Hamilton Lane(US:HLNE)2025-05-29 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total asset footprint increased to $958 billion, representing a 4% year-over-year growth [4] - Assets Under Management (AUM) grew to $138 billion, an increase of $14 billion or 11% compared to the prior year [5] - Total management and advisory fees reached $514 million, growing 14% year-over-year [6] - Fee-related earnings were $276 million, a 34% increase from the previous year, translating into GAAP EPS of $5.41 and non-GAAP EPS of $5.40 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee-earning AUM stood at $72 billion, growing $6 billion or 10% year-over-year [14] - Specialized fund fee-earning AUM increased to $33 billion, representing a 16% growth [16] - Revenue from customized separate accounts increased by $6 million or 4% due to new accounts and re-ups [38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall exit activity remains muted, but deal activity in various sectors showed recovery in 2024 compared to 2023 [12] - Contributions and distributions from Limited Partners (LPs) remained below historical averages, although distribution activity saw a slight pickup in 2024 [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on long-term results for clients, capitalizing on market volatility to find opportunities [13] - Continued growth in specialized funds, particularly semi-liquid evergreen funds, is a key strategy [14] - The company is actively expanding its product lines and enhancing its technology solutions [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating market volatility and uncertainty, indicating a stable margin outlook despite reporting changes [46][47] - The current market environment is seen as different from past crises, driven by political factors rather than economic shocks [79] Other Important Information - The Board approved a 10% increase in the annual fiscal dividend to $2.16 per share, marking the eighth consecutive annual double-digit percentage increase since 2017 [6] - The company is investing in technology solutions to enhance operational efficiency and scalability [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook under new reporting regime - Management expects margins to remain stable despite changes in reporting [46][47] Question: Changes in distribution fees for new products - Distribution fees remain predominantly upfront, with no significant changes noted [49][50] Question: Future management fees within separate accounts - The separate account business is impacted by macro market conditions, but there is optimism for future growth as markets normalize [59][61] Question: May gross inflows and outflows - May showed strong inflows, with no significant changes in redemption patterns [65][66] Question: Institutional interest in evergreen funds - The trend towards evergreen funds is still in its early stages, with institutions beginning to recognize their benefits [70][72] Question: Capitalizing on market volatility - The company is focusing on deal flow, talent acquisition, and technology investments to capitalize on current market conditions [76][78]