OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West Corporation (Nasdaq:WSTC), a global provider of communication and network infrastructure services, today announced its second quarter 2017 results.

Select Financial Information 

Unaudited, in millions except per share amounts    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2017   2016  % Change  2017   2016  % Change
Revenue $574.4  $582.4  -1.4% $1,146.9  $1,153.2  -0.5%
Operating Income  102.6   123.1  -16.7%  210.8   232.0  -9.1%
Net Income  44.8   33.0  35.7%  98.9   77.5  27.5%
Earnings per Share - Diluted  0.52   0.39  33.3%  1.16   0.92  26.1%
Cash Flows from Operating Activities  107.3   137.4  -21.9%  160.0   197.5  -19.0%
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities  (48.7)  (3.1) NM  (80.0)  (42.6) 87.8%
Cash Flows used in Financing Activities    (42.3)  (42.3) -0.1%  (76.6)  (112.5) -31.9%

Select Non-GAAP Financial Information1

Unaudited, in millions except per share amounts      Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2017   2016  % Change    2017   2016  % Change
EBITDA       $150.6  $173.5  -13.2% $308.3  $330.4  -6.7%
Adjusted EBITDA  162.5   168.3  -3.5%  327.0   333.9  -2.1%
Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, before Pro Forma  167.8   171.1  -1.9%  336.4   339.3  -0.8%
Adjusted Operating Income  128.9   134.7  -4.3%  258.2   268.8  -3.9%
Adjusted Net Income  62.5   64.8  -3.6%  131.3   128.4  2.3%
Adjusted Earnings per Share - Diluted  0.73   0.77  -5.2%  1.54   1.52  1.3%
Free Cash Flow2  80.7   99.9  -19.2%  106.8   123.6  -13.6%

Operating Results
For the second quarter of 2017, revenue was $574.4 million, a decrease of 1.4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2016.

Second quarter 2017 operating income was $102.6 million, a decrease of 16.7 percent compared to the same quarter last year. This decrease is primarily due to the sale of Company real estate in the second quarter of 2016 and lower operating income in the Company’s Unified Communications Services segment, partially offset by the results of cost savings initiatives and higher operating income in the Company’s Safety Services, Interactive Services and Specialized Agent Services segments. Adjusted operating income decreased 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2016.

Net income increased 35.7 percent from the second quarter of 2016 to $44.8 million. The increase was driven primarily by $35.2 million of accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs related to the Company’s debt refinancing in 2016, partially offset by the $12.8 million gain recognized in 2016 on the sale of Company real estate. Adjusted net income1 for the second quarter of 2017 was $62.5 million, a decrease of 3.6 percent from the second quarter of 2016.

EBITDA1 for the second quarter of 2017 decreased 13.2 percent from the second quarter of 2016 to $150.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA1 decreased 3.5 percent from the second quarter of 2016 to $162.5 million.

Second quarter of 2017 results by segment were as follows, as compared to the second quarter of 2016:

  • Unified Communications Services revenue decreased 5.8 percent; adjusted organic revenue5 decreased 5.0 percent due to lower revenue in Conferencing, changes in product mix and a decrease in the average rate per minute for automated conferencing services, partially offset by growth in Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS). Operating income decreased 18.9 percent primarily due to lower revenue. Adjusted operating income1 decreased 18.7 percent.
     
  • Safety Services revenue increased 8.1 percent; organic revenue increased 6.7 percent, primarily due to growth from clients adopting new technologies. Operating income increased $9.0 million, or 76.0 percent, to $20.9 million due to revenue growth and cost savings initiatives. Adjusted operating income1 increased $8.5 million, or 52.0 percent, to $25.0 million.
     
  • Interactive Services revenue increased 8.1 percent; organic revenue growth was 6.3 percent, primarily due to increased volumes from new and existing clients. Operating income increased 31.4 percent to $7.8 million and adjusted operating income1 increased 11.4 percent to $14.4 million, primarily due to revenue growth.
     
  • Specialized Agent Services revenue increased 2.8 percent primarily due to growth in healthcare advocacy services. Operating income increased $1.6 million to $4.5 million and adjusted operating income1 increased $1.3 million to $9.8 million.

Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Liquidity – Second Quarter Highlights

  • Cash flows from operations were $107.3 million, a decrease of 21.9 percent, primarily due to the timing of accounts receivable collections and higher cash taxes due to the settlement of some tax audits.
     
  • Free cash flow1,2 decreased 19.2 percent to $80.7 million due to lower cash flows from operations, partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures. The Company invested $26.6 million, or 4.6 percent of revenue, in capital expenditures during the second quarter of 2017.
     
  • 4.31x net leverage at June 30, 2017 (net debt to pro forma adjusted EBITDA ratio, as calculated pursuant to the Company’s senior secured term debt facilities4) compared to 4.45x at December 31, 2016.
     
  • Repaid $44.9 million in debt; cash balance of $191.8 million at June 30, 2017.

Pending Merger with Apollo
On May 9, 2017, the Company announced that it entered into a definitive merger agreement with affiliates of certain funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (NYSE:APO), a leading global alternative investment manager, to be acquired for $23.50 per share in cash. Early termination of the waiting period for the merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, was granted on June 6, 2017 and the required foreign antitrust approvals for the merger were obtained in July 2017. The Company also received approval from the Federal Communications Commission for the merger in July 2017. On July 26, 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved the merger. The merger remains subject to specified closing conditions (to the extent not already satisfied) and is expected to close during the second half of 2017.

Acquisition
On May 2, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of Callpointe.com, Inc., a provider of automated appointment messaging services for healthcare providers. The acquired business operations will be integrated into the Company's Interactive Services reportable segment. The purchase price was approximately $25.9 million and was funded by cash on hand.

About West Corporation
West Corporation (Nasdaq:WSTC) is a global provider of communication and network infrastructure services. West helps its clients more effectively communicate, collaborate and connect with their audiences through a diverse portfolio of solutions that include unified communications services, safety services, interactive services such as automated notifications, telecom services and specialized agent services.

For 30 years, West has provided reliable, high-quality voice and data services. West has sales and operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. For more information, please call 1-800-841-9000 or visit www.west.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including with respect to the proposed transaction and business combination between affiliates of funds managed by Apollo Global Management, LLC and the Company, including statements regarding the benefits of the proposed transaction and the anticipated timing of the proposed transaction. Forward-looking statements can be generally identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "intends," "continue" or similar terminology. These statements reflect only West's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that the proposed transaction may not be completed in a timely manner, or at all, which may adversely affect the Company’s business and the price of the common stock of the Company; the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on the Company’s business relationships, operating results, and business generally; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of the Company and potential difficulties in the Company’s employee retention as a result of the proposed transaction; risks related to diverting management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company, its officers or directors related to the merger agreement or the proposed transaction; the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals for the Company will be made; risks regarding the failure to obtain the necessary financing to complete the proposed transaction; risks related to the equity and debt financing and related guarantee arrangements entered into in connection with the proposed transaction; competition in West’s highly competitive markets; increases in the cost of voice and data services or significant interruptions in these services; West’s ability to keep pace with its clients’ needs for rapid technological change and systems availability; the continued deployment and adoption of emerging technologies; the loss, financial difficulties or bankruptcy of any key clients; security and privacy breaches of the systems West uses to protect personal data; the effects of global economic trends on the businesses of West’s clients; the non-exclusive nature of West’s client contracts and the absence of revenue commitments; the cost of pending and future litigation; the cost of defending against intellectual property infringement claims; the effects of extensive regulation affecting many of West’s businesses; West’s ability to protect its proprietary information or technology; service interruptions to West’s data and operation centers; West’s ability to retain key personnel and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees; increases in labor costs and turnover rates; the political, economic and other conditions in the countries where West operates; changes in foreign exchange rates; West’s ability to complete future acquisitions, integrate or achieve the objectives of its recent and future acquisitions; and future impairments of our substantial goodwill, intangible assets, or other long-lived assets. In addition, West is subject to risks related to its level of indebtedness. Such risks include West’s ability to generate sufficient cash to service its indebtedness and fund its other liquidity needs; West’s ability to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments; West’s ability to obtain additional financing; the incurrence of significant additional indebtedness by West and its subsidiaries; and the ability of West’s lenders to fulfill their lending commitments. West is also subject to other risk factors described in documents filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. West undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 WEST CORPORATION 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
(Unaudited, in thousands except per share data)
       
   Three Months Ended June 30, 
    2017     2016   % Change
Revenue $574,393  $582,397  -1.4%
Cost of services  245,341   249,426  -1.6%
Selling, general and administrative expenses  226,450   209,870  7.9%
Operating income  102,602   123,101  -16.7%
Interest expense, net  36,231   37,712  -3.9%
Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs  -   35,235  NM  
Other income, net  (1,045)  (1,214) NM  
Income before tax  67,416   51,368  31.2%
Income tax expense  22,652   18,389  23.2%
Net income $44,764  $32,979  35.7%
       
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic  83,556   82,598   
Diluted  85,527   84,281   
       
Earnings Per Share - Basic $0.54  $0.40  35.0%
       
Earnings Per Share - Diluted $0.52  $0.39  33.3%
       
       
SELECTED SEGMENT FINANCIAL DATA:      
   Three Months Ended June 30, 
    2017     2016   % Change
Revenue:      
Unified Communications Services $348,546  $370,158  -5.8%
Safety Services  80,419   74,423  8.1%
Interactive Services  79,179   73,232  8.1%
Specialized Agent Services  69,354   67,495  2.8%
Intersegment eliminations  (3,105)  (2,911) NM  
Total $574,393  $582,397  -1.4%
       
Depreciation:      
Unified Communications Services $16,263  $17,293  -6.0%
Safety Services  3,980   4,495  -11.5%
Interactive Services  4,770   4,023  18.6%
Specialized Agent Services  3,524   2,846  23.8%
Total $28,537  $28,657  -0.4%
       
Amortization:      
Unified Communications Services - SG&A $2,252  $3,378  -33.3%
Safety Services - SG&A  3,041   3,572  -14.9%
Safety Services - COS  3,392   3,379  0.4%
Interactive Services - SG&A  4,975   5,327  -6.6%
Specialized Agent Services - SG&A  4,186   4,594  -8.9%
Deferred financing costs  1,863   39,144  NM  
Total $19,709  $59,394  -66.8%
       
Share-based compensation:      
Unified Communications Services $3,399  $3,493  -2.7%
Safety Services  989   993  -0.4%
Interactive Services  602   620  -2.9%
Specialized Agent Services  1,117   1,069  4.5%
Total $6,107  $6,175  -1.1%
       
Cost of services:      
Unified Communications Services $168,102  $173,651  -3.2%
Safety Services  28,206   26,689  5.7%
Interactive Services  17,035   16,918  0.7%
Specialized Agent Services  33,528   33,760  -0.7%
Intersegment eliminations  (1,530)  (1,592) NM  
Total $245,341  $249,426  -1.6%
       
Selling, general and administrative expenses:      
Unified Communications Services $108,424  $107,745  0.6%
Safety Services  31,316   35,863  -12.7%
Interactive Services  54,316   50,356  7.9%
Specialized Agent Services  31,295   30,829  1.5%
Corporate Other  2,674   (13,604) NM  
Intersegment eliminations  (1,575)  (1,319) NM  
Total $226,450  $209,870  7.9%
       
Operating income:      
Unified Communications Services $72,020  $88,762  -18.9%
Safety Services  20,897   11,871  76.0%
Interactive Services  7,828   5,958  31.4%
Specialized Agent Services  4,531   2,906  55.9%
Corporate Other  (2,674)  13,604  NM  
Total $102,602  $123,101  -16.7%
       
Operating margin:      
Unified Communications Services  20.7%  24.0%  
Safety Services  26.0%  16.0%  
Interactive Services              9.9%  8.1%  
Specialized Agent Services        6.5%  4.3%  
Total  17.9%  21.1%  


SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:    
     
               Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 compared to 2Q16:  Consolidated   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2016 $582,397   
Revenue from acquired entities3  3,302  0.6%
Estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rates6  (3,956) -0.7%
Adjusted organic growth5  (7,350) -1.3%
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2017 $574,393  -1.4%
     
     
   Unified   
   Communications   Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 compared to 2Q16:  Services   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2016 $370,158   
Revenue from acquired entities3  962  0.3%
Estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rates6  (3,956) -1.1%
Adjusted organic growth5  (18,618) -5.0%
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2017 $348,546  -5.8%
     
     
   Safety   Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 compared to 2Q16:  Services   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2016 $74,423   
Revenue from acquired entities3  1,008  1.4%
Organic growth  4,988  6.7%
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2017 $80,419  8.1%
     
     
   Interactive   Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 compared to 2Q16:  Services   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2016 $73,232   
Revenue from acquired entities3  1,332  1.8%
Organic growth  4,615  6.3%
Revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2017         $79,179  8.1%


 WEST CORPORATION 
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
(Unaudited, in thousands except per share data)
       
   Six Months Ended June 30, 
    2017     2016   % Change
Revenue $1,146,935  $1,153,176  -0.5%
Cost of services  487,783   490,438  -0.5%
Selling, general and administrative expenses  448,327   430,713  4.1%
Operating income  210,825   232,025  -9.1%
Interest expense, net  71,423   76,195  -6.3%
Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs   24   35,235  NM  
Other income, net  (3,715)  (174) NM  
Income before tax  143,093   120,769  18.5%
Income tax expense  44,233   43,235  2.3%
Net income $98,860  $77,534  27.5%
       
Weighted average shares outstanding:      
Basic  83,459   82,874   
Diluted  85,369   84,425   
       
Earnings Per Share - Basic $1.18  $0.94  25.5%
       
Earnings Per Share - Diluted $1.16  $0.92  26.1%
       
       
SELECTED SEGMENT FINANCIAL DATA:      
   Six Months Ended June 30, 
    2017     2016   % Change
Revenue:      
Unified Communications Services $699,621  $732,871  -4.5%
Safety Services  156,674   145,587  7.6%
Interactive Services  156,672   144,961  8.1%
Specialized Agent Services  141,102   135,873  3.8%
Intersegment eliminations  (7,134)  (6,116) NM  
Total $1,146,935  $1,153,176  -0.5%
       
Depreciation:      
Unified Communications Services $32,593  $34,836  -6.4%
Safety Services  8,043   9,049  -11.1%
Interactive Services  9,663   7,943  21.7%
Specialized Agent Services  6,918   5,630  22.9%
Total $57,217  $57,458  -0.4%
       
Amortization:      
Unified Communications Services - SG&A $4,539  $6,771  -33.0%
Safety Services - SG&A  5,851   6,955  -15.9%
Safety Services - COS  6,855   6,648  3.1%
Interactive Services - SG&A  9,828   10,382  -5.3%
Specialized Agent Services - SG&A  8,526   9,188  -7.2%
Deferred financing costs  3,751   44,053  NM  
Total $39,350  $83,997  -53.2%
       
Share-based compensation:      
Unified Communications Services $6,423  $7,821  -17.9%
Safety Services  1,854   2,220  -16.5%
Interactive Services  1,147   1,381  -16.9%
Specialized Agent Services  2,108   2,419  -12.9%
Total $11,532  $13,841  -16.7%
       
Cost of services:      
Unified Communications Services $335,249  $339,847  -1.4%
Safety Services  53,731   54,004  -0.5%
Interactive Services  34,320   33,070  3.8%
Specialized Agent Services  68,797   66,911  2.8%
Intersegment eliminations  (4,314)  (3,394) NM  
Total $487,783  $490,438  -0.5%
       
Selling, general and administrative expenses:      
Unified Communications Services $210,962  $215,194  -2.0%
Safety Services  62,760   70,739  -11.3%
Interactive Services  106,169   100,125  6.0%
Specialized Agent Services  64,216   61,538  4.4%
Corporate Other  7,040   (14,161) NM  
Intersegment eliminations  (2,820)  (2,722) NM  
Total $448,327  $430,713  4.1%
       
Operating income:      
Unified Communications Services $153,410  $177,830  -13.7%
Safety Services  40,183   20,844  92.8%
Interactive Services  16,183   11,766  37.5%
Specialized Agent Services  8,089   7,424  9.0%
Corporate Other  (7,040)  14,161  NM  
Total $210,825  $232,025  -9.1%
       
Operating margin:      
Unified Communications Services  21.9%  24.3%  
Safety Services  25.6%  14.3%  
Interactive Services  10.3%  8.1%  
Specialized Agent Services  5.7%  5.5%  
Total  18.4%  20.1%  


SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:    
     
     Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 YTD compared to 2Q16 YTD:        Consolidated   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2016 $1,153,176   
Revenue from acquired entities3  5,616  0.5%
Estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rates6  (8,467) -0.7%
Adjusted organic growth5  (3,390) -0.3%
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2017 $1,146,935  -0.5%
     
     
   Unified   
   Communications   Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 YTD compared to 2Q16 YTD:  Services   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2016 $732,871   
Revenue from acquired entities3  1,153  0.2%
Estimated impact of foreign currency exchange rates6  (8,467) -1.2%
Adjusted organic growth5  (25,936) -3.5%
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2017 $699,621  -4.5%
     
     
   Safety   Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 YTD compared to 2Q16 YTD:  Services   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2016 $145,587   
Revenue from acquired entities3  1,857  1.3%
Organic growth  9,230  6.3%
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2017 $156,674  7.6%
     
     
   Interactive   Contribution 
Changes in Revenue - 2Q17 YTD compared to 2Q16 YTD:  Services   to Rev. Growth 
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2016 $144,961   
Revenue from acquired entities3  2,606  1.8%
Organic growth  9,105  6.3%
Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2017 $156,672  8.1%

 

WEST CORPORATION
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Unaudited, in thousands)
       
   June 30,   December 31,  %
    2017     2016   Change
Assets:      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $191,835  $183,059  4.8%
Trust and restricted cash  17,414   20,141  -13.5%
Accounts receivable, net  399,998   369,068  8.4%
Income taxes receivable  -   4,366  NM  
Prepaid assets  53,395   40,886  30.6%
Deferred expenses  41,022   44,886  -8.6%
Other current assets  29,267   31,889  -8.2%
Total current assets  732,931   694,295  5.6%
Property and Equipment:      
Property and equipment  1,131,873   1,088,205  4.0%
Accumulated depreciation and amortization                        (805,200)  (755,754) 6.5%
Net property and equipment  326,673   332,451  -1.7%
Goodwill  1,947,832   1,916,192  1.7%
Intangible assets, net  300,991   315,474  -4.6%
Other assets  172,518   182,426  -5.4%
Total assets $3,480,945  $3,440,838  1.2%
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit:      
Current Liabilities:      
Accounts payable $69,730  $78,881  -11.6%
Deferred revenue  133,087   151,148  -11.9%
Accrued expenses  233,789   224,871  4.0%
Current maturities of long-term debt  47,834   39,709  20.5%
Total current liabilities  484,440   494,609  -2.1%
Long-term obligations  3,064,850   3,129,963  -2.1%
Deferred income taxes  103,059   88,864  16.0%
Other long-term liabilities  153,099   169,251  -9.5%
Total liabilities  3,805,448   3,882,687  -2.0%
       
Stockholders' Deficit:      
Common stock  87   86  1.2%
Additional paid-in capital  2,240,801   2,223,379  0.8%
Retained deficit  (2,410,711)  (2,490,455) -3.2%
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (67,454)  (87,633) -23.0%
Treasury stock at cost  (87,226)  (87,226) 0.0%
Total stockholders' deficit  (324,503)  (441,849) -26.6%
       
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $3,480,945  $3,440,838  1.2%

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted Operating Income Reconciliation
Adjusted operating income is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The Company believes adjusted operating income provides a relevant measure of operating profitability and a useful basis for evaluating the ongoing operations of the Company. Adjusted operating income is used by the Company to assess operating income before the impact of acquisitions and acquisition-related costs and certain non-cash items. Adjusted operating income is used by the Company as a benchmark for performance and compensation by certain executives. Adjusted operating income should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income or other profitability data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted operating income, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Set forth below is a reconciliation of adjusted operating income from operating income.  

 Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income from Operating Income 
Unaudited, in thousands       
   Three Months Ended June 30, 
Consolidated:  2017   2016  % Change
Operating income $102,602  $123,101  -16.7%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets                                  14,454   16,871  -14.3%
Share-based compensation  6,107   6,175  -1.1%
Gain on sale of real estate  -   (12,848) NM  
M&A and acquisition-related costs  5,765   1,401  311.5%
Adjusted operating income $128,928  $134,700  -4.3%
Adjusted operating income margin  22.4%  23.1%  
       
Unified Communications Services:      
Operating income $72,020  $88,762  -18.9%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  2,252   3,378  -33.3%
Share-based compensation  3,399   3,493  -2.7%
M&A and acquisition-related costs  349   387  -9.8%
Adjusted operating income $78,020  $96,020  -18.7%
Adjusted operating income margin  22.4%  25.9%  
       
Safety Services:      
Operating income $20,897  $11,871  76.0%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  3,041   3,572  -14.9%
Share-based compensation  989   993  -0.4%
M&A and acquisition-related costs  55   -  NM  
Adjusted operating income $24,982  $16,436  52.0%
Adjusted operating income margin  31.1%  22.1%  
       
Interactive Services:      
Operating income $7,828  $5,958  31.4%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  4,975   5,327  -6.6%
Share-based compensation  602   620  -2.9%
M&A and acquisition-related costs  1,036   1,059  -2.2%
Adjusted operating income $14,441  $12,964  11.4%
Adjusted operating income margin  18.2%  17.7%  
       
Specialized Agent Services:      
Operating income $4,531  $2,906  55.9%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  4,186   4,594  -8.9%
Share-based compensation  1,117   1,069  4.5%
Adjusted operating income $9,834  $8,569  14.8%
Adjusted operating income margin  14.2%  12.7%  
       
Corporate Other:      
Operating income (loss) $(2,674) $13,604   
Gain on sale of real estate  -   (12,848)  
M&A and acquisition-related costs  4,325   (45)  
Adjusted operating income $1,651  $711   

 

 Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income from Operating Income 
Unaudited, in thousands       
   Six Months Ended June 30, 
Consolidated:  2017   2016  % Change
Operating income $210,825  $232,025  -9.1%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets                                  28,744   33,296  -13.7%
Share-based compensation  11,532   13,841  -16.7%
Gain on sale of real estate  -   (12,848) NM  
M&A and acquisition-related costs  7,100   2,489  185.3%
Adjusted operating income $258,201  $268,803  -3.9%
Adjusted operating income margin  22.5%  23.3%  
       
Unified Communications Services:      
Operating income $153,410  $177,830  -13.7%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  4,539   6,771  -33.0%
Share-based compensation  6,423   7,821  -17.9%
M&A and acquisition-related costs  694   878  NM  
Adjusted operating income $165,066  $193,300  -14.6%
Adjusted operating income margin  23.6%  26.4%  
       
Safety Services:      
Operating income $40,183  $20,844  92.8%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  5,851   6,955  -15.9%
Share-based compensation  1,854   2,220  -16.5%
M&A and acquisition-related costs  183   -  NM  
Adjusted operating income $48,071  $30,019  60.1%
Adjusted operating income margin  30.7%  20.6%  
       
Interactive Services:      
Operating income $16,183  $11,766  37.5%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  9,828   10,382  -5.3%
Share-based compensation  1,147   1,381  -16.9%
M&A and acquisition-related costs  1,353   1,611  -16.0%
Adjusted operating income $28,511  $25,140  13.4%
Adjusted operating income margin  18.2%  17.3%  
       
Specialized Agent Services:      
Operating income $8,089  $7,424  9.0%
Amortization of acquired intangible assets  8,526   9,188  -7.2%
Share-based compensation  2,108   2,419  -12.9%
Adjusted operating income $18,723  $19,031  -1.6%
Adjusted operating income margin  13.3%  14.0%  
       
Corporate Other:      
Operating income (loss) $(7,040) $14,161   
Gain on sale of real estate  -   (12,848)  
M&A and acquisition-related costs  4,870   -   
Adjusted operating income (loss) $(2,170) $1,313   

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share Reconciliation
Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) are non-GAAP measures. The Company believes these measures provide a useful indication of profitability and basis for assessing the operations of the Company without the impact of bond redemption premiums, acquisitions and acquisition-related costs, significant restructuring costs and certain non-cash items. Adjusted net income should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income or other profitability metrics prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net income, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company utilizes these non-GAAP measures to make decisions about the use of resources, analyze performance, measure management’s performance with stated objectives and compensate management relative to the achievement of such objectives. Set forth below is a reconciliation of adjusted net income from net income. 

 Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income from Net Income 
Unaudited, in thousands except per share data         
            
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2017  2016  % Change  2017  2016  % Change
Net income$44,764 $32,979  35.7% $98,860 $77,534  27.5%
            
Amortization of acquired intangible assets 14,454  16,871     28,744  33,296   
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,863  39,144     3,751  44,053   
Interest rate swap ineffectiveness 15  -     77  -   
Share-based compensation 6,107  6,175     11,532  13,841   
Gain on sale of real estate -  (12,848)    -  (12,848)  
M&A and acquisition-related costs 5,765  1,401     7,100  2,489   
Pre-tax total 28,204  50,743     51,204  80,831   
Income tax expense on adjustments 10,478  18,911     18,801  30,007   
Adjusted net income$62,490 $64,811  -3.6% $131,263 $128,358  2.3%
            
Diluted shares outstanding 85,527  84,281     85,369  84,425   
Adjusted EPS - diluted$0.73 $0.77  -5.2% $1.54 $1.52  1.3%

Free Cash Flow Reconciliation
The Company believes free cash flow provides a relevant measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing the Company’s ability to fund its activities, including the financing of acquisitions, debt service, stock repurchases and distribution of earnings to shareholders. Free cash flow is calculated as cash flows from operating activities less cash capital expenditures. Free cash flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. Free cash flow should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flows from operating activities or other liquidity measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Set forth below is a reconciliation of free cash flow from cash flows from operating activities. 

 Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow from Operating Cash Flow 
Unaudited, in thousands           
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2017  2016 % Change  2017  2016 % Change
Cash flows from operating activities          $107,273 $137,433 -21.9% $160,046 $197,485 -19.0%
Cash capital expenditures 26,576  37,507 -29.1%  53,248  73,864 -27.9%
Free cash flow$80,697 $99,926 -19.2% $106,798 $123,621 -13.6%

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
The common definition of EBITDA is “Earnings Before Interest Expense, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization.” In evaluating liquidity and performance, the Company uses “Adjusted EBITDA” and “Covenant Adjusted EBITDA.” The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, share-based compensation, taxes, depreciation and amortization, gain on sale of buildings, significant restructuring costs and transaction costs. The Company defines Covenant Adjusted EBITDA as Adjusted EBITDA plus post-acquisition synergies, site closures and other impairments, other non-cash reserves and certain litigation settlement costs and excluding unrestricted subsidiaries. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP. Although the Company uses Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA as measures of its liquidity and performance, the use of Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA is limited because it does not include certain material costs, such as depreciation, amortization and interest, necessary to operate the business and for Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, includes adjustments for synergies that have not been realized. In addition, certain adjustments included in the calculation of Covenant Adjusted EBITDA are based on management’s estimates and do not reflect actual results. For example, post-acquisition synergies included in Covenant Adjusted EBITDA are determined in accordance with the Company’s senior credit facilities and indenture governing the Company’s outstanding notes, which provide for an adjustment to EBITDA, subject to certain specified limitations, for reasonably identifiable and factually supportable cost savings projected by the Company in good faith to be realized as a result of actions taken following an acquisition. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, cash flow from operating activities or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA are presented here as the Company understands investors use them as a measure of its historical ability to service debt and compliance with covenants in its senior credit facilities. Further, Adjusted EBITDA is presented here as the Company uses it to measure its performance and to conduct and evaluate its business during its regular review of operating results for the periods presented. The Company uses this non-GAAP measure to make decisions about the use of resources, analyze performance and measure management’s performance with stated objectives. Pro forma adjustments are based on loan covenants. Set forth below is a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Covenant Adjusted EBITDA from cash flow from operating activities and net income.

 Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from Operating Cash Flow 
Unaudited, in thousands         
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,  Last Twelve Months
  2017   2016   2017   2016  Ended 6/30/17
Cash flows from operating activities$107,273  $137,433  $160,046  $197,485  $389,755 
Income tax expense 22,652   18,389   44,233   43,235   67,421 
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 1,888   6,132   (8,010)  3,755   18,446 
Interest expense and other financing charges 36,786   73,267   72,437   112,252   146,345 
Provision for share-based compensation (6,107)  (6,175)  (11,532)  (13,841)  (23,079)
Amortization of deferred financing costs (1,863)  (39,144)  (3,751)  (44,053)  (8,040)
Gain on sale of real estate -   12,848   -   12,848   1,216 
Other (209)  (712)  (588)  (886)  (1,214)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities,         
net of business acquisitions (9,835)  (28,496)  55,511   19,628   27,727 
EBITDA 150,585   173,542   308,346   330,423   618,577 
Provision for share-based compensation 6,107   6,175   11,532   13,841   23,079 
M&A and acquisition-related costs 5,765   1,401   7,100   2,489   8,356 
Gain on sale of real estate -   (12,848)  -   (12,848)  (1,216)
Significant restructuring -   -   -   -   8,423 
Adjusted EBITDA$162,457  $168,270  $326,978  $333,905  $657,219 
          
Site closures, severance and asset impairments 4,067   1,789   5,966   2,657   6,158 
Non-cash foreign currency loss 1,178   695   1,869   3,329   3,407 
Other, net 78   349   1,627   (603)  857 
Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, before Pro Forma  $167,780  $171,103  $336,440  $339,288  $667,641 
          
Pro Forma adjustments         18,239 
Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, after Pro Forma        $685,880 
          
Cash flows from operating activities$107,273  $137,433  $160,046  $197,485   
Cash flows used in investing activities$(48,687) $(3,124) $(79,993) $(42,584)  
Cash flows used in financing activities$(42,266) $(42,301) $(76,647) $(112,546)  
          
          
 Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from Net Income   
Unaudited, in thousands         
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,   
  2017   2016   2017   2016   
Net income 44,764   32,979   98,860   77,534   
Interest expense and other financing charges 36,786   73,267   72,437   112,252   
Depreciation and amortization 46,383   48,907   92,816   97,402   
Income tax expense 22,652   18,389   44,233   43,235   
EBITDA 150,585   173,542   308,346   330,423   
Provision for share-based compensation 6,107   6,175   11,532   13,841   
M&A and acquisition-related costs 5,765   1,401   7,100   2,489   
Gain on sale of real estate -   (12,848)  -   (12,848)  
Adjusted EBITDA 162,457   168,270   326,978   333,905   
          
Site closures, severance and asset impairments 4,067   1,789   5,966   2,657   
Non-cash foreign currency loss 1,178   695   1,869   3,329   
Other, net 78   349   1,627   (603)  
Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, before Pro Forma$167,780  $171,103  $336,440  $339,288   

________________________________________________________
1 See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures below.
2 Free cash flow is calculated as cash flows from operating activities less cash capital expenditures.
3 Revenue growth attributable to acquired entities for the second quarter of 2017 includes 911 ETC, Vocus and Callpointe. 
4 Based on loan covenants. Covenant loan ratio is debt net of cash and excludes accounts receivable securitization debt.
5 Adjusted organic revenue growth, a non-GAAP metric, excludes revenue from acquired entities and the estimated impact of foreign exchange rates. The Company believes adjusted organic growth provides a useful measure of growth in its ongoing business. A reconciliation to GAAP revenue is presented in the Selected Financial Data table below.
6 Our consolidated revenues and expenses are subject to variations caused by the net effect of foreign currency translation due to our international operations. It is difficult to predict the future fluctuations of foreign exchange rates and how those fluctuations will impact our consolidated operations. Our revenues and expenses from our international operations are generally denominated in local currencies, therefore, the impact of currency fluctuations on our operating income and operating margin is partially mitigated. In order to provide a framework for assessing how our underlying businesses performed excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, we compare the percentage change in the results from one period to another period using constant currency presentation. The constant currency growth rates are calculated by translating the 2017 results at the 2016 average exchange rates. Constant currency growth rates are a non-GAAP measure.
NM: Not Meaningful

AT THE COMPANY:	
Dave Pleiss
Investor Relations
West Corporation
(402) 963-1500
DMPleiss@west.com

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