StepStone (STEP) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Report

Investment Performance - The company has a strong investment performance track record, outperforming the MSCI ACWI Index with a net IRR of 11.2% compared to the benchmark's 0.9%[49] - The company has over 225 investment programs with the potential to earn performance fees, totaling over $95 billion in committed capital[54] - Approximately 75% of the accrued carried interest allocations of$ 1,496 million are from StepStone Fund vintages of 2019 or prior[54] Financial Growth - Management and advisory fees increased from $235 million in fiscal 2020 to$ 767 million in fiscal 2025, reflecting a 27% compounded annual growth rate[51] - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $24.6 billion of committed but undeployed fee-earning capital, expected to generate management fees upon deployment[52] - NAV-based management fees represented approximately 14% of total net management and advisory fees as of March 31, 2025, compared to 9% in 2024[601] Client Relationships - The company has maintained a high client retention rate of approximately 95% since inception[99] - Approximately 34% of the company's clients engage for both asset management and advisory services[99] - The company aims to expand existing client mandates and deploy already raised committed capital to drive growth[57][58] Global Expansion and Strategy - The company is focused on adding new clients globally, leveraging its established local presence and global investment capabilities[60] - The company plans to pursue selective strategic acquisitions to complement its platform and enhance distribution[64] Responsible Investment and Sustainability - The company became a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) in 2013 and adopted a Responsible Investment policy in 2014, which is reviewed annually[88] - The company has engaged a consultant annually since 2019 to conduct a comprehensive carbon footprint measurement and analysis of its operations[95] - The company has implemented a standalone climate policy and incorporated TCFD-aligned climate considerations within its investment process in 2022[88] - The company has observed a growing focus on impact investing, targeting commercial returns while investing in thematic opportunities such as climate change and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals[92] Employee Development and Culture - As of March 31, 2025, the company had approximately 1,130 employees globally, including over 375 investment professionals[137] - The company emphasizes a culture of belonging and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where data and analysis drive decision-making[141] - The company’s investment in employee development includes structured training programs and mentorship opportunities to support professional growth[140] Financial Risks and Compliance - The company is preparing for compliance with the new anti-money laundering and customer identification programs required by the SEC and FinCEN by the end of 2025[124] - The SEC adopted amendments to Regulation S-P in May 2024, mandating notification to clients in the event of privacy breaches[124] - The company is subject to the EU Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive II (AIFMD II), which entered into force on April 15, 2024, with a two-year implementation period[130] Borrowings and Interest Rates - The company had$ 175.0 million in borrowings outstanding under its Notes and $100.0 million under its Revolver as of March 31, 2025[605] - Interest expense is estimated to increase by$ 2.8 million in 2025 and $1.5 million in 2024 due to a 100 basis point increase in interest rates[605] - Interest income is expected to increase by$ 2.5 million in 2025 and $1.4 million in 2024 with a 100 basis point increase in interest rates[605] Market Sensitivity - A 10% decline in market values of investments held in the company's funds would result in an approximate decrease to annual management fees of$ 11.2 million in 2025 and $5.8 million in 2024[601] - A 10% decline in fair value of investments in funds would result in a decrease in investment income of$ 18.4 million in 2025 and $13.5 million in 2024[602] - The company’s carried interest allocation revenue is influenced by market factors, with varying impacts across different funds[602]