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8-K - CURRENT REPORT - NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES INCform8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

JOHANNESBURG, October 27, 2011 – Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: UEPS; JSE: NT1) today announced results for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (“1Q 2012”). Revenue for 1Q 2012 was $99.9 million, a year over year increase of 55% in US dollars (“USD”) and 49% in constant currency. During 1Q 2012, net income under US generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) was $19.8 million versus $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 (“1Q 2011”). GAAP earnings per share for 1Q 2012 was $0.44 versus $0.16 a year ago. Fundamental earnings per share for 1Q 2012 was $0.44 compared to $0.36 in 1Q 2011, representing an increase of 23% in USD and 17% in constant currency.

Summary Financial Metrics

    Three months ended September 30,  
                % change     % change  
    2011     2010     in USD     in ZAR  
(All figures in USD ‘000s except per share data)                        
Revenue   99,926     64,283     55%     49%  
GAAP net income   19,768     7,429     166%     155%  
Fundamental net income (1)   19,883     16,527     20%     15%  
GAAP earnings per share ($)   0.44     0.16     174%     163%  
Fundamental earnings per share ($) (1)   0.44     0.36     23%     17%  
Fully-diluted shares outstanding (‘000’s)   45,079     45,415     (1)%        
Average period USD/ ZAR exchange rate   7.09     7.41     (4)%      

(1) Fundamental net income and earnings per share is GAAP net income and earnings per share, as adjusted to exclude the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, net of deferred taxes, stock-based compensation charges and unusual non-recurring items. The calculation of fundamental net income and earnings per share for 1Q 2012 excludes a profit on the liquidation of SmartSwitch Nigeria and amortization of facility fees related to the incurrence of KSNET acquisition debt. The calculation of fundamental net income and earnings per share for 1Q 2011 excludes a net loss on a forward exchange contract and transaction related costs.

The following factors impacted the comparability of our 1Q 2012 and 1Q 2011 results:

  • Favorable impact from the weakness of the US dollar: The US dollar depreciated by 4% compared to the ZAR during 1Q 2012 compared to 1Q 2011 which positively impacted our reported results;
  • Inclusion of revenue contribution from KSNET at a lower operating margin (before acquired intangible asset amortization) than our legacy business: The inclusion of KSNET contributed to an increase in revenues for fiscal 2012; however, because KSNET has an operating margin (before acquired intangible asset amortization) that is lower than our legacy businesses, it reduced our overall operating margin. KSNET also contributed to the increase in selling, general and administration and depreciation and amortization expenses;
  • Improved operating income and margins from hardware, software and related technology sales segment:
    Operating income and margins from our hardware, software and related technology sales segment increased as a result of increased ad hoc sales;
  • Intangible asset amortization related to acquisition: Our reported results for 1Q 2012 were adversely impacted by additional intangible asset amortization related to the acquisition of KSNET;
  • Lower interest income and increased interest expense resulting from KSNET acquisition: We paid the KSNET purchase price with a combination of cash and long-term debt, which reduced interest income and increased interest expense;
  • Liquidation of SmartSwitch Nigeria: We recorded a non-cash profit of $4.0 million on the liquidation of SmartSwitch Nigeria; and
  • Fiscal 2011 unrealized foreign exchange loss and transaction-related expenses: During 1Q 2011, we recognized, in selling, general and administration expense, an unrealized foreign exchange loss of $2.6 million and incurred transaction-related expenses of $3.4 million, primarily for the acquisition of KSNET.

Comments and Outlook

“I am very pleased with our 1Q 2012 results and the start to our fiscal year,” said Dr. Serge Belamant, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Net1. “Several of our strategic actions and investments are beginning to demonstrate tangible progress towards driving long-term growth, including the refocusing of EasyPay toward higher-margin value-added services, investments in KSNET to further penetrate the small and mid-size market, as well as two healthcare processing wins by XeoHealth in the US. SASSA’s tender evaluation process is still underway and we look forward to the outcome,” he concluded.


“As a result of our solid performance in 1Q 2012, we now expect fundamental EPS of at least $1.60 for the full year, assuming our existing contract with SASSA remains in effect on the existing terms and conditions and on a constant currency basis of ZAR 7.0 to the Dollar,” said Herman Kotzé, Chief Financial Officer of Net1.

Results of Operations by Segment and Liquidity

Our frequently asked questions and operating metrics will be updated and posted on our website (www.net1.com).

South African transaction-based activities

Segment revenue was $49.9 million in 1Q 2012, up 11% when compared with 1Q 2011 in USD and 6% on a constant currency basis. In ZAR, the increase in revenue was primarily due to modest growth under our pension and welfare business and increased transaction volumes at MediKredit. Segment operating income margin remained constant at 40% when compared to a year ago. Excluding amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, 1Q 2012 segment operating income margin was 43%, the same when compared with 1Q 2011.

International transaction-based activities

KSNET is the largest contributor to this segment. XeoHealth signed its first contract during 1Q 2012 and contributed to segment revenue. Revenue was $30.3 million and operating income margin was 2% in 1Q 2012. Excluding the amortization of intangibles but including the start-up costs related to Net1 Virtual Card and XeoHealth in the United States and MVC activities at Net1 UTA, operating income margin was 13%.

Smart card accounts

Segment revenue was $8.3 million in 1Q 2012, up 4% compared with 1Q 2011 in USD and down 1% on a constant currency basis. Operating income margin remained consistent at 45%.

Financial services

Segment revenue was $2.1 million in 1Q 2012, up 69% compared with 1Q 2011 in USD and 62% higher on a constant currency basis, principally due to an increase in lending activities. 1Q 2012 segment operating income margin was 67% compared with 64% during 1Q 2011.

Hardware, software and related technology sales

Segment revenue was $9.4 million in 1Q 2012, down 3% compared with 1Q 2011 in USD and 7% lower on a constant currency basis. The decrease in revenue was due to a lower contribution from Net1 UTA and the increase in operating income was due to an increase in higher margin ad hoc South African-based contributor’s hardware and software sales. The improvements from the South African-based contributors during the quarter were primarily due to orders which may not continue in future quarters. Excluding amortization of all intangibles segment operating margin was 22% compared to 0% during 1Q 2011.

Cash flow and liquidity

At September 30, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents of $102 million, up from $95 million at June 30, 2011. The increase in cash was due to an increase in operating activities. For 1Q 2012, we generated net cash flow of $27.2 million from operating activities, compared to $30.2 million in 1Q 2011. The decrease is attributable to a reduction in interest income from lower cash balances and deposit rates, increased interest expense on our Korean debt facilities and higher tax payments. Excluding these items, operating income increased due to increased activities across all of our operating segments. Capital expenditures for 1Q 2012 and 2011 were $4.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively. During 1Q 2012, we repurchased $1.1 million of shares under our $100 million authorization.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

US securities laws require that when we publish any non-GAAP measures, we disclose the reason for using the non-GAAP measure and provide reconciliation to the directly comparable GAAP measure. The presentation of fundamental net income and fundamental earnings per share and headline earnings per share are non-GAAP measures.

Fundamental net income and fundamental earnings per share

We calculate fundamental net income and earnings per share by adjusting GAAP net income and earnings per share for the items described in note 1 to the Summary Financial Metrics table above. Management believes that the fundamental net income and earnings per share metric enhances its own evaluation, as well as an investor’s understanding, of our financial performance. Attachment B presents the reconciliation between GAAP and fundamental net income and earnings per share.


Headline earnings per share (“HEPS”)

The inclusion of HEPS in this press release is a requirement of our listing on the JSE. HEPS basic and diluted is calculated using net income which has been determined based on GAAP. Accordingly, this may differ to the headline earnings per share calculation of other companies listed on the JSE as these companies may report their financial results under a different financial reporting framework, including but not limited to, International Financial Reporting Standards. HEPS basic and diluted is calculated as GAAP net income adjusted for the loss (profit) on sale of property, plant and equipment, net of related tax effects and the profit on liquidation of SmartSwitch Nigeria. Attachment C presents the reconciliation between our net income used to calculate earnings per share basic and diluted and HEPS basic and diluted.

Conference Call

We will host a conference call to review 1Q 2012 results on October 28, 2011, at 8:00 Eastern Time. To participate in the call, dial 1-800-860-2442 (U.S. only), 1-866-605-3852 (Canada only), 0-800-917-7042 (U.K. only) or 0-800-200-648 (South Africa only) ten minutes prior to the start of the call. Callers should request “Net1 call” upon dial-in. The call will also be webcast on our homepage, www.net1.com. Please click on the webcast link at least ten minutes prior to the call. A webcast of the call will be available for replay on our website through November 18, 2011.

About Net1 (www.net1.com)

We are a leading provider of alternative payment systems that leverage our Universal Electronic Payment System, or UEPS, to facilitate biometrically secure real-time electronic transaction processing to unbanked and under-banked populations of developing economies around the world in an online or offline environment. In addition to payments, UEPS can be used for banking, healthcare management, payroll, remittances, voting and identification.

We operate market-leading payment processors in South Africa, Republic of Korea, Ghana and Iraq. In addition, our proprietary Mobile Virtual Card technology offers secure mobile payments and banking services in developed and emerging countries.

We have a primary listing on the Nasdaq and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A discussion of various factors that cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements are included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise any of these statements to reflect future events.

Investor Relations Contact:
Dhruv Chopra
Vice President of Investor Relations
Phone: +1-212-626-6675
Email: dchopra@net1.com



NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

    Three months ended  
    September 30,  
    2011     2010  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
REVENUE $  99,926   $  64,283  
EXPENSE            
     Cost of goods sold, IT processing, servicing and support   32,944     18,067  
     Selling, general and administration   27,057     30,326  
     Depreciation and amortization   9,079     4,904  
OPERATING INCOME   30,846     10,986  
INTEREST INCOME   1,997     3,084  
INTEREST EXPENSE   2,616     248  
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   30,227     13,822  
INCOME TAX EXPENSE   10,552     6,207  
NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE EARNINGS (LOSS)
FROM EQUITY-ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS
  19,675     7,615  
EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM EQUITY- ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS   85     (216 )
NET INCOME   19,760     7,399  
ADD NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON- CONTROLLING INTEREST   (8 )   (30 )
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NET1 $  19,768   $  7,429  
Net income per share, in United States dollars            
     Basic earnings attributable to Net1 shareholders $ 0.44   $ 0.16  
     Diluted earnings attributable to Net1 shareholders $ 0.44   $ 0.16  



NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

    Unaudited     (A)  
    September 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2011  
    (In thousands, except share data)  
ASSETS            
CURRENT ASSETS            
               Cash and cash equivalents $  101,983   $  95,263  
               Pre-funded social welfare grants receivable   1,695     4,579  
               Accounts receivable, net of allowances of – September: $668; June: $728   78,172     82,780  
               Finance loans receivable   7,709     8,141  
               Deferred expenditure on smart cards   -     51  
               Inventory   5,781     6,725  
               Deferred income taxes   15,192     15,882  
                   Total current assets before settlement assets   210,532     213,421  
                       Settlement assets   159,542     186,668  
                             Total current assets   370,074     400,089  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET OF
ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION OF – September: $46,910; June: $50,007
  32,409     35,807  
EQUITY-ACCOUNTED INVESTMENTS   1,639     1,860  
GOODWILL   188,409     209,570  
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET OF ACCUMULATED AMORTIZATION OF –
September: $37,561; June: $37,118
  104,271     119,856  
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS, including reinsurance assets   39,900     14,463  
TOTAL ASSETS   736,702     781,645  
LIABILITIES            
CURRENT LIABILITIES            
               Accounts payable   11,123     11,360  
               Other payables   61,984     71,265  
               Current portion of long-term borrowings   13,798     15,062  
               Income taxes payable   10,791     6,709  
                   Total current liabilities before settlement obligations   97,696     104,396  
                       Settlement obligations   159,542     186,668  
                           Total current liabilities   257,238     291,064  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES   47,648     52,785  
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS   97,009     110,504  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES, including insurance policy liabilities   27,008     1,272  
TOTAL LIABILITIES   428,903     455,625  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES            
EQUITY            
NET1 EQUITY:            
      COMMON STOCK              
               Authorized: 200,000,000 with $0.001 par value; 
               Issued and outstanding shares, net of treasury - September: 45,002,304; 
               June: 45,152,805
 

59
   

59
 
                   
     PREFERRED STOCK
               Authorized shares: 50,000,000 with $0.001 par value; 
               Issued and outstanding shares, net of treasury: 2011: -; 2010: -
 
-
   
-
 
       ADDITIONAL PAID-IN-CAPITAL   136,903     136,430  
       TREASURY SHARES, AT COST: September: 13,455,090; June: 13,274,434   (175,823 )   (174,694 )
       ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS   (71,257 )   (33,779 )
       RETAINED EARNINGS   414,758     394,990  
                  TOTAL NET1 EQUITY   304,640     323,006  
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST   3,159     3,014  
TOTAL EQUITY   307,799     326,020  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $  736,702   $  781,645  
               (A) – Derived from audited financial statements            



NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    Three months ended  
    September 30,  
    2011     2010  
    (In thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities            
Net income $  19,760   $  7,399  
Depreciation and amortization   9,079     4,904  
Loss from equity-accounted investments   (85 )   216  
Fair value adjustments   (221 )   (3,106 )
Interest payable   1,662     73  
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment   (8 )   (5 )
Profit on liquidation of SmartSwitch Nigeria   (3,994 )   -  
Realized loss on sale of investments related to insurance business   25     -  
Stock-based compensation charge   496     1,438  
Facility fee amortized   116     -  
Decrease in accounts receivable, pre-funded social welfare grants receivable and finance loans receivable   3,248     10,957  
Decrease (Increase) in deferred expenditure on smart cards   44     (2 )
Increase in inventory   (319 )   (2,102 )
Increase in accounts payable and other payables   331     6,025  
(Decrease) Increase in taxes payable   (3,607 )   5,134  
Increase (Decrease) in deferred taxes   692     (773 )
     Net cash provided by operating activities   27,219     30,158  
Cash flows from investing activities            
Capital expenditures   (4,466 )   (768 )
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment   94     7  
Acquisition of SmartLife, net of cash acquired   (1,673 )   -  
Advance of loans to equity-accounted investment   -     (375 )
Repayment of loan by equity-accounted investment   33     373  
Purchase of investments related to insurance business   (2,320 )   -  
Proceeds from maturity of investments related to insurance business   2,321     -  
Net change in settlement assets   3,447     (15,544 )
     Net cash used in investing activities   (2,564 )   (16,307 )
Cash flows from financing activities            
Loan portion related to options   -     20  
Acquisition of treasury stock   (1,129 )   -  
Net change in settlement obligations   (3,447 )   15,544  
     Net cash (used in) generated from financing activities   (4,576 )   15,564  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   (13,360 )   17,004  
             
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   6,719     46,419  
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period   95,264     153,742  
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period $  101,983   $  200,161  


Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

Attachment A

Operating segment revenue, operating income (loss) and operating margin:

Three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 and June 30, 2011

                                  Change – constant  
                      Change - actual     exchange rate(1)
                      Q1 ‘12     Q1 ‘12     Q1 ‘12     Q1 ‘12  
Key segmental data, in ’000, except                     vs     vs     vs     vs  
margins   Q1 ‘12     Q1 ‘11     Q4 ‘11     Q1‘11     Q4 ‘11     Q1 ‘11     Q4 ‘11  
   Revenue:                                          
     SA transaction-based activities $ 49,902   $ 44,889   $ 50,267     11%     (1)%     6%     3%  
     International transaction-based activities   30,255     470     27,900     6,337%     8%     6,067%     13%  
     Smart card accounts   8,252     7,970     8,623     4%     (4)%     (1)%   0%  
     Financial services   2,111     1,250     2,278     69%     (7)%     62%     (3)%  
     Hardware, software and related technology sales   9,406     9,704     8,300     (3)%     13%     (7)%     18%  
             Total consolidated revenue $ 99,926   $ 64,283   $ 97,368     55%     3%     49%     7%  
                                           
   Consolidated operating income (loss):                                          
     SA transaction-based activities $ 20,183   $ 17,748   $ 20,776     14%     (3)%     9%     1%  
     International transaction-based activities   684     (708 )   75     nm     812%     nm     850%  
        Operating income excluding amortization   3,991     (708 )   3,521     nm     13%     nm     18%  
        Amortization of intangible assets   (3,307 )   -     (3,446 )   nm     (4)%     nm     0%  
     Smart card accounts   3,750     3,622     3,919     4%     (4)%     (1)%   0%  
     Financial services   1,411     797     1,634     77%     (14)%     70%     (10)%  
     Hardware, software and related technology sales   1,937     (2,339 )   (1,898 )   nm     nm     nm     nm  
     Corporate/ Eliminations   2,881     (8,134 )   2,087     nm     38%     nm     44%  
            Total operating income $ 30,846   $ 10,986   $ 26,593     181%     16%     169%     21%  
                                           
   Operating income margin (%)                                          
     SA transaction-based activities   40%     40%     41%                          
     International transaction-based activities   2%     (151 )%   0%                  
     International transaction-based activities excluding amortization   13%     (151 )%   13%                  
     Smart card accounts   45%     45%     45%                          
     Financial services   67%     64%     72%                          
     Hardware, software and related technology sales   21%     (24 )%   (23 )%                
     Overall operating margin   31%     17%     27%                          

(1) – This information shows what the change in these items would have been if the USD/ ZAR exchange rate that prevailed during 1Q 2012 also prevailed during 1Q 2011 and 4Q 2011.


Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

Attachment B

Reconciliation of GAAP net income to fundamental net income:

Three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

    Net     EPS,     Net     EPS,  
    Income     basic     Income     basic  
    (USD’000)   (USD)     (ZAR’000)   (ZAR)  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
                                                 
GAAP   19,768     7,429     44     16     140,232     55,014     311     121  
                                                 
    Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax   3,497     2,608             24,814     19,313          
    Stock-based compensation charge   496     1,438             3,519     10,649          
    Loss on FEC, net of tax   -     1,685                 -     12,480              
    Facility fees for KSNET debt   116     -                 823     -              
    Profit on liquidation of SmartSwitch Nigeria   (3,994 )   -             (28,333 )   -          
    Acquisition-related costs   -     3,367                 -     24,934              
Fundamental   19,883     16,527     44     36     141,055     122,390     313     270  

Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.

Attachment C

Reconciliation of net income used to calculate earnings per share basic and diluted and headline earnings per share basic and diluted:

Three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

    2011     2010  
             
Net income (USD’000)   19,768     7,429  
Adjustments:            
     Profit on liquidation of SmartSwitch Nigeria (USD’000)   (3,994 )   -  
     Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment (USD’000)   (8 )   (5 )
     Tax effects on above (USD’000)   3     2  
             
Net income used to calculate headline earnings (USD’000)   15,769     7,426  
             
Weighted average number of shares used to calculate net income per share
basic earnings and headline earnings per share basic earnings (‘000)
 
45,055
   
45,384
 
             
Weighted average number of shares used to calculate net income per share
diluted earnings and headline earnings per share diluted earnings (‘000)
 
45,085
   
45,415
 
             
Headline earnings per share:            
     Basic earnings – common stock and linked units, in US cents   35     16  
     Diluted earnings – common stock and linked units, in US cents   35     16