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 preceding the Amundi transaction [5][22] - Revenue increased 3% from the second quarter to $361.2 million, with average assets for the quarter rising 7% quarter over quarter [21] - The company returned a total of $163 million to shareholders in the quarter, marking an all-time high [22][28] 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][24] - Multiple investment franchises generated positive net long-term flows, including Victory Income Investors, Pioneer Investments, RS Global, Trivalent, and the VictoryShares ETF platform [24] - Year-to-date positive net flows for the ETF platform reached $5.4 billion, representing a 53% organic growth rate [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company currently manages $52 billion of AUM from clients outside the U.S. across 60 countries, with net flows remaining 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 $1 trillion firm, focusing on strategic acquisitions that enhance its competitive position and shareholder value [34][36] - The integration process at Pioneer Investments is ahead of plan, with $86 million of net expense synergies achieved on a run-rate basis [6][40] - 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 [11][48] - The company anticipates a transformational opportunity in the non-U.S. segment, with strong sales expected from legacy Victory products [48] - Management highlighted the importance of strategic acquisitions in a fragmented industry, emphasizing the need for firms to partner to grow [36][72] Other Important Information - The company has achieved $86 million of net expense synergies and expects to reach a total of $110 million [6][25] - The balance sheet remains strong with $116 million of cash and a net leverage ratio of 1.1x, providing financial flexibility for growth [22][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: M&A Strategy and Focus - Management aims for strategic acquisitions rather than purely financial transactions, with a focus on enhancing the company's capabilities and shareholder value [34][36] Question: Pioneer Acquisition Synergies - The company is ahead of synergy targets due to conservative planning and the identification of operational efficiencies [38][40] 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 [46][48] Question: Inorganic Pipeline and Risks - The inorganic pipeline is full, with active discussions ongoing, and the environment for acquisitions has improved [72][73] 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 [77]