Victory Capital(US:VCTR)2025-05-09 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client assets at the end of March were $171 billion, slightly down from the start of the year, with average AUM approximately 1% lower compared to the fourth quarter [4] - Revenue for the first quarter was $219.6 million, down about 5% from the fourth quarter due to lower average AUM and fewer days in the quarter [18] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share with tax benefit was $1.36, marking the second highest quarterly EPS in company history [6][18] - Adjusted EBITDA was $116 million with an EBITDA margin of 53%, reflecting a 90 basis point expansion from the first quarter of the previous year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross sales increased by 41% from the last quarter, reaching $9.3 billion, the highest level of quarterly gross sales in three years [4] - The ETF AUM increased to over $13 billion, a 28% increase during the quarter and up 67% year-over-year [5] - The Amundi U.S. business generated positive net long-term flows of $1.7 billion in the first quarter, which is not included in the current numbers due to the transaction closing on April 1 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The proportion of retail assets under management rose, with $44 billion sourced from clients outside the U.S., representing 15% of total AUM compared to less than 5% previously [10] - The investment performance remained strong, with 67% of mutual fund and ETF assets earning four or five-star ratings from Morningstar [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is strategically investing in distribution channels, data, technology, marketing, and intermediary partnerships to enhance organic growth [7][8] - Plans for several ETF launches in 2025 are underway, with a focus on expanding the product lineup [6][10] - The company aims to maintain a long-term margin target of 49%, despite short-term fluctuations due to integration efforts [44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the underlying activity around flows, viewing the recent large redemptions as one-time events that should not distort ongoing growth [5] - The company is encouraged by discussions regarding ongoing diligence activities and sees potential for additional strategic growth opportunities [8][56] Other Important Information - The company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.49 per share, payable on June 25, and anticipates moving back to an annual increase cycle [19][95] - The leverage ratio improved significantly following the Amundi transaction, enhancing financial flexibility [8][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the rollout of new products outside the U.S.? - The company is working with Amundi to identify products for international markets, with launches expected in the latter half of 2025 [35][39] Question: How will margins evolve in the near term? - Margins may see a slight decline during integration efforts, but the long-term target remains at 49% [44][45] Question: What is the current state of the acquisition pipeline? - The company is in a strong position to execute sizable transactions and is leaning towards larger scaled opportunities [56][57] Question: Have there been any dissynergies from the Amundi acquisition? - No dissynergies have been observed; the combined business has resonated well in the market [72] Question: What investments are being made to enhance organic growth? - Significant investments in sales, marketing, and data technology are being made to support organic growth [84][85] Question: How important are alternative investment products for future acquisitions? - Alternatives are important, and the company is evaluating various ways to incorporate them into its offerings [88][89]