Core Viewpoint - Apollo Global Management emphasizes the expansive nature of private credit, viewing it as a $40 trillion asset class that includes various forms of debt beyond traditional direct lending, such as commercial and residential real estate debt and asset-backed securities [5][18]. Group 1: Private Credit Landscape - Apollo identifies the growth of sponsor-backed direct lending as a significant development in non-investment-grade financing, noting its rise from zero to $2 trillion [1]. - The firm argues that the evolution of banking post-global financial crisis has shifted more financing activity toward non-bank investors, suggesting that the anticipated slowdown in private credit growth overlooks broader economic changes [5][6]. - Zelter expresses skepticism about the size and speed of an equity monetization cycle, indicating that the U.S. IPO market is relatively small compared to the private equity asset base, which is estimated at $5 trillion to $6 trillion [1][4]. Group 2: Strategic Priorities and Fundraising - Apollo is focusing on origination and multi-channel distribution, with plans to raise Fund XI between $22 billion and $25 billion, targeting a first close before mid-year [4][14]. - The firm has invested billions in origination platforms, emphasizing that access to attractive investments is the limiting factor rather than capital raising [6]. - Apollo's private wealth channel has expanded its product offerings, with eight products raising over $500 million each last year [13]. Group 3: AI Infrastructure and Financing - Apollo estimates that AI infrastructure capital needs will reach $5 trillion to $7 trillion over the next five years, indicating a selective financing approach where the firm has a structural advantage [11][12]. - The firm prefers bespoke, contract-backed deals with minimal residual risk, as illustrated by a recent transaction involving a sale-leaseback of chips [12]. Group 4: Retirement Services and Market Expansion - Apollo remains confident in Athene's growth in fixed annuities, supported by a strong balance sheet and competitive operating costs [15]. - The company highlights a "retirement crisis" in the U.S. and identifies potential growth opportunities in various international markets, including Japan, Korea, and Australia [16]. Group 5: Market Dynamics and Liquidity - Zelter notes that while private credit may evolve to trade more like liquid markets, the premium for offering private solutions at scale is likely to persist [9]. - Apollo has facilitated liquidity in high-grade capital solutions, trading nearly $10 billion of these assets last year [10].

Core Insights - Guggenheim Investments anticipates continued growth in private credit for the upcoming year, indicating a strong outlook for this sector [1] - The company is actively utilizing artificial intelligence in its investment strategies, suggesting a focus on technological integration to enhance decision-making processes [1] Group 1 - Private credit is expected to keep growing next year, reflecting a positive trend in the investment landscape [1] - The integration of AI into investment strategies highlights the company's commitment to leveraging technology for improved performance [1]

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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 Insights - David A. Johnson is the founder and principal of Endurance Capital Management, specializing in various investment vehicles including stocks, bonds, options, ETFs, REITs, real estate, closed-end funds, hedge funds, and private credit [1] Group 1 - David A. Johnson has over 30 years of experience in investing and holds a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Finance with a concentration in Investment Analysis from Boston University [1] - He also possesses a Certificate in Financial Planning and an MBA from Fordham University [1]

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 Insights - David A. Johnson is the founder and principal of Endurance Capital Management, specializing in various investment vehicles including stocks, bonds, options, ETFs, REITs, real estate, closed-end funds, hedge funds, and private credit [1] Group 1 - David A. Johnson has over 30 years of experience in investing and holds a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Finance with a concentration in Investment Analysis from Boston University [1] - He also possesses a Certificate in Financial Planning and an MBA from Fordham University [1]

Core Viewpoint - The current credit issues in regional banks should not be overlooked, as they significantly impact bank returns and are indicative of broader economic trends [1] Group 1: Consumer Market and Credit Quality - The lower end of the consumer market is experiencing stress, with rising delinquencies in car loans among lower credit quality consumers [2] - Higher net worth institutions like JP Morgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are not facing the same level of stress due to their customer base [2] - High yield spreads are at historically tight levels, raising concerns about the compensation for lending to lower quality companies [2] Group 2: Private Debt Concerns - The issuance of zero coupon bonds indicates a lack of cash flow to service debt, raising alarms about the financial health of companies [3] - New private debt categories lack the covenant protections that traditional bank debt offers, increasing risk exposure [4][6] - The rapid growth of private credit products, which are less secured and lack covenants, poses a significant risk to the financial system [6] Group 3: Economic and Market Conditions - The Hispanic community's reduced spending due to safety concerns is impacting the economy, highlighting pockets of credit weakness [7] - The current high valuations in public markets, driven by strong companies, could be affected if market sentiment deteriorates [9][10] - The focus of major banks on high net worth individuals rather than lower-end consumers suggests limited exposure to credit issues in the stock market [11] Group 4: Broader Economic Concerns - Inflation, tariffs, and deficits are identified as significant concerns for the economy, overshadowing the current state of credit markets [11][12] - Despite the challenges in private credit, the overall credit markets are perceived to be in relatively good shape, although risks remain due to inadequate compensation for the associated risks [12]

Core Insights - David A. Johnson is the founder and principal of Endurance Capital Management, specializing in various investment vehicles including stocks, bonds, options, ETFs, REITs, real estate, closed-end funds, hedge funds, and private credit [1] Group 1 - David A. Johnson has over 30 years of experience in investing and holds a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Finance with a concentration in Investment Analysis from Boston University [1] - He also possesses a Certificate in Financial Planning and an MBA from Fordham University [1]

Group 1 - The analysis focuses on closed-end funds (CEFs) offered by Cohen & Steers, highlighting positive investor experiences with these funds [1] - David A. Johnson, the founder of Endurance Capital Management, has over 30 years of investment experience and holds multiple advanced degrees in finance and business [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to the CEFs mentioned [2][3]