Discover the differences between small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap stocks. Make informed investment decisions with VanEck’s comprehensive guide.Small-Cap vs Mid-Cap vs Large-Cap: Market Capitalization ExplainedKey Takeaways:Market cap defines a stock’s risk and growth potential; small caps offer higher upside with more volatility, while large caps provide greater stability.Diversifying across small, mid, and large-cap stocks helps balance risk and return in a portfolio.Investment strategy matters. Growth, v ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) grew 19% year-over-year, reaching $1.032 billion, with fully ramped ARR increasing 22% on a constant currency basis [7][19] - Total revenue for the year was $1.2 billion, exceeding expectations, with subscription revenue at $667 million, up 40% year-over-year [20][22] - Operating income was $208 million, up 109% year-over-year, with cash flow from operations at $301 million [23][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed 19 core cloud deals in Q4, totaling 57 for the year, indicating healthy annual growth in deal count [12] - Subscription and support gross margins finished the year at 70%, reflecting improved cloud margins [8][22] - Services revenue grew 21% year-over-year, reaching $219 million, supported by strong partnerships with the SI community [22][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America showed exceptional win rates, while Europe closed 11 deals for the year, indicating strong geographic performance [14][15] - Latin America experienced a sharp increase in market momentum, closing three deals in Q4 [14] - The Asia-Pacific region saw success in Australia and New Zealand, positioning the company well for long-term growth [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its cloud platform and enhancing data-driven analytics and AI applications to modernize the P&C insurance industry [9][10] - The acquisition of Quanti aims to modernize pricing operations and product management across the industry [9] - The company is optimistic about leveraging generative AI to improve operational efficiencies and customer outcomes [10][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand for the Guidewire Cloud Platform, with a healthy pipeline entering fiscal 2026 [8][24] - The company anticipates ARR growth of 17% for fiscal 2026, with total revenue expected between $1.385 and $1.405 billion [24][26] - Management highlighted the importance of customer success and project implementation quality in driving low ARR attrition rates [30][32] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with $1.5 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, indicating strong financial health [23] - The Guidewire Marketplace has expanded to over 300 third-party applications, enhancing the platform's value proposition [60][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers behind the record low ARR attrition? - Management attributed the low attrition to a durable customer base, focus on project success, and proactive customer engagement [30][32] Question: How should investors think about platform expansion post-cloud transition? - Management indicated that the next phase involves focusing on data and analytics, with significant opportunities in pricing and underwriting [34][37] Question: How does premium growth impact the business model? - Management clarified that while premium growth benefits the company, the complexity of contract structures means it does not directly translate to revenue [41][43] Question: What is the competitive landscape like? - Management noted that demand for modernization remains strong, and minimizing project failure risks is key to driving growth [49][50] Question: Can you discuss the Liberty Mutual deal's significance? - Management emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership and its potential to set a precedent for future long-term commitments [56][66] Question: How is the company leveraging AI in its services? - Management confirmed that AI is a primary focus for enhancing service delivery and minimizing modernization risks [64][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) grew 19% year-over-year, reaching $1.032 billion, with fully ramped ARR increasing by 22% on a constant currency basis [5][17] - Total revenue for the year was $1.2 billion, exceeding expectations, with subscription revenue at $667 million, up 40% year-over-year [18] - Operating income was $208 million, up 109% year-over-year, with cash flow from operations at $301 million [20][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed 19 core cloud deals in Q4, totaling 57 for the year, indicating healthy annual growth in deal count [10] - Subscription and support revenue increased by 33% year-over-year, while services revenue grew by 21% [19] - Total cloud ARR grew 36% year-over-year, comprising 74% of total ARR [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America showed strong performance with a stable win rate, while Europe closed 11 deals for the year, and Latin America saw a sharp increase with three deals in Q4 [11][12] - The Asia-Pacific region benefited from successes in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, positioning the company well for long-term growth [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its cloud platform and expanding its data-driven analytics and AI applications to modernize the insurance industry [7][8] - The acquisition of Quanti aims to modernize pricing operations and product management across the industry [7] - The company is optimistic about leveraging generative AI to improve operational efficiencies and customer outcomes [8][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong demand for the Guidewire Cloud Platform and the healthy pipeline entering fiscal 2026 [6][21] - The company anticipates ARR growth of 17% for fiscal 2026, with total revenue expected between $1.385 and $1.405 billion [21][22] - Management highlighted the importance of customer success and project implementation quality in driving low ARR attrition rates [28][29] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with $1.5 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and investments [20] - The professional services team is focused on improving the pace and predictability of cloud program implementations [62] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers behind the record low ARR attrition? - Management attributed the low attrition to a durable customer base, focus on project success, and proactive customer engagement [28][29] Question: How should investors think about platform expansion post-cloud transition? - Management indicated that the next phase involves focusing on data and analytics, with significant potential in pricing, underwriting, and claims [33][34] Question: How does premium growth impact the business model? - Management clarified that while premium growth generally benefits the company, the complexity of contract structures means it does not directly translate to revenue [39][41] Question: What is the competitive landscape like? - Management noted that the demand for modernization remains strong, and minimizing the risk of project failure is key to driving growth [47][48] Question: Can you discuss the Liberty Mutual deal and its implications? - Management described the deal as significant but noted it is not yet a pattern for all Tier 1 conversations [54] Question: How is the Guidewire Marketplace performing? - Management highlighted the importance of third-party development and the potential for innovation through the marketplace [58][59] Question: How is AI being integrated into service operations? - Management confirmed that AI is a primary focus for improving deployment efficiency and minimizing modernization risks [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a total revenue of $294 million, reflecting a 22% year-over-year growth and exceeding the high end of the outlook [24] - Subscription and support revenue reached $182 million, showing a 32% year-over-year growth [24] - The annual recurring revenue (ARR) finished at $960 million, allowing the company to raise its full-year outlook to exceed $1 billion [10][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed 17 cloud deals in Q3, including 14 for InsuranceSuite applications and 3 for InsuranceNow, indicating strong sales activity [9] - The company secured its first Guidewire Industry Intelligence sale, which is expected to be a significant revenue source [13] - Services revenue finished at $54 million, benefiting from strong bookings and higher utilization rates [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced significant international momentum, with cloud expansions in Canada and wins in APAC and EMEA [11] - The company noted strong demand for its cloud offerings, particularly in the high-end market with Tier one and Tier two insurers [9][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving growth through its Guidewire Cloud Platform, which is seen as critical for insurers to modernize their operations [8] - The company is committed to the Japanese market, planning a $60 million investment over the next five years to enhance local operations [17][40] - The acquisition of Quanti is expected to enhance the company's pricing and rating technology, providing more agility to insurance companies [20][92] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining upper teens growth for fully ramped ARR, emphasizing the importance of Q4 for closing large deals [36] - The company highlighted the agility it provides to insurers, which is crucial for addressing the widening coverage gap in the industry [60] - Management noted that the company is well-positioned to continue its cloud transformation and support innovation in the insurance industry [21] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with over $1.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with operating cash flow at $32 million [28] - The company raised its ARR outlook for fiscal year 2025 to between $1.012 billion and $1.022 billion, reflecting a growth of 17% to 18% year-over-year [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the fully ramped ARR outlook for this year? - Management indicated strong momentum and confidence in maintaining upper teens growth for fully ramped ARR, with Q4 being critical for large commitments [35][36] Question: What is the secret to winning cloud deals in the Japanese market? - Management emphasized commitment to the Japanese market and the importance of delivering successful outcomes for customers [40][41] Question: Was there any pull forward from Q4 due to Q3 outperformance? - Management clarified that there was no significant pull forward, attributing Q3 success to strong execution across all tiers [48][52] Question: How is the company leveraging AI in its operations? - Management discussed broad applications of generative AI across the product suite, particularly in claims workflows and developer productivity [75] Question: What is the incremental functionality from the Quanti acquisition? - The acquisition is expected to enhance pricing and rating technology applicable to all customers, providing more flexibility and agility [92]