STEPSTONE GROUP REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR 2026 RESULTS
NEW YORK, May 20, 2026 – StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP), a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory and data services, today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. This represents results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. The Board of Directors of the Company has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 per share of Class A common stock, and a supplemental cash dividend of $0.55 per share of Class A common stock, both payable on June 30, 2026, to the holders of record as of the close of business on June 15, 2026.
StepStone issued a full detailed presentation of its fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended March 31, 2026 results, which can be accessed by visiting the Company’s website at https://shareholders.stepstonegroup.com.
Webcast and Earnings Conference Call
Management will host a webcast and conference call today, Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET to discuss the Company’s results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. The webcast will be made available on the Shareholders section of the Company's website at https://shareholders.stepstonegroup.com. To listen to a live broadcast, go to the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to register. A replay will also be available on the Shareholders section of the Company's website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the event.
To join as a live participant in the question and answer portion of the call, participants must register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI9163fe26cabd4cc5b21fbe0592aac5b7.
Upon registering you will receive the dial-in number and a PIN to join the call as well as an email confirmation with the details.
About StepStone Group
StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP) is a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory and data services to its clients. As of March 31, 2026, StepStone was responsible for approximately $885 billion of total capital, including $233 billion of assets under management. StepStone's clients include some of the world's largest public and private defined benefit and defined contribution pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, as well as prominent endowments, foundations, family offices and private wealth clients, which include high-net-worth and mass affluent individuals. StepStone partners with its clients to develop and build private markets portfolios designed to meet their specific objectives across the private equity, infrastructure, private debt and real estate asset classes.
1
Forward-Looking Statements
Some of the statements in this release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “intend,” “may,” “plan” and “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current plans, estimates and expectations and are inherently uncertain. The inclusion of any forward-looking information in this release should not be regarded as a representation that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, global and domestic market and business conditions, our successful execution of business and growth strategies, the favorability of the private markets fundraising environment, successful integration of acquired businesses and regulatory factors relevant to our business, as well as assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects, growth strategy and liquidity and the risks and uncertainties described in greater detail under the “Risk Factors” section of our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 23, 2025, and in our annual report on Form 10-K to be filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, and in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC, as such factors may be updated from time to time. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we use the following non-GAAP financial measures: fee revenues, adjusted revenues, adjusted net income (on both a pre-tax and after-tax basis), adjusted net income per share, adjusted weighted-average shares, fee-related earnings, fee-related earnings margin, gross realized performance fees and performance fee-related earnings. We have provided this non-GAAP financial information, which is not calculated or presented in accordance with GAAP, as information supplemental and in addition to the financial measures presented in this earnings release that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for or alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented in this earnings release. The presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies in our industry or across different industries. For definitions of these non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to applicable GAAP measures, please see the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Definitions and Reconciliations.”
2
Financial Highlights and Key Business Drivers/Operating Metrics
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
Percentage Change
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts and where noted)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
vs. FQ4'25
vs. FY'25
Financial Highlights
GAAP Results
Management and advisory fees, net
$
213,401
$
211,173
$
215,489
$
239,932
$
259,871
$
767,014
$
926,465
22
%
21
%
Total revenues
377,729
364,287
454,225
586,511
588,580
1,174,830
1,993,603
56
%
70
%
Total performance fees
164,328
153,114
238,736
346,579
328,709
407,816
1,067,138
100
%
162
%
Net income (loss)
13,153
(12,011)
(575,490)
(162,435)
6,660
(172,827)
(743,276)
(49)
%
330
%
Net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock:
Basic
$
(0.24)
$
(0.49)
$
(4.66)
$
(1.55)
$
(0.10)
$
(2.52)
$
(6.78)
(60)
%
169
%
Diluted
$
(0.24)
$
(0.49)
$
(4.66)
$
(1.55)
$
(0.10)
$
(2.52)
$
(6.78)
(60)
%
169
%
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock:
Basic
75,975,770
77,846,710
78,561,587
79,465,039
80,297,984
71,142,916
79,039,229
6
%
11
%
Diluted
75,975,770
77,846,710
78,561,587
79,465,039
80,297,984
71,142,916
79,039,229
6
%
11
%
Quarterly dividend per share of Class A common stock(1)
$
0.24
$
0.24
$
0.28
$
0.28
$
0.28
$
0.93
$
1.08
17
%
16
%
Supplemental dividend per share of Class A common stock(2)
$
—
$
0.40
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
0.15
$
0.40
na
167
%
Accrued carried interest allocations
$
1,495,664
$
1,585,209
$
1,733,922
$
1,835,862
$
2,036,892
36
%
Non-GAAP Results(3)
Fee revenues
$
214,662
$
212,740
$
217,461
$
241,133
$
260,285
$
770,489
$
931,619
21
%
21
%
Adjusted revenues
295,861
237,467
282,342
494,500
305,841
969,719
1,320,150
3
%
36
%
Fee-related earnings (“FRE”)
94,081
81,246
78,633
89,236
105,334
312,204
354,449
12
%
14
%
FRE margin
44
%
38
%
36
%
37
%
40
%
41
%
38
%
Gross realized performance fees
81,199
24,727
64,881
253,367
45,556
199,230
388,531
(44)
%
95
%
Performance fee-related earnings (“PRE”)
41,543
13,022
33,886
131,152
17,894
104,482
195,954
(57)
%
88
%
Adjusted net income (“ANI”)
80,603
48,534
66,709
79,858
69,459
244,072
264,560
(14)
%
8
%
Adjusted weighted-average shares
118,869,111
122,292,943
122,462,594
122,590,230
122,481,335
118,772,442
122,457,089
ANI per share
$
0.68
$
0.40
$
0.54
$
0.65
$
0.57
$
2.05
$
2.16
(16)
%
5
%
Key Business Drivers/Operating Metrics (in billions)
Assets under management (“AUM”)(4)
$
189.4
$
199.3
$
209.1
$
219.8
$
233.3
23
%
Assets under advisement (“AUA”)(4)
519.7
524.2
561.6
591.3
651.8
25
%
Fee-earning AUM (“FEAUM”)
121.4
127.2
132.8
138.6
144.0
19
%
Undeployed fee-earning capital (“UFEC”)
24.6
28.7
29.8
32.7
40.1
63
%
_______________________________
(1)Dividends paid, as reported in this table, relate to the preceding quarterly period in which they were earned.
(2)The supplemental cash dividend relates to earnings in respect of our full fiscal years 2024 and 2025, respectively.
(3)Fee revenues, adjusted revenues, FRE, FRE margin, gross realized performance fees, PRE, ANI, adjusted weighted-average shares and ANI per share are non-GAAP measures. See the definitions of these measures and reconciliations to the respective, most comparable GAAP measures under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Definitions and Reconciliations.”
(4)AUM/AUA reflects final data for the prior period, adjusted for net new client account activity through the period presented. Does not include post-period investment valuation or cash activity. Net asset value (“NAV”) data for underlying investments is as of the prior period, as reported by underlying managers up to the business day occurring on or after 100 days, or 115 days at the fiscal year-end, following the prior period end. When NAV data is not available by the business day occurring on or after 100 days, or 115 days at the fiscal year-end, following the prior period end, such NAVs are adjusted for cash activity following the last available reported NAV.
3
StepStone Group Inc.
GAAP Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
As of March 31,
2026
2025
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
213,065
$
244,791
Restricted cash
579
502
Fees and accounts receivable
133,287
80,871
Due from affiliates
113,150
92,723
Investments:
Investments in funds
249,447
183,694
Accrued carried interest allocations
2,036,892
1,495,664
Legacy Greenspring investments in funds and accrued carried interest allocations(1)
752,776
629,228
Deferred income tax assets
614,788
382,886
Lease right-of-use assets, net
81,565
91,841
Other assets and receivables
58,946
62,869
Intangibles, net
223,044
263,872
Goodwill
580,542
580,542
Assets of Consolidated Funds:
Cash and cash equivalents
905,357
44,511
Investments, at fair value
715,335
415,011
Other assets
83,929
17,688
Total assets
$
6,762,702
$
4,586,693
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
Redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds
186,236
377,897
Redeemable non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
8,777
6,327
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock, $0.001 par value, 650,000,000 authorized; 80,703,553 and 76,761,399 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively
81
77
Class B common stock, $0.001 par value, 125,000,000 authorized; 38,637,761 and 39,656,954 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively
39
40
Additional paid-in capital
482,057
421,057
Accumulated deficit
(896,879)
(242,546)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
1,143
728
Total StepStone Group Inc. stockholders’ equity
(413,559)
179,356
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
1,373,242
1,056,510
Non-controlling interests in legacy Greenspring entities(1)
133,590
133,489
Non-controlling interests in the Partnership
(402,260)
20,793
Total stockholders’ equity
691,013
1,390,148
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
6,762,702
$
4,586,693
(1)Reflects amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs for which the Company did not acquire any direct economic interests.
4
StepStone Group Inc.
GAAP Consolidated Statements of Loss
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
41,361
16,316
103,782
79,282
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in legacy Greenspring entities(1)
777
2,934
4,945
(1,185)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests in the Partnership
(15,358)
(17,994)
(384,633)
(125,850)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in Consolidated Funds
(13,192)
30,630
65,988
53,731
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
863
(225)
2,450
758
Net loss attributable to StepStone Group Inc.
$
(7,791)
$
(18,508)
$
(535,808)
$
(179,563)
Net loss per share of Class A common stock:
Basic
$
(0.10)
$
(0.24)
$
(6.78)
$
(2.52)
Diluted
$
(0.10)
$
(0.24)
$
(6.78)
$
(2.52)
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock:
Basic
80,297,984
75,975,770
79,039,229
71,142,916
Diluted
80,297,984
75,975,770
79,039,229
71,142,916
(1)Reflects amounts attributable to consolidated VIEs for which the Company did not acquire any direct economic interests.
5
Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Definitions and Reconciliations
Fee Revenues
Fee revenues represents management and advisory fees, net, including amounts earned from the Consolidated Funds which are eliminated in consolidation. We believe fee revenues is useful to investors because it presents the net amount of management and advisory fee revenues attributable to us.
The table below presents the components of fee revenues.
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
Focused commingled funds(1)(2)
$
124,604
$
120,036
$
127,085
$
144,277
$
160,769
$
442,975
$
552,167
Separately managed accounts
67,695
70,379
71,685
75,226
76,339
252,709
293,629
Advisory and other services
19,927
19,939
16,259
18,395
19,998
67,061
74,591
Fund reimbursement revenues(1)
2,436
2,386
2,432
3,235
3,179
7,744
11,232
Fee revenues
$
214,662
$
212,740
$
217,461
$
241,133
$
260,285
$
770,489
$
931,619
_______________________________
(1)Reflects the add-back of management and advisory fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds, which have been eliminated in consolidation.
(2)Includes income-based incentive fees from certain funds:
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
Income-based incentive fees
$
3,377
$
4,408
$
5,334
$
5,998
$
7,105
$
7,956
$
22,845
Adjusted Revenues
Adjusted revenues represents the components of revenues used in the determination of ANI and comprise fee revenues, adjusted incentive fees and realized carried interest allocations. We believe adjusted revenues is useful to investors because it presents a measure of realized revenues.
The table below shows a reconciliation of revenues to adjusted revenues.
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
Total revenues
$
377,729
$
364,287
$
454,225
$
586,511
$
588,580
$
1,174,830
$
1,993,603
Unrealized carried interest allocations
(21,177)
(88,883)
(147,813)
(101,985)
(201,031)
(141,547)
(539,712)
Deferred incentive fees
(513)
—
671
(1,544)
(282)
1,938
(1,155)
Legacy Greenspring carried interest allocations
(61,306)
(39,637)
(27,143)
10,063
(81,994)
(74,341)
(138,711)
Management and advisory fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds(1)
1,261
1,567
1,972
1,201
414
3,475
5,154
Incentive fees for the Consolidated Funds(2)
(133)
133
430
254
154
5,364
971
Adjusted revenues
$
295,861
$
237,467
$
282,342
$
494,500
$
305,841
$
969,719
$
1,320,150
_______________________________
(1)Reflects the add-back of management and advisory fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds, which have been eliminated in consolidation.
(2)Reflects the add back of incentive fees for the Consolidated Funds, which have been eliminated in consolidation.
6
Adjusted Net Income
Adjusted net income, or “ANI,” is a non-GAAP performance measure that we present before the consolidation of StepStone Funds on a pre-tax and after-tax basis used to evaluate profitability. ANI represents the after-tax net realized income attributable to us. ANI does not reflect legacy Greenspring carried interest allocation revenues, legacy Greenspring carried interest-related compensation and legacy Greenspring investment income (loss) as none of the economics are attributable to us. The components of revenues used in the determination of ANI (“adjusted revenues”) comprise fee revenues, adjusted incentive fees and realized carried interest allocations. In addition, ANI excludes: (a) unrealized carried interest allocation revenues and related compensation, (b) unrealized investment income (loss), (c) equity-based compensation for awards granted prior to and in connection with our IPO, profits interests issued by our non-wholly owned subsidiaries, and unrealized mark-to-market changes in the fair value of the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary, (d) amortization of intangibles, (e) net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in our subsidiaries and realized gains attributable to the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary, (f) charges associated with acquisitions and corporate transactions, and (g) certain other items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating performance (as listed in the table below). ANI is fully taxed at our blended statutory rate. We believe ANI and adjusted revenues are useful to investors because they enable investors to evaluate the performance of our business across reporting periods.
Fee-Related Earnings
Fee-related earnings, or “FRE,” is a non-GAAP performance measure used to monitor our baseline earnings from recurring management and advisory fees. FRE is a component of ANI and comprises fee revenues less adjusted expenses which are operating expenses other than (a) performance fee-related compensation, (b) equity-based compensation for awards granted prior to and in connection with our IPO, profits interests issued by our non-wholly owned subsidiaries, and unrealized mark-to-market changes in the fair value of the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary, (c) amortization of intangibles, (d) charges associated with acquisitions and corporate transactions, and (e) certain other items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating performance (as listed in the table below). FRE is presented before income taxes. We believe FRE is useful to investors because it provides additional insight into the operating profitability of our business and our ability to cover direct base compensation and operating expenses from total fee revenue.
The table below shows a reconciliation of GAAP measures to additional non-GAAP measures. We use the non-GAAP measures presented below as components when calculating FRE and ANI (as defined below). We believe these additional non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in evaluating both the baseline earnings from recurring management and advisory fees, which provide additional insight into the operating profitability of our business, and the after-tax net realized income attributable to us, allowing investors to evaluate the performance of our business. These additional non-GAAP measures remove the impact of Consolidated Funds that we are required to consolidate under GAAP, and certain other items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating performance.
7
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
GAAP management and advisory fees, net
$
213,401
$
211,173
$
215,489
$
239,932
$
259,871
$
767,014
$
926,465
Adjustments(1)
1,261
1,567
1,972
1,201
414
3,475
5,154
Fee revenues
$
214,662
$
212,740
$
217,461
$
241,133
$
260,285
$
770,489
$
931,619
GAAP incentive fees
$
5,910
$
190
$
4,902
$
207,954
$
7,087
$
32,275
$
220,133
Adjustments(2)
(646)
133
1,101
(1,290)
(128)
7,302
(184)
Adjusted incentive fees
$
5,264
$
323
$
6,003
$
206,664
$
6,959
$
39,577
$
219,949
GAAP cash-based compensation
$
85,510
$
95,985
$
100,348
$
107,114
$
110,700
$
331,808
$
414,147
Adjustments(3)
—
(17)
(17)
—
(59)
(374)
(93)
Adjusted cash-based compensation
$
85,510
$
95,968
$
100,331
$
107,114
$
110,641
$
331,434
$
414,054
GAAP equity-based compensation
$
126,197
$
188,718
$
884,470
$
468,808
$
200,061
$
669,126
$
1,742,057
Adjustments(4)
(123,263)
(184,509)
(880,154)
(464,124)
(193,974)
(658,953)
(1,722,761)
Adjusted equity-based compensation
$
2,934
$
4,209
$
4,316
$
4,684
$
6,087
$
10,173
$
19,296
GAAP general, administrative and other
$
43,152
$
42,914
$
45,292
$
50,640
$
48,408
$
177,354
$
187,254
Adjustments(5)
(11,015)
(11,597)
(11,111)
(10,541)
(10,185)
(60,676)
(43,434)
Adjusted general, administrative and other
$
32,137
$
31,317
$
34,181
$
40,099
$
38,223
$
116,678
$
143,820
GAAP realized investment income
$
3,379
$
940
$
2,516
$
1,560
$
2,677
$
8,135
$
7,693
Adjustments(6)
—
—
—
—
11,194
—
11,194
Adjusted realized investment income
$
3,379
$
940
$
2,516
$
1,560
$
13,871
$
8,135
$
18,887
GAAP interest income
$
3,218
$
2,496
$
3,224
$
2,455
$
3,658
$
10,850
$
11,833
Adjustments(7)
(1,600)
(998)
(1,273)
(4)
(2,060)
(4,757)
(4,335)
Adjusted interest income
$
1,618
$
1,498
$
1,951
$
2,451
$
1,598
$
6,093
$
7,498
GAAP other income (loss)
$
(31,024)
$
5,152
$
1,978
$
(1,312)
$
(5,121)
$
(32,650)
$
697
Adjustments(8)
30,606
(4,159)
(1,073)
660
5,066
31,335
494
Adjusted other income (loss)
$
(418)
$
993
$
905
$
(652)
$
(55)
$
(1,315)
$
1,191
______________________________
(1)Reflects the add-back of management and advisory fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds, which have been eliminated in consolidation.
(2)Reflects the add-back of incentive fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds, which have been eliminated in consolidation, and deferred incentive fees that are not included in GAAP revenues.
(3)Reflects the removal of compensation paid to certain employees as part of an acquisition earn-out and unrealized amounts associated with cash-based incentive awards tracked to the performance of a designated investment fund.
(4)Reflects the removal of equity-based compensation for awards granted prior to and in connection with the IPO, profits interests issued by our non-wholly owned subsidiaries, and unrealized mark-to-market changes in the fair value of the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary.
(5)Reflects the removal of amortization of intangibles, transaction-related costs, unrealized mark-to-market changes in fair value for contingent consideration obligation, the impact of consolidation of the Consolidated Funds and other non-core operating income and expenses.
(6)Reflects the realization of a seed capital investment in the StepStone Funds which is eliminated in consolidation.
(7)Reflects the removal of interest income earned by the Consolidated Funds.
(8)Reflects the removal of amounts for Tax Receivable Agreements adjustments recognized as other income (loss), loss associated with payment made in connection with a secondary transaction executed by one of our private wealth funds and the impact of consolidation of the Consolidated Funds.
8
The table below shows a reconciliation of income (loss) before income tax to ANI and FRE.
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
Income (loss) before income tax
$
9,950
(20,350)
$
(675,826)
$
(194,649)
$
(344)
$
(222,035)
$
(891,169)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries(1)
(33,369)
(30,725)
(27,645)
(115,887)
(43,399)
(102,897)
(217,656)
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests in legacy Greenspring entities
(2,934)
(3,382)
(1,313)
527
(777)
1,185
(4,945)
Unrealized carried interest allocations
(21,177)
(88,883)
(147,813)
(101,985)
(201,031)
(141,547)
(539,712)
Unrealized performance fee-related compensation
27,777
44,357
88,727
69,050
140,091
94,272
342,225
Unrealized investment (income) loss
(6,007)
(9,572)
3,726
(8,268)
(19,011)
(6,961)
(33,125)
Impact of Consolidated Funds
(35,723)
(24,407)
(43,864)
(18,944)
5,852
(59,613)
(81,363)
Deferred incentive fees
(513)
—
671
(1,544)
(282)
1,938
(1,155)
Equity-based compensation(2)
123,263
184,509
880,154
464,124
193,974
658,953
1,722,761
Amortization of intangibles
10,250
10,207
10,207
10,207
10,207
41,000
40,828
Tax Receivable Agreements adjustments through earnings
(348)
—
(1,302)
—
5,537
(348)
4,235
Non-core items(3)
32,474
686
99
106
6
50,054
897
Pre-tax ANI
103,643
62,440
85,821
102,737
90,823
314,001
341,821
Income taxes(4)
(23,040)
(13,906)
(19,112)
(22,879)
(21,364)
(69,929)
(77,261)
ANI
80,603
48,534
66,709
79,858
69,459
244,072
264,560
Income taxes(4)
23,040
13,906
19,112
22,879
21,364
69,929
77,261
Realized carried interest allocations
(75,935)
(24,404)
(58,878)
(46,703)
(38,597)
(159,653)
(168,582)
Realized performance fee-related compensation
39,656
11,705
30,995
122,215
27,662
94,748
192,577
Adjusted realized investment income(5)
(3,379)
(940)
(2,516)
(1,560)
(13,871)
(8,135)
(18,887)
Adjusted incentive fees(6)
(5,264)
(323)
(6,003)
(206,664)
(6,959)
(39,577)
(219,949)
Adjusted interest income(7)
(1,618)
(1,498)
(1,951)
(2,451)
(1,598)
(6,093)
(7,498)
Interest expense
3,191
4,534
4,425
5,123
4,420
12,701
18,502
Adjusted other (income) loss(8)
418
(993)
(905)
652
55
1,315
(1,191)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries(1)
33,369
30,725
27,645
115,887
43,399
102,897
217,656
FRE
$
94,081
$
81,246
$
78,633
$
89,236
$
105,334
$
312,204
$
354,449
_______________________________
(1)Reflects the portion of pre-tax ANI attributable to non-controlling interests in our subsidiaries and realized gains attributable to the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary:
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
FRE attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and profits interests
$
30,451
$
26,672
$
24,791
$
32,280
$
39,988
$
79,791
$
123,731
Performance related earnings / other income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and profits interests
2,918
4,053
2,854
83,607
3,411
23,106
93,925
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and profits interests
$
33,369
$
30,725
$
27,645
$
115,887
$
43,399
$
102,897
$
217,656
The contribution to pre-tax ANI attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and profits interests and performance related earnings / other income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and profits interests presented above specifically related to the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary is presented below.
9
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
FRE attributable to profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary
$
6,399
$
8,469
$
10,103
$
14,354
$
19,530
$
11,980
$
52,456
Performance related earnings / other income (loss) attributable to profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary
(224)
(14)
31
83,172
601
11,170
83,790
Net income attributable to profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary
$
6,175
$
8,455
$
10,134
$
97,526
$
20,131
$
23,150
$
136,246
The contribution to pre-tax ANI attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries and performance related earnings / other income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries presented above specifically not attributable to the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary is presented below.
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
FRE attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
$
24,052
$
18,203
$
14,688
$
17,926
$
20,458
$
67,811
$
71,275
Performance related earnings / other income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
3,142
4,067
2,823
435
2,810
11,936
10,135
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries
$
27,194
$
22,270
$
17,511
$
18,361
$
23,268
$
79,747
$
81,410
(2)Reflects equity-based compensation for awards granted prior to and in connection with the IPO, profits interests issued by our non-wholly owned subsidiaries, and unrealized mark-to-market changes in the fair value of the profits interests issued in the private wealth subsidiary.
(3)Includes (income) expense related to the following non-core operating income and expenses:
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
Transaction costs
$
179
$
605
$
24
$
47
$
—
$
1,003
$
676
(Gain) loss on change in fair value for contingent consideration obligation
(205)
64
58
59
54
16,112
235
Compensation paid to certain employees as part of an acquisition earn-out
—
—
—
—
—
409
—
Unrealized amounts associated with cash-based incentive awards tracked to investment funds
—
17
17
—
72
—
106
Gain realized upon vesting of cash-based incentive awards tracked to investment funds
—
—
—
—
(107)
—
(107)
Unrealized amounts associated with deferred compensation liability adjustments
—
—
—
—
(13)
—
(13)
Loss on payment made in connection with private wealth fund secondary transaction
32,500
—
—
—
—
32,500
—
Other non-core items
—
—
—
—
—
30
—
Total non-core operating income and expenses
$
32,474
$
686
$
99
$
106
$
6
$
50,054
$
897
(4)Represents corporate income taxes at a blended statutory rate applied to pre-tax ANI:
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
Federal statutory rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
Combined state, local and foreign rate
1.2
%
1.3
%
1.3
%
1.3
%
2.5
%
1.3
%
1.6
%
Blended statutory rate
22.2
%
22.3
%
22.3
%
22.3
%
23.5
%
22.3
%
22.6
%
10
(5)Reflects the realization of a seed capital investment in the StepStone Funds which is eliminated in consolidation.
(6)Reflects the add-back of incentive fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds, which have been eliminated in consolidation, and deferred incentive fees that are not included in GAAP revenues.
(7)Reflects the removal of interest income earned by the Consolidated Funds.
(8)Reflects the removal of Tax Receivable Agreements adjustments recognized as other income (loss) ($(5.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, and $(4.2) million and $0.3 million in fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025, respectively), loss associated with payment made in connection with a secondary transaction executed by one of our private wealth funds ($32.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and in fiscal 2025), and the impact of consolidation of the Consolidated Funds.
Fee-Related Earnings Margin
FRE margin is a non-GAAP performance measure which is calculated by dividing FRE by fee revenues. We believe FRE margin is an important measure of profitability on revenues that are largely recurring by nature. We believe FRE margin is useful to investors because it enables them to better evaluate the operating profitability of our business across periods.
The table below shows a reconciliation of FRE to FRE margin.
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
FRE
$
94,081
$
81,246
$
78,633
$
89,236
$
105,334
$
312,204
$
354,449
Fee revenues
214,662
212,740
217,461
241,133
260,285
770,489
931,619
FRE margin
44
%
38
%
36
%
37
%
40
%
41
%
38
%
Gross Realized Performance Fees
Gross realized performance fees represents realized carried interest allocations and adjusted incentive fees. We believe gross realized performance fees is useful to investors because it presents the total performance fees realized by us.
Performance Fee-Related Earnings
Performance fee-related earnings, or “PRE,” represents gross realized performance fees less realized performance fee-related compensation. We believe PRE is useful to investors because it presents the performance fees attributable to us, net of amounts paid to employees as performance fee-related compensation.
The table below shows a reconciliation of total performance fees to gross realized performance fees and PRE.
11
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
(in thousands)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
Incentive fees
$
5,910
$
190
$
4,902
$
207,954
$
7,087
$
32,275
$
220,133
Realized carried interest allocations
75,935
24,404
58,878
46,703
38,597
159,653
168,582
Unrealized carried interest allocations
21,177
88,883
147,813
101,985
201,031
141,547
539,712
Legacy Greenspring carried interest allocations
61,306
39,637
27,143
(10,063)
81,994
74,341
138,711
Total performance fees
164,328
153,114
238,736
346,579
328,709
407,816
1,067,138
Unrealized carried interest allocations
(21,177)
(88,883)
(147,813)
(101,985)
(201,031)
(141,547)
(539,712)
Legacy Greenspring carried interest allocations
(61,306)
(39,637)
(27,143)
10,063
(81,994)
(74,341)
(138,711)
Incentive fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds(1)
(133)
133
430
254
154
5,364
971
Deferred incentive fees
(513)
—
671
(1,544)
(282)
1,938
(1,155)
Gross realized performance fees
81,199
24,727
64,881
253,367
45,556
199,230
388,531
Realized performance fee-related compensation
(39,656)
(11,705)
(30,995)
(122,215)
(27,662)
(94,748)
(192,577)
PRE
$
41,543
$
13,022
$
33,886
$
131,152
$
17,894
$
104,482
$
195,954
_______________________________
(1)Reflects the add back of incentive fee revenues for the Consolidated Funds, which have been eliminated in consolidation.
Adjusted Weighted-Average Shares and Adjusted Net Income Per Share
ANI per share measures our per-share earnings assuming all Class B units, Class C units and Class D units in the Partnership were exchanged for Class A common stock in SSG, including the dilutive impact of outstanding equity-based awards. ANI per share is calculated as ANI divided by adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding. We believe adjusted weighted-average shares and ANI per share are useful to investors because they enable investors to better evaluate per-share operating performance across reporting periods.
The following table shows a reconciliation of diluted weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding to adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding used in the computation of ANI per share.
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
ANI
$
80,603
$
48,534
$
66,709
$
79,858
$
69,459
$
244,072
$
264,560
Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding – Basic
75,975,770
77,846,710
78,561,587
79,465,039
80,297,984
71,142,916
79,039,229
Assumed vesting of RSUs
270,492
347,813
509,007
590,042
320,535
590,645
442,772
Assumed vesting and exchange of Class B2 units(1)
—
—
—
—
—
431,851
—
Assumed purchase under ESPP
—
—
—
—
349
529
86
Exchange of Class B units in the Partnership(1)
40,122,028
39,608,270
39,500,159
39,094,629
39,013,494
43,233,005
39,304,897
Exchange of Class C units in the Partnership(1)
965,761
960,025
947,580
931,103
931,103
1,365,647
942,467
Exchange of Class D units in the Partnership(1)
1,535,060
3,530,125
2,944,261
2,509,417
1,917,870
2,007,849
2,727,638
Adjusted weighted-average shares
118,869,111
122,292,943
122,462,594
122,590,230
122,481,335
118,772,442
122,457,089
ANI per share
$
0.68
$
0.40
$
0.54
$
0.65
$
0.57
$
2.05
$
2.16
_______________________________
12
(1)The Class B2 units fully vested in June 2024.
(2)Assumes the full exchange of Class B units, Class C units or Class D units in the Partnership for Class A common stock of SSG pursuant to the Class B Exchange Agreement, Class C Exchange Agreement or Class D Exchange Agreement, respectively.
Key Operating Metrics
We monitor certain operating metrics that are either common to the asset management industry or that we believe provide important data regarding our business. Refer to the Glossary below for a definition of each of these metrics.
Fee-Earning AUM
Three Months Ended
Year Ended March 31,
Percentage Change
(in millions)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
2025
2026
vs. FQ4'25
Separately Managed Accounts
Beginning balance
$
69,974
$
73,174
$
76,708
$
78,207
$
80,328
$
58,897
$
73,174
15
%
Contributions(1)
3,874
3,013
2,559
2,627
2,637
16,715
10,836
(32)
%
Distributions(2)
(1,225)
(1,010)
(725)
(1,117)
(1,584)
(3,590)
(4,436)
29
%
Market value, FX and other(3)
551
1,531
(335)
611
434
1,152
2,241
(21)
%
Ending balance
$
73,174
$
76,708
$
78,207
$
80,328
$
81,815
$
73,174
$
81,815
12
%
Focused Commingled Funds
Beginning balance
$
44,192
$
48,216
$
50,511
$
54,584
$
58,223
$
34,961
$
48,216
32
%
Contributions(1)
3,403
2,022
3,547
3,245
4,494
13,698
13,308
32
%
Distributions(2)
(313)
(392)
(580)
(547)
(1,252)
(1,938)
(2,771)
300
%
Market value, FX and other(3)
934
665
1,106
941
767
1,495
3,479
(18)
%
Ending balance
$
48,216
$
50,511
$
54,584
$
58,223
$
62,232
$
48,216
$
62,232
29
%
Total
Beginning balance
$
114,166
$
121,390
$
127,219
$
132,791
$
138,551
$
93,858
$
121,390
21
%
Contributions(1)
7,277
5,035
6,106
5,872
7,131
30,413
24,144
(2)
%
Distributions(2)
(1,538)
(1,402)
(1,305)
(1,664)
(2,836)
(5,528)
(7,207)
84
%
Market value, FX and other(3)
1,485
2,196
771
1,552
1,201
2,647
5,720
(19)
%
Ending balance
$
121,390
$
127,219
$
132,791
$
138,551
$
144,047
$
121,390
$
144,047
19
%
_______________________________
(1)Contributions consist of new capital commitments that earn fees on committed capital and capital contributions to funds and accounts that earn fees on net invested capital or NAV.
(2)Distributions consist of returns of capital from funds and accounts that pay fees on net invested capital or NAV and reductions in fee-earning AUM from funds that moved from a committed capital to net invested capital fee basis or from funds and accounts that no longer pay fees.
(3)Market value, FX and other primarily consist of changes in market value appreciation (depreciation) for funds that pay on NAV and the effect of foreign exchange rate changes on non-U.S. dollar denominated commitments.
13
Asset Class Summary
Three Months Ended
Percentage Change
(in millions)
March 31, 2025
June 30, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2026
vs. FQ4'25
FEAUM
Private equity
$
65,007
$
66,428
$
69,932
$
73,193
$
75,626
16%
Infrastructure
23,830
26,090
27,007
27,897
30,745
29%
Private debt
19,517
21,435
22,443
23,882
24,797
27%
Real estate
13,036
13,266
13,409
13,579
12,879
(1)%
Total
$
121,390
$
127,219
$
132,791
$
138,551
$
144,047
19%
Separately managed accounts
$
73,174
$
76,708
$
78,207
$
80,328
$
81,815
12%
Focused commingled funds
48,216
50,511
54,584
58,223
62,232
29%
Total
$
121,390
$
127,219
$
132,791
$
138,551
$
144,047
19%
AUM(1)
Private equity
$
95,937
$
100,540
$
106,408
$
112,190
$
119,698
25%
Infrastructure
37,026
40,087
42,437
44,624
47,569
28%
Private debt
37,133
39,242
40,438
42,269
45,587
23%
Real estate
19,284
19,445
19,864
20,716
20,493
6%
Total
$
189,380
$
199,314
$
209,147
$
219,799
$
233,347
23%
Separately managed accounts
$
114,806
$
120,649
$
124,991
$
130,111
$
136,133
19%
Focused commingled funds
59,410
62,672
68,014
73,375
80,807
36%
Advisory AUM
15,164
15,993
16,142
16,313
16,407
8%
Total
$
189,380
$
199,314
$
209,147
$
219,799
$
233,347
23%
AUA
Private equity
$
262,884
$
262,472
$
283,034
$
301,403
$
341,289
30%
Infrastructure
69,027
71,126
78,762
86,955
94,706
37%
Private debt
19,726
20,874
23,402
24,173
25,918
31%
Real estate
168,047
169,679
176,357
178,810
189,892
13%
Total
$
519,684
$
524,151
$
561,555
$
591,341
$
651,805
25%
Total capital responsibility(2)
$
709,064
$
723,465
$
770,702
$
811,140
$
885,152
25%
_____________________________
Note: Amounts may not sum to total due to rounding. AUM/AUA reflects final data for the prior period, adjusted for net new client account activity through the period presented, and does not include post-period investment valuation or cash activity. Net asset value (“NAV”) data for underlying investments is as of the prior period, as reported by underlying managers up to the business day occurring on or after 100 days, or 115 days at the fiscal year-end, following the prior period end. When NAV data is not available by the business day occurring on or after 100 days, or 115 days at the fiscal year-end, following the prior period end, such NAVs are adjusted for cash activity following the last available reported NAV.
(1)Allocation of AUM by asset class is presented by underlying investment asset classification.
(2)Total capital responsibility equals assets under management (AUM) plus assets under advisement (AUA).
14
Contacts
Shareholder Relations:
Seth Weiss
shareholders@stepstonegroup.com
1-212-351-6106
Media:
Jordan Niezelski / Maggie Duffy
Edelman
StepStone@edifi-dje.com
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Glossary
Assets under advisement, or “AUA,” consists of client assets for which we do not have full discretion to make investment decisions but play a role in advising the client or monitoring their investments. We generally earn revenue for advisory-related services on a contractual fixed fee basis. Advisory-related services include asset allocation, strategic planning, development of investment policies and guidelines, screening and recommending investments, legal negotiations, monitoring and reporting on investments, and investment manager review and due diligence. Advisory fees vary by client based on the scope of services, investment activity and other factors. Most of our advisory fees are fixed, and therefore, increases or decreases in AUA do not necessarily lead to proportionate changes in revenue. We believe AUA is a useful metric for assessing the relative size of our advisory business.
Our AUA is calculated as the sum of (i) the NAV of client portfolio assets for which we do not have full discretion and (ii) the unfunded commitments of clients to the underlying investments. Our AUA reflects the investment valuations in respect of the underlying investments of our client accounts on a three-month lag, adjusted for new client account activity through the period end. Our AUA does not include post-period investment valuation or cash activity. AUA as of March 31, 2026 reflects final data for the prior period (December 31, 2025), adjusted for net new client account activity through March 31, 2026. NAV data for underlying investments is as of December 31, 2025, as reported by underlying managers up to the business day occurring on or after 115 days following December 31, 2025. When NAV data is not available by the business day occurring on or after 115 days following December 31, 2025, such NAVs are adjusted for cash activity following the last available reported NAV.
Assets under management, or “AUM,” primarily reflects the assets associated with our separately managed accounts (“SMAs”) and focused commingled funds. We classify assets as AUM if we have full discretion over the investment decisions in an account or have responsibility or custody of assets. Although management fees are based on a variety of factors and are not linearly correlated with AUM, we believe AUM is a useful metric for assessing the relative size and scope of our asset management business.
Our AUM is calculated as the sum of (i) the net asset value (“NAV”) of client portfolio assets, including the StepStone Funds and (ii) the unfunded commitments of clients to the underlying investments and the StepStone Funds. Our AUM reflects the investment valuations in respect of the underlying investments of our funds and accounts on a three-month lag, adjusted for new client account activity through the period end. Our AUM does not include post-period investment valuation or cash activity. AUM as of March 31, 2026 reflects final data for the prior period (December 31, 2025), adjusted for net new client account activity through March 31, 2026. NAV data for underlying investments is as of December 31, 2025, as reported by underlying managers up to the business day occurring on or after 115 days following December 31, 2025. When NAV data is not available by the business day occurring on or after 115 days following December 31, 2025, such NAVs are adjusted for cash activity following the last available reported NAV.
Consolidated Funds refer to the StepStone Funds that we are required to consolidate as of the applicable reporting period. We consolidate funds and other entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest.
Consolidated VIEs refer to the variable interest entities that we are required to consolidate as of the applicable reporting period. We consolidate VIEs in which we hold a controlling financial interest.
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Fee-earning AUM, or “FEAUM,” reflects the assets from which we earn management fee revenue (i.e., fee basis) and includes assets in our SMAs, focused commingled funds and assets held directly by our clients for which we have fiduciary oversight and are paid fees as the manager of the assets. Our SMAs and focused commingled funds typically pay management fees based on capital commitments, net invested capital and, in certain cases, NAV, depending on the fee terms. Management fees are only marginally affected by market appreciation or depreciation because substantially all of the StepStone Funds pay management fees based on capital commitments or net invested capital. As a result, management fees and FEAUM are not materially affected by changes in market value. We believe FEAUM is a useful metric in order to assess assets forming the basis of our management fee revenue.
Legacy Greenspring entities refers to certain entities for which the Company, indirectly through its subsidiaries, became the sole and/or managing member in connection with the Greenspring acquisition.
SSG refers solely to StepStone Group Inc., a Delaware corporation, and not to any of its subsidiaries.
StepStone Funds refer to SMAs and focused commingled funds of the Company, including acquired Greenspring funds, for which the Partnership or one of its subsidiaries acts as both investment adviser and general partner or managing member.
The Partnership refers solely to StepStone Group LP, a Delaware limited partnership, and not to any of its subsidiaries.
Total capital responsibility equals AUM plus AUA. AUM includes any accounts for which StepStone Group has full discretion over the investment decisions, has responsibility to arrange or effectuate transactions, or has custody of assets. AUA refers to accounts for which StepStone Group provides advice or consultation but for which the firm does not have discretionary authority, responsibility to arrange or effectuate transactions, or custody of assets.
Undeployed fee-earning capital represents the amount of capital commitments to StepStone Funds that has not yet been invested or considered active but will generate management fee revenue once invested or activated. We believe undeployed fee-earning capital is a useful metric for measuring the amount of capital that we can put to work in the future and thus earn management fee revenue thereon.