NCR Announces Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2021 Results

Full Year Revenue up 15% and Significant Profit Margin Expansion

Announces Strategic Review of Company's Businesses and Operations

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) reported financial results today for the full year and three months ended December 31, 2021. Full year and fourth quarter results and other highlights include:

• Delivered strong full year and solid fourth quarter 2021 results
  • Full year revenue of $7.16 billion, up 15%; Recurring revenue growth of 25%
  • Full year cash flow from operations of $1.08 billion; Free cash flow of $460 million
  • Full year GAAP diluted EPS of $0.58; Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.56
• Expects 2022 to be another year of strong revenue growth, with significantly higher profitability
• Launches comprehensive strategic review to enhance value for shareholders

“Our fourth quarter results marked a solid finish to a terrific year for NCR. We simultaneously drove strong growth in recurring revenue, higher profitability and increased cash generation,” said Michael Hayford, Chief Executive Officer. “We made tremendous progress integrating Cardtronics and transforming NCR into a software platform and payments company. We enter 2022 with strong demand, positive momentum and a path to accelerate growth. We are positioning NCR to deliver competitive differentiation to our customers and strengthen our long-term growth profile.”

Mr. Hayford continued, “While our execution against our stated objectives has been excellent and our outlook is favorable, we believe there is substantial value in our business that could be unlocked. Accordingly, we have launched a board-led strategic review process to evaluate a full range of strategic alternatives available to enhance both NCR’s value and shareholder returns.”

Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2021 Operating Results

On June 21, 2021, we completed the acquisition of Cardtronics plc (“Cardtronics”), which is included in the Banking segment results.

Revenue

Fourth quarter revenue of $2,034 million increased 25% year over year. Full year revenue of $7,156 million increased 15% year over year. The following table shows revenue by segment for the fourth quarter and full year:

For the quarter, Banking revenue increased 40% due to the inclusion of Cardtronics, as well as higher software, services and ATM hardware revenue. Retail revenue increased 9% due to higher point-of-sale and self-checkout solutions revenue. Hospitality revenue increased 27% driven primarily by an increase in point-of-sale solutions.

For the full year, Banking, Retail and Hospitality all showed solid double digit revenue growth.

Gross Margin

Fourth quarter gross margin of $503 million increased from $328 million in the prior year period. Gross margin rate was 24.7%, up from 20.1%. The increase in gross margin rate was driven by cost reduction actions taken in the prior year, partially offset by higher component and freight costs in the current quarter. Fourth quarter gross margin (non-GAAP) of $549 million increased from $465 million in the prior year period. Gross margin rate (non-GAAP) was 27.0%, down from 28.5%. The decrease in gross margin rate (non-GAAP) was driven by significantly higher component and freight costs partially offset by price increases.

For the full year, gross margin increased over prior year due the inclusion of Cardtronics, as well as higher software and services revenue, offset by increases in freight and component prices.

Operating Income

Fourth quarter income from operations of $123 million increased from a loss from operations of $63 million in the prior year period. Fourth quarter operating income (non-GAAP) of $215 million increased from $152 million in the prior year period. The change in operating income, for both GAAP and non-GAAP, was driven by overall strong growth, partially offset by higher component and freight costs, as well as the incremental operating expenses added as a result of the Cardtronics acquisition.

Full year income from operations increased from prior year due to the stronger revenue and higher margins, partially offset by the absorption of Cardtronics operating expense.

Other Expense/Income

Fourth quarter other income of $49 million increased from other expense of $83 million in the prior year period. The pension mark-to-market adjustment provided income of $118 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to expense of $34 million in the prior year period, partially offset by higher interest expense. Fourth quarter other expense (non-GAAP) of $63 million increased from $49 million. The increase in other expense (non-GAAP) was due to higher interest expense.

Full Year Other expense was lower than prior year as a result of the pension mark-to-market, described above, offset by higher interest expense and loss on extinguishment of debt.

Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to NCR

Fourth quarter net income from continuing operations attributable to NCR of $64 million increased from a net loss from continuing operations attributable to NCR of $125 million in the prior year period. The increase was driven by higher operating income, as well as pension mark-to-market benefit, described above.

Full year net income from continuing operations attributable to NCR of $97 million increased from net loss from continuing operations attributable to NCR of $7 million in the prior year period. Full year 2021 GAAP diluted EPS of $0.58 was up from $(0.30) in 2020. Full year diluted EPS (non-GAAP) of $2.56 was up from $1.69 in 2020.

Adjusted EBITDA

Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $353 million increased from $258 million in the prior year period. The Adjusted EBITDA margin rate increased to 17.4%, compared to 15.8% in the prior year period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by impacts to gross margin and operating expenses described above.

Full year 2021 Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1,244 million from $896 million in the prior year period.

Cash Flow

Fourth quarter cash provided by operating activities of $270 million increased from cash provided by operating activities of $146 million in the prior year period. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the increase in net income, as well as the impact from an incremental sale of trade accounts receivables under an agreement entered into during the third quarter of 2021. Fourth quarter free cash flow was $100 million, compared to free cash flow of $161 million in the prior year period. The decrease in free cash flow was driven by changes in working capital period over period partially offset by the increase in net income.

Full year 2021 cash provided by operating activities was $1.08 billion compared to $641 million and full year free cash flow was $460 million compared to $467 million in the prior year period.

In this release, we use certain non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures include “free cash flow,” “Adjusted EBITDA,” and others with the words “non-GAAP” in their titles. These non-GAAP measures are listed, described and reconciled to their most directly comparable GAAP measures under the heading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” later in this release.

2022 Outlook

For the full year 2022, we are forecasting:

• Revenue - $8 billion to $8.2 billion, up 12% to 15%
• Adjusted EBITDA - $1.5 billion to $1.575 billion, up 21% to 27%
• Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share - $3.25 to $3.55, up 27% to 39%
• Free cash flow - $500 million to $600 million

For the first quarter of 2022, we are forecasting:

• Revenue - $1.9 billion to $1.95 billion, up 23% to 26%
• Adjusted EBITDA - $325 million to $350 million, up 26% to 36%
• Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share - $0.60 to $0.65, up 18% to 27%

With respect to our Adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share guidance, we do not provide a reconciliation to the respective GAAP measures because we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty the reconciling items that may affect GAAP net income from continuing operations and GAAP earnings per share without unreasonable effort. The reconciling items are primarily the future impact of special tax items, capital structure transactions, restructuring, pension mark-to-market transactions, acquisitions or divestitures, or other events. These reconciling items are uncertain, depend on various factors and could significantly impact, either individually or in the aggregate, the GAAP measures. Refer to the heading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for additional information regarding our use of non-GAAP financial measures.

Strategic Review

The NCR board of directors has unanimously approved commencing a comprehensive strategic review process, with the assistance of outside advisors, which will evaluate a full range of strategic alternatives available to NCR to enhance value for all shareholders.

Those strategic alternatives could include a disposition of a material business or assets of the Company, a spin-off, merger or sale of the Company, other structural changes, changes to branding or geographic footprint or other transactions or alternatives.

The board has not set a timetable for the conclusion of its review of strategic alternatives. NCR does not intend to comment further on the strategic review process unless and until NCR has determined that further disclosure is beneficial or required by law.

Shareholders are advised that there can be no certainty that the strategic review will result in a transaction, or if a transaction is pursued that such a transaction will be completed.

Impacts from COVID-19

We continue to navigate through the challenging times presented by COVID-19 with a sharp focus on safeguarding our employees, helping our customers and managing impacts on our supply chain. Despite the unprecedented environment, our teams are executing at a high level and we are advancing our strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic is complex and continues to evolve, including the latest Omicron variant. While it is difficult to project the long-term impact of the pandemic, we expect it will continue to negatively impact our business at least in the short-term. The ultimate impact on our overall financial condition and operating results will depend on the currently unknowable duration and severity of the pandemic, supply chain challenges and cost escalations including materials, labor and freight, and any additional governmental and public actions taken in response. We continue to evaluate the long-term impact that COVID-19 may have on our business model. There can be no assurance that the measures we have taken or will take will offset the negative impacts of COVID-19.

2021 Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call

A conference call is scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the full year and fourth quarter 2021 results. Access to the conference call and accompanying slides, as well as a replay of the call, are available on NCR's web-site at http://investor.ncr.com. Additionally, the live call can be accessed by dialing 888-820-9413 (United States/Canada Toll-free) or 786-460-7169 (International Toll) and entering the participant passcode 7622865.

More information on NCR’s full year and fourth quarter earnings, including additional financial information and analysis, is available on NCR’s Investor Relations website at http://investor.ncr.com/.

About NCR Corporation

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leading enterprise technology provider that runs stores, restaurants and self-directed banking. NCR is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with 38,000 employees globally. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Website: www.ncr.com

Twitter: @NCRCorporation

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation

Cautionary Statements

This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Forward-looking statements use words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “outlook,” “intend,” “plan,” “confident,” “believe,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “potential,” “positioning,” “proposed,” “objective,” “could,” “may,” and words of similar meaning, as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Act. Statements that describe or relate to NCR’s plans, goals, intentions, strategies, or financial outlook, and statements that do not relate to historical or current fact, are examples of forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements regarding our financial position and NCR’s full year 2022 and first quarter financial forecast (including the section titled “2022 Outlook”); a comprehensive strategic review to evaluate strategic alternatives (which could include a disposition of a material business or assets of the Company, a spin-off, merger or sale of the Company or other transactions) available to NCR; NCR’s execution of our strategy to shift to a software platform and payments company; expectations regarding demand, momentum and growth acceleration, competitive differentiation, our long-term growth profile and value creation for our stakeholders; statements regarding our plans to manage our business through the COVID-19 pandemic including safeguarding our employees, helping our customers and managing impacts on our supply chain; and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our overall financial condition and operating results, including but not limited to, supply chain challenges and cost escalations including materials, labor and freight. Forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate, and involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are out of NCR’s control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements, including those factors relating to: the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our supply chain costs, including but not limited to, materials, labor and freight, business, financial condition and results of operations; domestic and global economic and credit conditions including, in particular, political, consumer, and unemployment conditions, the imposition or threat of protectionist trade policies or import or export tariffs, global and regional market conditions and spending trends, new tax legislation across multiple jurisdictions, modified or new global or regional trade agreements, execution of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, uncertainty over further potential changes in Eurozone participation, fluctuations in oil and commodity prices, and our customer responses to the same; the transformation of our business model to an as-a-service company with focus on, among other items, increased software and services revenue, and recurring revenue; our ability grow software and services and expanding our customer base; our ability to successfully develop and introduce new solutions in the competitive, rapidly changing environment in which we do business; defects, errors, installation difficulties or development delays in our products; disruptions in our data center hosting facilities or cloud based hosting; our ability to compete effectively within the technology industry; reliance on third party suppliers; our multinational operations, including in new and emerging markets; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions or effectively manage alliance activities, including but not limited to, the Cardtronics acquisition; continuous improvement, customer experience, restructuring and cost reduction initiatives; our ability to retain key employees, or attract quality new and replacement employees; financing and liquidity risks including: our level of indebtedness; the terms of the documents governing our indebtedness including financial and other covenants; the incurrence of substantially more debt, including secured debt, and similar liabilities, which would increase the risks described in our risk factors relating to indebtedness and repurchase obligations; sufficiency of our cash flows including to service our indebtedness; interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly; our ability to raise the funds necessary to finance a required repurchase of our senior unsecured notes or our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; a lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies; our pension liabilities; data protection, cybersecurity and privacy risks; intellectual property risks including protection, development and our ability to manage third party claims regarding patents and other intellectual property rights; legal and regulatory risks including unanticipated changes to our tax rates and additional income tax liabilities; environmental exposures from our historical and ongoing manufacturing activities; uncertainties with regard to regulations, lawsuits, claims, and other matters across various jurisdictions; other risks including the impact of the terms of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock relating to voting power, share dilution and market price of our common stock, as well as rights, preferences and privileges that are not held by, and are preferential to, the rights of our common stakeholders; actions or proposals from stakeholders that do not align with our business strategies or the interests of our other stockholders; potential write-down of the value of certain significant assets; the integration of the business of Cardtronics and realization of anticipated benefits; loss of management personnel and other key employees of NCR and Cardtronics related to the Cardtronics transaction; unknown or developing litigation or claims involving Cardtronics; certain additional significant risks and uncertainties from the Cardtronics business and industry such as reduced need for cash in the marketplace or a decline the usage of Cardtronics ATMs related to the proliferation of payment options; changes in financial services transaction fees, loss of or change in key merchant contracts or bank sponsorships, change in interchange fees or rates, EFT network rules and regulations compliance, vault cash risks, election by Cardtronics merchant customers not to participate in the surcharge-free network offerings, cash-in-transit risks, and settlement of merchant funds or in the vault cash reconciliations; and increased total indebtedness following completion of the Cardtronics acquisition and the implications related to such indebtedness. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP Financial Measures. While NCR reports its results in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States, or GAAP, in this release NCR also uses the non-GAAP measures listed and described below.

Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS), Gross Margin (non-GAAP), Gross Margin Rate (non-GAAP), Operating Expenses (non-GAAP), Operating Income (non-GAAP), Operating Margin Rate (non-GAAP), Other (Expense) (non-GAAP), Income Tax Expense (non-GAAP), Effective Income Tax Rate (non-GAAP), and Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to NCR (non-GAAP). NCR’s non-GAAP diluted EPS, gross margin (non-GAAP), gross margin rate (non-GAAP), operating expenses (non-GAAP), operating income (non-GAAP), operating margin rate (non-GAAP), other (expense) (non-GAAP), income tax expense (non-GAAP), effective income tax rate (non-GAAP), and net income from continuing operations attributable to NCR (non-GAAP) are determined by excluding, as applicable, pension mark-to-market adjustments, pension settlements, pension curtailments and pension special termination benefits, as well as other special items, including amortization of acquisition related intangibles and transformation and restructuring activities, from NCR’s GAAP earnings per share, gross margin, gross margin rate, expenses, income from operations, operating margin rate, other (expense), income tax expense, effective income tax rate and net income from continuing operations attributable to NCR, respectively. Due to the non-operational nature of these pension and other special items, NCR's management uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate year-over-year operating performance. NCR believes these measures are useful for investors because they provide a more complete understanding of NCR's underlying operational performance, as well as consistency and comparability with NCR's past reports of financial results.

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA). NCR determines Adjusted EBITDA for a given period based on its GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to NCR plus interest expense, net; plus income tax expense (benefit); plus depreciation and amortization; plus other income (expense); plus pension mark-to-market adjustments, pension settlements, pension curtailments and pension special termination benefits and other special items, including amortization of acquisition related intangibles and restructuring charges, among others. NCR uses Adjusted EBITDA to manage and measure the performance of its business segments. NCR also uses Adjusted EBITDA to manage and determine the effectiveness of its business managers and as a basis for incentive compensation. NCR believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors because it is an indicator of the strength and performance of the Company's ongoing business operations, including its ability to fund discretionary spending such as capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions and other investments.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated based on Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue.

Free Cash Flow. NCR defines free cash flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment, less additions to capitalized software, plus/minus restricted cash settlement activity, plus acquisition-related items, less the impact from the initial sale of trade accounts receivables under the agreement entered into during the 3rd quarter of 2021, and plus pension contributions and pension settlements. NCR's management uses free cash flow to assess the financial performance of the Company and believes it is useful for investors because it relates the operating cash flow of the Company to the capital that is spent to continue and improve business operations. In particular, free cash flow indicates the amount of cash generated after capital expenditures, which can be used for, among other things, investment in the Company's existing businesses, strategic acquisitions, strengthening the Company's balance sheet, repurchase of Company stock and repayment of the Company's debt obligations. Free cash flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures since there may be other nondiscretionary expenditures that are not deducted from the measure. Free cash flow does not have uniform definitions under GAAP and, therefore, NCR's definitions may differ from other companies' definitions of these measures.

NCR's definitions and calculations of these non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly-titled measures reported by other companies and cannot, therefore, be compared with similarly-titled measures of other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as substitutes for, or superior to, results determined in accordance with GAAP.

Use of Certain Terms

Recurring revenue includes all revenue streams from contracts where there is a predictable revenue pattern that will occur at regular intervals with a relatively high degree of certainty. This includes hardware and software maintenance revenue, cloud revenue, payment processing revenue, interchange and network revenue, and certain professional services arrangements, as well as term-based software license arrangements that include customer termination rights.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220208006118/en/