FICO(US:FICO)2025-11-05 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q4 revenues of $516 million, up 14% year-over-year, and full fiscal year revenues of $1.991 billion, up 16% compared to the prior year [6][22] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $155 million, an increase of 14%, with GAAP earnings of $6.42 per share, up 18% from the prior year [29] - For the full fiscal year, GAAP net income was $652 million, equating to $26.54 of earnings per share, up 27% and 30% respectively [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the software segment, Q4 revenues were $204 million, flat year-over-year, while for the full year, revenues were $822 million, up 3% from last year [7][22] - The scores segment saw Q4 revenues of $312 million, up 25% year-over-year, driven primarily by B2B scores, which were up 29% [9][23] - Total scores revenues for the full year were $1.169 billion, up 27%, with mortgage origination revenues up 52% year-over-year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas region accounted for 87% of total company revenues, while EMEA generated 8% and Asia-Pacific delivered 5% [22] - The company noted that mortgage origination revenues accounted for 55% of B2B revenue and 45% of total scores revenue [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to advance its direct and indirect distribution strategy and invest to capture market opportunities from innovations like the FICO Platform [9] - The FICO Mortgage Direct License Program aims to drive competition and transparency in the mortgage market, allowing trimerge resellers to calculate and distribute FICO scores directly [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving stronger growth in fiscal 2026, guiding for revenues of $2.35 billion, an increase of 18% over fiscal 2025 [33] - The company remains conservative in its guidance due to uncertainties in the macro environment, particularly regarding mortgage volumes and interest rates [72][78] Other Important Information - The company reported free cash flow of $211 million in Q4, with total free cash flow of $739 million over the last four quarters, representing a 22% increase year-over-year [30] - The company has a patent portfolio of over 230 issued patents, reinforcing its position in responsible AI development [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Broader discussions with the FHFA and approval timeline for FICO 10T - Management confirmed constructive conversations with the FHFA and expressed confidence in the eventual release of FICO 10T [37] Question: Assumptions around the direct licensing model and its impact - Management indicated a conservative approach to guidance due to uncertainties in the macro environment and potential timing lags in performance-based fees [40][41] Question: Long-term pricing strategy and adjustments - Management stated that while they see a value gap in pricing, specific future pricing strategies remain uncertain [45][46] Question: Feedback from lenders on pricing models - Positive reception to the direct model was noted, with lenders appreciating the optionality provided by the two pricing models [50] Question: Adoption of FICO 10T in the non-conforming market - Management highlighted the importance of predictiveness in the non-conforming market and noted ongoing positive feedback from lenders [53] Question: Mortgage volume assumptions and potential upside - Management emphasized conservatism in volume assumptions, particularly regarding interest rates and market share retention [78] Question: Implementation progress with resellers - Management confirmed that resellers are on pace for adoption and that operational hurdles are minimal [82] Question: Performance model availability and pricing flexibility - Management clarified that pricing for the multi-year agreement with Zactus is set for 2026, with annual adjustments expected thereafter [75]