Summary of Fiserv Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Fiserv - **Key Executives**: Mike Lyons (CEO), Paul Todd (CFO) [1][2] Industry Context - **Industry**: Financial Services and Payment Processing - **Market Focus**: Emphasis on banking, digital payments, and merchant services [1][2] Core Points and Arguments Guidance Reset and Strategic Direction - Fiserv reset its guidance due to overly optimistic assumptions and unsustainable short-term initiatives [2][3] - A thorough analysis identified four main drivers for the guidance adjustments: 1. Cyclical growth in Argentina contributing to organic growth [3][4] 2. Business performance not meeting expectations [4] 3. High ROI capital and operational expenditures necessary for long-term value [4] 4. Need for balance between short-term and long-term initiatives [4] Financial Performance - Organic growth forecast revised to 3.5% to 4% from an original 10% to 12% [12][13] - Argentina's contribution to growth decreased significantly, impacting overall performance [13][14] - Fiserv's structural growth capabilities are positioned for mid-single-digit growth with mid-30% margins [6][5] Argentina Operations - Argentina's business remains strong, with a focus on merchant services and anticipation revenues [14][18] - Structural changes in Argentina's economy have affected growth reporting but not the underlying business health [17][22] Product and Service Development - Clover platform remains a key focus, with plans for significant investment and enhancements [30][31] - Emphasis on vertical and horizontal expansion, including partnerships and international growth [32][34] - Development of Commerce Hub as a global omni-channel platform for merchants [46][48] Financial Solutions Segment - Issuing, banking, and digital payments are key areas, with a focus on modernization and customer experience [50][51] - Core banking transition is ongoing, with a shift from multiple platforms to a unified system [67][70] Leadership and Organizational Changes - New leadership team aims to enhance client experience and product offerings [82][83] - Focus on retaining talent and improving internal communication during the transition [83][84] Additional Important Insights - The company is exploring divestitures of non-core businesses to optimize capital allocation [78][79] - Bank M&A activity is increasing, but Fiserv does not expect significant impacts on its core business [75][76] - The company is committed to delivering value to customers and shareholders through disciplined investment strategies [78][79] Conclusion - Fiserv is navigating a challenging environment with a focus on long-term growth, product development, and strategic adjustments to its operations and guidance. The leadership transition is aimed at revitalizing the company and enhancing its market position.

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]