Core Insights - The company reported a record $903 billion in assets under management at the end of 2025, driven by growth in money market and equity strategies [3][7] - Equity assets increased by $3.2 billion, or 3%, in Q4 2025, with net equity sales of $1.5 billion for the quarter and $4.6 billion for the full year [1][4] - Money market assets rose by $30 billion in 2025 to $683 billion, with money market mutual fund assets reaching a record $508 billion [2][7] Asset Management Performance - The firm experienced substantial improvements in equity flows, particularly from MDT strategies, which achieved record gross sales of $19.1 billion and net sales of $13 billion in 2025 [6][8] - Fixed income assets ended the year at $100 billion, down $1.7 billion from the prior quarter, with net redemptions of $2.8 billion in Q4 [11][12] - Alternatives and private markets saw slight asset increases and positive net sales, with the MDT Market Neutral Fund contributing $149 million in net sales [13] Revenue and Financials - Fourth-quarter revenue increased by $13.4 million, or 3%, compared to the prior quarter, driven by higher money market and equity assets [17] - Operating expenses rose by $7.3 million, or 2%, primarily due to increased distribution expenses [19] - The effective tax rate was reported at 24.4%, with an estimated range of 25% to 28% for 2026 [20] Strategic Initiatives - The company is advancing tokenization and digital asset initiatives, including partnerships for tokenized U.S. money market funds [5][18] - Management highlighted the launch of the MDT U.S. Equity UCITS Fund, which reported over $500 million in net sales since inception [8] - The firm is also marketing a Global Private Equity Co-Invest Fund and a new European Real Estate Debt Fund [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2025 with record assets under management (AUM) of $903 billion, an increase driven by gains in money market and equity strategies [3] - Total revenue for Q4 increased by $13.4 million, or 3%, primarily due to higher money market assets contributing $8 million and higher equity assets adding $5.5 million [14] - The effective tax rate was reported at 24.4%, with an estimated range of 25%-28% for 2026 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Equity assets increased by $3.2 billion or 3% from the prior quarter, with Q4 net equity sales of $1.5 billion, a significant improvement from net redemptions of $10.7 billion in 2004 [3] - Fixed income assets decreased by $1.7 billion to $100 billion, with Q4 net redemptions of $2.8 billion, largely due to two large public entities [5][6] - Money market assets reached a record high of $683 billion, with money market fund assets increasing by $16 billion or 3% in Q4 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 7% market share in money market funds at the end of 2025, down from 7.1% at the end of Q3 [10] - The company anticipates approximately $2.7 billion in net institutional mandates yet to fund into both funds and separate accounts, with expected additions across various strategies [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open a Hong Kong office to capitalize on the growing wealth market in the Asia Pacific region, complementing existing offices in Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney [9] - The company is advancing digital asset initiatives, including partnerships for tokenized money market funds, aiming to enhance liquidity and investor protections [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the succession planning for retiring portfolio managers, indicating no expected disruption in investment management techniques [21] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations of a single rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with a terminal rate above 3%, which is anticipated to support continued growth in money market funds [36] Other Important Information - The company is progressing towards the acquisition of FCP, expected to close in the first half of 2026, which will enhance its real estate capabilities [8] - The company reported a robust pipeline of tokenization projects, indicating a strategic focus on integrating blockchain technology into its offerings [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Distribution costs have increased significantly; what is the reason? - Management explained that the increase in distribution costs was due to a significant amount of assets coming into share classes with higher distribution expenses, impacting the overall distribution expense [20] Question: What is the transition plan for retiring portfolio managers? - Management indicated that succession planning has been in place for many years, with experienced replacements expected to maintain performance and investment management techniques [21] Question: What is the demand for tokenization from clients? - Management noted that while there is interest in tokenization, actual demand is not as robust as anticipated, with clients currently satisfied with existing products [25] Question: What is the outlook for money market fund flows in the first half of the year? - Management indicated that January typically sees outflows due to tax season, but the second half of the year generally experiences growth in money market fund AUM [51] Question: What is the potential for money market roll-ups? - Management stated that the potential for roll-ups depends on the owners of other money funds, with increased regulation leading to fewer opportunities [91]

Core Insights - Federated Hermes reported Q2 2025 earnings with GAAP EPS of $1.16, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.03 and significantly up from $0.20 in the prior year [1][2] - Total revenue for the quarter was $424.8 million, slightly above the estimate of $422.81 million and an increase from $402.6 million year-over-year [1][2] - The firm achieved record-high assets under management (AUM) of $845.7 billion as of June 30, 2025, marking an 8% increase from $782.7 billion in the previous year [1][2][5] Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 2025 reached $91.0 million, a 333.3% increase from $21.0 million in Q2 2024 [2][8] - Operating expenses decreased by 15% year-over-year, primarily due to the absence of a non-cash impairment charge from the previous year [7] - Nonoperating income rose from $1.9 million to $13.7 million, contributing positively to overall financial performance [7] Business Overview - Federated Hermes is an investment management firm with a diverse range of products, including money market funds, equity funds, fixed-income products, and alternative strategies [3] - The firm generates revenue mainly through fees based on AUM, with a strong emphasis on money market products [3] Strategic Focus - The company is focused on growing AUM, complying with regulations, and leveraging its distribution network [4] - Key success factors include investment performance, regulatory discipline, and innovation in product offerings [4] Segment Performance - Equity AUM increased by 14% to $89.0 billion, driven by strong demand for MDT strategies, which saw AUM rise to $23.2 billion [5][6] - Fixed-income AUM grew 4% year-over-year to $98.7 billion, despite a slight sequential decline [6] - Money market assets reached $634.4 billion, an 8% increase year-over-year, while alternative and private market AUM rose 3% to $20.7 billion [6][11] Product Development and Market Trends - The firm is investing in new product development, including blockchain for money market fund tokenization and expanding ETFs and collective investment trusts [12] - MDT strategies and alternatives are showing strong momentum, with net sales of over $2.5 billion in the previous quarter [10] Capital Return - The regular quarterly dividend was set at $0.34 per share, with ongoing share buybacks authorized for up to 5 million additional shares [9][13] Outlook - Management anticipates continued demand for MDT strategies and alternatives, with a positive pipeline for new mandates in equity and direct lending products [14]