Q4 Financial Results Overview: SS&C (NASDAQ:SSNC) Compared to Other Data & Business Process Services Companies

Q4 Review: Data & Business Process Services Stocks Performance

As the earnings season wraps up, it's an ideal moment to reflect on which companies in the data and business process services sector excelled and which faced challenges. Here’s a breakdown of how these stocks performed in the fourth quarter, starting with SS&C (NASDAQ:SSNC).

Industry Overview

The growing dependence on data analytics and the push for greater efficiency through outsourcing are driving demand in this sector. As more business functions—like payroll, HR, and credit risk evaluation—become digitized, leading companies in data and business process services are likely to see increased opportunities. However, the industry also faces obstacles, including stricter regulations around data privacy and security, such as GDPR and new U.S. laws, which may restrict data usage and monetization. Additionally, the rise in cyberattacks poses significant risks for firms managing sensitive information, potentially leading to negative publicity if breaches occur.

Sector-Wide Q4 Results

Among the nine data and business process services companies we monitor, the fourth quarter was generally positive. Collectively, these firms surpassed revenue forecasts by 2.1%, and their guidance for the next quarter’s revenue was in line with expectations.

Following these results, share prices for the group have remained stable, with an average increase of 3.9% since their earnings announcements.

Spotlight: SS&C Technologies (NASDAQ:SSNC)

Founded in 1986 to bridge the gap between technology and financial services, SS&C Technologies delivers software and technology-enabled solutions that help financial institutions and healthcare organizations streamline complex operations.

In Q4, SS&C reported $1.65 billion in revenue, marking an 8.1% year-over-year increase and beating analyst estimates by 1.9%. The company not only exceeded full-year EPS guidance but also raised its revenue outlook above expectations, signaling a robust performance.

“Our 2025 outlook demonstrates outstanding execution and the strength of our comprehensive product and service offerings. This quarter, we achieved record adjusted revenues of $1,655 million and adjusted consolidated EBITDA of $651 million, positioning us well for 2026,” said Bill Stone, Chairman and CEO.

SS&C led the group with the largest increase in full-year guidance. Despite these strong results, the stock price has remained flat since the report and is currently trading at $75.19.

Top Performer: Broadridge (NYSE:BR)

Broadridge Financial Solutions processes over $10 trillion in daily equity and fixed income trades and manages proxy voting for more than 800 million equity positions. The company offers technology-driven solutions that support investing, governance, and communications for financial institutions and public companies.

In the latest quarter, Broadridge posted $1.71 billion in revenue, a 7.8% increase year over year, surpassing analyst expectations by 6.5%. The company outperformed on both EPS and revenue estimates, delivering the largest beat among its peers. However, despite these strong results, the stock has declined 4.8% since the earnings release and is now trading at $188.80.

Biggest Q4 Miss: CoStar Group (NASDAQ:CSGP)

CoStar Group maintains a vast real estate database, updating over 10,000 property records daily. The company provides comprehensive data, analytics, and online marketplaces for commercial and residential properties in the U.S. and U.K.

CoStar’s Q4 revenue reached $900 million, up 26.9% from the previous year and slightly above analyst forecasts by 0.9%. Despite this growth, the company missed full-year and next-quarter EPS guidance, resulting in a weaker quarter. The stock has dropped 1.7% since the results and is currently priced at $48.30.

Verisk Analytics (NASDAQ:VRSK)

Verisk Analytics processes more than 2.8 billion insurance transactions annually, leveraging one of the largest private databases globally. The company offers data, analytics, and technology solutions to help insurers assess risk, detect fraud, and make informed decisions.

Verisk reported $778.8 million in revenue for the quarter, a 5.9% year-over-year increase and 0.7% above analyst expectations. While the company beat EPS estimates, its full-year revenue guidance fell short. Despite slower revenue growth compared to peers, the stock has surged 21.8% since the earnings release and is now at $215.95.

EXL Service Holdings (NASDAQ:EXLS)

EXL began as an outsourcing firm in 1999 and has since evolved into a technology-driven company specializing in data analytics and AI-powered digital operations. Their solutions help organizations enhance operations and make smarter decisions.

For Q4, EXL reported $542.6 million in revenue, a 12.7% increase year over year, beating analyst forecasts by 1.7%. The quarter was mixed, with a beat on EPS but a slight miss on full-year EPS guidance. The stock has climbed 12.2% since the report and is currently at $32.27.

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The StockStory analyst team, comprised of experienced professional investors, leverages quantitative research and automation to deliver timely, high-quality market insights.