Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the second quarter of 2025, the company reported a 15% year-over-year growth in economic earnings per share, reaching $5.39 [4][21] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $220 million, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase, with fee-related earnings growing 4% year-over-year [21] - The company generated over $8 billion in net client cash flows, marking the strongest net flow quarter in over a decade [10][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added approximately $55 billion in alternative assets under management (AUM), increasing total alternative AUM by 20% in just six months [5][12] - Private markets AUM grew by 50% since 2022, now standing at $150 billion, driven by high teens organic growth and new affiliate partnerships [12][15] - Liquid alternatives generated nearly $12 billion in net inflows during the quarter, with strong demand for tax-aware solutions [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced $19 billion in client cash inflows into alternatives, offsetting $11 billion in outflows from active equities [10][11] - The wealth channel is seeing an acceleration of alternative flows, particularly in private equity, private credit, and infrastructure [6][12] - The company’s strategic engagement with affiliates is enhancing access to the rapidly expanding wealth marketplace [6][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on evolving its business mix towards secular growth areas, particularly in alternative asset classes [10][18] - The strategic partnerships with affiliates are aimed at capitalizing on growth opportunities in private markets and liquid alternatives [7][18] - The company anticipates a meaningful increase in economic earnings per share in 2026 due to the growth in alternative AUM and new affiliate partnerships [5][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term impact of their strategy execution, highlighting substantial value creation potential for shareholders [9][24] - The company is well-positioned to continue executing its growth strategy, supported by a strong balance sheet and diversified business profile [20][24] - Management noted that the ongoing demand for alternative strategies is expected to drive further growth across affiliates [6][18] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its minority stake in Peppertree, more than doubling its initial investment [8] - The company repurchased approximately $100 million in shares during the second quarter, with a full-year repurchase expectation of around $400 million [24][65] - The company is actively pursuing new investment opportunities, having announced four new partnerships in 2025 [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Contribution from AQR and Pantheon - Management expects both Pantheon and AQR to be double-digit contributors to earnings this year, with AQR focusing on tax-aware solutions benefiting high net worth individuals [28][40] Question: Capacity Constraints for AQR - AQR has a competitive advantage due to its innovation and robust trading systems, allowing it to sustain growth despite potential capacity constraints [43][46] Question: Portfolio Management and Buybacks - The company is focused on long-term partnerships with affiliates rather than actively trading stakes, and buybacks are viewed as a flexible tool for returning capital to shareholders [52][60][63] Question: Private Market Fundraising Consistency - The company has seen substantial growth in private markets, with a diverse range of fundraising sources contributing to a more consistent flow of capital [70][75] Question: European Market Trends - Management has not observed significant reallocations from U.S. to European managers impacting their second-quarter numbers, but they are monitoring the situation closely [80][84]