Evolving Systems Reports its 2017 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Financial Results


2017 Highlights:

  • 2017 marked by two transformative acquisitions, further expanding the Company’s real-time digital engagement portfolio and global customer footprint.
  • 2017 revenue increased $4.0 million or 16.3% compared to 2016; Company reports profitability on an operating income ($5.4 million), net income ($2.5 million) and Adjusted EBITDA ($7.5 million) basis.
  • Management unveiled its strategic investment program to enhance its R&D, Sales and Marketing initiatives to drive long-term growth, profitability and cash flow.
  • Matthew Stecker, Chairman of the Board takes on a new role as Executive Chairman, responsible for driving the growth strategy, business development initiatives and long-term strategic planning.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Evolving Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVOL), a leader in real-time digital engagement, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017.

Commenting on the Company’s 2017 progress, Thomas Thekkethala, Evolving Systems’ Chief Executive Officer, stated, “2017 was a transformative year for Evolving Systems, marked by the acquisitions of BLS and Lumata. The addition of these two companies significantly enhances our product solutions and further expands our customer base. Over the past two quarters, we have worked diligently to integrate their operations, learning more about their customers and future needs, and concurrently, have identified several growth opportunities that leverage our combined offerings. To capitalize on this, we intend to expedite our investment strategy in 2018. While we will always be focused on profitability and positive cash flow and expect to achieve both in 2018, we are going to invest more in innovation, build out our sales and marketing expertise, and expand our business development team globally to both better serve our ~100 mobile operator customers and broaden our customer base. We will also remain opportunistic with respect to potential accretive acquisitions and will intensify our efforts to market the Evolving Systems story and generate sustainable, long-term shareholder value.”

2017 Financial Highlights
Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $28.8 million, a $4.0 million or 16.3% increase over the comparable year-ago period. Services revenue of $25.4 million that are mostly recurring in nature, increased year-over-year by 15.8%.

The Company reported gross profit margins, excluding depreciation and amortization, of approximately 70.0% for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to gross profit margins of approximately 79.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decline was primarily related to the increase in cost of revenue associated with the Company’s acquisitions of BLS and Lumata which occurred in July 2017 and September 2017, respectively.

Total operating expenses of $14.7 million in the year-ended December 31, 2017 increased by approximately $0.8 million or 6.0%, as compared to $13.9 million in the corresponding year-ago period. The increase in total operating expenses was primarily related to added expenses associated with the BLS and Lumata acquisitions. Further, there were approximately $1.8 million of one-time charges associated with the acquisitions and other factors, that are not anticipated to repeat in future periods.

The Company reported operating income of $5.4 million as compared to $5.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. When comparing the 2017 and 2016 full-year periods, net income was $2.5 million as compared to net income of $3.4 million, with a higher foreign currency exchange loss ($0.6 million increase year-over-year). Net income per share, both basic and diluted was $0.21 for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to net income per share, both basic and diluted of $0.29 in the comparable year-ago period. The Company reported Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) of $7.6 million as compared to $7.9 million in the 2017 and 2016 year-end periods, respectively.

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were approximately $7.6 million. Contract receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts were $10.2 million, an increase of $4.3 million or approximately 73.0%, compared to December 31, 2016. Working capital increased $1.3 million or approximately 16.0%, to $9.3 million as of December 31, 2017 from $8.0 million as of December 31, 2016. The increase in working capital is related to increases in contract receivables, unbilled work-in-progress, and prepaid and other current assets, which were directly related to the acquisitions made in 2017.

The Company also announced today that Matthew Stecker, Chairman of the Board of Directors has taken on a new role as Executive Chairman and will be working with the Company on a full-time basis to drive the growth strategy, business development initiatives and long-term strategic planning.

“This is a pivotal year in Evolving Systems corporate transformation and I look forward to collaborating with Thomas and the team as we work to further integrate the acquisitions of BLS and Lumata, invest in our product solutions to better support our global customers and, seek new opportunities, whether through acquisitions, joint ventures, or strategic partnerships to drive both top- and bottom-line performance over the long-term. We have a very strong customer footprint and decades of proven performance. Key to our future is driving innovation and capturing more wallet share from our installed base, along with driving new engagements that can enhance our value proposition and expand our reach. We are going to invest in our foundation this year, with the sole purpose of strengthening our offering and increasing shareholder value.”

Fourth Quarter Comparisons
Total revenue in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 was $9.2 million as compared to $6.1 million in the comparable year-ago period, an increase of $3.1 million or 50.0%. Driving the year-over-year increase were higher revenues associated with the Company’s acquisitions. Further, the 2017 fourth quarter included a full quarter of revenue from Lumata.

Gross profit margins, excluding depreciation and amortization were approximately 67.0% and 78.0% for the fourth quarters ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Total operating expenses of $5.3 million increased by approximately $2.3 million when comparing the 2017 fourth quarter and 2016 fourth quarter periods. The increase in total operating expenses was directly attributable to the added expenses associated with both BLS and Lumata, related one-time costs associated with the acquisitions and other factors.

The Company reported operating income of $0.9 million for the 2017 fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, as compared to operating income of $1.8 million for the comparable year-ago period. The Company reported a net loss of $0.3 million in the 2017 fourth quarter, which was primarily driven by a $0.6 million foreign currency exchange loss. This compares to net income of $1.3 million in the comparable year-ago period. On a per share basis, both basic and diluted, the Company reported a loss of $0.03 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 as compared to net income per share, both basic and diluted of $0.11 in the comparable year-ago period. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017 was $1.6 million as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $2.1 million in the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016.

Conference Call
The Company will be conducting a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time and 2:00 a.m. Mountain Time. The call-in numbers for the conference call are: (877) 303-6316 for domestic toll free and (650) 521-5176 for international callers. The conference ID number is 6688549. A telephone replay will be available through April 17, 2018 and can be accessed by calling (855) 859-2056 for domestic toll free or (404) 537-3406 for international callers. The conference replay ID number is also 6688549. To access a live webcast of the call, please visit Evolving Systems’ website at www.evolving.com, click the ‘Investors’ tab and then click the ‘Q4 earnings call’ icon at left. A replay of the webcast will be accessible at that website through April 17, 2018. The webcast is also available by clicking the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/cnecda95.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Evolving Systems reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP). In addition, the Company is providing in this news release financial information in the form of non-GAAP net income and diluted net income per share and adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment, stock compensation, restructuring and gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions). Management believes these non‑GAAP financial measures are useful to investors and lenders in evaluating the overall financial health of the Company in that they allow for greater transparency of additional financial data routinely used by management to evaluate performance. Investors and financial analysts who follow the Company use non‑GAAP net income and non‑GAAP diluted income per share to compare the Company against other companies. Adjusted EBITDA can be useful for lenders as an indicator of earnings available to service debt. Non‑GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from or as an alternative to the financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

About Evolving Systems®
Evolving Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVOL) is a provider of real-time digital engagement solutions and services to more than 100 customers in over 65 countries worldwide. The Company’s portfolio includes market-leading solutions and services for real-time analytics, customer acquisition, customer value management and loyalty for telecom, retail and financial services companies. Founded in 1985, the Company has its headquarters in Englewood, Colorado, with offices in Asia, Europe, Africa, South America and North America. For more information, please visit www.evolving.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EvolvingSystems.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on current expectations, estimates and projections that are subject to risk. Specifically, statements about the market for, and performance of, the Company’s products and its ability to successfully integrate its solutions with existing customer network systems are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our expectations and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and the Company may not undertake to update these statements. Actual results could vary materially from these expectations. For a more extensive discussion of Evolving Systems’ business, and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Company’s Form 10‑K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2017; Forms 10‑Q, 10‑Q/A, 8‑K and 8‑K/A; press releases and the Company’s website.

Investor Relations Contacts: 
Glenn Wiener, President
GW Communications (for Evolving Systems)
Tel: (212) 786-6011 / Email: gwiener@GWCco.com

Michael Glickman, Senior Vice President
GW Communications (For Evolving Systems)
Tel: (917) 397-2272 / Email: mglickman@GWCCo.com

 
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands except per share data)
 
 Three Months Ended Year Ended
 December 31, December 31,
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
REVENUE            
License fees$1,307 $553 $3,438 $2,873 
Services 7,862  5,564  25,374  21,905 
Total revenue 9,168  6,117  28,812  24,778 
             
COSTS OF REVENUE AND OPERATING EXPENSES            
             
Costs of revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization 3,002  1,326  8,680  5,297 
Sales and marketing 1,729  1,158  5,214  4,965 
General and administrative 2,510  1,082  6,065  3,855 
Product development 543  529  2,042  3,014 
Depreciation  94  54  250  259 
Amortization 242  195  860  783 
Restructuring  155   3   286   1,010 
Total costs of revenue and operating expenses 8,276  4,347  23,397  19,183 
             
Income from operations 893  1,770  5,415  5,595 
             
Other income (expense)            
  Interest income (1)   2   1   6 
  Interest expense  (131)   (75)   (365)   (340) 
  Other (expense) income  23   183   23   183 
  Foreign currency exchange loss  (568)   (44)   (1,137)   (552) 
Other (expense) income, net (678)  66  (1,478)  (703) 
             
Income before income taxes  215   1,836   3,937   4,892 
  Income tax expense 534  549   1,421   1,457 
Net income$(319) $1,287 $2,516 $3,435 
             
Basic income per common share - net income$ (0.03) $ 0.11 $ 0.21 $ 0.29 
             
Diluted income per common share - net income$ (0.03) $ 0.11 $ 0.21 $ 0.29 
             
Cash dividends declared per common share$ - $0.22 $ - $0.22  
             
Weighted average basic shares outstanding 11,940   11,907   11,934   11,845 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding  11,998   11,940   11,981   11,961 
             


 
EVOLVING SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands except share data)
 
 December 31, December 31, 
 2017 2016 
ASSETS    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents$ 7,562  $ 7,614  
  Contract receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $970 and $221      
  at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively  10,151    5,867  
Unbilled work-in-progress net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $107 and $0      
  at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively  5,823    3,376  
Prepaid and other current assets  2,053    1,553  
  Total current assets  25,589    18,410  
Property and equipment, net  258    546  
Amortizable intangible assets, net  5,613    4,200  
Goodwill  25,216    20,599  
Deferred income taxes 274  - 
  Total assets$ 56,950 $ 43,755  
       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Current liabilities:      
Term Loan - Current$ 2,805  $ 1,998  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 6,890    4,274  
Contingent earnout 396  - 
Income taxes payable 1,107   617  
Unearned revenue  5,397    3,532  
  Total current liabilities  16,595    10,421  
Long-term liabilities:      
Term Loan, net of current portion  5,942    4,000  
  Total liabilities  22,537    14,421  
       
Commitments and contingencies:      
Stockholders' equity:      
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares       
  issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016  -   - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized;       
  12,119,961 shares issued and 11,941,072 outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and       
  12,086,280 shares issued and 11,907,391 outstanding as of December 31, 2016   12    12  
  Additional paid-in capital  98,517    97,744  
  Treasury stock 178,889 shares, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, at cost  (1,253)   (1,253) 
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (8,202)   (9,992) 
  Accumulated deficit  (54,661)   (57,177) 
  Total stockholders' equity  34,413    29,334  
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$ 56,950  $ 43,755  
       


 
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(In thousands except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three months ended Year ended
 December 31, December 31,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
                
Adjusted EBITDA: 
  
Net income$  (319) $  1,287  $  2,516  $  3,435 
Depreciation   94     54     250     259 
Amortization of intangible assets   242     195     860     783 
Stock-based compensation expense   256     61     742     259 
Restructuring   155     3     286     1,010 
Interest expense, net   678     (66)    1,478     703 
Income tax expense   533     549     1,421     1,457 
Adjusted EBITDA$   1,639   $   2,083   $   7,553   $   7,906  
                
  
Non-GAAP net income and income per share: 
GAAP net income$  (319) $  1,287  $  2,516  $  3,435 
Amortization of intangible assets   242     195     860     783 
Stock-based compensation expense   256     61     742     259 
Restructuring   155     3     286     1,010 
Income tax adjustment for non-GAAP*   (202)    (96)    (636)    (696)
Non-GAAP net income$   132   $   1,450   $   3,768   $   4,791  
                
Diluted net income per share: 
GAAP$  (0.03) $  0.11  $  0.21  $  0.29 
Non-GAAP$  0.11  $  0.12  $  0.31  $  0.40 
Shares used to compute diluted EPS   11,998     11,940     11,981     11,961 
 
*The estimated income tax for non-GAAP net income is adjusted by the amount of additional expense that the Company would accrue if it used non-GAAP results instead of GAAP results in the calculation of its tax liability, taking into account in which tax jurisdiction each of the above adjustments would be made and the tax rate in that jurisdiction.