Item 1. BUSINESS
Company Overview
Ebix, Inc. (“Ebix”, the “Company,” “we” or “our”), a Delaware corporation, was founded in 1976 as Delphi Systems, Inc., a California corporation. In December 2003 the Company changed its name to Ebix, Inc. The Company is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market.
The Company has its worldwide headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia with its international operations being managed from its Dubai office; and also has domestic and international operations spread across 50+ offices. Amongst other offices, the Company also has operating facilities and offices in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada and India. In these operating offices, Ebix employs skilled technology and business professionals who provide products, services, support and consultancy services to more than 16,000 customers across six continents.
Ebix is a leading international supplier of on-demand infrastructure exchanges to the insurance, financial, and healthcare industries. In the Insurance sector, the Company’s main focus is to develop and deploy a wide variety of insurance and reinsurance exchanges on an on-demand basis, while also, providing Software-as-a-Service ("SaaS") enterprise solutions in the area of CRM, front-end & back-end systems, outsourced administrative and risk compliance.
With a "Phygital” strategy that combines 231,500 physical distribution outlets in many Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN”) countries to an Omni-channel online digital platform, the Company’s EbixCash Financial exchange portfolio encompasses leadership in areas of domestic & international money remittance, travel, pre-paid & gift cards, utility payments, etc., in an emerging country like India. EbixCash, through its travel portal Via.com, is also one of Southeast Asia’s leading travel exchanges with over 110,000 distribution outlets and 8,000 corporate clients processing over 24.5 million transactions every year.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 71% of Ebix revenues came from on-demand exchanges.
Ebix's goal is to be the leading powerhouse of insurance and financial transactions in the world. The Company’s technology vision is to focus on the convergence of all channels, processes and entities in a manner such that data seamlessly flows once a data entry has initially been made. Ebix strives to work collaboratively with clients to develop innovative technology strategies and solutions that address specific business challenges and requirements. Ebix combines the newest technologies with its capabilities in consulting, systems design and integration, IT and business process outsourcing, applications software, and web and application hosting to meet the individual needs of organizations.
Acquisition & Integration Strategy
The Company views business acquisitions as an integral part of the Company's growth strategy, an efficient way to further expand its reach, and an effective utilization of the operating cash generated from the Company's business. However, management does not believe that this acquisition strategy is entirely critical to the Company's future profitability or liquidity. We look at making complimentary accretive acquisitions as and when the Company has sufficient liquidity, stable cash flows, and access to financing at attractive interest rates to do so, if necessary.
The Company seeks to acquire businesses that are synergistic to Ebix's existing products and services. In this regard the Company's goal is to provide comprehensive, on-demand based solutions that simplify transaction processing by carrying data from one end to another seamlessly. Any acquisition made by Ebix typically will fall into one of two different categories: one, wherein the acquired company has products and/or services that are competitive to our existing products and services; and two, wherein the acquired company's products and services are a complement to and an extension of our existing products and services.
In cases where an acquired company's products and services are competitive to our existing products and services, the Company immediately strives towards the goal of providing a single product or service in the functional area, with a common code base around the world rather than having multiple products addressing the same need. In each case, the Company immediately works towards assimilating the best of breed functionality on a common architecture approach, to provide a single product or service to our end customers. The Company's goal remains to provide an easy to use solution for our customer base, while ensuring that any product or service integrates seamlessly with other existing or outside functionalities. Irrespective of whether the acquired company's product/service is retired or the existing product/service is retired, the Company is focused on maximizing operational
efficiency for our business while creating new cutting-edge products and services that can replace both existing or acquired product or service offerings in order to make future product sales and maintenance more efficient.
Once an acquisition is consummated, the infrastructure, personnel resources, sales, product management, development, and other common functions are integrated with our existing operations to ensure that efficiencies are maximized and redundancies eliminated. We generally do not maintain separate sales, development, product management, implementation or quality control functions following the closing of any acquisition, in order to ensure that the integration is efficient across all fronts. The Company integrates and, where appropriate, centralizes certain key functions such as product development, information technology, marketing, sales, finance, administration, and quality assurance immediately after an acquisition, to ensure that the Company can maximize on cost efficiencies. Simultaneously with the integration of any acquired company, the Company's resources and infrastructure are leveraged to work across multiple functions, products and services, making it neither practical nor feasible to precisely separately track and disclose the specific earnings impact from the business combinations we have executed after they have been acquired. Consequently, the concept of “acquisitive growth” versus “organic growth” becomes obscured given the dynamics and underlying operating principals of Ebix's acquisition, integration, and growth strategy. This tactic is a key part of our business strategy that facilitates high levels of efficiency, operating income margins and consistent end-to-end vision for our business, and differentiates the Company from our competitors. Our plan is to make niche acquisitions in the insurance, e-learning, healthcare and finance sector, integrate them seamlessly into the Company and make them efficient by implementing Ebix's standardized processes, with the goal of increasing operating profits and cash flows for the Company.
In many of the acquisitions made by the Company, there are contingent consideration terms associated with the achievement of certain designated revenue targets for the acquired Company. This structure allows us to still carry on with our integration strategy, while enabling the acquired company to be eligible for a revenue based contingent purchase consideration. Accordingly we are able to maximize operational productivity while allowing the principals of the acquired company access to a greater opportunity for a contingent reward.
The Company's integration strategies are targeted at improving the efficiency of our business, centralizing key functions, exercising better control over our operations, and providing consistent technology and product vision across all functions, entities and products. This is a key part of our business philosophy designed to enable Ebix to operate at a high level of efficiency and facilitate a consistent end-to-end vision for the industry.
Recent Strategic Business Acquisitions
Effective November 1, 2017 Ebix acquired Via.com ("Via"), a recognized leader in the travel space in India and an omni-channel online travel and assisted e-commerce exchange. Ebix acquired Via for upfront cash consideration in the amount $78.8 million plus possible future contingent payments of up to $2.3 million based on any potential claims made by tax authorities over the subsequent twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition and $2.0 million based on the receipt of refunds pertaining to certain advance tax payments and withholding taxes, both of which are included in Other current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Via acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective November 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the Money Transfer Service Scheme ("MTSS") Business of Paul Merchants Limited ("Paul Merchants"), the largest international remittance service provider in India, for upfront cash consideration in the amount $37.4 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Paul Merchants acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective October 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of Wall Street Finance Limited ("Wall Street") , an inward international remittance service provider in India, along with the acquisition of its subsidiary company Goldman Securities Limited for upfront cash consideration in the amount $7.4 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Wall Street acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective September 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of YouFirst Money Express Private Limited ("YouFirst"), an inward international remittance service provider in India, for upfront cash consideration in the amount $10.2 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the YouFirst acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective June 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the assets of beBetter Health, Inc., ("beBetter"), a technology enabled corporate wellness provider that provides end-to-end wellness solutions offering a variety of tools and programs, including interactive
platforms, health screening, coaching, tobacco cessation, weight and stress management, health information, and numerous other products and services. Ebix acquired the assets and intellectual property of beBetter for $1.0 million plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $2.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition.
Effective April 1, 2017 Ebix entered into a joint venture with India-based Essel Group, while acquiring an 80% stake in ItzCash Card Limited ("ItzCash"), India’s leading payment solutions exchange. ItzCash is recognized as a leader in the prepaid cards and bill payments space in India. Under the terms of the agreement, ItzCash was valued at a total enterprise value of approximately $150 million. Accordingly, Ebix acquired an 80% stake in ItzCash for $120 million including upfront cash of $76.3 million plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $44.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent thirty-six month period following the effective date of the acquisition. $4.0 million of the possible future contingent earn-out payments is being held in escrow accounts for the twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual gross revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the ItzCash acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year.
Effective November 1, 2016 Ebix acquired Wdev Solucoes em Technologia SA ("Wdev"), a Brazilian company that provides IT services and software development for the Latin American insurance industry. Ebix acquired Wdev for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $10.5 million, plus possible future contingent earn out payments of up to $15.7 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent thirty-eight month period following the effective date of the acquisition. $2.9 million of the upfront cash consideration is being held in an escrow account for the thirty-eight month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual net revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix.
Effective November 1, 2016 Ebix acquired the assets of IHAC, Inc., d.b.a Hope Health ("Hope Health"), a Michigan corporation and publisher of health and wellness continuing education products. Ebix acquired the assets and intellectual property of Hope Health for $1.72 million.
Effective July 1, 2016 Ebix and Independence Holdings Corporation ("IHC") jointly executed a Call Notice agreement, whereby Ebix purchased additional common units in the Ebix Health Exchange Holdings, LLC ("EbixHealth JV") from IHC constituting eleven percent (11%) of the EbixHealth JV for $2.0 million cash which resulted in Ebix holding an aggregate fifty-one percent (51%) controlling equity interest in the EbixHealth JV. Previously, effective September 1, 2015 Ebix and IHC, formed a joint venture named EbixHealth JV. Ebix paid $6.0 million and contributed a license to use certain CurePet software and systems valued by the EbixHealth JV at $2.0 million, for its initial 40% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV. IHC contributed all of its shares in its existing third party administrator operations (IHC Health Solutions, Inc.), valued by the EbixHealth JV at $12.0 million for its 60% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV.
The Company acquired PB Systems, Inc. and PB Systems Private Limited (together being "PB Systems"), effective June 1, 2015. PB Systems develops and implements software solutions for insurance clients. Ebix acquired PB Systems for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $12.4 million, plus possible future contingent earn out payments of up to $8.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition.
The Company acquired Via Media Health Communications Private Limited ("Via Media Health"), effective March 1, 2015. Via Media Health is one of India’s leading health content and communication companies. Ebix acquired Via Media Health for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $1.0 million, plus a possible future one time contingent earn out payment of up to $372 thousand based on earned revenues over the subsequent twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition, and an additional possible one time future performance bonus depending upon revenue growth realized in the business over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition.
Industry Overview
The insurance industry markets have initiatives to reduce paper-based processes and facilitate improvements in the efficiency both at the back-end side and also at the consumer-end side. Such consolidation has involved both insurance carriers and insurance brokers and is directly impacting the manner in which insurance products are distributed. Management believes the insurance industry will continue to experience significant change and increased efficiencies through online exchanges as reduced paper-based processes are becoming increasingly a norm across the world insurance markets.
Products and Services
The Company reports as a single segment. The Company’s revenues are derived from four (4) product or service groups. Presented in tabular format below is the breakout of our revenue streams for each of those product or service groups for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Information on the geographic dispersion of the Company’s revenues and long-lived assets is furnished in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, included in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K. See Item 1A
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
The following risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or which we believe are not material also could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In any case, the value of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or a portion of your investment. See also, “Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Risks Related To Our Business and Industry
Our business may be materially adversely impacted by U.S. and global market and economic conditions, particularly adverse conditions in the insurance industry.
For the foreseeable future, we expect to continue to derive most of our revenue from products and services we provide to the insurance and financial services industries. Given the concentration of our business activities in these industries, we may be particularly exposed to certain economic downturns affecting these industry groups. U.S. and global market and economic conditions have been, and continue to be, disrupted and volatile. General business and economic conditions that could affect us and our customers include fluctuations in economic growth, debt and equity capital markets, liquidity of the global financial markets, the availability and cost of credit, investor and consumer confidence, and the strength of the economies in which our customers operate. A poor economic environment could result in significant decreases in demand for our products and services, including the delay or cancellation of current or anticipated projects, or could present difficulties in collecting accounts receivables from our customers due to their deteriorating financial condition. Our existing customers may be acquired by or merged into other entities that use our competitors' products, or they may decide to terminate their relationships with us for other reasons. As a result, our sales could decline if an existing customer is merged with or acquired by another company that has a poor economic outlook, or is closed.
We may not be able to secure additional financing to support capital requirements when needed.
We may need to raise additional funds in the future in order to fund new product development, organic growth initiatives, acquire new businesses, or for other purposes. Any required additional financing may not be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to meet our strategic business objectives or compete effectively, and the future growth of our business could be adversely impacted. If additional funds are raised by our issuing equity securities, stockholders may experience dilution of their ownership and economic interests, and the newly issued securities may have rights superior to those of our common stock. If additional funds are raised by our issuing debt, we may be subject to significant market risks related to interest rates, and operating risks regarding limitations on our activities.
Our future growth may depend in part on acquiring other businesses in our industry.
We expect to continue to grow, in part, by making business acquisitions. In the past, we have made accretive acquisitions to broaden our product and service offerings, expand our operations, and enter new geographic markets. We may continue to make selective acquisitions, enter into joint ventures, or otherwise engage in other appropriate business investments or arrangements that the Company believes will strengthen Ebix. However, the continued success of our acquisition program will depend on our ability to find and buy other attractive businesses at a reasonable price, to access the requisite financing resources if needed, and to integrate acquired businesses into our existing operations and there is no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so.
Any future acquisitions that we may undertake could be difficult to integrate, disrupt our business, dilute stockholder value and adversely impact our operating results.
Future business acquisitions subject the Company to a variety of risks, including risks associated with an inability to efficiently integrate acquired operations, higher incremental cost of operations, outdated or incompatible technologies, labor difficulties, or an inability to realize anticipated synergies, whether within anticipated time frames or at all; One or more of which risks, if realized, could have an adverse impact on our operations. Among the issues related to the integration of such acquisitions are:
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potential incompatibility of business cultures;
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potential delays in integrating diverse technology platforms;
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potential need for additional disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting;
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potential difficulties in coordinating geographically separated organizations;
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potential difficulties in re-training sales forces to market all of our products across all of our intended markets;
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potential difficulties implementing common internal business systems and processes;
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potential conflicts in third-party relationships; and
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potential loss of customers and key employees and the diversion of the attention of management from other ongoing business concerns.
We may not be able to develop new products or services necessary to effectively respond to rapid technological changes.
To be successful, we must adapt to rapidly changing technological and market needs, by continually enhancing and introducing new products and services to address our customers' changing demands. The marketplace in which we operate is characterized by:
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rapidly changing technology;
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evolving industry standards;
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frequent new product and service introductions;
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shifting distribution channels; and
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changing customer demands.
Our future success will depend on our ability to adapt to this rapidly evolving marketplace. We could incur substantial costs if we need to modify our services or infrastructure in order to adapt to changes affecting our market, and we may be unable to effectively adapt to these changes.
The markets for our products and services are highly competitive and are likely to become more competitive, and our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technology and changes in customer requirements.
We operate in highly competitive markets. In particular, the online insurance distribution market, like the broader electronic commerce market, is rapidly evolving and highly competitive. Our insurance software business also experiences competition from certain large hardware suppliers that sell systems and system components to independent agencies and from small independent developers and suppliers of software, who sometimes work in concert with hardware vendors to supply systems to independent agencies. Pricing strategies and new product introductions and other pressures from existing or emerging competitors could result in a loss of customers or a rate of increase or decrease in prices for our services different than past experience. Our Internet facilitated businesses may also face indirect competition from insurance carriers that have subsidiaries which perform in-house agency and brokerage functions.
Some of our current competitors have longer operating histories, larger customer bases, greater brand recognition and significantly greater financial and marketing resources than we do. In addition, we believe we will face increasing competition as the online financial services industry develops and evolves. Our current and future competitors may be able to:
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undertake more extensive marketing campaigns for their brands and services;
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devote more resources to website and systems development;
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adopt more aggressive pricing policies; and
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make more attractive offers to potential employees, online companies and third-party service providers.
We operate in a price sensitive market and we are subject to pressures from customers to decrease our fees for the services
and solutions we provide. Any reduction in price would likely reduce our margins and could adversely affect our operating
results.
The competitive market in which we conduct our business could require us to reduce our prices. If our competitors offer discounts on certain products or services in an effort to recapture or gain market share or to sell other products, we may be required to lower our prices or offer other favorable terms to compete successfully. Any of these changes would likely reduce our margins and could adversely affect our operating results. Some of our competitors may bundle products and services that compete with us for promotional purposes or as a long-term pricing strategy or provide guarantees of prices and product implementations. In addition, many of the services and solutions that we provide and market are not unique to us and our customers and target customers may not distinguish our services and solutions from those of our competitors. All of these factors could, over time, limit or reduce the prices that we can charge for our services and solutions. If we cannot offset price reductions with a corresponding increase in the number of sales or with lower spending, then the reduced revenue resulting from lower prices would adversely affect our margins and operating results.
Our current customers might not purchase additional software solutions, renew maintenance agreements or purchase additional professional services, or they might switch to other product or service offerings (including competitive products).
We rely on our existing customer base to generate additional business through purchasing new software solutions as well as maintenance, consulting and training services. Existing customers might cancel or not renew their maintenance contracts, decide not to buy additional products and services, switch to on-premises models or accept alternative offerings from other vendors.
Our future success depends in part on our ability to sell additional features and services, more subscriptions or enhanced offerings of our services to our current customers. This may also require increasingly sophisticated and costly sales efforts that are targeted at senior management. Similarly, the rate at which our customers purchase new or enhanced services depends on a number of factors, including general economic conditions and our customers’ reaction to any price changes related to these additional features and services. If our efforts to upsell to our customers are not successful our business may suffer.
If our customers do not renew their subscriptions for our services or reduce the number of paying subscriptions at the time of renewal, our revenue will decline and our business will suffer. If we cannot accurately predict subscription renewals or upgrade rates, we may not meet our revenue targets which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Our customers have no obligation to renew their subscriptions for our services after the expiration of their initial subscription period, and historically some customers have elected not to do so. In addition, our customers may renew for fewer subscriptions, renew for shorter contract lengths or switch to lower cost and/or less profitable offerings of our services. We cannot accurately predict attrition rates given our diverse customer base and large number of multi-year subscription contracts. Our attrition rates may increase or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including customer dissatisfaction with our services, decreases in customers’ spending levels, decreases in the number of users at our customers, pricing increases or changes in general economic conditions.
Supporting our existing and growing customer base could strain our personnel resources and infrastructure, and if we are
unable to scale our operations and increase productivity, we may not be able to successfully implement our business plan.
We continue to experience significant growth in our customer base and personnel, which has placed a strain on our management, administrative, operational and financial infrastructure. We anticipate that additional investments in our internal
infrastructure, data center capacity, research, customer support and development will be required to scale our operations and increase productivity, to address the needs of our customers, to further develop and enhance our services, to expand into new geographic areas, and to scale with our overall growth. The additional investments we are making will increase our cost base, which will make it more difficult for us to offset any future revenue shortfalls by reducing expenses in the short term.
We regularly upgrade or replace our various software systems. If the implementations of these new applications are delayed, or if we encounter unforeseen problems with our new systems or in migrating away from our existing applications and systems, our operations and our ability to manage our business could be negatively impacted.
Our success will depend in part upon the ability of our senior management to manage our projected growth effectively. To do so, we must continue to increase the productivity of our existing employees and to hire, train and manage new employees as needed. To manage the expected domestic and international growth of our operations and personnel, we will need to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls, our reporting systems and procedures, and our utilization of real estate. If we fail to successfully scale our operations and increase productivity, we will be unable to execute our business plan.
Our product development cycles are lengthy, and we may incur significant expenses before we generate revenues, if any, from new products.
Because our products are complex and require rigorous testing, development cycles can be lengthy. Moreover, development projects can be technically challenging and expensive. The nature of these development cycles may cause us to experience delays between the time we incur expenses associated with research and development and the time we generate revenues, if any, from such expenses. If we expend a significant amount of resources on research and development and our efforts do not lead to the successful introduction or improvement of products that are competitive in the marketplace, this could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, anticipated customer demand for a product we are developing could decrease after the development cycle has commenced. Such decreased customer demand may cause us to fall short of our sales targets, and we may nonetheless be unable to avoid substantial costs associated with the product’s development. If we are unable to complete product development cycles successfully and in a timely fashion and generate revenues from such future products, the growth of our business may be harmed.
Our sales cycle is variable and often lengthy, depends upon many factors outside our control, and requires us to expend significant time and resources prior to generating associated revenues.
The typical sales cycle for our solutions and services is lengthy and unpredictable, requires pre-purchase evaluation by a significant number of persons in our customers’ organizations, and often involves a significant operational decision by our customers. Our sales efforts involve educating our customers and industry analysts and consultants about the use and benefits of our solutions, including the technical capabilities of our solutions and the efficiencies achievable by organizations deploying our solutions. Customers typically undertake a significant evaluation process.
We regard our intellectual property in general and our software in particular, as critical to our success, and we may not be able to effectively or efficiently protect our intellectual property.
We rely on copyright laws and licenses and nondisclosure agreements to protect our proprietary rights as well as the intellectual property rights of third parties whose content we license. However, it is not possible to prevent all unauthorized uses of these rights. We cannot provide assurances that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights, and the rights of those from whom we license intellectual property, are adequate to deter misappropriation or that we will be able to detect unauthorized uses and take timely and effective steps to remedy this unauthorized conduct. In particular, a significant portion of our revenue is derived internationally, including in jurisdictions where protecting intellectual property rights may prove even more challenging. To prevent or respond to unauthorized uses of our intellectual property, we might be required to engage in costly and time-consuming litigation and we may not ultimately prevail.
If we infringe on the proprietary rights of others, our business operations may be disrupted, and any related litigation could be time consuming and costly.
Third parties may claim that we have violated their intellectual property rights. Any such claim, with or without merit, could subject us to costly litigation and divert the attention of key personnel. To the extent that we violate a patent or other intellectual property right of a third party, we may be prevented from operating our business as planned, and we may be required to pay damages, to obtain a license, if available, to use the right or to use a non-infringing method, if possible, to accomplish our objectives. The cost of such activity could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We depend on the continued services of our senior management and our ability to attract and retain other key personnel.
Our future success is substantially dependent on the continued services and continuing contributions of our senior management and other key personnel, particularly Robin Raina, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board. Since becoming Chief Executive Officer of the Company in 1999, Mr. Raina's strategic direction and vision for the Company and the implementation of such direction has been instrumental in our profitable turnaround and growth. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees could harm our business. Our future success also depends on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled employees. If we are not able to attract and retain key skilled personnel, our business could be harmed.
If we do not effectively manage our geographically dispersed workforce, we might not be able to run our business
efficiently and successfully.
Our success is dependent on appropriate alignment of our internal and external workforce planning processes, adequate resource allocation and our location strategy with our general strategy. We have employees located in the United States, India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Singapore, and United Kingdom. Managing such a diverse and widely spread work force can be difficult and demanding for management. It is critical that we manage our internationally dispersed workforce effectively, taking short- and long-term workforce and skill requirements into consideration. This applies to the management of our internal as well as our external workforce. Changes in headcount and infrastructure needs as well as local legal or tax regulations could result in a mismatch between our expenses and revenue. Failure to manage our geographically dispersed workforce effectively could hinder our ability to run our business efficiently and successfully and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, profit, and cash flows.
Risks Related to Our Conduct of Business on the Internet
Our software solutions are deployed through cloud-based implementations, and if such implementations are compromised by data security breaches or other disruptions, our reputation could be harmed, and we could lose customers or be subject to significant liabilities.
Our software solutions typically are deployed in cloud-based environments, in which our products and associated services are made available using an Internet-based infrastructure. In cloud deployments, the infrastructure of third-party service providers used by our customers may be vulnerable to hacking incidents, other security breaches, computer viruses, telecommunications failures, power loss, other system failures and similar disruptions.
Any of these occurrences, whether intentional or accidental, could lead to interruptions, delays or cessation of operation of the servers of third-party service providers’ used by our customers, and to the unauthorized use or access of our software and proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data stored or transmitted by our products. The inability of service providers used by our customers to provide continuous access to their hosted services, and to secure their hosted services and associated customer information from unauthorized use, access or disclosure, could cause us to lose customers and to incur significant liability, and could harm our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face risks in the transmittal of individual health-related and other personal information.
We face potential risks and financial liabilities associated with obtaining and transmitting personal account information that includes social security numbers and individual health-related information. Any significant breakdown, invasion, destruction or interruption of our information technology systems and infrastructure by employees, others with authorized access to our systems, or unauthorized persons could negatively affect operations. There can be no assurance that we will not be subject to cyber security incidents that bypass our security measures, result in the loss or theft of personal health information or other data subject to privacy laws or disrupt our information systems or business. While we have invested in the protection of our data and information technology to reduce these risks, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent breakdowns or breaches in our systems. The controls implemented by our third-party service providers may not prevent or timely detect such system failures. Our property and business interruption insurance coverage may not be adequate to fully compensate us for losses that may occur. Our risks would include damage to our reputation and additional costs to address and remediate any problems encountered, as well as litigation and potential financial penalties.
Any disruption of our Internet connections could affect the success of our Internet-based products and services.
Any system failure, including network, software or hardware failure, that causes an interruption in our network or a decrease in the responsiveness of our website could result in reduced user traffic and reduced revenue. Continued growth in Internet
usage could cause a decrease in the quality of Internet connection service. Websites have experienced service interruptions as a result of outages and other delays occurring throughout the worldwide Internet network infrastructure. In addition, there have been several incidents in which individuals have intentionally caused service disruptions of major e-commerce websites. If these outages, delays or service disruptions frequently occur in the future, usage of our web-based services could grow more slowly than anticipated or decline and we may lose revenues and customers. If the Internet data center operations that host any of our websites or web-based services were to experience a system failure, the performance of our website or web-based services would be harmed. These systems are also vulnerable to damage from fire, floods, and earthquakes, acts of terrorism, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins and similar events. The controls implemented by our third-party service providers may not prevent or timely detect such system failures. Our property and business interruption insurance coverage may not be adequate to fully compensate us for losses that may occur. In addition, our users depend on Internet service providers, online service providers and other website operators for access to our website. These providers could experience outages, delays and other difficulties due to system failures unrelated to our systems.
Concerns regarding security of transactions or the transmission of confidential information over the Internet or security problems we experience may prevent us from expanding our business or subject us to legal exposure.
If we do not maintain sufficient security features in our online product and service offerings, our products and services may not gain market acceptance, and we could also be exposed to legal liability. Despite the measures that we have or may take, our infrastructure will be potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses or similar problems. If a person circumvents our security measures, that person could misappropriate proprietary information or disrupt or damage our operations. Security breaches that result in access to confidential information could damage our reputation and subject us to a risk of loss or liability. We may be required to make significant expenditures to protect against or remediate security breaches. Additionally, if we are unable to adequately address our customers' concerns about security, we may have difficulty selling our products and services.
Uncertainty in the marketplace regarding the use of Internet users' personal information, or legislation limiting such use, could reduce demand for our services and result in increased expenses.
Concern among consumers and legislators regarding the use of personal information gathered from Internet users could create uncertainty in the marketplace. This could reduce demand for our services, increase the cost of doing business as a result of litigation costs or increased service delivery costs, or otherwise harm our business. Many state insurance codes limit the collection and use of personal information by insurance agencies, brokers and carriers or insurance service organizations.
Future government regulation of the Internet could place financial burdens on our businesses.
Because of the Internet's popularity and increasing use, new laws and regulations directed specifically at e-commerce may be adopted. These laws and regulations may cover issues such as the collection and use of data from website visitors and related privacy issues; pricing; taxation; telecommunications over the Internet; content; copyrights; distribution; and domain name piracy. The enactment of any additional laws or regulations, including international laws and regulations, could impede the growth of revenue from our Internet operations and place additional financial burdens on our business.
Risks Related To Foreign Operations
Our international operations are subject to a number of risks that could affect our revenues, operating results, and growth.
We market our products and services internationally and plan to continue to expand our Internet-based services to locations outside of the United States. We currently conduct operations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Singapore, India and United Kingdom, and have product development activities and call center services in India. Our international operations are subject to other inherent risks which could have a material adverse effect on our business, including:
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the impact of recessions in foreign economies on the level of consumers' insurance shopping and purchasing behavior;
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greater difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;
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difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations;
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reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;
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burdensome regulatory requirements;
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trade and financing barriers, and differing business practices;
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potentially adverse tax consequences; and
•
economic instability or political unrest such as crime, strikes, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist attacks and wars.
A substantial portion of our assets and operations are located outside of the United States and we are subject to regulatory, tax, economic, political and other uncertainties in other foreign countries in which we operate.
We have significant offshore operations in foreign countries, including India, Singapore, Dubai and Brazil. Wages in these countries have historically increased at a faster rate than in the United States. If this trend continues in the future, it would result in increased labor costs and thereby potentially reduce our operating margins. Also, there is no assurance that, in future periods, competition for skilled workers will not drive salaries higher in these countries, thereby resulting in increased costs for our technical professionals and reduced operating margins.
These countries have in the past experienced many of the problems that commonly confront the economies of developing countries, including high inflation, erratic gross domestic product growth and shortages of foreign exchange. Government actions concerning the economy in these countries could have a material adverse effect on private sector entities like us. In the past, certain of these governments have provided significant tax incentives and relaxed certain regulatory restrictions in order to encourage foreign investment in specified sectors of the economy, including the software development services industry. Programs that have benefited us include, among others, tax holidays, liberalized import and export duties and preferential rules on foreign investment and repatriation. Notwithstanding these benefits, as noted above, changes in government leadership or changes in policies in these countries that result in the elimination of any of the benefits realized by us or the imposition of new taxes applicable to such operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our international business activities and processes expose us to numerous and often conflicting laws and regulations, policies, standards or other requirements and sometimes even conflicting regulatory requirements, and to risks that could
harm our business, financial position, profit, and cash flows.
We are a global company and currently market our products and services in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil,
Singapore, India and United Kingdom,. Our business in these countries is subject to numerous risks inherent in international
business operations. Among others, these risks include:
• Data protection and privacy regulations regarding access by government authorities to customer, partner, or employee data
• Data residency requirements (the requirement to store certain data only in and, in some cases, also to access such data only from within a certain jurisdiction)
• Conflict and overlap among tax regimes
• Possible tax constraints impeding business operations in certain countries
• Expenses associated with the localization of our products and compliance with local regulatory requirements
• Discriminatory or conflicting fiscal policies
• Operational difficulties in countries with a high corruption perception index
• Works councils, labor unions, and immigration laws in different countries
• Difficulties enforcing intellectual property and contractual rights in certain jurisdictions
• Country-specific software certification requirements
• Compliance with various industry standards
• Market volatilities or workforce restrictions due to changing laws and regulations resulting from political decisions (e.g. Brexit, government elections)
As we expand into new countries and markets, these risks could intensify. The application of the respective local laws and regulations to our business is sometimes unclear, subject to change over time, and often conflicting among jurisdictions. Additionally, these laws and government approaches to enforcement are continuing to change and evolve, just as our products and services continually evolve. Compliance with these varying laws and regulations could involve significant costs or require changes in products or business practices. Non-compliance could result in the imposition of penalties or cessation of orders due to alleged non-compliant activity. We do not believe we have engaged in any activities sanctionable under these laws and regulations, but governmental authorities could use considerable discretion in applying these statutes and any imposition of sanctions against us could be material. One or more of these factors could have an adverse effect on our operations globally or in one or more countries or regions, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, profit, and cash flows.
Our earnings may be adversely affected if we change our intent not to repatriate foreign earnings or if such earnings become subject to U.S. tax on a current basis.
We have earnings outside of the United States. Other than amounts for which we have already accrued U.S. taxes, we consider foreign earnings to be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. While we have no plans to do so, events may occur that could effectively force us to change our intent not to repatriate such earnings. If such earnings are repatriated in the future or are no longer deemed to be indefinitely reinvested, we may have to accrue taxes associated with such earnings at a substantially higher rate than our projected effective income tax rate, and we may be subject to additional tax liabilities in certain foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. These increased taxes could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws, including the recent comprehensive tax reform legislation, could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results.
The United States recently enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) that includes significant changes to the U.S. federal income taxation of business entities. The newly enacted federal income tax law, among other things, contains significant changes to corporate taxation, including the reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a onetime transition tax on offshore earnings at reduced tax rates regardless of whether the earnings are repatriated, the elimination of U.S. tax on foreign dividends (subject to certain important exceptions), new taxes on certain foreign earnings, a new minimum tax related to payments to foreign subsidiaries and affiliates, immediate deductions for certain new investments and the modification or repeal of many business deductions and credits. Notwithstanding the reduction in the corporate income tax rate, the overall impact of the new federal tax law is uncertain, and our financial performance could be adversely affected. In addition, it is uncertain if, and to what extent, various states will conform to the new tax law and foreign countries will react by adopting tax legislation or taking other actions that could adversely affect our business. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the TCJA on our operations. The impact of the TCJA could be material to our results of operations in future periods.
We may have exposure to greater than anticipated tax liabilities.
Our future income taxes could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated in jurisdictions where we have higher statutory tax rates, by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities, or due to changes in tax laws, regulations, and accounting principles concerning the accounting for income taxes in the domestic and foreign jurisdictions in which we conduct operations. We are subject to regular review and audit by both domestic and foreign tax authorities. Any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition. In addition, the determination of our worldwide provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, and there are some transactions for which the ultimate tax treatment is uncertain. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable and appropriate, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made. The tax rates in the foreign jurisdictions in which the Company conducts operations have a significant impact on the Company's financial results and could increase.
Changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
The income and non-income tax regimes we are subject to or operate under are unsettled and may be subject to significant change. Changes in tax laws or tax rulings, or changes in interpretations of existing laws, could materially affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. For example, changes to U.S. tax laws enacted in December 2017 had a significant impact on our tax obligations and effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2017. In addition, many countries in Europe, as well
as a number of other countries and organizations, have recently proposed or recommended changes to existing tax laws or have enacted new laws that could significantly increase our tax obligations in many countries where we do business or require us to change the manner in which we operate our business. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has been working on a Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, and issued in 2015, and is expected to continue to issue, guidelines and proposals that may change various aspects of the existing framework under which our tax obligations are determined in many of the countries in which we do business. The European Commission has conducted investigations in multiple countries focusing on whether local country tax rulings or tax legislation provides preferential tax treatment that violates European Union state aid rules and concluded that certain countries, including Ireland, have provided illegal state aid in certain cases. These investigations may result in changes to the tax treatment of our foreign operations. Due to the large and expanding scale of our international business activities, many of these types of changes to the taxation of our activities could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and application of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate.
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was enacted on December 22, 2017, and significantly affected U.S. tax law by changing how the U.S. imposes income tax on multinational corporations. The U.S. Department of Treasury has broad authority to issue regulations and interpretative guidance that may significantly impact how we will apply the law and impact our results of operations in the period issued.
The Tax Act requires complex computations not previously provided in U.S. tax law. As such, the application of accounting guidance for such items is currently uncertain. Further, compliance with the Tax Act and the accounting for such provisions require accumulation of information not previously required or regularly produced. As a result, we have provided a provisional estimate on the effect of the Tax Act in our financial statements. As additional regulatory guidance is issued by the applicable taxing authorities, as accounting treatment is clarified, as we perform additional analysis on the application of the law, and as we refine estimates in calculating the effect, our final analysis, which will be recorded in the period completed, may be different from our current provisional amounts, which could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate.
Our financial position and operating results may be adversely affected by the changing U.S. Dollar rates and fluctuations in other currency exchange rates.
We will be exposed to currency exchange risk with respect to the U.S. dollar in relation to the foreign currencies in the countries where we conduct operations because a significant portion of our operating expenses are incurred in foreign countries. This exposure may increase if we expand our operations overseas. We will monitor changes in our exposure to exchange rate risk that result from changes in our business operations.
Risks Related To Corporate Governance
Principal shareholders may be able to exert control over our future direction and operations.
If our principal shareholders and the holdings of entities controlled by them vote in the same manner, this could delay, prevent or facilitate a change in control of Ebix or other significant changes to Ebix or its capital structure. Refer to the disclosure regarding “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” in our annual proxy statement for more information.
Provisions in our articles of incorporation, bylaws, and Delaware law may make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even in situations that may be viewed as desirable by our shareholders.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and the provisions of Delaware law may delay, prevent or otherwise make it more difficult to acquire us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest, open market purchases, removal of incumbent directors and otherwise. These provisions, which are summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids, and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with us. We are subject to the “business combination” provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, those provisions prohibit a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various “business combination” transactions with any interested stockholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:
•
The transaction is approved by the board of directors prior to the date the interested stockholder obtained interested stockholder status;
•
Upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder's becoming an interested stockholder, the stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or
•
On or subsequent to the date the business combination is approved by the board of directors, it is authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.
These provisions could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change of control attempts with respect to us and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.
The Company has an Acquisition Bonus Agreement with Mr. Robin Raina which could have the effect of discouraging or making more difficult an acquisition or change of control of the Company even in situations that may be viewed as desirable by our shareholders.
In 2009 our independent directors approved an Acquisition Bonus Agreement between the Company and Mr. Raina. The Agreement aligns both the interests of the Company’s stockholders and Mr. Raina. Considering the continued healthy growth of the Company and the prevailing comparatively low price to earnings multiple of Ebix’s common stock, the Board evaluated the potential threat of the Company itself being an acquisition target. The Acquisition Bonus Agreement serves in part to allow for stockholder value to be maximized by dissuading a potentially hostile acquisition attempt at an unacceptable price. Also, the Board acknowledges that Mr. Raina’s retention is critical to the future success and growth of Ebix, and as such, the Acquisition Bonus Agreement helps to ensure that Mr. Raina will be appropriately awarded for his contributions prior to any potential acquisition event as well as to further motivate Mr. Raina to maximize the value received by all stockholders of Ebix if the Company were to be acquired.
Under the terms of the Acquisition Bonus Agreement upon the occurrence of an Acquisition Event (as defined in the Acquisition Bonus Agreement), Mr. Raina would receive from the acquiring company, in cash, an amount that is determined by multiplying the “Share Base” by the “Spread” as such terms are defined in the Acquisition Bonus Agreement. In the event that an Acquisition Event had occurred on December 31, 2017, and assuming that the Company received Net Proceeds of $79.25 per share (the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2017), Mr. Raina would have received a $415.3 million payment upon the Acquisition Event. Thus the Acquisition Bonus Agreement may have the effect of discouraging or making more difficult an acquisition or change of control of the company.
Risks Related To Accounting and Financial Statements
We could potentially be required to recognize an impairment of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Goodwill represents the excess of the amounts paid by us to acquire businesses over the fair value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. The Company’s indefinite-lived assets are associated with the contractual customer relationships existing with those property and casualty insurance carriers in Australia using our property and casualty data exchange and with certain large corporate customers using our client relationship management platform in the United States. At December 31, 2017, we had $666.9 million of goodwill and $42.1 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets carried on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for any potential impairment. If it is determined that goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets have been impaired, we must write down the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets by the amount of the impairment, with a corresponding charge to net income. These write downs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately determine our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, our stockholders could lose confidence in our financial results, which could harm our business and the market value of our common shares.
Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable and accurate financial reports and effectively prevent fraud. As further described in Item 9A “Controls and Procedures”, management found material weaknesses in internal controls for the valuation and accuracy of the accounting for income taxes and purchase accounting existed as of December 31, 2017. Management’s assessment, conclusion and remediation efforts are further described in Item 9A and are not
repeated here. We may in the future discover areas of our internal controls that need improvement. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or (“SOX”), requires us to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and have our independent auditors issue their own opinion regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and related disclosures. While we continually undertake efforts to maintain an effective system of internal controls and compliance with SOX, we cannot always be certain that we will be successful in maintaining adequate control over our financial reporting and related financial processes. Furthermore, as we grow our business, our internal control structure may become more complex, and could possibly require significantly more resources to ensure our internal controls remain effective. If we or our independent auditors discover a material weakness or significant deficiency in our controls over financial reporting, the disclosure of that fact, even if immediately remedied, could significantly reduce the market value of our common stock. In addition, the existence of any material weakness or significant deficiency may require management to devote significant time and incur significant expense to remediate any such weaknesses, and management may not be able to remediate the same in a timely manner.
The nature of our business requires the application of complex revenue and expense recognition rules that require management to make estimates and assumptions. Additionally, the current legislative and regulatory environment affecting U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) is uncertain and significant changes in current principles could affect our financial statements going forward.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, equity, revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources.
While we believe that our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, we cannot predict with certainty the impact of future changes to accounting principles or our accounting policies on our financial statements going forward. In addition, were we to change our critical accounting estimates, including the timing of recognition of license revenue and other revenue sources, our reported revenues and results of operations could be significantly impacted.
We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The accounting rules and regulations that we must comply with are complex. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) and the SEC, or other accounting organizations or governmental entities frequently issue new pronouncements or new interpretations of existing accounting standards. Recent actions and public comments from the FASB and the SEC have focused on the integrity of financial reporting. In addition, many companies' accounting policies are being subject to heightened scrutiny by regulators and the public. Changes in accounting standards, how the accounting standards are interpreted, or the adoption of new accounting standards can have a significant effect on our reported results, and could even retroactively affect previously reported transactions, and may require that we make significant changes to our systems, processes and controls.
Further, the accounting rules and regulations are continually changing in ways that could materially impact our financial statements. Changes resulting from these new standards may result in materially different financial results and may require that we change how we process, analyze and report financial information and that we change financial reporting controls. Such changes in accounting standards may have an adverse effect on our business, financial position, and income, which may negatively impact our financial results.
Current and future accounting pronouncements and other financial reporting standards, especially but not only concerning revenue recognition, may negatively impact the financial results we present.
We regularly monitor our compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and review new pronouncements and drafts thereof that are relevant to us. As a result, we might be required to change our accounting policies, particularly concerning revenue recognition, to alter our operational policy so that it reflects new or amended financial reporting standards, or to retroactively apply such new standards to previously issued financial statements.
Risks Related to Litigation and Regulation
The costs and effects of litigation, investigations or similar matters involving us or our subsidiaries, or adverse facts and developments related thereto, could materially affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
We may be involved from time to time in a variety of litigation, investigations, inquiries or similar matters arising out of our business, including those described in “Part I, Item 3 - Legal Proceedings” and “Part II - Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies” of this Report. Ebix cannot predict the outcome of these or any other legal matters. In the future, we may need to record litigation reserves with respect to these matters. Further, regardless of how these matters proceed, it could divert our management's attention and other resources away from our business. Our insurance may not cover all claims that may be asserted against us and indemnification rights to which we are entitled may not be honored, and any claims asserted against us, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, may harm our reputation. Should the ultimate judgments or settlements in any litigation or investigation significantly exceed our insurance coverage, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, premiums for insurance covering directors' and officers' liability are rising. We may not be able to obtain appropriate types or levels of insurance in the future, nor may we be able to obtain adequate replacement policies with acceptable terms or at historic rates, if at all.
Government investigations may require significant management time and attention, result in significant legal expenses or damages and cause the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows to suffer. The Company could face additional governmental investigations with respect to these matters, could incur substantial costs to defend any such investigations and be required to pay damages, fines and penalties, or incur additional expenses or be subject to injunctions as a result of the outcome of such investigations. The unfavorable resolution of one or more matters could adversely impact the Company.
The amount of time needed to resolve any such investigations is uncertain, and the Company cannot predict the outcome any such investigations or whether the Company will face additional government investigations, inquiries or other actions. Subject to certain limitations, the Company is obligated to indemnify current and former directors, officers and employees in connection with ongoing governmental investigations and any future government inquiries, investigations or actions. Such matters could require the Company to expend significant management time and incur significant legal and other expenses, result in civil and criminal actions seeking, among other things, injunctions against the Company and the payment of significant fines and penalties by the Company and adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers and employees, which could have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, business, results of operations and cash flow. Additionally, marketplace rumors regarding any such investigations could affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of whether these rumors are accurate.
If governmental authorities were to commence legal action related to any such investigations, then the Company could be required to pay significant penalties and could become subject to injunctions, a cease and desist order and other equitable remedies. The Company can provide no assurances as to the outcome of any such governmental investigation.
Federal Trade Commission laws and regulations that govern the insurance industry could expose us or the agents, brokers and carriers with whom we conduct business in our online marketplace to legal penalties.
We perform functions for licensed insurance agents, brokers and carriers and need to comply with complex regulations that vary from state to state and nation to nation. These regulations can be difficult to comply with, and open to interpretation. If we fail to properly interpret or comply with these regulations, we, the insurance agents, brokers or carriers doing business with us, our officers, or agents with whom we contract could be subject to various sanctions, including censure, fines, cease-and-desist orders, loss of license or other penalties. This risk, as well as other laws and regulations affecting our business and changes in the regulatory climate or the enforcement or interpretation of existing law, could expose us to additional costs, including indemnification of participating insurance agents, brokers or carriers, and could require changes to our business or otherwise harm our business. Furthermore, because the application of online commerce to the consumer insurance market is relatively new, the impact of current or future regulations on our business is difficult to anticipate. To the extent that there are changes in regulations regarding the manner in which insurance is sold, our business could be adversely affected.
Potential liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act, or FCPA, which prohibits people or companies subject to United States jurisdiction and their intermediaries from engaging in bribery or other prohibited payments to foreign officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or gaining an unfair business advantage. It also requires proper record keeping and characterization of such payments in reports filed with the SEC. To the extent that any of our employees, supplies, distributors, consultants, subcontractors, or others engage in conduct that subjects us to exposure under the FCPA, or other anti-corruption legislation, we could suffer financial penalties, debarment from government contracts and other consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related To Our Common Stock
The price of our common stock may be extremely volatile.
In a future period, our results of operations may be below the expectations of public market investors, which could negatively affect the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, the stock market in general has sometimes experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations recently. We believe that, in the future, the market price of our common stock could fluctuate widely due to variations in our performance and operating results or because of any of the following factors:
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announcements of new services, products, or technological innovations, or strategic relationships by us or our competitors;
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announcements of business acquisitions or strategic relationships by us or our competitors;
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trends or conditions in the insurance, software, business process outsourcing and Internet markets;
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changes in market valuations of our competitors; and
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general political, economic, regulatory and market conditions.
In addition, the market prices of securities of technology companies, including our own, have been volatile and have experienced fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to a specific company's operating performance. As a result, investors may not be able to sell shares of our common stock at or above the price at which an investor paid. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against that company. Any securities litigation would involve substantial costs and our management's attention could be diverted from our business.
Quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate, which could cause our stock price to be volatile.
Our quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate significantly in the future due to a variety of factors related to our revenues or operating expenses in any particular period. Results of operations during any particular period are not necessarily an indication of our results for any other period. Factors that may adversely affect our periodic results may include the loss of a significant insurance agent, carrier or broker relationship or the merger of any of our participating insurance carriers with one another. Our operating expenses are based in part on our expectations of our future revenues and are partially fixed in the short term. We may be unable to adjust spending quickly enough to offset any unexpected revenue shortfall.
1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The Company’s corporate headquarters, including substantially all of our corporate administration and finance functions, is located in Johns Creek, Georgia where we own a commercial office building. In addition the Company and its subsidiaries lease office space primarily for sales and operations support in Salt Lake City, Utah, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Miami, Florida, Pasadena, California, Grove City, Ohio, New Britain, Connecticut, Birmingham, Alabama, Irvine, California, Rockford, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, the Company leases office space in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, Canada, and London for support, operations and sales offices. The Company also leases an additional 9 facilities and owns five facilities in India. The Indian facilities provide software development and other technical and business process outsourcing services. Management believes its facilities are adequate for its current needs and that necessary suitable additional or substitute space will be available as needed at reasonable rates.
Information on the geographic dispersion of the Company’s revenues and long-lived assets is furnished in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, included in Part II Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Item 3.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Following the announcement on May 1, 2013 of the Company's execution of a merger agreement with affiliates of Goldman Sachs & Co., twelve putative class action complaints challenging the proposed merger were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery. These complaints named as Defendants some combination of the Company, its directors, Goldman Sachs & Co. and affiliated entities. On June 10, 2013, the twelve complaints were consolidated by the Delaware Court of Chancery, now captioned In re Ebix, Inc. Stockholder Litigation, CA No. 8526-VCS. On June 19, 2013, the Company announced that the merger agreement had been terminated pursuant to a Termination and Settlement Agreement dated June 19, 2013. After Defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated proceeding, Plaintiffs Desert States Employers & UFCW Union Pension Plan and Gilbert C. Spagnola (collectively, “Lead Plaintiffs”) amended their operative complaint to drop their claims against Goldman Sachs & Co. and focus their allegations on an Acquisition Bonus Agreement (“ABA”) between the Company and Robin Raina. On September 26, 2013, Defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint. On July 24, 2014, the Court issued its Memorandum Opinion that granted in large part the Company’s Motion to Dismiss and narrowed the remaining claims. On September 15, 2014, the Court entered an Order implementing its Memorandum Opinion. On January 16, 2015, the Court entered an Order permitting Plaintiffs to file a Second Amended and Supplemented Complaint. On February 10, 2015, Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended and Supplemented Complaint, which was granted in part and denied in part in a January 15, 2016 Memorandum Opinion and Order. On October 25, 2016, the Court entered an Order permitting Lead Plaintiffs to file a Verified Third Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint, which made additional claims and added two directors as defendants. The Verified Third Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint was then filed on October 26, 2016. On October 31. 2016, Lead Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. On November 1, 2016, Lead Plaintiffs moved for partial summary judgment on Claims (ii), (iii), and (vi) as described below. The directors added as defendants in the Third Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint moved to dismiss all Claims against them. The remaining Defendants moved to dismiss certain Claims, and filed answers to the other claims in the Verified Third Amended and Supplemented Complaint. On December 12, 2017, the Court postponed the pending hearing on the Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification and the Defendants’ motions to dismiss and, instead, granted the Plaintiffs leave to file a Verified Fourth Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint, which pleading was filed on January 19, 2018. The claims in the fourth amended complaint are as follows: (i) a purported class and derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty for improperly maintaining the ABA as an unreasonable anti-takeover device; (ii) a purported class claim for breach of the fiduciary duty of disclosure to the stockholders with respect to the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement and 2010 Stock Incentive Plan; (iii) a purported derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty to the Company in causing incentive compensation to be awarded under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan; (iv) a purported class and derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty in adopting certain bylaw amendments on December 19, 2014; (v) a purported class and derivative claim seeking invalidation of the December 19, 2014 bylaw amendments under Delaware law; (vi) a purported claim for breach of fiduciary duty for not duly adopting the ABA at the July 15, 2009 Board meeting, and seeking declaratory relief invalidating the ABA; (vii) a purported claim for breach of the fiduciary duty of disclosure to the stockholders with respect to the ABA, and seeking declaratory relief invalidating the ABA; (viii) a purported claim seeking invalidation of the 2008 Stockholder Meeting, 2008 Certificate Amendment, 2008 Stock Split and subsequent corporate actions; (ix) a purported class claim for breach of fiduciary duty, and seeking declaratory relief invalidating the 2016 CEO Bonus Plan because of incomplete disclosures with respect to the ABA; and (x) for breach of fiduciary duty and declaratory judgment relating to the interpretation of the ABA. Lead Plaintiffs seek declaratory relief with respect to the ABA, the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2010 Proxy Statement, the bylaw amendments, the 2008 Stockholder Meeting, the 2008 Certificate Amendment, the 2008 Stock Split, and the 2016 CEO Bonus Plan. Lead Plaintiffs also seek compensatory damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs, all in unspecified amounts.A trial is scheduled for August 2018. The Company denies any liability and intends to defend the action vigorously.
The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate likely disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Item 4.
Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
At December 31, 2017 the principal market for the Company’s common stock was the Nasdaq Global Capital Market. The Company’s common stock trades under the symbol “EBIX.”
The following tables set forth the high and low closing bid prices for the Company’s common stock for each calendar quarter in 2017 and 2016.
Holders
As of February 26, 2018, there were 31,487,526 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding. As of February 26, 2018, there were 129 registered holders of record of the Company’s common stock.
Dividends
A dividend in the amount of $0.075 cents per common share was paid on March 10, 2017, June 13, 2017, September 13, 2017, December 11, 2017, March 11, 2016, June 10, 2016, September 9, 2016, and December 14, 2016 to the appropriate shareholders of record. On February 13, 2018 the Company announced the payment of a dividend of $0.075 per common share to shareholders of record on February 28, 2018, with said dividend to be paid on March 15, 2018. While the Board of Directors intends to continue to pay quarterly dividends, the Board will make the determination of the amount of future cash dividends, if any, to be declared and paid based on, among other things, the Company's financial condition, funds from operations, the level of its capital expenditures and its future business prospects.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The Company’s equity compensation is currently governed by the 2010 Ebix Equity Incentive Plan as approved by our stockholders. The table below provides information as of December 31, 2017 related to this plan.
Sales or Issuances of Unregistered Securities
None
Recent Repurchases of Equity Securities
As provided for under previous Board authorized share repurchase plans, throughout 2017 the Company repurchased 687,048 shares of our common stock for a total aggregate purchase price of $39.4 million.
The following table contains information with respect to purchases of our common stock made by or on behalf of Ebix in the fourth quarter of the fiscal period ended December 31, 2017, as part of our publicly announced share repurchase plan:
(1)
Average price paid per share for shares purchased as part of our publicly-announced plan.
(2)
Effective August 19, 2015 the Company's Board of Directors unanimously approved an additional authorized share repurchase plan of $100.0 million. The Board directed that the repurchases be funded with available cash balances and cash generated by the Company's operating activities. Under certain circumstances the aggregate amount of repurchases of the Company's equity shares may be limited by the terms and underlying financial covenants regarding the Company's commercial bank financing facility.
(3)
Effective February 6, 2017 the Company's Board of Directors unanimously approved an additional authorized share repurchase plan of $150.0 million. The Board directed that the repurchases be funded with available cash balances and cash generated by the Company's operating activities. Under certain circumstances the aggregate amount of repurchases of the Company's equity shares may be limited by the terms and underlying financial covenants regarding the Company's commercial bank financing facility.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The line graph below compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative total stockholder return on our Common Stock for the last five fiscal years with the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S.) stock index and the Nasdaq Computer Index. The following graph assumes the investment of $100 on December 31, 2012, and the reinvestment of any dividends (rounded to the nearest dollar).
Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total Return
Item 6.
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following data for fiscal years 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included herein.
Consolidated Financial Highlights
Item 7.
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
As used herein, the terms “Ebix,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Ebix, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries as a combined entity.
The information contained in this section has been derived from our historical financial statements and should be read together with our historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this document. The discussion below 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. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: demand and acceptance of services offered by us, our ability to achieve and maintain acceptable cost levels, pricing levels and actions by competitors, regulatory matters, general economic conditions, and changing business strategies. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expressed or implied expectations, including, but not limited to our performance in future periods, our ability to generate working capital from operations, the adequacy of our insurance coverage, and the results of litigation or investigations. Our forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “will” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or comparable terminology. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OVERVIEW
Ebix is a leading international supplier of on-demand software and e-commerce solutions to the insurance, financial, and healthcare industries. Ebix operates data exchanges in the areas of finance, travel, life insurance, annuities, employee health benefits, risk management, workers compensation, insurance underwriting, and P&C insurance. Each of these exchanges connects multiple entities within the financial and insurance markets enabling the participant to seamlessly and efficiently carry and process data from one end to another. Ebix’s life, annuity, and employee health benefit exchanges currently operate primarily in the United States. The P&C exchanges operate primarily in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Ebix financial and travel exchanges currently operate primarily in India and certain ASEAN countries. Ebix provides application software products for the insurance industry including carrier systems, agency systems and exchanges, as well as custom software development. Approximately 76% of the Company’s revenues are recurring. Rather than license our products in perpetuity, we typically either license them for a few years with ongoing support revenues, or license them on a limited term basis using a subscription hosting or ASP model. Our goal is to be the leading powerhouse of back-end insurance transactions in the world. During 2017, combined subscription-based and transaction-based revenues increased by $50.9 million to $276.7 million, while as a percentage of the Company's total revenues remained at 76% in 2017, as compared to 2016. In 2017 subscription based revenues increased by $12.5 million to $201.5 million, and as a percentage of the Company's total revenues decreased to 55% in 2017, as compared to 63% in the year 2016.
The Company’s technology vision is on the convergence of all processes in a manner such that data can seamlessly flow from entity to entity once an initial data entry has been made. Our customers include many of the top insurance and financial sector companies in the world.
The insurance and financial markets continue to focus on initiatives to reduce paper-based processes and facilitate improvements in efficiency both at the back-end side and also at the consumer-end side, involving all entities and directly impacts the manner in which insurance and financial products are distributed. Management believes that both the insurance and financial industry will continue to experience significant change and increased efficiencies through online exchanges as reduced paper-based processes are becoming increasingly a norm across the world insurance and financial markets.
Management focuses on a variety of key indicators to monitor operating and financial performance. These performance indicators include measurements of revenue growth, operating income, operating margin, income from continuing operations, diluted earnings per share, and cash provided by operating activities. We monitor these indicators, in conjunction with our corporate governance practices, to ensure that our business is efficiently managed and that effective controls are maintained.
The key performance indicators for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
Operating Revenue
The Company derives its revenues primarily from professional and support services, which includes subscription and transaction fees pertaining to services delivered over our exchanges or from our ASP platforms, revenue generated from software development projects and associated fees for consulting, implementation, training, and project management provided to customers using our systems, and business process outsourcing revenue. Ebix’s revenue streams come from four product channels. Presented in the table below is the breakout of our revenues for each of those product channels for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
The Company is continuing to evaluate the classification of the 2017 acquisitions that collectively make up the EbixCash Financial Exchanges, refer to Part I, Item I Business. Currently they are reported under Exchange channel, but is subject to change based on the conclusions of our evaluations.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 our total revenue increased $65.7 million, or 22.0%, to $364.0 million compared to $298.3 million in 2016. The Company leverages product cross-selling opportunities across all channels, as facilitated by our operating philosophy and business acquisition strategy. With respect to business acquisitions completed during the fiscal years 2017 and 2016 on a pro forma basis, as disclosed in the table in Note 4 “Pro Forma Financial Information” to the enclosed Consolidated Financial Statements, combined pro forma revenues increased $6.4 million or 1.5% to $440.5 million for the year 2017 from the $434.2 million of pro forma revenue for the year 2016, with the change in exchange rates favorably affecting reported revenues by $2.1 million, whereas there was a 22.0% increase in reported revenues for the same comparative periods. The cause for the difference between the 22.0% increase in reported 2017 revenue versus 2016 revenue, as compared to the 1.5% increase in 2017 pro forma versus 2016 pro forma revenue is due to the effect of combining the additional revenue derived from those businesses acquired during the years 2017 and 2016, specifically ItzCash, YouFirst, Wall Street, Paul Merchants,Via, beBetter, Wdev, Hope Health, and the EbixHealth JV with the Company's pre-existing operations. The 2017 and 2016 pro forma financial information below assumes that all such business acquisitions were made on January 1, 2016, whereas the Company's reported financial statements for 2017 only includes the operating results from the businesses since the effective date that they were acquired by Ebix, and thusly includes only nine months of ItzCash, seven months of beBetter, four months of YouFirst, three months of Wall Street, two months of Paul Merchants, and two months of Via. Similarly, the 2016 pro forma financial information below includes a full year of results for Wdev, Hope Health, and EbixHealth JV as if they had been acquired on January 1, 2016, whereas the Company's reported financial statements for the 2016 includes only two months of Wdev, two months of Hope Health, and six months of the EbixHealth JV.
The pro forma analysis is based on the following premises:
•
2017 and 2016 pro forma revenue contains actual revenue of the acquired entities before acquisition date, as reported by the sellers, as well as actual revenue of the acquired entities after acquisition. Growth in revenues of the acquired entities after acquisition date is only reflected for the period after their acquisition.
•
Revenue billed to existing clients from the cross selling of acquired products has been assigned to the acquired section of our business.
•
Any existing products sold to new customers acquired through the acquisition customer base, has also been assigned to the acquired section of our business.
•
2016 pro forma revenues include revenues from some product lines whose sale was discontinued after the acquisition date and revenues from some customers whose contracts were discontinued. This is typically done for efficiency and/or competitive reasons.
The impact from fluctuations of the exchange rates for the foreign currencies in the countries in which we conduct operations also partially adversely affected reported revenues. During each of the years 2017, 2016 and 2015 the change in foreign currency exchange rates increased (decreased) reported consolidated operating revenues by $2.1 million, $(3.3) million, and $(10.7) million, respectively.
The specific components of our revenue and the changes experienced during the past year are discussed immediately below.
Exchange division revenues increased by $53.0 million, or 26%, principally due to the 2017 acquisitions of ItzCash, YouFirst, Wall Street, Paul Merchants, and Via.
Broker P&C Systems division revenue increased by $569 thousand, or 4%. Reported revenues partially increased due to the effects of changing currency exchange rates.
Risk Compliance Solutions division revenues increased by $12.6 million, or 17%, primarily due to new e-governance revenues associated with our Indian operations and consulting service revenues generated by November 2016 acquisition of Wdev.
Carrier P&C Systems division revenues decreased by $571 thousand, or 16%. Revenues in this division have decreased during the last few years due the completion of certain large projects resulting in decreased professional service revenues.
Costs of Services Provided
Costs of services provided, which includes costs associated with customer support, consulting, implementation, and training services, increased $44.4 million or 52%, from $85.1 million in 2016 to $129.5 million in 2017. Correspondingly, the Company's gross margin decreased from 71.5% in 2016 to 64.4% in 2017. The increase in the Company's costs of services provided is due primarily to additional personnel, consulting, customer support, and merchant bank service fee costs associated with the 2017 and 2016 business acquisitions of Via, Wall Street, YouFirst, ItzCash, beBetter, Hope Health, Wdev, the EbixHealth JV, and increased hardware costs to support the growing revenues generated from our government sector services division in India.
Product Development Expenses
Product development expenses increased $873 thousand, or 3%, from $33.0 million in 2016 to $33.9 million in 2017. The Company’s product development efforts are focused on the development of new technologies for insurance carriers, brokers and agents, and the development of new data exchanges for use in domestic and international insurance markets. Product development expenses primarily increased due to additional staffing and personnel costs incurred in connection with our continued expanding product development facilities in India.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 7%, from $17.5 million in 2016 to $16.3 million in 2017. This decrease is primarily due to a reduction in salaries and commissions paid to our sales personnel, and reduced advertising expenditures in our Singapore and Oakstone division.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased $8.3 million, or 16%, from $51.7 million in 2016 to $60.0 million in 2017. The primary cause for the increase in general and administrative expenses were $6.7 million of additional personnel and office costs in connection with the 2017 and 2016 business acquisitions of Via, YouFirst, ItzCash. Wdev, the EbixHealth JV and $1.2 million of non-cash 2016 adjustments from our recent acquisitions.
Amortization and Depreciation Expenses
Amortization and depreciation expenses slightly increased to $11.1 million in 2017 from $10.7 million in 2016.
Interest Income
Interest income slightly decreased $140 thousand, or 8%, from $1.9 million in 2016 to $1.7 million in 2017. The decrease in interest income is associated with changes in the Company's average cash balances and short-term investments in interest bearing accounts.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $6.0 million, or 81% from $7.4 million in 2016 to $13.4 million in 2017. Interest expense increased primarily because of the combined effect of an increase in the weighted average interest rate on the Company's revolving credit facility from 2.73% in 2016 to 3.69% in 2017, and an increase in the average outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit and term note from $234.8 million in 2016 to $327.0 million in 2017.
Foreign Exchange Gain
Net foreign exchange gain of $1.8 million in 2017 consisted of $3.2 million of gains realized upon the settlement of certain transactions within our foreign operations that were denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary's functional currency which were partially offset by $1.4 million of losses recognized upon the remeasurement of other transactions within our foreign operations that were denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary's functional currency.
Income Taxes
The Company recognized income tax expense of $777 thousand in 2017 compared to the $1.6 million of income tax expense in 2016, representing an $860 thousand, or a 53% decrease. Our effective tax rate decreased to 0.8% in 2017, compared with 1.7% in 2016, largely due to the remeasurement of US deferred taxes under tax reform, release of valuation allowance on foreign loss carryforwards, recording tax credits based on filed tax returns, partially offset by an increase in uncertain tax position accrual.
The pre-tax income from and the applicable statutory tax rates in each jurisdiction in which the Company had operations for the year ending December 31, 2017 are as follows:
*Note - While the normal tax rate in India is 34.6%, the majority of Ebix’s income in India is earned in jurisdictions with a tax holiday.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2015
Operating Revenue
The Company derives its revenues primarily from professional and support services, which includes subscription and transaction fees pertaining to services delivered over our exchanges or from our ASP platforms, revenue generated from software development projects and associated fees for consulting, implementation, training, and project management provided to customers using our systems, and business process outsourcing revenue. Ebix’s revenue streams come from four product channels. Presented in the table below is the breakout of our revenues for each of those product channels for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 our total revenue increased $32.8 million, or 12.4%, to $298.3 million compared to $265.5 million in 2015. The Company leverages product cross-selling opportunities across all channels, as facilitated
by our operating philosophy and business acquisition strategy. With respect to business acquisitions completed during the fiscal years 2016 and 2015 on a pro forma basis, as disclosed in the table in Note 4 “Pro Forma Financial Information” to the enclosed Consolidated Financial Statements, combined pro forma revenues increased $20.5 million or 7.0% to $315.8 million for the year 2016 from the $295.3 million of pro forma revenue for the year 2015, with the change in exchange rates adversely affecting reported revenues by ($3.3) million, whereas there was a 12.4% increase in reported revenues for the same comparative periods. The cause for the difference between the 12.4% increase in reported 2016 revenue versus 2015 revenue, as compared to the 7.0% increase in 2016 pro forma versus 2015 pro forma revenue is due to the effect of combining the additional revenue derived from those businesses acquired during the years 2016 and 2015, specifically Wdev, Hope Health, the EbixHealth JV, Via Media Health, and PB Systems with the Company's pre-existing operations. The 2016 and 2015 pro forma financial information assumes that all such business acquisitions were made on January 1, 2015, whereas the Company's reported financial statements for 2016 only includes the operating results from the businesses since the effective date that they were acquired by Ebix, and thusly includes only two months of Wdev, two months of Hope Health, and six full months of the EbixHealth JV. Similarly, the 2015 pro forma financial information includes a full year of results for Wdev, Hope Health, the EbixHealth JV, Via Media Health, and PB Systems as if they had been acquired on January 1, 2015, whereas the Company's reported financial statements for the 2015 includes only ten months of financial results for Via Media Health, and seven months for PB Systems, and no financial results for Wdev, Hope Health, and the EbixHealth JV.
The pro forma analysis is based on the following premises:
•
2016 and 2015 pro forma revenue contains actual revenue of the acquired entities before acquisition date, as reported by the sellers, as well as actual revenue of the acquired entities after acquisition. Growth in revenues of the acquired entities after acquisition date are only reflected for the period after their acquisition.
•
Revenue billed to existing clients from the cross selling of acquired products has been assigned to the acquired section of our business.
•
Any existing products sold to new customers acquired through the acquisition customer base, has also been assigned to the acquired section of our business.
•
2015 pro forma revenues include revenues from some product lines whose sale was discontinued after the acquisition date and revenues from some customers whose contracts were discontinued. This is typically done for efficiency and/or competitive reasons.
The impact from fluctuations of the exchange rates for the foreign currencies in the countries in which we conduct operations also partially adversely affected reported revenues. During each of the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 the change in foreign currency exchange rates decreased reported consolidated operating revenues by $(3.3) million, $(10.7) million, and $(3.2) million, respectively.
The specific components of our revenue and the changes experienced during the past year are discussed immediately below.
Exchange division revenues increased by $15.7 million, or 8%, principally due to new exchange clients primarily in the US and Europe, and cross selling of products and services to existing clients as facilitated by the 2016 and 2015 acquisitions of Via Media Health.
Broker P&C Systems division revenue decreased by $0.4 million, or 3%, principally due to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations adversely affecting our Australian operations. During the past two years the reported revenues in the Broker Systems channel have been decreasing due essentially to the effects of changing currency exchange rates.
Risk Compliance Solutions division revenues increased by $18.3 million, or 33%, primarily due to new e-governance revenues associated with our Indian operations, consulting service revenues generated by the 2015 business acquisition of PB Systems, November 2016 acquisition of Wdev and the full consolidation of the Ebix/IHC joint venture.
Carrier P&C Systems division revenues decreased by $772 thousand, or 18%. Revenues in this division have decreased during the last two years due the completion of certain large projects resulting in decreased professional service revenues.
Costs of Services Provided
Costs of services provided, which includes costs associated with customer support, consulting, implementation, and training services, increased $12.7 million or 18%, from $72.4 million in 2015 to $85.1 million in 2016. Correspondingly, the Company's gross margin decreased modestly from 72.7 % in 2015 to 71.7% in 2016. The increase in the Company's costs of services provided is due in part to additional personnel, consulting, customer support, and merchant bank service fee costs associated with the 2016 and 2015 business acquisitions of Wdev, the EbixHealth JV, PB Systems, the amortization of capitalized software
development costs in connection with the Company’s previous development of its property and casualty underwriting insurance data exchange platform servicing the London markets, and finally increased hardware costs to support the growing revenues generated from our government sector services division in India. During 2015 and through the 3rd quarter of 2016 the useful life over which certain capitalized continuing medical education products costs were being amortized was eighteen months. In the fourth quarter of 2016 the amortization period for these these costs was revised to a five-year straight-line methodology and additionally now all continuing medical education products costs are being capitalized. This change had the effect of reducing reported services and other costs by $2.9 million.
Product Development Expenses
Product development expenses increased $2.3 million, or 7%, from $30.7 million in 2015 to $33.0 million in 2016. The Company’s product development efforts are focused on the development of new technologies for insurance carriers, brokers and agents, and the development of new data exchanges for use in domestic and international insurance markets. Product development expenses increased due to additional staffing and personnel costs incurred in connection with our continued expanding product development facilities in India.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses increased $2.6 million, or 17%, from $14.9 million in 2015 to $17.5 million in 2016. This increase is due to increased commissions paid to our sales personnel.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased $3.6 million, or 8%, from $48.1 million in 2015 to $51.7 million in 2016. The cause for the increase in general and administrative expenses were $3.6 million of additional personnel and office costs in connection with the 2016 and 2015 business acquisitions of Wdev, the EbixHealth JV, and PB Systems, partially offset by $1.5 million of reduced accounts receivable bad debt costs.
Amortization and Depreciation Expenses
Amortization and depreciation expenses remained relatively steady at $10.7 million for 2016 versus $10.6 million for 2015.
Interest Income
Interest income increased $1.6 million, or 701%, from $231 thousand in 2015 to $1.9 million in 2016. The increase in interest income is associated with a 114% year over year comparative increase in the Company's average cash balances and short-term investments from 2015 to 2016.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $3.1 million, or 71% from $4.3 million in 2015 to $7.4 million in 2016. Interest expense increased primarily because of the combined effect of an increase in the weighted average interest rate on the Company's revolving credit facility from 2.08% in 2015 to 2.73% in 2016, and an increase in the average outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit and term note from $156.2 million in 2015 to $234.8 million in 2016.
Foreign Exchange Gain
Net foreign exchange gain of $13 thousand in 2016 consisted of $305 thousand of gains realized upon the settlement of certain transactions within our foreign operations that were denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary's functional currency which were almost completely offset by $292 thousand of losses recognized upon the remeasurement of other transactions within our foreign operations that were denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary's functional currency.
Income Taxes
The Company recognized income tax expense of $1.6 million in 2016 compared to the $7.1 million of income tax expense in 2015, representing a $5.5 million, or a 77%, decrease. Our effective tax rate decreased to 1.7% in 2016, compared with 8.1% in 2015, largely due to favorable changes in the proportion of our taxable income in certain US and non-US jurisdictions relative to total pretax income. Our tax rate decreased partly because of the $3.4 million deferred tax liability reversal due to the sale of assets from Singapore to Dubai. The Company tax rate also decreased due to the R&D tax benefits available to the Company in the United States and also its usage of net operating losses in the UK, where the Company still has significant accumulated net
operating losses. Overall the Company enjoys a relatively lower effective tax rate from conducting significant operating activities in certain foreign low tax jurisdictions, specifically in Dubai, India and Singapore.
The pre-tax income from and the applicable statutory tax rates in each jurisdiction in which the Company had operations for the year ending December 31, 2016 are as follows:
*Note - While the normal tax rate in India is 34.6%, the majority of Ebix’s income in India is earned in jurisdictions with a tax holiday.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are the cash flows provided by our operating activities, our commercial bank credit facility, and cash and cash equivalents on hand.
We intend to continue to utilize cash flows generated by our ongoing operating activities, in combination with possibly expanding our commercial lending facility, and the possible issuance of additional equity or debt securities to fund capital expenditures and organic growth initiatives, to make strategic business acquisitions, to retire outstanding indebtedness, and to repurchase shares of our common stock if and as market and operating conditions warrant.
We believe that anticipated cash flow provided by our operating activities, together with current cash balances and access to our credit facilities and the capital markets, if required, will be sufficient to meet our projected cash requirements for the next twelve months, although any projections of future cash needs, cash flows, and the general market conditions for credit and equity securities is subject to substantial uncertainty. In the event additional liquidity needs arise, we may raise funds from a combination of sources, including the potential issuance of debt or equity securities. However, there are no assurances that such financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
We regularly evaluate our liquidity requirements, including the need for additional debt or equity offerings, when considering potential business acquisitions, or the development of new products or services. During 2018, the Company intends to utilize its cash and other financing resources to fund organic growth initiatives, strategic business acquisitions, and new product development initiatives and service offerings.
Our cash and cash equivalents were $63.9 million and $114.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company holds material cash and cash equivalent balances overseas in foreign jurisdictions. The free flow of cash from certain countries where we hold such balances may be subject to repatriation tax effects and other restrictions. Furthermore, the repatriation of earnings from some of our foreign subsidiaries would result in the application of withholding taxes at source and taxation at the U.S. parent level upon receipt of the repatriation amounts. The approximate cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments
balances held in our domestic U.S. operations and each of our foreign subsidiaries as of February 26, 2018 is presented in the table below (figures denominated in thousands):
Due to the effect of temporary or timing differences resulting from the differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes and minimum alternative tax obligations in the U.S. and India, future cash outlays for income taxes are expected to exceed our current income tax expense, but will not materially impact the Company’s liquidity position. Beginning in 2009, we were granted a 100% tax holiday for certain of our Indian operations, which was in effect until March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 for some of our locations and continues until March 31, 2020 for other locations. When these tax holidays expire, these locations become taxable at 50% of the normal effective corporate tax rate of 34.61% for an additional 5 years. The impact of this tax holiday decreased our non-US income tax expense by $2.9 million or $0.09 per diluted share, and $13.6 million, or $0.41 per diluted share for 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In January 2015, Ebix reached a resolution with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the previously disclosed audit of Ebix’s income tax returns for the taxable years 2008 through 2012. The assessment resulted in a cash payment of $20.5 million, including interest of $1.6 million. This resolution includes all issues for the taxable years 2008 through 2012. In October 2015 Ebix reached a resolution with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to Ebix's income tax return for the 2013 taxable year. The assessment resulted in a cash payment of $336 thousand, including interest of $16 thousand.
The Company’s consolidated worldwide effective tax rate is relatively low because of the effect of conducting significant operations in certain foreign jurisdictions, specifically India, Dubai, and Singapore, where we have tax holidays or tax concessions. Our operations in Singapore before 2015 were taxed at a 10% tax rate as a result of concessions granted by the Singapore Economic Development Board for the benefit of in-country intellectual property owners. The concessionary 10% rate expired January 1, 2015, at which time our operations became taxed at the 17% statutory rate.
Our current ratio decreased to 1.72 at December 31, 2017 from 2.31 at December 31, 2016, and our working capital position decreased to $106.0 million at December 31, 2017 as compared to $117.3 million at the end of 2016. The decrease in our short-term liquidity position is primarily due to the following factors; (a) a $27.7 million decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments balances, (b) a $44.6 million increase in trade accounts payable associated with the continued growth of our business and acquisitions, (c) a $9.2 million overdraft facility (backed up by a series of fixed deposits) used to handle the working capital needs of Via, (d) $4.3 million in possible future contingent payments relating to the Via acquisition, (e) a $55.1 million increase in trade accounts receivable associated with the continued growth of our business and acquisitions, (f) a $20.8 million increase in other current assets primarily due to increased prepaid expenses. We believe that our ability to generate sustainable robust cash flow from operations will enable the Company to continue to meet its cash obligations and to fund its current liabilities from current assets, including available cash balances.
Business Acquisitions & Related Transactions
The Company executes strategic business acquisitions in combination with organic growth initiatives as part of its expansion and growth strategy. The Company looks to acquire businesses that are complementary to Ebix's existing products and services. During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company completed six business acquisitions, as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company completed six business acquisitions, as follows:
Effective November 1, 2017 Ebix acquired Via, a recognized leader in the travel space in India and an Omni-channel online travel and assisted e-commerce exchange. Ebix acquired Via for upfront cash consideration in the amount $78.8 million plus possible future contingent payments of up to $2.3 million based on any potential claims made by tax authorities over the subsequent twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition and $2.0 million based on the receipt of refunds pertaining to certain advance tax payments and withholding taxes, both of which are included in Other current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Via acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective November 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of Paul Merchants, the largest international remittance service provider in India, for upfront cash consideration in the amount $37.4 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Paul Merchants acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective October 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of Wall Street, an inward international remittance service provider in India, along with the acquisition of its subsidiary company Goldman Securities Limited for upfront cash consideration in the amount $7.4 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Wall Street acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective September 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of YouFirst, an inward international remittance service provider in India, for upfront cash consideration in the amount $10.2 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the YouFirst acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Effective June 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the assets of beBetter, a technology enabled corporate wellness provider that provides end-to-end wellness solutions offering a variety of tools and programs, including interactive platforms, health screening, coaching, tobacco cessation, weight and stress management, health information, and numerous other products and services. Ebix acquired the assets and intellectual property of beBetter for $1.0 million plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $2.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition.
Effective April 1, 2017 Ebix entered into a joint venture with India-based Essel Group, while acquiring an 80% stake in ItzCash, India’s leading payment solutions exchange. ItzCash is recognized as a leader in the prepaid cards and bill payments space in India. Under the terms of the agreement, ItzCash was valued at a total enterprise value of approximately $150 million. Accordingly, Ebix acquired an 80% stake in ItzCash for $120 million including upfront cash of $76.3 million plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $44.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent thirty-six month period following the effective date of the acquisition. $4.0 million of the possible future contingent earn-out payments is being held in escrow accounts for the twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual gross revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the ItzCash acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company completed two business acquisitions, as follows:
Effective November 1, 2016 Ebix acquired Wdev, a Brazilian company that provides IT services and software development for the Latin American insurance industry. Ebix acquired Wdev for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $10.5 million, plus possible future contingent earn out payments of up to $15.7 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent thirty-eight month period following the effective date of the acquisition. $2.9 million of the upfront cash consideration is being held in an escrow account for the thirty-eight month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual net revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix.
Effective November 1, 2016 Ebix acquired the assets of Hope Health, a Michigan corporation and publisher of health and wellness continuing education products. Ebix acquired the assets and intellectual property of Hope Health for $1.72 million.
Effective July 1, 2016 Ebix and IHC jointly executed a Call Notice agreement, whereby Ebix purchased additional common units in the EbixHealth JV from IHC constituting eleven percent (11%) of the EbixHealth JV for $2.0 million cash which resulted in Ebix holding an aggregate fifty-one percent (51%) controlling equity interest in the EbixHealth JV. Previously, effective September 1, 2015 Ebix and IHC formed a joint venture named EbixHealth JV. Ebix paid $6.0 million and contributed a license to use certain CurePet software and systems valued by the EbixHealth JV at $2.0 million, for its initial 40% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV.
During the year ended December 31, 2015 the Company completed three business acquisitions, as follows:
Effective September 1, 2015 Ebix and IHC formed a joint venture named EbixHealth JV. This joint venture was established to promote and market a best practices administration data exchange for health and pet insurance lines of business nationally. Ebix paid $6.0 million and contributed certain portions of its CurePet investment, valued by the EbixHealth JV at $2.0 million, for its 40% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV. IHC contributed all if its shares in its existing third party administrator operations (IHC Health Solutions, Inc.), valued by the EbixHealth JV at $12.0 million for its 60% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV.
The Company acquired PB Systems, effective June 1, 2015. PB Systems develops and implements software solutions for insurance clients. Ebix acquired PB Systems for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $12.4 million, plus possible future contingent earn out payments of up to $8.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition. This contingent earnout liability is currently estimated to have a zero fair value.
The Company acquired Via Media Health , effective March 1, 2015. Via Media Health is one of India’s leading health content and communication companies. Ebix acquired Via Media Health for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $1.0 million, plus a possible future one time contingent earn out payment of up to $372 thousand based on earned revenues over the subsequent twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition, and an additional possible one time future performance bonus of up to $1.0 million depending upon revenue growth realized in the business over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition. The Company accounted for this acquisition by recording $2.0 million of goodwill, $383 thousand of intangible assets pertaining to customer relationships, and $101 thousand of intangible assets pertaining to acquired technology. This contingent earnout liability is currently estimated to have a zero fair value.
As cited in the above paragraphs, a significant component of the purchase price consideration for many of the Company's business acquisitions is a potential future cash earnout based on reaching certain specified future revenue targets. The Company recognizes these potential obligations as contingent liabilities. These contingent consideration liabilities are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and are re-measured regularly based on the then assessed fair value and adjusted if necessary. As of December 31, 2017, the total of these contingent liabilities was $37.1 million, of which $33.1 million is reported in long-term liabilities, and $4.0 million is included in current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2016 the total of these contingent liabilities was $8.5 million.
Operating Activities
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 the Company generated $76.8 million of net cash flow from operating activities compared to $83.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, representing a decrease of $6.9 million or 8%. The major sources of cash provided by our operating activities during 2017 included net income of $100.6 million, $2.0 million of net income attributable to a non-controlling interest, net of $(13.7) million of deferred tax benefits, $11.1 million of depreciation and amortization, $2.8 million of non-cash share-based compensation, $2.2 million of amortization expense for capitalized software development costs, and $(28.5) million of working capital requirements primarily primarily due to increased outstanding trade accounts receivables.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 the Company generated $83.7 million of net cash flow from operating activities compared to $48.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, representing an increase of $35.1 million or 72%. The major sources of cash provided by our operating activities during 2016 included net income of $93.8 million, net of $(6.4) million of deferred tax benefits, $10.7 million of depreciation and amortization, $2.8 million of non-cash share-based compensation, $1.1 million of amortization expense for capitalized software development costs, partially offset by $(1.2) million gain on carrying value of investment in joint venture, $(1.3) million of non-cash gains recognized upon the reduction in acquisition earnout contingent liabilities, and $(16.3) million of working capital requirements primarily pertaining to increased trade receivables associated with our growing business and the relative aging of those receivables.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 totaled $207.1 million and consisted of $37.4 million used for the acquisition of Paul Merchants, $67.8 million (net of cash acquired) used for the acquisition of Via, $7.0 million used for the acquisition of Wall Street, $9.7 million (net of cash acquired) used for the acquisition of YouFirst, $1.0 million used for the acquisition of beBetter, $69.3 million (net of cash acquired) used for the acquisition of ItzCash, $4.0 million to fund an escrow account for possible future contingent earnout payment, $1.9 million was paid in connection with the fulfillment of earnout payment obligations from a prior business acquisition made in 2013, $7.4 million used for the continued build out of our corporate headquarters office campus in Johns Creek, Georgia and the build out of our buildings in India to support our growing product development facilities, $2.8 million used and capitalized in connection with the development of software to be sold and marketed, partially offset by the $1.2 million provided in the net maturities of marketable securities (specifically bank certificates of deposit).
Net cash used for investing activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 totaled $20.7 million and consisted of $1.6 million used for the acquisition of Hope Health, $6.3 million for the acquisition of Wdev in Brazil (net of cash acquired), $6.0 million used for the continued build out of our corporate headquarters office campus in Johns Creek, Georgia and the build out of our newly acquired buildings in India to support our growing product development facilities, $4.0 million used and capitalized in connection with the development of software to be sold and marketed, and $696 thousand was used to take a 51% controlling interest in the Ebix/IHC joint venture (net of cash acquired), partially offset by the $2.1 million used in the net purchase of marketable securities (specifically bank certificates of deposit).
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was $78.0 million, and primarily consisted of $120.5 million provided by the Company's revolving credit facility with Regions, $20.0 million provided by the Company's term loan accordion option with Regions, and $6.2 million provided by Via's, our recent India acquisition, overdraft facility with State bank of India . Partially offsetting this cash inflow was $45.7 million used to reacquire 796 thousand shares of the Company's common stock, $9.5 million used to pay quarterly dividends to the holders of our common stock, and $13.0 million used to make scheduled payments against the Regions term loan.
Net cash used by financing activities during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 was $4.1 million, and primarily consisted of $59.8 million used to reacquire 1.4 million shares of the Company's common stock, $9.8 million used to pay quarterly dividends to the holders of our common stock, $6.3 million used to make scheduled payments against the Regions term loan, $605 thousand used to pay down existing promissory notes and capital lease obligations. Largely offsetting these cash outflows was a net $72.6 million provided from the refinancing and borrowing from the amended and expanded syndicated credit facility with Regions Bank.
Commercial Bank Financing Facility
On November 3, 2017 the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the Regions Secured Credit Facility, dated August 5, 2014, among the Company, Regions Bank as Administrative and Collateral Agent ("Regions") and certain other lenders party thereto (as amended, the "Credit Agreement") to exercise $50 million of its aggregate $100 million accordion option, increasing the total Term Loan Commitment to $175 million. $20 million of the increase was funded on November 3, 2017 and the remaining $30 million shall be disbursed upon the satisfaction of certain closing requirements set forth in the Fifth Amendment. Both such disbursements are tied to permitted acquisitions as set forth in the Fifth Amendment.
On November 3, 2017, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Fourth Amendment and Waiver (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Fourth Amendment waives certain technical defaults related to the failure to give required notice with respect to i) the existence of a subsidiary having intellectual property with an aggregate value above a stipulated amount and ii) the additional investment in a joint venture entity resulting in that entity becoming a subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of the Credit Agreement. In addition to such waiver, the Fourth Amendment also loosened the leverage ratios the Company is required to satisfy in connection with permitted acquisitions and for compliance generally.
On October 19, 2017, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Third Amendment and Waiver (the “Third Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment waives certain technical defaults related to the Company’s making certain restricted payments in excess of those permitted under the Credit Agreement. In addition to such waiver, the Third Amendment also loosened the limitations on the restricted payment covenant under the Credit Agreement.
On June 17, 2016, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment increases the total credit facility to $400 million from the prior amount of $240 million, and expands the syndicated bank group to eleven participants by adding seven new participants which include PNC Bank, National Association BMO Harris Bank N.A., Key Bank National Association, HSBC Bank National, Cadence Bank, the Toronto-Dominion Bank (New York Branch), and Trustmark National Bank. The Credit Agreement (as defined below) now consists of a 5-year revolving credit component in the amount of $275 million, and a 5-year term loan component in the amount of $125 million, with repayments due in the amount $3.13 million due each quarter, starting September 30, 2016. The Credit Agreement also contains an accordion feature, which if exercised and approved by all credit parties, would expand the total borrowing capacity under the syndicated credit facility to $500 million. The credit facility carries a leverage-based LIBOR related interest rate, which currently stands at approximately 4.125%.
Effective October 14, 2015 the Company, in coordination with Regions as administrative agent and a joint lender, exercised the $50 million accordion feature in the Credit Agreement thereby expanding the total credit facility to $240 million. As part of this credit facility expansion, TD Bank, NA ("TD") was added to the syndication group expanding the syndicated group to five bank participants, which include Regions, MUFG Union Bank N.A., Fifth Third Bank, and Silicon Valley Bank as joint lenders. TD commitment level is $25 million. The expanded credit facility will continue to be used to fund the Company's future growth and share repurchase initiatives.
On February 3, 2015, Ebix, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The First Amendment amends the Regions Credit Facility by increasing the maximum amount by which the Aggregate Revolving Commitments may be increased by $90 million from the pre-existing limit of $50 million, increased the amount of base facility to $190 million from the pre-existing amount of $150 million, which together with the $50 million accordion feature increased the total Credit Agreement capacity amount to $240 million from the prior amount of $200 million, and added Fifth Third Bank to the syndicated group, which now includes four participants, which include Regions, MUFG Union Bank N.A., and Silicon Valley Bank as joint lenders.
At December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit with Regions was $274.5 million and the facility carried an interest rate of 4.125%. This balance is included in the long-term liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2017, the average and maximum outstanding balances on the revolving line of credit were $209.8 million and $274.5 million, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 3.69%
At December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the term loan was $125.8 million of which $14.5 million is due within the next twelve months. This term loan also carried an interest rate of 4.125%. The current and long-term portions of the term loan are included in the respective current and long-term sections of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, the amounts of which were $14.5 million and $111.3 million respectively at December 31, 2017.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table summarizes our known contractual debt and lease obligations as of December 31, 2017. The table excludes commitments that are contingent based on events or factors uncertain at this time.
Off Balance Sheet Transactions
We do not engage in off-balance sheet financing activities.
Inflation
We do not believe that the rate of inflation has had a material effect on our operating results. However, inflation could adversely affect our future operating results.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS - The following is a brief discussion of recently released accounting pronouncements that are pertinent to the Company's business:
In January 2017 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the FASB eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities). Instead, under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A public business entity filer should adopt the amendments in this ASU for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet.
In January 2017 the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business" which amended the existing FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The standard provides additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet
In November 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230) Restricted Cash" amends ASC 230 to add or clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this Update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this Update should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented.
In October 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory". Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This prohibition on recognition is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. The amendments specified by ASU 2016-16 require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendments eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. Two common examples of assets included in the scope of the amendments are intellectual property, and property, plant and equipment. The amendments do not include new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure requirements might be applicable when accounting for the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The amendments align the recognition of income tax consequences for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory with International Financial Reporting Standards. IAS 12, Income Taxes, requires recognition of current and deferred income taxes resulting from an intra-entity transfer of any asset (including inventory) when the transfer occurs. The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for all entities in the first interim period if an entity issues interim financial statements. The amendments should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet.
In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This ASU addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; distributions received from equity method investees; debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and bank-owned life insurance policies; and beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and also addresses separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities, including both business entities and not-for-profit entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the ASU for those issuers would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-07 "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting". The amendments affect all entities that have an investment that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The amendments eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter of 2017 did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)”. This amendment simplifies the requirements for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter of 2017 did not impact our consolidated financial position, cash flows or resulting tax expense.
In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)". This new accounting guidance is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU affects all companies and other organizations that lease assets such as real estate, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment. The ASU will require organizations that lease assets referred to as “Lessees” to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. An organization is to provide disclosures designed to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements concerning additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than twelve months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet the new ASU will require both types of leases (i.e., operating and capital) to be recognized on the balance sheet. The FASB lessee accounting model will continue to account for both types of leases. The capital lease will be accounted for in substantially the same manner as capital leases are accounted for under existing GAAP. For operating leases there will have to be the recognition of a lease liability and a lease asset for all such leases greater than one year in term. The leasing standard will be effective for calendar year-end public companies beginning after December 15, 2018. Public companies will be required to adopt the new leasing standard for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for all companies and organizations. For calendar year-end public companies, this means an adoption date of January 1, 2019 and retrospective application to previously issued annual and interim financial statements for 2018 and 2017. Lessees with a large portfolio of leases are likely to see a significant increase in balance sheet assets and liabilities. See Note 6 for the Company’s current lease commitments. The Company is evaluating the impact that this new leasing ASU will have on its financial statements.
In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers". ASU 2014-09 affects any entity using U.S. GAAP that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g., insurance contracts or lease contracts). This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. In addition, the existing requirements for the recognition of a gain or loss on the transfer of nonfinancial assets that are not in a contract with a customer (e.g., assets within the scope of Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and intangible assets within the scope of Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other) are amended to be consistent with the guidance on recognition and measurement (including the constraint on revenue) in this ASU.
The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
For a public entity, the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted.
An entity should apply the amendments in this ASU using one of the following two methods:
1. Retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented and the entity may elect any of the following practical expedients:
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For completed contracts, an entity need not restate contracts that begin and end within the same annual reporting period.
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For completed contracts that have variable consideration, an entity may use the transaction price at the date the contract was completed rather than estimating variable consideration amounts in the comparative reporting periods.
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For all reporting periods presented before the date of initial application, an entity need not disclose the amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations and an explanation of when the entity expects to recognize that amount as revenue.
2. Retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this ASU recognized at the date of initial application. If an entity elects this transition method it also should provide the additional disclosures in reporting periods that include the date of initial application of:
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The amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period by the application of this ASU as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change.
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An explanation of the reasons for significant changes.
Subsequently, in August 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of Effective Date", to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly public business entities should apply the guidance of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that annual reporting period.
The effective date and transition of these amendments (the "New Revenue Standard") is the same as the effective date and transition of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Public entities should apply the amendments in ASU 2014-09 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). While the Company is finalizing its evaluation of the full impact of the New Revenue Standard and related amendments on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company has assessed certain changes as a result of adopting the standard:
•The incremental costs to obtain contracts with customers, such as sales commissions, will be deferred and recognized over the expected period of benefit, rather than expensed as incurred. Additionally, that change will increase the Company's prepaid expense assets as compared to its current policy. However, that change could increase or decrease the Company's sales and marketing expenses as compared to the Company's current policy depending on the relative amounts of amortization of deferred commissions as compared to actual commission obligations arising in that period.
•Revenue from certain services associated with programming, setup, and implementation activities related to our SaaS offerings, that previously had standalone value and was recognized as work is performed, will need to be deferred and recognized over the expected useful life of the services. This change will increase the company’s deferred revenue liability as compared to its current policy. However, this change could increase or decrease the Company’s revenue as compared to the Company’s current policy depending on the relative amounts, in a period, of amortization of deferred revenue as compared to the amount now being deferred.
•Certain costs associated with providing services associated with programming, setup, and implementation will be deferred and recognized over the expected useful life of the services, rather than expensed as incurred. Additionally, that change will increase the Company's prepaid expense assets as compared to its current policy. However, that change could increase or decrease the
Company's product development expenses as compared to the Company's current policy depending on the relative amounts of amortization of deferred development expenses as compared to the amount now being deferred.
The Company is adopting this New Revenue Standard, as well as other clarifications and technical guidance issued by the FASB related to this New Revenue Standard, on January 1, 2018, and the Company will apply the modified retrospective transition method. This will result in an adjustment to retained earnings for the cumulative effect, if any, of applying this New Revenue Standard to contracts in process as of the adoption date. Under this method, the Company would not restate the prior consolidated financial statements presented. However, the Company will include additional disclosures of the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period during 2018, as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change, and an explanation of the reasons for significant changes, if any.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)". The amendments relate to when another party, along with the Company, is involved in providing a good or service to a customer. Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers requires an entity to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (i.e., the entity is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (i.e., the entity is an agent). The amendments are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations by clarifying the following:
>An entity determines whether it is a principal or an agent for each specified good or service promised to a customer.
> An entity determines the nature of each specified good or service (e.g., whether it is a good, service, or a right to a good or service).
> When another entity is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity that is a principal obtains control of: (a) a good or another asset from the other party that it then transfers to the customer; (b) a right to a service that will be performed by another party, which gives the entity the ability to direct that party to provide the service to the customer on the entity’s behalf; or (c) a good or service from the other party that it combines with other goods or services to provide the specified good or service to the customer.
> The purpose of the indicators in paragraph 606-10-55-39 is to support or assist in the assessment of control. The amendments in paragraph 606-10-55-39A clarify that the indicators may be more or less relevant to the control assessment and that one or more indicators may be more or less persuasive to the control assessment, depending on the facts and circumstances.
The effective date and transition of this amendment is the same as the effective date and transition of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Public entities should apply the amendments in ASU 2014-09 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). We are continuing to evaluate the potential impact of ASU 2016-08.
Under legacy US GAAP 340-20, direct response advertising was eligible for capitalization if certain conditions were met. Effective January 1, 2018 Subtopic 340-40 replaces that guidance to require the costs of direct-response advertising to be expensed as they are incurred or the first time the advertising takes place. An entity shall recognize a cumulative effective change to opening retained earnings in the year of adoption of the standard. The Company will be making a one time $1.9M adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2018 and expensing all future costs from this date forward.
In a related technical accounting pronouncement in April 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”, which is an amendment to ASU 2014-09. This amendment provides clarification on two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606. Public entities should apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). Early application for public entities is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The effective date for nonpublic entities is deferred by one year. A summary of this ASU is as follows:
Identifying Performance Obligations
Before an entity can identify its performance obligations in a contract with a customer, the entity first identifies the promised goods or services in the contract. The amendments add the following guidance:
1. An entity is not required to assess whether promised goods or services are performance obligations if they are immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer.
2. An entity is permitted, as an accounting policy election, to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as an activity to fulfill the promise to transfer the good rather than as an additional promised service.
To identify performance obligations in a contract, an entity evaluates whether promised goods and services are distinct. The amendments improve the guidance on assessing the promises are separately identifiable criterion by:
1. Better articulating the principle for determining whether promises to transfer goods or services to a customer are separately identifiable by emphasizing that an entity determines whether the nature of its promise in the contract is to transfer each of the goods or services or whether the promise is to transfer a combined item (or items) to which the promised goods and/or services are inputs.
2. Revising the related factors and examples to align with the improved articulation of the separately identifiable principle.
APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP, as promulgated in the United States, requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We believe the most complex and sensitive judgments, because of their significance to the consolidated financial statements, result primarily from the need to make estimates and assumptions about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. The following accounting policies involve the use of “critical accounting estimates” because they are particularly dependent on estimates and assumptions made by management about matters that are uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made. In addition, while we have used our best estimates based on facts and circumstances available to us at the time, different estimates reasonably could have been used in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimates that we used are reasonably likely to occur from period to period which may have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. For additional information about these policies, see Note 1 "Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the notes to the consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-K. Although we believe that our estimates, assumptions and judgments are reasonable, they are limited based upon information presently available. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions.
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives its revenues primarily from professional and support services, which includes subscription and transaction fees pertaining to services delivered over our exchanges or from our ASP platforms, revenue generated from software development projects and associated fees for consulting, implementation, training, and project management provided to customers with installed systems, and business process outsourcing revenue. Sales and value-added taxes are not included in revenues, but rather are recorded as a liability until the taxes assessed are remitted to the respective taxing authorities.
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) and Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting (SEC) accounting guidance on revenue recognition the Company considers revenue earned and realizable when: (a) persuasive evidence of the sales arrangement exists, (b) the arrangement fee is fixed or determinable, (c) service delivery or performance has occurred, (d) customer acceptance has been received, if contractually required, and (e) collectability of the arrangement fee is probable. The Company typically uses signed contractual agreements as persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement. We apply the provisions of the relevant FASB accounting pronouncements when making estimates or assumptions related to transactions involving the license of software where the software deliverables are considered more than inconsequential to the other elements in the arrangement. For contracts that contain multiple deliverables, we analyze the revenue arrangements when making estimates or assumptions in accordance with the appropriate authoritative guidance, which provides criteria governing how to determine whether goods or services that are delivered separately in a bundled sales arrangement should be considered as separate units of accounting for the purpose of revenue recognition. Deliverables are accounted for separately if they meet all of the following criteria: (a) the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; (b) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items; and (c) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered items, the delivery or performance of the undelivered items is probable and substantially controlled by the Company.
The Company begins to recognize revenue from license fees for its exchange (SAAS) and ASP products upon delivery and the customer’s acceptance of the software implementation and customizations if necessary and applicable. Transaction services
fee revenue for the use of our exchanges or ASP platforms is recognized as the transactions occur and are generally billed in arrears. Service fees for hosting arrangements are recognized over the requisite service period. Revenue derived from the licensing of third party software products in connection with sales of the Company’s software licenses is recognized upon delivery together with the Company’s licensed software products. Training, data conversion, installation, and consulting services fees are recognized as revenue when the services are performed. Revenue for maintenance and support services is recognized ratably over the term of the support agreement. Revenues derived from initial setup or registration fees are recognized ratably over the term of the agreement in accordance with FASB and SEC accounting guidance on revenue recognition.
Software development arrangements involving significant customization, modification or production are accounted for in accordance with the appropriate technical accounting guidance issued by the FASB using the percentage-of-completion method. The Company recognizes revenue using periodic reported actual hours worked as a percentage of total expected hours required to complete the project arrangement and applies the percentage to the total arrangement fee.
Deferred revenue includes payments or billings that have been received or made prior to performance and, in certain cases, cash collections and primarily pertain to maintenance and support fees, initial setup or registration fees under hosting agreements, software license fees received in advance of delivery and acceptance, and software development fees paid in advance of completion and delivery.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Management specifically analyzes the aging of accounts receivable and historical bad debts, write-offs, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends, and changes in our customer payment patterns when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable.
Valuation of Goodwill
Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of the identifiable net assets from the businesses that we acquire. In accordance with the relevant FASB accounting guidance, goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or on an interim basis if an event occurred or circumstances change that would indicate that fair value of a reporting unit decreased below its carrying value. Potential impairment indicators include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, customer retention and the sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business. The Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units was less than its carrying amount. If after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we would perform the two-step quantitative impairment testing described further below.
The aforementioned two-step quantitative testing process involves comparing the reporting unit carrying values to their respective fair values; we determine fair value of our reporting units by applying the discounted cash flow method using the present value of future estimated net cash flows. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then no further testing is required. However, if a reporting unit’s fair value were to be less than its carrying value, we would then determine the amount of the impairment charge, if any, which would be the amount that the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeded its implied value. We perform our annual goodwill impairment evaluation and testing as of September 30 each year. In 2017 the goodwill residing in the Broker Systems reporting unit, was evaluated for impairment based on an assessment of certain qualitative factors, and was determined not to have been impaired. In 2017 the goodwill residing in the Exchange reporting unit, the RCS reporting unit, and the Carrier reporting unit were evaluated for impairment using step-one of the quantitative testing process described above. The fair value of all three of these reporting units were found to be greater than their carrying value, and thusly there was no need to proceed to step-two, as there was no impairment indicated. In specific regards to the Risk Compliance Solutions reporting unit, its assessed fair value was $158.0 million which was $42.4 million or 36.7% in excess of its $115.6 million carrying value. Key assumptions used in the fair value determination were annual revenue growth rates of 7.5% to 12.5% and discount rate of 16%. As of September 30, 2017 there was $78.2 million of goodwill assigned to the RCS reporting unit. A significant reduction in future revenues for the RCS reporting unit would negatively affect the fair value determination for this unit and may result in an impairment to goodwill and a corresponding charge against earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we had no impairment of any our reporting unit goodwill balances.
Projections of cash flows are based on our views of revenue growth rates, operating costs, anticipated future economic conditions, the appropriate discount rates relative to risk, and estimates of residual values and terminal values. We believe that our estimates are consistent with assumptions that marketplace participants would use in their estimates of fair value. The use of different estimates or assumptions for our projected discounted cash flows (e.g., revenue growth rates, future economic conditions, discount rates, and estimates of terminal values) when determining the fair value of our reporting units could result in different
values and may result in a goodwill impairment charge. As a practice, the Company closely monitors any reporting units that do not have a significantly higher fair value in excess of their carrying value.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB accounting guidance on the accounting and disclosure of income taxes, which involves estimating the Company’s current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We then assess the likelihood that our net deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled, and, to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted, substantially changing the U.S. tax system and affecting the Company in a number of ways. Notably, the TCJA: establishes a flat corporate income tax rate of 21.0% on U.S. earnings; imposes a one-time tax on unremitted cumulative non-U.S. earnings of foreign subsidiaries (“Transition Tax”);imposes a new minimum tax on certain non-U.S. earnings, irrespective of the territorial system of taxation, and generally allows for the repatriation of future earnings of foreign subsidiaries without incurring additional U.S. taxes by transitioning to a territorial system of taxation; subjects certain payments made by a U.S. company to a related foreign company to certain minimum taxes (Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax); eliminates certain prior tax incentives for manufacturing in the United States and creates an incentive for U.S. companies to sell, lease or license goods and services abroad by allowing for a reduction in taxes owed on earnings related to such sales; allows the cost of investments in certain depreciable assets acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 to be immediately expensed; and reduces deductions with respect to certain compensation paid to specified executive officers.
While the changes from the TCJA are generally effective beginning in 2018, U.S. GAAP accounting for income taxes requires the effect of a change in tax laws or rates to be recognized in income from continuing operations for the period that includes the enactment date. Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of the TCJA, the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB No. 118”) allowed the Company to record provisional amounts in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017. Where reasonable estimates can be made, the provisional accounting should be based on such estimates. When no reasonable estimate can be made, the provisional accounting may be based on the tax law in effect before the TCJA. The Company is required to complete its tax accounting for the TCJA within a one-year period when it has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information to complete the income tax accounting. Due to insufficient guidance, as well as the availability of information to accurately analyze the impact of the TCJA, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects, as described in Note 8, and in other cases we have not been able to make a reasonable estimate and continue to account for those items based on our existing accounting under FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment.
The Company does not recognize a deferred U.S. tax liability and associated income tax expense for the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries, which are considered indefinitely invested because those foreign earnings will remain permanently reinvested in those subsidiaries to fund ongoing operations and growth.
The Company follows the provisions of FASB accounting guidance on accounting for uncertain income tax positions. This guidance clarified the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The guidance utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Recognition (“Step 1”) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (“Step 2”) is only addressed if Step 1 has been satisfied. Under Step 2, the tax benefit is measured at the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon final settlement. As used in this context, the term “more likely than not” is interpreted to mean that the likelihood of occurrence is greater than 50%.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for the Company's main foreign subsidiaries in India, Dubai and Singapore is the U.S. dollar because the intellectual property research and development activities provided by its Singapore and Dubai subsidiaries, and the product development and information technology enabled services activities for the insurance industry provided by its India subsidiary, both in support of Ebix's operating divisions across the world, are transacted in U.S. dollars.
The functional currency of the Company's other foreign subsidiaries is the local currency of the country in which the subsidiary operates. The assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the period. Gains
and losses resulting from translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses that are derived from transactions denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary's functional currency are included in the determination of net income.
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited):
The following is the unaudited quarterly financial information for 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Item 7A.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is subject to certain market risks, including foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company’s exposure to foreign currency exchange rates risk is related to our foreign-based operations where transactions are denominated in foreign currencies and are subject to market risk with respect to fluctuations in the relative value of those currencies. A majority of the Company’s operations are based in the U.S., furthermore the functional currencies in our main India and Singapore offices is the U.S. dollar, and accordingly, a large portion of our business transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, the Company has operations in Australia, India, New Zealand, Great Britain, Canada, Brazil, Dubai, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, and United Arab Emirates where we conduct transactions in the local currencies of each of these locations. There can be no assurance that fluctuations in the value of those foreign currencies will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results, revenues or financial condition. During the years of 2017 and 2016 the net change in the cumulative foreign currency translation account, which is a component of stockholders’ equity, was an unrealized gain (loss) of $9.7 million, and $(3.4) million, respectively. The Company considered the historical trends in currency exchange rates and determined that it was reasonably possible that adverse changes in our respective foreign currency exchange rates of 20% could possibly be experienced in the near term future. Such an adverse change in currency exchange rates would have resulted in a reduction to pre-tax income of approximately $7.5 million and $4.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates to its interest expense on outstanding debt obligations and to its interest income on existing cash balances. As of December 31, 2017 the Company had $400.3 million of outstanding debt obligations, which consisted of a $125.8 million balance on our commercial banking term loan and $274.5 million balance on our commercial banking revolving line of credit. The Company’s revolving line of credit bears interest at the rate of LIBOR + 2.25%, and stood at 4.125% at December 31, 2017. The Company is exposed to market risk in relation to this line of credit and secured term loan in regards to the potential increase to interest expense arising from adverse changes in the LIBOR interest rates. This interest rate risk is estimated as the potential decrease in earnings resulting from a hypothetical 30% increase in the LIBOR rate. Such an adverse change in the LIBOR rate would have resulted in a reduction to pre-tax income of approximately $1.4 million and $682 thousand for the years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company’s average cash balances and short term investments during 2017 were $102.7 million and its existing cash balances as of December 31, 2017 was $63.9 million and short term investments was $25.6 million. The Company is exposed to market risk in relation to these cash balances in regards to the potential loss of interest income arising from adverse changes in interest rates. This interest rate risk is estimated as the potential decrease in earnings resulting from a hypothetical 20% decrease in interest rates earned on deposited funds. Such an adverse change in these interest rates would have resulted in a reduction to pre-tax income of approximately $478 thousand and $370 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Item 8.
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See also the “Quarterly Financial Information” included under “Item 7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ebix, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ebix, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and related notes and accompanying financial statements listed in the index at item 15 (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 1, 2018, expressed an adverse opinion.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Cherry Bekaert LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2008.
Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, 2018
Ebix, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Ebix, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Ebix, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Ebix, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements Stockholders’ Equity
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Ebix, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Ebix, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental schedule of noncash financing activities:
During 2017 there were 6,134 shares, totaling $398 thousand, used to satisfy exercise costs and the recipients' income tax obligations related to stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting.
During 2016 there were 17,185 shares, totaling $998 thousand, used to satisfy exercise costs and the recipients' income tax obligations related to stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting.
As of December 31, 2016 there were 109,475 shares totaling $6.4 million of share repurchases that were not settled until January 2017.
As of December 31, 2015 there were 25,000 shares totaling $820 thousand of share repurchases that were not settled until January 2016.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Ebix, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business- Ebix, Inc., and its subsidiaries, (“Ebix” or the “Company”) is a leading international supplier of on-demand infrastructure Exchanges to the insurance, financial, and healthcare industries. In the Insurance sector, the Company’s main focus is to develop and deploy a wide variety of insurance and reinsurance exchanges on an on-demand basis, while also providing SaaS enterprise solutions in the area of CRM, front-end & back-end systems, outsourced administrative and risk compliance. The Company's products feature fully customizable and scalable on-demand software designed to streamline the way insurance professionals manage distribution, marketing, sales, customer service, and accounting activities. With a "Phygital” strategy that combines physical distribution outlets in many ASEAN countries to a Omni-channel online digital platform, the Company’s EbixCash Financial exchange portfolio encompasses leadership in areas of domestic & international money remittance, travel, pre-paid & gift cards, utility payments, etc., in an emerging country like India. EbixCash through its travel portal Via.com is also one of South East Asia’s leading travel exchanges with distribution outlets and corporate clients processing millions of transactions every year. The Company has its headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia and also conducts operating activities in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, Brazil, Philippines, Indonesia, and United Arab Emirates. International revenue accounted for 41.8%, 28.4%, and 22.7% of the Company’s total revenue in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
The Company’s revenues are derived from four product/service groups. Presented in the table below is the breakout of our revenue streams for each of those product/service groups for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015.
The Company is continuing to evaluate the classification of the 2017 acquisitions that collectively make up the EbixCash Financial Exchanges, refer to Part I, Item I Business. Currently they are reported under Exchange channel, but is subject to change based on the conclusions of our evaluations.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ebix and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The effect of inter-company balances and transactions has been eliminated.
Use of Estimates-The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during those reporting periods. Management has made material estimates primarily with respect to revenue recognition and deferred revenue, accounts receivable, acquired intangible assets, annual impairment reviews of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, investments, contingent earnout liabilities in connection with business acquisitions, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results may be materially different from those estimates.
Reclassification-As part of the Wdev acquisition $2.9 million of the upfront cash consideration is being held in an escrow account for the thirty-eight month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual net revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix. This amount which was previously reported in "Restricted Cash" on our December 31, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheets, is now being reported in "Other Assets" line in the long term asset section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016 there was $14.4 million of restricted fiduciary funds associated with the EbixHealth JV that pertain to un-remitted insurance premiums and claim funds established for the benefit of various carriers which are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed. This amount which was previously reported in "Restricted Cash" on our December 31, 2016
condensed consolidated balance sheets, is now being reported in "Fiduciary funds restricted" line in the short term asset section of the condensed consolidated balance sheets
Segment Reporting-Since the Company, from the perspective of its chief operating decision maker, allocates resources and evaluates business performance as a single entity that provides software and related services to various industries on a worldwide basis, the Company reports as a single segment. The applicable enterprise-wide disclosures are included in Note 14.
Cash and Cash Equivalents-The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Such investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company does maintain cash balances in banking institutions in excess of federally insured amounts and therefore is exposed to the related potential credit risk associated with such cash deposits.
Short-term Investments-The Company’s primary short-term investments consist of certificates of deposits with established commercial banking institutions in India that have readily determinable fair values. Ebix accounts for such investments that are reasonably expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed during the year as short-term investments that are available-for-sale. The carrying amount of investments in marketable securities approximates their fair value. The carrying value of our short-term investments was $25.59 million and $3.11 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Restricted Cash-As part of Ebix entering into a joint venture with India-based Essel Group, while acquiring an 80% stake in ItzCash $4.0 million of the possible future contingent earn-out payments is being held in escrow accounts for the twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual gross revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix. The carrying value of our restricted cash was $4.0 million and zero at December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.
Fiduciary Funds - Restricted-Due to the EbixHealth JV being a third party administrator (“TPA”), the Company collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its fees, remits these premiums to insurance companies. Unremitted insurance premiums and/or claim funds established for the benefit of various carriers are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed by the Company. The use of premiums collected from insureds but not yet remitted to insurance companies is restricted by law in certain states. The total assets held on behalf of others, $8.0 million, are recorded as an asset and offsetting fiduciary funds - restricted liability.
Fair Value Measurements-The Company follows the relevant GAAP guidance regarding the determination and measurement of the fair value of assets/liabilities in which fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction valuation hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance describes the following three levels of inputs that may be used in the methodology to measure fair value:
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Level 1 - Quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date;
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Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date; and,
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Level 3 - Unobservable inputs, which are to be used in situations where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability and wherein the reporting entity makes estimates and assumptions related to the pricing of the asset or liability including assumptions regarding risk.
A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company has the following financial instruments to which it had to consider fair values and had to make fair assessments:
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Short-term investments (commercial bank certificates of deposits and mutual funds), for which the fair values are measured as a Level 1 instrument.
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Contingent accrued earn-out business acquisition consideration liabilities for which fair values are measured as Level 3 instruments. These contingent consideration liabilities were recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and are remeasured periodically based on the then assessed fair value and adjusted if necessary. The increases or decreases in the fair value of contingent consideration payable can result from changes in anticipated revenue levels or changes in assumed discount periods and rates. As the fair value measure is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, they are categorized as Level 3.
Other financial instruments not measured at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 but which require disclosure of their fair values include: cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, accrued payroll and related benefits, capital lease obligations, and debt under the credit facility with Regions Bank. The estimated fair value of such instruments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 reasonably approximates their carrying value as reported on the consolidated balance sheets.
Additional information regarding the Company's assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented in the following tables:
For the Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), the following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for each category therein, and gains or losses recognized during the year.
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's contingent consideration liabilities designated as Level 3 are as follows:
Sensitivity to Changes in Significant Unobservable Inputs
As presented in the table above, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of contingent consideration related to business acquisitions are forecasts of expected future annual revenues as developed by the Company's management and the probability of achievement of those revenue forecasts. The discount rate used in these calculations is 13.5%. Significant increases (decreases) in these unobservable inputs in isolation would likely result in a significantly (lower) higher fair value measurement.
Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue-The Company derives its revenues primarily from professional and support services, which includes revenue generated from subscription and transaction fees pertaining to services delivered over our exchanges or from our application service provider (“ASP”) platforms, software development projects and associated fees for consulting, implementation, training, and project management provided to customers using our systems, and risk compliance solutions ("RCS"). Sales and value-added taxes are not included in revenues, but rather are recorded as a liability until the taxes assessed are remitted to the respective taxing authorities.
The Company follows the relevant technical accounting guidance regarding revenue recognition as issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The Company considers revenue earned and realizable when: (a) persuasive evidence of the sales arrangement exists, (b) the arrangement fee is fixed or determinable, (c) service delivery or performance has occurred, (d) customer acceptance has been received or is reasonably assured, if contractually required, and (e) collectability of the arrangement fee is probable. The Company typically uses signed contractual agreements, purchase orders, or statements of work as persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement. We apply the provisions of the relevant FASB accounting pronouncements related to all transactions involving the license of software where the software deliverables are considered more than inconsequential to the other elements in the arrangement. For contracts that contain multiple deliverables, we analyze the revenue arrangements in accordance with the appropriate authoritative guidance, which provides criteria governing how to determine whether goods or services that are delivered separately in a bundled sales arrangement should be considered as separate units of accounting for the purpose of revenue recognition. Deliverables are accounted for separately if they meet all of the following criteria: a) the delivered item has value to the customer on a stand-alone basis; b) there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value for all arrangement deliverables; and c) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered items, the delivery or performance of the undelivered items is probable and substantially controlled by the Company. Under the relevant accounting guidance, when multiple-deliverables included in an arrangement are to be separated into different units of accounting, the arrangement consideration is allocated to the identified separate units of accounting based on their relative fair values. We determine the relative selling price for a deliverable based on vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (“VSOE”), if available, or third-party evidence ("TPE") in the alternative if available, or finally our best estimate of selling price (“BESP”), if VSOE or TPE is not available.
The Company begins to recognize revenue from license fees for its exchange (SAAS) and ASP products upon granting customer access to the respective processing platform. Transaction services fee revenue for this use of our exchanges or ASP platforms is recognized as the transactions occur and is generally billed in arrears. Revenues from RCS arrangements, which include data entry and call center services, and insurance certificate creation and tracking services, are recognized as the services are performed. Revenues from RCS consulting arrangements are recognized as the services are delivered on a time and materials basis. Service fees for hosting arrangements are recognized over the requisite service period. Revenue derived from the licensing of third party software products in connection with sales of the Company’s software licenses is recognized upon delivery together with the Company’s licensed software products. Fees for training, data conversion, installation, and consulting services fees are recognized as revenue when the services are performed. Revenues for maintenance and support services are recognized ratably over the term of the support agreement.
Software development arrangements involving significant customization, modification or production are accounted for in accordance with the appropriate technical accounting guidance issued by the FASB using the percentage-of-completion method. The Company recognizes revenue using periodic reported actual hours worked as a percentage of total expected hours required to complete the project arrangement and applies the percentage to the total arrangement fee.
Financial exchange revenue consists largely of transaction-based fees and fees from corporate and retail gift vouchers. The transaction-based fees are primarily based on a percentage of payment value processed for solutions such as retail and corporate payments, domestic money transfers, and general purpose reloadable cards. Transaction-based fees are recognized at the completion of the transaction. Gift voucher revenue is recognized at full purchase value at time of sale with the corresponding cost of vouchers recorded under direct expenses.
Deferred revenue includes payments or billings that have been received or made prior to performance and, in certain cases, cash collections and primarily pertain to maintenance and support fees, initial setup or registration fees under hosting agreements, software license fees received in advance of delivery and acceptance, and software development fees paid in advance of completion and delivery. Approximately $5.2 million and $6.0 million of deferred revenue were included in billed accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable-Reported accounts receivable as of December 31, 2017 include $94.5 million of trade receivables stated at invoice billed amounts and $23.3 million of unbilled receivables (net of a $4.1 million estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable). Reported accounts receivable at December 31, 2016 include $51.8 million of trade receivables stated at invoice billed amounts and $10.9 million of unbilled receivables (net of a $2.8 million estimated allowance for doubtful accounts receivable). The unbilled receivables pertain to certain professional service engagements and system development projects for which the timing of billing is tied to contractual milestones. The Company is continuing to evaluate the 2017 acquisitions that collectively make up the EbixCash Financial Exchanges, refer to Part I, Item I Business, and their impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company adheres to such contractually stated performance milestones and accordingly issues invoices to customers as per contract billing schedules. Accounts receivable are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable when the Company has exhausted all reasonable collection efforts. Management specifically analyzes the aging of accounts receivable and historical bad debts, write-offs, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends, and changes in our customer payment patterns when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable. Bad debt expense was $1.7 million, $1.5 million, and $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Costs of Services Provided-Costs of services provided consist of data processing costs, customer support costs including personnel costs to maintain our proprietary databases, costs to provide customer call center support, hardware and software expense associated with transaction processing systems and exchanges, telecommunication and computer network expense, and occupancy costs associated with facilities where these functions are performed. Depreciation expense is not included in costs of services provided.
Capitalized Software Development Costs-In accordance with the relevant FASB accounting guidance regarding the development of software to be sold, leased, or marketed, the Company expenses such costs as they are incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at and after which time those costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to customers. Costs incurred to enhance our software products, after general market release of the services using the products, is expensed in the period they are incurred. The periodic expense for the amortization of previously capitalized software development costs is included in costs of services provided.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets-Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of the identifiable net assets from the businesses that we acquire. In accordance with the relevant FASB accounting guidance, goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or on an interim basis if an event occurred or circumstances change that would indicate that fair value of a reporting unit decreased below its carrying value. Potential impairment indicators include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, customer retention and the sale or disposition of a significant portion of the business. The Company applies the technical accounting guidance
concerning goodwill impairment evaluation whereby the Company first assesses certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances would indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units was less than its carrying amount. If after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, we were to determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we would perform the two-step quantitative impairment testing described further below.
The aforementioned two-step quantitative testing process involves comparing the reporting unit carrying values to their respective fair values; we determine fair value of our reporting units by applying the discounted cash flow method using the present value of future estimated net cash flows. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then no further testing is required. However, if a reporting unit’s fair value were to be less than its carrying value, we would then determine the amount of the impairment charge, if any, which would be the amount that the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeded its implied value. We perform our annual goodwill impairment evaluation and testing as of September 30 each year. In 2017 the goodwill residing in the Broker Systems reporting unit, was evaluated for impairment based on an assessment of certain qualitative
factors, and was determined not to have been impaired. In 2017 the goodwill residing in the Exchange reporting unit, the RCS reporting unit, and the Carrier reporting unit were evaluated for impairment using step-one of the quantitative testing process described above. The fair value of both of these reporting units were found to be greater than their carrying value, and thusly there was no need to proceed to step-two, as there was no impairment indicated. In specific regards to the Risk Compliance Solutions reporting unit, its assessed fair value was $158.0 million which was $42.4 million or 36.7% in excess of its $115.6 million carrying value. Key assumptions used in the fair value determination were annual revenue growth rates of 7.5% to 12.5% and discount rate of 16%. As of September 30, 2017 there was $78.2 million of goodwill assigned to the RCS reporting unit. A significant reduction in future revenues for the RCS reporting unit would negatively affect the fair value determination for this unit and may result in an impairment to goodwill and a corresponding charge against earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we had no impairment of any our reporting unit goodwill balances.
Projections of cash flows are based on our views of revenue growth rates, operating costs, anticipated future economic conditions, the appropriate discount rates relative to risk, and estimates of residual values and terminal values. We believe that our estimates are consistent with assumptions that marketplace participants would use in their estimates of fair value. The use of different estimates or assumptions for our projected discounted cash flows (e.g., revenue growth rates, future economic conditions, discount rates, and estimates of terminal values) when determining the fair value of our reporting units could result in different values and may result in a goodwill impairment charge. As a practice, the Company closely monitors any reporting units that do not have a significantly higher fair value in excess of their carrying value.
The following table summarizes the adjustments to goodwill, recorded in connection with the acquisitions, that occurred during 2017 and 2016:
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
The Company’s indefinite-lived assets are associated with the estimated fair value of the contractual customer relationships existing with the property and casualty insurance carriers in Australia using our property and casualty ("P&C") data exchange and with certain large corporate customers using our client relationship management (“CRM”) platform in the United States. Prior to these underlying business acquisitions Ebix had pre-existing contractual relationships with these carriers and corporate clients. The contracts are renewable at little or no cost, and Ebix intends to continue to renew these contracts indefinitely and has the ability to do so. The proprietary technology supporting the P&C data exchange and CRM platform that is used to deliver services to these carriers and corporate clients, cannot feasibly be effectively replaced in the foreseeable future, and accordingly the cash flows forthcoming from these customers are expected to continue indefinitely. With respect to the determination of the indefinite life, the Company considered the expected use of these intangible assets, historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements, and the effects of competition, and concluded that there were no indications from these factors to suggest that the expected useful life of these customer relationships would be finite. The Company concluded that no legal, regulatory, contractual, or competitive factors limited the useful life of these intangible assets and therefore their life was considered to be indefinite, and accordingly the Company expects these customer relationships to remain the same for the foreseeable future.
Additionally based on the final purchase price allocation valuation report of the EbixHealth JV, See Note 3 and 17 for further explanations, it was concluded that the value of the indefinite-lived intangibles identified as indefinite-lived customer relationships to be $11.2 million. The EbixHealth JV is a full-service third-party administrator (“TPA”) that specializes in the management, administration, and distribution of health benefit plans. Services include marketing support, underwriting, billing, claims processing, and cost containment such as utilization review and medical case management for fully-insured, self-funded and partially self-funded benefit plans, as well as international groups and individuals. As a TPA, the Company collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its fees, remits these premiums to insurance companies. Unremitted insurance premiums and/or claim funds established for the benefit of various carriers are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed by the Company. The Company administers and collects the insurance premiums for the products of three affiliated insurance carriers which is part of the consolidated company IHC Health Holdings Corporation ("IHC") a 49% shareholder of the EbixHealth JV. The administrative agreements with the three affiliates accounted for approximately 83% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017. IHC is therefore considered a major customer of the EbixHealth JV and therefore considered indefinite-lived. The churn expected for indefinite-lived customers is assumed at 0%. The fair values of these indefinite-lived intangible assets were based on the analysis of discounted cash flow (“DCF”) models extended out fifteen years with a terminal value. In that indefinite-lived does not imply an infinite life, but rather means that the subject customer relationships are expected to extend beyond the foreseeable time horizon, we utilized fifteen year DCF projections with a terminal value, as the valuation models that were applied consider this time frame to be an indefinite period. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment annually. We perform our annual impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets as of September 30th of each year. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we had no impairments to the recorded balances of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. We perform the impairment test for our indefinite-lived intangible assets by comparing the asset’s fair value to its carrying value. An impairment charge is recognized if the asset’s estimated fair value is less than its carrying value.
Purchased Intangible Assets-Purchased intangible assets represent the estimated fair value of acquired intangible assets from the businesses that we acquire in the U.S. and foreign countries in which we operate. These purchased intangible assets include customer relationships, developed technology, informational databases, and trademarks. We amortize these intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, as follows:
Intangible assets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, are as follows:
Income Taxes- The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes pursuant to the pertinent guidance issued by the FASB. Deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities, and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards, and their financial reporting amounts at each period end using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. In assessing the realizability of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance is recorded, if necessary, for the portion of the deferred tax assets that are not expected to be realized based on the levels of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the temporary differences will be deductible.
The Company follows the provisions of FASB accounting guidance on accounting for uncertain income tax positions. The guidance utilizes a two-step approach for evaluating tax positions. Recognition (“Step 1”) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (“Step 2”) is only addressed if Step 1 has been satisfied. Under Step 2, the tax benefit is measured at the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon final settlement. As used in this context, the term “more likely than not” is interpreted to mean that the likelihood of occurrence is greater than 50%.
While the changes from the TCJA are generally effective beginning in 2018, U.S. GAAP accounting for income taxes requires the effect of a change in tax laws or rates to be recognized in income from continuing operations for the period that includes the enactment date. Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of the TCJA, the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB No. 118”) allowed the Company to record provisional amounts in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017. Where reasonable estimates can be made, the provisional accounting should be based on such estimates. When no reasonable estimate can be made, the provisional accounting may be based on the tax law in effect before the TCJA. The Company is required to complete its tax accounting for the TCJA within a one-year period when it has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information to complete the income tax accounting. Due to insufficient guidance, as well as the availability of information to accurately analyze the impact of the TCJA, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects, as described in Note 8, and in other cases we have not been able to make a reasonable estimate and continue to account for those items based on our existing accounting under FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment.
On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions that affected us, including a one-time mandatory transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings and a reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, among others. We are required to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment, such as determining the transition tax, re-measuring our U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as reassessing the net realizability of our deferred tax assets and liabilities. In December 2017,
the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (SAB 118), which allows us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year of the enactment date. The Company is required to complete its tax accounting for the TCJA within a one-year period when it has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information to complete the income tax accounting. Due to insufficient guidance, as well as the availability of information to accurately analyze the impact of the TCJA, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects, as described in Note 8, and in other cases we have not been able to make a reasonable estimate and continue to account for those items based on our existing accounting under FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment.
Foreign Currency Translation-The functional currency for the Company's main foreign subsidiaries in India, Singapore and Dubai is the U.S. dollar because the intellectual property research and development activities provided by its Singapore and Dubai subsidiaries, and the product development and information technology enabled services activities for the insurance industry provided by its India subsidiary, both in support of Ebix's operating divisions across the world, are transacted in U.S. dollars.
The functional currency of the Company's other foreign subsidiaries is the local currency of the country in which the subsidiary operates. The assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the period. Gains and losses resulting from translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses that are derived from transactions denominated in a currency other than the subsidiary's functional currency are included in the determination of net income.
Advertising-With the exception of certain direct-response costs in connection with our business services of providing medical continuing education to physicians, dentists and healthcare professionals, advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs amounted to $6.1 million, $6.2 million, and $4.0 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are included in sales and marketing expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. In 2017 and 2016 reported sales and marketing expenses included $3.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of amortization of certain direct-response advertising costs associated with our medical education services, which have been capitalized in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 340. These costs are being amortized to advertising expense over periods ranging from twelve to twenty-four months based on the type of product the customer purchased. Deferred advertising costs amounted to $1.9 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are included in other current assets and other assets on the consolidated balance sheet.
Sales Commissions -Certain sales commission paid with respect to subscription-based revenues are deferred and subsequently amortized into operating expenses ratably over the term of the related customer subscription contracts. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, $574 thousand and $612 thousand, respectively, of sales commissions were deferred and included in other current assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company amortized $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively, of previously deferred sales commissions and included this expense in sales and marketing costs on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Property and Equipment-Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the assets estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the expected life of the improvements or the remaining lease term. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred and major improvements that extend the life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over the expected remaining life of the related asset. Gains and losses resulting from sales or retirements are recorded as incurred, at which time related costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the Company’s accounts. Fixed assets acquired in acquisitions are recorded at fair value. The estimated useful lives applied by the Company for property and equipment are as follows:
Recent Relevant Accounting Pronouncements-The following is a brief discussion of recently released accounting pronouncements that are pertinent to the Company's business:
In January 2017 the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the FASB eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities). Instead, under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. A public business entity filer should adopt the amendments in this ASU for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet.
In January 2017 the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the Definition of a Business" which amended the existing FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The standard provides additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting, including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. ASU 2017-01 is effective for fiscal 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet
In November 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 230) Restricted Cash" amends ASC 230 to add or clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this Update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this Update should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented.
In October 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory". Current GAAP prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This prohibition on recognition is an exception to the principle of comprehensive recognition of current and deferred income taxes in GAAP. The amendments specified by ASU 2016-16 require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendments eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. Two common examples of assets included in the scope of the amendments are intellectual property, and property, plant and equipment. The amendments do not include new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure requirements might be applicable when accounting for the current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The amendments align the recognition of income tax consequences for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory with International Financial Reporting Standards. IAS 12, Income Taxes, requires recognition of current and deferred income taxes resulting from an intra-entity transfer of any asset (including inventory) when the transfer occurs. The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for all entities in the first interim period if an entity issues interim financial statements. The amendments should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet.
In August 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This ASU addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; distributions received from equity method investees; debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies and bank-owned life insurance policies; and beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and also addresses separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities, including both business entities and not-for-profit entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The amendments should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the ASU for those issuers would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company has yet to assess the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on Ebix's consolidated income statement and balance sheet.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-07 "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting". The amendments affect all entities that have an investment that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The amendments eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter of 2017 did not impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)”. This amendment simplifies the requirements for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. The adoption of this ASU in the first quarter of 2017 did not impact our consolidated financial position, cash flows or resulting tax expense.
In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)". This new accounting guidance is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU affects all companies and other organizations that lease assets such as real estate, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment. The ASU will require organizations that lease assets referred to as “Lessees” to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. An organization is to provide disclosures designed to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements concerning additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than twelve months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet the new ASU will require both types of leases (i.e., operating and capital) to be recognized on the balance sheet. The FASB lessee accounting model will continue to account for both types of leases. The capital lease will be accounted for in substantially the same manner as capital leases are accounted for under existing GAAP. For operating leases there will have to be the recognition of a lease liability and a lease asset for all such leases greater than one year in term. The leasing standard will be effective for calendar year-end public companies beginning after December 15, 2018. Public companies will be required to adopt the new leasing standard for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for all companies and organizations. For calendar year-end public companies, this means an adoption date of January 1, 2019 and retrospective application to previously issued annual and interim financial statements for 2018 and 2017. Lessees with a large portfolio of leases are likely to see a significant increase in balance sheet assets and liabilities. See Note 6 for the Company’s current lease commitments. The Company is evaluating the impact that this new leasing ASU will have on its financial statements.
In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers". ASU 2014-09 affects any entity using U.S. GAAP that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards (e.g., insurance contracts or lease contracts). This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. In addition, the existing requirements for the recognition of a gain or loss on the transfer of nonfinancial assets that are not in a contract with a customer (e.g., assets within the scope of Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment, and intangible assets within the scope of Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other) are amended to be consistent with the guidance on recognition and measurement (including the constraint on revenue) in this ASU.
The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps:
Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer.
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 3: Determine the transaction price.
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract.
Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
For a public entity, the amendments in this ASU are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted.
An entity should apply the amendments in this ASU using one of the following two methods:
1. Retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented and the entity may elect any of the following practical expedients:
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For completed contracts, an entity need not restate contracts that begin and end within the same annual reporting period.
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For completed contracts that have variable consideration, an entity may use the transaction price at the date the contract was completed rather than estimating variable consideration amounts in the comparative reporting periods.
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For all reporting periods presented before the date of initial application, an entity need not disclose the amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations and an explanation of when the entity expects to recognize that amount as revenue.
2. Retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this ASU recognized at the date of initial application. If an entity elects this transition method it also should provide the additional disclosures in reporting periods that include the date of initial application of:
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The amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period by the application of this ASU as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change.
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An explanation of the reasons for significant changes.
Subsequently, in August 2015 the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of Effective Date", to defer the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Accordingly public business entities should apply the guidance of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that annual reporting period.
The effective date and transition of these amendments (the "New Revenue Standard") is the same as the effective date and transition of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Public entities should apply the amendments in ASU 2014-09 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). While the Company is finalizing its evaluation of the full impact of the New Revenue
Standard and related amendments on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, the Company has assessed certain changes as a result of adopting the standard:
•The incremental costs to obtain contracts with customers, such as sales commissions, will be deferred and recognized over the expected period of benefit, rather than expensed as incurred. Additionally, that change will increase the Company's prepaid expense assets as compared to its current policy. However, that change could increase or decrease the Company's sales and marketing expenses as compared to the Company's current policy depending on the relative amounts of amortization of deferred commissions as compared to actual commission obligations arising in that period.
•Revenue from certain services associated with programming, setup, and implementation activities related to our SaaS offerings, that previously had standalone value and was recognized as work is performed, will need to be deferred and recognized over the expected useful life of the services. This change will increase the company’s deferred revenue liability as compared to its current policy. However, this change could increase or decrease the Company’s revenue as compared to the Company’s current policy depending on the relative amounts, in a period, of amortization of deferred revenue as compared to the amount now being deferred.
•Certain costs associated with providing services associated with programming, setup, and implementation will be deferred and recognized over the expected useful life of the services, rather than expensed as incurred. Additionally, that change will increase the Company's prepaid expense assets as compared to its current policy. However, that change could increase or decrease the Company's product development expenses as compared to the Company's current policy depending on the relative amounts of amortization of deferred development expenses as compared to the amount now being deferred.
The Company is adopting this New Revenue Standard, as well as other clarifications and technical guidance issued by the FASB related to this New Revenue Standard, on January 1, 2018, and the Company will apply the modified retrospective transition method. This will result in an adjustment to retained earnings for the cumulative effect, if any, of applying this New Revenue Standard to contracts in process as of the adoption date. Under this method, the Company would not restate the prior consolidated financial statements presented. However, the Company will include additional disclosures of the amount by which each financial statement line item is affected in the current reporting period during 2018, as compared to the guidance that was in effect before the change, and an explanation of the reasons for significant changes, if any.
In March 2016 the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)". The amendments relate to when another party, along with the Company, is involved in providing a good or service to a customer. Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers requires an entity to determine whether the nature of its promise is to provide that good or service to the customer (i.e., the entity is a principal) or to arrange for the good or service to be provided to the customer by the other party (i.e., the entity is an agent). The amendments are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations by clarifying the following:
>An entity determines whether it is a principal or an agent for each specified good or service promised to a customer.
> An entity determines the nature of each specified good or service (e.g., whether it is a good, service, or a right to a good or service).
> When another entity is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity that is a principal obtains control of: (a) a good or another asset from the other party that it then transfers to the customer; (b) a right to a service that will be performed by another party, which gives the entity the ability to direct that party to provide the service to the customer on the entity’s behalf; or (c) a good or service from the other party that it combines with other goods or services to provide the specified good or service to the customer.
> The purpose of the indicators in paragraph 606-10-55-39 is to support or assist in the assessment of control. The amendments in paragraph 606-10-55-39A clarify that the indicators may be more or less relevant to the control assessment and that one or more indicators may be more or less persuasive to the control assessment, depending on the facts and circumstances.
The effective date and transition of this amendment is the same as the effective date and transition of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Public entities should apply the amendments in ASU 2014-09 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). We are continuing to evaluate the potential impact of ASU 2016-08; however, the Company does not expect it to have any material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Under legacy US GAAP 340-20, direct response advertising was eligible for capitalization if certain conditions were met. Effective January 1, 2018 Subtopic 340-40 replaces that guidance to require the costs of direct-response advertising to be expensed as they are incurred or the first time the advertising takes place. An entity shall recognize a cumulative effective change to opening retained earnings in the year of adoption of the standard. The Company will be making a one time $1.9M adjustment to retained earnings on January 1, 2018 and expensing all future costs from this date forward.
In a related technical accounting pronouncement in April 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”, which is an amendment to ASU 2014-09. This amendment provides clarification on two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606. Public entities should apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein (i.e., January 1, 2018, for a calendar year entity). Early application for public entities is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The effective date for nonpublic entities is deferred by one year. A summary of this ASU is as follows:
Identifying Performance Obligations
Before an entity can identify its performance obligations in a contract with a customer, the entity first identifies the promised goods or services in the contract. The amendments add the following guidance:
1. An entity is not required to assess whether promised goods or services are performance obligations if they are immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer.
2. An entity is permitted, as an accounting policy election, to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of a good as an activity to fulfill the promise to transfer the good rather than as an additional promised service.
To identify performance obligations in a contract, an entity evaluates whether promised goods and services are distinct. The amendments improve the guidance on assessing the promises are separately identifiable criterion by:
1. Better articulating the principle for determining whether promises to transfer goods or services to a customer are separately identifiable by emphasizing that an entity determines whether the nature of its promise in the contract is to transfer each of the goods or services or whether the promise is to transfer a combined item (or items) to which the promised goods and/or services are inputs.
2. Revising the related factors and examples to align with the improved articulation of the separately identifiable principle.
Note 2. Earnings per Share
The basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), and the basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for all periods as presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income are shown below:
Basic EPS is equal to net income attributable to Ebix, Inc divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS takes into consideration common stock equivalents which for the Company consist of stock options and restricted stock. With respect to stock options, diluted EPS is calculated as if the Company had additional common stock outstanding from the beginning of the year or the date of grant or issuance, net of assumed repurchased shares using the treasury stock method. Diluted EPS is equal to net income attributable to Ebix, Inc divided by the combined sum of the weighted average number of shares outstanding and common stock equivalents. At December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 there were no potentially issuable shares with respect to stock options which could dilute EPS in the future but which were excluded from the diluted EPS calculation because presently their effect is anti-dilutive. Diluted shares outstanding are determined as follows for each year ending December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015:
Note 3. Business Acquisitions
The Company’s business acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with the FASB’s accounting guidance on the accounting for business combinations. Accordingly, the consideration paid by the Company for the businesses it purchases is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Recognized goodwill pertains in part to the value of the expected synergies to be derived from combining the operations of the businesses we acquire including the value of the acquired workforce. While we use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as contingent consideration, where applicable, our estimates are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record significant adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in our consolidated statements of operations.
The Company's practice is to immediately tightly integrate all functions including infrastructure, sales and marketing, administration, product development after a business acquisition is consummated, so as to ensure that synergistic efficiencies are maximized and redundancies eliminated, and to rapidly leverage cross-selling opportunities. Furthermore the Company centralizes certain key functions such as information technology, marketing, sales, human resources, finance, and other general administrative functions after an acquisition, in order and to quickly realize cost efficiencies. By executing this integration strategy it becomes
neither practical nor feasible to accurately and separately track and disclose the earnings from the business combinations we have executed after they have been acquired.
A significant component of the purchase price consideration for many of the Company's business acquisitions is a potential future cash earnout based on reaching certain specified future revenue targets. The terms for the contingent earn-out payments in most of the Company's business acquisitions typically address the GAAP recognizable revenues achieved by the acquired entity over a one, two, and/or three year period subsequent to the effective date of their acquisition by Ebix. These terms typically establish a minimum threshold revenue target with achievement of revenues recognized over that target being awarded in the form of a specified cash earn-out payment. The Company applies these terms in its calculation and determination of the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities for purchased businesses as part of the related valuation and purchase price allocation exercise for the corresponding acquired assets and liabilities. The Company recognizes these potential obligations as contingent liabilities as reported on its Consolidated Balance Sheets. As discussed in more detail in Note 1, these contingent consideration liabilities are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and are remeasured quarterly based on the then assessed fair value and adjusted if necessary. During each of the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, these aggregate contingent accrued earn-out business acquisition consideration liabilities, were reduced by $164 thousand, $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, due to remeasurements as based on the then assessed fair value and changes in the amount and timing of anticipated future revenue levels. These reductions to the contingent accrued earn-out liabilities resulted in corresponding reduction to general and administrative expenses as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2017, the total of these contingent liabilities was $37.1 million, of which $33.1 million is reported in long-term liabilities, and $4.0 million is included in current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2016 the total of these contingent liabilities was $8.5 million of which $6.6 million was reported in long-term liabilities, and $1.9 million was included in current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
2017 Acquisitions
Via - Effective November 1, 2017 Ebix acquired Via, a recognized leader in the travel space in India and an Omni-channel online travel and assisted e-commerce exchange. Ebix acquired Via for upfront cash consideration in the amount $78.8 million plus possible future contingent payments of up to $2.3 million based on any potential claims made by tax authorities over the subsequent twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition and $2.0 million based on the receipt of refunds pertaining to certain advance tax payments and withholding taxes, both of which are included in Other current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Via acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Paul Merchants - Effective November 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of Paul Merchants, the largest international remittance service provider in India, for upfront cash consideration in the amount $37.4 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Paul Merchants acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
Wall Street - Effective October 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of Wall Street, an inward international remittance service provider in India, along with the acquisition of its subsidiary company Goldman Securities Limited for upfront cash consideration in the amount $7.4 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the Wall Street acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
YouFirst - Effective September 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of YouFirst , an inward international remittance service provider in India, for upfront cash consideration in the amount $10.2 million. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the YouFirst acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
beBetter - Effective June 1, 2017 Ebix acquired the assets of beBetter a technology enabled corporate wellness provider that provides end-to-end wellness solutions offering a variety of tools and programs, including interactive platforms, health screening, coaching, tobacco cessation, weight and stress management, health information, and numerous other products and services. Ebix acquired the assets and intellectual property of beBetter for $1.0 million plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $2.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition.
ItzCash - Effective April 1, 2017 Ebix entered into a joint venture with India-based Essel Group, while acquiring an 80% stake in ItzCash, India’s leading payment solutions exchange. ItzCash is recognized as a leader in the prepaid cards and bill payments space in India. Under the terms of the agreement, ItzCash was valued at a total enterprise value of approximately $150
million. Accordingly, Ebix acquired an 80% stake in ItzCash for $120 million including upfront cash of $76.3 million plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $44.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent thirty-six month period following the effective date of the acquisition. $4.0 million of the possible future contingent earn-out payments is being held in escrow accounts for the twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual gross revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix. The Company has determined that the fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration is $34.6 million as of December 31, 2017. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the ItzCash acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of this transaction.
2016 Acquisitions
Wdev - Effective November 1, 2016 Ebix acquired Wdev, a Brazilian company that provides IT services and software development for the Latin American insurance industry. Ebix acquired Wdev for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $10.5 million, plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $15.7 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent thirty-eight month period following the effective date of the acquisition. $2.9 million of the upfront cash consideration is being held in an escrow account for the thirty-eight month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual net revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix. The Company has determined that the fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration is $2.5 million as of December 31, 2017.
EbixHealth JV - Effective July 1, 2016 Ebix and IHC jointly executed a Call Notice agreement, whereby Ebix purchased additional common units in the EbixHealth JV from IHC constituting eleven percent (11%) of the EbixHealth JV for $2.0 million cash which resulted in Ebix holding an aggregate fifty-one percent (51%) controlling equity interest in the EbixHealth JV. Previously, effective September 1, 2015 Ebix and IHC formed a joint venture named EbixHealth JV. Ebix paid $6.0 million and contributed a license to use certain CurePet software and systems valued by the EbixHealth JV at $2.0 million, for its initial 40% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV.
Hope Health - Effective November 1, 2016 Ebix acquired the assets of Hope Health, a Michigan corporation and publisher of health and wellness continuing education products. Ebix acquired the assets and intellectual property of Hope Health for $1.72 million.
2015 Acquisitions
Via Media Health - The Company acquired Via Media Health, effective March 1, 2015. Via Media Health is one of India’s leading health content and communication companies. Ebix acquired Via Media Health for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $1.0 million, plus a possible future one time contingent earn- out payment of up to $372 thousand based on earned revenues over the subsequent twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition, and an additional possible one time future performance bonus of up to $1.0 million depending upon revenue growth realized in the business over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition. The Company accounted for this acquisition by recording $2.0 million of goodwill, $383 thousand of intangible assets pertaining to customer relationships, and $101 thousand of intangible assets pertaining to acquired technology. The Company has determined that the fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration was zero as of December 31, 2017.
PB Systems - The Company acquired PB System, effective June 1, 2015. PB Systems develops and implements software solutions for insurance clients. Ebix acquired PB Systems for upfront cash consideration in the amount of $12.4 million, plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $8.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent twenty-four month period following the effective date of the acquisition. The Company initially accounted for this acquisition by recording $6.8 million of goodwill, and $10.3 million of intangible assets pertaining to customer relationships. In the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company had disclosed that the valuation and purchase price allocation for the PB Systems acquisition was preliminary because all of the information necessary to determine the fair value of the acquired customer relationship intangible asset and fair value of the revenue-based earn-out contingent liability was still in the process of being evaluated by management and the Company's external valuation firms. This evaluation was completed during the second quarter ended June 30, 2016 and based on this the final goodwill and intangible assets pertaining to customer relationships recorded were $11.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The changes that resulted were a $(8.2) million reduction to the customer relationship intangible asset, a $(3.2) million reduction to the deferred tax liability, a $(664) thousand reduction to the revenue-based earn-out contingent liability, and a corresponding and offsetting $4.3 million increase to goodwill. The Company has determined that the fair value of the contingent earn-out consideration is zero as of December 31, 2017.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the consideration transferred, net assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as a result of the acquisitions, that were recorded during 2017 and 2016:
The following table summarizes the separately identified intangible assets acquired as a result of the acquisitions that occurred during 2017 and 2016:
Estimated aggregate future amortization expense for the intangible assets recorded as part of the business acquisitions described above and all other prior acquisitions is as follows:
The Company recorded $7.3 million, $6.8 million, and $7.2 million of amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Note 4. Pro Forma Financial Information (re: 2017 and 2016 acquisitions)
This unaudited pro forma financial information is provided for informational purposes only and does not project the Company’s results of operations for any future period.
The aggregated unaudited pro forma financial information pertains to all of the Company's acquisitions made during 2017 and 2016, which includes the acquisitions of the ItzCash, YouFirst, Wall Street, Paul Merchants,Via, the acquisition of assets of beBetter in 2017, and the acquisition of Wdev, the acquisition of assets of Hope Health, taking a controlling position in the EbixHealth JV with IHC in 2016 as presented in the table below, and is provided for informational purposes only and does not project the Company's expected results of operations for any future period. No effect has been given in this pro forma information for future synergistic benefits that may still be realized as a result of combining these companies or costs that may yet be incurred in integrating their operations. The 2017 and 2016 pro forma financial information below assumes that all such business acquisitions were made on January 1, 2016, whereas the Company's reported financial statements for 2017 only includes the operating results from the businesses since the effective date that they were acquired by Ebix, and thusly includes only nine months of ItzCash, seven months of beBetter, four months of YouFirst, three months of Wall Street, two months of Paul Merchants, and two months of Via. Similarly, the 2016 pro forma financial information below includes a full year of results for Wdev, Hope Health, and EbixHealth JV as if they had been acquired on January 1, 2016, whereas the Company's reported financial statements for the 2016 includes only two months of Wdev, two months of Hope Health, and six months of the EbixHealth JV.
In the above table, the unaudited pro forma revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $6.4 million from the unaudited pro forma revenue for 2016 of $434.2 million to $440.5 million, representing a 1.5% increase, with the change in exchange rates postively affecting reported revenues by $2.1 million. The reported revenue in the amount of $364.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $65.7 million or 22.0% from the $298.3 million of reported revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016. The cause for the difference between the 22.0% increase in reported 2017 revenue versus 2016 revenue, as compared to the 1.5% increase in 2017 pro forma versus 2016 pro forma revenue is due to the effect of combining the additional revenue derived from those businesses acquired during the years 2017 and 2016, specifically ItzCash, YouFirst, Wall Street, Paul Merchants,Via, beBetter, Wdev, Hope Health, and the EbixHealth JV with the Company's pre-existing operations. The 2017 and 2016 pro forma financial information assumes that all such business acquisitions were made on January 1, 2016, whereas the Company's reported financial statements for 2017 only includes the operating results from the businesses since the effective date that they were acquired by Ebix, and thus includes only nine months of ItzCash, seven months of beBetter, four months of YouFirst, three months of Wall Street, two months of Paul Merchants, and two months of Via.
The above pro forma analysis is based on the following premises:
•
2017 and 2016 pro forma revenue contains actual revenue of the acquired entities before acquisition date, as reported by the sellers, as well as actual revenue of the acquired entities after acquisition. Growth in revenues of the acquired entities after acquisition date is only reflected for the period after their acquisition.
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Revenue billed to existing clients from the cross selling of acquired products has been assigned to the acquired section of our business.
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Any existing products sold to new customers acquired through the acquisition customer base, has also been assigned to the acquired section of our business.
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The impact from fluctuations of the exchange rates for the foreign currencies in the countries in which we conduct operations also partially affected reported revenues. During each of the years 2017 and 2016 the change in foreign currency exchange rates increased (decreased) reported consolidated operating revenues by $2.1 million and $(3.3) million, respectively.
Note 5. Commercial Bank Financing Facility
On November 3, 2017 the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the Regions Secured Credit Facility, dated August 5, 2014, among the Company, Regions Bank as Administrative and Collateral Agent ("Regions") and certain other lenders party thereto (as amended, the "Credit Agreement") to exercise $50 million of its aggregate $100 million accordion option, increasing the total Term Loan Commitment to $175 million. $20 million of the increase was funded on November 3, 2017 and the remaining $30 million shall be disbursed upon the satisfaction of certain closing requirements set forth in the Fifth Amendment. Both such disbursements are tied to permitted acquisitions as set forth in the Fifth Amendment.
On November 3, 2017, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Fourth Amendment and Waiver (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Fourth Amendment waives certain technical defaults related to the failure to give required notice with respect to i) the existence of a subsidiary having intellectual property with an aggregate value above a stipulated amount and ii) the additional investment in a joint venture entity resulting in that entity becoming a subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of the Credit Agreement. In addition to such waiver, the Fourth Amendment also loosened the leverage ratios the Company is required to satisfy in connection with permitted acquisitions and for compliance generally.
On October 19, 2017, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Third Amendment and Waiver (the “Third Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Third Amendment waives certain technical defaults related to the Company’s making certain restricted payments in excess of those permitted under the Credit Agreement. In addition to such waiver, the Third Amendment also loosened the limitations on the restricted payment covenant under the Credit Agreement.
On June 17, 2016, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment increases the total credit facility to $400 million from the prior amount of $240 million, and expands the syndicated bank group to eleven participants by adding seven new participants which include PNC Bank, National Association BMO Harris Bank N.A., Key Bank National Association, HSBC Bank National, Cadence Bank, the Toronto-Dominion Bank (New York Branch), and Trustmark National Bank. The Credit Agreement (as defined below) now consists of a 5-year revolving credit component in the amount of $275 million, and a 5-year term loan component in the amount of $125 million, with repayments due in the amount $3.13 million due each quarter, starting September 30, 2016. The Credit Agreement also contains an accordion feature, which if exercised and approved by all credit parties, would expand the total borrowing capacity under the syndicated credit facility to $500 million. The credit facility carries a leverage-based LIBOR related interest rate, which currently stands at approximately 4.125%.
Effective October 14, 2015 the Company, in coordination with Regions as administrative agent and a joint lender, exercised the $50 million accordion feature in the Credit agreement thereby expanding the total credit facility to $240 million. As part of this credit facility expansion, TD Bank, NA ("TD") was added to the syndication group expanding the syndicated group to five bank participants, which include Regions, MUFG Union Bank N.A., Fifth Third Bank, and Silicon Valley Bank as joint lenders. TD commitment level is $25 million. The expanded credit facility will continue to be used to fund the Company's future growth and share repurchase initiatives.
On February 3, 2015, Ebix, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the First Amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The First Amendment amends the Regions Credit Facility by increasing the maximum amount by which the Aggregate Revolving Commitments may be increased by $90 million from the pre-existing limit of $50 million, increased the amount of base facility to $190 million from the pre-existing amount of $150 million, which together with the $50 million accordion feature increased the total Credit Agreement capacity amount to $240 million from the prior amount of $200 million, and added Fifth Third Bank to the syndicated group, which now includes four participants, which include Regions, MUFG Union Bank N.A., and Silicon Valley Bank as joint lenders.
At December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit with Regions was $274.5 million and the facility carried an interest rate of 4.125%. This balance is included in the long-term liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2017, the average and maximum outstanding balances on the revolving line of credit were $209.8 million and $274.5 million, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 3.69%. At December 31, 2016 the outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit was $154.0 million and the facility carried an interest rate of 2.88%.
At December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance on the term loan was $125.8 million of which $14.5 million is due within the next twelve months. This term loan also carried an interest rate of 4.125%. The current and long-term portions of the term loan are included in the respective current and long-term sections of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, the amounts of which were $14.5 million and $111.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017.
Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies
Contingencies- Following the announcement on May 1, 2013 of the Company's execution of a merger agreement with affiliates of Goldman Sachs & Co., twelve putative class action complaints challenging the proposed merger were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery. These complaints named as Defendants some combination of the Company, its directors, Goldman Sachs & Co. and affiliated entities. On June 10, 2013, the twelve complaints were consolidated by the Delaware Court of Chancery, now captioned In re Ebix, Inc. Stockholder Litigation, CA No. 8526-VCS. On June 19, 2013, the Company announced that the merger agreement had been terminated pursuant to a Termination and Settlement Agreement dated June 19, 2013. After Defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated proceeding, Plaintiffs Desert States Employers & UFCW Union Pension Plan and Gilbert C. Spagnola (collectively, “Lead Plaintiffs”) amended their operative complaint to drop their claims against Goldman Sachs & Co. and focus their allegations on an Acquisition Bonus Agreement (“ABA”) between the Company and Robin Raina. On September 26, 2013, Defendants moved to dismiss the Amended Consolidated Complaint. On July 24, 2014, the Court issued its Memorandum Opinion that granted in large part the Company’s Motion to Dismiss and narrowed the remaining claims. On September 15, 2014, the Court entered an Order implementing its Memorandum Opinion. On January 16, 2015, the Court entered an Order permitting
Plaintiffs to file a Second Amended and Supplemented Complaint. On February 10, 2015, Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended and Supplemented Complaint, which was granted in part and denied in part in a January 15, 2016 Memorandum Opinion and Order. On October 25, 2016, the Court entered an Order permitting Lead Plaintiffs to file a Verified Third Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint, which made additional claims and added two directors as defendants. The Verified Third Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint was then filed on October 26, 2016. On October 31. 2016, Lead Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. On November 1, 2016, Lead Plaintiffs moved for partial summary judgment on Claims (ii), (iii), and (vi) as described below. The directors added as defendants in the Third Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint moved to dismiss all Claims against them. The remaining Defendants moved to dismiss certain Claims, and filed answers to the other claims in the Verified Third Amended and Supplemented Complaint. On December 12, 2017, the Court postponed the pending hearing on the Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification and the Defendants’ motions to dismiss and, instead, granted the Plaintiffs leave to file a Verified Fourth Amended and Supplemented Class Action and Derivative Complaint, which pleading was filed on January 19, 2018. The claims in the fourth amended complaint are as follows: (i) a purported class and derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty for improperly maintaining the ABA as an unreasonable anti-takeover device; (ii) a purported class claim for breach of the fiduciary duty of disclosure to the stockholders with respect to the Company’s 2010 Proxy Statement and 2010 Stock Incentive Plan; (iii) a purported derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty to the Company in causing incentive compensation to be awarded under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan; (iv) a purported class and derivative claim for breach of fiduciary duty in adopting certain bylaw amendments on December 19, 2014; (v) a purported class and derivative claim seeking invalidation of the December 19, 2014 bylaw amendments under Delaware law; (vi) a purported claim for breach of fiduciary duty for not duly adopting the ABA at the July 15, 2009 Board meeting, and seeking declaratory relief invalidating the ABA; (vii) a purported claim for breach of the fiduciary duty of disclosure to the stockholders with respect to the ABA, and seeking declaratory relief invalidating the ABA; (viii) a purported claim seeking invalidation of the 2008 Stockholder Meeting, 2008 Certificate Amendment, 2008 Stock Split and subsequent corporate actions; (ix) a purported class claim for breach of fiduciary duty, and seeking declaratory relief invalidating the 2016 CEO Bonus Plan because of incomplete disclosures with respect to the ABA; and (x) for breach of fiduciary duty and declaratory judgment relating to the interpretation of the ABA. Lead Plaintiffs seek declaratory relief with respect to the ABA, the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2010 Proxy Statement, the bylaw amendments, the 2008 Stockholder Meeting, the 2008 Certificate Amendment, the 2008 Stock Split, and the 2016 CEO Bonus Plan. Lead Plaintiffs also seek compensatory damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs, all in unspecified amounts. A trial is scheduled for August 2018. The Company denies any liability and intends to defend the action vigorously.
The Company is involved in various other claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate likely disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Lease Commitments-The Company leases office space under non-cancelable operating leases with expiration dates ranging through 2029, with various renewal options. Capital leases range from three to five years and are primarily for computer equipment. There were multiple assets under various individual capital leases at December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Commitments for minimum rentals under non-cancellable leases, debt obligations, and future purchase obligations as of December 31, 2017 were as follows:
Rental expense for office facilities and certain equipment subject to operating leases for 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $6.6 million, $6.4 million and $6.5 million, respectively.
Sublease income for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $1.1 million, $977 thousand, and $580 thousand, respectively.
Business Acquisition Earn-out Contingencies-A significant component of the purchase price consideration for many of the Company's business acquisitions is a potential future cash earnout based on reaching certain specified future revenue targets. The terms for the contingent earn-out payments in most of the Company's business acquisitions typically address the GAAP recognizable revenues achieved by the acquired entity over a one, two, and/or three year period subsequent to the effective date of their acquisition by Ebix. These terms typically establish a minimum threshold revenue target with achievement of revenues recognized over that target being awarded in the form of a specified cash earn-out payment. The Company applies these terms in its calculation and determination of the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities for purchased businesses as part of the related valuation and purchase price allocation exercise for the corresponding acquired assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2017, the total of these contingent liabilities was $37.1 million, of which $33.1 million is reported in long-term liabilities, and $4.0 million is included in current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2016 the total of these contingent liabilities was $8.5 million of which $6.6 million was reported in long-term liabilities, and $1.9 million was included in current liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Self -Insurance-For some of the Company’s U.S. employees the Company is currently self-insured for its health insurance program and has a stop loss policy that limits the individual liability to $120 thousand per person and the aggregate liability to 125% of the expected claims based upon the number of participants and historical claims. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount accrued on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet for the self-insured component of the Company’s employee health insurance was $332 thousand and $346 thousand, respectively. The maximum potential estimated cumulative liability for the annual contract period, which ends in September 2018, is $2.8 million.
Note 7. Share-Based Compensation
Stock Options-The Company accounts for compensation expense associated with stock options issued to employees, Directors, and non-employees based on their fair value, which is calculated using an option pricing model, and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. At December 31, 2017, the Company had one equity based compensation plan. No stock options were granted to employees or non-employees during 2017, 2016 and 2015; however, options were granted to Directors in 2017 and 2015. Stock compensation expense of $433 thousand, $340 thousand and $294 thousand was recognized during the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, on outstanding and unvested options.
The fair value of options granted during 2017 is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table includes the weighted- average assumptions used in estimating the fair values and the resulting weighted-average fair value of stock options granted in the periods presented:
A summary of stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and exercisable is defined as the difference between the market value of the Company’s stock as of the end of the period and the exercise price of the stock options. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $169 thousand, $3.2 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.
Cash received or the value of stocks canceled from option exercises under all share-based payment arrangements for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $52 thousand, $824 thousand and $2.2 million, respectively.
A summary of non-vested options and changes for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding by price range as of December 31, 2017:
Restricted Stock-Pursuant to the Company’s restricted stock agreements, the restricted stock granted generally vests as follows: one third after one year, and the remaining in eight equal quarterly installments. The restricted stock also vests with respect to any unvested shares upon the applicable employee’s death, disability or retirement, the Company’s termination of the employee other than for cause, or for a change in control of the Company. A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock grant shares is presented in the following table:
As of December 31, 2017 there was $4.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share based compensation arrangements granted under the 2006 and 2010 Incentive Compensation Program. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.00 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2.1 million, $2.4 million, and $1.9 million, respectively.
In the aggregate the total compensation expense recognized in connection with the restricted grants was $2.4 million, $2.5 million and $1.5 million during each of the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
As of December 31, 2017 the Company has 5.4 million shares of common stock reserved for possible future stock option and restricted stock grants.
Note 8. Income Taxes
The income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
Income before income taxes includes the following components:
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate consists of the following:
Our effective tax rate decreased to 0.8% in 2017, compared with 1.7% in 2016, largely due to the remeasurement of US deferred taxes under tax reform, release of valuation allowance on foreign loss carryforwards, recording tax credits based on filed tax returns, partially offset by an increase in uncertain tax position accrual.
Beginning in 2009, we were granted a 100% tax holiday for certain of our Indian operations, which was in effect until March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 for some of our locations and continues until March 31, 2020 for other locations. When these tax holidays expire, these locations become 50% taxable for an additional five years. The impact of this tax holiday decreased our non-US income tax expense by $2.9 million and $13.7 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The Company’s consolidated worldwide effective tax rate is relatively low because of the effect of conducting significant operations in certain foreign jurisdictions, specifically India, Dubai, and Singapore, where we have tax holidays or tax concessions.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following:
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
The valuation allowance changed by ($3.7) million and $(2.2) million during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The presentation above has been modified to correctly show the valuation allowances that should have been recorded and to gross up the Company’s deferred tax assets for implied valuation allowances that were inherited through acquisitions.
We have US Federal, state and foreign operating losses and credit carryforwards as follows:
The US federal and state operating loss carryforwards expire at varying dates through 2038. The federal credits begin to expire in 2018. We also have non-US loss carryforwards of approximately $29.9 million as of December 31, 2017, the majority of which may be carried forward indefinitely. We released the valuation allowance on our UK entity in the current year due to recent and projected profitability.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted, substantially changing the U.S. tax system and affecting the Company in a number of ways. Notably, the TCJA: establishes a flat corporate income tax rate of 21.0% on U.S. earnings; imposes a one-time tax on unremitted cumulative non-U.S. earnings of foreign subsidiaries (“Transition Tax”);imposes a new minimum tax on certain non-U.S. earnings, irrespective of the territorial system of taxation, and generally allows for the repatriation of future earnings of foreign subsidiaries without incurring additional U.S. taxes by transitioning to a territorial system of taxation; subjects certain payments made by a U.S. company to a related foreign company to certain minimum taxes (Base Erosion Anti-Abuse Tax); eliminates certain prior tax incentives for manufacturing in the United States and creates an incentive for U.S. companies to sell, lease or license goods and services abroad by allowing for a reduction in taxes owed on earnings related to such sales; allows the cost of investments in certain depreciable assets acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017 to be immediately expensed; and reduces deductions with respect to certain compensation paid to specified executive officers.
While the changes from the TCJA are generally effective beginning in 2018, U.S. GAAP accounting for income taxes requires the effect of a change in tax laws or rates to be recognized in income from continuing operations for the period that includes the enactment date. Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of the TCJA, the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB No. 118”) allowed the Company to record provisional amounts in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2017. Where reasonable estimates can be made, the provisional accounting should be based on such estimates. When no reasonable estimate can be made, the provisional accounting may be based on the tax law in effect before the TCJA. The Company is required to complete its tax accounting for the TCJA within a one-year period when it has obtained, prepared, and analyzed the information to complete the income tax accounting.
Due to insufficient guidance, as well as the availability of information to accurately analyze the impact of the TCJA, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects, as described below, and in other cases we have not been able to make a reasonable
estimate and continue to account for those items based on our existing accounting under FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes and the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately prior to enactment.
U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities were remeasured based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21.0%, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $2.5 million. As we complete our analysis, collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional regulatory or accounting guidance, the Company may make adjustments to the provisional amounts we have recorded during a measurement period of up to one year from the enactment of the TCJA that could impact our provision for income taxes in the reporting period in which we make such adjustments.
The Transition Tax is based on the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. The Company has not recorded an amount for the Transition Tax expense, as they do not have the necessary information to determine a reasonable estimate to include as a provisional amount. The Company will work to gather the necessary information to calculate the transition tax and will record the impact of this in the reporting period when the analysis is complete.
The Company has not recognized a deferred U.S. tax liability and associated income tax expense for the undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries which we consider indefinitely invested because those foreign earnings will remain permanently reinvested in those subsidiaries to fund ongoing operations and growth. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to income taxes and withholding taxes payable in various jurisdictions, which could potentially be partially offset by foreign tax credits. At December 31, 2017 the cumulative amount of the Company’s undistributed foreign earnings was approximately $523.3 million, inclusive of income previously taxed in the United States.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
The Company recognizes interest accrued and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as part of income tax expense. Interest assessed upon settlement of a tax return position is classified as interest expense. The Company accrued as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 approximately $1.0 million and $771 thousand, respectively, of estimated interest and penalties. These amounts are included in the December 31, 2017 and 2016 balances in the preceding table of $9.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, which is included in other long term liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet.
We file income tax returns in the US federal, many US state and local jurisdictions, and certain foreign jurisdictions. We have substantially resolved all US federal income tax matters for tax years prior to 2014. Our state and foreign tax matters may remain open from 2008 forward.
The Company has applied the new provisions under Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, A Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, or ASU 2013-11. Under these provisions, an unrecognized tax benefit is to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward. The Company has applied this provision and $341 thousand and $341 thousand of unrecognized tax benefits have been applied against the deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.
Note 9. Stock Repurchases
Effective February 6, 2017 the Company's Board of Directors unanimously approved an additional authorized share repurchase plan of $150.0 million. The Board directed that the repurchases be funded with available cash balances and cash generated by the Company's operating activities. Under certain circumstances the aggregate amount of repurchases of the Company's equity shares may be limited by the terms and underlying financial covenants regarding the Company's commercial bank financing facility.
Effective August 19, 2015 the Company's Board of Directors unanimously approved an additional authorized share repurchase plan of $100.0 million. The Board directed that the repurchases be funded with available cash balances and cash generated by the Company's operating activities. Under certain circumstances the aggregate amount of repurchases of the Company's equity shares may be limited by the terms and underlying financial covenants regarding the Company's commercial bank financing facility.
The Company's share repurchase plan’s terms have been structured to comply with the SEC’s Rule 10b-18, and are subject to market conditions and applicable legal requirements. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be suspended or terminated at any time. All purchases are made in the open market. Treasury stock is recorded at its acquired cost. During 2017 the Company repurchased 687,048 shares of its common stock under these plans for total consideration of $39.4 million. During 2016 the Company repurchased 1,479,454 shares of its common stock under this plan for total consideration of $65.3 million. During 2015 the Company repurchased 2,924,306 shares of its common stock under this plan for total consideration of $82.5 million.
As of December 31, 2017 the Company had $133.9 million remaining in its share repurchase authorization.
Note 10. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, consisted of the following:
The Company is continuing to evaluate the 2017 acquisitions that collectively make up the EbixCash Financial Exchanges, refer to Part I, Item I Business, and their impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Trade accounts payable includes advances from customers, agents, and suppliers.
Note 11. Other Current Assets
Other current assets at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following:
Note 12. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following:
Depreciation expense was $3.8 million, $4.0 million and $3.5 million, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Note 13. Cash Option Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
The Company maintains a 401(k) Cash Option Profit Sharing Plan, which allows participants to contribute a percentage of their compensation to the Profit Sharing Plan and Trust up to the Federal maximum. The Company matches 100% of an employee’s 1% contributed and 50% on the 2% contributed by an employee. Accordingly, the Company’s contributions to the Plan were $610 thousand, $688 thousand and $676 thousand for the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Note 14. Geographic Information
The Company operates with one reportable segment whose results are regularly reviewed by the Company's CEO, its chief operating decision maker as to operating performance and the allocation of resources. External customer revenues in the tables below were attributed to a particular country based on whether the customer had a direct contract with the Company which was executed in that particular country for the sale of the Company's products/services with an Ebix subsidiary located in that country.
During 2017 India's revenue increased $47.7 million of which $5.3 million is due to the various new e-governance contracts with a number of large clients and $42.9 million due to its 2017 acquisitions of ItzCash, YouFirst, Wall Street, Paul Merchants, and Via. Latin America's revenues increased $12.9 million due primarily to the November 2016 acquisition of Wdev and a $1.4 million increase due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Australia's revenues increased by $3.2 million due to a combination of increased professional services and transaction fees, and a $1.1 million increase due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Canada's revenues increased by $1.2 million due primarily to increased professional services. Increases in Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and United Arab Emirates are due to the November 2017 acquisition of Via.
During 2016 the change in foreign currency exchange rates decreased reported Australian and Latin America operating revenues by $(410) thousand and $(300) thousand, respectively. India's 2016 operating revenues increased $10.6 million or 300% due primarily to the various new e-governance contracts with a number of large clients. Europe's revenues increased $8.8 million, net of $(2.2) million decrease due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, due primarily to the execution and commencement of certain significant contracts.
The following enterprise wide information relates to the Company's geographic locations:
In the geographical information table above the significant changes to long-lived assets from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 were comprised of an increase in India of $255.0 million primarily due to $249.5 million increase associated with the 2017 acquisitions of ItzCash, YouFirst, Wall Street, Paul Merchants, and Via, and an increase in deferred tax assets of $4.1 million associated with the payments and accruals of Minimum Alternative Tax. The Europe increase of $3.9 million is primarily due to a 9.3% strengthening of the British Pound Sterling versus the U.S. Dollar which caused a $2.0 million increase in the translation of long-lived assets, an increase in deferred tax assets of $3.2 million due to the release of valuation allowances of operating loss carryforwards, partially offset by the amortization of intangible assets and capitalized software development costs.
In the geographical information table above the significant changes to long-lived assets from December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 are explained as follows: the U.S. increase of $11.3 million is primarily comprised of a $14.6 million net increase due to the consolidation of the EbixHealth JV commensurate with the step up in ownership to 51%, partially offset by a $(4.7) million decrease of intangibles due to amortization; the Latin America increase of $17.7 million is due to the Wdev acquisition (for which the valuation and purchase accounting is preliminary); the Singapore decrease of $51.4 million and the Dubai increase of $54.2 million are due to the transfer of certain intangible assets between these locations (net of deferred taxes); the India increase of $8.4 million is primarily due an increase in deferred tax assets of $4.8 million associated with the payments and accruals of Minimum Alternative Tax, and $3.5 million of fixed assets additions associated with the continued build out of our product development facilities, and the growth of the Ebix-Vayam JV; the Europe decrease of $6.3 million is primarily due to a 16.6% weakening of British Pound Sterling versus the U.S. Dollar which caused a $4.3 million decrease in the translation of long-lived assets, partially offset by the amortization of intangible assets and capitalized software development costs.
Note 15. Related Party Transactions
We consider Regions Bank ("Regions") to be a related party because Regions provides financing to the Company via a syndicated commercial banking facility (refer to Note 5 to these Consolidated Financial Statements), and because Regions is also a customer to whom the Company sells products and services. Revenues recognized from Regions were $301 thousand, $280 thousand, and $300 thousand for each of the years ending December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Accounts receivable due from Regions were and $60 thousand and $161 thousand at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Note 16. Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
The following is the unaudited quarterly financial information for 2017, 2016 and 2015:
In some instances the sum of the quarterly basic and diluted net income per share amounts may not agree to the full year basic and diluted net income per share amounts reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income because of rounding.
Note 17. Investment in Joint Ventures
Effective April 1, 2017 Ebix entered into a joint venture with India-based Essel Group, while acquiring an 80% equity interest in ItzCash, India’s leading payment solutions exchange. ItzCash is recognized as a leader in the prepaid cards and bill payments space in India. Under the terms of the agreement, ItzCash was valued at a total enterprise value of approximately $150 million. Accordingly, Ebix acquired an 80% equity interest in ItzCash for $120 million including upfront cash of $76.3 million plus possible future contingent earn-out payments of up to $44.0 million based on earned revenues over the subsequent thirty-six month period following the effective date of the acquisition. $4.0 million of the possible future contingent earn-out payments is being held in escrow accounts for the twelve month period following the effective date of the acquisition to ensure that the acquired business achieves the minimum specified annual gross revenue threshold, which if not achieved will result in said funds being returned to Ebix. The valuation and purchase price allocation for the ItzCash acquisition remains preliminary and will be finalized as soon as practicable but in no event longer than one year from the effective date of the transaction.
Effective February 7, 2016 Ebix and Vayam Technologies Ltd ("Vayam") formed a joint venture named Ebix Vayam Limited JV. This joint venture was established to carry out IT projects in the government sector of the country of India and particularly in regards to the implementation of e-governance projects in the areas of education and healthcare. Ebix has a 51% equity interest in the joint venture, and Vayam has a 49% equity interest in the joint venture. Ebix is fully consolidating the operations of the Ebix Vayam Limited JV into the Company's financial statements and separately reporting the Vayam minority, non-controlling, interest in the joint venture's net income and equity. Vayam is, also, a customer of the Ebix Vayam Limited JV, and during the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Ebix Vayam Limited JV recognized $16.9 million and $11.6 million of revenue from Vayam, respectively, and as of December 31, 2017 Vayam had $26.8 million of accounts receivable with the Ebix Vayam Limited JV.
Effective September 1, 2015 Ebix and IHC formed a joint venture named EbixHealth JV. This joint venture was established to promote and market a best practices administration data exchange for health and pet insurance lines of business nationally. Ebix paid $6.0 million and contributed certain portions of its CurePet investment, valued by the EbixHealth JV at $2.0 million, for its 40% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV. IHC contributed all if its shares in its existing third party administrator operations (IHC Health Solutions, Inc.), valued by the EbixHealth JV at $12.0 million for its 60% membership interest in the EbixHealth JV and received a special distribution of $6.0 million. As per the joint venture agreement, any and all losses of the EbixHealth JV, (excluding certain severance payments to former employees of IHC Health Solutions, Inc.) through the period ending December 31, 2016 will be allocated to IHC, and IHC is obligated to fund any negative cash flow during this period as a loan to the EbixHealth JV, with any remaining balance of said loan as of December 31, 2016 being then converted to contributed capital. Effective July 1, 2016 Ebix and IHC jointly executed a Call Notice agreement, whereby Ebix purchased additional common units in the EbixHealth JV from IHC constituting eleven percent (11%) of the EbixHealth JV for $2.0 million cash which resulted in Ebix holding an aggregate fifty-one percent (51%) of the EbixHealth JV. Commensurate with additional equity stake in the joint venture and a new contemporaneous valuation of the business the Company realized a $1.2 million gain on its previously carried 40% equity interest in the EbixHealth JV. This recognized gain is reflected as a component of other non-operating income in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Income. Beginning July 1, 2016 Ebix is fully consolidating the operations of the EbixHealth JV into the Company's financial statements and separately reporting the IHC minority, non-controlling, 49% interest in the joint venture's net income and equity, and thereby reflecting Ebix's net resulting 51% interest in the EbixHealth JV profits or losses. IHC is also a customer of the EbixHealth JV, and during the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 the EbixHealth JV recognized $13.0 million and $11.8 million of revenue from IHC, respectively, and as of December 31, 2017 IHC had $1.2 million of accounts receivable with the EbixHealth JV. Furthermore, as a related party, IHC also has been and continues to be a customer of Ebix, and during the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company recognized $228 thousand and $1.4 million, respectively, of revenue from IHC, and as of December 31, 2017 IHC had $224 thousand of accounts receivable due to Ebix. During the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2017 the EbixHealth JV had a net income of $456 thousand, and as of December 31, 2017 the EbixHealth JV had net equity balance of $24.5 million.
Note 18. Capitalized Software Development Costs
In accordance with the relevant authoritative accounting literature the Company has capitalized certain software and product related development costs associated with both the Company’s continuing medical education service offerings, and the Company’s development of its property and casualty underwriting insurance data exchange platform servicing the London markets. During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company capitalized $2.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of such development costs. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 a total of $8.5 million and $6.0 million, respectively, of remaining
unamortized development costs are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. During the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Company recognized $2.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of amortization expense with regards to these capitalized software development costs, which is included in costs of services provided in the Company’s consolidated income statement. The capitalized continuing medical education product costs are being amortized using a three-year to five-year straight-line methodology and certain continuing medical education products costs are immediately expensed. The capitalized software development costs for the property and casualty underwriting insurance data exchange platform are being amortized over a period of five years.
Note 19. Concentrations of Credit Risk
Credit Risk
The Company is potentially subject to concentrations of credit risk in its accounts receivable. Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer fails to meet its contractual obligations. Although the Company is directly affected by the financial condition of its customers and the loss of or a substantial reduction in orders or the ability to pay from the customer could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements, management does not believe significant credit risks exist at December 31, 2017. The Company had one customer whose accounts receivable balances individually represented 10% or more of the Company’s total accounts receivable.
Major Customer
As previously disclosed in Note 17, effective February 7, 2016 Ebix and Vayam Technologies Ltd ("Vayam") formed a joint venture named Ebix Vayam Limited JV. This joint venture was established to carry out IT projects in the government sector of the country of India and particularly in regards to the implementation of e-governance projects in the areas of education and healthcare. Ebix has a 51% equity interest in the joint venture, and Vayam has a 49% equity interest in the joint venture. Ebix is fully consolidating the operations of the Ebix Vayam Limited JV into the Company's financial statements and separately reporting the Vayam minority, non-controlling, interest in the joint venture's net income and equity. Vayam is also a customer of the Ebix Vayam Limited JV, and during the twelve months ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 the Ebix Vayam Limited JV recognized $16.9 million and $11.6 million of revenue from Vayam, respectively, and as of December 31, 2017 Vayam had $26.8 million of accounts receivable with the Ebix Vayam Limited JV.
Note 20. Subsequent Events
Amendment to Syndicated Commercial Banking Credit Agreement
On February 21, 2018, Ebix, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the Sixth Amendment (the “Sixth Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Sixth Amendment amends the Regions Credit Facility by increasing its existing credit facility from $450 million to $650 million, to assist in funding its growth. The increase in the bank line was the result of many members of the existing bank group expanding their share of the credit facility and the addition of BBVA Compass and Bank Of The West to the Banking Syndicate, which further diversifies Ebix’s lending group under the credit facility to ten participants.The syndicated bank group now comprises ten leading financial institutions that include Regions Bank, PNC Bank, BMO Harris Bank, BBVA Compass, Fifth Third Bank, KeyBank, Bank Of The West, Silicon Valley Bank, Cadence Bank and Trustmark National Bank. Regions Bank continued to lead the banking group while serving as the administrative and collateral agent. PNC Bank and BMO Harris Bank were added as co syndication agents, BBVA Compass and Fifth Third Bank as co documentation agent, while Regions Capital Markets, PNC Capital Markets and BMO Harris Bank acted as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners. The new credit facility has the following key components; A five-year term loan for $250 million and a five-year revolving credit facility for $400 million. The new credit facility, also, allows for up to $150 million of incremental facilities. As of closing, the facility interest rates will be based on a leveraged-based pricing grid.
Acquisitions
On February 14, 2018 Ebix acquired the MTSS Business of Transcorp International Limited (BSE:TRANSCOR.BO), for upfront cash consideration of approximately $7.4 million, through one of its Indian subsidiaries. Ebix plans on consolidating
this recent acquisition into Ebix's Financial Exchange operations which will bring significant synergies and the elimination of redundancies to the combined operation.
Joint Venture
Effective January 2, 2018 Paul Merchants acquired a 10% equity interest in Ebix’s combined international remittance business in India (comprised of YouFirst, Wall Street and Paul Merchants) for cash consideration of $5.0 million. The consolidation of these acquisitions into Ebix's Financial Exchange operations will bring significant synergies and the elimination of redundancies to the combined operation. As part of this agreement Ebix retains an irrevocable option to reacquire 10% of the equity interest after one year at a predetermined price.
Dividends
The Company plans to continue with its quarterly cash dividend to the holders of its common stock, whereby a dividend in the amount of $0.075 per common share will be paid on March 15, 2018 to shareholders of record on February 28, 2018.
Item 9.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures: We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported accurately within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls also are designed to reasonably assure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Disclosure controls include components of internal control over financial reporting, which consists of control processes designated to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
We monitor and evaluate on an ongoing basis our disclosure controls and procedures in order to improve their overall effectiveness. In the course of these evaluations, we modify and refine our internal processes and controls as conditions warrant.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017. Based on this evaluation and considering the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below in “Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting,” the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2017.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.
The term “internal control over financial reporting” is defined as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, audit committee, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:
(1)
Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and dispositions of assets;
(2)
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and,
(3)
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance. It is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override of controls. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process and, therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management's assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is as of December 31, 2017 and did not include an assessment of the internal controls for our operations in ItzCash (acquired in April 2017), YouFirst (acquired in September 2017), Wall Street (acquired in October 2017), Paul Merchants (acquired in November 2017) and Via (acquired in November 2017), which are included in the 2017 consolidated financial statements of Ebix, Inc. These business units in the aggregate represented 12.3% of the Company's consolidated revenue, and 24.3% of the Company's consolidated assets for 2017. Management assessed the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, the management of Ebix, Inc. concluded that we did not maintain effective control over internal financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 because two material weaknesses existed as of that date.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
During our assessment, we concluded that material weaknesses existed as of December 31, 2017 as we did not design and maintain effective controls over the valuation and accuracy of the accounting for income taxes and purchase accounting. Specifically, as it relates to income taxes, we did not design and maintain controls over the analysis and assessment of estimates involving complex multistate-apportionment factors, tax rate computations, tax contingencies and deferred tax asset valuation allowances, and income tax effects related to business acquisitions or disposals. Specifically, as it relates to purchase accounting, we did not design and maintain controls over the analysis and assessment of estimates involving growth rates, valuation methodology, timeliness and documentation. These material weaknesses did not result in any revision of the Company’s annual financial statements for any period. These material weaknesses could have resulted in a material misstatement of account balances or disclosures that would have resulted in a misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not have been prevented or detected. Management believes that these weaknesses were highlighted primarily because of the rapid pace of acquisitions made by Ebix in the year 2017, even though the Company had two of the big 5 accounting firms advising Ebix in both these areas and can be remediated by strengthening our controls over the next few quarters, while utilizing the expertise of Ernst & Young in the controls and tax areas.
Cherry Bekaert LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. Cherry Bekaert LLP has issued their report which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Remediation Plans
The Company has engaged Ernst & Young LLP to assist in the review and analysis of the Company’s interim and annual income tax provision methodology, computations and financial reporting. The Company is continuing to further strengthen controls for income taxes in 2018 with the use of additional resources and expanded use of the independent third-party firm and outside legal tax counsel.
The Company is reviewing its internal procedures surrounding Valuation Accounting including its use of independent third party resources, internal review and documentation processes.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The remediation actions set forth above in “Remediation Plans” are changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f)) in of 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Ebix, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Ebix, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weaknesses described in the following paragraph on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weaknesses have been identified and included in management’s assessment. There is a material weakness related to the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over the income tax provision preparation process, specifically, management did not have adequate controls over the supervision and review over the preparation of the income tax provision and did not contemporaneously document significant income tax positions at the time of the transactions. In addition, we noted an additional material weakness related to the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over the business combination process, specifically, management did not have adequate controls over the supervision and review of third-party valuations, or properly accounting for opening balance sheet amounts. These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2017 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 1, 2018, on those consolidated financial statements.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company, and our report dated March 1, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As indicated in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management's assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls for the operations in ItzCash (acquired in April 2017), YouFirst (acquired in September 2017), Wall Street (acquired in October 2017), Paul Merchants (acquired in November 2017) and Via (acquired in November 2017), which are included in the 2017 consolidated financial statements of Ebix, Inc. and which constituted approximately 12.3% of the Company's consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 24.3% of the Company’s consolidated assets as of December 31, 2017. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting for the operations in ItzCash, YouFirst, Wall Street, Paul Merchants and Via.
Cherry Bekaert LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, 2018
Item 9B.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
Item 11.
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
Item 12.
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
Item 13.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
Item 14.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) 1. Financial Statements
The following consolidated financial statements and supplementary data of the Company and its subsidiaries, required by Part II, Item 8 are filed herewith:
•
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
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Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .
•
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
•
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
•
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement Schedules
The following consolidated financial statement schedule is filed herewith:
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Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
•
Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits-The exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference are listed on the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
EXHIBIT INDEX
* Filed herewith
** Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this amendment to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
EBIX, INC.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ ROBIN RAINA
Robin Raina
Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Principal Executive Officer
Date: March 1, 2018
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Schedule II
Ebix, Inc.
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (in thousands)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (in thousands)