how do portfolio managers make money

Earning Insights: How Portfolio Managers Make Money

Ever wonder how portfolio managers make money, juggling the dynamic world of investment management with impressive agility? Their acumen transforms insights into income, where every decision can sway their earnings significantly. Depending on the blend of investment management fees, performance-based fees, asset under management fees, and savvy market maneuvers, their compensation takes shape. In the high-stakes arena of hedge fund compensation and private equity compensation, these financial virtuosos chart a course through unpredictable market waters, devising ways portfolio managers generate revenue.

Whether you’re keen on exploring this lucrative career path or you’re simply intrigued by the financial finesse required to excel in it, understanding portfolio manager earnings unveils a realm where skill meets financial reward. It’s a sophisticated balance of knowledge, strategy, and a keen eye for opportunity that dictates their success.

Key Takeaways

  • Portfolio managers generate income through a variety of channels, including management and performance fees.
  • Performance-based fees are a significant part of a portfolio manager’s compensation, reflecting their skill in surpassing benchmarks.
  • Asset under management (AUM) fees provide a stable income, reflecting ongoing portfolio oversight.
  • Hedge fund and private equity settings offer distinct compensation structures, often heavily weighted on realized performance.
  • Success in the role requires not just finance savvy, but also a strong capability in strategy development and risk management.

The Role of Portfolio Managers in the Financial Industry

In the fast-paced world of finance, portfolio managers stand out as the architects of wealth and strategists of investment success. With a keen understanding of the market and an arsenal of financial tools at their disposal, they craft intricate strategies aimed at growing client investments while navigating the tempestuous seas of market volatility. Let’s delve into the multi-faceted role these financial experts play, unpacking the layers of strategy, analysis, and constant adaptation that define their daily endeavors.

Investment Strategy and Client Management

Employing a robust investment strategy is vital for portfolio managers whose primary goal is to maximize client assets and align with individual risk tolerance. This approach often requires a delicate balance, one that merges ambitious wealth accumulation with prudent protection measures designed to safeguard against market downturns. A tailored approach, customized for each client’s unique financial goals, sets the stage for targeted client investments management. Individuals such as Adam Koos, known for their defense-first strategies, epitomize this commitment to client-centric portfolio design.

Market Analysis and Investment Selection

An integral part of a portfolio manager’s day revolves around rigorous market analysis and investment selection. By pouring over the latest market trends and movements, portfolio managers ensure that every stock pick or asset allocation is the result of thorough research and deep market knowledge. This painstaking process is fundamental to constructing a portfolio that not only meets the present needs of the client but also anticipates future market conditions.

Portfolio Monitoring and Adjustment

Once a strategy is in place and investments are selected, the journey has only just begun. Portfolio monitoring is a continuous process, necessitating vigilant oversight and the agility to make investment adjustments as market landscapes shift. Diversification, a cornerstone of mitigating risk, extends this vigilance beyond individual investments, encompassing the entire portfolio to ensure that it remains resilient in the face of change. Strategic moves during off-hours can often make the difference between preserving client wealth and succumbing to unexpected market downturns.

Whether you’re intrigued by the potential for a lucrative portfolio manager salary or interested in the sophisticated interplay of trading strategies and portfolio diversification, the world of portfolio management offers a dynamic career path filled with challenges and opportunities for those willing to commit to the discipline and analysis it demands.

How Do Portfolio Managers Make Money

As you explore the sphere of finance, a crucial question emerges: how exactly do portfolio managers bank their earnings? At the heart of a portfolio manager’s income lie their ability to oversee and grow investments, making portfolio manager earnings heavily dependent on the success of the portfolios they manage. Unlike many traditional careers, where income may be based on hours worked or sales made, portfolio managers derive substantial parts of their compensation from performance-based rewards.

The crux of a portfolio manager’s financial reward system is intrinsically linked to their investment prowess. Bonuses surge when the assets under their management flourish in the market, creating an environment where portfolio managers are motivated by more than just their base salary—they are driven by the pursuit of superior performance.

In essence, the role of a portfolio manager extends beyond simple investment selection. It encompasses a breadth of responsibilities such as market analysis, client relationship management, and consistent monitoring of asset performance. Each element of their role directly influences the portfolio manager’s potential for earning. For instance, adept risk management not only preserves client wealth but also strengthens a portfolio manager’s claim to lucrative performance-based rewards.

To illuminate the link between portfolio manager activities and their earnings, let’s delve into an example of a typical rewards structure:

Earning Component Description Impact on Earnings
Base Salary Fixed income irrespective of portfolio performance. Provides financial stability.
Performance Bonus Variable income based on surpassing benchmarks or achieving specific returns. Potential for substantial increases in total compensation.
Management Fees A steady income derived from a percentage of assets under management (AUM). Ensures a consistent revenue stream.
Incentive Fees Additional earnings for exceeding a high-water mark or benchmark index. Encourages performance excellence.

These various components combine to create a comprehensive earning strategy that aligns the portfolio manager’s success with their financial gain. In the fluctuating landscape of financial markets, those who master the art of maneuvering through the ebbs and flows stand to reap significant rewards. By sculpting a robust portfolio and maintaining a vigilant eye on market dynamics, a portfolio manager’s earnings can soar as they guide their clients towards financial prosperity.

The allure of a career in portfolio management lies not only in the potential for financial gain but also in the intellectual challenges and strategic elements intrinsic to the role. When considering the earnings of a portfolio manager, it is imperative to recognize that while the promise of performance-based rewards is enticing, it is their strategic acumen and market insight that ultimately paves the way for success.

Understanding Portfolio Manager Salary Structures

When stepping into the world of finance as a portfolio manager, your salary reflects the complex balance between a predefined base and performance-related incentives. It’s a structured approach where your expertise can dramatically influence your compensation. Let’s examine the typical earnings composition for a portfolio manager and how this pay structure fosters a performance-centric culture within the industry.

Base Salary and its Limitations

Your journey in portfolio management likely begins with a base salary, which provides a level of financial stability. Yet, this figure is strategically capped. Why? Firms are keen to align their interests with yours, nudging you towards realizing profitable actions before hitting the jackpot with your paycheck. This means that while your base salary sets the foundation, it’s merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your potential earnings in this role.

Performance-Based Bonuses

Here’s where your financial acumen truly pays off. Performance-based bonuses sit at the core of a portfolio manager’s salary, with these bonuses fluctuating based on the P&L of the portfolios you oversee. Deliver superior market performance, and witness your earnings catapult as a result. Hedge fund portfolio managers, in particular, see stark variances in compensation, from minimal annual bonuses to grandiose, million-dollar payouts reflective of their investment expertise.

Compensation Element Characteristic Potential Earnings Influence
Base Salary Guaranteed annual pay Stability, but capped to encourage performance-driven results
Performance Bonus Varies with portfolio success High potential for significant earnings based on P&L achievements
Long-Term Incentives Typically tied to multi-year performance metrics Encourages long-term strategic management for sustained success

In this results-orientated field, your earnings potential is a testament to your prowess in navigating the financial markets. As a portfolio manager, your salary isn’t just about the hours you clock in; it’s deeply intertwined with each carefully calculated investment decision you make.

Types of Investment Management Fees

As an investor exploring portfolio management services, you might be wondering about the cost structures involved. Significant for both the portfolio manager and the client, the fees fall predominantly into two categories, each tied directly to the prosperity of your investments. These are not arbitrary numbers but are reflective of meticulous management and the pursuit of your financial success.

Asset Under Management Fees

Asset under management fees, commonly known as AUM fees, serve as the foundational revenue for portfolio managers. This fee model equates to a set percentage of your total investment amount managed by the professional. Irrespective of the ebb and flow of market conditions, AUM fees ensure a continuous stream of income for the ongoing vigilance and expertise exemplified in portfolio supervision.

Performance-Based Fees

In what could be seen as a reward for investment success, performance-based fees are the accolades of the investment world. Reserved for those instances when a portfolio manager exceeds benchmarks, performance-based fees align the manager’s motivations with the investor’s aspirations for high returns. This remuneration approach cements the partnership between manager and client, centering on shared financial triumphs.

Understanding these fee structures is crucial when selecting the right portfolio manager or investment firm. Each serves a distinct purpose, one offering a stable management reward and the other providing a potent incentive for market outperformance. Below is a table that captures the essence of how these fees contribute to the makeup of portfolio manager earnings:

Type of Fee Purpose Benefit for Investor Advantage for Portfolio Manager
Asset Under Management Fees Covers the costs of ongoing management and operations Ensures consistent management attention across all market conditions Guarantees a baseline income, independent of market volatility
Performance-Based Fees Rewards successful outperforming of the market or benchmarks Aligns portfolio manager’s economic interests with the investor’s goals Offers the potential for substantial bonuses reflective of the manager’s skill and market acumen

This structured remunerative approach fortifies the client-manager relationship, furnishing the portfolio manager with both predictable as well as aspirational income prospects. For you, as an investor, it’s a reassuring sign that your portfolio is in hands that not only manage but are materially motivated to magnify your wealth.

A Glimpse into the Life of a Portfolio Manager

Discover the intricate juggling act that is a portfolio manager’s life. Amid the robust pace of the financial realm, these professionals perform their daily duties with utmost finesse, all while aiming for that elusive work-life balance.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Imagine starting your day with a rich analysis of pre-market movements, perusing through data that would confound most laypersons. This is where the portfolio manager’s workday begins. From the adept portfolio manager Adam Koos to the operationally-savvy Tim Mrock, each moment is spent gathering insights, analyzing trends, and making those crucial trading decisions that define the success of their clients’ investments. Whether it’s steering through the intricacies of ETFs or fine-tuning client portfolios for optimal performance, the portfolio management lifestyle is one of perpetual strategic maneuvering — a thrilling mix of analytics and foresight.

Work-Life Balance in Portfolio Management

A portfolio manager’s work schedule often extends beyond the standard nine-to-five. With markets to monitor and clients to advise, these professionals aren’t strangers to long weekdays and even weekends spent in the service of high-stakes investment management. Yet, they find ways to counterbalance this with their personal lives. Despite the demanding hours, portfolio managers like Koos and Mrock anchor their schedules in a commitment to family and personal fulfillment, presenting an inspiring picture of the work-life balance in finance. Their passion for the markets emboldens them to forge ahead and find satisfaction that transcends mere financial gain.

Compensation Models Across Different Firm Sizes

Understanding the landscape of compensation in portfolio management requires a nuanced look at different firm sizes and their payout structures. The scale of assets under management and the nature of the investment vehicle—whether it’s a hedge fund or a mutual fund—play pivotal roles in shaping the earnings of portfolio managers. Let’s explore how these factors interweave to create diverse income outcomes in the financial sector.

Comparing Large vs. Small Fund Compensation

It’s generally observed that larger funds offer more substantial compensation packages to their portfolio managers compared to smaller funds. This difference reflects not only the breadth of responsibility that comes with managing a more considerable fund size but also the complexity and scope of investment strategies required. As the AUM increases, so do the expectations for sophisticated portfolio management and, consequently, the fund size compensation comparison becomes a vital metric for potential earnings.

Differentials in Earnings: Hedge Fund vs. Mutual Fund Managers

In the realm of finance, hedge fund managers are often perceived as the high-rollers, attributed to the risk-reward nature of their compensation. Nevertheless, mutual fund portfolio managers also command impressive salaries. The portfolio manager earnings variation between the two can be quite narrow, with mutual funds offering strong compensation, though hedge funds may offer greater potential for outsized bonuses tied to performance.

Fund Type Average Base Salary Potential Bonus Total Compensation Range
Hedge Fund Managers Competitive but Capped Highly Variable, Performance-Linked $200K – Several Million
Mutual Fund Portfolio Managers Stable and Size-Dependent Substantial, Predominantly Fixed $500K – $1.5 Million
Small Fund Managers Lower Compared to Large Funds Smaller, with limited upside $100K – $500K
Large Fund Managers Higher Base Reflecting Responsibility Sizeable Bonuses with Capabilities for Growth $500K – $2 Million

The dynamics of hedge fund compensation and mutual fund manager salary hinge on the success of investment strategies and market performance. Yet, it’s evident that firm size and fund type remain influential levers, subtly dictating the earnings potential afforded to those who navigate the investment world’s complexities.

Risk and Reward: How Earnings Fluctuate with Market Performance

As you delve into the finance industry, it becomes increasingly clear that a portfolio manager’s income is far from fixed. The fluctuating earnings are emblematic of the tantalizing dance between risk and reward. Bonuses and fees rise and fall, echoing the undulations of market performance, which themselves play out amid a complex backdrop of economic indicators and geopolitical events. It’s a realm where proficiency in anticipating and maneuvering through market volatility can lead to substantial financial rewards.

The essence of a portfolio manager’s livelihood is framed by their ability to translate market performance into profitable outcomes for their clients—and in turn, for themselves. This symbiotic relationship underscores the significance of being adept at risk assessment and strategic investment planning. The higher the risk undertaken with client investments, the greater the potential for lucrative returns, setting the stage for potentially large bonuses.

But this pursuit is double-edged; with higher risk comes the increased possibility of earnings taking a hit during market downturns. The roller coaster of the financial markets means that reaping the rewards one year doesn’t guarantee the same results in the next. Making calculated decisions that consider both current and future market conditions is pivotal in maintaining a consistent income stream, thus highlighting the constant balancing act portfolio managers face.

Your understanding of the implications of these financial strategies is vital, especially if you’re considering stepping into the shoes of a portfolio manager or simply aiming to work more closely with one. Knowledge of this dynamic field can also be critical for personal investment decisions, where aversion or appetite for risk shape portfolio choices and, consequently, potential financial outcomes.

“Navigating the high seas of market volatility is an art in itself—a blend of science, instinct, and the unceasing quest to maintain a golden balance between potential gains and losses.” – Financial Analyst

Let’s illustrate how market performance, risk, and reward influence the variable nature of earnings with an example:

Market Condition Portfolio Performance Impact on Earnings
Bull Market High Returns Increased Bonuses
Stable Market Moderate Returns Steady Earnings
Bear Market Low/ Negative Returns Decreased or No Bonuses

In essence, the role of a portfolio manager expands far beyond simple investment selection. Crucially about how adeptly one can align market performance with the risk profiles of their clients—the crux of earning potential. By being au fait with market dynamics and their implications, you solidify your position to weather and, more impressively, capitalize on the inevitable fluctuations of the financial world.

The take-home message is clear: In the realm of portfolio management, falling too conservative could mean missed opportunities, while excessive risk-taking could lead to significant financial slides. Thus, achieving a harmonious symmetry between risk and reward is essential for a portfolio manager aiming for long-term success and consistent earnings, despite the ebb and flow of fluctuating market conditions.

Private Equity vs. Hedge Fund Compensation

When evaluating the potential earnings in the finance sector, it’s key to understand how compensation mechanisms can differ substantially between private equity and hedge funds. These differences not only influence the earning potential but also reflect the varying nature of the two sectors and the risks associated with each.

Distinguishing Between Fee Structures

The architecture of hedge fund fee structure is mainly performance-oriented. This can create a high variance in earnings, intensifying the focus on market savvy and effective risk management. Hedge funds typically employ a ‘2 and 20’ model, charging a 2% management fee on assets under management (AUM), plus a 20% performance fee on any profits earned.

In contrast, private equity compensation is often described as a mix of a fixed management fee and incentive structures such as carried interest. Management fees in private equity typically hover around 1.5% to 2% of the committed capital and are intended to cover the firm’s operating expenses. The performance of investments triggers carried interest, which is the portion of any private equity profits that the managers receive.

Equity Participations and Vesting Mechanisms

The concept of equity participation plays a more pronounced role in private equity scenarios. Portfolio managers may receive a share in the profits of the investments, known as carried interest, which can be a significant part of their total compensation. These earnings can take several years to materialize, as they rely on the successful growth and subsequent exit of a portfolio company.

Vesting mechanisms in compensation serve as the regulatory frameworks, dictating the conditions and time periods over which portfolio managers gain full ownership of their equity participations. These can include time-based schedules, performance hurdles, or a combination of both. By employing such mechanisms, firms ensure that portfolio managers are both properly incentivized and aligned with long-term success.

Compensation Type Hedge Fund Private Equity
Management Fee Typically 2% of AUM Typically 1.5-2% of Committed Capital
Performance Fee Generally 20% of Profits Carried Interest (typically 20% of Profits)
Equity Participation Less Common Carried Interest
Vesting Schedule Not Standard Usually Present, with Various Mechanisms

This constellation of private equity compensation and hedge fund fee structure elements, enriched with the nuances of equity participation and vesting mechanisms, results in a potentially diverse earning landscape for finance professionals. The impact on total compensation can be significant; thus, portfolio managers often strategically align with firms whose compensation frameworks best fit their long-term financial and career goals.

Additional Revenue Streams for Portfolio Managers

While the core earnings of portfolio managers typically stem from managing substantial client investments, additional revenue streams offer leverage to significantly boost their income. These avenues include consulting roles, advisory services, and a variety of media contributions, each with its own potential to contribute to a portfolio manager’s financial success.

Consulting and Advisory Roles

Portfolio managers often possess a wealth of knowledge in investment strategy and market behavior, making them ideal candidates for consulting roles. Beyond their day-to-day operations, you might find these financial experts providing advisory services for portfolio managers looking to refine their approach or for firms needing an outsider’s analytical prowess.

The nuanced and refined insights that they offer can become invaluable to clients, turning portfolio managers into sought-after consultants in the financial world. As a result, consulting roles provide not just additional income but also an opportunity to influence investment strategies across the industry.

Writing and Speaking Engagements

Portfolio managers commonly share their expertise by writing for financial publications or through speaking at various events. These activities, while time-consuming, manifest as productive avenues for diversifying income streams, with speaking engagement fees and publication contributions supplementing their standard compensation.

Adam Koos, for instance, dedicates a sizable portion of his week to penning articles and participating in speaking engagements. This commitment to engaging with the wider financial community does more than just add to his earnings; it strengthens his reputation and positions him as a thought leader in the field of portfolio management.

Pioneers in the finance industry understand that their value extends beyond managing assets—they’re also ambassadors of financial literacy and innovation. Thus, advising up-and-coming investors or speaking to a room full of peers serves to disseminate knowledge but also has the added perk of lucrative speaking engagement fees.

In conclusion, for those in the role of portfolio management, exploring varied consulting roles and engaging with audiences through written content and speaking events represent compelling paths to enhance earnings. These roles, enriched with the potential for professional growth and network extension, underscore the multifaceted nature of careers in financial management.

Navigating Education and Career Paths to Maximise Earnings

Embarking on a rewarding path to becoming a portfolio manager begins with the right portfolio manager education. Emerging victorious in this competitive field is largely contingent upon the educational qualifications one holds. So what does it take academically to thrive in the world of finance? To maximize earnings as a portfolio manager, a holistic approach to education and skill enhancement is essential.

Required Educational Background

To gain a foothold in the realm of portfolio management, aspiring financial experts often pursue a finance degree at the bachelor’s level as their entry ticket to the industry. However, due to the intricate complexities of the job, advanced degrees such as a master’s in finance, economics, or business administration have become increasingly sought after. This advanced portfolio manager education escalates one’s proficiency in financial analysis, asset management, and strategic investment planning—a trinity that forms the backbone of a portfolio manager’s role.

Enhancing Skills and Credentials

Apart from the crucial educational prerequisites, honing a variety of skills adds irrefutable value to a portfolio manager’s profile. Communication prowess, analytical dexterity, and an eye for problem-solving are indispensable assets. Commitment to skill enhancement is evidenced not only through experience but also through acquiring relevant certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or a Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification.

With growing emphasis on portfolio manager credentials, it’s beneficial to partake in continuous learning opportunities and professional development courses. Such initiatives not only expand your expertise but also signal to prospective employers and clients your dedication to staying abreast of the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Here is how certain credentials can impact your earnings:

Credential Skills Enhanced Earnings Impact
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Investment analysis, portfolio strategy, ethical practices Often linked to higher salary brackets and senior roles
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Personal financial planning, risk management, estate planning Gains trust of high-net-worth clients, potentially increasing client base
Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Risk assessment, quantitative analysis, market risk control Brings expertise to hedge funds and risk-heavy portfolios, boosting earning potential
Series 7 and similar licenses Trading, stock market regulations, client advisement Essential for trading on behalf of clients, which can complement commission-based earnings

To seize the helm and navigate through the financial markets lucratively as a portfolio manager, bolstering your education with a rich tapestry of credentials is imperative. So aim high—enhance your educational portfolio and arm yourself with certifications that not only sharpen your acumen but also pave the way to maximizing your earning trajectory in the volatile yet vibrant ocean of portfolio management.

Conclusion

At the intersection of financial acuity and strategic prowess, you’ll find the portfolio manager—essential architects of wealth who leverage investment management strategies to cultivate fiscal growth. Their expertise in maximizing portfolio manager earnings epitomizes the confluence of industry knowledge and keen market insight. The ability to harness these skills, align them with intelligent market behavior, and respond to evolving challenges with adaptive strategies, formulates the essence of a successful career in portfolio management.

Your journey towards this rewarding profession is enlivened by a relentless dedication to education and skill acquisition. It’s a path where the relentless pursuit of knowledge opens doors to untapped earning potentials, ensuring that those with a well-rounded education, combined with a hunger for continuous learning, stand to reap the greatest rewards. Aligning oneself with the expansive realm of investment management strategies, consistently refining one’s approach in tune with market dynamics, and exploring diverse revenue streams forges the crux of a portfolio manager’s professional advancement and financial success.

Indeed, your career in portfolio management can flourish into a fulfilling venture as you navigate through the intricacies of client portfolios and economic indicators. Grounded in the pursuit of financial excellence, your role as a portfolio manager will undeniably reflect a balance between risk, reward, and the tireless pursuit of investment perfection. As you steer your course through the ever-shifting currents of the financial industry, may your strategies be sharp, your insights profound, and your earnings, a true mirror of your professional mastery.

FAQ

How do portfolio managers make money?

Portfolio managers earn money through a combination of investment management fees, performance-based fees, and asset under management (AUM) fees. Some also share in the profits of the investments they manage through performance bonuses or equity participation.

What are investment management fees?

Investment management fees are ongoing charges that clients pay portfolio managers for their services. These fees are typically a percentage of the total AUM and are designed to compensate the manager for their continuous monitoring, selection, and management of investments.

How do performance-based fees work?

Performance-based fees reward portfolio managers for generating returns that exceed pre-determined benchmarks. These fees align the interests of the manager with the clients, as the manager is incentivized to perform well to receive additional compensation.

What factors influence a portfolio manager’s salary?

A portfolio manager’s salary can be influenced by their base salary, performance-based bonuses, the size and type of the fund or firm they work for, market performance, and their personal track record. Higher risk and reward strategies can lead to fluctuating earnings based on investment outcomes.

How do asset under management fees provide income?

Asset under management fees give portfolio managers a steady source of income that is not directly tied to market performance. These fees ensure that managers are compensated for their expertise and time spent managing and monitoring portfolios, regardless of market volatility.

What is the typical work schedule for a portfolio manager?

Portfolio managers often have demanding work schedules, analyzing market conditions, managing trades, and meeting with clients. Their responsibilities may continue outside of standard work hours, including monitoring global markets, which can operate across different time zones.

Do firm sizes impact portfolio manager compensation?

Yes, the size of the firm can impact compensation. Larger funds often have more assets under management, which can equate to higher compensation due to larger management fees and potentially greater bonuses linked to more substantial fund performance.

How can earnings fluctuate with market performance?

A portfolio manager’s earnings, especially those tied to performance-based rewards, can fluctuate based on how well their investments perform in the market. Good performance can lead to substantial bonuses, while poor performance may result in lower or nonexistent performance-related pay.

What is the difference between hedge fund and private equity compensation?

Hedge fund compensation often has a significant focus on performance bonuses, whereas private equity compensation may include more structured fee arrangements, equity stakes, and long-term incentive plans such as vesting mechanisms.

Can portfolio managers have other sources of revenue?

Yes, portfolio managers can augment their income through consulting or advisory roles, writing for financial publications, or speaking at conferences and events. These activities allow them to leverage their expertise for additional revenue streams.

What educational background is needed for a portfolio manager?

Portfolio managers typically have a robust educational foundation, usually holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance or related fields. Additional certifications and licenses can further enhance their qualifications and prospects.

How can portfolio managers enhance their skills and credentials?

Portfolio managers can enhance their skills and credentials by obtaining professional certifications, such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), continuing education in financial markets, and staying abreast of the latest market tools and strategies. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills are also essential.

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