Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for the fourth quarter were $262 million, up 19% from the prior quarter and 31% year-over-year, driven by stronger revenues and lower provision for credit losses [4] - Net interest margin expanded for the eighth consecutive quarter to 3.31%, benefiting from an improved funding mix [4][9] - Annualized average loans were flat compared to the last quarter, but period-end balances increased by $615 million [4][16] - Tangible book value per share increased by 21% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive year of growth over 20% [7][22] - Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.76 from $1.48 last quarter and $1.34 a year ago [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $56 million or 9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 [9] - Customer-related noninterest income was $177 million for the quarter, up from $163 million in the prior period [11] - Adjusted customer-related noninterest income, excluding net CVA, was a record $175 million for the quarter [12] - Capital markets fees, excluding net CVA, increased by 25% compared to the full year 2024 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average non-interest-bearing deposits grew by $1.7 billion or 6% compared to the prior quarter [17] - Period-end deposit balances grew by $766 million versus the prior quarter [19] - The cost of total deposits declined by 11 basis points sequentially to 1.56% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase capital distributions while continuing to strengthen capital [7][22] - Focus on small business lending is central to growth strategy, with a near doubling of SBA 7 loans and a 53% increase in dollars produced [42] - Increased marketing and business development expenses are part of a strategy to revamp products and drive growth [30][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of performance despite industry disruptions from the pandemic and regional bank crisis [6] - The outlook for net interest income for 2026 is moderately increasing, supported by favorable earning asset and interest-bearing liability remix [10] - Management is cautious about potential economic impacts on credit quality but remains optimistic about growth in commercial loans [49][81] Other Important Information - The company reported a $6 million provision for credit losses, which, combined with net charge-offs, reduced the allowance for credit losses by $1 million [20] - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans declined to 1% [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense guidance - The base for the moderately increasing guide should exclude the charitable contribution for this quarter [25][26] Question: Increased competition in markets - Management acknowledged ongoing competition but emphasized that increased marketing spend is driven by internal product revamps rather than new entrants [28][30] Question: NII outlook for 2026 - Management indicated potential for a remix on both sides of the balance sheet contributing to NII outcomes, with a focus on granular deposit growth [34][35] Question: Loan growth dynamics - Management highlighted strong growth in small business lending and a focus on C&I and owner-occupied loans [42][45] Question: Timing of share buybacks - Management indicated that they are nearing a position to start accelerating capital returns, but no specific timing was provided [51][52] Question: Source of deposit growth - Management expects growth across both non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing deposits, driven by strategic initiatives [57] Question: Non-interest-bearing deposits growth - Management reported growth from new customer acquisitions and expects this trend to continue [60][62] Question: Fixed rate asset repricing - Management noted that current fixed loan repricing impacts are around one basis point, with expectations of potential erosion from future rate cuts [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for the fourth quarter were $262 million, up 19% from the prior quarter and 31% year-over-year, driven by stronger revenues and lower provision for credit losses [5] - Net interest margin expanded for the eighth consecutive quarter to 3.31%, benefiting from an improved funding mix [5][9] - Annualized average loans were flat compared to the last quarter, but period-end balances increased by $615 million [5][16] - Tangible book value per share increased by 21% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive year of growth over 20% [7][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted PPNR for the quarter was $331 million, down 6% sequentially but up 6% year-over-year [7] - Customer-related noninterest income reached $177 million, a record for the company, up from $163 million in the prior period [12] - Capital markets fees, excluding net CVA, increased by 25% compared to the full year 2024, driven by higher customer swaps and investment banking revenues [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposits increased by 2.3% compared to the prior quarter, with average non-interest-bearing deposits growing by $1.7 billion or 6% [16][17] - Period-end deposit balances grew by $766 million versus the prior quarter, allowing for a reduction in higher-cost short-term borrowings [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase capital distributions while continuing to strengthen capital [6][22] - Focus on small business lending is central to growth strategy, with a near doubling of SBA 7(a) loans and a 53% increase in dollars produced [44] - Increased marketing and business development expenses are part of a strategy to revamp products and drive growth [31][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of performance despite industry disruptions, particularly in credit quality [6][22] - The outlook for net interest income for 2026 is moderately increasing, supported by favorable earning asset and interest-bearing liability remix [10] - Management is cautious about potential rate cuts and their impact on asset sensitivity, indicating a balanced approach to growth and risk management [39][102] Other Important Information - The company made a $15 million donation to its charitable foundation, which will be spent over the next three years [6] - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans declined to 1%, with net charge-offs at 5 basis points [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense guidance - The base for the moderately increasing guide should exclude the charitable contribution for the quarter [25][26] Question: Increased competition in markets - Management acknowledged ongoing competition but emphasized that increased marketing spend is driven by internal product revamps rather than new entrants [29][31] Question: NII outlook for 2026 - Management indicated potential for remixing on both sides of the balance sheet contributing to NII outcomes, with a focus on granular deposit growth [34][36] Question: Loan growth dynamics - Management highlighted strong growth in small business lending and a focus on C&I and owner-occupied loans, with expectations for continued growth in these areas [43][46] Question: Capital return timing - Management indicated that they are nearing a position to consider capital returns, with expectations for acceleration in the second half of the year [51][52] Question: Non-interest-bearing deposits growth - Management reported growth in new customer acquisitions and emphasized the importance of building a solid base of granular accounts [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings for Q4 2025 were $262 million, up 19% from the prior quarter and 31% year-over-year, driven by stronger revenues and lower provision for credit losses [4] - Net interest margin expanded for the eighth consecutive quarter to 3.31%, benefiting from an improved funding mix [4] - Tangible book value per share increased by 21% year-over-year, marking the third consecutive year of growth greater than 20% [6][22] - Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.76, up from $1.48 in the previous quarter and $1.34 a year ago [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net interest income increased by $56 million or 9% compared to Q4 2024 and by $11 million from the prior quarter [10] - Customer-related noninterest income was $177 million for the quarter, up from $163 million in the prior period and $176 million year-over-year [12] - Adjusted noninterest expense was $548 million, up 5% from the prior quarter and 8% year-over-year, including a $15 million charitable donation [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average loans were flat compared to the previous quarter but increased by 2.5% year-over-year, with period-end loans rising by $615 million sequentially [11][16] - Average non-interest-bearing deposits grew by $1.7 billion or 6% compared to the prior quarter [17] - The cost of total deposits declined by 11 basis points sequentially to 1.56% [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase capital distributions while continuing to strengthen capital [6][22] - Focus on small business lending is central to growth strategy, with a near doubling of SBA 7 loans and a 53% increase in dollars produced [54] - Increased marketing and business development expenses are part of a strategy to revamp products and drive growth [33][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of performance despite past industry disruptions, highlighting stability in credit outcomes [5] - The outlook for net interest income for 2026 is moderately increasing relative to 2025, supported by favorable asset and liability remix [10] - Management anticipates continued growth in commercial loans, particularly in C&I and owner-occupied subcategories [17] Other Important Information - The company reported a $6 million provision for credit losses, which, combined with net charge-offs, reduced the allowance for credit losses by $1 million [20] - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans declined to 1% [21] - The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio for the quarter was 11.5%, indicating a strong capital position [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on expense guidance - Management clarified that the base for expense guidance should exclude the charitable contribution for the quarter [25][26] Question: Increased competition in markets - Management acknowledged ongoing competition but emphasized that increased marketing spend is driven by internal product revamps rather than new entrants [29][33] Question: NII outlook for 2026 - Management indicated that funding for loan growth will come from deposit growth and potential remixing from securities [39][44] Question: Loan growth dynamics - Management highlighted a focus on small business lending and noted strong growth in SBA loans, with expectations for continued growth in this area [54][56] Question: Timing of share buybacks - Management suggested that they are nearing a position to consider capital returns, potentially in the second half of the year [65][66] Question: Non-interest-bearing deposits growth - Management reported growth in new customer acquisitions and emphasized the importance of building a solid base of granular accounts [84][89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per diluted share of $1.58 for the fourth quarter, representing a 32% increase from the third quarter of 2025 and a 33% increase from the fourth quarter of 2024 [9] - Full year earnings per share was $5.25 on an operating basis and $5.06 on a GAAP basis, with net income available to common shareholders at $86.4 million for the quarter and $276.5 million for the year [9] - The return on average assets was 1.62% for the year, and the return on common equity was nearly 17% [9] - The tangible book value grew 4% to $33.62 per share [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was annualized at 12%, with a significant increase in the loan pipeline, which rose by 11% quarter-over-quarter [3] - The C&I book experienced nearly 10% growth during the year, marking the highest growth rate in that segment in several years [7] - Non-interest revenue saw a 26% growth from the full year 2024 to 2025, driven by increased service charges [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has expanded its correspondent banking relationships to 388, including 145 that settle at the Federal Reserve Bank [5] - The new Texas banking team is expected to drive growth, with a focus on C&I lending rather than commercial real estate [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly through the expansion in Texas, which is expected to contribute significantly to loan balances and deposits in 2026 [49] - The efficiency ratio is expected to remain in the low 30s as the Texas team builds its book of business [51] - The company is actively managing its loan portfolio and has a disciplined approach to loan pricing, which has contributed to margin expansion [10][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan demand, particularly in the C&I sector, indicating a positive trend compared to previous quarters [24] - The company is prepared for potential economic fluctuations and is focused on maintaining strong liquidity levels without reliance on brokered deposits [15] - Management noted that while there are challenges in hiring due to competition, they are committed to bringing in quality talent to support growth [60] Other Important Information - The company paid down $30 million of subordinated debt at a cost of 4.5% [14] - The company has no brokered deposits or FHLB debt, maintaining a strong liquidity position [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in loan payoffs and expectations for loan growth - Management noted that projected payoffs have decreased significantly this quarter, leading to a more optimistic outlook for loan growth [21] Question: Economic backdrop and commercial loan demand - Management rated current commercial loan demand as slightly better than before, indicating a positive trend in C&I growth [24] Question: Margin expectations and fee collection impact - Management indicated that the December margin is a good starting point for 2026, with expectations for continued margin expansion [30] Question: Charge-offs and non-performing loans - The charge-off was related to a healthcare asset, which was anticipated and reserved for, and management is actively working on multifamily assets [36] Question: Tax rate expectations for 2026 - Management plans to continue leveraging tax credits, particularly around solar credits, to manage the tax rate going forward [43] Question: Growth expectations for the Texas team - The Texas team's budgeted growth for 2026 is higher than any other region, with expectations for significant contributions to loan balances [49] Question: Overall expense growth for 2026 - Management anticipates high single-digit expense growth for 2026, primarily driven by new hires that will generate revenue [57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded earnings per diluted share of $1.58 for the fourth quarter, representing a 32% increase from the third quarter of 2025 and a 33% increase from the fourth quarter of 2024 [9] - Full year earnings per share was $5.25 on an operating basis and $5.06 on a GAAP basis [9] - Net income available to common shareholders was $86.4 million for the quarter and $276.5 million for the year [9] - The return on average assets was 1.62% for the year, and the return on common equity was nearly 17% [9] - The tangible book value grew 4% to $33.62 per share [9] - The net interest margin rose from 2.92% in the first quarter to 3.38% in the fourth quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was annualized at 12%, with a significant increase in the loan pipeline, which rose by 11% quarter-over-quarter [3] - The C&I book experienced nearly 10% growth during the year, marking the highest growth rate in that segment in several years [7] - Non-interest revenue saw a 26% growth from the full year 2024 to 2025, driven by service charge increases [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has expanded its correspondent banking relationships to 388, including 145 that settle at the Federal Reserve Bank [5] - The new Texas banking team is expected to drive growth, with a focus on C&I lending rather than commercial real estate [49] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly through the expansion in Texas, which is expected to contribute significantly to loan balances and deposits in 2026 [49] - The company aims to maintain a best-in-class efficiency ratio while managing costs and increasing operating leverage [10][15] - The company is optimistic about the opportunities in the Texas market and plans to hire more personnel to support growth [49][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan demand, particularly in the C&I sector, indicating a positive trend compared to previous quarters [24] - The company is prepared for potential economic fluctuations and is focused on maintaining strong liquidity levels without relying on brokered deposits [15] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by rising interest rates but remains confident in their ability to manage loan pricing effectively [30] Other Important Information - The company paid down $30 million of subordinated debt at a cost of 4.5% [14] - The efficiency ratio is expected to remain in the low 30s for 2026, reflecting the anticipated expenses associated with the Texas expansion [51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan Payoff Trends - Management noted that projected payoffs have dropped significantly quarter-over-quarter, leading to a more optimistic outlook for loan growth [21] Question: Commercial Loan Demand - Management rated current commercial loan demand as slightly better than before, indicating a positive trend in C&I growth [23] Question: Margin Expectations - The December margin is expected to serve as a good starting point for 2026, with continued margin expansion anticipated [30] Question: Charge-Off Details - The $5 million charge-off was related to a healthcare asset, which was anticipated and largely reserved for [36] Question: Tax Rate for 2026 - The company plans to continue leveraging tax credits, particularly around solar credits, to manage the tax rate going forward [44] Question: Texas Expansion Growth - The budgeted growth for the Texas team is expected to be higher than any other region, with a focus on C&I lending [49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per diluted share of $1.58 for Q4 2025, representing a 32% increase from Q3 2025 and a 33% increase from Q4 2024 [9] - Full year earnings per share was $5.25 on an operating basis and $5.06 on a GAAP basis [9] - Net income available to common shareholders was $86.4 million for the quarter and $276.5 million for the year [9] - The tangible book value grew 4% to $33.62 per share [9] - The net interest margin increased from 2.92% in Q1 2025 to 3.38% in Q4 2025 [9][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth for the quarter was annualized at 12%, with a notable 10% growth in the C&I book during the year, marking the highest growth rate in that segment in several years [4][7] - Non-interest revenue saw a 26% growth from full year 2024 to full year 2025, driven by increased service charges [12] - Non-interest expense remained flat compared to the same quarter last year and increased only 2% for the full year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has expanded its correspondent banking relationships to 388, including 145 that settle at the Federal Reserve Bank [6] - The new Texas banking team is expected to significantly contribute to growth, with a budgeted growth for 2026 higher than any other region [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, particularly through the expansion in Texas, and aims to attract high-cost deposits back if loan demand remains robust [5][14] - The management is optimistic about the Texas team's performance and anticipates hiring more personnel in the first and second quarters of 2026 [5][42] - The company plans to maintain a strong efficiency ratio while managing expenses related to the new Texas team [44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan demand, particularly in the C&I sector, indicating a positive trend compared to previous quarters [21] - The company is prepared for potential economic fluctuations and is focused on maintaining a disciplined approach to loan pricing and cost management [10][28] - The management expects continued margin expansion throughout 2026, supported by repricing opportunities on low fixed-rate loans [26] Other Important Information - The company recorded net charge-offs of approximately $6.7 million for Q4, primarily related to one credit, with an allowance for loan losses ratio of 1.25% [7][11] - The efficiency ratio dipped below 30% for the quarter, with an adjusted efficiency ratio of around 32% for the full year, marking a 14% improvement over 2024 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in loan payoffs and expectations for loan growth - Management noted that projected payoffs have dropped substantially quarter over quarter, indicating a positive trend in loan growth [19] Question: Commercial loan demand outlook - Management rated current commercial loan demand as slightly better than before, particularly in the C&I sector, which has shown significant growth [21] Question: Margin sustainability and fee collection impact - Management indicated that the December margin is a good starting point for 2026, with expectations for continued margin expansion due to disciplined loan pricing [25][26] Question: Charge-off details and non-performing loans - The charge-off was related to a healthcare asset, which was anticipated and reserved for, and management is actively working on a multifamily asset portfolio [32] Question: Tax rate expectations for 2026 - Management plans to continue leveraging tax credits, particularly around solar credits, to manage the tax rate going forward [36] Question: Growth expectations for the Texas team - The Texas team's budgeted growth for 2026 is expected to be higher than any other region, with optimism about their performance in the market [42] Question: Overall expense growth for 2026 - Management anticipates high single-digit expense growth for 2026, primarily due to new hires that are expected to generate revenue [49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annual revenue for fiscal year 2025 reached $978 million, representing a 30% increase year over year, with earnings per share of $5.72, up 16% from fiscal year 2024 [5][19] - Fourth quarter revenue was $253 million, an 18% increase year over year, with earnings of $1.51, exceeding the high end of guidance [6][20] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew to $852 million, reflecting a 2% year-over-year growth, maintaining a 100% net retention rate [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth in ARR was driven by multiple products, including ShareFile, OpenEdge, WhatsUp Gold, and DevTools, with ShareFile contributing significantly to the overall revenue growth [18][19] - Operating income for the fourth quarter was $96 million, resulting in an operating margin of 38%, which exceeded internal expectations [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The integration of ShareFile was completed successfully, contributing positively to the overall performance and customer retention [8][9] - The company opened a new facility in Costa Rica to enhance tech support and customer success, indicating a strategic move to support regional growth [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on continuing investments in AI projects, which are expected to drive future growth and customer commitment [8][32] - The M&A strategy remains selective, targeting infrastructure software vendors with solid technology and a stable customer base [15][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the FY 2026 guidance, anticipating revenue between $986 million and $1 billion, with an operating margin of 39% [24] - The management highlighted that fears regarding AI disruption in the software industry are overblown, emphasizing the continued need for reliable software solutions [28][32] Other Important Information - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of $95 million and a net debt position of $1.3 billion [20] - The company plans to aggressively repay its revolving line of credit, aiming for $250 million in repayments for fiscal 2026 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: General perspective on AI's impact on software - Management acknowledged the hype and fear surrounding AI but emphasized that businesses will continue to rely on established software solutions rather than developing their own [28][32] Question: Monetization path of AI and net retention rates - Management noted that while net retention rates remain strong, significant AI investments are still limited to a small number of tech companies, indicating that broader adoption may take time [42][43] Question: Revenue growth and free cash flow expectations - Management indicated that Q4 cash flow was strong due to backend-loaded bookings, and they expect free cash flow growth to outpace revenue growth in 2026 [45][46] Question: SaaS revenue strength and guidance - Management confirmed that Q4 saw strong SaaS revenue driven by ShareFile and other products, but they do not expect similar outsized growth in 2026 [52] Question: Retention rates of acquisition targets amid AI fears - Management observed a softening in retention rates for smaller companies, as customers are questioning their stability in the face of AI disruption [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Annual revenue for fiscal year 2025 reached $978 million, representing a 30% year-over-year increase, with earnings per share of $5.72, up 16% from fiscal year 2024 [5][19] - Fourth quarter revenue was $253 million, an 18% increase year-over-year, with earnings of $1.51, exceeding guidance [6][20] - Annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew to $852 million, reflecting a 2% year-over-year increase, maintaining a 100% net retention rate [6][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth in ARR was driven by multiple products, including ShareFile, OpenEdge, WhatsUp Gold, and DevTools [18] - ShareFile and OpenEdge outperformed internal expectations, contributing significantly to revenue growth [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong performance in the AI sector, with customer investments in AI projects driving growth [5][8] - The integration of ShareFile was highlighted as a successful acquisition, contributing positively to overall performance [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a Total Growth Strategy, with an emphasis on M&A opportunities in infrastructure software [15] - Continued investment in AI product innovations is a priority, with new offerings aimed at enhancing customer experiences [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the FY 2026 guidance, anticipating revenue between $986 million and $1 billion, with an operating margin of 39% [24] - The management acknowledged the current hype and fear surrounding AI but emphasized the importance of established software solutions in business operations [28][31] Other Important Information - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of $95 million and a net debt position of $1.3 billion [20] - A new facility in Costa Rica was opened to enhance tech support and customer success, reflecting regional growth strategies [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market evolution and AI impact on software - Management discussed the hype and fear surrounding AI, emphasizing that businesses will continue to rely on established software solutions rather than developing their own [28][30] Question: Net retention rates and AI monetization - Management noted that while net retention rates remain strong, significant AI investments are still concentrated among a small number of tech companies, indicating potential for future growth [42][43] Question: Free cash flow and seasonality - Management indicated that Q4 showed strong cash flow performance, with expectations for continued growth in free cash flow in FY 2026, without significant changes in seasonality [45][46] Question: SaaS revenue growth - Management attributed the strong SaaS revenue growth in Q4 to ShareFile and other products, but cautioned that growth rates would align more closely with overall business performance in FY 2026 [52] Question: Retention rates of acquisition targets - Management observed a softening in retention rates among smaller software companies, indicating challenges in the current market environment [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported annual revenue of $978 million, representing a 30% increase year-over-year, and earnings per share of $5.72, up 16% from fiscal year 2024 [5][18] - In Q4, revenue reached $253 million, an 18% increase year-over-year, with earnings of $1.51, exceeding the high end of guidance [7][19] - The company achieved a net retention rate of 100% and a year-over-year ARR growth of 2% to $852 million, which now constitutes over 87% of total revenue [7][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth in ARR was driven by multiple products, including ShareFile, OpenEdge, WhatsUp Gold, and DevTools [17] - ShareFile and OpenEdge outperformed internal expectations, contributing significantly to revenue growth [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong performance in the second half of FY25, particularly due to customer investments in AI projects [5][8] - The U.S. Department of Defense added Progress Federal Solutions Group to its TradeWinds Solutions Marketplace, enhancing the company's market presence [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the integration of ShareFile and Nuclia, which are expected to enhance product offerings and customer value [8][9] - The company is focused on maintaining a disciplined M&A strategy, looking for infrastructure software vendors with solid technology [15] - The company plans to continue investing in AI innovations to meet customer needs and drive growth [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in FY26 guidance, anticipating revenue between $986 million and $1 billion, with an operating margin of 39% [23] - The management highlighted that fears regarding AI disruption in the software industry may be overblown, emphasizing the continued need for reliable software solutions [30][31] - The company expects to see a gradual increase in AI-related investments from customers, similar to the early internet era [43] Other Important Information - The company maintained strong cash flow, with adjusted free cash flow of $62 million for Q4 and $247 million for the full year, marking a 16% increase over the prior year [21] - The company repurchased $40 million in stock during Q4 and $105 million for the full fiscal year [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does Progress view the evolution of AI in software? - Management acknowledged the hype and fear surrounding AI but emphasized that businesses will continue to rely on established software solutions rather than developing their own [27][30] Question: Why hasn't there been a more significant uptick in net retention rates despite AI investments? - Management indicated that most AI investments are currently limited to a small number of tech companies, and broader business spending on AI is still developing [42][43] Question: What is the outlook for free cash flow and seasonality in FY26? - Management expects free cash flow to grow significantly in FY26, with no major changes in seasonality compared to previous years [44][46] Question: What drove the strong sequential increase in SaaS revenues in Q4? - Management attributed the increase to strong performance in ShareFile and other SaaS offerings, but noted that growth would be more consistent with overall business growth in FY26 [52][53] Question: Have retention rates changed for potential acquisition targets? - Management observed a softening in growth and retention rates among smaller companies, indicating a cautious approach to acquisitions [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, the company reported annual revenue of $978 million, a 30% increase year over year, and earnings per share of $5.72, up 16% from fiscal year 2024 [5][18] - The fourth quarter revenue was $253 million, an 18% increase year over year, with earnings of $1.51, exceeding guidance [6][19] - The company achieved a 100% net retention rate and a 2% year-over-year growth in annual recurring revenue (ARR) to $852 million, which now represents over 87% of total revenue [5][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The growth in ARR was driven by multiple products, including ShareFile, OpenEdge, WhatsUp Gold, and DevTools, with ShareFile being a significant contributor to the overall revenue growth [17][18] - Operating income for Q4 was $96 million, resulting in an operating margin of 38%, which exceeded internal expectations [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong performance in the second half of the fiscal year, particularly due to customer investments in AI projects [5][7] - The integration of ShareFile and Nuclia's technology has been well-received, contributing positively to the company's product offerings and customer satisfaction [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on continuing its total growth strategy, with an emphasis on M&A opportunities among infrastructure software vendors [14][15] - The company plans to aggressively repay its revolving line of credit used for the ShareFile acquisition, aiming to improve its net leverage ratio [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the FY 2026 guidance, anticipating revenue between $986 million and $1 billion, representing 1-2% growth over 2025 [22] - The management highlighted the importance of AI in driving future growth and emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and product development [29][30] Other Important Information - The company opened a new facility in Costa Rica to enhance tech support and customer success, strengthening its regional presence [12] - The company maintained a low voluntary attrition rate of 6% for fiscal 2025, reflecting a positive workplace culture [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Perspective on AI's impact on software - Management acknowledged the hype and fear surrounding AI but emphasized that businesses will continue to rely on existing applications and tools, suggesting that fears of disruption are overblown in the near term [26][29] Question: Monetization path of AI and net retention rates - Management indicated that while net retention rates remain strong, the broader investment in AI is still limited to a small number of tech companies, suggesting that significant growth in this area may take time [39][40] Question: Revenue growth and free cash flow expectations - Management noted that Q4 cash flow was strong due to backend-loaded bookings, and they expect free cash flow growth to outpace revenue growth in 2026 [42][43] Question: SaaS revenue strength and guidance - Management confirmed that Q4 saw strong SaaS revenue growth driven by ShareFile and other products, but they do not expect this trend to dramatically outpace overall business growth in 2026 [47][48] Question: Retention rates of acquisition targets - Management observed that smaller companies are facing challenges with customer retention due to fears of AI disruption, leading to increased selectivity in acquisition targets [50][51]