Apollo Global Management?s Fourth Quarter: A Strong Close to 2019

By Your Finance Writer

January 30, 2020

Solid Earnings Performance

Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO) has just released its fourth quarter and full year results for 2019, and if you?re searching for an earnings surprise, look no further. The company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.59 for the quarter and a full-year EPS of $2.19. This marks a commendable 17% increase compared to the previous year, handily beating the EPS consensus that analysts had set. It seems like Apollo is making good use of its investment prowess, which is something to keep in mind as we peer into the crystal ball for 2020.

Revenue Forecasts and Capital Inflows

In a year characterized by strong capital inflows, Apollo attracted a whopping $64 billion in 2019, bringing its total assets under management to an impressive $331 billion. It?s worth noting that half of this sum is permanent capital, ensuring that Apollo is not just chasing short-term gains but is instead building a robust financial foundation for the future. This solid revenue forecast positions Apollo favorably as it steps into 2020, where the potential for continued growth appears bright.

Dividends: A Consistent Payout

Investors will be pleased to hear that Apollo has declared a cash dividend of $0.89 per share of its Class A Common Stock for the fourth quarter, with payment scheduled for February 28, 2020. For those with a preference for preferred stock, fear not?Apollo has also announced a dividend of $0.398438 for its Series A and B Preferred Stock, payable on March 16, 2020. The executive committee of Apollo?s board of directors has made it clear that while they intend to distribute substantially all distributable earnings after taxes, there?s no guarantee of future dividends. So, it seems prudent for investors to keep an eye on the board?s discretion moving forward.

Looking Ahead: The Conference Call

Apollo will host a conference call today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, where members of the senior management team will delve deeper into their financial results. For those who prefer to listen in from the comfort of their homes (or offices, or wherever), a simultaneous webcast will be available on Apollo's website, ensuring that no one misses out on the financial fireworks.

What This Means for Apollo and Its Peers

As we digest these results, it?s important to consider what they signal for Apollo's future and for its sector peers. The financial sector is always a bit competitive, and Apollo?s strong performance could mean that others in the space may need to step up their game. With a robust capital inflow and a solid EPS growth trajectory, Apollo is setting a benchmark that could encourage similar firms to reassess their strategies for 2020. It?s a classic case of ?keep up or be left behind,? and one can only wonder which companies will take the cue from Apollo?s strong performance.