10-KPeriod: FY2017

GLOBAL PAYMENTS INC Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2017

Filed February 23, 2018For Securities:GPN

Summary

GLOBAL PAYMENTS INC. (GPN) reported strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2017, with consolidated revenues increasing by 17.9% to $3.975 billion. This growth was driven by all operating segments and significant contributions from recent acquisitions, notably the $1.2 billion acquisition of ACTIVE Network in September 2017 and the $3.9 billion merger with Heartland Payment Systems in April 2016. These strategic acquisitions have expanded GPN's scale, merchant base, and vertical reach, particularly in North America. The company also experienced a significant improvement in profitability, with operating income rising by 56.8% and operating margin expanding to 14.1% from 10.6% in the prior year. This was partly due to revenue growth and a notable decrease in acquisition and integration expenses. Net income attributable to Global Payments increased substantially, and the company benefited from a provisional net income tax benefit of $158.7 million related to the 2017 U.S. Tax Act, which reduced its effective tax rate. GPN's strong performance and strategic growth initiatives, combined with a focus on technology-enabled solutions, position it well for continued expansion in the global payment technology market.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.98B
Cost of Revenue$1.93B
Gross Profit$2.05B
SG&A Expenses$1.49B
Operating Expenses$3.42B
Operating Income$558.87M
Interest Expense$174.30M
Net Income$468.43M
EPS (Basic)$3.03
EPS (Diluted)$3.01
Shares Outstanding (Basic)154.65M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)155.53M

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated revenues grew 17.9% to $3.975 billion in 2017, driven by growth across all segments and acquisitions.
  • 2Acquisition of ACTIVE Network for $1.2 billion in September 2017, aligning with the strategy of technology-enabled, software-driven solutions.
  • 3Merger with Heartland Payment Systems in April 2016 significantly expanded the company's U.S. market presence and capabilities.
  • 4Operating income increased by 56.8% to $558.9 million, with operating margin improving to 14.1% from 10.6% in 2016.
  • 5Net income attributable to Global Payments rose significantly to $468.4 million from $201.8 million in 2016.
  • 6Received a provisional net income tax benefit of $158.7 million due to the 2017 U.S. Tax Act, improving the effective tax rate.
  • 7The company's stock performance showed a substantial increase in value from May 2012 to December 2017, outperforming the S&P 500 and S&P Information Technology indices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary growth drivers for Global Payments in 2017 were the strong performance across all its operating segments (North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific) and the impact of significant acquisitions. The merger with Heartland Payment Systems, completed in April 2016, continued to contribute to growth throughout 2017, while the acquisition of ACTIVE Network in September 2017 expanded the company's software and technology offerings.

Global Payments experienced a substantial improvement in profitability in 2017. Operating income grew by 56.8% to $558.9 million, and the operating margin increased to 14.1% from 10.6% in the prior year. This improvement was attributed to increased revenues, improved operational efficiencies, and a reduction in acquisition and integration expenses.

Global Payments aims to achieve future growth by expanding market share in existing markets through its distribution channels and service innovation, as well as through strategic domestic and international acquisitions. The company also plans to invest in technology and leverage its global infrastructure to enhance its offerings, particularly in technology-enabled and software-driven solutions, and enter new markets.

The 2017 U.S. Tax Act led to a reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate and a shift to a territorial tax system. For the year ended December 31, 2017, Global Payments recorded a provisional net income tax benefit of $158.7 million related to these changes, which significantly boosted net income and earnings per share. The company anticipates favorable effects on future earnings and cash flows due to the lower tax rates and territorial system.