j2 Reports Third Quarter 2016 Results

Achieves Record Third Quarter Revenues (up 17.6% to $210.1 million vs. Q3 2015), GAAP Diluted EPS (up 22.1% to $0.94 vs. Q3 2015)

Announces Twenty-First Consecutive Quarterly Dividend Increase

LOS ANGELES--()--j2 Global, Inc. (NASDAQGS: JCOM) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 and announced that its Board of Directors has declared an increased quarterly cash dividend of $0.3550 per share.

THIRD QUARTER 2016 RESULTS

Q3 2016 quarterly revenues increased 17.6% to a Q3 record of $210.1 million compared to $178.7 million for Q3 2015.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased by 18.6% to $60.5 million compared to $51.0 million for Q3 2015. Q3 2016 free cash flow(1) increased by 7.3% to $53.2 million compared to $49.6 million for Q3 2015 which included an adjustment to free cash flow of $1.2 million associated with taxes for prior periods under audit. Exclusive of the impact of the adjustment in Q3 2015, free cash flow increased by 9.9% compared to $48.4 million for Q3 2015.

GAAP earnings per diluted share(2) increased 22.1% to $0.94 in Q3 2016 compared to $0.77 for Q3 2015. Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share(2)(3) for the quarter increased 20.2% to $1.25 compared to $1.04 for Q3 2015.

GAAP net income increased by 21.9% to $45.6 million compared to $37.4 million for Q3 2015.

Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA(4) increased 13.2% to $95.4 million compared to $84.3 million for Q3 2015.

j2 ended the quarter with approximately $378.9 million in cash and investments after deploying approximately $85.0 million during the quarter with respect to the repurchase of approximately 935,000 shares of j2 common stock, four acquisitions and j2’s regular quarterly dividend.

Key financial results for Q3 2016 versus Q3 2015 are set forth in the following table (in millions, except per share amounts). Reconciliations of Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share, Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to their nearest comparable GAAP financial measures are attached to this Press Release.

    Q3 2016   Q3 2015   % Change
Revenues            
Cloud Services   $142.2 million   $125.3 million   13.5%
Digital Media   $66.8 million   $52.3 million   27.7%
IP Licensing   $1.1 million   $1.1 million   —%
Total Revenue:   $210.1 million   $178.7 million   17.6%
Operating Income   $62.1 million   $55.7 million   11.5%
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   $60.5 million   $51.0 million   18.6%
Free Cash Flow (1)   $53.2 million   $49.6 million   7.3%
GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share (2)   $0.94   $0.77   22.1%
Adjusted Non-GAAP Earnings per Diluted Share (2) (3)   $1.25   $1.04   20.2%
GAAP Net Income   $45.6 million   $37.4 million   21.9%
Non-GAAP Net Income   $60.7 million   $50.7 million   19.7%
Adjusted EBITDA (4)   $95.4 million   $84.3 million   13.2%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin (4)   45.4%   47.2%   (1.8)%
     

"Our third quarter results highlight the positive combination of healthy revenue growth and efficient expense management" said Hemi Zucker, CEO of j2 Global. "Our efforts yielded an impressive 20% year-over-year Adjusted non-GAAP Diluted EPS increase and 18% year-over-year revenue growth. With the excellent results for the first nine months of the year, I am pleased to announce that our results are trending toward the higher end of our Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share guidance for the year.

BUSINESS OUTLOOK

For fiscal 2016, the Company estimates that it will achieve revenues between $830 and $860 million and Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share of between $4.70 and $5.00.

Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for 2016 excludes share-based compensation of between $12 and $14 million, amortization of acquired intangibles and the impact of any currently unanticipated items, in each case net of tax.

It is anticipated that the non-GAAP effective tax rate for 2016 (exclusive of the release of reserves for uncertain tax positions) will be at the lower end of the range between 29% and 31%.

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

DIVIDEND

j2's Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3550 per common share, a $0.01, or 2.9% increase versus last quarter's dividend. This is j2's twenty-first consecutive quarterly dividend increase since its first quarterly dividend in September 2011. The dividend will be paid on December 5, 2016 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 18, 2016. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval.

Notes:

  (1)   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 amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes.
(2) The estimated GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 25.8% for Q3 2016 and 15.8% for Q3 2015. The estimated Adjusted non-GAAP effective tax rates were approximately 27.7% for Q3 2016 and 28.7% for Q3 2015.
(3) For Q3 2016, Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes share-based compensation, certain acquisition-related integration costs, interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with convertible notes, amortization of acquired intangibles, additional tax expense (benefit) from prior years and sale of investments, in each case net of tax, totaling $0.32 per diluted share. For Q3 2015, Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share excludes share-based compensation, certain acquisition-related integration costs, interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with convertible notes, amortization of acquired intangibles and additional tax expense (benefit) from prior years, in each case net of tax, totaling $0.28 per diluted share.
(4) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and other expense, net; income tax expense; depreciation and amortization; and the items used to reconcile EPS to Adjusted non-GAAP EPS referred to in Note (3) above. Adjusted EBITDA amounts are not meant as a substitute for GAAP, but are solely for informational purposes.
 

About j2 Global

j2 Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCOM) provides Internet services through 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 ®, Livedrive®, Onebox ®, and LiveVault®, and operates a messaging network spanning 50 countries on six continents. The Digital Media Division offers technology, gaming and lifestyle content through its digital properties, which include IGN, PCMag, AskMen, Speedtest, Offers, ExtremeTech, Geek, Toolbox, Techbargains, emedia, and Salesify and others. As of December 31, 2015, j2 had achieved 20 consecutive fiscal years of revenue growth. For more information about j2, please visit www.j2global.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements in this Press Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, particularly those contained in Hemi Zucker's quote and the "Business Outlook" portion regarding the Company's expected fiscal 2016 financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations or beliefs and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors and uncertainties include, among other items: the Company's ability to grow non-fax revenues, profitability and cash flows; the Company's ability to identify, close and successfully transition acquisitions; subscriber growth and retention; variability of the Company's revenue based on changing conditions in particular industries and the economy generally; protection of the Company's proprietary technology or infringement by the Company of intellectual property of others; the risk of adverse changes in the U.S. or international regulatory environments, including but not limited to the imposition or increase of taxes or regulatory-related fees; and the numerous other factors set forth in j2 Global's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting j2 Global, refer to the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by j2 Global on February 29, 2016, 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 2016 financial performance are based on limited information available to the Company at this time, which is subject to change. Although management's expectations may change after the date of this press release, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these statements.

About non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

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

 
j2 GLOBAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
   

September 30,
2016

December 31,
2015
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 285,563 $ 255,530
Short-term investments 39,908 79,655
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,643 and $4,261, respectively 114,581 114,680
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 26,567 25,722
Deferred income taxes, current   7,218  
Total current assets 466,619 482,805
Long-term investments 53,421 78,563
Property and equipment, net 61,437 57,442
Goodwill 853,791 807,661
Other purchased intangibles, net 325,654 352,641
Deferred income taxes, non-current 4,454
Other assets 3,769   4,607  
TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,769,145   $ 1,783,719  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 101,830 $ 114,384
Income taxes payable 2,207 5,589
Deferred revenue, current 76,259 76,104
Capital lease, current 191 214
Deferred income taxes, current   363  
Total current liabilities 180,487 196,654
Long-term debt 599,260 592,037
Deferred revenue, non-current 2,354 6,538
Capital lease, non-current 12 148
Liability for uncertain tax positions 44,418 35,917
Deferred income taxes, non-current 39,975 43,989
Other long-term liabilities 4,445   18,228  
TOTAL LIABILITIES 870,951   893,511  
 
Commitments and contingencies
 
Preferred stock
Common stock 472 479
Additional paid-in capital 304,385 292,064
Retained earnings 634,386 626,789
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (41,049 ) (29,124 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 898,194   890,208  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 1,769,145   $ 1,783,719  
 

j2 GLOBAL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2016   2015 2016   2015
Total revenues $ 210,116 $ 178,701 $ 622,418 $ 515,992
 
Cost of revenues (1) 36,992   30,669   106,870   88,350
Gross profit 173,124   148,032   515,548   427,642
 
Operating expenses:
Sales and marketing (1) 46,425 38,808 143,155 116,819
Research, development and engineering (1) 8,965 8,289 27,165 25,704
General and administrative (1) 55,612   45,202   170,823   138,790
Total operating expenses 111,002   92,299   341,143   281,313
Income from operations 62,122 55,733 174,405 146,329
Interest expense, net 10,436 10,259 30,971 31,453
Other expense (income), net (9,718 ) 1,086   (9,805 ) 390
Income before income taxes 61,404 44,388 153,239 114,486
Income tax expense 15,835   7,013   43,958   16,317
Net income $ 45,569   $ 37,375   $ 109,281   $ 98,169
 
Basic net income per common share:
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders $ 0.95   $ 0.77   $ 2.25   $ 2.03
 
Diluted net income per common share:
Net income attributable to j2 Global, Inc. common shareholders $ 0.94   $ 0.77   $ 2.24   $ 2.02
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 47,310,011 47,696,224 47,775,798 47,553,075
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 47,494,744 47,953,871 47,997,674 47,777,622
 
(1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:
Cost of revenues $ 116 $ 99 $ 314 $ 273
Sales and marketing 423 624 1,388 1,811
Research, development and engineering 235 227 663 635
General and administrative 2,925   1,820   7,582   6,224
Total $ 3,699   $ 2,770   $ 9,947   $ 8,943
 
j2 GLOBAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016   2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 109,281 $ 98,169
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 88,569 63,635
Accretion and amortization of discount and premium of investments 896 871
Amortization of financing costs and discounts 7,224 6,774
Share-based compensation 9,947 8,943
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (2,071 ) (4,541 )
Provision for doubtful accounts 9,072 5,015
Deferred income taxes, net (2,328 ) 219
Gain on sale of available-for-sale investments (7,709 ) (37 )
Decrease (increase) in:
Accounts receivable (7,631 ) (4,296 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (663 ) 2,815
Other assets 937 (77 )
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (4,601 ) (5,783 )
Income taxes payable (927 ) (13,565 )
Deferred revenue (4,134 ) (3,727 )
Liability for uncertain tax positions 8,502 (9,916 )
Other long-term liabilities (11,824 ) 4,074  
Net cash provided by operating activities 192,540   148,573  
Cash flows from investing activities:
Maturity of certificates of deposit 65
Purchase of certificates of deposit (62 )
Maturity of available-for-sale investments 145,005 87,976
Purchase of available-for-sale investments (75,834 ) (78,281 )
Purchases of property and equipment (17,447 ) (11,927 )
Purchases of intangible assets (2,014 ) (1,258 )
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash received (91,401 ) (259,838 )
Net cash used in investing activities (41,691 ) (263,325 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchases of common and restricted stock (56,083 ) (3,159 )
Issuance of stock, net of costs 3,463 4,814
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 2,071 4,541
Dividends paid (48,768 ) (43,526 )
Deferred payments for acquisitions (18,939 ) (5,411 )
Other (391 ) (250 )
Net cash used in financing activities (118,647 ) (42,991 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (2,169 ) (3,552 )
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 30,033 (161,295 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 255,530   433,663  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 285,563   $ 272,368  
 

j2 GLOBAL, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

Non-GAAP net income is GAAP net income with the following modifications, net of tax: (1) elimination of share-based compensation and the associated payroll tax expense; (2) elimination of certain acquisition-related integration costs; (3) elimination of interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with the convertible notes; (4) elimination of amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired; (5) elimination of additional tax or indirect tax related (expense) benefit from prior years; (6) sale of investments; and (7) IRS consulting fee.

  Three Months Ended September 30,
2016   Per Diluted Share *     2015   Per Diluted Share *
Net income $ 45,569   $ 0.94 $ 37,375   $ 0.77
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) 2,660 0.06 2,112 0.04
Acquisition related integration costs (2) (588 ) (0.01 ) 3,398 0.07
Interest costs (3) 1,623 0.03 1,556 0.03
Amortization (4) 16,065 0.34 11,413 0.24
Tax benefit from prior years (5) (5,140 ) (0.11 )
Sale of investments (6) (4,674 ) (0.10 )  
Adjusted non-GAAP net income $ 60,655   $ 1.25 $ 50,714   $ 1.04
 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016   Per Diluted Share *     2015   Per Diluted Share *
Net income $ 109,281   $ 2.24 $ 98,169   $ 2.02
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) 7,232 0.15 6,572 0.14
Acquisition related integration costs (2) 3,777 0.08 6,989 0.15
Interest costs (3) 4,318 0.09 4,112 0.09
Amortization (4) 51,705 1.08 37,025 0.77
Tax expense (benefit) from prior years (5) 53 (12,786 ) (0.27 )
Sale of investments (6) (4,675 ) (0.10 )
IRS consulting fee (7)   (159 )
Adjusted non-GAAP net income $ 171,691   $ 3.50 $ 139,922   $ 2.88

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

j2 GLOBAL, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

Non-GAAP net income is GAAP net income with the following modifications: (1) elimination of share-based compensation and the associated payroll tax expense; (2) elimination of certain acquisition-related integration costs; (3) elimination of interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with the convertible notes; (4) elimination of amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired; (5) elimination of additional tax or indirect tax related (expense) benefit from prior years; and (6) sale of investments.

  Three Months Ended September 30,
2016   2015
Cost of revenues $ 36,992 $ 30,669
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (116 ) (99 )
Amortization (4) (1,334 ) (733 )
Adjusted non-GAAP cost of revenues $ 35,542   $ 29,837  
 
Sales and marketing $ 46,425 $ 38,808
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (423 ) (624 )
Acquisition related integration costs (2) (409 )  
Adjusted non-GAAP sales and marketing $ 45,593   $ 38,184  
 
Research, Development and Engineering $ 8,965 $ 8,289
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (235 ) (227 )
Acquisition related integration costs (2) (51 )  
Adjusted non-GAAP research, development and engineering $ 8,679   $ 8,062  
 
General and administrative $ 55,612 $ 45,202
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (2,925 ) (1,820 )
Acquisition related integration costs (2) 1,196 (5,356 )
Amortization (4) (23,730 ) (16,037 )
Adjusted non-GAAP general and administrative $ 30,153   $ 21,989  
 
Interest expense, net $ 10,436 $ 10,259
Plus:
Interest costs (3) (1,940 ) (1,831 )
Adjusted non-GAAP interest expense, net $ 8,496   $ 8,428  
 
Other expense (income), net $ (9,718 ) $ 1,086
Plus:
Sale of investments (6) 7,540    
Adjusted non-GAAP other expense (income), net $ (2,178 ) $ 1,086  

 

 

 
Income Tax Provision $ 15,835 $ 7,013
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) 1,039 658
Acquisition related integration costs (2) (148 ) 1,958
Interest costs (3) 317 275
Amortization (4) 8,999 5,357
Tax benefit from prior years (5) 5,140
Sale of investments (6) (2,866 )  
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax provision $ 23,176   $ 20,401  
 
Total adjustments $ (15,086 ) $ (13,339 )
 
GAAP earnings per diluted share $ 0.94 $ 0.77
Adjustments * $ 0.32 $ 0.28
Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share $ 1.25 $ 1.04

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

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

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

j2 GLOBAL, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

Non-GAAP net income is GAAP net income with the following modifications, net of tax: (1) elimination of share-based compensation and the associated payroll tax expense; (2) elimination of certain acquisition-related integration costs; (3) elimination of interest costs in excess of the coupon rate associated with the convertible notes; (4) elimination of amortization of patents and intangible assets that we acquired; (5) elimination of additional tax or indirect tax related (expense) benefit from prior years; (6) IRS consulting fee; and (7) sale of investments.

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016   2015
Cost of revenues $ 106,870 $ 88,350
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (314 ) (273 )
Amortization (4) (3,890 ) (2,062 )
Adjusted non-GAAP cost of revenues $ 102,666   $ 86,015  
 
Sales and marketing $ 143,155 $ 116,819
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (1,388 ) (1,811 )
Acquisition related integration costs (2) (1,534 ) (715 )
Adjusted non-GAAP sales and marketing $ 140,233   $ 114,293  
 
Research, development and engineering $ 27,165 $ 25,704
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (663 ) (635 )
Acquisition related integration costs (2) (50 ) (79 )
Adjusted non-GAAP research, development and engineering $ 26,452   $ 24,990  
 
General and administrative $ 170,823 $ 138,790
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) (7,582 ) (6,224 )
Acquisition related integration costs (2) (4,226 ) (9,990 )
Amortization (4) (69,654 ) (50,580 )
Tax benefit from prior years (5) (900 ) (3,651 )
IRS consulting fee (6)   204  
Adjusted non-GAAP general and administrative $ 88,461   $ 68,549  
 
Interest expense, net $ 30,971 $ 31,453
Plus:
Interest costs (3) (5,739 ) (5,415 )
Tax benefit from prior years (5)   (472 )
Adjusted non-GAAP interest expense, net $ 25,232   $ 25,566  
 
Other expense (income), net $ (9,805 ) $ 390
Plus:
Tax benefit from prior years (5) 811
Sale of investments (7) 7,540    
Adjusted non-GAAP other expense (income), net $ (1,454 ) $ 390  

 

 
Income tax provision $ 43,958 $ 16,317
Plus:
Share based compensation (1) 2,715 2,371
Acquisition related integration costs (2) 2,033 3,795
Interest costs (3) 1,421 1,303
Amortization (4) 21,839 15,617
Tax benefit from prior years (5) 36 16,909
IRS consulting fee (6) (45 )
Sale of investments (7) (2,865 )  
Adjusted non-GAAP income tax provision $ 69,137   $ 56,267  
 
Total adjustments $ (62,410 ) $ (41,753 )
 
GAAP earnings per diluted share $ 2.24 $ 2.02
Adjustments * $ 1.26 $ 0.86
Adjusted non-GAAP earnings per diluted share $ 3.50 $ 2.88

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

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

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

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

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

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

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

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

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

(6) Gain on Sale of Investment. The company excludes the gain on sale of its strategic equity investment in Carbonite, Inc. The company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

(7) IRS Consulting Fee. The company excludes IRS consulting fees related to IRS audit appeals and settlements. The company believes that the Non-GAAP financial measures excluding this item provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operational performance. In addition, excluding this item from the Non-GAAP measures facilitates comparisons to historical operating results.

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

   
j2 GLOBAL, INC.
NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION
THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
 

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

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016   2015 2016   2015
 
Net income $ 45,569 $ 37,375 $ 109,281 $ 98,169
Plus:
Interest expense, net 10,436 10,259 30,971 31,453
Other expense (income), net (9,718 ) 1,086 (9,805 ) 390
Income tax expense 15,835 7,013 43,958 16,317
Depreciation and amortization 30,336 20,454 88,569 63,635
Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted non-GAAP financial measures:
Share-based compensation and the associated payroll tax expense 3,699 2,770 9,947 8,943
Acquisition-related integration costs (736 ) 5,356 5,810 10,784
Additional indirect tax expense from prior years 900 3,651
IRS consulting fee (204 )
       
Adjusted EBITDA $ 95,421   $ 84,313   $ 279,631   $ 233,138  
 

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

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

         
j2 GLOBAL, INC.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
 
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD

2016

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 64,524 $ 67,528 $ 60,488 $ $ 192,540
Less: Purchases of property and equipment (4,321 ) (4,865 ) (8,261 ) (17,447 )
Add: Excess tax benefit share-based compensation 264   833   974     2,071  
Free cash flows $ 60,467   $ 63,496   $ 53,201   $   $ 177,164  
 
 
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 YTD

2015

Net cash provided by operating activities $ 45,716 $ 51,894 $ 50,963 $ 80,488 $ 229,061
Less: Purchases of property and equipment (2,401 ) (4,554 ) (4,972 ) (5,370 ) (17,297 )
Add: Excess tax benefit share-based compensation 334 1,770 2,437 (55 ) 4,486
Add: IRS settlement* 5,753   1,164   6,917  
Free cash flows $ 43,649   $ 54,863   $ 49,592   $ 75,063   $ 223,167  
 

* Free cash flows of $54.9 million and $49.6 million for Q2 2015 and Q3 2015, respectively, were before the effect of payments associated with taxes for prior periods under audit.

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

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

           
j2 GLOBAL, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
 
Cloud Cloud IP Digital
Connect Services Licensing Media j2 Global, Inc. Total
 
Revenues
GAAP revenues $ 92,599 $ 49,624 $ 1,119 $ 66,774 $ $ 210,116
 
Gross profit
GAAP gross profit $ 76,652 $ 34,197 $ 1,116 $ 61,159 $ $ 173,124
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation 97 19 116
Amortization 127   1,207         1,334  
Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit $ 76,876 $ 35,423 $ 1,116 $ 61,159 $ $ 174,574
 
Operating profit
GAAP operating profit $ 43,543 $ 10,354 $ (996 ) $ 13,887 $ (4,666 ) $ 62,122
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation 962 495 713 1,529 3,699
Acquisition related integration costs 65 (801 ) (736 )
Amortization 4,552   11,821   1,442   7,249     25,064  
Adjusted non-GAAP operating profit $ 49,122 $ 22,670 $ 446 $ 21,048 $ (3,137 ) $ 90,149
 
Depreciation 1,399   1,004     2,869     5,272  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,521   $ 23,674   $ 446   $ 23,917   $ (3,137 ) $ 95,421  
 
NOTE: Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations
 
           
j2 GLOBAL, INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015
(UNAUDITED, IN THOUSANDS)
 
Cloud Cloud IP Digital
Connect Services Licensing Media j2 Global, Inc. Total
 
Revenues
GAAP revenues $ 89,511 $ 35,819 $ 1,106 $ 52,265 $ $ 178,701
 
Gross profit
GAAP gross profit $ 75,226 $ 25,356 $ 1,106 $ 46,343 $ 1 $ 148,032
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation 99 99
Amortization 122   611         733
Adjusted non-GAAP gross profit $ 75,447 $ 25,967 $ 1,106 $ 46,343 $ 1 $ 148,864
 
Operating profit
GAAP operating profit $ 46,222 $ 7,922 $ (986 ) $ 7,296 $ (4,721 ) $ 55,733
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Share-based compensation 1,185 479 1,106 2,770
Acquisition related integration costs 95 5,261 5,356
Amortization 4,106   5,403   1,622   5,639     16,770
Adjusted Non-GAAP operating profit $ 51,608 $ 13,325 $ 636 $ 18,675 $ (3,615 ) $ 80,629
 
Depreciation 1,415   628     1,641     3,684
Adjusted EBITDA $ 53,023   $ 13,953   $ 636   $ 20,316   $ (3,615 ) $ 84,313
 
NOTE: Table above excludes certain intercompany allocations
 

Contacts

j2 Global, Inc.
Laura Hinson, 800-577-1790
press@j2.com

Contacts

j2 Global, Inc.
Laura Hinson, 800-577-1790
press@j2.com