Eaton Vance Corp.’s (EV - Snapshot Report) third-quarter fiscal 2016 (ended Jul 31) adjusted earnings of 56 cents per share came in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, earnings were 2% below the prior-year quarter.
Results primarily benefited from a fall in expenses. Further, growth in assets under management (AUM) and robust net inflows perhaps led to the stock rising 2.3%. However, decrease in revenues acted as an undermining factor.
Net income attributable to shareholders declined 8% year over year to $62.9 million.
Eaton Vance Corporation (EVÂ -Â Snapshot Report) EPS BNRI & Surprise Percent – Last 5 Quarters | FindTheCompany
Revenues & Expenses Witness a Decline
Total revenue for the quarter amounted to $341.2 million, down 4% year over year. The decline was due to a fall in all revenue components. Moreover, the figure lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $344.0 million.
Total expenses fell 2% year over year to $234.4 million in the reported quarter. The fall was largely driven by a decrease in service fee expenses, fund-related costs and compensation and related costs.
Total operating income plunged 9% year over year to $106.7 million.
Liquidity Position Weakens & AUM Improves
As of Jul 31, 2016, Eaton Vance had $378.2 million in cash and cash equivalents compared with $465.6 million as of Oct 31, 2015. Further, the company had no borrowings outstanding against its new $300-million credit facility.
Eaton Vance’s consolidated AUM grew 7% year over year to $334.4 billion, reflecting net inflows of $19.0 billion and market price appreciation of $2.8 billion.
Share Repurchase
During the first nine months of fiscal 2016, Eaton Vance repurchased nearly 6.1 million shares of its Non-Voting Common Stock for $205.0 million under its existing repurchase authorization.
Our Viewpoint
Rising demand for risk management and alternative investment solutions within the financial services industry will likely support the Eaton Vance’s financials. Going forward, favorable market movement and positive organic revenue growth will help the company sustain profitability. However, the company’s NextShares initiative continues to push costs up.
