Virtus Sets Fourth-Quarter Employment Expense Ratio Range at 54% to 56%

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. set a fourth-quarter employment expense ratio range of 54% to 56% and identified exchange-traded funds, alternatives, fixed income and wealth management as areas for growth.

The company’s third-quarter results continued to reflect challenges in quality-oriented equity strategies. President and CEO George Aylward said those strategies accounted for substantially all net outflows during the quarter.

A $7 billion redemption reduced Virtus’ assets under management (AUM). Because the redemption carried a below-average fee rate, its revenue impact is expected to be smaller than its impact on AUM.

ETF AUM grew 24% over the past year. Alternatives represented about 14% of AUM, and management said it wants to increase that share. Virtus also cited ETF inflows and launches, along with fixed income and wealth management, as growth areas.

Virtus reported a higher operating margin in the third quarter. It also repurchased $10 million of shares and raised its dividend by 2%. The company said it evaluates capital allocation opportunities each quarter.