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NCO Group Announces Fourth Quarter 2007 Results
HORSHAM, PA, 04/01/2008
- NCO Group, Inc. (“NCO” or the “Company”), a leading provider of business
process outsourcing services, announced today that during the fourth quarter of
2007 it had revenue of $279.7 million, EBITDA of $14.7 million and a net loss of
$22.1 million. The results included a $25.0 million reduction in revenue from an
allowance for impairment of purchased accounts receivable.
NCO is organized into three operating divisions: Accounts Receivable
Management (“ARM”), Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) and Portfolio
Management. During the fourth quarter of 2007, the ARM division operated
slightly below its revenue and profitability targets primarily as a result of
weaker than expected collection environment and the adverse impact of foreign
currency exchange rates. During the fourth quarter, the CRM division operated
below its revenue and profitability targets primarily as a result of
unanticipated client program changes that began in the third quarter and the
adverse impact of foreign currency exchange rates. During the fourth quarter,
the Portfolio Management division was slightly below its revenue target and
above its profitability target, excluding the allowance for impairment of
purchased accounts receivable of $25.0 million. The additional profitability was
primarily due to the refinement of our portfolio strategy designed to introduce
sales opportunities earlier in the portfolio life cycle.
Commenting on the quarter Michael J. Barrist, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, stated, “During the fourth quarter, we continued to feel the impact of
the consumer driven downturn that began during the third quarter. Historically,
these types of downturns initially impact our business negatively as consumers
slow their payment patterns and our clients are forced to make operational
changes to offset the adverse impact to their businesses. Additionally, the
downturn necessitated our reevaluation of the collectability of our purchase
portfolio. This resulted in a near-term impairment, changes to our underwriting
process and the renegotiation of certain of our ongoing commitments to buy
portfolios. As with other downturns, this initial transition period is typically
followed by a period of opportunity. The first quarter of 2008 has been
relatively strong in our ARM business as increased volume from new and existing
clients, primarily in our early stage delinquency business, has begun to offset
some of the impact of lower consumer response. Additionally, we believe new CRM
volume and increased portfolio purchase opportunities at reduced prices have
positioned NCO for a productive 2008. During the first quarter we also completed
our planned acquisitions of Systems & Services Technologies, Inc. and
Outsourcing Solutions Inc. The integration of these acquisitions is proceeding
according to plan and we expect that the addition of these companies will help
us to further define NCO as the partner of choice for our clients as they
navigate through this more challenging economy.”
The Company also announced that it will host an investor conference call on
Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., ET, to address the items discussed above
in more detail and to allow the investment community an opportunity to ask
questions. Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (888)
209-7450 (domestic callers) or (706) 634-6082 (international callers) and
providing the pass code 41778758. A taped replay of the conference call will be
made available for seven days and can be accessed by interested parties by
dialing (800) 642-1687 (domestic callers) or (706) 645-9291 (international
callers) and providing the pass code 41778758.
About NCO Group, Inc.
NCO Group, Inc. is a global provider of business process outsourcing
services, primarily focused on accounts receivable management and customer
relationship management. NCO provides services through over 140 offices in the
United States, Canada, the Philippines, Panama, the Caribbean, India, the United
Kingdom, Mexico and Australia.
For further information contact: NCO Investor
Relations (215) 441-3000
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Certain statements in this press release, including, without limitation,
statements as to fluctuations in quarterly operating results, statements as to
trends, statements as to NCO’s or management’s beliefs, expectations or
opinions, and all other statements in this press release, other than historical
facts, are forward-looking statements, as such term is defined in the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors
created thereby. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties, are subject to change at any time and may be affected by various
factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expected or
planned results. In addition to the factors discussed above, certain other
factors, including without limitation, the risk that NCO will not be able to
implement its business strategy as and when planned, the risk that NCO will not
be able to realize operating efficiencies in the integration of its
acquisitions, risks related to NCO’s significant level of debt, risks related to
union organizing efforts at the Company's facilities, risks related to past and
possible future terrorists attacks, risks related to the economy, the risk that
NCO will not be able to improve margins, risks relating to growth and
acquisitions, risks related to fluctuations in quarterly operating results,
risks related to the timing of contracts, risks related to international
operations and other risks detailed from time to time in NCO’s filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2007, can cause actual results and developments to
be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly update or
revise any forward-looking statements, regardless of whether new information
becomes available, future developments occur or otherwise.
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Download: Complete release with Financial Data (PDF)
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