T. Rowe Price(TROW) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The adjusted diluted EPS for Q3 2025 was $2.81, an increase from the prior quarter and Q3 2024, driven by higher revenue from increased average AUM [13] - Total adjusted revenues reached $1.9 billion, up 6% year-over-year and nearly 10% from the prior quarter [15] - The effective fee rate for Q3 was 39.1 bps, down from Q2 2025 due to a shift towards lower-priced vehicles and strategies [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The target date franchise saw $2.6 billion in net inflows, with strong demand for blend products [14] - The ETF business experienced nearly $2 billion in net inflows, with $19 billion in AUM as of September 30 [11][14] - Fixed income, multi-asset, and alternatives had positive net flows, while U.S. equities continued to drive net outflows [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reached an end-of-period high of $1.77 trillion in assets under management as of September 30 [4] - The company reported $7.9 billion in net outflows for Q3, primarily from retail and intermediary channels, partially offset by institutional wins [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a strategic collaboration with Goldman Sachs to deliver diversified public and private market solutions for retirement and wealth investors [7][9] - New retirement allocation funds were introduced in Asia, marking a significant expansion into retail markets in Hong Kong and Singapore [11] - The company is focused on enhancing its ETF offerings and expanding into the active ETF space, with plans for over a dozen new ETFs [49][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that Q4 flows are expected to be weaker, with higher redemptions in equities observed [32] - The company is optimistic about the potential for alpha generation in the future, especially as market concentration peaks [61] - Management emphasized a focus on expense management and strategic investments to drive future growth [45][46] Other Important Information - The company incurred $28.5 million in non-recurring costs in Q3, primarily related to severance [18] - A non-recurring charge of approximately $100 million is expected in Q4 due to real estate portfolio management [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on digital assets and crypto ETF - Management highlighted their journey in digital assets since 2022, focusing on building internal expertise and launching a multi-token crypto ETF [22][24] Question: Details on the economic arrangement with Goldman Sachs - Management described the economics of the collaboration as balanced and equitable, emphasizing strong capabilities across liquid public and private market alternatives [27][28] Question: Trends in flows and near-term momentum - Management indicated that gross sales were up substantially, but noted a softer institutional pipeline and higher equity redemptions [32][34] Question: Potential sales from new strategies - Management expressed ambitions for significant growth beyond a couple of billion dollars from the new strategies, emphasizing the large addressable market [38][39] Question: Savings from real estate management - Management discussed ongoing expense management programs and the potential savings from transitioning their real estate portfolio [40][42] Question: ETF offerings and market opportunity - Management noted strong growth in the ETF space and plans for new active ETFs, indicating a significant opportunity for future growth [47][49]