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West Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2015 Results

2015-08-03 19:34 ET - News Release

OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Corporation (NASDAQ:WSTC), a leading provider of technology-enabled communication services, today announced its second quarter 2015 results.

Key Quarterly Highlights:

Unaudited, in millions except per share amountsThree Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 20152014% Change20152014% Change
Revenue  $ 571.9  $ 552.3 3.5%  $1,137.4  $1,087.5 4.6%
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations1  170.7  164.6 3.7%  339.8  323.7 5.0%
EBITDA from Continuing Operations1  163.6  160.9 1.7%  325.7  316.0 3.1%
Adjusted Operating Income1  140.0  132.6 5.5%  274.1  262.6 4.4%
Operating Income  116.4  115.6 0.8%  227.1  229.8 -1.1%
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations1  67.3  58.4 15.2%  134.2  113.5 18.2%
Income from Continuing Operations  49.2  44.5 10.5%  97.9  86.6 13.0%
Adjusted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations - Diluted1  0.79  0.68 16.2%  1.56  1.33 17.3%
Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations - Diluted  0.58  0.52 11.5%  1.14  1.01 12.9%
Free Cash Flow from Continuing Operating Activities1,2  69.6  72.4 -3.9%  91.7  118.0 -22.3%
Cash Flows from Continuing Operating Activities  98.1  106.5 -7.8%  156.5  184.3 -15.1%
Cash Flows used in Continuing Investing Activities  (45.3)  (377.4) -88.0%  (83.7)  (408.8) -79.5%
Cash Flows from (used in) Continuing Financing Activities  (56.3)  167.5 NM  (290.7)  144.7 NM

"West delivered revenue growth and improved earnings during the second quarter, highlighted by 16 percent growth in adjusted earnings per share, despite headwinds from foreign currency translation, as demand for our expanding service offerings continues to resonate in the market," said Tom Barker, chairman and chief executive officer of West Corporation. "During the quarter, we completed our second successful secondary common stock offering of the year, which has resulted in an increase in our float, higher trading volume and a broader institutional shareholder base."

Dividend

The Company today also announced a $0.225 per common share dividend. The dividend is payable September 3, 2015 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 24, 2015. 

Operating Results Reflect Previous Divestiture

As previously disclosed, on March 3, 2015, the Company completed the sale of several of its agent-based services businesses. The operating results for the businesses that were sold have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Company's consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Unless otherwise noted, the Company has presented herein its operating results from continuing operations, which excludes discontinued operations.

Consolidated Operating Results

For the second quarter of 2015, revenue was $571.9 million compared to $552.3 million for the same quarter of the previous year, an increase of 3.5 percent. Organic revenue growth was 2.4 percent for the quarter. Revenue from acquired entities3 was $26.2 million during the second quarter of 2015, contributing 4.7 percent to the Company's growth. The Company's revenue growth rate was partially offset by 3.6 percent from the impact of foreign currency exchange rates and a previously disclosed client loss. Details of the Company's revenue growth are presented in the statements of operations below.

Adjusted EBITDA1 for the second quarter of 2015 was $170.7 million compared to $164.6 million for the second quarter of 2014, an increase of 3.7 percent. Foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacted adjusted EBITDA by approximately $4.7 million in the second quarter of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 29.8 percent for the second quarter of 2015, consistent with the year ago quarter. EBITDA1 was $163.6 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $160.9 million in the second quarter of 2014, an increase of 1.7 percent.

Adjusted income from continuing operations1 was $67.3 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $58.4 million for the second quarter of 2014, an increase of 15.2 percent. Income from continuing operations increased 10.5 percent to $49.2 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $44.5 million in the same quarter of 2014. This increase was primarily due to the reduction in interest expense as a result of the Company's debt refinancing in 2014.

Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Liquidity

At June 30, 2015, West Corporation had cash and cash equivalents totaling $158.5 million and working capital of $265.3 million. Interest expense was $38.6 million during the second quarter of 2015 compared to $48.4 million during the comparable period the prior year, as a result of the previously mentioned debt refinancing.

The Company's net debt to pro forma adjusted EBITDA ratio, as calculated pursuant to the Company's senior secured term debt facilities4, was 4.82x at June 30, 2015.

Cash flows from continuing operating activities were $98.1 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $106.5 million in the same period of 2014. Tax payments related to the divestiture gain and the timing of interest payments drove the reduction in cash flows from operations for the most recent quarter. Free cash flow1, 2 decreased 3.9 percent to $69.6 million in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $72.4 million in the second quarter of 2014. This decrease was due to the reduction in cash flows from operating activities described above slightly offset by a decrease in capital expenditures. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company invested $28.6 million, or 5.0 percent of revenue, in capital expenditures primarily for software and computer equipment.

"We generated nearly $100 million of cash from operations in the quarter, further expanding our ability to continue to deploy capital into attractive projects," said Jan Madsen, chief financial officer of West Corporation. "During the quarter, we put our capital to work as we completed the acquisition of SharpSchool, further expanding our attractive suite of solutions for the education market, and repurchased one million shares of our common stock, while continuing to return cash to shareholders through our dividend."

Secondary Offering and Share Repurchase

On June 24, 2015, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 7,000,000 shares of common stock by certain of its existing stockholders at a public offering price of $30.75 per share. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the offering by the selling stockholders. Concurrent with the closing of the offering, West repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders at approximately $30.36 per share, which was the purchase price at which the shares of common stock were sold to the public in the underwritten offering, less underwriting discounts and commissions, for a total of approximately $30.4 million. On July 22, 2015, the underwriter purchased 200,000 additional shares at $30.75 per share pursuant to a partial exercise of its purchase option.

Acquisition

Effective June 1, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Intrafinity, Inc., doing business as SharpSchool, a leading provider of website and content management system (CMS) software-as-a-service solutions for the K-12 education market. The purchase price was approximately $17.2 million and was funded with cash on hand. SharpSchool will be integrated into West's SchoolMessenger business.  

Updated Guidance

The Company has updated its 2015 guidance to reflect actual results for the first half of the year and current expectations for the remainder of the year in the table below. The Company has reduced revenue guidance primarily due to the following two factors:

  • The change in foreign currency exchange rates between the original guidance provided in January and current rates. In January, the Company expected foreign currency exchange rates to negatively impact 2015 revenue by approximately $32 million. The Company now expects foreign currency exchange rates to negatively impact 2015 revenue by approximately $42 million.
  • The loss of a client in the Company's Telecom Services operating segment. This client has made the decision to consolidate its business with a single network provider. The Company expects this loss to negatively impact second half 2015 revenue by approximately $15 million. The client expects the transition to begin in the third quarter of 2015 and be completed by November 2015.

Due to year-to-date results and share buybacks, the Company has adjusted its share count and raised its earnings per share, adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share guidance ranges. The Company has also adjusted its leverage ratio guidance based on year-to-date uses of cash for share repurchases and the repayment of its revolving trade accounts receivable financing facility.

In millions except per share and leverage ratioOriginalUpdatedReaffirmed
 2015 Guidance2015 Guidance2015 Guidance
Consolidated Revenue  $2,295 - $2,340   $2,275 - $2,310   
Adjusted Operating Income  $536 - $560     $536 - $560 
Operating Income  $445 - $470     $445 - $470 
Adjusted EBITDA  $680 - $703     $680 - $703 
EBITDA  $653 - $678     $653 - $678 
Adjusted Net Income  $257 - $267   $259 - $267   
Net Income  $190 - $200     $190 - $200 
Adjusted Earnings per Share - Diluted  $2.96 - $3.08   $3.02 - $3.12   
Earnings per Share - Diluted  $2.20 - $2.31   $2.22 - $2.33   
Cash Flows from Operations  $420 - $460     $420 - $460 
Capital Expenditures $150 - $170   $150 - $170
Free Cash Flow  $270 - $300     $270 - $300 
Net Debt to pro forma Adjusted EBITDA ratio 4.30x - 4.50x 4.55x - 4.75x  
Full year average diluted share count 86.6 - 86.8 85.5 - 85.7  

"While we are disappointed in having to reduce our revenue guidance range due to the difficult exchange rate environment and the loss of a telecom services client, we are pleased that the strength of the West model allows us to maintain and raise our full year guidance on our other operating metrics," continued Barker.

Conference Call

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss these topics on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Central Time). Investors may access the call by visiting the Financials section of the West Corporation website at www.west.com and clicking on the Webcast link. A replay of the call will be available on the Company's website at www.west.com.

About West Corporation

West Corporation (Nasdaq:WSTC) is a global provider of communication and network infrastructure solutions. West helps manage or support essential enterprise communications with services that include unified communication services, public safety services, interactive services such as automated notifications, carrier services and agent services.

For over 25 years, West has provided reliable, high-quality, voice and data services. West serves clients in a variety of industries including telecommunications, retail, financial services, public safety, technology and healthcare. West has a global organization with sales and operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. For more information on West Corporation, please call 1-800-841-9000 or visit www.west.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "intends," "continue" or similar terminology. The statements contained in the 2015 guidance and other statements concerning the Company's prospects are forward-looking statements. These statements reflect only West's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competition in West's highly competitive markets; increases in the cost of voice and data services or significant interruptions in these services; West's ability to keep pace with its clients' needs for rapid technological change and systems availability; the continued deployment and adoption of emerging technologies; the loss, financial difficulties or bankruptcy of any key clients; security and privacy breaches of the systems West uses to protect personal data; the effects of global economic trends on the businesses of West's clients; the non-exclusive nature of West's client contracts and the absence of revenue commitments; the cost of pending and future litigation; the cost of defending against intellectual property infringement claims; the effects of extensive regulation affecting many of West's businesses; West's ability to protect its proprietary information or technology; service interruptions to West's data and operation centers; West's ability to retain key personnel and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees; increases in labor costs and turnover rates; the political, economic and other conditions in the countries where West operates; changes in foreign exchange rates; West's ability to complete future acquisitions, integrate or achieve the objectives of its recent and future acquisitions; and future impairments of our substantial goodwill, intangible assets, or other long-lived assets. In addition, West is subject to risks related to its level of indebtedness. Such risks include West's ability to generate sufficient cash to service its indebtedness and fund its other liquidity needs; West's ability to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments; the ability to obtain additional financing; the incurrence of significant additional indebtedness by West and its subsidiaries; and the ability of West's lenders to fulfill their lending commitments. West is also subject to other risk factors described in documents filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. West undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 WEST CORPORATION 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
 (Unaudited, in thousands except per share data) 
         
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
  2015  2014    2015 
  Actual  Actual % Change Adjusted (1) 
Revenue  $ 571,891  $ 552,319 3.5%  $ 571,891
Cost of services  245,266  239,695 2.3%  245,266
Selling, general and administrative expenses  210,192  197,063 6.7%  186,633
Operating income  116,433  115,561 0.8%  139,992
Interest expense, net  38,433  48,361 -20.5%  33,426
Other expense (income), net  100  (2,473) NM  100
Income from continuing operations before tax  77,900  69,673 11.8%  106,466
Income tax expense attributed to continuing operations  28,677  25,146 14.0%  39,193
Income from continuing operations  49,223  44,527 10.5%  67,273
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes  358  3,232 -88.9%  376
Net income  $ 49,581  $ 47,759 3.8%  $ 67,649
         
Weighted average shares outstanding:        
Basic  83,394  83,953    83,394
Diluted  85,592  85,398    85,592
         
Earnings per share - Basic:        
Continuing operations  $ 0.59  $ 0.53 11.3%  $ 0.81
Discontinued operations  0.00  0.04 NM  0.00
Total Earnings Per Share - Basic  $ 0.59  $ 0.57 3.5%  $ 0.81
         
Earnings per share - Diluted:        
Continuing operations  $ 0.58  $ 0.52 11.5%  $ 0.79
Discontinued operations  0.00  0.04 NM  0.00
Total Earnings Per Share - Diluted  $ 0.58  $ 0.56 3.6%  $ 0.79
         
         
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:        
         
  2Q15 vs.  Contribution     
Key Factors Affecting Revenue Growth: 2Q14  to Rev. Growth     
Revenue from acquired entities3  $ 26,182 4.7%    
Revenue from previously disclosed lost client  (9,300) -1.7%    
Estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rates  (10,378) -1.9%    
Organic growth, net  13,068 2.4%    
Total Revenue Growth  $ 19,572 3.5%    
         
         
Depreciation and Amortization: 2Q15  2Q14 % Change  
Depreciation  $ 27,092  $ 26,219 3.3%  
Amortization - SG&A  16,441  13,346 23.2%  
Amortization - COS  3,209  3,034 5.8%  
Amortization - Deferred financing costs  5,007  4,880 2.6%  
Total depreciation and amortization  $ 51,749  $ 47,479 9.0%  
         
Share-based Compensation  $ 5,982  $ 2,537 135.8%  
 
 
 WEST CORPORATION 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
 (Unaudited, in thousands except per share data) 
         
  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2015  2014    2015 
  Actual  Actual % Change Adjusted (1) 
Revenue  $ 1,137,381  $ 1,087,459 4.6%  $ 1,137,381
Cost of services  484,967  465,206 4.2%  484,967
Selling, general and administrative expenses  425,288  392,502 8.4%  378,289
Operating income  227,126  229,751 -1.1%  274,125
Interest expense, net  77,275  97,337 -20.6%  67,266
Other expense (income), net  (3,739)  (3,226) NM  (3,739)
Income from continuing operations before tax  153,590  135,640 13.2%  210,598
Income tax expense attributed to continuing operations  55,733  49,016 13.7%  76,421
Income from continuing operations  97,857  86,624 13.0%  134,177
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes  32,224  7,413 334.7%  33,460
Net income  $ 130,081  $ 94,037 38.3%  $ 167,637
         
Weighted average shares outstanding:        
Basic  83,758  83,879    83,758
Diluted  85,920  85,312    85,920
         
Earnings per share - Basic:        
Continuing operations  $ 1.17  $ 1.03 13.6%  $ 1.60
Discontinued operations  0.38  0.09 322.2%  0.40
Total Earnings Per Share - Basic  $ 1.55  $ 1.12 38.4%  $ 2.00
         
Earnings per share - Diluted:        
Continuing operations  $ 1.14  $ 1.01 12.9%  $ 1.56
Discontinued operations  0.37  0.09 311.1%  0.39
Total Earnings Per Share - Diluted  $ 1.51  $ 1.10 37.3%  $ 1.95
         
         
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:        
         
  2Q15 YTD vs.  Contribution     
Key Factors Affecting Revenue Growth: 2Q14 YTD  to Rev. Growth     
Revenue from acquired entities3  $ 61,366 5.6%    
Revenue from previously disclosed lost client  (19,500) -1.8%    
Estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rates  (20,334) -1.9%    
Organic growth, net  28,390 2.6%    
Total Revenue Growth  $ 49,922 4.6%    
         
         
Depreciation and Amortization: 2Q15 YTD  2Q14 YTD % Change  
Depreciation  $ 54,194  $ 51,351 5.5%  
Amortization - SG&A  32,967  25,161 31.0%  
Amortization - COS  6,502  5,917 9.9%  
Amortization - Deferred financing costs  10,009  9,754 2.6%  
Total depreciation and amortization  $ 103,672  $ 92,183 12.5%  
         
Share-based Compensation  $ 11,411  $ 6,147 85.6%  
 
 
WEST CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited, in thousands) 
       
  June 30,  December 31, %
  2015  2014 Change
Assets:      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents  $ 158,492  $ 115,061 37.7%
Trust and restricted cash  20,134  18,573 8.4%
Accounts receivable, net  375,939  355,625 5.7%
Prepaid assets  50,264  45,242 11.1%
Deferred expenses  62,593  65,317 -4.2%
Other current assets  36,152  30,575 18.2%
Assets held for sale  17,524  304,605 -94.2%
Total current assets  721,098  934,998 -22.9%
Property and Equipment:      
Property and equipment  1,047,698  1,045,769 0.2%
Accumulated depreciation and amortization  (723,234)  (695,739) 4.0%
Net property and equipment  324,464  350,030 -7.3%
Goodwill  1,881,074  1,884,920 -0.2%
Intangible assets  364,488  388,166 -6.1%
Other assets  258,750  259,961 -0.5%
Total assets  $ 3,549,874  $ 3,818,075 -7.0%
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit:      
Current Liabilities:      
Accounts payable  $ 87,162  $ 91,353 -4.6%
Deferred revenue  141,368  144,413 -2.1%
Accrued expenses  216,945  228,424 -5.0%
Current maturities of long-term debt  10,310  16,246 -36.5%
Liabilities held for sale  --   84,788 NM
Total current liabilities  455,785  565,224 -19.4%
Long-term obligations  3,447,230  3,642,540 -5.4%
Deferred income taxes  90,904  96,632 -5.9%
Other long-term liabilities  181,877  173,320 4.9%
Total liabilities  4,175,796  4,477,716 -6.7%
       
Stockholders' Deficit:      
Common stock  85  84 1.2%
Additional paid-in capital  2,179,545  2,155,864 1.1%
Retained deficit  (2,681,063)  (2,772,775) -3.3%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (59,224)  (37,506) 57.9%
Treasury stock at cost  (65,265)  (5,308) NM
Total stockholders' deficit  (625,922)  (659,641) -5.1%
       
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit  $ 3,549,874  $ 3,818,075 -7.0%

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Operating Income Reconciliation

Adjusted operating income is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The Company believes adjusted operating income provides a relevant measure of operating profitability and a useful basis for evaluating the ongoing operations of the Company. Adjusted operating income is used by the Company to assess operating income before the impact of acquisitions and acquisition-related costs and certain non-cash items. Adjusted operating income should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income or other profitability data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted operating income, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Set forth below is a reconciliation of adjusted operating income from operating income. 

 
Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income from Operating Income 
Unaudited, in thousands       
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Operating income  $ 116,433  $ 115,561 0.8%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  16,441  13,346  
Share-based compensation  5,982  2,537  
Secondary equity offering expense  334  --   
M&A and acquisition-related costs  802  1,188  
Adjusted operating income  $ 139,992  $ 132,632 5.5%
       
  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Operating income  $ 227,126  $ 229,751 -1.1%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  32,967  25,161  
Share-based compensation  11,411  6,147  
Secondary equity offering expense  1,041  --   
M&A and acquisition-related costs  1,580  1,514  
Adjusted operating income  $ 274,125  $ 262,573 4.4%

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share Reconciliation

Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) are non-GAAP measures. The Company believes these measures provide a useful indication of profitability and basis for assessing the operations of the Company without the impact of bond redemption premiums, acquisitions and acquisition-related costs and certain non-cash items. Adjusted net income should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or other profitability metrics prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net income, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Set forth below is a reconciliation of adjusted net income from net income. 

 
 Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income from Net Income 
Unaudited, in thousands except per share data      
CONTINUING OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Income from continuing operations  $ 49,223  $ 44,527 10.5%
       
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  16,441  13,346  
Amortization of deferred financing costs  5,007  4,880  
Share-based compensation  5,982  2,537  
Secondary equity offering expense  334  --   
M&A and acquisition-related costs  802  1,188  
Pre-tax total   28,566  21,951  
Income tax expense on adjustments  10,516  8,063  
Adjusted net income from continuing operations  $ 67,273  $ 58,415 15.2%
       
Diluted shares outstanding  85,592  85,398  
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations - diluted  $ 0.79  $ 0.68 16.2%
       
       
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Income from discontinued operations  $ 358  $ 3,232 -88.9%
       
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  --   507  
Share-based compensation  --   35  
M&A and acquisition-related costs  30  208  
Pre-tax total   30  750  
Income tax expense on adjustments  12  364  
Adjusted net income from discontinued operations  $ 376  $ 3,618 -89.6%
       
Diluted shares outstanding  85,592  85,398  
Adjusted EPS from discontinued operations - diluted  $ 0.00  $ 0.04 NM
       
       
CONSOLIDATED Three Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Net income  $ 49,581  $ 47,759 3.8%
       
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  16,441  13,853  
Amortization of deferred financing costs  5,007  4,880  
Share-based compensation  5,982  2,572  
Secondary equity offering expense  334  --   
M&A and acquisition-related costs  832  1,396  
Pre-tax total   28,596  22,701  
Income tax expense on adjustments  10,528  8,428  
Adjusted net income   $ 67,649  $ 62,032 9.1%
       
Diluted shares outstanding  85,592  85,398  
Adjusted EPS - diluted  $ 0.79  $ 0.73 8.2%
 
 
 
 Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income from Net Income 
Unaudited, in thousands except per share data      
       
CONTINUING OPERATIONS Six Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Income from continuing operations  $ 97,857  $ 86,624 13.0%
       
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  32,967  25,161  
Amortization of deferred financing costs  10,009  9,754  
Share-based compensation  11,411  6,147  
Secondary equity offering expense  1,041  --   
M&A and acquisition-related costs  1,580  1,514  
Pre-tax total   57,008  42,576  
Income tax expense on adjustments  20,688  15,683  
Adjusted net income from continuing operations  $ 134,177  $ 113,517 18.2%
       
Diluted shares outstanding  85,920  85,312  
Adjusted EPS from continuing operations - diluted  $ 1.56  $ 1.33 17.3%
       
       
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Six Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Income from discontinued operations  $ 32,224  $ 7,413 334.7%
       
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  41  1,014  
Share-based compensation  1,576  57  
M&A and acquisition-related costs  386  208  
Pre-tax total   2,003  1,279  
Income tax expense on adjustments  767  598  
Adjusted net income from discontinued operations  $ 33,460  $ 8,094 313.4%
       
Diluted shares outstanding  85,920  85,312  
Adjusted EPS from discontinued operations - diluted  $ 0.39  $ 0.09 333.3%
       
       
CONSOLIDATED Six Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change
Net income  $ 130,081  $ 94,037 38.3%
       
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  33,008  26,175  
Amortization of deferred financing costs  10,009  9,754  
Share-based compensation  12,987  6,204  
Secondary equity offering expense  1,041  --   
M&A and acquisition-related costs  1,966  1,722  
Pre-tax total   59,011  43,855  
Income tax expense on adjustments  21,456  16,281  
Adjusted net income   $ 167,636  $ 121,611 37.8%
       
Diluted shares outstanding  85,920  85,312  
Adjusted EPS - diluted  $ 1.95  $ 1.43 36.4%

Free Cash Flow Reconciliation

The Company believes free cash flow provides a relevant measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing the Company's ability to fund its activities, including the financing of acquisitions, debt service, stock repurchases and distribution of earnings to shareholders. Free cash flow is calculated as cash flows from operating activities less cash capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flows from operating activities or other liquidity measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Set forth below is a reconciliation of free cash flow from cash flows from operating activities. 

 
 Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow from Operating Cash Flow 
Unaudited, in thousands            
CONTINUING OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change20152014% Change
Cash flows from operating activities  $ 98,128  $ 106,478 -7.8%  $ 156,524  $ 184,290 -15.1%
Cash capital expenditures  28,557  34,081 -16.2%  64,864  66,329 -2.2%
Free cash flow  $ 69,571  $ 72,397 -3.9%  $ 91,660  $ 117,961 -22.3%
             
             
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change20152014% Change
Cash flows from operating activities  $ (1,683)  $ 9,873 -117.0%  $ (6,962)  $ 17,539 -139.7%
Cash capital expenditures  --   5,825 NM  1,930  9,105 -78.8%
Free cash flow  $ (1,683)  $ 4,048 -141.6%  $ (8,892)  $ 8,434 -205.4%
             
             
CONSOLIDATED Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 20152014% Change20152014% Change
Cash flows from operating activities  $ 96,445  $ 116,351 -17.1%  $ 149,562  $ 201,829 -25.9%
Cash capital expenditures  28,557  39,906 -28.4%  66,794  75,434 -11.5%
Free cash flow  $ 67,888  $ 76,445 -11.2%  $ 82,768  $ 126,395 -34.5%

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

The common definition of EBITDA is "Earnings before Interest Expense, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization." In evaluating liquidity and performance, the Company uses "Adjusted EBITDA." The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, share-based compensation, taxes, depreciation and amortization and transaction costs. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP. Although the Company uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of its liquidity, the use of Adjusted EBITDA is limited because it does not include certain material costs, such as depreciation, amortization and interest, necessary to operate the business. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, cash flow from operations or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is presented here as the Company understands investors use it as a measure of its historical ability to service debt and compliance with covenants in its senior credit facilities. Further, Adjusted EBITDA is presented here as the Company uses it to measure its performance and to conduct and evaluate its business during its regular review of operating results for the periods presented. The Company utilizes this non-GAAP measure to make decisions about the use of resources, analyze performance and measure management's performance with stated objectives. Set forth below is a reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from cash flow from operations and net income.

 
 Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from Operating Cash Flow 
Unaudited, in thousands        
CONTINUING OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2015201420152014
Cash flows from operating activities  $ 98,128  $ 106,478  $ 156,524  $ 184,290
Income tax expense  28,677  25,146  55,733  49,016
Deferred income tax benefit   759  12,600  (2,202)  9,769
Interest expense and other financing charges  38,941  48,643  78,478  97,936
Provision for share-based compensation  (5,982)  (2,537)  (11,411)  (6,147)
Amortization of deferred financing costs  (5,007)  (4,880)  (10,009)  (9,754)
Other  (4)  (1)  (220)  (6)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions  8,071  (24,534)  58,838  (9,099)
EBITDA  163,583  160,915  325,731  316,005
Provision for share-based compensation  5,982  2,537  11,411  6,147
Secondary equity offering expense  334  --   1,041  -- 
M&A and acquisition-related costs  802  1,188  1,580  1,514
Adjusted EBITDA  $ 170,701  $ 164,640  $ 339,763  $ 323,666
         
         
Cash flows from operating activities  $ 98,128  $ 106,478  $ 156,524  $ 184,290
Cash flows used in investing activities  $ (45,318)  $ (377,395)  $ (83,721)  $ (408,827)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities  $ (56,260)  $ 167,453  $ (290,742)  $ 144,737
         
         
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2015201420152014
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities  $ (1,683)  $ 9,873  $ (6,962)  $ 17,539
Income tax expense  193  3,053  20,010  6,508
Deferred income tax benefit   2,041  72  (2,293)  (220)
Provision for share-based compensation  --   (35)  (1,576)  (57)
Other  --   --   29,596  -- 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions  --   (2,398)  13,500  (1,168)
EBITDA  551  10,565  52,275  22,602
Provision for share-based compensation  --   35  1,576  57
M&A and acquisition-related costs  30  208  386  208
Gain on sale of business  --   --   (48,556)  -- 
Adjusted EBITDA  $ 581  $ 10,808  $ 5,681  $ 22,867
         
         
Cash flows (used in) from operating activities  $ (1,683)  $ 9,873  $ (6,962)  $ 17,539
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities  $ 5,734  $ (5,460)  $ 269,540  $ (9,402)
Cash flows used in financing activities  $ --   $ --   $ --   $ -- 
         
 
 Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from Operating Cash Flow, continued 
 
CONSOLIDATED Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2015201420152014
Cash flows from operating activities  $ 96,445  $ 116,351  $ 149,562  $ 201,829
Income tax expense  28,870  28,199  75,743  55,524
Deferred income tax benefit   2,800  12,672  (4,495)  9,549
Interest expense and other financing charges  38,941  48,643  78,478  97,936
Provision for share-based compensation  (5,982)  (2,572)  (12,987)  (6,204)
Amortization of deferred financing costs  (5,007)  (4,880)  (10,009)  (9,754)
Other  (4)  (1)  29,376  (6)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions  8,071  (26,932)  72,338  (10,267)
EBITDA  164,134  171,480  378,006  338,607
Provision for share-based compensation  5,982  2,572  12,987  6,204
Secondary equity offering expense  334  --   1,041  -- 
M&A and acquisition-related costs  832  1,396  1,966  1,722
Gain on sale of business  --   --   (48,556)  -- 
Adjusted EBITDA  $ 171,282  $ 175,448  $ 345,444  $ 346,533
         
CONSOLIDATED        
Cash flows from operating activities  $ 96,445  $ 116,351  $ 149,562  $ 201,829
Cash flows from (used in) investing activities  $ (39,584)  $ (382,855)  $ 185,819  $ (418,229)
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities  $ (56,260)  $ 167,453  $ (290,742)  $ 144,737

 

 
 Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from Net Income 
Unaudited, in thousands               
CONTINUING OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2015  2014  2015  2014
Income from continuing operations  $ 49,223    $ 44,527    $ 97,857    $ 86,624
Interest expense and other financing charges  38,941    48,643    78,478    97,936
Depreciation and amortization  46,742    42,599    93,663    82,429
Income tax expense  28,677    25,146    55,733    49,016
EBITDA  163,583    160,915    325,731    316,005
Provision for share-based compensation  5,982    2,537    11,411    6,147
Secondary equity offering expense  334    --     1,041    -- 
M&A and acquisition-related costs  802    1,188    1,580    1,514
Adjusted EBITDA  $ 170,701    $ 164,640    $ 339,763    $ 323,666
               
               
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2015  2014  2015  2014
Income from discontinued operations  $ 358    $ 3,232    $ 32,224    $ 7,413
Depreciation and amortization      4,280    41    8,681
Income tax expense  193    3,053    20,010    6,508
EBITDA  551    10,565    52,275    22,602
Provision for share-based compensation  --     35    1,576    57
M&A and acquisition-related costs  30    208    386    208
Gain on sale of business  --     --     (48,556)    -- 
Adjusted EBITDA  $ 581    $ 10,808    $ 5,681    $ 22,867
               
               
CONSOLIDATED Three Months Ended June 30,    Six Months Ended June 30, 
 2015  2014  2015  2014
Net income  $ 49,581    $ 47,759    $ 130,081    $ 94,037
Interest expense and other financing charges  38,941    48,643    78,478    97,936
Depreciation and amortization  46,742    46,879    93,704    91,110
Income tax expense  28,870    28,199    75,743    55,524
EBITDA  164,134    171,480    378,006    338,607
Provision for share-based compensation  5,982    2,572    12,987    6,204
Secondary equity offering expense  334    --     1,041    -- 
M&A and acquisition-related costs  832    1,396    1,966    1,722
Gain on sale of business  --     --     (48,556)    -- 
Adjusted EBITDA  $ 171,282    $ 175,448    $ 345,444    $ 346,533
____________________
1 See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.
2 Free cash flow is calculated as cash flows from operating activities less cash capital expenditures.
3 Revenue from acquired entities includes SchoolMessenger after April 21, 2014, Health Advocate after June 13, 2014, 911 Enable after September 2, 2014, SchoolReach after November 3, 2014 and SharpSchool after June 1, 2015.
4 Based on loan covenants. Covenant leverage ratio is debt net of cash and excludes accounts receivable securitization debt.
NM: Not Meaningful
CONTACT: AT THE COMPANY:
         David Pleiss
         Investor Relations
         (402) 963-1500
         dmpleiss@west.com

West Corporation

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