Virtus Investment Partners(VRTS) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total assets under management (AUM) of $169 billion as of September 30, which is slightly below the previous quarter due to net outflows despite favorable market performance [10] - Earnings per share (EPS) as adjusted increased to $6.69 from $6.25 in the second quarter, but decreased 3% year-over-year due to lower average assets [13][25] - Operating margin improved by 170 basis points to 33%, with an incremental margin above 50% [13][24] - Total sales increased by 12% to $6.3 billion from $5.6 billion in the second quarter [10][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ETF assets reached $4.7 billion, up 79% year-over-year, with the highest quarterly sales and net flows of $900 million each [6][16] - Fixed income strategies saw positive net flows, while quality equity strategies experienced significant outflows [11][20] - Institutional sales increased to $2 billion, driven by fixed income and multi-asset strategies [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced net outflows of $3.9 billion, unchanged from the previous quarter, primarily due to outflows in quality equity strategies [10][20] - Positive net flows were observed in fixed income and alternative strategies, indicating a shift in investor preference [11][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its retail separate account offerings, increase ETF availability in key channels, and grow its wealth management business [5][6] - Inorganic growth opportunities remain a focus, with a disciplined approach to acquisitions that align with strategic goals [7][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that quality-oriented strategies have underperformed in a momentum-driven market but expect a reversion to favor quality in the future [44][47] - The company is optimistic about the potential for positive flows in fixed income and alternative strategies, despite current challenges in equity strategies [43][46] Other Important Information - The company completed a debt refinancing, increasing financial flexibility with a new $400 million term loan and a $250 million revolving credit facility [13][26] - A quarterly dividend increase of 7% was announced, marking the eighth consecutive annual increase [14][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key strategies driving interest in ETFs? - Management indicated that both the ETF wrapper and specific strategies are driving interest, with a focus on transparency and tax efficiency [30][32] Question: Any updates on inorganic opportunities? - Management confirmed that the environment remains favorable for acquisitions, focusing on high-performing capabilities and private market expansion [36][39] Question: How can the company improve net flows? - Management highlighted positive flows in fixed income and alternative strategies, emphasizing the need to grow non-quality correlated strategies [43][46] Question: What is the outlook for operating expenses following office consolidation? - Management noted that the benefits of office consolidation are reflected in the current run rate, with expectations for lower operating expenses moving forward [49][51] Question: Is the company back in the market for buybacks? - Management stated that buybacks remain a core part of the capital strategy, with no specific announcements at this time [57][58] Question: What trends are observed in institutional allocations? - Management noted strength in emerging market debt and global REITs, particularly in non-U.S. institutional markets [60][62]