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A Heavyweight in the World of Alternative Investments

A performance-driven business model seizing opportunities in a variety of markets

Deep-Dive

INTRO

Apollo Global Management (APO). If you’ve been paying attention to the financial markets recently, you’ve likely heard this name tossed around quite a bit.

But what exactly is Apollo, and why should it matter to you? Let’s dive in!

Apollo Global Management is like the Swiss Army knife of investment firms. They have a tool for every financial challenge—whether it’s managing pension funds, donations, or sovereign wealth funds.

And with a staggering $512.8 billion in assets under management, they’re not just playing in the minor leagues. No – Apollo is a heavyweight in the world of alternative investments, swinging big with some of the most significant players in the industry.

Apollo Global Management's shares have recently fallen, largely due to financial results falling short of Wall Street's expectations for the second quarter of 2024; so is there a way to profit from this?

THE LATEST BIG NEWS: APOLLO’S BOLD MOVE INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

First of all, let's talk a little about music and the new agreement that recently took place. We all know that streaming has completely changed the way we consume music, but did you know it’s also transforming the financial landscape of the music industry?

Enter Apollo’s recent $700 million investment in Sony Music Group. This isn’t just chump change; it’s a strategic move that places Apollo right in the heart of the music business.

Why music, you ask? Simple: it’s all about those sweet, sweet cash flows. The music industry, particularly through streaming, generates stable and predictable revenue—exactly what Apollo is looking for.

With Sony Music boasting big-name artists like Lil Nas X and Céline Dion, Apollo’s investment offers their clients a slice of the financial pie that’s both lucrative and less volatile compared to the stock market’s rollercoaster ride.

But what’s really interesting here is the broader trend this investment signifies. Investors are increasingly looking to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional equities and bonds. And why not? In an era where even blue-chip stocks can feel like high-stakes bets, alternative assets like music royalties offer a fresh avenue for financial growth.

Apollo, ahead of the curve, is capitalizing on this shift. Jamshid Ehsani, a partner at Apollo, summed it up nicely: "This investment allows our clients to invest in high-quality assets while helping Sony implement its business plans." In other words, it’s a win-win situation.

APOLLO’S RESILIENCE AMID FINANCIAL MARKET TURBULENCE

Now, let’s zoom out a bit and look at the bigger picture. August brought significant turbulence to the financial markets, but Apollo Global Management demonstrated notable resilience.

Despite a near -10% drop in the US stock market and similar declines in Europe, the global financing environment remained relatively stable. European markets even saw a modest recovery, climbing +3% from their August lows. The corporate bond market also faced challenges, with higher-rated bonds seeing an increase in risk premiums. Yet, borrowing conditions remained largely unaffected.

This market volatility hasn’t significantly impacted corporate or household finances. A major financial conditions index confirms that while conditions have tightened slightly since mid-July, they remain historically loose.

Amid this environment, Apollo continued to show its strength. In Q2 2024, despite some setbacks in its retirement division, Apollo reported record fee-related earnings of $516 million, marking a +16.7% year-over-year increase. This performance underscores the firm's robust asset management and deal financing capabilities.

What's more, in terms of operating profit, Apollo has been on an upward trend for several months, especially when compared with two of its biggest competitors: Corebridge Financials and Equitable Holdings (see graph below). When it comes to investment decisions, this kind of profit growth might be considered greenflag!

ADAPTING TO A NEW REALITY

So, what does the future hold for Apollo and the broader financial services industry? Well, if you’ve been following the trends, you know that the industry is undergoing a significant transformation. The long-term outlook remains positive, with the global financial services market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% over the next few years, thanks to increasing wealth of high-net-worth individuals and rising demand for alternative investments.

But it’s not just about growth for growth’s sake. The industry is also evolving, driven by new technologies like generative AI. According to the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), banks are racing to implement Gen AI, which could generate between $200 billion and $340 billion per year for the global banking market. That’s a lot of zeros. And Apollo is right in the thick of it, leveraging AI to drive productivity and create value for their clients.

But with great power comes great responsibility. As AI continues to reshape the financial landscape, there’s a growing focus on responsible AI, particularly in areas like insurance. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act requires insurance companies to explain how AI is used in pricing and coverage decisions—a move that could have significant implications for the industry.

Meanwhile, the number of retail-friendly investment products is also on the rise. Asset managers, exchanges, and broker-dealers are increasingly targeting retail investors, offering them new opportunities to get in on the action. And with the rise of AI-driven tools, these investors have more power than ever to make informed decisions.

STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS AND GROWTH

Apollo isn’t just sitting on its laurels. The firm has been making some bold moves recently, further solidifying its position as a leader in the alternative investment space.

For instance, they’ve signed several significant agreements, including a deal to purchase International Game Technology’s gaming segment for $6.3 billion in cash.

And that’s not all—they’ve also snapped up British parcel delivery company Evri for $3.5 billion and, as already mentioned, invested $700 million in Sony Music Group. These moves are part of a broader strategy to diversify their portfolio and capitalize on emerging opportunities. 

Let’s dig in a bit deeper…Read More below.

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