10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2011

GLOBAL PAYMENTS INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Feb 28, 2011

Filed April 1, 2011For Securities:GPN

Summary

Global Payments Inc. reported a solid increase in revenue for the third quarter ended February 28, 2011, with a 15% year-over-year rise to $456.4 million. This growth was primarily driven by strong performance in the North America Merchant Services segment, particularly the United States, and continued expansion in the International Merchant Services segment, notably in the Asia Pacific region. While overall operating income saw a modest increase for the quarter, a decrease was noted for the nine-month period, attributed to increased corporate expenses and competitive pressures in certain markets. The company also highlighted its acquisition of a 51% majority interest in Spain's merchant acquiring business, Comercia de “la Caixa”, on December 20, 2010, which contributed to the European segment's revenue growth. Financially, the company ended the quarter with a strong cash position of $1.33 billion. Investments in strategic growth initiatives, including acquisitions and technology platforms, are evident, with significant increases in goodwill and other intangible assets on the balance sheet. The company also managed its debt structure effectively, entering into a new $600 million revolving credit facility. Investors should note the company's ongoing focus on expanding its market share through direct sales channels and strategic acquisitions, balanced by efforts to manage operating expenses and margins.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$456.38M
SG&A Expenses$209.85M
Operating Expenses$378.18M
Operating Income$78.20M
Net Income$47.79M
EPS (Basic)$0.30
EPS (Diluted)$0.29
Shares Outstanding (Basic)159.79M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)161.47M

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased by 15% to $456.4 million for the three months ended February 28, 2011, compared to the prior year period.
  • 2The North America Merchant Services segment saw a 13% revenue increase, driven by the US direct ISO channel, while International Merchant Services revenue grew by 20%.
  • 3Acquired a 51% majority interest in Spain's merchant acquiring business (Comercia de “la Caixa”) on December 20, 2010, contributing to European revenue growth.
  • 4Operating income increased by 6% to $78.2 million for the quarter, although it decreased by 3% for the nine-month period due to increased corporate expenses and competitive pressures.
  • 5The company ended the period with a robust cash and cash equivalents balance of $1.33 billion.
  • 6Goodwill and other intangible assets significantly increased, reflecting recent acquisitions and strategic investments.
  • 7Entered into a new, unsecured five-year, $600 million revolving credit facility on December 7, 2010, to support growth initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by the North America Merchant Services segment, especially in the United States through the direct ISO channel, and by continued expansion in the International Merchant Services segment, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. The acquisition of Comercia de “la Caixa” in Spain also contributed to the European segment's revenue.

For the three months ended February 28, 2011, operating income increased by 6% to $78.2 million. However, for the nine-month period, operating income decreased by 3% to $243.5 million. This decline in the longer period was attributed to increased corporate expenses, competitive pricing in markets like Canada, and the dilutive impact of recent acquisitions and ISO transactions.

Global Payments Inc. ended the quarter with a strong liquidity position, reporting $1.33 billion in cash and cash equivalents. This healthy balance provides the company with flexibility for operations, strategic investments, and debt management.

A key strategic move was the acquisition of a 51% majority interest in Spain's merchant acquiring business, Comercia de “la Caixa”, on December 20, 2010. The company also entered into a new $600 million revolving credit facility to support future growth initiatives and general corporate purposes.