Core Insights - Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has been recognized as one of the 2026 World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine, marking its 12th appearance on this prestigious list within the Financial Data Services industry category [1][2] Company Overview - Broadridge is a leading global technology provider that supports the financial services industry by delivering critical infrastructure and technology solutions for governance, capital markets, and wealth and investment management [3][6] - The company processes over 7 billion communications annually and supports daily average trading of over $15 trillion in equities, fixed income, and other securities globally [7] Recognition and Awards - Broadridge has been consistently recognized by influential industry analyst firms for its technology leadership and innovation, being named to the IDC FinTech Rankings for over a decade and recognized as a leader in wealth management, capital markets, communications, and operations [4] - The company has also received accolades for its employer leadership and inclusive culture, being certified as a Great Place to Work in multiple countries and recognized for its commitment to workplace inclusion and employee engagement [5] Industry Context - The Fortune World's Most Admired Companies list is a significant measure of corporate reputation, evaluating companies based on criteria such as innovation, long-term investment value, management quality, and global competitiveness [2][8]

Core Viewpoint - JPMorgan Asset Management has severed ties with proxy advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis, opting to use its own AI-driven voting platform, Proxy IQ, marking a significant shift in shareholder power dynamics [1][3]. Group 1: JPMorgan's Strategic Move - JPMorgan Asset Management manages over $7 trillion in client assets and is the first major asset manager to rely solely on an internal voting platform [1]. - CEO Jamie Dimon has criticized proxy advisers as "incompetent" and has declared their dominance as "done with," indicating a challenge to the existing proxy advisory system [2][3]. - The decision to replace external advisers with an internal platform allows JPMorgan to control the shareholder voting process, which it previously condemned [4]. Group 2: Political and Regulatory Context - The move follows an executive order from President Trump, which directs federal agencies to investigate proxy advisers due to concerns over their influence being driven by political agendas rather than fiduciary duties [2]. - This combination of political and financial pressure from both Trump and JPMorgan represents a significant challenge to the proxy advisory industry [2]. Group 3: Broader Industry Implications - The shift towards a more decentralized and digitally engaged electorate is part of a broader trend toward democratization in investing, allowing individual investors to have real-time access to voting [4]. - The upcoming proxy season may see individual investors playing a more significant role, potentially overshadowing traditional activist campaigns and institutional influences [5]. - Other companies, like ExxonMobil, are also adapting to elevate individual investors, reflecting a growing trend in the industry [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Broadridge reported strong first-quarter results with an 8% growth in recurring revenue on a constant currency basis and a 51% increase in adjusted EPS [5][22][29] - Total revenue increased by 12% to $1.6 billion, driven by recurring revenue growth and higher event-driven revenue [27][29] - Adjusted operating income margin expanded by 280 basis points to 15.8% [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Governance business revenues rose by 5%, driven by sales and healthy position growth [6][22] - Capital markets revenues grew by 6%, supported by new sales and higher trading volumes [12][24] - Wealth and investment management revenues surged by 22%, aided by solid organic growth and the acquisition of SIS [16][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total equity position growth was 12%, with managed accounts driving this increase [7][26] - Fund position growth was 2%, impacted by the timing of communications, but mid-single-digit growth is expected for the full year [6][26] - Trade volumes rose by 17% for the quarter, indicating strong activity in both equity and fixed income markets [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Broadridge is focused on democratizing and digitizing investing, simplifying trading, and modernizing wealth management [5][18] - The company is investing in new governance solutions, expanding tokenization capabilities, and pursuing value-added acquisitions [5][18] - Tokenization is viewed as a mega trend over the next decade, with potential benefits across various asset classes [13][19] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the higher end of the 5%-7% recurring revenue growth range and reaffirmed guidance for 8%-12% adjusted EPS growth [5][21][33] - The positive economic backdrop and healthy capital markets are expected to support continued growth [4][5] - Management highlighted the importance of innovation in driving long-term growth and position expansion [18][45] Other Important Information - Broadridge completed two tuck-in acquisitions in the first quarter to strengthen its governance business [11][20] - The company recorded a $46 million unrealized gain on digital asset holdings, which was excluded from adjusted EPS calculations [21][30] - Free cash flow generated in the first quarter was $13 million, with expectations of over 100% free cash flow conversion for fiscal 2026 [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recurring revenue outlook and EPS guidance - Management explained that the recurring revenue guidance was raised due to acquisitions and strong underlying business performance, while EPS growth is expected to remain within the 8%-12% range due to various factors [35][37] Question: Impact of government shutdown on sales cycles - Management indicated that there has been no slowdown in client conversations or deal closures due to the government shutdown, maintaining a stable selling environment [42] Question: Role of digital assets and tokenization in the business - Management sees digital assets and tokenization as a significant opportunity, with plans to drive tokenization across various asset classes [45][46] Question: Position growth trends - Management reported strong position growth in equities and funds, with expectations for continued strength throughout the year [50][51] Question: Impact of Canton Coins on revenue and GAAP volatility - Management acknowledged potential GAAP volatility from Canton Coin holdings but emphasized the company's focus on operational activities rather than investment [40][53]