Summary of The Carlyle Group Conference Call - December 09, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: The Carlyle Group (NasdaqGS:CG) - **Industry**: Private Equity and Investment Management Key Points Financial Performance - Carlyle reported record FRE (Fee-Related Earnings) over the last 12 months, with approximately **$60 billion** of inflows in the last six months, indicating strong financial health [5][6][27] - The stock has been one of the best performers in the private equity space this year [5] Macro Environment - The company is optimistic about the macroeconomic outlook for 2026, expecting a healthy deal environment with lower interest rates and an open financing market [6][7] - M&A activity is accelerating, and the regulatory environment is seen as favorable, although geopolitical complexities pose risks [7] Private Equity Business - The private equity segment remains a core focus, with a strong emphasis on performance and fundraising [9][10] - The upcoming CP9 fund is anticipated to be similar in size to previous funds, with expectations of strong investor interest [17][20] - Performance of CP7 is improving, with net IRRs in the **8%-9%** range, while CP8 is performing better with a gross IRR of **19%** [12][14] Fundraising and Growth - Fundraising momentum is strong, with **$45 billion** raised year-to-date and expectations to reach **$50 billion** by year-end [27][28] - The company plans to launch several flagship products in the next 18 months, including CP9 and new vintages for credit and infrastructure funds [28][29] Wealth Management Channel - Carlyle has made significant progress in building its wealth management footprint, doubling inflows year-over-year [34] - The launch of CPEP, a private equity product for the wealth channel, is expected to accelerate growth in 2026 and 2027 [36][37] Asset-Backed Finance - The Asset-Backed Finance (ABF) segment is viewed as a significant growth opportunity, with plans to expand partnerships and product offerings [50][52] Monetization and Realization Activity - Carlyle has achieved **$32 billion** in monetizations through Q3, up **30%-35%** year-over-year, with expectations for continued strong performance in Q4 [24][26] Capital Allocation Strategy - Carlyle has repurchased approximately **$500 million** of shares year-to-date, with plans for continued share repurchases as part of its capital allocation strategy [58][59] - The company is focused on disciplined capital allocation, balancing share repurchases, organic growth investments, and potential M&A opportunities [60][61] Future Outlook - The management team is optimistic about the growth potential across various segments, including private equity, wealth management, and asset-backed finance, with a focus on maintaining performance and expanding market presence [10][34][50] Additional Insights - The company is exploring the development of new products, including asset-backed finance and real estate offerings for the wealth channel [39][40] - There is a healthy tension between institutional and wealth products, which may enhance pricing dynamics in the market [42][44] This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points from The Carlyle Group's conference call, highlighting the company's strong performance, growth strategies, and future outlook in the private equity and investment management industry.