SEI Investments (NASDAQ: SEIC) reported Q2 EPS of $0.68, in-line with the analyst estimate of $0.68. Revenue for the quarter came in at $400.65 million versus the consensus estimate of $401.01 million.

Second-Quarter Business Highlights:

• Revenues from Asset management, administration, and distribution fees decreased primarily from lower assets under management from the carryover effect of the sharp market depreciation during March 2020, which negatively impacted our asset-based fee revenues. This decline was partially offset by increased fees from higher assets under administration from positive cash flows and sales of new business in our Investment Managers segment.
• Our average assets under administration increased $49.2 billion, or 8%, to $672.8 billion in the second-quarter 2020, as compared to $623.6 billion during the second-quarter 2019 (see attached Average Asset Balances schedules for further details).
• Our average assets under management, excluding LSV, declined $1.8 billion, or 1%, to $226.8 billion in the second-quarter 2020, as compared to $228.6 billion during the second-quarter 2019 (see attached Average Asset Balances schedules for further details).
• Information processing and software servicing fees in our Private Banks segment decreased by $5.4 million during the second-quarter 2020 due primarily to previously announced client losses.
• Sales events, net of client losses, during second-quarter 2020 totaled approximately $22.1 million and are expected to generate net annualized recurring revenues of approximately $16.6 million when contract values are fully realized.
• The increase in our operational expenses was primarily due to increased consulting costs related to our continued investments in new business opportunities, such as our One SEI strategy and IT Services offering. This increase was partially offset by a decline in travel and promotional-related expenses, as our sales and client relationship personnel adapted to COVID-19 restrictions.
• Our earnings from LSV decreased by $9.5 million, or 25%, to $28.3 million in second-quarter 2020 as compared to $37.8 million in second-quarter 2019. The decrease in earnings was due to lower assets under management from negative cash flows from existing clients, the carryover effect of negative markets in March 2020, and client losses.
• We capitalized $5.6 million of software development costs in second-quarter 2020 for continued enhancements to the SEI Wealth PlatformSM (SWP). Amortization expense related to SWP was $10.9 million in second-quarter 2020.
• Our effective tax rates were 23.3% in second-quarter 2020 and 22.1% in second-quarter 2019. The increase in our effective tax rate was due to decreased tax benefits associated with a lower volume of stock option exercises and a higher effective state tax rate.
• We repurchased 1.6 million shares of our common stock for $89.5 million during the second-quarter 2020.

"While we and the rest of the world continue to cope with the pandemic, our employees' health and safety remain our top priority as we move through our return-to-office plans. We are proud of our global workforce's resilience as they manage the extended period of a remote workplace—all the while remaining totally committed to supporting and servicing our clients. We greatly appreciate the healthcare workers and others who help us deal with COVID-19's impact on our lives," said Alfred P. West, Jr., SEI Chairman and CEO.

"While financial markets somewhat rebounded during the quarter, we experienced headwinds that impacted our results. Our client engagement was high last quarter, resulting in positive sales activity. We continue to invest in our One SEI strategy, using this period to accelerate the necessary development work that will bring this initiative to its full potential.

"Our view of the future is not dampened by the challenges we all face in society today. Our diverse global workforce is the foundation of what will enable us to fulfill our promise of serving our clients and communities in which we work and live. Capitalizing on the opportunities in the markets we serve and the solutions we offer will lead to increased shareholder value."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on SEI Investments (SEIC) click here.