0001140361-18-009654.txt : 20180222 0001140361-18-009654.hdr.sgml : 20180222 20180222171206 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001140361-18-009654 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20180221 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20180222 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20180222 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: STAMPS.COM INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001082923 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-BUSINESS SERVICES, NEC [7389] IRS NUMBER: 770454966 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-26427 FILM NUMBER: 18633490 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1990 E. GRAND AVE CITY: EL SEGUNDO STATE: CA ZIP: 90245 BUSINESS PHONE: 3104825800 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1990 E. GRAND AVE CITY: EL SEGUNDO STATE: CA ZIP: 90245 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: STAMPS COM INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990421 8-K 1 form8k.htm 8-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 21, 2018

Stamps.com Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware 000-26427 77-0454966
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
1990 E. Grand Avenue, El Segundo, CA
90245
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 
(310) 482-5800
 
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
Emerging growth company          
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
 


Item 2.02.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 21, 2018, Stamps.com Inc. issued a press release setting forth its financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

A copy of such press release is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act.

Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)
Exhibits.

The following exhibit is being furnished or filed herewith:
 
Press Release of Stamps.com Inc. dated February 21, 2018, announcing Stamps.com Inc.'s financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.  (furnished, not filed)
 

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
Stamps.com Inc.
 
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 22, 2018
 
/s/ Kenneth McBride
 
 
Date
 
(Signature)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kenneth McBride,
 
      Chief Executive Officer  
 
 

EX-99.1 2 ex99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

Exhibit 99.1
 
Investor Contact:
Press Contact:
Suzanne Park
Eric Nash
Stamps.com Investor Relations
Stamps.com Public Relations
(310) 482-5830
(310) 482-5942
invrel@stamps.com
enash@stamps.com
 
STAMPS.COM REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FISCAL 2017 RESULTS
 
El Segundo, CA – February 21, 2018 – Stamps.com® (Nasdaq: STMP), the leading provider of postage online and shipping software solutions to over 725 thousand customers, today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.
 
Fourth Quarter 2017 Financial Highlights
 
·
Total revenue was $132.5 million, up 25% compared to $105.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
·
GAAP net income was $40.2 million, up 38% compared to $29.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
·
GAAP net income per fully diluted share was $2.15, up 34% compared to $1.61 in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
·
Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $64.1 million, up 15% compared to $55.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
·
Non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share was $4.68, up 71% compared to $2.73 in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
“We are pleased with our fourth quarter and fiscal 2017 financial performance,” said Ken McBride, Stamps.com's Chairman and CEO. “We achieved strong financial results driven by exceptional performance in our shipping business.  We believe we are well positioned for 2018 and we remain excited about our long-term business opportunities.”
 
Fourth Quarter 2017 Detailed Results
 
Fourth quarter 2017 total revenue was $132.5 million, up 25% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter 2017 Mailing and Shipping revenue (which includes service, product and insurance revenue but excludes Customized Postage and Other revenue) was $128.5 million, up 26% versus the fourth quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter 2017 Customized Postage revenue was $3.9 million, up 9% versus the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
Fourth quarter 2017 GAAP income from operations was $51.5 million, GAAP net income was $40.2 million and GAAP net income per share was $2.15 based on 18.7 million fully diluted shares outstanding. This compares to fourth quarter 2016 GAAP income from operations of $41.4 million, GAAP net income of $29.0 million and GAAP net income per share of $1.61 based on 18.0 million fully diluted shares outstanding.  Fourth quarter 2017 GAAP income from operations, GAAP net income and GAAP income per fully diluted share increased by 24%, 38% and 34% year-over-year, respectively.
 

Page 2 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
Fourth quarter 2017 GAAP income from operations included $7.2 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $4.0 million of non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles. Fourth quarter 2017 GAAP net income also included $93 thousand of non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs. Fourth quarter 2017 GAAP income tax expense was $10.5 million and non-GAAP income tax benefit was $25.5 million resulting in a $36.0 million non-GAAP tax benefit adjustment. The non-GAAP tax benefit adjustment primarily reflects the tax impact from reconciling the projected 2017 non-GAAP effective tax rates used for the prior three quarters of 2017 to the actual non-GAAP effective tax rate for fiscal year 2017. See the section later in this press release entitled “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information on how non-GAAP taxes are calculated. Excluding the non-cash stock-based compensation expense and non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles, fourth quarter 2017 non-GAAP income from operations was $62.7 million. Also excluding non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and including the non-GAAP tax benefit adjustment, fourth quarter 2017 non-GAAP adjusted income was $87.5 million or $4.68 per share based on 18.7 million fully diluted shares outstanding.
 
Fourth quarter 2016 GAAP income from operations included $9.2 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $4.0 million of non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles. Fourth quarter 2016 GAAP net income also included $93 thousand of non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and $6.9 million of non-cash income tax expense. Excluding the non-cash stock-based compensation expense and non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles, fourth quarter 2016 non-GAAP income from operations was $54.6 million. Also excluding non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and non-cash income tax expense, fourth quarter 2016 non-GAAP adjusted income was $49.2 million or $2.73 per share based on 18.0 million fully diluted shares outstanding.
 
Therefore, fourth quarter 2017 non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP adjusted income and non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share increased by 15%, 78% and 71% year-over-year, respectively.
 
Non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP adjusted income and non-GAAP adjusted income per share are described further in the “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release and are reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures in the following tables (unaudited):
 

Page 3 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures (Fourth Quarter 2017)
 
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2017
All amounts in millions except
per share data:
 
GAAP
Amounts
   
Stock-Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Intangible
Amortization
Expense
   
Debt
Amortization
Expense
   
Income Tax
Adjustments
   
Non-GAAP
Amounts
 
                                     
Cost of Revenues
 
$
20.87
     
0.34
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
20.53
 
Research & Development
   
12.02
     
1.98
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
10.04
 
Sales & Marketing
   
25.20
     
1.09
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
24.11
 
General & Administrative
   
22.87
     
3.75
     
4.00
     
-
     
-
     
15.12
 
Total Expenses
   
80.96
     
7.16
     
4.00
     
-
     
-
     
69.81
 
                                                 
Income (Loss) from Operations
   
51.50
     
(7.16
)
   
(4.00
)
   
-
     
-
     
62.66
 
                                                 
Interest and Other Income (Loss)
   
(0.79
)
   
-
     
-
     
(0.09
)
   
-
     
(0.69
)
                                                 
Benefit (Expense) for Income Taxes
   
(10.52
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(36.00
)
   
25.48
 
                                                 
Adjusted Income (Loss)
   
40.20
     
(7.16
)
   
(4.00
)
   
(0.09
)
   
(36.00
)
   
87.45
 
                                                 
On a diluted per share basis
 
$
2.15
   
$
(0.38
)
 
$
(0.21
)
 
$
(0.00
)
 
$
(1.93
)
 
$
4.68
 
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures (Fourth Quarter 2016)

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2016
All amounts in millions except
per share data:
 
GAAP
Amounts
   
Stock-Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Intangible
Amortization
Expense
   
Debt
Amortization
Expense
   
Income Tax
Benefit
(Expense)
   
Non-GAAP
Amounts
 
                                     
Cost of Revenues
 
$
17.90
   
$
0.48
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
17.43
 
Research & Development
   
9.58
     
1.94
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
7.64
 
Sales & Marketing
   
19.12
     
1.87
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
17.25
 
General & Administrative
   
17.85
     
4.91
     
4.01
     
-
     
-
     
8.93
 
Total Expenses
   
64.45
     
9.19
     
4.01
     
-
     
-
     
51.25
 
                                                 
Income (Loss) from Operations
   
41.44
     
(9.19
)
   
(4.01
)
   
-
     
-
     
54.64
 
                                                 
Interest and Other Income (Loss)
   
(0.70
)
   
-
     
-
     
(0.09
)
   
-
     
(0.60
)
                                                 
Benefit (Expense) for Income Taxes*
   
(11.72
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(6.90
)
   
(4.82
)
                                                 
Adjusted Income (Loss)
   
29.03
     
(9.19
)
   
(4.01
)
   
(0.09
)
   
(6.90
)
   
49.22
 
                                                 
On a diluted per share basis
 
$
1.61
   
$
(0.51
)
 
$
(0.22
)
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.38
)
 
$
2.73
 
 
* For the fourth quarter 2016, the Company incurred approximately $6.9 million in deferred income tax expense based on its GAAP income measures. In addition, the Company would have incurred an additional approximately $2 million of deferred income tax expense based on its non-GAAP income measures.
 
Fourth Quarter GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA

Fourth quarter 2017 GAAP net income was $40.2 million, up 38% compared to $29.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Fourth quarter 2017 non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $64.1 million, up 15% compared to $55.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
 
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is described further in the “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release and is reconciled to GAAP net income in the following table (unaudited):
 

Page 4 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
Fourth Quarter Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to GAAP Net Income

Fourth Quarter
All amounts in millions
 
Three Months ended
December 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
GAAP Net Income (Loss)
 
$
40.20
   
$
29.03
 
                 
Depreciation and Amortization expense
 
$
5.39
   
$
5.23
 
Interest & Other Expense (Income), net
 
$
0.79
   
$
0.70
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), net
 
$
10.52
   
$
11.72
 
                 
Stock-based Compensation Expense
 
$
7.16
   
$
9.19
 
                 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
64.05
   
$
55.87
 
 
2017 Detailed Results

2017 total revenue was $468.7 million, up 29% compared to 2016. 2017 Mailing and Shipping revenue (which includes service, product and insurance revenue but excludes Customized Postage and Other revenue) was $449.4 million, up 28% versus 2016. 2017 Customized Postage revenue was $19.2 million, up 41% versus 2016.
 
2017 GAAP income from operations was $163.5 million, GAAP net income was $150.6 million and GAAP net income per share was $8.19 based on 18.4 million fully diluted shares outstanding. This compares to a 2016 GAAP income from operations of $120.2 million, GAAP net income of $75.2 million and GAAP net income per share of $4.12 based on fully diluted shares outstanding of 18.3 million. 2017 GAAP income from operations, GAAP net income and GAAP income per fully diluted share increased by 36%, 100%, and 99% year-over-year, respectively.
 
2017 GAAP income from operations included $40.8 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, $16.0 million of non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles, $6.0 million of executive consulting expense, and $1.9 million of one-time insurance proceeds relating to a prior legal settlement. 2017 GAAP net income also included $374 thousand of non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs.  2017 GAAP income tax expense was $9.6 million and non-GAAP income tax expense was $13.3 million resulting in a non-GAAP tax expense adjustment of $3.7 million.  The non-GAAP tax expense adjustment primarily reflects the tax impact from higher non-GAAP income as compared to GAAP income at the effective tax rate for fiscal 2017. See the sections later in this press release entitled “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information on how non-GAAP taxes are calculated. Excluding the non-cash stock-based compensation expense, non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles, executive consulting expense, and one-time insurance proceeds, 2017 non-GAAP income from operations was $224.5 million. Also excluding non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and including the non-GAAP tax expense adjustment, 2017 non-GAAP adjusted income was $208.2 million or $11.33 per share based on 18.4 million fully diluted shares outstanding.
 

Page 5 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
2016 GAAP income from operations included $33.9 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, $14.6 million of non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles, and $1.1 million of expenses related to the ShippingEasy acquisition. 2016 GAAP net income also included $374 thousand of non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and $33.6 million of non-cash income tax expense. Excluding the non-cash stock-based compensation expense, non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles, and acquisition related expenses, 2016 non-GAAP income from operations was $169.8 million. Also excluding non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs and non-cash income tax expense, 2016 non-GAAP adjusted income was $158.8 million or $8.70 per share based on 18.3 million fully diluted shares outstanding.
 
Therefore, 2017 non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP adjusted income and non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share increased by 32%, 31% and 30% year-over-year, respectively.
 
Non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP adjusted income and non-GAAP adjusted income per share are described further in the “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release and are reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measures in the following tables (unaudited):
 
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures (2017)
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2017
All amounts in millions except
per share data:
 
GAAP
Amounts
   
Stock-Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Intangible
Amortization
Expense
   
Executive
Consulting
Expenses
   
One-time
Insurance
Proceeds
   
Debt
Amortization
Expense
   
Income Tax
Adjustments
   
Non-GAAP
Amounts
 
                                                 
Cost of Revenues
 
$
79.23
   
$
1.77
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
77.45
 
Research & Development
   
46.21
     
9.03
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
37.17
 
Sales & Marketing
   
91.22
     
7.29
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
83.93
 
General & Administrative
   
88.55
     
22.73
     
15.99
     
6.00
     
(1.86
)
   
-
     
-
     
45.68
 
Total Expenses
   
305.21
     
40.83
     
15.99
     
6.00
     
(1.86
)
   
-
     
-
     
244.24
 
                                                                 
Income (Loss) from Operations
   
163.50
     
(40.83
)
   
(15.99
)
   
(6.00
)
   
1.86
     
-
     
-
     
224.46
 
                                                                 
Interest and Other Income (Loss)
   
(3.26
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(0.37
)
   
-
     
(2.88
)
                                                                 
Benefit (Expense) for Income Taxes
   
(9.65
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3.69
     
(13.34
)
                                                                 
Adjusted Income (Loss)
   
150.60
     
(40.83
)
   
(15.99
)
   
(6.00
)
   
1.86
     
(0.37
)
   
3.69
     
208.24
 
                                                                 
On a diluted per share basis
 
$
8.19
   
$
(2.22
)
 
$
(0.87
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
0.10
   
$
(0.02
)
 
$
0.20
   
$
11.33
 
 

Page 6 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures (2016)
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
All amounts in millions except
per share data:
 
GAAP
Amounts
   
Stock-Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Intangible
Amortization
Expense
   
Acquisition
Related
Expenses
   
Debt
Amortization
Expense
   
Income Tax
Benefit
(Expense)
   
Non-GAAP
Amounts
 
                                           
Cost of Revenues
 
$
62.97
   
$
1.83
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
61.14
 
Research & Development
   
35.16
     
6.63
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
28.52
 
Sales & Marketing
   
78.83
     
7.19
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
71.64
 
General & Administrative
   
67.12
     
18.29
     
14.56
     
1.08
     
-
     
-
     
33.20
 
Total Expenses
   
244.08
     
33.95
     
14.56
     
1.08
     
-
     
-
     
194.50
 
                                                         
Income (Loss) from Operations
   
120.22
     
(33.95
)
   
(14.56
)
   
(1.08
)
   
-
     
-
     
169.80
 
                                                         
Interest and Other Income (Loss)
   
(3.25
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(0.37
)
   
-
     
(2.87
)
                                                         
Benefit (Expense) for Income Taxes*
   
(41.74
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(33.62
)
   
(8.12
)
                                                         
Adjusted Income (Loss)
   
75.23
     
(33.95
)
   
(14.56
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(0.37
)
   
(33.62
)
   
158.81
 
                                                         
On a diluted per share basis
 
$
4.12
   
$
(1.86
)
 
$
(0.80
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
$
(1.84
)
 
$
8.70
 
 
* For the 2016, the Company incurred approximately $33.6 million in deferred income tax expense based on its GAAP income measures. In addition, the Company would have incurred an additional approximately $14 million of deferred income tax expense based on its non-GAAP income measures.
 
2017 GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA

2017 GAAP net income was $150.6 million, up 100% compared to $75.2 million in 2016.

2017 non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $229.9 million, up 32% compared to $174.4 million in 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is described further in the “About Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this release and is reconciled to GAAP net income in the following table (unaudited):
 
Fiscal Year 2017 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to GAAP Net Income

Fiscal
All amounts in millions
 
Twelve Months ended
December 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
GAAP Net Income (Loss)
 
$
150.60
   
$
75.23
 
                 
Depreciation and Amortization expense
 
$
21.44
   
$
19.17
 
Interest & Other Expense (Income), net
 
$
3.26
   
$
3.25
 
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), net
 
$
9.65
   
$
41.74
 
                 
Stock-based Compensation Expense
 
$
40.83
   
$
33.95
 
Executive Consulting Expense
 
$
6.00
   
$
--
 
One-time Insurance Expense (Proceeds)
 
(1.86
)
 
$
--
 
Acquisition Related Expenses
 
$
--
   
$
1.08
 
                 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
229.92
   
$
174.41
 
 

Page 7 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
Taxes
 
In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09), which requires us, among other items, to record excess tax benefits as a reduction of the provision for income taxes in the income statements, whereas they were previously recognized in equity. The impact of adoption has been reflected in our income statement for the period ended December 31, 2017.
 
For 2017, the Company reported a GAAP income tax expense of $9.6 million representing an effective tax rate of 6.0%.  For 2016, the Company reported a GAAP income tax expense of $41.7 million representing an effective tax rate of 35.7%. The lower effective GAAP tax rate in 2017 was primarily related to the tax benefits resulting from higher employee stock option exercises in 2017 and the associated change in accounting treatment under ASU 2016-09. Our fiscal year 2017 GAAP net income should also be understood to have been positively impacted by the lower effective tax rate resulting primarily from employee stock option exercises and the associated change in accounting treatment under ASU 2016-09. The 2017 GAAP effective tax rate of 6.0% should not be assumed to apply for 2018 as employee stock option exercises are inherently unpredictable and actual 2018 employee stock option exercises could differ materially from those in 2017 which could have a material impact on our 2018 effective tax rate as compared to 2017.
 
Share Repurchase and Debt Repayment
 
During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 169 thousand shares at a total cost of approximately $30.6 million. During 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 988 thousand shares at a total cost of approximately $133.7 million.
 
On October 24, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program, which became effective on November 10, 2017 and authorized the Company to repurchase up to $90 million of stock over the six months following its effective date.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company made a required principal repayment of $2.1 million and an optional principal repayment of $62.0 million against the borrowings under the Company’s existing credit agreement related to the Endicia acquisition. As of December 31, 2017, total debt under the credit agreement excluding debt issuance costs was $70.1 million.
 
Summary of our Business Outlook
 
For fiscal year 2018, the Company currently expects its GAAP financial outlook to be as follows:
 
·
We expect total 2018 revenue to be in a range of approximately $530 million to $560 million.
 
·
We expect GAAP net income to be in the range of approximately $138 million to $153 million.
 
·
We expect GAAP net income per fully diluted share to be in a range of approximately $7.09 to $8.04.
 

Page 8 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
The above GAAP numbers adjusted as detailed below result in the following non-GAAP financial outlook:
 
·
We expect non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA to be in a range of approximately $245 million to $265 million.
 
·
We expect non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share to be in a range of $8.80 to $9.80.
 
Detailed Discussion of our Business Outlook
 
As noted above, for 2018, the Company currently expects total revenue to be in a range of approximately $530 million to $560 million.
 
Also, for 2018, the Company currently expects GAAP net income to be in a range of approximately $138 million to $153 million.
 
The expected GAAP net income range includes depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $21 million, stock-based compensation expense of approximately $30 million, interest expense and other income, net of approximately $2 million and income tax expense of approximately $54 million to $59 million. Excluding the depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense, interest expense and other income, net and income tax expense, we expect non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA to be in a range of approximately $245 million to $265 million.
 
The following table is provided to facilitate a reconciliation of 2018 expected non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA to expected GAAP net income:
 
   
Fiscal Year 2018 Guidance
 
All amounts in millions
 
Low End of Range
   
High End of Range
 
             
GAAP net income
 
$
138.3
   
$
152.7
 
                 
Adjustments to reconcile adjusted EBITDA to GAAP net income:
               
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
$
21.0
   
$
21.0
 
Stock-based compensation expense
 
$
30.0
   
$
30.0
 
Interest expense and other income, net
 
$
1.9
   
$
1.9
 
Income tax expense
 
$
53.8
   
$
59.4
 
Total adjustments excluded from adjusted EBITDA
 
$
106.7
   
$
112.3
 
                 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
245.0
   
$
265.0
 
 
As noted above, for 2018, the Company currently expects GAAP net income per fully diluted share to be in a range of approximately $7.09 to $8.04. The expected GAAP net income per fully diluted share range includes non-cash stock-based compensation expense of approximately $30 million, non-cash amortization of acquired intangibles expense of approximately $16 million and non-cash amortization of debt issuance costs of approximately $0.4 million. Excluding the stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangibles expense, and amortization of debt issuance costs, and including higher expected non-GAAP income taxes of approximately $13 million from the expected tax effects of these adjustments at an assumed 28.0% effective tax rate, non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share is expected to be in a range of $8.80 to $9.80.
 

Page 9 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
The following table is provided to facilitate a reconciliation of fiscal year 2018 expected non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share to expected GAAP net income per fully diluted share:

   
Fiscal Year 2018 Guidance
 
All amounts in millions except per share data
 
Low End of Range
   
High End of Range
 
             
GAAP net income per fully diluted share
 
$
7.09
   
$
8.04
 
                 
Adjustments to reconcile non-GAAP to GAAP:
               
Stock-based compensation expense
 
$
30.0
   
$
30.0
 
Amortization of acquired intangibles
 
$
16.0
   
$
16.0
 
Amortization of debt issuance costs
 
$
0.4
   
$
0.4
 
Total adjustments excluded from non-GAAP
 
$
46.4
   
$
46.4
 
Effective tax rate
   
28
%
   
28
%
Increased tax expense from non-GAAP adjustments
 
$
13.0
   
$
13.0
 
Total tax affected adjustments excluded from non-GAAP
 
$
33.4
   
$
33.4
 
                 
Fully diluted shares
   
19.5
     
19.0
 
                 
Total adjustments excluded from non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share
 
$
1.71
   
$
1.76
 
                 
Non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share
 
$
8.80
   
$
9.80
 
 
This business outlook does not include the impact from potential future acquisitions, including acquisition costs or related financings, or unanticipated events. This business outlook and the related assumptions are forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor statement contained at the end of this press release, and reflect our views of current and future market conditions. Ranges represent a set of likely assumptions, but actual results could fall outside the range presented. Only a few of our assumptions underlying our guidance are disclosed above, and our actual results will be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control or ability to predict. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our guidance are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future performance and some of them will inevitably prove to be incorrect.  As a result, our actual future results can be expected to differ from our expectations, and those differences could be material.

Company Metrics and Conference Call
 
2017 Company metrics, updated to include the fourth quarter, is available at http://investor.stamps.com (under a tab on the left side called Company Information, Metrics).  These metrics are not incorporated into this press release.
 
The Stamps.com financial results conference call will be webcast today at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time and may be accessed at http://investor.stamps.com. The Company plans to discuss its business outlook during the conference call. Following the conclusion of the webcast, a replay of the call will be available at the same website.
 

Page 10 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
About Stamps.com, Endicia, ShipStation, ShipWorks and ShippingEasy
 
Stamps.com (Nasdaq: STMP) is the leading provider of postage online and shipping software solutions to over 725 thousand customers, including consumers, small businesses, e-commerce shippers, enterprises, and high volume shippers. Stamps.com offers solutions that help businesses run their shipping operations more smoothly and function more successfully under the brand names Stamps.com, Endicia, ShipStation, ShipWorks and ShippingEasy.  Stamps.com’s family of brands provides seamless access to mailing and shipping services through integrations with more than 450 unique partner applications.

Endicia is a leading brand for high volume shipping technologies and services for U.S. Postal Service shipping. Under this brand we offer solutions that help businesses run their shipping operations more smoothly and function more successfully. Our Endicia branded solutions also provide seamless access to USPS shipping services through integrations with partner applications.

ShipStation is a leading web-based shipping solution that helps e-commerce retailers import, organize, process, package, and ship their orders quickly and easily from any web browser. ShipStation features the most integrations of any e-commerce web-based solution with more than 150 shopping carts, marketplaces, package carriers, and fulfillment services. Integration partners include eBay, PayPal, Amazon, Etsy, Square, Shopify, BigCommerce, Volusion, Magento, Squarespace, and carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL.  ShipStation has sophisticated automation features such as automated order importing, custom hierarchical rules, product profiles, and fulfillment solutions that enable its customers to complete their orders, wherever they sell, and however they ship.

ShipWorks is a leading brand for client-based shipping solutions that help high volume shippers import, organize, process, fulfill, and ship their orders quickly and easily from any standard PC. With integrations to more than 90 shopping carts, marketplaces, package carriers, and fulfillment services, ShipWorks has the most integrations of any high-volume client shipping solution.  Package carriers include USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, OnTrac and many more.  Marketplace and shopping cart integrations include eBay, PayPal, Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, BigCommerce, Volusion, ChannelAdvisor, Magento, and many more.  ShipWorks has sophisticated automation features such as a custom rules engine, automated order importing, automatic product profile detection, and fulfillment automation, which enable high volume shippers to complete their orders quickly and efficiently.

ShippingEasy is a leading web-based shipping software solution that allows online retailers and e-commerce merchants to organize, process, fulfill and ship their orders quickly and easily. ShippingEasy integrates with leading marketplaces, shopping carts, and e-commerce platforms to allow order fulfillment and tracking data to populate in real time across all systems. The ShippingEasy software downloads orders from selling channels and automatically maps custom shipping preferences, rates and delivery options across all supported carriers.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of income presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses non-GAAP measures of certain components of financial performance. These non-GAAP measures include non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP adjusted income, non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share and adjusted EBITDA.
 

Page 11 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
Non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance investors’ overall understanding of the Company’s financial performance and prospects for the future and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes the non-GAAP measures that: (1) exclude certain non-cash items including stock-based compensation expense, amortization of acquired intangibles, amortization of debt issuance costs, contingent consideration charges; (2) exclude certain expenses and gains such as acquisition related expenses, litigation settlement expenses, executive consulting expenses, insurance proceeds; and (3) includes income tax adjustments provide meaningful supplemental information regarding financial performance by excluding certain expenses and benefits that may not be reflective of our underlying operating performance. Non-GAAP adjusted income is calculated as GAAP net income plus the cumulative impact of the adjustments outlined above. Non-GAAP adjusted income per fully diluted share is calculated as non-GAAP adjusted income divided by fully diluted shares. Prior to the third quarter 2016, the Company referred to non-GAAP adjusted income as non-GAAP net income.

Non-GAAP income tax expense for the first, second and third quarters of our fiscal year are calculated by multiplying the projected annual effective tax rate in that quarter by the non-GAAP adjusted income before taxes for the quarter. The projected annual effective tax rate does not reflect potential future employee option exercises in the remaining quarters of the fiscal year due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting employee option exercises. The projected annual effective tax rate also considers other factors including the Company’s tax structure and its tax positions in various jurisdictions where the Company operates. The actual annual effective tax rate realized for the fiscal year could differ materially from our projected annual effective tax rate used in the first, second and third quarters.

Non-GAAP income tax expense for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year is calculated by multiplying the actual effective tax rate for the fiscal year by the non-GAAP adjusted income before taxes for the fiscal year and subtracting the non-GAAP income tax expense or benefit reported in the first, second and third quarters.  As a result, the fourth quarter reflects the tax impact of reconciling the first, second and third quarter projected annual effective rates to the actual effective tax rate for the fiscal year.

The calculations described above reflect the methodology used for calculating non-GAAP income tax expenses in reported results for 2017. For 2016 reported results, the Company used a different methodology for calculating non-GAAP income tax expense that reflected the Company’s ability to use its remaining tax assets such as net operating losses and other tax credits.  The reason for the change in methodology was that the Company had utilized substantially all of its net operating losses and other tax credits by the end of 2016.  In order to help investors better understand the impact of the change in methodology, the Company previously provided recast non-GAAP income tax expense for 2016 showing what the non-GAAP income tax expense would have been under the 2017 methodology.  The Company expects that the non-GAAP income tax expense methodology for 2018 will be consistent with the 2017 methodology.  As a result, the Company believes it is no longer necessary to provide recast non-GAAP income tax expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA as calculated in this earnings release represents earnings before interest and other expense, net, interest and other income, net, income tax expense or benefit, depreciation and amortization and excludes certain items, such as stock-based compensation expense, described in this release used to reconcile GAAP to non-GAAP income from operations.
 

Page 12 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures included in this earnings release to the corresponding GAAP measures can be found in the financial tables of this earnings release.

The Company believes that non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed with GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliation, enhance the comparability of operating results against prior periods and allow for greater transparency of operating results. Management uses non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating, compensation and planning decisions. The Company believes non-GAAP financial measures facilitate management and investors in comparing the Company’s financial performance to that of prior periods as well as in performing trend analysis over time.

Share Repurchase Timing

The timing of share repurchases, if any, and the number of shares to be bought at any one time will depend on factors including market conditions and the Company’s compliance with the covenants in its Credit Agreement. Share repurchases may be made from time to time on the open market or in negotiated transactions at the Company's discretion in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company's purchase of any of its shares may be subject to limitations imposed on such purchases by applicable securities laws and regulations and the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.

"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This release includes “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.  Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts, and may relate to future events or the company’s anticipated results, business strategies or capital requirements, among other things, all of which involve risks and uncertainties. You can identify many (but not all) such forward-looking statements by looking for words such as “approximates,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “seeks,” “intends,” “plans,” “could,” “would,” “may” or other similar expressions.  Important factors, including the Company's ability to successfully integrate and realize the benefits of its past or future strategic acquisitions or investments, to complete and ship its products and to maintain desirable economics for its products, as well as the timing of when the Company will utilize its deferred tax assets, and obtain or maintain regulatory approval, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, are detailed in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made from time to time by Stamps.com, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K.  Matters described in forward-looking statements may also be affected by other known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the company’s ability to control or predict. Stamps.com undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
Trademarks

Stamps.com, the Stamps.com logo, Endicia, ShipStation, ShipWorks, and ShippingEasy are registered trademarks of Stamps.com Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands and names used in this release are the property of their respective owners.
 

Page 13 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
STAMPS.COM INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data: unaudited)
 
   
Three Months ended
December 31,
   
Twelve Months ended
December 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Revenues:
                       
Service
 
$
118,638
   
$
92,490
   
$
411,272
   
$
313,057
 
Product
   
5,414
     
5,125
     
20,715
     
20,234
 
Insurance
   
4,453
     
4,657
     
17,385
     
17,300
 
Customized postage
   
3,938
     
3,599
     
19,244
     
13,615
 
Other
   
24
     
25
     
93
     
99
 
Total revenues
   
132,467
     
105,896
     
468,709
     
364,305
 
Cost of revenues:
                               
Service
   
14,647
     
11,945
     
51,931
     
39,999
 
Product
   
1,688
     
1,676
     
6,618
     
6,695
 
Insurance
   
1,090
     
1,512
     
4,637
     
5,432
 
Customized postage
   
3,440
     
2,770
     
16,040
     
10,846
 
Total cost of revenues
   
20,865
     
17,903
     
79,226
     
62,972
 
Gross profit
   
111,602
     
87,993
     
389,483
     
301,333
 
Operating expenses:
                               
Sales and marketing
   
25,204
     
19,122
     
91,222
     
78,830
 
Research and development
   
12,021
     
9,579
     
46,208
     
35,158
 
General and administrative
   
22,874
     
17,849
     
88,550
     
67,125
 
Total operating expenses
   
60,099
     
46,550
     
225,980
     
181,113
 
Income from operations
   
51,503
     
41,443
     
163,503
     
120,220
 
                                 
Interest expense
   
(890
)
   
(904
)
   
(3,669
)
   
(3,552
)
Interest income and other income, net
   
105
     
208
     
414
     
306
 
Income before income taxes
   
50,718
     
40,747
     
160,248
     
116,974
 
Income tax expense
   
10,518
     
11,719
     
9,645
     
41,745
 
Net income
 
$
40,200
   
$
29,028
   
$
150,603
   
$
75,229
 
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
 
$
2.30
   
$
1.71
   
$
8.81
   
$
4.36
 
Diluted
 
$
2.15
   
$
1.61
   
$
8.19
   
$
4.12
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
17,484
     
17,018
     
17,099
     
17,245
 
Diluted
   
18,699
     
18,026
     
18,387
     
18,251
 
 

Page 14 - Stamps.com Announces Fourth Quarter 2017 Results
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, unaudited)
 
   
December 31,
2017
   
December 31,
2016
 
             
ASSETS
           
Cash and investments
 
$
153,903
   
$
108,443
 
Accounts receivable
   
80,797
     
62,756
 
Current income tax
   
22,344
     
-
 
Other current assets
   
14,449
     
13,081
 
Property and equipment, net
   
37,507
     
36,829
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
   
320,695
     
336,732
 
Deferred tax
   
43,148
     
48,782
 
Other assets
   
6,261
     
3,506
 
Total assets
 
$
679,104
   
$
610,129
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
 
$
108,386
   
$
86,205
 
Debt, net of debt issuance costs
   
69,034
     
147,354
 
Deferred revenue
   
3,871
     
3,858
 
Total liabilities
   
181,291
     
237,417
 
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Common stock
   
55
     
53
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
962,227
     
855,344
 
Treasury stock
   
(387,545
)
   
(252,981
)
Accumulated deficit
   
(76,930
)
   
(229,715
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
6
     
11
 
Total stockholders' equity
   
497,813
     
372,712
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
679,104
   
$
610,129