Ziff Davis, Inc.NASDAQ: ZD

J2 Global Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2019 Results and Provides 2020 Outlook

· Issued by Ziff Davis, Inc. via Business Wire

Achieves Record Revenues

Provides Fiscal 2020 Financial Estimates

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- J2 Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCOM) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2019, and provided fiscal 2020 financial estimates.

“We had a tremendous finish to a very strong year and have more than doubled our revenues from five years ago,” said Vivek Shah, CEO of J2 Global. “We’re excited to carry that momentum into 2020 with a strong portfolio, balance sheet and leadership team.”

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

Q4 2019 quarterly revenues increased 17.2% to a Q4 record of $405.6 million compared to $346.1 million for Q4 2018.

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased 3.7% to $103.2 million compared to $107.2 million for Q4 2018. Q4 2019 free cash flow(2) decreased 14.3% to $82.1 million compared to $95.8 million for Q4 2018. The decrease over the prior comparable period is primarily due to a greater percentage of revenues and EBITDA coming from the Digital Media business which has a longer collection cycle resulting in less cash inflows associated with accounts receivable of approximately $14.7 million and additional payments and timing differences associated with certain other working capital within the Digital Media business of approximately $9.5 million in comparison to Q4 2018.

GAAP earnings per diluted share(3) increased 137.9% to $2.45 in Q4 2019 compared to $1.03 for Q4 2018 and GAAP net income increased 143.1% to $123.0 million in Q4 2019 compared to $50.6 million for Q4 2018 primarily due to the recognition of a $53.7 million tax benefit as the result of an intra-entity transfer as part of the reorganization of our international operating structure.

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share(3)(4) for the quarter increased 12.8% to $2.38 compared to $2.11 for Q4 2018.

Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA(5) increased 14.3% to $176.3 million in the quarter compared to $154.3 million for Q4 2018.

J2 ended the quarter with approximately $675.7 million in cash and investments which included $537.1 million of net proceeds from the issuance of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes.

Key financial results for Q4 2019 versus Q4 2018 are set forth in the following table (in millions, except per share amounts). Reconciliations of Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures are attached to this Press Release.

Q4 2019

Q4 2018

% Change

Revenues

Cloud Services

$169.3 million

$148.1 million

14.3%

Digital Media

$236.3 million

$198.0 million

19.3%

Total Revenue: (1)

$405.6 million

$346.1 million

17.2%

Operating Income

$110.2 million

$86.7 million

27.1%

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$103.2 million

$107.2 million

(3.7)%

Free Cash Flow (2)

$82.1 million

$95.8 million

(14.3)%

GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share (3)

$2.45

$1.03

137.9%

Adjusted Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share (3) (4)

$2.38

$2.11

12.8%

GAAP Net Income

$123.0 million

$50.6 million

143.1%

Adjusted Non-GAAP Net Income

$115.5 million

$103.7 million

11.4%

Adjusted EBITDA (5)

$176.3 million

$154.3 million

14.3%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (5)

43.5%

44.6%

(2.5)%

FULL YEAR 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

2019 revenues increased 13.6% to a record of $1,372.0 million in 2019 compared to $1,207.3 million for 2018.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased 2.8% to $412.5 million in 2019 compared to $401.3 million for 2018. 2019 free cash flow(2) increased 1.6% to $350.4 million compared to $344.9 million for 2018.

GAAP earnings per diluted share(6) increased 69.5% to $4.39 in 2019 compared to $2.59 for 2018 and GAAP net income increased by 70.0% to $218.8 million in 2019 compared to $128.7 million for 2018 primarily due to the recognition of a $53.7 million tax benefit as the result of an intra-entity transfer as part of the reorganization of our international operating structure.

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share(6)(7) for the year increased 11.5% to $7.08 compared to $6.35 for 2018.

Annual Adjusted EBITDA(5) increased 12.4% to $550.2 million in 2019 compared to $489.5 million for 2018.

J2 ended the year with approximately $675.7 million in cash and investments which included $537.1 million of net proceeds from the issuance of 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes and is after deploying approximately $478 million during the year for acquisitions, first and second quarter dividends, and approximately $16 million in respect of its share repurchase program.

Key financial results for 2019 versus 2018 are set forth in the following table (in millions, except per share amounts). Reconciliations of Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures are attached to this Press Release.

2019

2018

% Change

Revenues

Cloud Services

$661.8 million

$598.0 million

10.7%

Digital Media

$710.2 million

$609.3 million

16.6%

Total Revenue: (1)

$1,372.0 million

$1,207.3 million

13.6%

Operating Income

$277.1 million

$244.3 million

13.4%

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$412.5 million

$401.3 million

2.8%

Free Cash Flow (2)

$350.4 million

$344.9 million

1.6%

GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share (6)

$4.39

$2.59

69.5%

Adjusted Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share (6) (7)

$7.08

$6.35

11.5%

GAAP Net Income

$218.8 million

$128.7 million

70.0%

Adjusted Non-GAAP Net Income

$344.4 million

$312.3 million

10.3%

Adjusted EBITDA (5)

$550.2 million

$489.5 million

12.4%

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (5)

40.1%

40.5%

(1.0)%

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

For fiscal 2020, the Company estimates that it will achieve: revenues between $1.465 billion and $1.505 billion, Adjusted EBITDA between $575 million and $595 million and Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of between $7.36 and $7.66.

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for 2020 excludes share-based compensation of between $19 million and $23 million, amortization of acquired intangibles and the impact of any currently unanticipated items, in each case net of tax.

It is anticipated that the non-GAAP effective tax rate for 2020 (exclusive of the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions) will be between 21% and 23%.

The Company has not reconciled the Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share and tax rate guidance included in this release to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because this cannot be done without unreasonable effort due to the variability with respect to costs related to acquisitions and taxation, which are potential adjustments to future earnings. We expect the variability of these items to have a potentially unpredictable and significant impact on our future GAAP financial results.

Notes:

(1)

The revenues associated with each of the businesses may not foot precisely since each is presented independently.

(2)

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, less purchases of property, plant and equipment, plus contingent consideration. Free cash flow amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes.

(3)

The estimated GAAP effective tax rates were approximately -43.2% for Q4 2019 and 29.5% for Q4 2018. The estimated Adjusted non-GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 21.3% for Q4 2019 and 21.3% for Q4 2018.

(4)

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes certain non-GAAP items, as defined in the Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP Financial Measures, for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled ($0.07) and $1.08 per diluted share, respectively.

(5)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and other expense, net; income tax expense; depreciation and amortization; and the items used to reconcile EPS to Adjusted non-GAAP EPS, as defined in the Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP Financial Measures. Adjusted EBITDA amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes.

(6)

The estimated GAAP effective tax rates were approximately -9.7% for 2019 and 25.2% for 2018. The estimated Adjusted non-GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 21.3% for 2019 and 21.0% for 2018.

(7)

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes certain non-GAAP items, as defined in the Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP Financial Measures, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 totaled $2.69 and $3.76 per diluted share, respectively.

About J2 Global

J2 Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCOM) is a leading internet information and services company consisting of a portfolio of brands including IGN, Mashable, Humble Bundle, Speedtest, PCMag, Offers.com, Spiceworks, Everyday Health, BabyCenter and What To Expect in its Digital Media business and eFax, eVoice, iContact, Campaigner, Vipre, IPVanish and KeepItSafe in its Cloud Services business. J2 reaches in excess 180 million people per month across its brands. As of December 31, 2019, J2 had achieved 24 consecutive fiscal years of revenue growth. For more information about J2, please visit www.J2global.com.

“Safe Harbor” Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements in this Press Release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those contained in Vivek Shah’s quote and the “Business Outlook” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2020 financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors and uncertainties include, among other items: the Company’s ability to grow non-fax revenues, profitability and cash flows; the Company’s ability to identify, close and successfully transition acquisitions; subscriber growth and retention; variability of the Company’s revenue based on changing conditions in particular industries and the economy generally; protection of the Company’s proprietary technology or infringement by the Company of intellectual property of others; the risk of adverse changes in the U.S. or international regulatory environments, including but not limited to the imposition or increase of taxes or regulatory-related fees; and the numerous other factors set forth in J2 Global’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting J2 Global, refer to the 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by J2 Global on March 1, 2019, and the other reports filed by J2 Global from time-to-time with the SEC, each of which is available at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements provided in this press release, including those contained in Vivek Shah’s quote and in the “Business Outlook” portion regarding the Company’s expected fiscal 2020 financial performance are based on limited information available to the Company at this time, which is subject to change. Although management’s expectations may change after the date of this press release, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these statements.

About non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use the following Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted non-GAAP net income, Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

We use these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Our management believes that these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance and liquidity by excluding certain expenses and expenditures that may not be indicative of our recurring core business operating results. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting, and analyzing future periods. These Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical performance and liquidity. We believe these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision-making and (2) they are used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of our business.

For more information on these Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, please see the appropriate GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP reconciliation tables included within the attached Exhibit to this Release.

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

575,615

$

209,474

Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $12,701 and $10,422, respectively

261,928

221,615

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

49,347

29,242

Total current assets

886,890

460,331

Long-term investments

100,079

83,828

Property and equipment, net

127,817

98,813

Operating lease right-of-use assets

125,822

—

Goodwill

1,633,033

1,380,376

Other purchased intangibles, net

556,553

526,468

Deferred income taxes, noncurrent

59,976

—

Other assets

15,676

11,014

TOTAL ASSETS

$

3,505,846

$

2,560,830

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

$

238,059

$

166,521

Income taxes payable, current

17,758

12,915

Deferred revenue, current

162,855

127,568

Operating lease liabilities, current

26,927

—

Other current liabilities

1,973

318

Total current liabilities

447,572

307,322

Long-term debt

1,448,461

1,013,129

Deferred revenue, noncurrent

12,744

13,200

Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent

104,070

—

Income taxes payable, noncurrent

11,675

11,675

Liability for uncertain tax positions

52,451

59,644

Deferred income taxes, noncurrent

107,453

69,048

Other long-term liabilities

10,228

51,068

TOTAL LIABILITIES

2,194,654

1,525,086

Commitments and contingencies

—

—

Preferred stock

—

—

Common stock

476

481

Additional paid-in capital

465,652

354,210

Treasury stock

—

(42,543

)

Retained earnings

891,526

769,575

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(46,462

)

(45,979

)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

1,311,192

1,035,744

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

3,505,846

$

2,560,830

 

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2019

2018

2019

2018

Total revenues

$

405,588

$

346,059

$

1,372,054

$

1,207,295

Cost of revenues (1)

64,328

55,962

237,323

201,074

Gross profit

341,260

290,097

1,134,731

1,006,221

Operating expenses:

Sales and marketing (1)

105,371

88,113

379,183

338,304

Research, development and engineering (1)

15,704

12,958

54,396

48,370

General and administrative (1)

109,940

102,342

424,072

375,267

Total operating expenses

231,015

203,413

857,651

761,941

Income from operations

110,245

86,684

277,080

244,280

Interest expense, net

18,921

15,559

69,546

61,987

Other expense (income), net

5,234

(1,443

)

7,936

4,706

Income before income taxes and net loss in earnings of equity method investment

86,090

72,568

199,598

177,587

Income tax (benefit) expense

(37,227

)

21,395

(19,376

)

44,760

Net loss in earnings of equity method investment

294

559

168

4,140

Net income

$

123,023

$

50,614

$

218,806

$

128,687

Basic net income per common share:

Net income attributable to J2 Global, Inc. common shareholders

$

2.54

$

1.04

$

4.52

$

2.64

Diluted net income per common share:

Net income attributable to J2 Global, Inc. common shareholders

$

2.45

$

1.03

$

4.39

$

2.59

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

47,626,833

47,967,014

47,647,397

47,950,746

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

49,425,395

48,505,023

49,025,684

48,927,791

(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:

Cost of revenues

$

135

$

132

$

525

$

510

Sales and marketing

335

418

1,547

1,798

Research, development and engineering

385

366

1,477

1,553

General and administrative

4,673

5,784

20,373

24,232

Total

$

5,528

$

6,700

$

23,922

$

28,093

 

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2019

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$

218,806

$

128,687

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

232,032

187,174

Amortization of financing costs and discounts

14,038

11,385

Amortization of operating lease assets

21,419

—

Share-based compensation

23,922

28,093

Provision for doubtful accounts

13,134

17,338

Deferred income taxes, net

(63,444

)

25,050

Changes in fair value of contingent consideration

6,318

18,944

Loss on equity method investments

139

10,506

Impairment loss on equity securities

4,164

—

Decrease (increase) in:

Accounts receivable

(30,680

)

4,034

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

(8,685

)

2,211

Other assets

(4,083

)

2,391

Increase (decrease) in:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(770

)

(35,220

)

Income taxes payable

(1,738

)

(29,042

)

Deferred revenue

6,844

11,991

Operating lease liabilities

(20,240

)

—

Liability for uncertain tax positions

(453

)

7,694

Other long-term liabilities

1,816

10,089

Net cash provided by operating activities

412,539

401,325

Cash flows from investing activities:

Distribution from equity method investment

10,288

—

Purchases of equity method investment

(29,584

)

(36,635

)

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

—

(500

)

Purchases of property and equipment

(70,588

)

(56,379

)

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received

(415,343

)

(312,430

)

Purchases of intangible assets

(46

)

(669

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(505,273

)

(406,613

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Issuance of long-term debt

550,000

—

Debt issuance cost

(12,862

)

—

Payment of debt

(5,100

)

(2,204

)

Proceeds from line of credit

185,000

—

Repayment of line of credit

(185,000

)

—

Repurchase of common stock

(20,803

)

(47,102

)

Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan

4,512

2,084

Exercise of stock options

5,274

1,540

Dividends paid

(43,533

)

(81,679

)

Deferred payments for acquisitions

(18,876

)

(3,558

)

Other

(1,917

)

(443

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

456,695

(131,362

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

2,180

(4,821

)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

366,141

(141,471

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

209,474

350,945

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

575,615

$

209,474

 

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

THREE AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

Non-GAAP net income is GAAP net income with the following modifications: (1) elimination of share-based compensation; (2) elimination of certain acquisition-related integration costs; (3) elimination of interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with the convertible notes; (4) elimination of amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired; (5) elimination of change in value on investment; (6) elimination of additional tax expense/benefit from prior years; (7) elimination of certain restructuring costs; (8) elimination of tax expense/benefit from intra-entity transfers; and (9) elimination of dilutive effect of the convertible debt.

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

2019

Per Diluted Share *

2018

Per Diluted Share *

Net income

$

123,023

$

2.45

$

50,614

$

1.03

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

7,843

0.16

5,806

0.12

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

(824

)

(0.02

)

6,396

0.13

Interest costs (3)

5,198

0.11

1,915

0.04

Amortization (4)

30,399

0.64

38,113

0.79

Investments (5)

3,567

0.08

671

0.01

Tax benefit from prior years (6)

(10

)

—

(2

)

—

Restructuring costs (7)

—

—

161

—

Intra-entity transfers (8)

(53,690

)

(1.13

)

—

—

Convertible debt dilution (9)

—

0.07

—

0.02

Adjusted non-GAAP net income

$

115,506

$

2.38

$

103,674

$

2.11

 
 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2019

Per Diluted Share *

2018

Per Diluted Share *

Net income

$

218,806

$

4.39

$

128,687

$

2.59

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

21,701

0.46

21,062

0.44

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

13,152

0.28

25,535

0.53

Interest costs (3)

10,367

0.22

6,079

0.13

Amortization (4)

130,547

2.74

123,789

2.57

Investments (5)

3,441

0.07

6,636

0.14

Tax expense from prior years (6)

62

—

335

0.01

Restructuring costs (7)

—

—

161

—

Intra-entity transfers (8)

(53,690

)

(1.13

)

—

—

Convertible debt dilution (9)

—

0.12

—

0.05

Adjusted non-GAAP net income

$

344,386

$

7.08

$

312,284

$

6.35

 

* The reconciliation of net income per share from GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP may not foot since each is calculated independently.

 

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

Non-GAAP net income is GAAP net income with the following modifications: (1) elimination of share-based compensation; (2) elimination of certain acquisition-related integration costs; (3) elimination of interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with the convertible notes; (4) elimination of amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired; (5) elimination of change in value on investment; (6) elimination of additional tax expense/benefit from prior years; (7) elimination of certain restructuring costs; (8) elimination of tax expense/benefit from intra-entity transfers; and (9) elimination of dilutive effect of the convertible debt.

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

2019

2018

Cost of revenues

$

64,328

$

55,962

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(135

)

(132

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

(43

)

50

Amortization (4)

(450

)

(544

)

Adjusted non-GAAP cost of revenues

$

63,700

$

55,336

Sales and marketing

$

105,371

$

88,113

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(335

)

(418

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

274

53

Restructuring costs (7)

—

(184

)

Adjusted non-GAAP sales and marketing

$

105,310

$

87,564

Research, development and engineering

$

15,704

$

12,958

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(385

)

(366

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

48

(38

)

Adjusted non-GAAP research, development and engineering

$

15,367

$

12,554

General and administrative

$

109,940

$

102,342

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(4,673

)

(5,784

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

801

(6,448

)

Amortization (4)

(48,333

)

(43,186

)

Adjusted non-GAAP general and administrative

$

57,735

$

46,924

Interest expense, net

$

18,921

$

15,559

Plus:

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

—

(15

)

Interest costs (3)

(3,293

)

(2,211

)

Adjusted non-GAAP interest expense, net

$

15,628

$

13,333

Other expense (income), net

$

5,234

$

(1,443

)

Plus:

Investments (5)

(4,164

)

—

Adjusted non-GAAP other expense (income), net

$

1,070

$

(1,443

)

Income Tax Provision

$

(37,227

)

$

21,395

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(2,315

)

894

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

(256

)

2

Interest costs (3)

(1,905

)

296

Amortization (4)

18,384

5,617

Investments (5)

891

(112

)

Tax expense from prior years (6)

10

2

Restructuring costs (7)

—

23

Intra-entity transfers (8)

53,690

—

Adjusted non-GAAP income tax provision

$

31,272

$

28,117

Net loss in earnings of equity method investment

$

294

$

559

Plus:

Investments (5)

(294

)

(559

)

Adjusted non-GAAP net loss in earnings of equity method investment

$

—

$

—

Total adjustments

$

7,517

$

(53,060

)

GAAP earnings per diluted share

$

2.45

$

1.03

Adjustments *

$

(0.07

)

$

1.08

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share

$

2.38

$

2.11

* The reconciliation of net income per share from GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP may not foot since each is calculated independently.

 

The Company discloses Adjusted non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) as a supplemental Non-GAAP financial performance measure, as it believes it is a useful metric by which to compare the performance of its business from period to period. The Company also understands that this Adjusted non-GAAP measure is broadly used by analysts, rating agencies and investors in assessing the Company’s performance. Accordingly, the Company believes that the presentation of this Adjusted non-GAAP financial measure provides useful information to investors.

 

Adjusted non-GAAP EPS is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, net income per share and may be different from Non-GAAP measures with similar or even identical names used by other companies. In addition, this Adjusted non-GAAP measure is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. This Adjusted non-GAAP measure has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

Non-GAAP net income is GAAP net income with the following modifications: (1) elimination of share-based compensation; (2) elimination of certain acquisition-related integration costs; (3) elimination of interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with the convertible notes; (4) elimination of amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired; (5) elimination of change in value on investment; (6) elimination of additional tax expense/benefit from prior years; (7) elimination of certain restructuring costs; (8) elimination of tax expense/benefit from intra-entity transfers; and (9) elimination of dilutive effect of the convertible debt.

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2019

2018

Cost of revenues

$

237,323

$

201,074

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(525

)

(510

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

(368

)

(296

)

Amortization (4)

(1,893

)

(2,230

)

Adjusted non-GAAP cost of revenues

$

234,537

$

198,038

Sales and marketing

$

379,183

$

338,304

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(1,547

)

(1,798

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

(2,870

)

(1,872

)

Restructuring costs (7)

—

(184

)

Adjusted non-GAAP sales and marketing

$

374,766

$

334,450

Research, development and engineering

$

54,396

$

48,370

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(1,477

)

(1,553

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

(2,039

)

(324

)

Adjusted non-GAAP research, development and engineering

$

50,880

$

46,493

General and administrative

$

424,072

$

375,267

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

(20,373

)

(24,232

)

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

(11,745

)

(26,909

)

Amortization (4)

(180,603

)

(145,849

)

Tax expense from prior years (6)

(104

)

(378

)

Adjusted non-GAAP general and administrative

$

211,247

$

177,899

Interest expense, net

$

69,546

$

61,987

Plus:

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

27

(83

)

Interest costs (3)

(10,121

)

(8,655

)

Tax expense from prior years (6)

—

(57

)

Adjusted non-GAAP interest expense, net

$

59,452

$

53,192

Other expense, net

$

7,936

$

4,706

Plus:

Investments (5)

(4,164

)

(2,900

)

Adjusted non-GAAP other expense, net

$

3,772

$

1,806

Income tax provision

$

(19,376

)

$

44,760

Plus:

Share based compensation (1)

2,221

7,031

Acquisition related integration costs (2)

3,843

3,949

Interest costs (3)

(246

)

2,576

Amortization (4)

51,949

24,290

Investments (5)

891

404

Tax expense from prior years (6)

42

100

Restructuring costs (7)

—

23

Intra-entity transfers (8)

53,690

—

Adjusted non-GAAP income tax provision

$

93,014

$

83,133

Net loss in earnings of equity method investment

$

168

$

4,140

Plus:

Investments (5)

(168

)

(4,140

)

Adjusted non-GAAP net loss in earnings of equity method investment

$

—

$

—

Total adjustments

$

(125,580

)

$

(183,597

)

GAAP earnings per diluted share

$

4.39

$

2.59

Adjustments *

$

2.69

$

3.76

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share

$

7.08

$

6.35

* The reconciliation of net income per share from GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP may not foot since each is calculated independently.

 

The Company discloses Adjusted non-GAAP Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) as a supplemental Non-GAAP financial performance measure, as it believes it is a useful metric by which to compare the performance of its business from period to period. The Company also understands that this Adjusted non-GAAP measure is broadly used by analysts, rating agencies and investors in assessing the Company’s performance. Accordingly, the Company believes that the presentation of this Adjusted non-GAAP financial measure provides useful information to investors.

 

Adjusted non-GAAP EPS is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, net income per share and may be different from Non-GAAP measures with similar or even identical names used by other companies. In addition, this Adjusted non-GAAP measure is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. This Adjusted non-GAAP measure has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement its condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP, the Company uses the following Non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted non-GAAP Net Income, and Adjusted non-GAAP Diluted EPS (collectively the “Non-GAAP financial measures”). The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company uses these Non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that they provide useful information about core operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.

(1) Share Based Compensation. The Company excludes stock-based compensation because it is non-cash in nature and because the Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. The Company further believes this measure is useful to investors in that it allows for greater transparency to certain line items in its financial statements. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(2) Acquisition Related Integration Costs. The Company excludes certain acquisition and related integration costs such as adjustments to contingent consideration, retention bonuses, severance, lease terminations, and other acquisition-specific items. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(3) Interest Costs. In June 2014, the Company issued $402.5 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes and in November 2019, the Company issued $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% convertible senior notes. In accordance with GAAP, the Company separately accounts for the value of the liability and equity features of its outstanding convertible senior notes in a manner that reflects the Company’s non-convertible debt borrowing rate. The value of the conversion features, reflected as a debt discount, is amortized to interest expense over time. Accordingly, the Company recognizes imputed interest expense on its 3.25% and 1.75% convertible senior notes of approximately 5.8% and 5.5%, respectively, in its income statement. The Company excludes the difference between the imputed interest expense and the coupon interest expense of 3.25% and 1.75%, respectively, because it is non-cash in nature and because the Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding core operational performance. The Company has determined excluding these items from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(4) Amortization. The Company excludes amortization of patents and acquired intangible assets because it is non-cash in nature and because the Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results and comparisons to peers, many of which similarly exclude this item.

(5) Change in Value on Investments. The Company excludes the change in value on its equity investments. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(6) Tax Expense/Benefit from Prior Years. The Company excludes certain income tax-related items in respect of income tax audit settlements and their related FIN 48 accrual reversals. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(7) Restructuring Costs. The Company excludes certain restructuring costs. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item to provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(8) Tax Expense/Benefit from Intra-Entity Transfers. The Company excludes certain income tax-related effects as a result of intra-entity transfers to the extent the related tax asset or liability in the financial statement is not recovered or settled, respectively during the year. During December 2019, the Company entered into an intra-entity asset transfer that resulted in the recording of a tax benefit and related tax asset representing tax deductible amounts to be realized in future years. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding the cumulative future unrealized benefit of the assets transferred and including the tax benefit in the year of realization provides meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(9) Convertible Debt Dilution. The Company excludes convertible debt dilution from diluted EPS. The Company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

The Company presents Adjusted non-GAAP Cost of Revenues, Adjusted non-GAAP Research, Development and Engineering, Adjusted non-GAAP Sales and Marketing, Adjusted non-GAAP General and Administrative, Adjusted non-GAAP Interest Expense, Adjusted non-GAAP Other Expense (Income), Adjusted non-GAAP Income Tax Provision and Adjusted non-GAAP Net Income because the Company believes that these provide useful information about our operating results and enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects.

 

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION

THREE AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

2019

2018

2019

2018

Net income

$

123,023

$

50,614

$

218,806

$

128,687

Plus:

Interest expense, net

18,921

15,559

69,546

61,987

Other expense (income), net

5,234

(1,443

)

7,936

4,706

Income tax expense

(37,227

)

21,395

(19,376

)

44,760

Depreciation and amortization

61,623

54,324

232,032

187,174

Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures:

Share-based compensation

5,528

6,700

23,922

28,093

Acquisition-related integration costs

(1,080

)

6,383

17,022

29,401

Investments

294

559

168

4,140

Additional indirect tax expense from prior years

—

—

104

378

Restructuring costs

—

184

—

184

Adjusted EBITDA

$

176,316

$

154,275

$

550,160

$

489,510

Adjusted EBITDA as calculated above represents earnings before interest and other expense, net, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization and the items used to reconcile GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures, including (1) share-based compensation; (2) certain acquisition-related integration costs; (3) change in value on investments; (4) additional indirect tax expense from prior years; and (5) certain restructuring costs. We disclose Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental Non-GAAP financial performance measure as we believe it is a useful metric by which to compare the performance of our business from period to period. We understand that measures similar to Adjusted EBITDA are broadly used by analysts, rating agencies and investors in assessing our performance. Accordingly, we believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors.

Adjusted EBITDA is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, net income, and may be different from Non-GAAP measures used by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. This Adjusted non-GAAP measure has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

YTD

2019

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

116,854

$

95,357

$

97,096

$

103,232

$

412,539

Less: Purchases of property and equipment

(12,531

)

(18,260

)

(18,692

)

(21,105

)

(70,588

)

Add: Contingent consideration*

—

8,698

(240

)

—

8,458

Free cash flows

$

104,323

$

85,795

$

78,164

$

82,127

$

350,409

* Free Cash Flows of $85.8 million for Q2 2019 and $78.2 million for Q3 2019 is before the effect of payments associated with certain contingent consideration associated with recent acquisitions.

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

YTD

2018

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

103,910

$

102,383

$

87,823

$

107,209

$

401,325

Less: Purchases of property and equipment

(13,165

)

(15,393

)

(16,370

)

(11,451

)

(56,379

)

Free cash flows

$

90,745

$

86,990

$

71,453

$

95,758

$

344,946

The Company discloses free cash flows as supplemental Non-GAAP financial performance measure, as it believes it is a useful metric by which to compare the performance of its business from period to period. The Company also understands that this Non-GAAP measure is broadly used by analysts, rating agencies and investors in assessing the Company’s performance. Accordingly, the Company believes that the presentation of this Non-GAAP financial measure provides useful information to investors.

Free cash flows is not in accordance with, or an alternative to, Cash Flows from Operating Activities, and may be different from Non-GAAP measures with similar or even identical names used by other companies. In addition, the Non-GAAP measure is not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. This Non-GAAP measure has limitations in that it does not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

Cloud

Digital

Services

Media

Corporate

Total

Revenues

GAAP revenues

$

169,296

$

236,290

$

2

$

405,588

Gross profit

GAAP gross profit

$

132,345

$

208,913

$

2

$

341,260

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

133

2

—

135

Acquisition related integration costs

43

—

—

43

Amortization

450

—

—

450

Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit

$

132,971

$

208,915

$

2

$

341,888

Operating profit

GAAP operating profit

$

56,165

$

60,427

$

(6,347

)

$

110,245

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

1,211

1,146

3,171

5,528

Acquisition related integration costs

783

(1,863

)

—

(1,080

)

Amortization

19,531

28,663

589

48,783

Adjusted non-GAAP operating profit

$

77,690

$

88,373

$

(2,587

)

$

163,476

Depreciation

2,995

9,845

—

12,840

Adjusted EBITDA

$

80,685

$

98,218

$

(2,587

)

$

176,316

NOTE 1: Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations

NOTE 2: The table above is impacted by certain expenses associated with the Corporate entity that were allocated to the Cloud Services business and the Digital Media business as these costs are shared costs incurred by the Corporate entity. As a result, expenses were allocated from Corporate to Cloud Services and Digital Media in the amount of $2.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

The effects noted above reduce Adjusted EBITDA for Cloud Services and Digital Media by $2.5 million and $2.8 million respectively.

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

Cloud

Digital

Services

Media

Corporate

Total

Revenues

GAAP revenues

$

148,099

$

197,958

$

2

$

346,059

Gross profit

GAAP gross profit

$

119,394

$

170,701

$

2

$

290,097

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

130

2

—

132

Acquisition Related Integration Costs

(50

)

—

—

(50

)

Amortization

544

—

—

544

Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit

$

120,018

$

170,703

$

2

$

290,723

Operating profit

GAAP operating profit

$

57,968

$

34,612

$

(5,896

)

$

86,684

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

1,748

1,074

3,878

6,700

Acquisition related integration costs

(447

)

6,830

—

6,383

Amortization

13,821

29,195

714

43,730

Restructuring costs

—

184

—

184

Adjusted Non-GAAP operating profit

$

73,090

$

71,895

$

(1,304

)

$

143,681

Depreciation

2,697

7,897

—

10,594

Adjusted EBITDA

$

75,787

$

79,792

$

(1,304

)

$

154,275

NOTE 1: Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations

NOTE 2: The table above is impacted by certain expenses associated with the Corporate entity that were allocated to the Cloud Services business and the Digital Media business as these costs are shared costs incurred by the Corporate entity. As a result, expenses were allocated from Corporate to Cloud Services and Digital Media in the amount of $1.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

The effects noted above reduce Adjusted EBITDA for Cloud Services and Digital Media by $1.7 million and $1.8 million respectively.

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

Cloud

Digital

Services

Media

Corporate

Total

Revenues

GAAP revenues

$

661,835

$

710,211

$

8

$

1,372,054

Gross profit

GAAP gross profit

$

517,565

$

617,158

$

8

$

1,134,731

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

516

9

—

525

Acquisition related integration costs

153

215

—

368

Amortization

1,893

—

—

1,893

Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit

$

520,127

$

617,382

$

8

$

1,137,517

Operating profit

GAAP operating profit

$

238,104

$

66,324

$

(27,348

)

$

277,080

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

3,796

5,016

15,110

23,922

Acquisition related integration costs

1,917

15,105

—

17,022

Amortization

69,386

110,623

2,487

182,496

Additional tax expense from prior years

104

—

—

104

Adjusted non-GAAP operating profit

$

313,307

$

197,068

$

(9,751

)

$

500,624

Depreciation

11,585

37,951

—

49,536

Adjusted EBITDA

$

324,892

$

235,019

$

(9,751

)

$

550,160

NOTE 1: Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations

NOTE 2: The table above is impacted by certain expenses associated with the Corporate entity that were allocated to the Cloud Services business and the Digital Media business as these costs are shared costs incurred by the Corporate entity. As a result, expenses were allocated from Corporate to Cloud Services and Digital Media in the amount of $9.7 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

The effects noted above reduce Adjusted EBITDA for Cloud Services and Digital Media by $9.7 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

 

J2 GLOBAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

Cloud

Digital

Services

Media

Corporate

Total

Revenues

GAAP revenues

$

597,975

$

609,314

$

6

$

1,207,295

Gross profit

GAAP gross profit

$

475,821

$

530,395

$

5

$

1,006,221

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

506

4

—

510

Acquisition related integration costs

216

80

—

296

Amortization

2,230

—

—

2,230

Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit

$

478,773

$

530,479

$

5

$

1,009,257

Operating profit

GAAP operating profit

$

230,180

$

41,375

$

(27,275

)

$

244,280

Non-GAAP adjustments:

Share-based compensation

7,075

5,037

15,981

28,093

Acquisition related integration costs

1,777

27,624

—

29,401

Amortization

50,738

93,764

3,577

148,079

Additional tax expense from prior years

378

—

—

378

Restructuring costs

—

184

—

184

Adjusted non-GAAP operating profit

$

290,148

$

167,984

$

(7,717

)

$

450,415

Depreciation

10,016

29,079

—

39,095

Adjusted EBITDA

$

300,164

$

197,063

$

(7,717

)

$

489,510

NOTE 1: Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations

NOTE 2: The table above is impacted by certain expenses associated with the Corporate entity that were allocated to the Cloud Services business and Digital Media business as these costs are shared costs incurred by the Corporate entity. As a result, expenses were allocated from Corporate to Cloud Services and Digital Media in the amount of $6.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

The effects noted above reduce Adjusted EBITDA for Cloud Services and Digital Media by $6.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

Scott Turicchi (800) 577-1790 J2 Global, Inc. investor@j2.com

Source: J2 Global, Inc.