T. Rowe Price(US:TROW)2025-08-01 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q2 2025 was $2.24, consistent with Q1 2025's $2.23 and slightly down from Q2 2024's $2.26 [15] - The company reported $14.9 billion in net outflows, similar to the previous quarter, primarily driven by U.S. equities [15][16] - Adjusted net revenue for Q2 2025 was $1.76 billion, flat compared to Q2 2024 and down marginally from Q1 2025 [19] - Adjusted operating expenses for Q2 2025 were just over $1.1 billion, up 1% from Q1 2025 and up 3.7% from Q2 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Positive net flows were observed across fixed income, multi-asset, and alternatives, with $2.5 billion in net flows into ETFs [16][11] - The target date suite surpassed $520 billion in assets under management, maintaining top quartile performance over three, five, and ten-year periods [11] - Fixed income performance remained strong, with a majority of funds beating peer group medians across all time horizons [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a challenging quarter due to equity market volatility, with average equity AUM down 5% and overall average AUM down 2% from Q1 2025 [18] - The ETF franchise reached $16.2 billion in AUM as of June 30, 2025, with significant inflows in the first half of the year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing expense growth while investing in capabilities and client reach, aiming for efficiency to fund future investments [6][21] - There is a strong emphasis on expanding the ETF business and enhancing retirement solutions, with plans to integrate private assets into defined contribution plans [28][31] - The company is evaluating its global real estate footprint to optimize space usage and control occupancy expenses [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged short-term headwinds but expressed confidence in the company's positioning to capitalize on future opportunities [6] - The outlook for the second half of the year suggests lower outflows compared to the first half, with expectations of continued growth in retirement solutions and fixed income [49] Other Important Information - The company returned over $395 million to shareholders in 2025, including $286 million for dividends and $109 million in share buybacks [22] - The company is actively exploring partnerships and acquisitions to enhance capabilities and reach new clients, particularly in the retirement space [86][89] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the 401(k) business and potential for private markets - Management emphasized a client-first approach and the potential for integrating private assets into retirement solutions, awaiting regulatory clarity [28][30] Question: Insights on expense initiatives and technology advancements - Management discussed a multi-year plan to drive efficiencies and the potential of AI to enhance productivity and investment solutions [35][39] Question: Analysis of equity outflows and retirement channel performance - Management noted elevated outflows in equity but highlighted strong inflows in retirement date funds and fixed income, indicating progress beneath the surface [48][50] Question: Impact of growing ETF pipeline and potential cannibalization - Management indicated that growth in ETFs is a mix of new investors and some cannibalization from legacy funds, with a focus on reaching new clients [65][70] Question: Opportunities in blockchain and tokenization - Management expressed interest in digital asset investing and the potential for active management to play a role as regulatory clarity improves [72][76] Question: Model delivery and its impact on AUM - Management explained the decision to include model delivery in AUM, highlighting its growth and the importance of delivering value to clients [77][81]