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Northern Trust(NTRS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a first quarter net income of 392millionandearningspershare(EPS)of392 million and earnings per share (EPS) of 1.90, with a return on average common equity of 13% [22][24] - EPS, excluding notable items, increased by 13% year-over-year, while expenses rose by 3% sequentially and 4.8% year-over-year [8][26][34] - The company generated a return on common equity of 13% and returned 435milliontoshareholdersthroughdividendsandstockrepurchases[8][38]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesTrustinvestmentandotherservicingfeestotaled435 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases [8][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Trust investment and other servicing fees totaled 1.2 billion, reflecting a 1% sequential decline but a 6% increase compared to the previous year [24] - Asset servicing fees amounted to 672million,withcustodyandfundadministrationfeesup4672 million, with custody and fund administration fees up 4% year-over-year [27][28] - Wealth management assets under management were 447 billion, up 6% year-over-year, with trust investment and other servicing fees increasing by 8% [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Assets under custody and administration increased by 1% sequentially and 3% year-over-year, while assets under management were flat sequentially but up 7% year-over-year [24][29] - The company experienced a healthy increase in deposit levels as clients adopted a risk-off approach, leading to positive liquidity flows [15][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing growth through collaboration between business units and advancing enterprise-wide growth initiatives, particularly in alternative investment solutions and family office services [10][11] - The launch of Family Office Solutions aims to enhance service offerings for ultra-high-net-worth clients, targeting individuals with over 100millioninnetworth[13][60]Thecompanyisalsoinvestingintechnologytoimproveoperationalefficiencyandproductivity,includingthedeploymentofmachinelearningandautomation[100][101]ManagementsCommentsonOperatingEnvironmentandFutureOutlookManagementexpressedconfidenceinnavigatingachallengingmacroeconomicenvironment,highlightingthestrengthofthebalancesheetandtheabilitytomeetevolvingclientneeds[20][19]Thecompanyanticipatescontinuedstrongdepositlevelsandstabledepositmix,raisingitsfullyearnetinterestincomeguidancefromlowsingledigitgrowthtolowtomidsingledigitgrowth[39][40]OtherImportantInformationThecompanyreportedacommonequityTier1ratioof12.9100 million in net worth [13][60] - The company is also investing in technology to improve operational efficiency and productivity, including the deployment of machine learning and automation [100][101] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment, highlighting the strength of the balance sheet and the ability to meet evolving client needs [20][19] - The company anticipates continued strong deposit levels and stable deposit mix, raising its full-year net interest income guidance from low single-digit growth to low to mid-single-digit growth [39][40] Other Important Information - The company reported a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 12.9%, indicating strong capital levels well above regulatory minimums [37] - The unrealized pretax loss on available-for-sale securities was 527 million, with a payout ratio of 116% reflecting the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII guidance and deposit beta assumptions - Management indicated that deposit betas remain stable, with institutional business closer to 100% and wealth business around 60-70% [44][45] Question: Fee outlook and expense management - Management reaffirmed the commitment to keep expense growth below 5%, with flexibility to adjust discretionary spending as needed [47][48] Question: Capital markets activity and its continuation - Management noted that increased market volatility has driven capital markets activity, particularly in foreign exchange and brokerage services [55][56] Question: Family Office Solutions and its market potential - Management highlighted the large addressable market for ultra-high-net-worth clients and the ongoing hiring to support growth in this segment [80][81] Question: Impact of market volatility on new business and client attrition - Management acknowledged that market volatility can influence client decision-making, but noted no significant impacts observed yet [136][137]