VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - (Marketwired - Sep 2, 2016) - Liberty Tax, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAX) (the "Company"), the parent company of Liberty Tax Service, today reported results for the first quarter ended July 31, 2016.
"We are working hard to ensure success in the coming tax season," stated John Hewitt, CEO. "We have developed and implemented many new best practices throughout the system to focus on increased franchisee training and compliance to ensure we create value for our shareholders in this tax season and beyond."
The Company typically reports a loss in the first quarter when revenues are low and costs are ramping up to drive growth in the following tax season. In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company reported a GAAP net loss of $9.4 million, or $0.73 per share, compared to a loss of $8.5 million, or $0.67 per share in the prior year period. Non-GAAP net loss was $0.66 per share compared to a $0.65 per share loss in the prior year period.
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Revenues for the three months ended July 31, 2016 decreased to $7.1 million, or 5.0%, from $7.5 million in the prior year period. Revenue from Area Developer ("AD") fees declined $0.6 million as a result of revenue from prior year sales now being fully recognized over the life of their agreements. In addition, Franchise fees declined $0.4 million, which were offset by an increase in interest income of $0.7 million.
The Company had a cash balance of $4.9 million at July 31, 2016. The Company has drawn $28.0 million on its revolving credit facility as of July 31, 2016 compared to $16.6 million at July 31, 2015. The Company typically draws on this facility through the beginning of each tax season to provide for cash used in operations and for operating loans to franchisees. The increase in the usage of our credit facility is primarily due to entering the year with a lower cash balance, timing of cash tax payments, and higher expenses associated with operating more company-owned locations.
As previously disclosed, on August 18, 2016 the Company amended its Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement. The amendment makes available additional funds in the event the newly enacted PATH Act contributes to a seasonality change in the behavior of tax customers.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company acquired assets from existing and former franchisees with a value totaling $7.6 million. In addition to a focus on selling new undeveloped territories, the Company intends to actively seek qualified buyers to purchase and operate these reacquired territories along with all of our other turnkey-ready company stores.
On September 1, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend to shareholders of $0.16 per share. The dividend will be paid on October 24, 2016 to holders of record of common stock and common stock equivalents on the close of business on October 14, 2016.
At 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on September 2, 2016, the Company will host a conference call for analysts, institutional investors and stockholders. To access the call, please dial the number below approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time:
The call will also be webcast in a listen-only format. The link to the webcast can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at www.libertytax.com, under the "About" tab.
A telephonic replay of the call will be available beginning shortly after the call continuing until Friday, September 9, 2016, by dialing 855-859-2056 (domestic) or 404-537-3406 (international). The conference ID code is 66126480. A replay of the webcast will also be available at the site listed above beginning shortly after its conclusion.
Founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, Liberty Tax, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAX) is the parent company of Liberty Tax Service. Liberty Tax is one of the fastest-growing tax preparation franchises. Last year, Liberty Tax prepared over two million individual income tax returns in more than 4,400 offices and online. Liberty Tax's online services are available through eSmart Tax, Liberty Online and DIY Tax, and are all backed by the tax professionals at Liberty Tax locations and its nationwide network of approximately 22,000 seasonal tax preparers. Liberty Tax also supports local communities with fundraising endeavors and contributes as a national sponsor for many charitable causes. For a more in-depth look, visitLiberty Tax Service and interact with Liberty Tax on Twitter and Facebook.
This press release and the accompanying tables include non-GAAP financial information. For a description of these non-GAAP financial measures, including the reasons management uses each measure, and reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, please see the section of the accompanying Table D titled "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information to the Most Directly Comparable GAAP Financial Measures."
In addition to historical information, this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including implied and express statements regarding future growth. These forward-looking statements, as well as Company guidance, are based upon the Company's current expectations and there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and speak only as of the date on which they are made, the Company's actual results could differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties relate to, among other things; uncertainties regarding the Company's ability to attract and retain clients; the ability to continue to pay a quarterly dividend; the effect of health care reform on tax preparation-related revenue; the impact of the launch of a new franchise brand; uncertainties regarding the Company's ability to meet its prepared returns targets; competitive factors; the Company's effective income tax rate; litigation defense expenses and costs of judgments or settlements; costs associated with compliance efforts; and changes in market, economic, political or regulatory conditions. Information concerning these risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K and in other filings by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, we believe certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios used in managing the business may provide additional meaningful comparisons between current year results and prior periods. The tables below provide reconciliations of our net loss as reported to certain non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, not as an alternative for, our reported GAAP results.
The following is a reconciliation of net loss, as reported to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment charges ("EBITDA").
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The Company believes that EBITDA and non-GAAP net income (loss) should be evaluated, in addition to, and not as an alternative for, net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP. Both metrics are used by management when evaluating the performance of the Company. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our definition of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled figures from other companies. In addition, when evaluating non-GAAP financial information, we exclude certain items that are not considered to be part of future operating performance and which management excludes when evaluating the performance of the Company. Descriptions of the items which are excluded are as follows:
Executive severance including stock-based compensation: We exclude from our non-GAAP financial measures cash and non-cash stock-based compensation and perquisites associated with the separation of employment with executives of the Company.
Compliance Task Force and related costs: We exclude from our non-GAAP financial measures third-party expenses we incur related to our Compliance Task Force. These expenses include professional and legal fees.
Gain on available-for-sale securities: We exclude from our non-GAAP financial measures gains and losses we record when we sell equity securities and other investments.
SOURCE Liberty Tax, Inc.
Kathy Donovan
Investors Relations
Liberty Tax, Inc.
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(757) 493-8855
investorrelations@libtax.com
Martha O'Gorman
Media Relations
Liberty Tax, Inc.
Chief Marketing Officer
(757) 301-8022
martha@libtax.com