Robert Sharps on capital allocation
From T Rowe Price Group Inc ($TROW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call · · Castify Earnings Call
“Returning capital to our stockholders continues to be a priority, highlighted by our 40th consecutive annual increase in the quarterly dividend to $1.30 per share. During Q1, we leveraged periods of market dislocation to increase our level of stock buybacks, purchasing $340 million worth of stock largely toward the end of the quarter.”
On , Robert Sharps, President, Chief Executive Officer & Chair of the Board at T Rowe Price Group Inc, spoke about capital allocation during T Rowe Price Group Inc ($TROW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call on Castify Earnings Call.
About Robert Sharps
Rob Sharps, chair, CEO, and president of T. Rowe Price, discussed the firm's performance and strategic priorities across several earnings calls in 2025 and early 2026. He noted that 2025 was a third consecutive year of strong global market returns, but described the environment as "narrow" and dominated by a handful of mega-cap stocks, which he said was not highly conducive to active management. The firm closed 2025 with $1.78 trillion in assets under management, up over 10% year-over-year, despite $56.9 billion in net outflows, which Sharps said were concentrated in equity mutual funds. He stated that organic growth is necessary for the firm to be successful over time, adding that he did not think the leadership team would be happy with a multi-year outlook that lacked a path back to organic growth. Sharps outlined several growth initiatives, including the expansion of the firm's ETF platform, which he described as a top priority, and a strategic collaboration with Goldman Sachs to pursue opportunities in wealth and retirement. He also discussed the firm's approach to private market alternatives, stating that he believed defined contribution plans and the mass affluent would eventually gain access to such assets, though he noted that legislation would be preferable to agency guidance for ensuring durability. On expenses, Sharps said the firm was implementing a multi-year plan to drive efficiencies and fund investments, aiming to hold controllable expense growth to low single digits. He also highlighted the firm's capital return program, noting that T. Rowe Price had increased its regular dividend for the 39th consecutive year and had stepped up the pace of share repurchases, reflecting the value the firm sees in its stock.