FIS Reports First Quarter 2021 Results

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FIS (NYSE:FIS), a global leader in financial services technology, today reported its first quarter 2021 results.

“FIS is off to a very strong start to the year, exceeding our expectations and increasing our outlook for the rest of the year,” said Gary Norcross, FIS chairman and chief executive officer. “Our continued focus on innovation and transformation is enabling our clients to modernize their environments and engage with their customers in dynamic new ways. I’m pleased that our unique value propositions will enable FIS to continue accelerating revenue growth and driving shareholder value as we advance how the world pays, banks and invests.”

First Quarter 2021

On a GAAP basis, consolidated revenue increased 5% to $3,223 million. Net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders was $(373) million or $(0.60) per diluted share, which includes expense of approximately $528 million related to our recent debt refinancing.

On an organic basis, revenue increased 4% as growth accelerated across all three operating segments. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 10 basis points (bps) over the prior year period to 40.6% as the operating segments’ high contribution margins more than offset increased corporate expense associated with unwinding last year’s COVID-19 related cost actions, including full funding for employee bonuses. Adjusted net earnings were $814 million or $1.30 per diluted share.

* Indicates comparison not meaningful

Segment Information

• Merchant Solutions:
  First quarter revenue increased 3% to $966 million. On an organic basis, revenue increased 1%, primarily due to strength in North America and eCommerce, including significantly ramping volumes on our new acquiring platform. COVID-19 impacts on the travel and airlines vertical as well as continued lockdowns in the U.K. created a headwind of approximately 5% during the first quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 150 basis points over the prior year period to 46.7%.

• Banking Solutions:
  First quarter revenue increased 7% to $1,540 million. On an organic basis, revenue increased 6%, primarily due to continued ramping revenue from recent client wins. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 90 basis points over the prior year period to 43.3%.

• Capital Market Solutions:
  First quarter revenue increased 5% to $625 million. On an organic basis, revenue increased 3%, primarily due to recent strong new sales performance. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 140 basis points over the prior year period to 46.2%.

Integration Update

The Company achieved annual run-rate synergies related to the Worldpay acquisition, exiting the first quarter of 2021 as follows:

• Revenue synergies of approximately $300 million on an annual run-rate basis, including ongoing execution of cross-sell opportunities, bank referral agreements, geographic expansion, ramping volumes and Merchant SMB sales initiatives.
• Reflecting strong attainment of revenue synergies to date and improved outlook, the Company increased its revenue synergy targets. Annual run-rate revenue synergies are expected to be approximately $600 million exiting 2021, an increase of $200 million above the previous target of $400 million, and to be approximately $700 million exiting 2022, an increase of $150 million above the previous target of $550 million.
• More than doubled the Company’s initial cost synergy target of $400 million on an annual run-rate basis, including approximately $425 million of operating expense synergies. The Company continues to expect operating expense synergies to reach approximately $500 million on an annual run-rate basis exiting 2021.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows

As of March 31, 2021, debt outstanding totaled $19,439 million. The Company refinanced a portion of its higher interest rate bonds in the first quarter and now expects full-year 2021 net interest expense to be approximately $230 million.

First quarter net cash provided by operating activities was $836 million, and free cash flow was $556 million.

FIS paid dividends of $244 million and repurchased approximately 2.8 million shares during the quarter for $400 million at an average price of $143.01 per share.

Second Quarter and Full-Year 2021 GAAP Guidance

Second Quarter and Full-Year 2021 Non-GAAP Guidance

COVID-19 Update

We have continued to prioritize investments in solutions and services that help address the needs of our clients throughout the ongoing global pandemic in order to increase the Company’s potential to accelerate revenue growth. During the first quarter, the Company’s revenue growth accelerated across all three operating segments as COVID-19’s impact on our financial results lessened due to the gradual opening of markets, particularly those which were affected by the accessibility and effective roll out of vaccines.

About FIS

FIS is a leading provider of technology solutions for merchants, banks and capital markets firms globally. Our employees are dedicated to advancing the way the world pays, banks and invests by applying our scale, deep expertise and data-driven insights. We help our clients use technology in innovative ways to solve business-critical challenges and deliver superior experiences for their customers. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, FIS is a Fortune 500® company and is a member of Standard & Poor’s 500® Index.

To learn more, visit www.fisglobal.com. Follow FIS on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter (@FISGlobal).