Blackstone(BX) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP net income for the quarter of $2 billion, with distributable earnings of $2.2 billion or $1.75 per common share, and declared a dividend of $1.49 per share [5][29] - Distributable earnings increased 20% year-over-year to $5.57 per share, or $7.1 billion for the full year, driven by strong growth in fee-related earnings and net realizations [7][32] - Management fees rose 11% year-over-year to a record $2.1 billion, with base management fees growing 10% and transaction and advisory fees increasing by 27% [29][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Infrastructure platform grew 40% year-over-year to $77 billion, with over $4 billion raised in the fourth quarter [18] - BXMA reported a gross return of 13% for 2025, with positive composite returns for the last 23 quarters [34] - The private equity flagship in the wealth channel, BXPE, achieved an annualized net return of 17% since inception, growing to $18 billion in two years [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved inflows of $71 billion in the fourth quarter, the highest level in three and a half years, contributing to approximately $240 billion for the full year [7][8] - Assets under management increased 13% year-over-year to nearly $1.3 trillion, setting a new industry record [8][32] - The insurance channel's AUM grew 18% year-over-year to $271 billion, reflecting strong demand for private market solutions [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on thematic areas such as digital infrastructure, private credit, and life sciences, with significant investments in AI and power generation [10][12] - The firm is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing AI investment boom and the modernization of the U.S. electric grid [11][12] - The company anticipates a resurgence in capital markets activity, with an acceleration in IPO and M&A activity [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the firm's prospects, citing strong operating and capital market fundamentals despite geopolitical uncertainties [9][15] - The company expects management fees to continue on a strong positive trajectory in 2026, driven by growth in private equity, credit, and insurance segments [36] - The firm is optimistic about the multi-year outlook, supported by structural tailwinds and multiple engines of growth [37] Other Important Information - The company invested $138 billion across the firm in 2025, the highest level in four years, focusing on areas with significant growth potential [11] - The firm has nearly $200 billion of dry powder available to capitalize on future opportunities [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the record IPO pipeline - Management indicated that the focus will be on the corporate space, particularly in energy and electricity, with a broad-based approach expected [41] - The company noted that as limited partners receive capital back, it will facilitate further capital allocation to the firm, creating a positive cycle for fundraising [43] Question: About AI deployment across portfolio companies - Management highlighted early impacts of AI on productivity, particularly in software engineering and customer engagement across portfolio companies [45][46] - The firm is optimistic about the potential for earnings growth driven by AI advancements [47] Question: On retail opportunities and market evolution - Management discussed the breadth of offerings available, emphasizing the appeal of private credit and the potential for continued strong performance despite lower absolute rates [50][51] - The firm is confident in its ability to capture benefits across a wide range of equity products as rates decline [52] Question: On direct lending dynamics - Management noted strong fundraising dynamics on the institutional side, while acknowledging some redemptions in the wealth channel [54][58] - The firm remains confident in the health of its portfolio and the potential for durable premiums in private credit [58]