Hamilton Lane(US:HLNE)2026-02-03 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total asset footprint increased to over $1 trillion, representing a 6% year-over-year growth [3] - Assets Under Management (AUM) reached $146 billion, growing by $11 billion or 8% compared to the prior year [4] - Assets Under Advisement (AUA) totaled $871 billion, up $50 billion or 6% year-over-year [4] - Total management and advisory fees increased by 11% year-over-year, with fee-related revenue growing by 31% to $507 million [4][29] - GAAP EPS for the fiscal year-to-date was $4.35, with non-GAAP EPS at $4.41 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee-earning AUM stood at $79.1 billion, growing by $8.1 billion or 11% year-over-year [10] - Specialized funds revenue increased by $35 million or 15% compared to the prior year, driven by growth in the Evergreen Platform [29] - Customized Separate Accounts fee-earning AUM grew to $41.1 billion, up $1.3 billion or 3% year-over-year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Evergreen Platform generated over $1.2 billion of net inflows, with total AUM reaching over $16 billion, representing over 70% year-over-year growth [21] - The international credit Evergreen fund surpassed $2 billion in AUM, with a strong performance and positive net inflows [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic partnership with Guardian has closed, overseeing nearly $5 billion of Guardian's private equity portfolio, with expected annual commitments of approximately $500 million for at least 10 years [9] - The company aims to broaden distribution for its flagship strategies and enhance its product offerings in the wealth management sector [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating changing markets and high client expectations, highlighting strong growth and momentum [7] - The exit environment is expected to improve in 2026, with increased distribution activity anticipated [49] Other Important Information - The company has invested in Pluto Financial Technologies to enhance technology solutions in private markets [25][26] - The partnership with Guardian is expected to have initial economic impacts recognized in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2026 [9][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Product roadmap for wealth in calendar 2026 - Management indicated that while new products will be added, the volume will not match the previous year as focus shifts to scaling existing products [39] Question: Software exposure and AI risk - Management noted that their diversified portfolio mitigates concentration risk in software, and they do not see AI disruption as a significant issue [43][44] Question: Exit activity and industry evolution - Management observed an increase in distribution activity, with a stronger exit environment expected in 2026 [49] Question: Opportunities from the evolving Evergreen Platform - Management discussed the potential for using Evergreen products as tools for portfolio construction and the ongoing education around these products [50][51] Question: Institutional interest in Evergreen products - Management clarified that institutional clients are using Evergreen products for ease of use and tactical portfolio management rather than high redemption rates [56] Question: Market sentiment regarding secondary funds - Management expressed optimism about the secondary market, noting it remains undercapitalized and has significant growth potential [71]