j2 Global Reports Q4 and Year End 2014 Results and Provides 2015 Outlook
Achieves Record Annual Revenues ($599M; 15% YoY Increase), EBITDA ($263M; 19% YoY Increase), Adjusted EPS ($3.42; 11% YoY Increase) and Free Cash Flow ($172M; 14% YoY Increase)
Estimates mid-range 2015 Revenues to Increase 17% to between $690M and $710M
Estimates 2015 Adjusted Non-GAAP EPS between $3.73 and $3.97
Quarterly Dividend Increased by 11% to $0.2925 per Share versus Q1 2014
Jon Miller Appointed to j2 Global® Board
LOS ANGELES —February 12, 2015—j2 Global, Inc. [NASDAQGS:JCOM] today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2014, provided fiscal 2015 financial estimates and announced that its Board of Directors has declared an increased quarterly cash dividend of $0.2925 per share.
FOURTH QUARTER 2014 RESULTS
Quarterly revenues increased 21.1% to a record $167.1 million compared to $138.0 million for Q4 2013.
Quarterly EBITDA(3) increased 17.2% to a record $76.9 million compared to $65.6 million for Q4 2013.
GAAP earnings per diluted share for the quarter increased 50% to a fourth quarter record of $0.66 compared to $0.44 for Q4 2013. Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share(1)(2) increased 7.7% to $0.98 compared to $0.91 for Q4 2013. In Q2 2014, j2 issued $402.5 million in convertible senior notes, which adversely affected Q4 2014 earnings per diluted share by approximately $0.07 and Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share by approximately $0.05.
Q4 2014 free cash flow(4) decreased (21.2)% to $39.8 million compared to $50.5 million for Q4 2013 primarily due to the increased billings from the Media business.
j2 ended the quarter with $590 million in cash and investments after deploying $143 million during the quarter for the count of eight acquisitions and the payment of j2's regular quarterly dividend.
Key financial results for fourth quarter 2014 versus fourth quarter 2013 are set forth in the following table (in millions, except per share). Reconciliations of Adjusted earnings per diluted share, EBITDA and free cash flow to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures are attached to this Press Release.
| Q4 2014 | Q4 2013 | % Change |
Revenues | | | |
Cloud Services | $113.0 million | $94.6 million | 19.5% |
Digital Media | $52.9 million | $41.8 million | 26.6% |
IP Licensing | $1.2 million | $1.6 million | NM |
Total: | $167.1 million | $138.0 million | 21.1% |
Earnings per Diluted Share(1) | $0.66 | $0.44 | 50% |
Adjusted Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share(1) (2) | $0.98 | $0.91 | 7.7% |
EBITDA(3) | $76.9 million | $65.6 million | 17.2% |
Free Cash Flow(4) | $39.8 million | $50.5 million | (21.2)% |
FULL YEAR 2014 RESULTS
Annual revenues increased 15.0% to a record $599 million compared to $520.8 million for 2013.
Annual EBITDA (3) increased 19.1% to a record $262.6 million compared to $220.4 million for 2013.
GAAP earnings per diluted share for the year increased 13.2% to $2.58 compared to $2.28 for 2013. 2014 Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share(5)(6) increased 11.4% to a record $3.42 compared to $3.07 for 2013. In Q2 2014, j2 issued $402.5 million in convertible senior notes, which adversely affected 2014 earnings per diluted share by approximately $0.15 and Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share by approximately $0.10.
Free cash flow(4) for the year increased 14% to a record $171.5 million compared to $150.4 million for 2013.
Key annual financial results for 2014 versus 2013 are set forth in the following table (in millions, except per share). Reconciliations of Adjusted earnings per diluted share, EBITDA and free cash flow to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures are attached to this Press Release.
| 2014 | 2013 | % Change |
Revenues | | | |
Cloud Services | $425.9 million | $371.7 million | 14.6% |
Digital Media | $167.6 million | $130.7 million | 28.2% |
IP Licensing(7) | $5.5 million | $18.4 million | (70)% |
Total: | $599 million | $520.8 million | 15.0% |
Earnings per Diluted Share(5) | $2.58 | $2.28 | 13.2% |
Adjusted Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share(5) (6) | $3.42 | $3.07 | 11.4% |
EBITDA(3) | $262.6 million | $220.4 million | 19.1% |
Free Cash Flow(4) | $171.5 million | $150.4 million | 14.0% |
“2014 was an excellent year for j2 during which we experienced strong growth in all operating lines of business,” said Hemi Zucker, CEO of j2. “Our Cloud Services Segment saw its most significant growth in the Email and Backup businesses, growing both organically and through M&A. We also broadened our Cloud revenue base by expanding into Web Hosting with the acquisition of Web24. The Media Segment scaled exceptionally well in 2014 realizing the operating leverage we expected with more than 60% of incremental revenue flowing through to EBITDA. The Company is well-positioned for continued growth across all our brands in 2015 and beyond. We are forecasting 17% top line growth at the mid-range of our 2015 revenue estimate despite significant foreign exchange headwinds caused by the strong dollar.”
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
For fiscal 2015, the Company estimates that it will achieve revenues between $690 and $710 million and Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of between $3.73 and $3.97.
Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for 2015 excludes share-based compensation of between $9 and $11 million, amortization of acquired intangibles and the impact of any currently unanticipated items, in each case net of tax.
It is anticipated that the normalized tax rate for 2015 (exclusive of the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions) will be between 27% and 29%.
DIVIDEND
j2’s Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.2925 per common share, a 2.6% increase versus last quarter's dividend and a 11.4% increase versus the dividend paid in Q1 2014. This is j2’s 14th consecutive quarterly dividend since its first quarterly dividend in September, 2011. The dividend will be paid on March 9, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 23, 2015. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval.
EXTENSION OF SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
The Company has extended its one-year five million share repurchase program set to expire February 20, 2015 by an additional year. Approximately 2.9 million shares remain available for purchase under the program.
APPOINTMENT OF JON MILLER TO j2 BOARD
Jon Miller, an experienced senior executive and investor in both media and technology arenas was appointed to j2’s board of directors. Currently, a Partner in venture capital firm Advancit Capital, Mr. Miller was previously CEO of NewsCorp Digital Media, Chairman and CEO of AOL, Inc., and CEO and President of Information and Services for USA Interactive (now IAC Corp). Mr Miller also has held executive posts at Viacom/MTV Networks and the NBA. “It is a great pleasure to welcome such an experienced and accomplished media executive to our board at a time when we are rapidly expanding our digital media business,” said Richard Ressler, Chairman of the board of j2.
Notes:
(1) | The estimated GAAP effective tax rate was approximately 23.4% for Q4 2014 and 33.7% for Q4 2013. The estimated Adjusted Non-GAAP effective tax rate was approximately 26.4% for Q4 2014 and 25.9% for Q4 2013. |
(2) | For Q4 2014, Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes share-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangibles, certain acquisition-related integration costs and certain tax consulting fees, in each case net of tax, totaling $0.33. For Q4 2013, Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes share-based compensation and related payroll taxes, amortization of acquired intangibles, certain acquisition-related integration costs and loss on extinguishment of debt and related interest expense, in each case net of tax, totaling $0.47. Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes. |
(3) | 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 referred to in Note (2) above. EBITDA amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes. |
(4) | Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, less purchases of property, plant and equipment, plus excess tax benefit from share-based compensation. Free cash flow for 2013 excludes $27 million received under a Q2 2013 License Agreement.Free cash flow amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes. |
(5) | The GAAP effective tax rate was approximately 19.2% for 2014 and 24.7% for 2013. The Adjusted Non-GAAP effective tax rate was approximately 26.1% for 2014 and 24.8% for 2013. |
(6) | For 2014, Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes share-based compensation, amortization of acquired intangibles, certain acquisition-related integration costs, certain tax consulting fees and additional tax expense (benefit) from prior years, and adds back the impact of the fair value adjustment to deferred revenues purchased in the Livedrive acquisition, in each case net of tax, totaling $0.86. For 2013, Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes share-based compensation and related payroll taxes, amortization of acquired intangibles, certain acquisition-related integration costs, loss on extinguishment of debt and related interest expense and earnings attributable to a Q2 2013 License Agreement, in each case net of tax, totaling $0.82. Adjusted Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes. |
(7) | Intellectual Property (IP) Licensing revenues for fiscal year 2013 included a $27 million license agreement that increased revenues by $12.6 million from past damages (the “Q2 2013 License Agreement”). For more information on the Q2 2013 License Agreement please refer to j2’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2013. |
About j2 Global
j2 Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCOM) and its affiliates provide Internet services through their two divisions: Business Cloud Services and Digital Media. The Business Cloud Services Division offers Internet fax, virtual phone, hosted email, email marketing, online backup, unified communications and CRM solutions. It markets its services principally under the brand names eFax®, eVoice®, FuseMail®, Campaigner®, KeepItSafe® and Onebox® and operates a messaging network spanning 50 countries on six continents. The Digital Media Division consists of Ziff Davis, LLC, which offers technology, gaming and lifestyle content through its digital properties, which include PCMag.com, IGN.com, AskMen.com, Toolbox.com and others. Ziff Davis also operates NetShelter Powered by BuyerBase, an advanced digital ad targeting platform, and Ziff Davis B2B, a leading provider of research to enterprise buyers and leads to IT vendors. As of December 31, 2014, j2 had achieved 19 consecutive fiscal years of revenue growth. For more information about j2, please visit www.j2global.com.
Contact:
Laura Hinson
j2 Global, Inc.
press@j2.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, particularly those contained in Hemi Zucker’s quote and the “Business Outlook” portion regarding the Company's expected fiscal 2015 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: ability to grow non-fax revenues, profitability and cash flows; ability to identify and close acquisitions; subscriber growth and retention; variability of 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 surrounding messaging and communications, 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by j2 Global on March 3, 2014, 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 and particularly those contained in Hemi Zucker’s quote and the “Business Outlook” portion regarding the Company's expected fiscal 2015 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.
j2 GLOBAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
| | DECEMBER 31, | | | DECEMBER 31, | |
| | 2014 | | | 2013 | |
| | | | | | |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 433,663 | | | $ | 207,801 | |
Short-term investments | | | 96,206 | | | | 90,789 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,685 and $4,105, respectively | | | 91,699 | | | | 67,245 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 22,602 | | | | 20,064 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 2,402 | | | | 3,126 | |
Total current assets | | | 646,572 | | | | 389,025 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term investments | | | 60,508 | | | | 47,351 | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 38,217 | | | | 31,200 | |
Goodwill | | | 635,675 | | | | 457,422 | |
Other purchased intangibles, net | | | 311,800 | | | | 223,533 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | — | | | | 1,845 | |
Other assets | | | 12,819 | | | | 3,413 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | $ | 1,705,591 | | | $ | 1,153,789 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | $ | 95,310 | | | $ | 69,570 | |
Income taxes payable | | | — | | | | 1,569 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 63,457 | | | | 36,326 | |
Liability for uncertain tax positions | | | — | | | | 5,535 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 342 | | | | 1,892 | |
Other current liabilities | | | 258 | | | | — | |
Total current liabilities | | | 159,367 | | | | 114,892 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Long-term debt | | | 593,350 | | | | 245,670 | |
Liability for uncertain tax positions | | | 37,551 | | | | 38,329 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 57,957 | | | | 35,833 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 10,182 | | | | 11,189 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 22,557 | | | | 1,458 | |
Mandatorily redeemable financial instrument | | | — | | | | — | |
Total liabilities | | | 880,964 | | | | 447,371 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Stockholders' Equity: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock | | | — | | | | — | |
Common stock | | | 474 | | | | 461 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 273,304 | | | | 216,872 | |
Retained earnings | | | 553,584 | | | | 484,850 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | | | (2,735 | ) | | | 4,235 | |
Total j2 Global, Inc. stockholder's equity | | | 824,627 | | | | 706,418 | |
Noncontrolling interest | | | — | | | | — | |
Total stockholders' equity | | | 824,627 | | | | 706,418 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | $ | 1,705,591 | | | $ | 1,153,789 | |