Release Date: April 23, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- SEI Investments Co (SEIC, Financial) reported an 18% year-over-year increase in earnings per share, reaching $1.17.
- The company achieved a record-breaking $47 million in net sales events in Q1, with $37 million being recurring revenue.
- All business segments contributed to growth, each posting higher operating profits and expanded margins.
- SEI Investments Co (SEIC) maintained a strong balance sheet with over $700 million in cash and no long-term debt.
- The company announced a $500 million increase in its share repurchase authorization, reflecting confidence in its stock value.
Negative Points
- Earnings per share declined modestly on a sequential basis due to the seasonality of the tax rate.
- The recent wave of market uncertainty and evolving macroeconomic dynamics could influence pipeline activity.
- Investment Advisors and Institutional Investors saw modest revenue declines due to lower asset balances.
- The sale of the Family Office Services business indicates a strategic shift, which may impact future growth in that segment.
- The company anticipates gradual increases in expenses throughout the year due to hiring and new technology investments, which could pressure margins.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Could you please talk about the sales environment over the last few weeks, considering the recent macro uncertainty and tariff situation?
A: Ryan Hicke, CEO, explained that despite macro uncertainties, SEI has not seen a slowdown in sales activity. Sanjay Sharma, EVP, noted that the uncertain environment presents opportunities for SEI, particularly in outsourcing. Phil McCabe, EVP, highlighted strong demand for semi-liquid products and alternative managers. Michael Lane, EVP, added that recent volatility has not impacted client engagement or activity levels.
Q: Can you unpack the drivers of inflows, given that AUM and AUA were up despite a market decline?
A: Michael Lane, EVP, stated that the equity allocation is about 48% US and 20% non-US. Phil McCabe, EVP, mentioned that most asset growth is from North America. Ryan Hicke, CEO, attributed inflows to a backlog of previous signings and ongoing advisor engagement, with contributions from new distribution partners outside the US.
Q: How does SEI plan to maintain the 28% margin in the current volatile market environment?
A: Sean Denham, CFO, explained that margin improvements are driven by net sales translating into revenue and effective cost control. SEI focuses on managing investments thoughtfully, combining revenue growth with cost control to sustain margins.
Q: What has driven the significant uptick in sales events over the last three quarters?
A: Ryan Hicke, CEO, attributed the uptick to a solid foundation with strong client engagement, a shift in company positioning from vertical to horizontal, and increased activity levels. SEI's comprehensive offerings and strategic vendor partnerships resonate with clients.
Q: Can you provide more detail on the success in the alternative space within the Investment Managers segment?
A: Phil McCabe, EVP, highlighted SEI's leadership in private credit globally, with strong traction in private equity, real estate, and infrastructure. The addition of on-ground talent in the UK has contributed to attracting large private credit and multi-strategy managers.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
