Descartes Reports Fiscal 2013 Second Quarter Financial Results

Record Revenues and Operating Results

WATERLOO, Ontario, Sept. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Descartes Systems Group Inc. (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) announced financial results for its fiscal 2013 second quarter (Q2FY13) ended July 31, 2012. All financial results referenced are in United States (US) currency and, unless otherwise indicated, are determined in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Q2FY13 Financial Results

As described in more detail below, key financial highlights for Descartes in Q2FY13 included:

• Revenues of $30.5 million, up 6% from $28.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 (Q2FY12) and up 2% from $29.9 million in the previous quarter (Q1FY13);
• Services revenues of $29.3 million, up 10% from $26.7 million in Q2FY12 and up 6% from $27.7 million in Q1FY13. Services revenues comprised 96% of total revenues for the quarter;
• Cash provided by operating activities of $6.6 million, up from $4.6 million in Q2FY12 and $4.4 million in Q1FY13;
• Net income of $2.5 million, slightly down from $2.6 million in both Q2FY12 and Q1FY13;
• Earnings per share on a diluted basis of $0.04, consistent with both Q2FY12 and Q1FY13;
• Days-sales-outstanding (DSO) for Q2FY13 were 55 days, down from 58 days in Q1FY13 and up from 53 days in Q2FY12;
• Adjusted EBITDA of $9.3 million, up 12% from $8.3 million in Q2FY12 and up 7% from $8.7 million in Q1FY13. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues was 30%, up from 29% in both Q2FY12 and Q1FY13; and
• Adjusted EBITDA per share on a diluted basis of $0.15, up 15% from $0.13 in Q2FY12 and up 7% from Q1FY13.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures provided as a complement to financial results presented in accordance with GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (for which we include amortization of intangible assets, deferred compensation, stock-based compensation and related fees and taxes) and other charges (for which we include acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges). These items are considered by management to be outside Descartes' ongoing operational results. We define Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share as Adjusted EBITDA divided by the number of diluted shares used to calculate the GAAP measure of earnings per share. A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share to net income and earnings per share determined in accordance with GAAP, respectively, is provided later in this release.

The following table summarizes Descartes' results in the categories specified below over the past 5 fiscal quarters (unaudited; dollar amounts, other than per share amounts, in millions):

Based on the location of Descartes' customers, the geographic distribution of revenues was as follows:

• $14.2 million of revenues (46%) were generated in the US;
• $7.3 million (24%) in Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA"), excluding Belgium;
• $3.8 million (12%) in Belgium;
• $3.6 million (12%) in Canada;
• $1.4 million (5%) in the Asia Pacific region; and
• $0.2 million (1%) in the Americas, excluding the US and Canada.

Year-to-Date Financial Results

As described in more detail below, key financial highlights for Descartes' six-month period ended July 31, 2012 (1HFY13) included:

• Revenues of $60.4 million, up 8% from $55.9 million in the same period a year ago (1HFY12);
• Services revenues of $57.0 million, up 8% from $52.6 million in 1HFY12. Services revenues comprised 94% of total revenues for 1HFY13, consistent with 1HFY12;
• Gross margin of 65%, down from 67% in 1HFY12;
• Net income of $5.1 million, up 6% from $4.8 million in 1HFY12;
• Earnings per share on a diluted basis of $0.08, consistent with 1HFY12;
• Adjusted EBITDA of $18.0 million, up 13% from $16.0 million in 1HFY12. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues was 30% in 1HFY13, up from 29% in 1HFY12; and
• Adjusted EBITDA per share on a diluted basis for 1HFY13 was $0.28, up 12% from $0.25 in 1HFY12.

The following table summarizes Descartes' results in the categories specified below over 1HFY13 and 1HFY12 (unaudited, dollar amounts in millions): 

"We're metrics-driven and focused on results. By focusing first and foremost on the results our customers achieve using our technology and services, we've again delivered outstanding financial results in a challenging economic environment," said Art Mesher, Descartes' Chairman and CEO. "We're well-positioned to continue to deliver on our plans with a healthy and well-calibrated business."

Cash Position

As at July 31, 2012, Descartes had $35.5 million in cash comprised entirely of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents have decreased since April 30, 2012 by $34.0 million and decreased $30.0 million since January 31, 2012. The company has invested $37.6 million since January 31, 2012 to complete the acquisition of Infodis (June 2012) and the acquisition of Integrated Export Systems (June 2012).

The table set forth below provides a summary of cash flows for Q2FY13 and 1HFY13 in millions of dollars:

"We continue to invest in areas of our business with high strategic value and growth potential," said Stephanie Ratza, CFO at Descartes. "This investment, combined with our strong balance sheet and focus on operational excellence, puts us in a strong position to best serve our customers and continue delivering on our long-term operating plan."

Q2FY13 Business Events / Announcements

In line with Descartes' strategy to build leading product offerings and expand its global network of customers and trading partners, the company made the following announcements and/or participated in the following events since May 31, 2012:

• Acquired Infodis, a Netherlands-based provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) transportation management solutions;
• Acquired substantially all of the assets of Integrated Export Systems, a leading provider of customs broker and forwarder enterprise systems;
• Showcased its cloud-based Global Logistics Network (GLN) integrated with the SAP® Transportation Management application at the International SAP Conference for Transportation and Logistics 2012;
• Successfully implemented Canadian Blood Services, a charitable organization that manages the blood supply in all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec, on Descartes' cloud-based Transportation Management solution;
• Streamlined shipment management for Unigroup, sister company of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, using Descartes' IES Forwarder Enterprise Solution; and
• Improved efficiency for PNE Corporation, a leading distributor of propane cylinders across Canada, using Descartes' cloud-based route planning, optimization and mobile solution.

Conference Call

Members of Descartes' executive management team will host a conference call to discuss the company's financial results at 8:00 a.m. EDT on September 6, 2012. Designated numbers are +1 866-200-6965 for North America or +1 646-216-7221 for international, using Participant PIN Code 12960112#.

The company simultaneously will conduct an audio webcast on the Descartes Web site at www.descartes.com/company/investors. Phone conference dial-in or webcast log-in as required approximately 10 minutes beforehand.

Replays of the conference call will be available immediately afterwards, and until September 13, by dialing +1 646-216-7204 or +1 866-206-0173 and using conference playback number 274996#. An archived replay of the webcast will be available at www.descartes.com/company/investors.

About Descartes

Descartes (TSX:DSG) (Nasdaq:DSGX) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, performance and security of logistics-intensive businesses. Descartes' B2B network, the Global Logistics Network, integrates more than 35,000 trading partners to our cloud-based Logistics Technology Platform to unite their businesses in commerce. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, schedule, track and measure delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world's largest, collaborative multi-modal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com.

The Descartes Systems Group logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4065

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements") that relates to the positioning of Descartes to provide value to customers and shareholders and to address economic uncertainty; investment in areas of Descartes' business with high strategic value and growth potential; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and assumptions that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Descartes, or developments in Descartes' business or industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, Descartes' ability to successfully execute on acquisitions and to integrate acquired businesses and assets, and to predict expenses associated with and revenues from the acquisitions; the ability to attract and retain key personnel and the ability to manage the departure of key personnel; changes in trade or transportation regulations that currently require customers to use services such as those offered by Descartes; the impact on Descartes' business of the global economic downturn; departures of key customers; the impact of foreign currency exchange rates; Descartes' ability to retain or obtain sufficient capital to execute on its business strategy, including its acquisition strategy; disruptions in the movement of freight; the potential for future goodwill or intangible impairment as a result of other-than-temporary decreases in Descartes' market capitalization; and other factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, "Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results" in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada, including Descartes' Annual Report on Form 40-F for FY12. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per Diluted Share

We prepare and release quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. We also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP financial information, used to evaluate our performance, in this and other earnings releases and investor conference calls as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP. We believe that current shareholders and potential investors in our company use non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share, in making investment decisions about our company and measuring our operational results.

The term "Adjusted EBITDA" refers to a financial measure that we define as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (for which we include amortization of intangible assets, deferred compensation, stock-based compensation and related fees and taxes) and other charges (for which we include acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges). Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share divides Adjusted EBITDA by the number of diluted shares used in calculating the GAAP diluted earnings per share, or diluted EPS, measure.

Management considers acquisition-related and restructuring activities to be outside the scope of Descartes' ongoing operations and the related expenses are not used by management to measure operations. Accordingly, these expenses are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, which we reference to both measure our operations and as a basis of comparison of our operations from period-to-period. Management believes that investors and financial analysts measure our business on the same basis, and we are providing the Adjusted EBITDA financial metric to assist in this evaluation and to provide a higher level of transparency into how we measure our own business. However, Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with GAAP or other non-GAAP measures that may be used by other companies, such as EBITDA. The use of Adjusted EBITDA does have limitations. In particular, we have completed ten acquisitions since February 1, 2009, and may complete additional acquisitions in the future that will result in acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges. As these acquisition-related expenses and restructuring charges may continue as we pursue our consolidation strategy, some investors may consider these charges and expenses as a recurring part of operations rather than non-recurring charges and expenses that are not part of operations.

The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share to net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively, reported in our unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for Q2FY13, Q1FY13, Q4FY12, Q3FY12 and Q2FY12, which we believe are the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA per diluted share to net income and diluted earnings per share, respectively, reported in our unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for 1HFY13 and 1HFY12, which we believe are the most directly comparable GAAP measures.