CEO's review

In the third quarter of 2025, capital markets developed positively, driven by strong demand for technology, better-than-expected corporate earnings and lower interest rates in the U.S. In particular, the growth in demand for artificial intelligence applications and semiconductors, as well as the extensive data center investments in the next few years, accelerated the rise in technology stock prices. The returns on fixed-income investments were also positive, and the price of gold rose to a new record. In addition to the weaker inflation and interest rate outlook, the rise in gold prices was supported by the weakened dollar and investors' concerns about the U.S. administration's actions to weaken the independence of the Federal Reserve.

The strong development of the U.S. economy in the first half of the year showed signs of slowing down in the third quarter. Uncertainty about the economic and price outlook was increased by the import tariffs imposed by the U.S. The threat of a trade war between China and the U.S. also remains. However, the economy was supported by stable consumer demand, good employment and a gradual slowdown in inflationary pressures.

Growth in the euro area continued to be subdued amid U.S. trade policy and geopolitical uncertainties. Consumers are cautious, savings rates are high, and the balance sheets of companies and banks are healthy. The conditions for accelerating growth are therefore in place, as long as confidence improves. The ability of European countries to stimulate growth is limited, with the exception of Germany, which announced a major infrastructure and defense investment program at the beginning of the year. German industry has suffered more than the rest of Europe from increased competition from China and U.S. tariffs. 

In the third quarter, stock prices rose across all major markets. In the U.S., stock prices rose by 8.1 percent as measured by the S&P 500 index and as much as 11.4 percent as measured by the Nasdaq Composite index. In Europe, stock prices rose by approximately three percent based on the STOXX 600 index. Emerging markets also saw a strong upward trend. In the fixed income markets, the best returns were from high-yield bonds with higher credit risk, which returned 4.6 percent since the beginning of the year. Investment-grade bonds returned 2.8 percent, and government bonds returned 0.4 percent. The challenges in the Finnish real estate market continued in the third quarter, with transaction activity remaining low.

”In the third quarter, Evli Group's net revenue increased by 44 percent.”

In the third quarter, Evli Group's net revenue increased by 44 percent year-on-year to EUR 35.2 million (EUR 24.5 million). The best development was seen in performance-based fees, fee income from traditional and private equity funds, and asset management and brokerage revenues, all of which improved compared to the previous year. Advisory fees, on the other hand, decreased and returns from the Group’s own balance sheet items were below the previous year’s level.

The Group's operating profit for the third quarter increased by 70 percent to EUR 18.0 million (EUR 10.5 million). The growth in operating profit was primarily driven by performance-based fees which were significantly higher than in the comparison period. Evli's return on equity from the beginning of the year was 28.3 percent (35.8%) and the ratio of recurring revenue to operational costs was 128 percent (136%). The Group's solvency and liquidity were at an excellent level.

”Assets under management rose to a new record high of EUR 20.8 billion.”

The Wealth Management and Investor Clients segment's net revenue increased by 54 percent in the third quarter to EUR 34.6 million (EUR 22.4 million). Assets under management exceeded EUR 20 billion and rose to a new record high of EUR 20.8 billion (EUR 18.7 billion) as a result of positive market development and net subscriptions. Evli Fund Management Company's mutual fund capital, including alternative investment products, also rose to a new record of EUR 15.3 billion (EUR 13.4 billion). Net subscriptions in traditional mutual funds totaled approximately EUR 662 million in the third quarter. The highest net subscriptions were directed to the Evli Short Corporate Bond and Evli Atlas USA Enhanced Index funds. Year-to-date, the top-performing funds by return were the Evli Silver and Gold fund (+107%) and the Evli Hannibal fund (+37%).

The Advisory and Corporate Clients segment's net revenue decreased by approximately 70 percent in the third quarter to EUR 0.2 million (EUR 0.9 million). From the beginning of the year, advisory fees decreased to EUR 4.7 million (EUR 7.9 million). The revenue may fluctuate significantly from one quarter to another and from year to year. The unit’s mandate base strengthened during the quarter and is good.

The key areas of Evli's strategy, international sales and alternative investment products, developed positively during the quarter. Net subscriptions from international clients totaled approximately EUR 571 million, and international clients share of Evli’s total fund capital, including alternative investment products, was 24 percent (19%). In alternative investments, net subscriptions and investment commitments amounted to approximately EUR 15 million during the quarter (EUR 22 million), including EUR 8 million in capital returns. Since the beginning of the year, investment commitments have exceeded the previous year’s level, totaling EUR 235 million. At the end of the quarter, assets under management in alternative investments stood at EUR 3.1 billion. 

In 2025, we are celebrating Evli's 40th anniversary. Over the years, we have grown into a leading Nordic asset manager and fund house, supporting our clients in building long-term success and directing capital to where it creates lasting value. We are committed to building a more prosperous tomorrow in the future as well.
 

Maunu Lehtimäki
CEO, Evli Plc

Updated in connection with the publication of Evli Plc's Interim Report 1–9/2025 on October 24, 2025.