Virtus Investment Partners(US:VRTS)2025-10-24 15:02Financial 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 level due to net outflows despite favorable market performance [8][10] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased to $6.69 from $6.25 in the second quarter, marking a 7% increase sequentially, although it decreased 3% year-over-year due to lower average assets [10][19] - The operating margin improved by 170 basis points to 33%, or 33.4% excluding discrete items, with an incremental margin above 50% [10][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ETF business saw significant growth, with AUM reaching $4.7 billion, up 79% year-over-year, and achieving the highest quarterly sales and net flows of $0.9 billion each [5][14] - Total sales increased by 12% to $6.3 billion, driven by higher sales in fixed income and alternative strategies, while net outflows remained unchanged at $3.9 billion [8][15] - Institutional sales rose to $2 billion from $1.3 billion in the previous quarter, primarily due to fixed income and multi-asset strategies [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced positive net flows in fixed income and alternative strategies, while equity strategies faced net outflows primarily due to a focus on quality-oriented strategies [9][16] - In October, flows across products and asset classes continued to trend similarly, with strong ETF sales and net flows, although U.S. retail mutual fund headwinds persisted [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase retail separate account offerings, expand ETF availability in key channels, and grow the wealth management business [4][5] - The management emphasized a disciplined approach to inorganic growth, focusing on opportunities that are financially and strategically compelling [7][28] - The company is actively exploring opportunities to enhance capabilities and scale, particularly in private markets and international client access [28][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that quality-oriented strategies have underperformed in a market favoring momentum, but they expect a reversion to favor quality strategies in the future [27][33] - The company remains optimistic about the potential for positive flows in fixed income and alternative strategies, despite the current challenges in equity strategies [32][33] 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 [11][20] - The quarterly dividend was raised by 7% to $2.40 per share, marking the eighth consecutive annual increase [11][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key strategies attracting interest in ETFs? - Management indicated that both the ETF wrapper and specific strategies are driving interest, with a focus on expanding access and building track records in various strategies [24][25] Question: Any updates on inorganic opportunities? - Management reiterated that the environment remains favorable for inorganic growth, focusing on high-performing capabilities and private market expansion [26][28] Question: How to improve net flows moving forward? - Management highlighted positive flows in fixed income and alternative strategies, while addressing the need to grow non-quality correlated strategies to offset net outflows [32][33] Question: What is the outlook for operating expenses following office consolidation? - Management confirmed that the benefits of office consolidation are reflected in the current run rate, with expectations for lower operating expenses moving forward [37][38] Question: What is the status of discrete expenses and buybacks? - Management stated that discrete expenses related to inorganic activities may persist, and buybacks remain a critical part of the capital strategy, although no specific plans were announced [43][45]