10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2018

AFFILIATED MANAGERS GROUP, INC. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2018

Filed November 1, 2018For Securities:AMGMGRBMGRMGRDMGRE

Summary

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG) reported mixed results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. Consolidated revenue saw a notable increase of 7%, reaching $1.81 billion, driven by a 6% rise in asset-based revenue, reflecting growth in average assets under management. However, Net Income attributable to controlling interest remained relatively flat, at $394.9 million for the nine months, a slight increase from $374.2 million in the prior year, despite the revenue growth. This flat performance in net income is attributed to increased consolidated expenses, which also rose by 8%, primarily driven by higher compensation and administrative costs, as well as increased intangible amortization and impairments. Adjusted EBITDA also showed modest growth of 2% to $770.5 million for the nine-month period. The company's Assets Under Management (AUM) grew by 3% to $829.6 billion, indicating continued demand for its active return-oriented strategies, particularly in alternatives and multi-asset classes, though facing outflows in U.S. equities due to industry trends. Key financial metrics for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, show an increase in cash flow from operating activities to $876.2 million from $800.5 million in the prior year, reflecting improved cash generation. Financing activities used more cash, primarily due to increased share repurchases and net senior debt borrowings. The company maintained a healthy liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents of $448.1 million. While revenue growth is positive, investors should monitor the increasing expense base and its impact on profitability. The company's strategy of investing in boutique investment firms continues, with a focus on active strategies, and it appears well-positioned to benefit from ongoing investor demand in specific asset classes.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$601.30M
SG&A Expenses$102.80M
Operating Expenses$421.60M
Interest Expense$19.60M
Net Income$124.90M
EPS (Basic)$2.35
EPS (Diluted)$2.34
Shares Outstanding (Basic)53.10M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)55.40M

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenue increased by 7% to $1.81 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, driven by a 6% increase in asset-based revenue and higher average assets under management.
  • 2Net income attributable to controlling interest remained largely flat, increasing by a marginal 6% to $394.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, despite revenue growth.
  • 3Total consolidated expenses increased by 8% to $1.26 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to higher compensation, SG&A, and intangible amortization costs.
  • 4Assets Under Management (AUM) grew by 3% to $829.6 billion as of September 30, 2018, indicating continued investor interest in active return-oriented strategies.
  • 5Cash flow from operating activities increased by 9.5% to $876.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
  • 6The company repurchased 2.5 million shares of its common stock for approximately $414 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
  • 7Interest expense decreased by 7% to $62.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, mainly due to the redemption of senior unsecured notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was the increase in asset-based revenue, which rose by 6% due to a 7% increase in consolidated Affiliate average assets under management, particularly in alternatives and global equities strategies.

Net income attributable to controlling interest saw only a marginal increase because consolidated expenses also rose by 8%. Key drivers of expense increases included compensation and related expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses, and intangible amortization and impairments.

AMG's AUM grew by 3% to $829.6 billion as of September 30, 2018. This growth reflects continued demand for active return-oriented strategies, especially in alternative and multi-asset classes, though the company experienced outflows in U.S. equities.

The company demonstrated solid operational cash flow, increasing to $876.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Liquidity remains strong, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $448.1 million at the end of the period. The company also has significant capacity under its revolving credit facility.