Victory Capital(US:VCTR)2025-02-07 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total client assets increased to $176.1 billion, up $9.5 billion or 6% from the end of the previous year [6] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share rose more than 7% to $1.45 in the fourth quarter, a record high, and up 26% from $1.15 in the same quarter last year [7] - Year-over-year adjusted earnings per diluted share increased 19% from $4.51 in 2023 to $5.36 in 2024 [7] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $125.5 million in the fourth quarter, a 3% increase from the third quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 54% [18][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - VictoryShares ETF platform saw significant growth, with AUM increasing to nearly $12 billion from less than $200 million since its acquisition in 2015 [12] - Victory Income Investors posted its fourth consecutive quarter of positive net flows, contributing to the overall positive long-term net flows in various franchises [21] - Active ETFs, particularly in fixed income, showed strong performance, with several products driving net inflows [82] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Amundi's U.S. business reported net long-term flows of $2.6 billion in 2024, with strong performance across its institutional and non-U.S. businesses [9][71] - The non-U.S. AUM is projected to exceed $45 billion post-acquisition, with a consistent record of positive net flows since Amundi's acquisition in 2017 [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to close the acquisition of Amundi by the end of the current quarter, expecting to realize $100 million in cost synergies by the end of the second year of ownership [8] - The focus remains on leveraging the combined strengths of both companies to enhance growth opportunities, particularly in the institutional channel and through the VictoryShares ETF platform [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about organic growth prospects, citing a strong start to 2025 and a robust pipeline of opportunities [22][72] - The company anticipates continued growth in its ETF business, driven by market demand for active and solutions-oriented products [13][85] Other Important Information - The company returned $132.4 million to shareholders in the fourth quarter through share repurchases and cash dividends, with a new $200 million share repurchase program authorized [14][19] - A 7% increase in the quarterly cash dividend was announced, raising it to $0.47 per share [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What strategies do you expect to be most in favor and contribute the most to organic growth in 2025? - Management highlighted the strong performance of the VictoryShares ETF platform and opportunities in the institutional channel as key growth drivers [30] Question: What sort of revenue synergies do you expect from the Amundi deal? - Management noted the establishment of a 15-year exclusive distribution agreement with Amundi, which is expected to enhance revenue through the addition of Victory products to Amundi's distribution network [32][33] Question: Can you discuss margin differences across different products? - Management explained that over two-thirds of expenses are variable, allowing for significant scale and strong margins across all product lines, including ETFs [40][41] Question: Can you provide context on the one but not yet funded pipeline? - Management indicated that the pipeline is the largest in the company's history, diversified across various franchises and channels, with expectations for most funding in 2025 [42][44] Question: How rapidly can you introduce Victory products in the Non-U.S. distribution? - Management expects to introduce products throughout 2025 and into 2026, leveraging Amundi's existing infrastructure [50][52] Question: What is the outlook for potential M&A this year? - Management expressed confidence in participating in industry consolidation, with compelling discussions ongoing and a strong balance sheet post-Amundi acquisition [55][56] Question: How should we think about capital allocation going forward? - Management emphasized the priority of accretive acquisitions while balancing share repurchases and dividends, with a focus on being opportunistic [89][92]