FactSet(US:FDS)2025-09-18 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For FY25, the company added $127 million of organic ASV, near the top end of guidance range [12] - Annual revenue increased to $2.3 billion, with an adjusted operating margin of 36.3% and adjusted EPS growing to $16.98 [13] - Q4 organic ASV reached $81.8 million, the largest quarter in company history, representing a sequential growth acceleration of 5.7% [13][22] - Q4 revenues increased 6.2% year over year, reaching $597 million, with FY25 delivering 5.4% overall revenue growth [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wealth management delivered strong Q4 performance with organic growth exceeding 10%, driven by seven-figure deals [15] - Off-platform ASV with wealth clients grew more than 50% year-over-year [15] - Dealmaker's organic ASV grew 4% year-over-year, with strong quarterly results in banking [16] - The integration of Irwin and FactSet is driving growth in corporate IR needs [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, organic ASV growth accelerated to 6%, with asset managers increasing technology investments [14] - EMEA organic ASV growth improved to 4%, with strategic wins including competitor displacement [14] - Asia-Pacific organic ASV growth increased 7%, driven by strong demand for middle office solutions and AI-ready data [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the leading AI-powered financial intelligence platform, focusing on client engagement and product innovation [5][10] - Strategic investments in AI and data solutions are expected to drive top-line growth and enhance client workflows [10][28] - The company plans to expand its offerings in data feeds and analytics solutions to meet the growing needs of advisors [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges tight client budgets and evolving market dynamics, leading to longer sales cycles [19] - The company is positioned at an inflection point with strategic investments beginning to translate into competitive advantages [32] - Guidance for FY26 anticipates organic ASV growth of $100 million to $150 million, reflecting a conservative approach due to current market conditions [30][31] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 260,000 shares for $107 million during the quarter, concluding a $300 million share repurchase program [24] - A quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share was paid, marking the 26th consecutive year of dividend increases [25] - The company divested RMS Partners to concentrate resources on core growth areas [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin decline breakdown and future outlook - Management indicated that margin decline is due to bonus normalization and additional hiring for investments, with expectations for operating leverage in the future [36][38] Question: AI strategy and competitive dynamics - The focus will be on understanding client priorities and enhancing product offerings, with AI seen as a significant opportunity for growth [41][42] Question: Strength in wealth management and future growth - The company sees ongoing demand for analytics and AI in wealth management, with opportunities for seven-figure deals and geographic expansion [46][48] Question: AI strategy and competitive moat - AI investments are expected to enhance internal efficiencies and client engagement, with a strong focus on implementation quality [52][56] Question: Trends in bank hiring - Improved hiring trends were noted in Q4, with expectations for continued momentum in the banking sector [73] Question: Accelerating organic revenue growth - The company believes that increased use of analytics and AI will drive demand for services, with a focus on executing existing opportunities [81][82]