Core Insights - The company has released a new book titled "Fixing Target Date Funds," focusing on improving investment strategies for target date funds [1] - The president of Target Date Solutions emphasizes the importance of personalized investment approaches for baby boomers, particularly during retirement [1] - The company offers a patented investment process called Safe Landing Glide Path, which aims to help investors navigate financial decisions for retirement [1] Company Overview - Target Date Solutions is involved in developing personalized target date accounts and do-it-yourself investing solutions [1] - The company has a strong focus on financial education, particularly for baby boomers, providing a curriculum to assist in investment decisions [1] - The president has over 50 years of experience in financial services and has developed innovative services for both investors and financial advisors [1] Product Offerings - The company provides various portfolio types, including Target Date, Special Purpose, and Life Span Portfolios, tailored to client needs [1] - The patented glide path investment process is utilized to create model portfolios that help clients accumulate and preserve assets for retirement [1] - The company has authored multiple books on target date funds, contributing to the understanding and selection of these investment vehicles [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the release of a new book titled "Fixing Target Date Funds," which aims to address issues within the target date fund industry and improve investment strategies for baby boomers [1] - The author emphasizes the importance of personalized investment solutions, moving away from generic model portfolios to tailored strategies that meet individual client needs [1] Company Overview - Target Date Solutions is highlighted as a developer of innovative investment products, including the patented Safe Landing Glide Path and Soteria personalized target date accounts [1] - Age Sage Robo and GlidePath Wealth Management are mentioned as companies utilizing a patented glide path investment process to create customized portfolios for clients [1] Industry Context - The author expresses concern over current monetary policies, particularly regarding money printing, and its potential impact on retirement savings for baby boomers [1] - The financial consulting industry is noted for its evolution, with a focus on developing innovative services that cater to the changing needs of investors and financial advisors [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the release of a new book titled "Fixing Target Date Funds," which aims to address issues within the target date fund industry and improve investment strategies for baby boomers [1] - The author emphasizes the importance of personalized investment solutions, moving away from generic model portfolios to tailored strategies that meet individual client needs [1] - The author has extensive experience in financial consulting, holding multiple degrees and a U.S. Patent for a glide path investment process, which is utilized in developing various investment portfolios [1] Company Overview - Target Date Solutions is highlighted as the developer of the patented Safe Landing Glide Path and Soteria personalized target date accounts, indicating a focus on innovative investment solutions [1] - Age Sage Robo and GlidePath Wealth Management are mentioned as companies utilizing the patented investment process to create customized portfolios for clients [1] Industry Context - The article reflects concerns about the current financial landscape, particularly regarding money printing practices and their implications for retirement savings [1] - The author aims to educate and assist baby boomers in navigating investment challenges during a critical period in their lives, emphasizing the need for financial literacy and tailored investment strategies [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the release of a new book titled "Fixing Target Date Funds," which aims to address issues within the target date fund industry and improve investment strategies for baby boomers [1] - The author emphasizes the importance of personalized investment solutions, moving away from generic model portfolios to tailored strategies that meet individual client needs [1] Company Overview - Target Date Solutions is highlighted as the developer of the patented Safe Landing Glide Path and Soteria personalized target date accounts, indicating a focus on innovative investment solutions [1] - Age Sage Robo and GlidePath Wealth Management are mentioned as companies utilizing a patented glide path investment process to create customized portfolios for clients [1] Industry Context - The article reflects concerns about the current financial landscape, particularly regarding money printing practices and their potential impact on retirement savings [1] - The author aims to educate and assist baby boomers in navigating investment challenges during a critical period in their lives, emphasizing the need for financial literacy and tailored investment strategies [1]

Core Insights - The company has released a new book titled "Fixing Target Date Funds," focusing on improving investment strategies for target date funds [1] - The president of Target Date Solutions emphasizes the importance of personalized investment approaches for baby boomers, particularly during retirement [1] - The company has developed a patented investment process called Safe Landing Glide Path, which aims to assist investors in navigating financial decisions for retirement [1] Company Overview - Target Date Solutions is involved in creating personalized target date accounts and do-it-yourself investing solutions [1] - The company operates under the leadership of a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience in financial services and holds a U.S. Patent for a glide path investment process [1] - The firm has a history of advising on investment policies for several trillion dollars of retirement plan assets [1] Product and Service Offerings - The company offers various investment portfolios, including Target Date, Special Purpose, and Life Span Portfolios, tailored to meet specific client needs [1] - The president is also responsible for model development at Age Sage Robo and GlidePath Wealth Management, utilizing the patented investment process [1] - The educational curriculum provided by the company aims to support baby boomers in managing their lifetime savings effectively [1]

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] - Adjusted earnings per unit increased by 12% year-over-year to $0.86, while net revenues rose by 5% to $885 million [25][26] - Total adjusted operating expenses remained flat at $582 million, with total compensation and benefits expenses increasing by 6% to $439 million [26][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Institutional asset management business AUM stood at $351 billion, while the retail platform AUM was $356 billion [4] - Tax-exempt fixed income saw over $4 billion in inflows, marking 11 consecutive quarters of positive organic growth [6][7] - Private markets generated nearly $3 billion in net inflows, reflecting improved conditions in commercial real estate [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. equity markets delivered strong returns, with the S&P 500 returning 8.1% in Q3 2025 [11] - Emerging markets outperformed, while global developed equities underperformed compared to the U.S. [12][13] - The firm observed a rebound in client flows into American Income, indicating renewed interest in U.S. dollar-denominated assets [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its third-party insurance asset management business, leveraging partnerships like the one with Fortitude [8][9] - A strategic alliance with Equitable enhances the firm's competitive advantage, allowing for the scaling of higher-fee private alternative strategies [9][10] - The focus remains on scalable, long-duration assets that align with sustainable organic growth and long-term profitability [31][34] 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 firm is well-positioned to capture growth opportunities in Asia, particularly in taxable fixed income [47][49] - The company is committed to investing in growth initiatives while maintaining expense discipline [34][56] Other Important Information - The firm has successfully expanded its private markets platform to nearly $80 billion, representing a 17% year-over-year growth [22] - The effective tax rate for the third quarter was 6%, consistent with full-year guidance [28] - The firm is raising its full-year performance fee guidance to $130 million-$155 million, driven by strong public market performance [32] 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, confirming that the Ruby Re relationship is performing as expected and that the FCA REIT sidecar is additive to their strategy [38][40] Question: What is the outlook for private credit and credit quality? - 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][43] Question: How is the Asia business performing post-trade conflicts? - The Asia business showed improvement, particularly in taxable fixed income, with strong engagement from institutional clients despite external noise [47][48] Question: What is the capital allocation strategy regarding buybacks? - The light buyback in the quarter was attributed to timing rather than any strategic shift, with plans to continue funding the deferred compensation plan [57] Question: How is the firm positioned for the bond reallocation? - Management indicated that they are well-positioned to benefit from the bond reallocation, particularly in Asia, with a strong distribution capability [60][61]

Private Investment in 401k Plans - Industry experts believe including private investments in target date or target risk funds is beneficial for retail investors [2] - Concerns arise when private investments are offered on a standalone basis due to complexity [2][3] - Target date funds alleviate the need for individual consumers to perform due diligence on complex private investments [5] Due Diligence and Risk - Allocating a small portion, such as 5% to 20%, of target date funds to private investments may be appropriate [4] - Taking due diligence responsibilities away from consumers comes at a cost, making expenses a significant factor [5] - Advisors and employers, acting as fiduciaries, bear the responsibility of ensuring funds are priced appropriately [7] Fund Selection and Evaluation - Evaluating funds involves assessing traditional fixed income and large-cap equity funds, both domestic and international [6] - It's crucial to understand liquidity risk and how it may play out in a particular fund [7]