10-KPeriod: FY2019

FISERV INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2019

Filed February 27, 2020For Securities:FISV

Summary

Fiserv Inc. reported significant growth in 2019, primarily driven by its substantial acquisition of First Data Corporation, which closed on July 29, 2019. This acquisition significantly expanded Fiserv's global footprint and service offerings in financial technology and payment processing. While total revenue saw a substantial increase of 75% to $10.2 billion in 2019, this was largely due to the inclusion of First Data's revenue for approximately five months. Operating income, however, experienced a decrease of 8% to $1.6 billion, and net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. fell by 25% to $893 million. This decline in profitability is largely attributable to increased interest expenses related to debt incurred for the First Data acquisition, as well as significant acquisition and integration costs. Investors should closely monitor the company's ability to realize the anticipated synergies from the First Data integration and manage its increased debt levels. The company's strategic priorities for 2019 focused on integrating First Data, building high-quality revenue, enhancing client relationships, and driving innovation. The substantial debt load and the ongoing integration process present key challenges and opportunities for Fiserv moving forward. The company did not pay dividends and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$10.19B
SG&A Expenses$3.28B
Operating Expenses$8.58B
Operating Income$1.61B
Interest Expense$507.00M
Net Income$893.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.74
EPS (Diluted)$1.71
Shares Outstanding (Basic)512.30M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)522.60M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenue increased by 75% to $10.2 billion in 2019, largely driven by the acquisition of First Data.
  • 2Operating income decreased by 8% to $1.6 billion in 2019, impacted by acquisition and integration costs.
  • 3Net income attributable to Fiserv, Inc. decreased by 25% to $893 million in 2019.
  • 4The company incurred significant debt to finance the $46.5 billion acquisition of First Data.
  • 5Fiserv did not pay dividends and expects to reinvest earnings for growth.
  • 6The company's key enterprise priorities for 2019 included integrating First Data and enhancing client relationships.
  • 7Significant goodwill and intangible assets ($36 billion and $17.6 billion respectively at year-end 2019) resulting from acquisitions, present potential impairment risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Fiserv's significant revenue growth in 2019 was the acquisition of First Data Corporation, which closed on July 29, 2019. This acquisition contributed substantially to the total revenue figure for the latter half of the year.

While the First Data acquisition boosted revenue, it also led to a decrease in operating income and net income in 2019. This was due to a substantial increase in interest expenses from the debt taken on to finance the acquisition, as well as significant costs associated with integrating the two companies.

Fiserv's current policy is to use its operating cash flow primarily for capital expenditures, share repurchases, acquisitions, and debt repayment. The company has not paid dividends and does not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future, indicating a focus on reinvesting earnings for growth and integration.

The key risks highlighted include the potential inability to successfully integrate the businesses and realize anticipated benefits and synergies, the incurrence of substantial integration expenses, the potential loss of customers or business partners, and the potential for influence from a large shareholder (New Omaha Holdings L.P.).