Financial Performance - The company reported a strong fourth quarter with EPS growth of 14% year over year, supported by record quarterly fee and total revenue [7][17] - For the full year, EPS was $10.30, up 19% year over year, with total revenue reaching approximately $14 billion, a 7% increase from the prior year [7][18] - Pre-tax margin improved to approximately 31% in Q4 and 29% for the full year, up from 28% in 2024, indicating positive operating leverage [7][19] Business Line Performance - Investment services surpassed $50 trillion in Assets Under Custody and Administration (AUCA) for the first time, with servicing fee revenue growing by 8% year over year [8][20] - Investment management revenue reached a record with management fees increasing 15% year over year, driven by higher average market levels and net inflows of $85 billion [10][22] - State Street Markets saw solid growth in FX trading services and securities finance, with FX trading revenue up 13% year over year [12][22] Market Data - The company achieved record AUCA of $53.8 trillion, a 16% increase year over year, driven by higher market levels and positive client flows [20] - The private markets business demonstrated strong growth of 12% in 2025, now representing approximately 10% of servicing fees [21] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on leveraging AI-enabled capabilities and enhancing client engagement through strategic initiatives in private markets, wealth services, and digital assets [6][15] - A partnership with Apex Fintech Solutions aims to strengthen market position in wealth services, while the digital asset platform is designed to bridge traditional and digital finance [9][10] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, highlighting a focus on technology-led innovation and transformation to enhance operations and client service [15][30] - The company anticipates fee revenue growth of 4%-6% in 2026, driven by servicing and management fees, with expectations for net interest income to increase in low single digits [29][30] Other Important Information - The company returned over $2.1 billion in capital to shareholders in 2025, with a total payout ratio of approximately 80% [14][28] - Productivity savings of $500 million were achieved in 2025, enabling reinvestment in strategic growth initiatives [13][27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on operating leverage and AI's impact - Management discussed balancing investments for growth while maintaining operating leverage, emphasizing that AI will play a larger role in enhancing efficiency and margins in the future [32][36] Question: Digital asset strategy and client interest - Management clarified that the focus is on digitalizing transactions rather than cryptocurrencies, with tokenized money market funds being a key area of interest [44][45] Question: Net interest income (NII) expectations - Management indicated that while Q4 NII was strong, some seasonal factors may moderate expectations for 2026, but net interest margin is expected to grow [54][56] Question: Balance sheet optimization and growth - Management confirmed that balance sheet optimization efforts are ongoing, with expectations for stable deposits and a focus on high-quality lending relationships [62][66]