Sales Growth
Total sales increased 8% to $5.8 billion (from $5.3 billion), led by a 26% increase in equity strategy sales and higher sales in U.S. retail funds, retail separate accounts, and global funds.
ETF Momentum
ETF AUM rose to $5.4 billion (up $200 million sequentially and +58% year-over-year); ETFs generated $300 million of positive net flows and $600 million of ETF sales during the quarter.
Product & Private Markets Expansion (Keystone)
Completed a 56% investment in Keystone on March 1 (closing payment $200 million), adding $2.3 billion of AUM and expanding private credit/private markets capabilities; alternatives now represent >12% of AUM (up from 9.7% last quarter and 9% a year ago).
Positive Flows in Specific Strategies
Several strategies had positive net flows, including high-conviction growth equity, multi-sector fixed income, listed real assets, and event-driven; ETFs and global funds also had positive net flows.
Improving Flow Trend Late in Quarter and in April
Over 80% of the quarter's net outflows occurred in the first two months; net outflows improved in March and April with ETF sales/net flows at their highest levels since September and institutional known wins modestly exceeding known redemptions.
Capital Return and Financial Flexibility
Repurchased ~73,463 shares for $10 million and paid the quarterly dividend; ended quarter with $200 million of undrawn revolver capacity and $269 million of other investments (seed capital).
Investment Performance Track Record
Three-year performance: 78% of fixed income and 71% of alternatives beat benchmarks; ten-year performance: 54% of equity, 73% of fixed income, and 71% of alternatives beat benchmarks.
Fee Rate & Modeling Outlook
Investment management fees as adjusted were $163.5 million (down 3%); average fee rate rose to 41.9 bps from 40.6 bps and management expects a 43–45 bps average fee rate for the second quarter (reflecting a full quarter of Keystone).
Operating Margin Excluding Seasonals
Reported operating margin was 24% (seasonally impacted); excluding seasonal employment expenses, the operating margin was 30.3%.