Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of the end of Q4 2025, fee-paying assets under management (AUM) reached $29.4 billion, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase [19] - For the full year 2025, fee-paying AUM increased by 15%, fee-related revenues (excluding direct and secondary catch-up fees) rose by 13%, and fee-related earnings (FRE) margins were better than expected at 47% [11][19] - GAAP net income for Q4 was $11 million, up from $5.7 million in the prior year's Q4, while for the full year 2025, net income was $23 million, an increase from $19.7 million in 2024 [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, private equity strategies raised and deployed $325 million, venture capital solutions raised and deployed $178 million, and private credit strategies added $338 million to fee-paying AUM [24] - The average core fee rate was 109 basis points in Q4 and 104 basis points for 2025, with an expectation of averaging 103 basis points for 2026 [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised and deployed a record $5.1 billion in organic gross new fee-paying AUM in 2025, exceeding initial annual fundraising guidance by over $1 billion [11] - AUM, including NAV and uncalled capital commitments, was over $43 billion across the platform as of December 31, 2025 [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to double fee-paying AUM to $50 billion by the end of 2029, primarily through organic growth [15] - The acquisition of Stellus, a direct lending platform, is expected to enhance capabilities in the middle and lower middle market, which is viewed as an underserved segment with significant opportunities [7][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory and the strategic transformation undertaken over the past two years, which has led to meaningful improvements across the platform [4][5] - The company anticipates strong fundraising in 2026 and 2027, targeting at least $10 billion of gross fee-paying AUM over the next two years, excluding acquisitions [19][16] Other Important Information - The company completed the acquisition of Qualitas Funds, establishing a presence outside the U.S. and opening a new office in Dubai [13][14] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.0375 per share was approved, payable on March 20, 2026 [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI exposure and risks to private markets - Management indicated a meaningful exposure to AI through its venture portfolio, with investments performing well, while overall exposure to SaaS and software is less than 10% [30][31] Question: Private markets wealth strategy build-out - Management clarified that private wealth clients represent about 36% of their client base and emphasized a strategic approach to maximizing distribution through partnerships like CAIS [34][37] Question: Details on Stellus acquisition and its impact - Management stated that Stellus is expected to be modestly accretive to margins and ANI EPS in the first year, with further guidance to be provided closer to the acquisition closing [41][42] Question: Stellus's sourcing funnel and growth acceleration - Management highlighted the strong fit between Stellus's focus on the middle and lower middle market and the company's existing sponsor ecosystem, indicating plans to enhance sourcing and growth [49][50] Question: Capital management and allocation strategy - Management plans to buy back stock to offset dilution while also focusing on paying down debt post-acquisition, with ongoing interest in M&A opportunities in private credit and real assets [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - As of the end of Q4 2025, fee-paying assets under management (AUM) reached $29.4 billion, reflecting a 15% year-over-year increase [19] - Fee-related revenues (FRR) for 2025 were $297.3 million, a 13% increase from 2024, excluding direct and secondary catch-up fees [22] - Adjusted net income (ANI) for Q4 was $30.2 million, a 14% decrease from the previous year, primarily due to high catch-up fee revenue in Q4 2024 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised and deployed a record $5.1 billion in organic gross new fee-paying AUM in 2025, exceeding initial guidance by over $1 billion [11] - Private equity strategies raised and deployed $325 million, venture capital solutions raised and deployed $178 million, and private credit strategies added $338 million to fee-paying AUM in Q4 [24] - The average core fee rate was 109 basis points in Q4 and 104 basis points for 2025, with expectations of 103 basis points for 2026 [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has expanded its product set to meet investor demand for private markets, including launching its first evergreen product and a fund directed at European investors [13] - The acquisition of Qualitas Funds established the company's presence outside the U.S., complemented by the opening of a new office in Dubai [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to double fee-paying AUM to $50 billion by the end of 2029, primarily through organic growth [15] - The strategic acquisition of Stellus is expected to enhance direct lending capabilities and align with the company's focus on the middle and lower middle market [9] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders, having repurchased nearly 11 million shares since the beginning of 2024 [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory and the potential for further expansion in the middle and lower middle market [18] - The company anticipates strong fundraising in 2026 and 2027, targeting at least $10 billion in gross fee-paying AUM [16] - Management highlighted the importance of strong fund performance and product innovation to sustain growth [12] Other Important Information - The company appointed two new independent directors to enhance governance and broaden its brand reach [14] - Operating expenses decreased in 2025 to $231.8 million from $235.8 million in 2024, reflecting adjustments related to prior acquisitions [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: AI's impact on private markets - Management noted a meaningful exposure to AI through its venture portfolio, with investments performing well, while maintaining modest exposure to SaaS and software [30][31] Question: Private markets wealth strategy - Management clarified that while private wealth was not a primary focus, they are leveraging existing products and partnerships, such as with CAIS, to enhance distribution in the private wealth channel [33][37] Question: Details on Stellus acquisition - Management indicated that Stellus's acquisition would be modestly accretive and that more detailed guidance would be provided closer to the closing date [41][42] Question: Stellus's sourcing funnel and growth acceleration - Management emphasized the strong fit between Stellus and the company's existing sponsor ecosystem, with plans to enhance sourcing and accelerate growth post-acquisition [49][52] Question: Capital management and M&A strategy - Management stated intentions to balance stock buybacks with debt reduction post-acquisition, while remaining focused on strategic M&A opportunities in private credit and real assets [55][58]

Ridgepost Capital (NYSE:PX) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 12, 2026 08:30 AM ET Speaker6Hello, and welcome to Ridgepost Capital's fourth quarter and full year 2025 conference call. My name is Kevin, and I'll be coordinating your call today. Currently, all participants are on a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there'll be a question-and-answer session. As a reminder, today's conference call is being recorded. I will now pass the call over to your host, Mark Hood, EVP and Chief Administrati ...