Artisan Partners(APAM) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, the company achieved a revenue increase of 8% compared to 2024, with operating income and adjusted operating income rising by 9% and 12% respectively [4] - Assets under management (AUM) reached an all-time high of $180 billion, up nearly 12% from the previous year [6][11] - The December 2025 quarter saw revenues of $336 million, marking an 11% increase from the previous quarter and a 13% increase year-over-year [11] - Adjusted operating income increased by 23% compared to both the prior quarter and the same quarter last year, with an adjusted operating margin of 40.2% [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The credit platform's AUM grew by 29% year-over-year to $17.9 billion, with net inflows totaling $2.8 billion [7] - The alternatives platform's AUM increased by 20% to $4 billion, driven by strong organic growth [7] - The equity platform experienced outflows of $15.6 billion, primarily due to performance issues in global opportunities and U.S. mid-cap growth strategies [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 70% of AUM is from non-U.S. markets, with a noted reemergence of emerging markets allocations expected [40] - The company raised over $1 billion in net flows from emerging markets strategies within a short campaign period [40] - The global equity strategy produced a 47% return, contributing to strong performance in international markets [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Grandview Property Partners marks a strategic expansion into alternative investments and private real estate [9] - The company aims to leverage its institutional relationships to enhance Grandview's business and expand its investment capabilities [9] - The focus remains on maintaining and growing AUM in public equities through differentiated investment performance and effective client service [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining and growing equity businesses despite recent outflows, emphasizing the need for compelling investment performance [8] - The company anticipates continued growth in credit and alternatives, with Grandview expected to play a significant role in this expansion [45] - Management highlighted a disciplined allocation of resources and capital as key to compounding wealth for clients and shareholders over the long term [19] Other Important Information - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $1.01 per share and a year-end special dividend of $0.57, reflecting a 98% payout ratio relative to adjusted earnings [17] - The company ended the year with approximately $214 million in cash and a conservative leverage ratio of 0.4 times [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on AUM levels and Grandview fund timeline - Management explained that AUM was impacted by realizations on properties in Grandview Fund I, which is in the harvesting phase [23] - Fund III had about $150 million in committed assets, with expectations for Fund IV to be significantly larger, aiming for a first close in early to mid-summer [24] Question: Insights on M&A opportunities - Management noted a focus on talent-driven outcomes rather than exclusively on M&A, with interest in private credit and private equity secondaries [27] - The company is engaged in discussions with potential partners and is optimistic about off-market transactions [29] Question: Demand for international value strategy amidst outflows - Management indicated that outflows are primarily due to institutional reallocations rather than underlying issues with the strategy [35] - They expect some continued rebalancing in the first quarter due to strong global market performance [36] Question: Interest in non-U.S. strategies - Management highlighted opportunities in emerging markets and global strategies, with significant net flows observed in recent campaigns [40] - They noted ongoing interest in credit solutions and alternatives, particularly through the Grandview acquisition [45]