Excellent Performance Across Key Metrics
Reinforces 2025 Strategy and Targets
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2020 / Focus Financial Partners Inc. (NASDAQ:FOCS) ("Focus Inc.," "Focus," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our"), a leading partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms, today reported results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019.
Fourth Quarter 2019 Highlights
Total revenues of $340.2 million, 37.5% growth year over year
Organic revenue growth(1) rate of 25.2% year over year
GAAP net loss of $12.7 million
GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.25
Adjusted Net Income(2) of $56.0 million, 52.3% growth year over year
Adjusted Net Income Per Share(2) of $0.75, 47.1% growth year over year
Net Leverage Ratio(3) of 4.00x, 0.27x decline from 2019 third quarter
Full Year 2019 Highlights
Total revenues of $1.22 billion, 33.8% growth year over year
Organic revenue growth(1) rate of 15.1% year over year
GAAP net loss of $12.0 million
GAAP basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.28
Adjusted Net Income(2) of $178.6 million, 42.5% growth year over year
Adjusted Net Income Per Share(2) of $2.38, 36.8% growth year over year
Re-affirming annual growth targets of 20% for revenues and Adjusted Net Income Per Share(2)
Re-affirming Net Leverage Ratio(3) target range of 3.5x – 4.5x
Please see footnote 2 under "How We Evaluate Our Business" later in this press release.
Non-GAAP financial measures. Please see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" later in this press release for a reconciliation and more information on these measures.
Please see footnote 6 under "How We Evaluate Our Business" later in this press release.
"2019 was an excellent year for Focus and demonstrated the growth trajectory of our business," said Rudy Adolf, Founder, CEO and Chairman. "We achieved a 25% organic growth rate in the fourth quarter, reflecting strong performance by our partner portfolio. We are operating at a leading scale for this industry, with over $1.2 billion in revenues, 64 partner firms, and a long track record of value add and successful acquisitions. We are confident in the forward potential of our business as we advance towards our 2025 objectives. We believe that our unique model of entrepreneurship combined with access to value-added services and permanent capital will continue to make us the partner of choice, in turn creating superior value for shareholders."
"Our 2019 fourth quarter results were excellent, capping a strong year of growth and profitability for our business," said Jim Shanahan, Chief Financial Officer. "We grew our top and bottom line at levels that are well above typical rates in the wealth management industry and also delivered robust Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share growth. We further diversified our revenue stream, substantially increased our net cash provided by operating activities and Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation and reduced our Net Leverage Ratio to 4.00x. Our partners delivered strong growth and enhanced client services, reflecting the benefits of access to our scale and resources. We have great momentum as we begin 2020 and are well positioned to deliver substantial value to our partners and shareholders alike."
Presentation
This press release presents our results of operations and financial position, including consolidation of our investment in Focus Financial Partners, LLC ("Focus LLC"), since July 30, 2018. Prior to July 30, 2018, the closing date of our initial public offering ("IPO"), the financial statements included herein represent those of Focus LLC. The financial results of Focus Inc. prior to July 30, 2018 have not been included in these financial statements as it had not engaged in any business activities during such period. Accordingly, these results do not purport to reflect what the results of operations of Focus Inc. would have been had Focus Inc.'s IPO and related transactions occurred prior to July 30, 2018.
Fourth Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights
Total revenues were $340.2 million, 37.5%, or $92.7 million higher than the fourth quarter of the prior year. The primary driver of this increase was organic revenue growth, inclusive of mergers, from our existing partner firms of approximately $62.3 million. The balance of the increase of $30.4 million was due to revenue from new partner firms acquired over the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. We completed several landmark transactions last year, including Williams Jones, Escala Partners, and Altman, Greenfield & Selvaggi, which drove substantial growth in our revenues and profitability.
An estimated 70.5%, or $240.0 million, of total revenues were correlated to the financial markets, of which approximately 70.2%, or $168.6 million, were generated from advance billings. The remaining 29.5%, or $100.2 million, were not correlated to the markets. These revenues typically consist of fixed fees for investment management, tax advice and family office type services, primarily for high and ultra-high net worth clients. In excess of 95% of total revenues were fee-based and recurring.
Year-over-year organic revenue growth(1) was 25.2%, higher than the 10.7% for the prior year quarter. The positive change reflects strong organic growth by our partner firms over the last twelve months, inclusive of the Loring Ward acquisition which was completed during the fourth quarter of 2018.
Adjusted EBITDA(2) was $83.0 million, 53.1% higher than the prior year period and our Adjusted EBITDA margin(3) was 24.4%. The sequential margin increase from the 2019 third quarter was primarily driven by higher revenues related to family office type services, as well as effective expense management.
GAAP net loss was $12.7 million compared to GAAP net income of $17.5 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Net Income(2) was $56.0 million, an increase of 52.3%, or $19.2 million over the prior year quarter. Adjusted Net Income Per Share(2) was $0.75 per share, $0.24, or 47.1%, higher year-over-year, reflecting our strong organic growth and acquisition momentum in the last twelve months.
Full Year 2019 Financial Highlights
Total revenues were $1.22 billion, 33.8%, or $307.5 million higher than the prior year. The primary driver of this increase was revenue growth from our existing partner firms of approximately $222.5 million. The majority of this growth was driven by organic growth, inclusive of mergers, generated by our partner firms in the last twelve months, as well as a full period of revenue recognized during 2019 for partner firms that were acquired during 2018. The balance of the increase of $85.0 million was due to revenue from new partner firms acquired during 2019.
Organic revenue growth(1) for 2019 was 15.1%, a two percentage point increase from 13.0% in the prior year.
Adjusted EBITDA(2) was $269.8 million, up 32.7% year over year and Adjusted EBITDA margin(3) was 22.1% for the full year.
GAAP net loss was $12.0 million compared to a GAAP net loss of $41.1 million in the prior year. Adjusted Net Income(2) was $178.6 million, an increase of 42.5%, or $53.2 million over the prior year. Adjusted Net Income Per Share(2) was $2.38 per share, $0.64 or 36.8%, higher year-over-year, reflecting our strong organic growth and acquisition momentum over the past year as well as the elimination of interest expense associated with our $207.0 million Second Lien Term Loan which was repaid in July 2018.
Please see footnote 2 under "How We Evaluate Our Business" later in this press release.
Non-GAAP financial measures. Please see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" later in this press release for a reconciliation and more information on these measures.
Calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by Revenues.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity
As of December 31, 2019, cash and cash equivalents were $65.2 million and debt outstanding under the Company's credit facilities was approximately $1.28 billion.
Of the total debt outstanding as of December 31, 2019, approximately $1.14 billion were borrowings under our First Lien Term Loan ("Term Loan") and $140.0 million were borrowings under our First Lien Revolver ("Revolver"). Our Net Leverage Ratio(1) at December 31, 2019 was 4.00x, within our target range of 3.5x to 4.5x.
Our net cash provided by operating activities for the full year 2019 increased to $194.8 million from $105.9 million for the full year 2018. Our Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation(2) for the full year 2019 increased 55.2% to $163.5 million from $105.3 million for full year 2018. These increases reflect the growth of existing partner firms and the addition of new partner firms during the year.
On January 27, 2020, we successfully repriced the interest rate applicable to the Term Loan. In an oversubscribed transaction, the interest rate was reduced from LIBOR +2.50% to LIBOR + 2.00%. There were no changes to any of the terms of the Revolver as a result of this repricing, and the size of the Term Loan was not increased.
Please see footnote 6 under "How We Evaluate Our Business" later in this press release.
Non-GAAP financial measure. See ‘‘Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures-Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation" later in this press release.
Teleconference, Webcast and Presentation Information
Founder, CEO and Chairman, Rudy Adolf, and Chief Financial Officer, Jim Shanahan, will host a conference call today, February 20, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the Company's 2019 fourth quarter and full year results and outlook. The call can be accessed by dialing +1-877-407-0989 (inside the U.S.) or +1-201-389-0921 (outside the U.S.) and entering the passcode 13698868.
A live, listen-only webcast, together with a slide presentation titled "Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2019 Earnings Release Supplement" dated February 20, 2020, will be available under "Events" in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website, www.focusfinancialpartners.com. A webcast replay of the call will be available shortly after the event at the same address.
About Focus Financial Partners Inc.
Focus Financial Partners is a leading partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms. Focus provides access to best practices, resources, and continuity planning for its partner firms who serve individuals, families, employers and institutions with comprehensive wealth management services. Focus partner firms maintain their operational independence, while they benefit from the synergies, scale, economics and best practices offered by Focus to achieve their business objectives.
Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
The foregoing information contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current views with respect to certain current and future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's operations and business environment which may cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from any future results, expressed or implied, in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this release. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any statements expressed or implied therein will not be realized. Additional information on risk factors that could potentially affect the Company's financial results may be found in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investor and Media Contact Information:
Tina Madon
Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Tel: (646) 813-2909
tmadon@focuspartners.com
How We Evaluate Our Business
We focus on several key financial metrics in evaluating the success of our business, the success of our partner firms and our resulting financial position and operating performance. Key metrics for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2019 include the following:
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
December 31,
2018
2019
2018
2019
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Revenue Metrics:
Revenues
$
247,515
$
340,231
$
910,880
$
1,218,341
Revenue growth (1) from prior period
30.4
%
37.5
%
37.4
%
33.8
%
Organic revenue growth (2) from prior period
10.7
%
25.2
%
13.0
%
15.1
%
Management Fees Metrics (operating expense):
Management fees
$
63,357
$
87,331
$
232,703
$
304,701
Management fees growth (3) from prior period
32.8
%
37.8
%
42.2
%
30.9
%
Organic management fees growth (4)
from prior period
14.7
%
22.6
%
14.3
%
10.2
%
Adjusted EBITDA Metrics:
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
$
54,210
$
83,003
$
203,402
$
269,834
Adjusted EBITDA growth (5) from prior period
29.1
%
53.1
%
40.1
%
32.7
%
Adjusted Net Income Metrics:
Adjusted Net Income (5)
$
36,749
$
55,984
$
125,348
$
178,578
Adjusted Net Income growth (5) from prior period
56.6
%
52.3
%
44.6
%
42.5
%
Adjusted Net Income Per Share Metrics:
Adjusted Net Income Per Share (5)
$
0.51
$
0.75
$
1.74
$
2.38
Adjusted Net Income Per Share growth (5)
from prior period
54.5
%
47.1
%
43.8
%
36.8
%
Adjusted Shares Outstanding (5)
71,677,504
75,072,782
71,960,540
75,039,357
Other Metrics:
Net Leverage Ratio (6) at period end
3.33
x
4.00
x
3.33
x
4.00
x
Acquired Base Earnings (7)
$
–
$
–
$
37,750
$
35,138
Number of partner firms at period end (8)
58
63
58
63
Represents period-over-period growth in our GAAP revenue.
Organic revenue growth represents the period-over-period growth in revenue related to partner firms, including growth related to acquisitions of wealth management practices and customer relationships by our partner firms and partner firms that have merged, that for the entire periods presented, are included in our consolidated statements of operations for each of the entire periods presented. We believe these growth statistics are useful in that they present full-period revenue growth of partner firms on a "same store" basis exclusive of the effect of the partial period results of partner firms that are acquired during the comparable periods.
The terms of our management agreements entitle the management companies to management fees typically consisting of all Earnings Before Partner Compensation ("EBPC") in excess of Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of any EBPC in excess of Target Earnings. Management fees growth represents the period-over-period growth in GAAP management fees earned by management companies. While an expense, we believe that growth in management fees reflect the strength of the partnership.
Organic management fees growth represents the period-over-period growth in management fees earned by management companies related to partner firms, including growth related to acquisitions of wealth management practices and customer relationships by our partner firms and partner firms that have merged, that for the entire periods presented, are included in our consolidated statements of operations for each of the entire periods presented. We believe that these growth statistics are useful in that they present full-period growth of management fees on a "same store" basis exclusive of the effect of the partial period results of partner firms that are acquired during the comparable periods.
For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Net Income Per Share and Adjusted Shares Outstanding, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, please read "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures-Adjusted EBITDA" and "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures -Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share."
Net Leverage Ratio represents the First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility), and means the ratio of amounts outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan and First Lien Revolver plus other outstanding debt obligations secured by a lien on the assets of Focus LLC (excluding letters of credit other than unpaid drawings thereunder) minus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility).
The terms of our management agreements entitle the management companies to management fees typically consisting of all future EBPC of the acquired wealth management firm in excess of Base Earnings up to Target Earnings, plus a percentage of any EBPC in excess of Target Earnings. Acquired Base Earnings is equal to our retained cumulative preferred position in Base Earnings. We are entitled to receive these earnings notwithstanding any earnings that we are entitled to receive in excess of Target Earnings. Base Earnings may change in future periods for various business or contractual matters. For example, from time to time when a partner firm consummates an acquisition, the management agreement among the partner firm, the management company and the principals is amended to adjust Base Earnings and Target Earnings to reflect the projected post-acquisition earnings of the partner firm.
Represents the number of partner firms on the last day of the period presented. The number includes new partner firms acquired during the period reduced by any partner firms that merged with existing partner firms prior to the last day of the period.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.
Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
For the three months ended
For the twelve months ended
December 31,
December 31,
2018
2019
2018
2019
REVENUES:
Wealth management fees
$
232,147
$
323,927
$
853,033
$
1,149,655
Other
15,368
16,304
57,847
68,686
Total revenues
247,515
340,231
910,880
1,218,341
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Compensation and related expenses
96,080
112,657
358,084
431,465
Management fees
63,357
87,331
232,703
304,701
Selling, general and administrative
48,658
62,253
170,270
232,911
Management contract buyout
–
–
–
1,428
Intangible amortization
24,981
35,858
90,381
130,718
Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated
contingent consideration
(22,241
)
13,101
6,638
38,797
Depreciation and other amortization
2,249
3,140
8,370
10,675
Total operating expenses
213,084
314,340
866,446
1,150,695
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
34,431
25,891
44,434
67,646
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Interest income
457
337
1,266
1,164
Interest expense
(10,968
)
(15,156
)
(56,448
)
(58,291
)
Amortization of debt financing costs
(782
)
(969
)
(3,498
)
(3,452
)
Gain on sale of investment
–
–
5,509
–
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings
–
–
(21,071
)
–
Other (expense) income-net
(2,121
)
(354
)
(2,350
)
(1,049
)
Income from equity method investments
313
59
521
755
Impairment of equity method investment
–
(11,749
)
–
(11,749
)
Total other expense-net
(13,101
)
(27,832
)
(76,071
)
(72,622
)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX
21,330
(1,941
)
(31,637
)
(4,976
)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
3,783
10,750
9,450
7,049
NET INCOME (LOSS)
17,547
(12,691
)
(41,087
)
(12,025
)
Non-controlling interest
(7,939
)
692
40,497
(847
)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
$
9,608
$
(11,999
)
$
(590
)
$
(12,872
)
Income (loss) per share of Class A
common stock:
Basic
$
0.22
$
(0.25
)
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.28
)
Diluted
$
0.22
$
(0.25
)
$
(0.01
)
$
(0.28
)
Weighted average shares of Class A
common stock outstanding:
Basic
43,651,256
47,203,578
43,122,782
46,792,389
Diluted
43,714,579
47,203,578
43,122,782
46,792,389
FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.
Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31,
December 31,
2018
2019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
33,213
$
65,178
Accounts receivable less allowances of $576 at 2018 and $684 at 2019
98,596
129,337
Prepaid expenses and other assets
76,150
58,581
Fixed assets-net
24,780
41,634
Operating lease assets
–
180,114
Debt financing costs-net
12,340
9,645
Deferred tax assets-net
70,009
75,453
Goodwill
860,495
1,090,231
Other intangible assets-net
762,195
1,003,456
TOTAL ASSETS
$
1,937,778
$
2,653,629
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
$
8,935
$
8,077
Accrued expenses
36,252
41,442
Due to affiliates
39,621
58,600
Deferred revenue
6,215
7,839
Other liabilities
158,497
215,878
Operating lease liabilities
–
196,425
Borrowings under credit facilities (stated value of $838,985 and $1,279,188
at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, respectively)
836,582
1,272,999
Tax receivable agreements obligations
39,156
48,399
TOTAL LIABILITIES
1,125,258
1,849,659
EQUITY
Class A common stock, par value $0.01, 500,000,000 shares authorized;
46,265,903 and 47,421,315 shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, respectively
462
474
Class B common stock, par value $0.01, 500,000,000 shares authorized;
22,823,272 and 22,075,749 shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, respectively
228
221
Additional paid-in capital
471,386
498,186
Accumulated deficit
(590
)
(13,462
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,824
)
(1,299
)
Total shareholders' equity
469,662
484,120
Non-controlling interest
342,858
319,850
Total equity
812,520
803,970
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$
1,937,778
$
2,653,629
FOCUS FINANCIAL PARTNERS INC.
Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows
(in thousands)
For the twelve months ended
December 31,
2018
2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss
$
(41,087
)
$
(12,025
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating
activities-net of effect of acquisitions:
Intangible amortization
90,381
130,718
Depreciation and other amortization
8,370
10,675
Amortization of debt financing costs
3,498
3,452
Non-cash equity compensation expense
44,468
18,329
Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration
6,638
38,797
Income from equity method investments
(521
)
(755
)
Impairment of equity method investment
–
11,749
Distributions received from equity method investments
1,118
751
Deferred taxes and other non-cash items
6,655
3,555
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings
19,001
–
Changes in cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
(23,747
)
(29,562
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(10,401
)
3,796
Accounts payable
2,341
(1,172
)
Accrued expenses
4,302
8,276
Due to affiliates
6,706
18,989
Other liabilities
(10,322
)
(10,487
)
Deferred revenue
(1,481
)
(312
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
105,919
194,774
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for acquisitions and contingent consideration-net of cash acquired
(413,044
)
(532,513
)
Purchase of fixed assets
(9,106
)
(25,472
)
Investment and other
(24,300
)
1,530
Net cash used in investing activities
(446,450
)
(556,455
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under credit facilities
300,000
969,125
Repayments of borrowings under credit facilities
(461,026
)
(529,796
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
565,160
–
Payments in connection with unit redemption, net
(61,539
)
–
Contingent consideration paid
(12,554
)
(22,040
)
Payments of debt financing costs
(4,612
)
(3,743
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
–
838
Payments on finance lease obligations
(198
)
(176
)
Distributions for unitholders
(2,744
)
(20,641
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
322,487
393,567
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(198
)
79
CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(18,242
)
31,965
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period
51,455
33,213
End of period
$
33,213
$
65,178
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) excluding interest income, interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), amortization of debt financing costs, intangible amortization, depreciation and other amortization, non-cash equity compensation expense, non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration, gain on sale of investment, loss on extinguishment of borrowings, other expense/income, net, impairment of equity method investment, management contract buyout and other one-time transaction expenses. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA, viewed in addition to and not in lieu of, our reported GAAP results, provides additional useful information to investors regarding our performance and overall results of operations for various reasons, including the following:
Non-cash equity grants made to employees or non-employees at a certain price and point in time do not necessarily reflect how our business is performing at any particular time; stock-based compensation expense is not a key measure of our operating performance;
Contingent consideration or earn outs can vary substantially from company to company and depending upon each company's growth metrics and accounting assumption methods; the non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration is not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance; and
Amortization expenses can vary substantially from company to company and from period to period depending upon each company's financing and accounting methods, the fair value and average expected life of acquired intangible assets and the method by which assets were acquired; the amortization of intangible assets obtained in acquisitions are not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance.
We use Adjusted EBITDA:
As a measure of operating performance;
For planning purposes, including the preparation of budgets and forecasts;
To allocate resources to enhance the financial performance of our business; and
To evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.
Adjusted EBITDA does not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities. The term Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP, and Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income (loss), operating income or any other performance or liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect all cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs; and
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense on our debt or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments.
In addition, Adjusted EBITDA can differ significantly from company to company depending on strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate and capital investments. We compensate for these limitations by relying also on the GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA as supplemental information.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2019:
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
December 31,
2018
2019
2018
2019
(in thousands)
Net income (loss)
$
17,547
$
(12,691
)
$
(41,087
)
$
(12,025
)
Interest income
(457
)
(337
)
(1,266
)
(1,164
)
Interest expense
10,968
15,156
56,448
58,291
Income tax expense
3,783
10,750
9,450
7,049
Amortization of debt financing costs
782
969
3,498
3,452
Intangible amortization
24,981
35,858
90,381
130,718
Depreciation and other amortization
2,249
3,140
8,370
10,675
Non-cash equity compensation expense
12,856
4,954
44,468
18,329
Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated
contingent consideration
(22,241
)
13,101
6,638
38,797
Gain on sale of investment
–
–
(5,509
)
–
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings
–
–
21,071
–
Other expense (income), net
2,121
354
2,350
1,049
Impairment of equity method investment
–
11,749
–
11,749
Management contract buyout
–
–
–
1,428
Other one-time transaction expenses
1,621
–
8,590
1,486
Adjusted EBITDA
$
54,210
$
83,003
$
203,402
$
269,834
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share
We analyze our performance using Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share are non-GAAP measures. We define Adjusted Net Income as net income (loss) excluding income tax expense (benefit), amortization of debt financing costs, intangible amortization, non-cash equity compensation expense, non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration, gain on sale of investment, loss on extinguishment of borrowings, impairment of equity method investment, management contract buyout and other one-time transaction expenses. The calculation of Adjusted Net Income also includes adjustments to reflect (i) a pro forma 27% income tax rate assuming all earnings of Focus LLC were recognized by Focus Inc. and no earnings were attributable to non-controlling interests and (ii) tax adjustments from intangible asset related income tax benefits from acquisitions based on a pro forma 27% tax rate.
Adjusted Net Income Per Share is calculated by dividing Adjusted Net Income by the Adjusted Shares Outstanding. Adjusted Shares Outstanding includes: (i) the weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding during the period, (ii) the weighted average incremental shares of Class A common stock related to stock options and unvested Class A common stock, and restricted stock units outstanding during the periods, (iii) the weighted average number of Focus LLC common units outstanding during the periods (assuming that 100% of such Focus LLC common units have been exchanged for Class A common stock) and (iv) the weighted average number of common unit equivalents of Focus LLC vested and unvested incentive units outstanding during the period based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the last trading day of the period (assuming that 100% of such Focus LLC common units have been exchanged for Class A common stock).
We believe that Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share, viewed in addition to and not in lieu of, our reported GAAP results, provide additional useful information to investors regarding our performance and overall results of operations for various reasons, including the following:
Non-cash equity grants made to employees or non-employees at a certain price and point in time do not necessarily reflect how our business is performing at any particular time; stock-based compensation expense is not a key measure of our operating performance;
Contingent consideration or earn outs can vary substantially from company to company and depending upon each company's growth metrics and accounting assumption methods; the non-cash changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration is not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance; and
Amortization expenses can vary substantially from company to company and from period to period depending upon each company's financing and accounting methods, the fair value and average expected life of acquired intangible assets and the method by which assets were acquired; the amortization of intangible assets obtained in acquisitions are not considered a key measure in comparing our operating performance.
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share do not purport to be an alternative to net income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities. The terms Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share are not defined under GAAP, and Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share are not a measure of net income (loss), operating income or any other performance or liquidity measure derived in accordance with GAAP. Therefore, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share do not reflect all cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, working capital needs; and
Other companies in the financial services industry may calculate Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
In addition, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share can differ significantly from company to company depending on strategic decisions regarding capital structure, the tax jurisdictions in which companies operate and capital investments. We compensate for these limitations by relying also on the GAAP results and use Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share as supplemental information.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Per Share for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2019:
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2018
2019
2018
2019
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss)
$
17,547
$
(12,691
)
$
(41,087
)
$
(12,025
)
Income tax expense
3,783
10,750
9,450
7,049
Amortization of debt financing costs
782
969
3,498
3,452
Intangible amortization
24,981
35,858
90,381
130,718
Non-cash equity compensation expense
12,856
4,954
44,468
18,329
Non-cash changes in fair value of estimated
contingent consideration
(22,241
)
13,101
6,638
38,797
Gain on sale of investment
–
–
(5,509
)
–
Loss on extinguishment of borrowings
–
–
21,071
–
Impairment of equity method investment
–
11,749
–
11,749
Management contract buyout
–
–
–
1,428
Other one-time transaction expenses(1)
3,994
–
11,529
1,486
Subtotal
41,702
64,690
140,439
200,983
Pro forma income tax expense (27%)
(11,260
)
(17,466
)
(37,919
)
(54,265
)
Tax Adjustments(2)
6,307
8,760
22,828
31,860
Adjusted Net Income
$
36,749
$
55,984
$
125,348
$
178,578
Adjusted Shares Outstanding
71,677,504
75,072,782
71,960,540
75,039,357
Adjusted Net Income Per Share
$
0.51
$
0.75
$
1.74
$
2.38
Calculation of Adjusted Shares Outstanding:
Weighted average shares of Class A common
stock outstanding-basic(3)
43,651,256
47,203,578
43,122,782
46,792,389
Adjustments:
Weighted average incremental shares of Class A
common stock related to stock options and
unvested Class A common stock and restricted
stock units(4)
63,323
34,391
102,549
20,428
Weighted average Focus LLC common units
outstanding(5)
22,823,272
22,158,584
22,630,668
22,424,378
Weighted average common unit equivalent of
Focus LLC incentive units outstanding(6)
5,139,653
5,676,229
6,104,541
5,802,162
Adjusted Shares Outstanding
71,677,504
75,072,782
71,960,540
75,039,357
In 2018, primarily relates to one-time expenses related to (a) Loring Ward severance cash compensation of $507 during the three months ended December 31, 2018, which was recorded in compensation and related expenses, and IPO and Reorganization Transaction cash compensation expenses of $5,926 during the three months ended September 30, 2018, which were recorded in compensation and related expenses, (b) transaction expenses of $1,762, which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, associated with the acquisition of Loring Ward, of which $1,114 were incurred during the three months ended December 31, 2018 and $648 were incurred during the three months ended September 30, 2018 and (c) other expenses, net of $2,373 during the three months ended December 31, 2018, which were recorded in other (expense) income net, primarily related to the loss on sale of a tax customer list and related receivables. In 2019, relates to one-time expenses related to (a) Loring Ward severance cash compensation of $280 during the three months ended March 31, 2019, which were recorded in compensation and related expenses and (b) transaction expenses of $786 and $420, associated with the acquisition of Loring Ward, which were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and June 30, 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2019, estimated tax adjustments from intangible asset related income tax benefits from closed acquisitions based on a pro forma 27% tax rate for the next 12 months is $35,017.
Represents our GAAP weighted average Class A common stock outstanding-basic.
The incremental shares for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2019 related to stock options, unvested Class A common stock and restricted stock units as calculated using the treasury stock method were not included in the calculation of the GAAP weighted average shares of Class A common stock-diluted as the result would have been anti-dilutive.
Assumes that 100% of the Focus LLC common units were exchanged for Class A common stock.
Assumes that 100% of the vested and unvested Focus LLC incentive units were converted into Focus LLC common units based on the closing price of our Class A common stock at the end of the respective period and such Focus LLC common units were exchanged for Class A common stock.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation
To supplement our statements of cash flows presented on a GAAP basis, we use non-GAAP liquidity measures on a trailing 4-quarter basis to analyze cash flows generated from our operations. We consider Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation to be liquidity measures that provide useful information to investors about the amount of cash generated by the business and are two factors in evaluating the amount of cash available to pay contingent consideration, make strategic acquisitions and repay outstanding borrowings. Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation do not represent our residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as they do not deduct our mandatory debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenditures. We define Adjusted Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities, less purchase of fixed assets, distributions for unitholders and payments under tax receivable agreements (if any). We define Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation as Adjusted Free Cash Flow plus the portion of contingent consideration paid which is classified as operating cash flows under GAAP. The balance of such contingent consideration is classified as investing and financing cash flows under GAAP; therefore, we add back the amount included in operating cash flows so that the full amount of contingent consideration payments is treated consistently. Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation are not defined under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net cash from operating, investing or financing activities. In addition, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation can differ significantly from company to company.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation for the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2018 and 2019:
Trailing 4-Quarters Ended
December 31,
2018
2019
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
105,919
$
194,774
Purchase of fixed assets
(9,106
)
(25,472
)
Distributions for unitholders
(2,744
)
(20,641
)
Payments under tax receivable agreements
–
–
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
$
94,069
$
148,661
Portion of contingent consideration paid included in operating activities (1)
11,262
14,822
Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation (2)
$
105,331
$
163,483
A portion of contingent consideration paid is classified as operating cash outflows in accordance with GAAP, with the balance reflected in investing and financing cash outflows. Contingent consideration paid classified as operating cash outflows for each of the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2018 was $1.5 million, $1.6 million, $4.6 million and $3.6 million, respectively, totaling $11.3 million for the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2018. Contingent consideration paid classified as operating cash outflows for each of the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2019 was $9.2 million, $4.0 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, totaling $14.8 million for the trailing 4-quarters ended December 31, 2019.
Cash Flow Available for Capital Allocation excludes all contingent consideration that was included in either operating, investing or financing activities of our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Supplemental Information
Economic Ownership
The following table provides supplemental information regarding the economic ownership of Focus Financial Partners, LLC as of December 31, 2019:
December 31, 2019
Economic Ownership of Focus Financial Partners, LLC Interests:
Interest
%
Focus Financial Partners Inc. (1)
47,421,315
63.0
%
Non-Controlling Interests (2)
27,807,744
37.0
%
Total
75,229,059
100.0
%
Includes 53,293 unvested common units.
Includes 5,731,995 Focus LLC common units issuable upon conversion of the outstanding 19,754,450 vested and unvested incentive units (assuming vesting of the unvested incentive units and a December 31, 2019 period end value of the Focus LLC common units equal to $29.47).
Class A and Class B Common Stock Outstanding
The following table provides supplemental information regarding the Company's Class A and Class B common stock:
Q4 2019 Weighted
Average Outstanding
Number of Shares
Outstanding at
December 31, 2019
Number of Shares
Outstanding at
February 20, 2020
Class A
47,203,578
47,421,315
47,421,315
Class B
22,158,584
22,075,749
22,075,749
Incentive Units
The following table provides supplemental information regarding the outstanding Focus LLC vested and unvested Incentive Units ("IUs") at December 31, 2019. The vested IUs in future periods can be exchanged into shares of Class A common stock (after conversion into a number of Focus LLC common units that takes into account the then-current value of common units and such IUs aggregate hurdle amount), and therefore, the Company calculates the Class A common stock equivalent of such IUs for purposes of calculating Adjusted Net Income Per Share. The period-end share price of the Company's Class A common stock is used to calculate the intrinsic value of the outstanding Focus LLC IUs in order to calculate a Focus LLC common unit equivalent of the Focus LLC IUs.
Focus Financial Partners, LLC Incentive Units by Hurdle at December 31, 2019:
Hurdle
Rates
Number
Outstanding
$1.42
175,421
$5.50
97,798
$6.00
56,702
$7.00
482,545
$9.00
1,984,779
$11.00
1,148,023
$12.00
520,000
$13.00
831,416
$14.00
56,205
$16.00
168,552
$17.00
80,000
$19.00
865,633
$21.00
3,975,500
$22.00
1,289,667
$23.00
524,828
$26.26
25,000
$27.00
29,484
$27.90
2,051,131
$28.50
1,646,766
$33.00
3,715,000
$36.64
30,000
19,754,450
SOURCE: Focus Financial Partners Inc.
ReleaseID: 577046
