Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $201.1 million for Q1 2025, a decrease of $2.3 million or 1.1% from Q1 2024 [19] - Adjusted EBITDA was $68.2 million, an increase of $13 million or 23.6% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 33.9%, up approximately 680 basis points from the previous year [21][19] - Adjusted non-GAAP gross margin was 63.7%, approximately 310 basis points higher than Q1 2024, driven by a favorable sales mix and cost control initiatives [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Software Solutions net sales represented 42.1% of total net sales, an increase of approximately 260 basis points year-over-year [7] - ActiveDisclosure sales grew approximately 11% year-over-year, while Venue sales declined by approximately 9% [22] - The Investment Company Software Solutions segment saw net sales increase by 20.2% year-over-year, primarily driven by tailored shareholder report solutions [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital Markets Compliance revenue decreased by $7.8 million year-over-year, primarily due to the exit from low-margin proxy statement activities [25] - The global equity deal market showed modest recovery in January and February but faced increased volatility in March, impacting overall deal activity [25] - Approximately 75% of the company's revenue is based on recurring sources, providing stability during market volatility [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to derive approximately 60% of total net sales from Software Solutions by 2028, focusing on becoming a software-centric company [8] - Continued investment in software offerings and technologies, including automation and AI-driven tools, is a priority to support growth and operational efficiency [12] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation, including share repurchases and organic investments [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged uncertainty in the global operating environment but expressed confidence in the company's strong balance sheet and liquidity to execute its strategy [16] - The company does not anticipate significant operational impacts from recent tariffs due to its predominantly U.S.-based operations [13] - Future growth is expected to be supported by latent demand for transactions and a favorable regulatory landscape, although market volatility must subside for this to materialize [36] Other Important Information - The company amended and extended its credit agreement, providing for a $115 million Term Loan A and extending the maturity of a $300 million revolving credit facility [17] - Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $51 million, primarily due to unfavorable working capital timing [30] - The company repurchased approximately 861,000 shares for $41.8 million during the first quarter, with additional repurchases in April [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the higher margins and revenue performance? - Management attributed the higher margins to incremental cost reduction actions and higher capital markets transactional sales, which exceeded guidance [38][39] Question: Can you provide more detail on Q2 segment-level guidance? - Management expects ActiveDisclosure to continue performing well, while Venue will face tough comparisons. Compliance revenue is expected to decline modestly [42][43] Question: How has the active disclosure side performed in terms of market share? - Management noted continued progress in client growth and revenue retention, with a strong market position in active disclosure services [54][60] Question: What is the outlook for share repurchases? - Management indicated a consistent approach to being more aggressive at lower prices while maintaining share repurchases as a priority in capital deployment [79][82]