaching $484,000,000,000, up threefold in the past five years, and revenue from this platform increasing more than fourfold [16] - The private wealth channel has seen AUM grow to nearly $280,000,000,000, with revenue from flagship vehicles exceeding $700,000,000 in Q2 [22] - Infrastructure AUM rose 32% year-over-year to $64,000,000,000, supported by strong investment performance [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a favorable economic backdrop with resilient growth and declining inflation, which may allow the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates over time, positively impacting asset values [11][12] - The U.S. stock market reached record levels, and M&A activity, particularly sponsor M&A, is accelerating, indicating a more conducive environment for transactions [13][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its platforms in private wealth, credit, and insurance, as well as launching new funds in its drawdown area [6][7] - The firm aims to capitalize on the $12,000,000,000,000 U.S. defined contribution channel, which could provide significant growth opportunities [7] - The company is well-positioned to navigate the current dynamic environment, with a strong portfolio concentrated in compelling sectors and $181,000,000,000 of dry powder available for investment [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing a favorable environment for deal-making, with a significant pipeline of potential IPOs and increased transaction activity expected [27][90] - The company anticipates an acceleration in net realizations as the market stabilizes and transaction activity increases [39] - Management highlighted the importance of technological innovation and economic fundamentals as key growth catalysts [8][11] Other Important Information - The company has launched BMAX, a multi-asset credit product aimed at expanding access to the private credit universe for individual investors [24][102] - The partnership with Legal and General aims to manage investment-grade private credit solutions, targeting up to $20,000,000,000 over the next five years [19][116] Q&A Session Summary Question: Credit demand and implications on fee rates - Management noted that demand for private credit remains robust, with clients focused on the enduring premium between liquid markets and private credit, which should support continued growth [44][46] Question: Real estate recovery expectations - Management indicated that the recovery in real estate is a matter of timing, with new supply declining and cost of capital improving, leading to a more favorable supply-demand dynamic [52][56] Question: Strategic partners and fundraising outlook - Management highlighted strong returns in the secondary fund segment, driven by significant new purchases and good appreciation in underlying funds, with a positive outlook for fundraising [61][64] Question: Retirement opportunity set and access to alternatives - Management expressed optimism about the potential for alternatives in defined contribution plans, particularly in target date funds, but emphasized the need to wait for regulatory developments [70][74] Question: Fee-related performance revenues outlook - Management provided insights on expected performance revenues, indicating a modest amount from certain funds in the upcoming quarters, with a focus on layering various products for future earnings power [108][112]

Summary of StepStone Group Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: StepStone Group - **Industry**: Private Markets Investment and Advisory - **Assets Under Management**: Approximately $190 billion, overseeing nearly $500 billion in private market allocations [3][4] Key Points and Arguments Business Model and Market Position - StepStone operates as a solution provider, differentiating itself from traditional General Partners (GPs) like Blackstone and KKR by allocating capital on behalf of clients to funds managed by GPs while also managing direct strategies [4][5] - The private markets have grown from approximately $2 trillion in assets under management (AUM) in 2007 to over $15 trillion today, indicating a significant market opportunity for solution providers [7][8] - StepStone's strategies include primary fund investments, co-investments, and secondary interests across four asset classes: private equity, venture capital, real estate, and private credit [6] Fundraising Success - Fiscal year 2025 was a record year for StepStone with total inflows of $30 billion, including $20 billion from separate accounts and $10 billion from commingled funds [10][11] - The company achieved a 90% re-up rate for managed accounts, with clients increasing their investments by an average of 30% upon re-upping [14][15] - The commingled fund side saw significant success, with over $3 billion raised across three different funds, marking the largest fundraising year for commingled funds since inception [12][13] Global Footprint and Client Base - Over 60% of StepStone's business comes from outside the U.S., allowing the firm to tap into growing allocations in emerging markets [11][24] - The firm aims to work with a diverse range of clients, from large sovereign wealth funds to individual investors, reflecting a solutions-oriented approach [9] Partnership with FTSE Russell - StepStone announced a partnership with FTSE Russell to develop private asset indices and analytics products, aiming to address the challenge of measuring performance across liquid and illiquid assets [17][20] - The partnership will initially focus on benchmarking solutions, with potential for investable products like index funds in the future [18][19] Macro Environment and Market Dynamics - The macroeconomic environment has been volatile, impacting fundraising and investment activity; however, StepStone's diversification across asset classes and geographies has mitigated some risks [22][24] - The secondary market has seen significant growth, with total secondary volume reaching approximately $160 billion in 2024, more than doubling in the last five to six years [33][34] Opportunities in Private Wealth and Institutional Markets - Private wealth management has seen substantial growth, with assets on the platform exceeding $8 billion, driven by a strong performance and efficient capital structures [40][42] - There is a growing interest in private credit and infrastructure as newer asset classes, with many institutional investors beginning to allocate to these areas [30][29] Future Outlook - StepStone is focused on expanding its international operations and product offerings, particularly in the private wealth channel and retirement markets [48][54] - The firm is exploring opportunities in public-private partnerships and the retirement channel, recognizing the potential for significant asset growth in these areas [50][53] Additional Important Insights - The firm has developed a comprehensive product suite for private wealth, catering to a wide range of investors and emphasizing a solutions-oriented approach [44][45] - The secondary market is expected to continue growing, driven by liquidity challenges faced by limited partners (LPs) and the increasing importance of secondary transactions [31][33] This summary encapsulates the key insights and developments discussed during the conference call, highlighting StepStone Group's strategic positioning, fundraising success, and future opportunities in the private markets landscape.