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 period [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 at $507 million, reflecting a 31% growth [4][28] - 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 grew to $79.1 billion, an increase of $8.1 billion or 11% year-over-year [10] - Specialized funds revenue increased by $35 million or 15% compared to the prior-year period, driven by growth in the Evergreen Platform [29] - Customized separate accounts revenue rose by $4 million or 4% due to new accounts and re-ups from existing clients [30] - Evergreen Platform AUM reached over $16 billion, representing over 70% year-over-year growth [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The partnership with Guardian is expected to bring in annual commitments of approximately $500 million for at least 10 years, enhancing access to private market opportunities [9] - The second infrastructure fund raised nearly $2 billion, tripling the capital raised in the inaugural fund [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its diversified platform and expand client relationships while focusing on scaling existing products rather than launching numerous new ones [7][39] - The strategic partnership with Guardian is a significant step in working with sophisticated institutional investors to design comprehensive private market programs [9] - The company is focused on enhancing liquidity solutions for individual investors to drive deeper penetration into private markets [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth opportunities ahead, citing strong performance and a favorable exit environment for 2026 [7][49] - The company is witnessing a rationalization in the market, with buyers and sellers reaching equilibrium, which is expected to enhance distribution activity [49] - Management noted that the liquidity provision of Evergreen products is not the primary attraction for institutional clients, who value ease of use and tactical portfolio management [58] Other Important Information - The company has a strong pipeline of mandates and substantial committed capital ready to deploy, indicating robust future growth potential [24] - The company is actively investing in technology solutions to broaden access to private markets and enhance investor experience [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Product roadmap for wealth in calendar 2026 - Management indicated that while new products were launched in 2025, the pace will slow in 2026 as focus shifts to scaling existing products [39] Question: Software exposure and AI risk - Management clarified 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 noted an increase in distribution activity and expects a stronger exit environment in 2026 due to maturing assets [49] Question: Opportunities from the evolving Evergreen Platform - Management is exploring various structuring and partnership opportunities as the Evergreen Platform evolves into a multi-asset, multi-strategy offering [51] Question: Institutional client behavior regarding liquidity - Management stated that institutional clients are using Evergreen products for portfolio construction rather than exhibiting higher redemption rates [58] Question: Sentiment and interest in secondaries - Management expressed optimism about the secondary market, noting it remains undercapitalized and has significant growth potential [72]