Global Payments Inc. announced results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2018.

“In 2018, we produced the best financial performance in our history, culminating with strong momentum across our businesses in the fourth quarter,” said Jeff Sloan, Chief Executive Officer. “Successful execution of our strategy has created a more diverse, predictable and resilient business model entering 2019.

“We believe the advantages of our technology-enabled, software-driven strategy will continue to differentiate our company, with a balanced approach across owned SaaS, partnered software and ecommerce and omnichannel assets,” Sloan continued. “The positive outlook for our business is reflected in our absolute and relative growth expectations for 2019.”

Full-Year 2018 Summary

GAAP revenues were $3.37 billion, compared to $3.98 billion in 2017; diluted earnings per share were $2.84 compared to $3.01 in the prior year; and operating margin was 21.9% compared to 14.1% in 2017; 2018 results reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Adjusted net revenue plus network fees grew 15% to $3.97 billion, compared to $3.46 billion in 2017.

Adjusted earnings per share grew 29% to $5.19, compared to $4.01 in 2017.

Adjusted operating margin expanded 130 basis points to 31.7%.

Fourth Quarter 2018 Summary

GAAP revenues were $881 million, compared to $1.05 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017; diluted earnings per share were $0.47 compared to $1.51 in the prior year; and operating margin was 19.0% compared to 14.2% in the fourth quarter of 2017; 2018 results reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Adjusted net revenue plus network fees grew over 12% to $1.04 billion, compared to $923.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Adjusted earnings per share grew 24% to $1.33, compared to $1.07 in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Adjusted operating margin expanded 80 basis points to 31.6%.

2019 Outlook

“We are delighted with our performance in the fourth quarter, despite facing incremental pressure from foreign currency exchange rates, and the record results we achieved in 2018 as we consistently executed on our growth strategy,” stated Cameron Bready, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We could not be more pleased with how our business is positioned as we enter 2019 and the resulting financial outlook for the year. The company expects adjusted net revenue plus network fees to range from $4.43 billion to $4.49 billion, reflecting growth of 12% to 13% over 2018 results and adjusted earnings per share to be in a range of $5.90 to $6.10, reflecting growth of 14% to 18% over 2018. Annual adjusted operating margin for 2019 is expected to expand by up to 70 basis points.”

Capital Allocation

Global Payments’ Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.01 per share payable March 29, 2019 to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2019.

The Board also approved an increase to the existing authorization for the company's share repurchase program, raising the total available authorization to $750 million.