Summary of Apollo Global Management Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO) - **Date**: December 10, 2025 - **Context**: Discussion at Goldman Sachs Financial Services Conference Key Industry Insights Private Credit Market - **Current State**: The private credit market is experiencing uncertainty, but Apollo primarily operates in the investment-grade space, which is less affected by market jitters [2][3] - **Definition Issues**: There is confusion surrounding the term "private credit," which encompasses various asset classes. Apollo plans to clarify this with a definitive guide [3] - **Risk Assessment**: Private credit is viewed as a de-risking trade compared to equities, with lower default rates than high-yield bonds. Investors are reallocating funds from equities to private credit for better risk-adjusted returns [4][5] Origination as Growth Driver - **Origination Focus**: Apollo emphasizes origination as the core of its business model, differentiating itself from traditional asset managers who invest based on available capital [9][10] - **Current Performance**: The firm has achieved strong origination volumes, exceeding five-year targets within the first year, with stable spreads around 300 basis points over treasuries [7][10] - **Collaboration with Banks**: Apollo collaborates with banks to originate loans, focusing on long-dated, high-quality assets, which are in high demand due to a global industrial renaissance [12][13] Emerging Opportunities - **AI and Infrastructure**: The demand for capital in sectors like AI and infrastructure is unprecedented. Apollo is cautious about taking on renewal risks associated with these investments [14][15] - **Wealth Market Growth**: The wealth management sector is expected to grow significantly, with Apollo positioned to benefit from a flight to quality in credit products [24][25] Financial Performance and Strategy Fundraising and Client Base - **Diverse Client Demand**: Apollo's client base has expanded beyond traditional institutional investors to include retail and insurance companies, indicating a growing acceptance of private assets [18][19] - **Future Fundraising**: The firm anticipates that fundraising will be driven by its ability to originate quality assets rather than merely raising capital [20][22] Hybrid and Private Equity - **Hybrid Business Growth**: Apollo's hybrid business is expected to be its fastest-growing segment, offering attractive risk-reward profiles [41][42] - **Private Equity Outlook**: While private equity remains a strong asset class, it is not viewed as a growth business. Apollo plans to raise over $20 billion in its next vintage [40][43] Athene and Insurance Strategy - **Athene's Role**: Athene is seen as a strategic asset for Apollo, allowing the firm to earn higher fees on originated assets. The focus is on achieving mid-double-digit returns [46][48] - **Market Positioning**: Apollo aims to leverage Athene to support guaranteed income products for retirees while capitalizing on the demand for investment-grade assets [50] Conclusion - Apollo Global Management is well-positioned for growth in the evolving financial landscape, with a strong focus on origination, a diverse client base, and strategic investments in private credit and hybrid assets. The firm is navigating market challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities in sectors like AI and infrastructure.

Core Viewpoint - The characterization of private credit and direct lending as "garbage lending" is considered an overstatement by industry experts [1] Group 1: Industry Perspectives - Jeff Aronson, co-founder and managing principal of Centerbridge Partners, argues against the negative labeling of private credit and direct lending [1] - Aronson emphasizes that lending experiences cycles of peaks and valleys, indicating a more nuanced view of the lending landscape [1] - The term "garbage lending" was previously used by Jeffrey Gundlach, CEO and founder of DoubleLine Capital, highlighting a divide in opinions within the industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - UBS Group AG has formed a strategic partnership with General Atlantic to enhance private credit opportunities, focusing on direct lending solutions for clients and borrowers [1][2]. Partnership Details - The collaboration aims to broaden access to direct lending and credit products by leveraging UBS's advisory and investment banking capabilities alongside General Atlantic's global network [2]. - The partnership will primarily focus on senior secured direct lending financing for companies in North America and Western Europe, with General Atlantic leading a private credit team [3]. Rationale Behind the Partnership - This strategic collaboration is intended to strengthen UBS's Investment Bank's private market capabilities, particularly in providing private credit solutions to large- and mid-cap companies in the Americas [4]. - The partnership aligns with UBS's growth targets for its Global Banking capital markets platform, enhancing its reach and capabilities in the private credit sector [4]. Leadership Statements - Sergio P. Ermotti, CEO of UBS, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the shared commitment to client-centric solutions and the combined strengths of both firms in private credit investing and asset management [5]. Market Context - UBS shares have experienced a decline of 4.2% over the past six months, contrasting with a 17% rise in the industry [7]. - UBS currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook in the market [8]. Industry Comparisons - Other financial institutions are also expanding their presence in the private credit market, with JPMorgan announcing a $50 billion allocation for direct lending and Citigroup partnering with Apollo Global Management for a $25 billion private credit program [9][12].