Summary
Certegy Inc. reported mixed financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003. While revenues saw a modest increase of 2.3% year-over-year to $240.2 million, net income declined by 24.0% to $12.2 million, largely due to $12.6 million in "other charges." These charges were primarily related to early termination costs for a data processing contract ($9.6 million) and downsizing of its Brazilian card operations ($2.7 million). The company's Card Services segment revenue remained flat, impacted by the loss of a major client in Brazil and a decline in merchant processing revenue due to the departure of PayPal. However, North American card issuer revenue showed strength, growing by 13.7%. The Check Services segment demonstrated robust revenue growth of 6.9%, driven by both North American and international markets. Despite revenue growth, operating income across both segments saw a decline compared to the prior year, with the "other charges" significantly impacting profitability.
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues increased by 2.3% to $240.2 million in Q1 2003 compared to Q1 2002.
- 2Net income decreased by 24.0% to $12.2 million, significantly impacted by $12.6 million in "other charges."
- 3The "other charges" primarily consisted of $9.6 million for early termination of a data processing contract and $2.7 million related to downsizing the Brazilian card operation.
- 4Card Services segment revenue was flat year-over-year, with North American card issuer revenue up 13.7% but offset by declines in merchant processing and international card issuer revenue.
- 5Check Services segment revenue grew by 6.9% year-over-year, showing strength in both domestic and international markets.
- 6Diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.18 from $0.23 in the prior year, with $0.12 of this decrease attributed to "other charges."
- 7Total debt outstanding decreased to $207.0 million from $214.2 million at the end of 2002, and the company repurchased 500,000 shares of common stock in Q1 2003.