FactSet(FDS)2025-03-20 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, organic ASV grew by 4.1% year-over-year, with an adjusted operating margin of 37.3% and adjusted diluted EPS of 571 million, while organic revenues grew by 4% to 150 million in Q2, up 23% over the same period last year [44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth management saw double-digit growth, with significant wins including a contract with UBS [15][16] - The banking segment faced challenges, but renewal activity increased, with over a dozen large banking renewals signed [18][20] - PEVC experienced accelerated double-digit growth, while asset management faced headwinds due to cost rationalization [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, organic ASV grew by 4%, while EMEA saw 3% growth and Asia-Pacific maintained 7% growth [12][13][14] - The wealth segment is gaining market share, particularly in the Americas, with expansion opportunities in Europe and Asia [16][17][118] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving top-line growth, with a strong sales pipeline and product-led innovation [25][26] - Recent acquisitions, including LiquidityBook, are expected to enhance service offerings and cross-sell opportunities [23][27][111] - The strategy includes expanding into new regions and adding services to existing clients, particularly in wealth management [119] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges a challenging market environment but expresses confidence in the sales pipeline and product innovation [10][11] - There is optimism about growth acceleration in the second half of the fiscal year, with reaffirmed guidance for organic ASV growth [47][50] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on Gen AI products and improve client engagement [31][50] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 137,000 shares for approximately $64 million during the quarter [45] - The effective tax rate for Q2 was 15.9%, a decrease from the previous year [42] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders while maintaining investment-grade ratings [46][47] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the traction with Gen AI products? - Management reported strong momentum with PitchCreator and other Gen AI products, with positive client reception and active trials [56][62] Question: Is the environment improving or is the company performing better in a challenging market? - Management believes they have de-risked major challenges and are seeing strength across all markets, with a positive outlook for the second half [68][71] Question: How does banking factor into the guidance range? - Management indicated that they are not relying on banking for their numbers, with conservative estimates baked into the guidance [76][80] Question: Is the UBS Vault deal included in ASV this quarter? - Yes, the UBS deal was signed in the quarter, but the ASV impact will be realized in the following quarters [84][87] Question: What is the pricing outlook given the lower CPI? - Management expects international pricing to align with the lower CPI, impacting annual price increases [90][92] Question: How are technology costs impacting margins? - Management is actively managing technology and people costs, with expectations of a ramp-up in expenses for strategic investments in the second half [96][100]