CSG Systems International Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015

Company Tops Non-GAAP EPS Guidance

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--()--CSG Systems International, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSGS), a leading global provider of interactive transaction-driven solutions and services, today reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015.

Key Highlights:

• Fourth quarter 2015 results:

Total revenues were $197.3 million.

• Non-GAAP operating income was $43.5 million, or 22.1% of total revenues and GAAP operating income was $34.1 million, or 17.3% of total revenues.

• Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share (EPS) was $0.77. GAAP EPS was $0.70.

• Cash flows from operations for the quarter were $52.6 million.

• Full year 2015 results:

Total revenues were $752.5 million.

• Non-GAAP operating income was $149.6 million, or 19.9% of total revenues and GAAP operating income was $113.1 million, or 15.0% of total revenues.

• Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share (EPS) was $2.62. GAAP EPS was $1.87.

• Cash flows from operations for the year were $137.0 million.

• CSG paid its quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share of common stock, or a total of approximately $6 million, to shareholders, bringing the total 2015 dividend to approximately $23 million.

• In January 2016, CSG’s Board of Directors approved an approximately 6% increase in the Company’s cash dividend, effective with the first quarterly payment of $0.185 per share of common stock.

• During 2015, CSG converted approximately 2 million Comcast customer accounts onto its cloud-based Advanced Convergent Platform.

• In December 2015, CSG received the final share settlement for its $50 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement, entered into in March 2015.

“During 2015 we executed well in a challenging environment,” said Bret Griess, president and chief executive officer for CSG International. “We accomplished these strong results as a result of several activities we took throughout the year, including making cost improvements in our overall operations, migrating new customers to our cloud-based solutions, divesting non-core solutions and the continuing maturation and scale benefits of our newer offerings.

“As the new CEO of CSG, I am leading a company that is well positioned to expand its relevance and leadership position in the global communications industry,” Griess added. “We have unrivaled domain expertise in the cable and video markets. We work with some of the largest and most innovative communications service providers in the world. We have proven technology and a well-earned reputation for operating our solutions really well. We have a financially sound company. And finally, and most important, we have skilled employees who live our values in achieving our mission.”

Financial Overview (unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages):

    Quarter Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,
2015     2014     Percent
Change
2015     2014     Percent
Change
Revenues $ 197,288 $ 193,697   2 % $ 752,520 $ 751,286   0 %
Non-GAAP Results:
Operating Income $ 43,537 $ 32,082 36 % $ 149,568 $ 121,722 23 %
Operating Income Margin 22.1 % 16.6 % 19.9 % 16.2 %
EPS $ 0.77 $ 0.61 26 % $ 2.62 $ 2.12 24 %
GAAP Results:
Operating Income $ 34,070 $ 19,125 78 % $ 113,140 $ 75,690 49 %
Operating Income Margin 17.3 % 9.9 % 15.0 % 10.1 %
EPS $ 0.70 $ 0.38 84 % $ 1.87 $ 1.10 70 %

For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at www.csgi.com.

Results of Operations

Revenues: Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $197.3 million, a 2% increase when compared to revenues of $193.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2014, and a 6% increase when compared to $187.0 million for the third quarter of 2015. Total revenues for the full year 2015 were $752.5 million, a slight increase when compared to revenues of $751.3 million for the full year 2014. These increases can be primarily attributed to strong processing revenues. Year-over-year, these increases more than offset unfavorable foreign currency movements, which had a negative impact to total revenues for the fourth quarter and full year 2015 of approximately $4 million and $15 million, respectively.

Non-GAAP Results: Non-GAAP operating income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $43.5 million, or 22.1% of total revenues, compared to $32.1 million, or 16.6% of total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2014, and $40.3 million, or 21.6% of total revenues for the third quarter of 2015. Non-GAAP operating income for the full year 2015 was $149.6 million, or 19.9% of total revenues, compared to $121.7 million, or 16.2% of total revenues for the full year 2014.

Non-GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $0.77, compared to non-GAAP EPS of $0.61 for the fourth quarter of 2014, and $0.72 for the third quarter of 2015. Non-GAAP EPS for the full year 2015 was $2.62, compared to non-GAAP EPS of $2.12 for the full year 2014.

The year-over-year quarterly and annual increases in non-GAAP operating income and non-GAAP EPS are due primarily to lower operating expenses (driven mainly by foreign currency movements and focus on cost management), while the sequential quarterly increases can be primarily attributed to higher revenues.

GAAP Results: GAAP operating income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $34.1 million, or 17.3% of total revenues, compared to $19.1 million, or 9.9% of total revenues, for the same period in 2014. GAAP operating income for the full year 2015 was $113.1 million, or 15.0% of total revenues, compared to $75.7 million, or 10.1% of total revenues for the full year 2014.

GAAP EPS for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $0.70 compared to $0.38 for the fourth quarter of 2014. GAAP EPS for the full year 2015 was $1.87 compared to $1.10 for the full year 2014.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows

Balance Sheet: Cash, cash equivalents and short term investments at December 31, 2015 was $240.9 million, compared to $199.8 million at September 30, 2015 and $201.8 million at December 31, 2014.

For the quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, CSG generated $52.6 million and $137.0 million, respectively, of net cash flows from operations and had non-GAAP free cash flow of $50.5 million and $118.1 million, respectively.

2016 Financial Guidance

CSG’s financial guidance for the full year 2016 is as follows:

Revenues     $735 - $760 million
Non-GAAP EPS $2.59 - $2.69
GAAP EPS $1.84 - $1.94
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $177 - $182 million
Cash flows from operating activities $110 - $130 million

For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at www.csgi.com.

Conference Call

CSG will host a conference call on February 3, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. ET, to discuss CSG’s fourth quarter and full year results for 2015, as well as CSG’s 2016 financial guidance. The call will be carried live and archived on the Internet. A link to the conference call is available at http://ir.csgi.com. In addition, to reach the conference by phone, dial 1-888-438-5491 and ask the operator for the CSG International conference call and Liz Bauer, chairperson. A replay of the conference call will also be available until 8:00 p.m. ET on March 4, 2016, and can be accessed by calling 1-888-203-1112 and access code of 4128956.

Additional Information

For information about CSG, please visit CSG’s web site at www.csgi.com. Additional information can be found in the Investor Relations section of the web site.

About CSG International

CSG Systems International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGS) is a market-leading business support solutions and services company serving the majority of the top 100 global communications service providers, including leaders in fixed, mobile and next-generation networks such as AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DISH, Orange, Reliance, SingTel Optus, Telefonica, Time Warner Cable, T-Mobile, Verizon, Vivo and Vodafone. With over 30 years of experience and expertise in voice, video, data and content services, CSG International offers a broad portfolio of licensed and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based products and solutions that help clients compete more effectively, improve business operations and deliver a more impactful customer experience across a variety of touch points. For more information, visit our website at www.csgi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that are based on assumptions about a number of important factors and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what appears in this news release. Some of these key factors include, but are not limited to the following items:

• CSG derives over forty percent of its revenues from its three largest clients;

• Continued market acceptance of CSG’s products and services;

• Timing and success of previously announced client customer account migrations to CSG’s billing platform;

• CSG’s ability to continuously develop and enhance products in a timely, cost-effective, technically-advanced and competitive manner;

• CSG’s ability to deliver its solutions in a timely fashion within budget, particularly large and complex software implementations;

• CSG’s dependency on the global telecommunications industry, and in particular, the North American telecommunications industry;

• CSG’s ability to meet its financial expectations as a result of increased dependency on software sales, which are subject to greater volatility;

• Increasing competition in CSG’s market from companies of greater size and with broader presence in the communications sector;

• CSG’s ability to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses or assets to achieve expected strategic, operating and financial goals;

• CSG’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights;

• CSG’s ability to maintain a reliable, secure computing environment;

• CSG’s ability to conduct business in the international marketplace;

• CSG’s ability to comply with applicable U.S. and International laws and regulations; and

• Fluctuations in credit market conditions, general global economic and political conditions, and foreign currency exchange rates.

This list is not exhaustive and readers are encouraged to review the additional risks and important factors described in CSG’s reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC.

       

CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-UNAUDITED

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
December 31,
2015
December 31,
2014

ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 132,631 $ 81,712
Short-term investments   108,305   120,088
Total cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments 240,936 201,800
Trade accounts receivable:
Billed, net of allowance of $3,600 and $3,323 178,854 184,369
Unbilled 41,110 42,439
Deferred income taxes 18,135 13,204
Income taxes receivable 4,038 7,851
Other current assets   35,153   28,470
Total current assets   518,226   478,133
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net of depreciation of $112,282 and $138,065 35,992 38,326
Software, net of amortization of $95,094 and $86,797 35,095 44,732
Goodwill 219,724 225,269
Client contracts, net of amortization of $87,890 and $88,585 39,738 46,903
Deferred income taxes 8,382 8,890
Income taxes receivable - 1,333
Other assets   20,076   16,142
Total non-current assets   359,007   381,595

Total assets

$ 877,233 $ 859,728

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of unamortized original discount of $7,923 and zero $ 149,577 $ 22,500
Client deposits 33,694 35,791
Trade accounts payable 43,392 37,052
Accrued employee compensation 59,607 51,441
Deferred revenue 41,907 40,004
Income taxes payable 8,962 984
Other current liabilities   22,980   23,375
Total current liabilities   360,119   211,147
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt, net of unamortized original issue discount of zero and $14,169 135,000 233,331
Deferred revenue 9,828 9,648
Income taxes payable 4,413 1,613
Deferred income taxes 9,237 20,445
Other non-current liabilities   12,791   15,821
Total non-current liabilities   171,269   280,858
Total liabilities   531,388   492,005
Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000 shares authorized; zero shares issued
  and outstanding

Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; 32,555 shares and
  33,945 shares outstanding

672 667
Common stock warrants, 2,851 and 2,851 warrants issued and outstanding 7,310 6,694
Additional paid-in capital 503,254 486,414
Treasury stock, at cost, 34,601 and 32,763 shares (814,437 ) (757,478 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on short-term investments, net of tax (97 ) 6
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments (26,288 ) (13,386 )
Accumulated earnings   675,431   644,806
Total stockholders’ equity   345,845   367,723
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 877,233 $ 859,728
 
       

CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME-UNAUDITED

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
Quarter Ended Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
Revenues:
Processing and related services $ 148,401 $ 142,413 $ 577,410 $ 562,109
Software and services 25,377 30,032 93,678 102,585
Maintenance   23,510   21,252   81,432   86,592
Total revenues   197,288   193,697   752,520   751,286

Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation, shown
  separately below):

Processing and related services 69,260 72,068 270,715 277,084
Software and services 15,685 18,941 68,597 79,640
Maintenance   10,552   8,078   40,429   32,619
Total cost of revenues 95,497 99,087 379,741 389,343
Other operating expenses:
Research and development 25,383 26,939 101,950 104,712
Selling, general and administrative 37,578 40,013 139,839 153,488
Depreciation 3,508 3,605 14,776 14,084
Restructuring and reorganization charges   1,252   4,928   3,074   13,969
Total operating expenses   163,218   174,572   639,380   675,596
Operating income   34,070   19,125   113,140   75,690
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (2,536 ) (2,553 ) (10,967 ) (10,453 )
Amortization of original issue discount (1,607 ) (1,487 ) (6,246 ) (5,781 )
Interest and investment income, net 364 191 1,038 798
Other, net   (1,050 )   1,439   (624 )   1,268
Total other   (4,829 )   (2,410 )   (16,799 )   (14,168 )
Income before income taxes 29,241 16,715 96,341 61,522
Income tax provision   (5,573 )   (4,083 )   (33,774 )   (24,563 )
Net income $ 23,668 $ 12,632 $ 62,567 $ 36,959
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic 30,944 32,256 31,051 32,449
Diluted 34,029 33,372 33,438 33,736
Earnings per common share:
Basic $ 0.76 $ 0.39 $ 2.01 $ 1.14
Diluted 0.70 0.38 1.87 1.10
 
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.1750 $ 0.1575 $ 0.7000 $ 0.6225
 
   

CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-UNAUDITED

(in thousands)

 
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
    December 31,
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 62,567 $ 36,959
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities -
Depreciation 14,776 14,084
Amortization 29,281 33,553
Amortization of original issue discount 6,246 5,781
Asset impairment 1,685
Loss on short-term investments and other 177 1,123
Gain on disposition of business operations (3,733 ) (222 )
Deferred income taxes (16,106 ) 41
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation awards (2,185 ) (2,060 )
Stock-based employee compensation   21,130   16,655
Subtotal 113,838 105,914
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable, net 1,831 (14,326 )
Other current and non-current assets (5,387 ) (3,230 )
Income taxes payable/receivable 8,953 (3,508 )
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities 13,916 4,359
Deferred revenue   3,808   (5,558 )
Net cash provided by operating activities   136,959   83,651
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment (18,845 ) (25,985 )
Purchases of short-term investments (181,553 ) (190,427 )
Proceeds from sale/maturity of short-term investments 192,994 197,466
Acquisition of and investment in businesses, net of cash acquired (1,300 )
Acquisition of and investments in client contracts (8,018 ) (5,600 )
Proceeds from the disposition of business operations     1,130
Net cash used in investing activities   (16,722 )   (23,416 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,547 1,394
Payment of cash dividends (22,238 ) (20,530 )
Repurchase of common stock (65,027 ) (25,138 )
Payments on acquired equipment financing (829 ) (1,097 )
Proceeds from long-term debt 150,000
Payments on long-term debt (127,500 ) (15,000 )
Payments of deferred financing costs (2,742 )
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation awards   2,185   2,060
Net cash used in financing activities   (64,604 )   (58,311 )
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash   (4,714 )   (2,898 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 50,919 (974 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   81,712   82,686
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 132,631 $ 81,712
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Net cash paid during the period for -
Interest $ 8,380 $ 8,265
Income taxes 41,860 25,153
 
           

EXHIBIT 1

CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE ANALYSIS

 

Revenues by Geography

Quarter Ended
December 31,

2015

Quarter Ended
September 30,

2015

Quarter Ended
December 31,

2014

Americas   83 %   84 %   83 %
Europe, Middle East and Africa 11 % 11 % 11 %
Asia Pacific 6 % 5 % 6 %
Total Revenues 100 % 100 % 100 %
 
       
Year Ended
December 31,

2015

Year Ended
December 31,

2014

Americas   84 %   85 %
Europe, Middle East and Africa 11 % 10 %
Asia Pacific   5 %   5 %
Total Revenues   100 %   100 %
 

Revenues by Significant Customers: 10% or more of Revenues

    Quarter Ended
December 31,

2015

    Quarter Ended
September 30,

2015

    Quarter Ended
December 31,

2014

Comcast   24 %   24 %   22 %
DISH 13 % 14 % 14 %
Time Warner 11 % 12 % 11 %
 
    Year Ended
December 31,

2015

    Year Ended
December 31,

2014

Comcast   24 %   22 %
DISH 14 % 15 %
Time Warner 12 % 11 %
 

EXHIBIT 2
CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
DISCLOSURES FOR NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Limitations

To supplement its condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), CSG uses non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP EPS, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, and non-GAAP free cash flow. CSG believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with its GAAP financial measures, provide investors with greater transparency to the information used by CSG’s management in its financial and operational decision making. CSG uses these non-GAAP financial measures for the following purposes:

  • Certain internal financial planning, reporting, and analysis;
  • Forecasting and budgeting;
  • Certain management compensation incentives; and
  • Communications with CSG’s Board of Directors, stockholders, financial analysts, and investors.

These non-GAAP financial measures are provided with the intent of providing investors with the following information:

  • A more complete understanding of CSG’s underlying operational results, trends, and cash generating capabilities;
  • Consistency and comparability with CSG’s historical financial results; and
  • Comparability to similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of performance under GAAP, and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial information. Limitations with the use of non-GAAP financial measures include the following items:

  • Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles;
  • The way in which CSG calculates non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the way in which other companies calculate similar non-GAAP financial measures;
  • Non-GAAP financial measures do not include all items of income and expense that affect CSG’s operations and that are required by GAAP to be included in financial statements;
  • Certain adjustments to CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures result in the exclusion of items that are recurring and will be reflected in CSG’s financial statements in future periods; and
  • Certain charges excluded from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures are cash expenses, and therefore do impact CSG’s cash position.

CSG compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement only. Additionally, CSG provides specific information regarding the treatment of GAAP amounts considered in preparing the non-GAAP financial measures and reconciles each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Basis of Presentation

The table below outlines the exclusions from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures:

Non-GAAP Exclusions       Operating
Income
      EPS
Restructuring and reorganization charges   X   X
Acquisition-related charges X X
Stock-based compensation X X
Amortization of acquired intangible assets X X
Amortization of original issue discount (“OID”) X
Unusual income tax matters X

CSG believes that excluding certain items in calculating its non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding CSG’s performance and these items are excluded for the following reasons:

  • Restructuring and reorganization charges are infrequent expenses that result from cost reduction initiatives and/or significant changes to CSG’s business, to include such things as involuntary employee terminations, changes in management structure, divestitures of businesses, facility consolidations and abandonments, impairment of acquired intangible assets, and fundamental reorganizations impacting operational focus and direction. These charges are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring core business operating results. The exclusion of these items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods.
  • Acquisition-related charges relate to direct and incremental expenses related to business acquisitions, and thus, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring core business operating results. These charges typically include expenses related to legal, accounting, and other professional services. The exclusion of these charges in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods.
  • Stock-based compensation results from CSG’s issuance of equity awards to its employees under incentive compensation programs. The amount of this incentive compensation in any period is not generally linked to the level of performance by employees or CSG, but instead is more dependent on CSG’s stock price at the date the equity award is granted, and the employee service period over which the equity awards vest. The exclusion of these expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to evaluate the non-cash expense related to compensation included in CSG’s results of operations, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash generating capabilities of CSG’s business.
  • Amortization of acquired intangible assets is the result of business acquisitions. A portion of the purchase price in an acquisition is allocated to acquired intangible assets (e.g., software, client relationships, etc.), which are then amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives. This annual amortization expense is generally unchanged from the initial estimates, regardless of performance of the acquired business in any one period. Also, the value assigned to acquired intangible assets in a business combination is based on various estimates and valuation techniques, and does not necessarily represent the costs CSG would incur to develop such capabilities internally. Additionally, amortization of acquired intangible assets can be inconsistent in amount and frequency, and can be significantly affected by the timing and size of an acquisition. The exclusion of these expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to evaluate the non-cash expense related to acquisitions included in CSG’s results of operations, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash generating capabilities of CSG’s business.
  • The convertible debt securities OID is the result of allocating a portion of the principal balance of the debt at issuance to the equity component of the instrument, as required under current accounting rules. This OID is then amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective convertible debt instrument. The interest expense related to the amortization of the OID is a non-cash expense, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash interest costs of CSG’s convertible debt securities for cash flow, liquidity, and debt service purposes.
  • Unusual items within CSG’s quarterly and/or annual income tax expense can occur from such things as income tax accounting timing matters, income taxes related to unusual events, or as a result of different treatment of certain items for book accounting and income tax purposes. Consideration of such items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods.

CSG also reports non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flow. Management believes non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to investors in evaluating CSG’s operating performance, liquidity, debt servicing capabilities, and enterprise valuation. CSG defines non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign currency transaction adjustments, and unusual items, such as restructuring and reorganization charges, as discussed above. Additionally, management uses non-GAAP free cash flow, among other measures, to assess its financial performance and cash generating capabilities, and believes that it is useful to investors because it shows CSG’s cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, repurchase its common stock, pay cash dividends, and fund ongoing operations. CSG defines non-GAAP free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less the purchases of property and equipment.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP Operating Income:

The reconciliations of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except percentages):

    Quarter Ended
December 31, 2015
    Quarter Ended
December 31, 2014
Amounts       % of
Revenues
Amounts       % of
Revenues
GAAP operating income $ 34,070   17.3 % $ 19,125   9.9 %
Restructuring and reorganization charges 1,252 0.6 % 4,928 2.5 %
Stock-based compensation (1) 5,511 2.8 % 4,405 2.3 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets   2,704   1.4 %   3,624   1.9 %
Non-GAAP operating income $ 43,537   22.1 % $ 32,082   16.6 %
 
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
    Year Ended
December 31, 2014
Amounts       % of
Revenues
Amounts       % of
Revenues
GAAP operating income $ 113,140   15.0 % $ 75,690   10.1 %
Restructuring and reorganization charges 3,074 0.4 % 13,969 1.9 %
Stock-based compensation (1) 21,371 2.9 % 16,655 2.2 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets   11,983   1.6 %   15,408   2.0 %
Non-GAAP operating income $ 149,568   19.9 % $ 121,722   16.2 %
(1)   Stock-based compensation included in the tables above and following excludes amounts that have been recorded in restructuring and reorganization charges.
 

Non-GAAP EPS:

The reconciliations of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

    Quarter Ended
December 31, 2015
      Quarter Ended
December 31, 2014
Pretax
Amount (2)
      EPS (4) Pretax
Amount (2)
      EPS (5)
GAAP income before income taxes $ 29,241 $ 0.70 $ 16,715 $ 0.38
Restructuring and reorganization charges 1,252 4,928
Stock-based compensation (1) 5,511 4,405
Amortization of acquired intangible assets 2,704 3,624
Amortization of OID   1,607   1,487
Non-GAAP income before income taxes (3) $ 40,315 $ 0.77 $ 31,159 $ 0.61
 
    Year Ended
December 31, 2015
      Year Ended
December 31, 2014
Pretax
Amount (2)
      EPS (4) Pretax
Amount (2)
      EPS (5)
GAAP income before income taxes $ 96,341 $ 1.87 $ 61,522 $ 1.10
Restructuring and reorganization charges 3,074 13,969
Stock-based compensation (1) 21,371 16,655
Amortization of acquired intangible assets 11,983 15,408
Amortization of OID   6,246   5,781
Non-GAAP income before income taxes (3) $ 139,015 $ 2.62 $ 113,335 $ 2.12
(2)   These items (on a pretax basis) are calculated in accordance with GAAP, and are reflected as part of the results of operations in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
(3) Non-GAAP EPS is calculated by taking the non-GAAP income before income taxes and deducting from this amount non-GAAP income taxes calculated by using the non-GAAP effective income tax rate for the period, and then dividing the result of this calculation by the outstanding diluted shares for the period.
 
(4) For the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, the GAAP effective income tax rate was approximately 19% and 35%, respectively, the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was approximately 35% and 37%, respectively, and the outstanding diluted shares were 34.0 million and 33.4 million, respectively. The fourth quarter difference between the GAAP and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates relates primarily to the timing of the 2015 R&D tax credit legislation. The anticipated quarterly benefit of the credits is included in each of the quarters of 2015 for non-GAAP purposes; however, the fourth quarter GAAP tax rate reflects the entire benefit of the full year impact of the R&D tax credits, as the legislation was not passed until December.
 
(5) For the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2014, the GAAP effective income tax rate was approximately 24% and 40%, respectively, the non-GAAP effective income tax rate was approximately 34% and 37%, respectively, and the outstanding diluted shares were 33.4 million and 33.7 million, respectively. The fourth quarter difference between the GAAP and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates relates primarily to the timing of the 2014 R&D tax credit legislation. The anticipated quarterly benefit of the credits is included in each of the quarters of 2014 for non-GAAP purposes; however, the fourth quarter GAAP tax rate reflects the entire benefit of the full year impact of the R&D tax credits, as the legislation was not passed until December.
 

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA:

CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to net income and cash flows from operating activities are provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands, except percentages):

    Quarter Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015     2014 2015     2014
GAAP operating income $ 34,070 $ 19,125 $ 113,140 $ 75,690
Restructuring and reorganization charges 1,252 4,928 3,074 13,969
Depreciation 3,508 3,605 14,776 14,084
Amortization of acquired intangible assets (6) 2,704 3,624 11,983 15,408
Amortization of other intangible assets (6) 3,762 4,152 14,547 15,820
Stock-based compensation (1)   5,511   4,405   21,371   16,655
Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,807 $ 39,839 $ 178,891 $ 151,626
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues   26 %   21 %   24 %   20 %
 
    Quarter Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015     2014 2015     2014
Net income $ 23,668 $ 12,632 $ 62,567 $ 36,959
Interest expense (7) 2,536 2,553 10,967 10,453
Amortization of OID 1,607 1,487 6,246 5,781
Interest and investment income and other, net 686 (1,630 ) (414 ) (2,066 )
Income tax provision 5,573 4,083 33,774 24,563
Depreciation 3,508 3,605 14,776 14,084
Amortization of acquired intangible assets (6) 2,704 3,624 11,983 15,408
Amortization of other intangible assets (6) 3,762 4,152 14,547 15,820
Stock-based compensation (1) 5,511 4,405 21,371 16,655
Restructuring and reorganization charges   1,252   4,928   3,074   13,969
Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,807 $ 39,839 $ 178,891 $ 151,626
 
Quarter Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2015 2014 2015 2014
Cash flows from operating activities $ 52,613 $ 47,745 $ 136,959 $ 83,651
Income tax provision 5,573 4,083 33,774 24,563
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and deferred taxes (14,375 ) (17,136 ) (7,015 ) 22,222
Interest expense (7) 2,536 2,553 10,967 10,453
Interest and investment income and other, net 686 (1,630 ) (414 ) (2,066 )
Restructuring and reorganization charges (8) 3,300 4,928 5,122 14,191
Other   474   (704 )   (502 )   (1,388 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,807 $ 39,839 $ 178,891 $ 151,626
 

(6) Amortization on the statement of cash flows is made up of the following items for the indicated periods (in thousands):

    Quarter Ended
December 31,
      Year Ended
December 31,
2015       2014 2015       2014
Amortization of acquired intangible assets $ 2,704 $ 3,624 $ 11,983 $ 15,408
Amortization of other intangible assets 3,762 4,152 14,547 15,820
Amortization of deferred financing costs   462   570   2,751   2,325
Total amortization $ 6,928 $ 8,346 $ 29,281 $ 33,553
(7)   Interest expense includes amortization of deferred financing costs as provided in Note 6 above.
 
(8) Restructuring and reorganization costs exclude the impact of the asset impairment for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015, and the gain on disposition of business operations for the fourth quarter and years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, as these amounts are already excluded from cash flows from operating activities.
 

Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow:

CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities are provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands):

    Quarter Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
2015     2014 2015     2014
Cash flows from operating activities $ 52,613 $ 47,745 $ 136,959 $ 83,651
Purchases of property and equipment   (2,069 )   (4,579 )   (18,845 )   (25,985 )
Non-GAAP free cash flow $ 50,544 $ 43,166 $ 118,114 $ 57,666
 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures – 2016 Financial Guidance

Non-GAAP Operating Income Margin:

The reconciliation of GAAP operating income margin to non-GAAP operating income margin, as included in CSG’s 2016 full year financial guidance, is as follows:

    2016
Guidance
GAAP operating income margin   16.0 %
Stock-based compensation (9) 3.0 %
Amortization of acquired intangible assets (10)   1.0 %
Non-GAAP operating income margin (“approximately 20%”)   20.0 %
(9)   This represents the pretax impact of stock-based compensation expense of an estimated $24 million on CSG’s operating income margin as a percentage of the midpoint of 2016 revenue guidance.
 
(10) This represents the pretax impact of amortization of acquired intangible assets expense of an estimated $9 million on CSG’s operating income margin as a percentage of the midpoint of 2016 revenue guidance.
 

Non-GAAP EPS:

The reconciliation of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS as included in CSG’s 2016 full year financial guidance is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

    2016 Guidance Range
Low Range       High Range
Pretax
Amount (11)
      EPS (13) Pretax
Amount (11)
      EPS (13)
GAAP income before income taxes $ 98,000 $ 1.84 $ 103,000 $ 1.94
Stock-based compensation 24,000 24,000
Amortization of acquired intangible assets 9,000 9,000
Amortization of OID   7,000   7,000
Non-GAAP income before income taxes (12) $ 138,000 $ 2.59 $ 143,000 $ 2.69
(11)   These items (on a pretax basis) are calculated in accordance with GAAP, and will be reflected as part of the results of operations in CSG’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
 
(12) Non-GAAP EPS is calculated by taking the non-GAAP income before income taxes and deducting from this amount non-GAAP income taxes calculated by using the non-GAAP effective income tax rate for the period, and then dividing the result of this calculation by the outstanding diluted shares for the period.
 
(13) For 2016, the estimated effective income tax rate for non-GAAP purposes is expected to be approximately 37%. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding are expected to be 33.5 million.
 

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA:

CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to net income and cash flows from operations are provided below for CSG’s 2016 full year financial guidance at the mid-point (in thousands, except percentages):

              2016
GAAP operating income $ 116,500
Depreciation 15,000
Amortization of acquired intangible assets 9,000
Amortization of other intangible assets 15,000
Stock-based compensation   24,000
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $ 179,500
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues   24.0 %
 
2016
Net income $ 63,000
Interest expense 11,000
Amortization of OID 7,000
Interest income (1,500 )
Income tax provision 37,000
Depreciation 15,000
Amortization of acquired of intangible assets 9,000
Amortization of other intangible assets 15,000
Stock-based compensation   24,000
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $ 179,500
 
  2016
Cash flows from operating activities (midpoint of guidance) $ 120,000
Income tax provision 37,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and deferred taxes 10,000
Interest expense 11,000
Interest income (1,500 )
Other   3,000
Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $ 179,500
 

Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow:

CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities is provided below for the indicated period (in thousands):

          2016
Cash flows from operating activities (midpoint of guidance) $ 120,000
Purchases of property and equipment   (20,000 )
Non-GAAP free cash flow $ 100,000
 

Contacts

CSG Systems International, Inc.
Liz Bauer, 303-804-4065
Senior Vice President of Investor Relations & Strategic Communications
E-mail: liz.bauer@csgi.com

Contacts

CSG Systems International, Inc.
Liz Bauer, 303-804-4065
Senior Vice President of Investor Relations & Strategic Communications
E-mail: liz.bauer@csgi.com