Victory Capital(US:VCTR)2025-11-07 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record-high gross flows and net flows finished just under flat for the quarter, with total assets reaching $313 billion [5] - Adjusted EBITDA set a new all-time quarterly high at $191 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 52.7% [5][22] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share rose to a record $1.63, up 4% from the second quarter and 20% higher than the quarter immediately preceding the Amundi transaction [5][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Long-term gross flows rose 10% quarter over quarter to $17 billion, reflecting the expanded U.S. distribution team and strong sales outside the U.S. [5][21] - Multiple investment franchises generated positive net long-term flows, including Victory Income Investors, Pioneer Investments, RS Global, Trivalent, and the Victory Shares ETF platform [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company currently manages $52 billion of AUM from clients outside the U.S. from 60 countries, where net flows remain positive [7] - 17% of total AUM was from investors outside the United States as of quarter end [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a trillion-dollar firm, focusing on strategic acquisitions that enhance its competitive position and shareholder value [34] - The integration process at Pioneer Investments is ahead of plan, with approximately $86 million of net expense synergies achieved on a run-rate basis [6][25] - The company is investing in expanding its distribution capacity outside the U.S. and launching new UCITS products [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the distribution opportunities outside the U.S. and the potential for significant growth in 2026 and beyond [11][46] - The company anticipates a phase of intense consolidation in the industry, which it is well-positioned to navigate [35] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 1.8 million shares during the quarter and has $355 million of capacity remaining on its repurchase authorization [6][27] - The balance sheet remains strong with $116 million of cash and a net leverage ratio of 1.1 times, providing financial flexibility for growth initiatives [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: M&A Strategy and Focus - Management emphasized that all acquisitions will be strategic, aiming for size and scale while also considering smaller, highly strategic deals [34] Question: Pioneer Acquisition Synergies - The company is ahead of synergy targets due to conservative planning and the discovery of operational efficiencies during integration [36][38] Question: Non-U.S. Business Performance - Positive net sales have primarily come from the Pioneer franchise, with expectations for increased flows from legacy Victory products in 2026 [45][46] Question: Inorganic Pipeline and Risks - The inorganic pipeline is full, with active discussions ongoing, and the environment for acquisitions has improved [71][72] Question: Integration Challenges with Alternatives - Management is aware of cultural integration challenges and has been patient in observing the market before pursuing acquisitions in the alternatives space [76]