Form 6-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the month of October 2019    Commission File Number: 1-31349

 

 

THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

 

333 Bay Street, Suite 400

Toronto, Ontario M5H 2R2, Canada

(Address of principal executive office)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  ☐            Form 40-F  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ☐

 

 

 


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, thereunto duly authorized.

 

THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:   /s/ Marc E. Gold
  Name:    Marc E. Gold
  Title:      Deputy Company Secretary

Date: October 31, 2019


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

  

Description

99.1    News release dated October 31, 2019 – Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results
99.2    Supplemental Business and Segment Information dated October 31, 2019
EXHIBIT 99.1 - EARNINGS RELEASE

Exhibit 99.1

 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

TORONTO, October 31, 2019 – Thomson Reuters (TSX/NYSE: TRI) today reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019.

“Organic revenue growth of 4% this quarter once again demonstrates our improving trajectory and reflects the success of new AI-powered solutions and solid sales execution from our customer-facing front lines,” said Jim Smith, president and CEO of Thomson Reuters. “New products are resonating with customers and helping us improve retention rates, in some cases at historically high levels.”

“We are encouraged by our nine-month performance, which positions us to achieve our full-year 2019 and 2020 targets. And, the stronger and more stable characteristics of our overall business model should enable the company to sustain an attractive value creation model for shareholders, one that is driven both by growth and returns.”

Consolidated Financial Highlights—Three Months Ended September 30

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

(Millions of U.S. dollars, except for adjusted EBITDA margin and EPS)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

     2019     2018 (2)     Change     Change at
Constant
Currency
 
IFRS Financial Measures (1)          

Revenues

  $ 1,413     $ 1,284       10    

Operating profit

  $ 262     $ 173       51    

Diluted (loss) earnings per share (EPS) (includes discontinued operations)

  $ (0.09   $ 0.39       n/m      

Cash flow from operations (includes discontinued operations)

  $ 264     $ 850       -68    
   
Non-IFRS Financial Measures (1)          

Revenues

  $ 1,413     $ 1,284       10     10

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 345     $ 313       10     9

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    24.4     24.4     0bp       -30bp  

Adjusted EPS

  $ 0.27     $ 0.12       125     108

Free cash flow (includes discontinued operations)

  $ 126     $ 599       -79    
 

n/m : not meaningful

(1)  In addition to results reported in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the company uses certain non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental indicators of its operating performance and financial position. These and other non-IFRS financial measures are defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable IFRS measures in the tables appended to this news release.

(2)  The 2018 period has been revised to correct certain immaterial misstatements. For additional information, see the “Revision of Prior-Period Financial Statements” section of the news release.

 

 

   

   

Revenues increased 10% due to the inclusion of revenues paid by Refinitiv to Reuters News for providing news and editorial content, and to higher recurring revenues across all other customer segments. Foreign currency had no impact on revenue growth in the quarter.

 

  o

Organic revenue growth was 4%, driven by a 5% increase in recurring revenues, which comprised 79% of total revenues.

Operating profit increased significantly due to a benefit from the revaluation of warrants that the company holds in Refinitiv, related to its proposed transaction with London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG). For additional information about the proposed LSEG transaction, see the “Recent Developments” section of this news release.

 

  o

Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes the benefit of the warrant revaluation among other items, increased 10% and the margin was unchanged from the prior-year period at 24.4% as higher revenues were partly offset by higher expenses that included costs associated with newly acquired businesses.

Diluted loss per share reflects the company’s share of losses from its 45% equity interest in Refinitiv. Diluted earnings per share of $0.39 in the prior-year period included net earnings from the Financial & Risk (F&R) business that was included in discontinued operations for the first nine months of 2018.

 


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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  o

Adjusted EPS, which excludes the above items, increased to $0.27 from $0.12 in the prior-year period, primarily reflecting fewer common shares outstanding and lower interest expense.

Cash flow from operations decreased due to the loss of cash flows from the company’s former F&R business, which were included in the prior-year period, but no longer included as of October 1, 2018.

 

  o

Free cash flow decreased for the same reason.

Highlights by Customer Segment – Three Months Ended September 30

 

(Millions of U.S. dollars, except for adjusted EBITDA margins)

(unaudited)

 
   
     Three Months Ended                     
     September 30,     Change  
     2019     2018 (2)     Total     Constant
Currency
     Organic (1)  

Revenues

       

Legal Professionals

  $ 605     $ 595       2     2      3

Corporates

    320       298       7     8      6

Tax & Accounting Professionals

    166       149       11     10      8

Reuters News

    155       71       120     121      3

Global Print

    168       171       -2     -2      -2

Eliminations

    (1     —             
   

 

 

   

 

 

          

Revenues

  $ 1,413     $ 1,284       10     10      4
   

 

 

   

 

 

          

Adjusted EBITDA

       

Legal Professionals

  $ 227     $ 206       10     9     

Corporates

    110       105       4     6     

Tax & Accounting Professionals

    35       32       9     -2     

Reuters News

    5       5       -14     -97     

Global Print

    71       76       -5     -4     

Corporate costs

    (103     (111     n/a       n/a       
   

 

 

   

 

 

          

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 345     $ 313       10     9     
   

 

 

   

 

 

          
Adjusted EBITDA Margin        

Legal Professionals

    37.4     34.6     280bp       240bp       

Corporates

    34.3     35.4     -110bp       -50bp       

Tax & Accounting Professionals

    21.1     21.4     -30bp       -240bp       

Reuters News

    3.2     8.2     -500bp       -670bp       

Global Print

    42.5     44.2     -170bp       -110bp       

Corporate costs

    n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a       

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    24.4     24.4     0bp       -30bp       

n/a: not applicable

(1)  Computed for revenue growth only.

(2)  The 2018 period has been revised to correct certain immaterial misstatements. For additional information, see the “Revision of Prior-Period Financial Statements” section of the news release.

 

   

   

Unless otherwise noted, all revenue growth comparisons by customer segment in this news release are at constant currency (or exclude the impact of foreign currency) as Thomson Reuters believes this provides the best basis to measure their performance.

Legal Professionals

Revenues increased 2% (3% organic) to $605 million. Organic revenue growth was negatively impacted by approximately 100 basis points due to a difficult prior-year period comparison, which included a one-time transactional sale.

 

  o

Recurring revenues grew 4%—all organic (93% of total).


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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  o

Transactions revenues declined 18% (6% organic) due to the sale of several small businesses and a strong performance in the prior-year period resulting from the one-time sale (7% of total).

Adjusted EBITDA increased 10% to $227 million.

 

  o

The margin increased to 37.4% from 34.6%, primarily due to higher revenues and productivity savings.

Corporates

Revenues increased 8% (6% organic) to $320 million, primarily due to strong recurring revenue growth and the impact of recent acquisitions.

 

  o

Recurring revenues grew 12% (86% of total), driven by organic revenue growth of 8% and revenues from the acquisitions of Integration Point and HighQ.

  o

Transactions revenues declined 11% (14% of total), primarily due to the loss of revenues following the sale of the Pangea3/Legal Managed Services (LMS) business in May 2019. Transactions revenues declined 3% organically.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 4% to $110 million.

 

  o

The margin decreased from 35.4% to 34.3%, as higher revenues were offset by the dilutive impact of the Integration Point, Confirmation and HighQ acquisitions.

Tax & Accounting Professionals

Revenues increased 10% (8% organic) to $166 million.

 

  o

Recurring revenues grew 8%—all organic (84% of total).

  o

Transactions revenues grew 22% (16% of total) primarily due to the Confirmation acquisition. Transactions revenues grew 7% organically driven by growth in the Government business.

Adjusted EBITDA grew 9% to $35 million.

 

  o

The margin decreased slightly from 21.4% to 21.1%, primarily due to the dilutive impact of the Confirmation acquisition.

  o

The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment is the company’s most seasonal business with nearly 60% of full-year revenues typically generated in the first and fourth quarters. Because of this, the margin performance in this segment is generally higher in the first and fourth quarters as costs are incurred in a more linear fashion throughout the year.

Reuters News

Revenues increased 121% to $155 million due to the inclusion of revenue from the 30-year agreement for Reuters News to supply news and editorial content to Refinitiv, which began in the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

  o

Organic revenues increased 3%, mostly attributable to a price increase related to the Refinitiv agreement and growth in Reuters News’ Agency business.

Adjusted EBITDA was unchanged at $5 million, as the impact of higher costs and investments were offset by a benefit from foreign currency.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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Global Print

Revenues decreased 2% to $168 million.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 5% to $71 million.

 

  o

The margin decreased from 44.2% to 42.5%.

Corporate Costs

Corporate costs at the adjusted EBITDA level were $103 million compared to $111 million in the prior-year period. As previously disclosed, adjusted EBITDA includes significant costs and investments to reposition Thomson Reuters following the separation of F&R. These cash costs and investments are expected to continue in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Consolidated Financial Highlights—Nine Months Ended September 30

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

(Millions of U.S. dollars, except for adjusted EBITDA margin and EPS)

(unaudited)

 
      2019     2018 (2)     Change     Change at
Constant
Currency
 
IFRS Financial Measures (1)           

Revenues

   $ 4,323     $ 3,974       9    

Operating profit

   $ 983     $ 645       52    

Diluted earnings per share (EPS) (includes discontinued operations)

   $ 0.47     $ 0.79       -41    

Cash flow from operations (includes discontinued operations)

   $ 347     $ 2,072       -83    
   
Non-IFRS Financial Measures (1)           

Revenues

   $ 4,323     $ 3,974       9     10

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 1,097     $ 1,091       1     -1

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     25.4     27.4     -200bp       -270bp  

Adjusted EPS

   $ 0.92     $ 0.57       61     56

Free cash flow (includes discontinued operations)

   $ (50   $ 1,274       n/m      
 

n/m: not meaningful

(1)  In addition to results reported in accordance with IFRS, the company uses certain non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental indicators of its operating performance and financial position. These and other non-IFRS financial measures are defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable IFRS measures in the tables appended to this news release.

(2)  The 2018 period has been revised to correct certain immaterial misstatements. For additional information, see the “Revision of Prior-Period Financial Statements” section of the news release.

  

   

   

Revenues increased 9% due to the inclusion of revenues paid by Refinitiv to Reuters News for providing news and editorial content, and to higher recurring revenues across all other customer segments.

 

  o

At constant currency, revenues increased 10%. Currency had a $51 million (approximately 1%) negative impact.

  o

Organic revenue growth was 4%, driven by a 5% increase in recurring revenues, which comprised 78% of total revenues.

Operating profit increased significantly due to a benefit from the revaluation of warrants that the company holds in Refinitiv, related to its proposed transaction with LSEG. For additional information about the proposed LSEG transaction, see the “Recent Developments” section of this news release.

 

  o

Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes the benefit of the warrant revaluation, among other items, increased slightly and the margin decreased to 25.4% as higher revenues were offset by higher expenses that included costs and investments relating to the repositioning of the company following the separation of the F&R business to create Refinitiv.

Diluted EPS decreased to $0.47 from $0.79, primarily due to the loss of net earnings from the F&R business that was included in discontinued operations in the first nine months of 2018.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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  o

Adjusted EPS, which excludes discontinued operations, among other items, increased to $0.92 from $0.57 in the prior-year period, primarily reflecting a benefit from fewer common shares outstanding and lower interest expense.

Cash flow from operations decreased, reflecting the loss of cash flows from the company’s former F&R business (which were included in the prior-year period, but no longer included as of October 1, 2018), investments to reposition Thomson Reuters following the separation of F&R from the company and a pension plan contribution.

 

  o

Free cash flow decreased for the same reasons.

Highlights by Customer Segment – Nine Months Ended September 30

 

(Millions of U.S. dollars, except for adjusted EBITDA margins)

(unaudited)

 
      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Change  
      2019     2018 (2)     Total     Constant
Currency
    Organic (1)  

Revenues

            

Legal Professionals

   $ 1,802     $ 1,773       2     3     3

Corporates

     990       923       7     8     6

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     570       542       5     7     6

Reuters News

     466       215       117     120     3

Global Print

     497       522       -5     -3     -3

Eliminations

     (2     (1        
    

 

 

   

 

 

         

Revenues

   $ 4,323     $ 3,974       9     10     4
    

 

 

   

 

 

         

Adjusted EBITDA

            

Legal Professionals

   $ 686     $ 595       15     15    

Corporates

     330       311       6     6    

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     188       153       23     22    

Reuters News

     31       21       45     10    

Global Print

     218       233       -6     -5    

Corporate costs

     (356     (222     n/a       n/a      
    

 

 

   

 

 

         

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 1,097     $ 1,091       1     -1    
    

 

 

   

 

 

         

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

            

Legal Professionals

     38.1     33.6     450bp       400bp      

Corporates

     33.4     33.7     -30bp       -60bp      

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     33.0     28.3     470bp       410bp      

Reuters News

     6.7     10.0     -330bp       -480bp      

Global Print

     43.8     44.6     -80bp       -110bp      

Corporate costs

     n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a      

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     25.4     27.4     -200bp       -270bp      
 
n/a: not applicable

 

(1)  Computed for revenue growth only.

(2)  The 2018 period has been revised to correct certain immaterial misstatements. For additional information, see the “Revision of Prior-Period Financial Statements” section of the news release.

   

   

Business Outlook for 2019 and 2020 (At Constant Currency and Excluding Future Acquisitions/Dispositions)

Thomson Reuters today reaffirmed its Outlook for 2019 and 2020.

The company’s Outlook for 2019 and 2020 assumes constant currency rates compared to 2018 and excludes the impact of any future acquisitions or dispositions that may occur in 2019 or 2020. Thomson Reuters believes that this type of guidance provides useful insight into the performance of our businesses.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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The company has provided a full-year Outlook for two years because 2019 will be materially impacted by costs to separate the business from Refinitiv and reposition it for growth, while 2020 should represent the first year that the company’s financial performance will reflect the benefits from its actions, without material costs related to the actions.

 

     2019 Outlook    2020 Outlook
     Before currency and excluding the impact of future
acquisitions/dispositions

Revenue Growth

   7% - 8.5%

3.5% - 4.0% Organic(1)

   4.0% - 4.5% Organic

Adjusted EBITDA

   $1.45 - $1.5 billion(2)    ~31%(2)

Corporate Costs

   ~$570 million    $140 - $150 million

Free Cash Flow

   $0 - $300 million    $1.0 - $1.2 billion

Capital Expenditures – % of Revenues

   ~9%    7.5% - 8.0%

Depreciation & Amortization of Computer Software

   $600 - $625 million(2)    TBD

Interest Expense (P&L)

   $150 - $175 million    TBD

Effective Tax Rate on Adjusted Earnings

   16% - 19%    ~20%

 

  (1)

For purposes of the organic growth calculation, the initial contract value of the company’s 30-year agreement with Refinitiv that was signed on October 1, 2018 was treated as an acquisition until October 1, 2019.

  (2)

The impact of the new lease accounting standard (IFRS 16) is expected to increase both adjusted EBITDA and depreciation and amortization of computer software by an estimated $40 million in 2019 and $50 million in 2020 and is reflected in this Outlook. IFRS 16 has no impact on free cash flow.

The information in this section is forward-looking. Actual results, which include the impact of currency and acquisitions and dispositions completed during 2019 and 2020, may differ materially from the company’s Outlook. Some of the forward-looking financial measures in the Outlook above are provided on a non-IFRS basis. See the section below entitled “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” for more information. The information in this section should also be read in conjunction with the section below entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, Material Risks and Material Assumptions.”

Recent Developments

Agreement to Sell Refinitiv to LSEG

On August 1, 2019, Thomson Reuters and private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone agreed to sell Refinitiv to LSEG for a total enterprise value of approximately $27 billion. The proposed transaction is subject to LSEG shareholder approval, regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2020. Upon the closing of this transaction, Thomson Reuters is projected to indirectly own approximately 82.5 million LSEG shares, which would have a market value of approximately $7.5 billion based on LSEG’s closing share price on October 30, 2019.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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Refinitiv achieved run-rate savings of $440 million as of the end of the third quarter, which is over two-thirds of its total annual cost savings run-rate target. Refinitiv believes it is on track to achieve its full annual cost savings run-rate target of $650 million by the end of 2020.

Recent Acquisitions

In October, the company closed the acquisition of FC Business Intelligence (FCBI), a global business-to-business events specialist. FCBI delivers high-end conferences and exhibitions to diverse sectors including energy, insurance, pharmaceuticals, transportation, travel, strategy and technology. The business will be rebranded Reuters Events and will be operated as part of the Reuters News segment.

Dividend and Share Repurchases

In February 2019, the company announced that its Board of Directors approved a $0.04 per share annualized increase in the dividend to $1.44 per common share (representing the 26th consecutive year of dividend increases). A quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share is payable on December 16, 2019 to common shareholders of record as of November 21, 2019.

Going forward, the company intends to target a dividend payout ratio of between 50% and 60% of its free cash flow – up from the 40% to 50% range previously targeted.

The company repurchased $98 million of its common shares in the third quarter, completing the $250 million buyback program announced in February 2019. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the company repurchased $288 million of its common shares, which included repurchases using part of the remaining proceeds of the F&R transaction, as announced in 2018. The company’s Board has approved a new buyback program authorizing the repurchase of up to an additional $200 million of common shares later this year and up to an additional $200 million of shares in 2020.

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information services. Our products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the world’s most global news service – Reuters. For more information on Thomson Reuters, visit tr.com and for the latest world news, reuters.com.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

Thomson Reuters prepares its financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

This news release includes certain non-IFRS financial measures, such as adjusted EBITDA and the related margin (other than at the customer segment level), free cash flow, adjusted EPS, selected measures excluding the impact of foreign currency, and changes in revenues computed on an organic basis. Thomson Reuters uses these non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental indicators of its operating performance and financial position. These measures do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to the calculation of similar measures used by other companies, and should not be viewed as alternatives to measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. Non-IFRS financial measures are defined and reconciled to the most directly comparable IFRS measures in the appended tables.

The company’s Outlook contains various non-IFRS financial measures. The company believes that providing reconciliations of forward-looking non-IFRS financial measures in its Outlook would be potentially misleading and not practical due to the difficulty of projecting items that are not reflective of ongoing operations in any future period. The magnitude of these items may be significant. Consequently, for Outlook purposes only, the company is unable to reconcile these non-IFRS measures to the most comparable IFRS measures because it cannot predict, with reasonable certainty, the 2019 or 2020 impact of changes in foreign exchange rates which impact (i) the translation of its results reported at average foreign currency rates for the year, and (ii) other finance income or expense related to intercompany financing arrangements. Additionally, the company cannot reasonably predict the occurrence or amount of other operating gains and losses, which include fair value adjustments relating to the warrants the company holds in Refinitiv as well as gains or losses that generally arise from business transactions we do not currently anticipate.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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ROUNDING

Other than EPS, the company reports its results in millions of U.S. dollars, but computes percentage changes and margins using whole-dollars to be more precise. As a result, percentages and margins calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and growth components may not total due to rounding.

REVISION OF PRIOR-PERIOD FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Since October 1, 2018, the company has included its share of post-tax losses from its 45% interest in Refinitiv, an equity method investment, in its net earnings. In the third quarter of 2019, a misstatement was identified that understated the company’s share of Refinitiv’s post-tax losses since the fourth quarter of 2018. The misstatement related to an accounting principle difference for preferred stock issued by Refinitiv to the Blackstone consortium between U.S. GAAP, the basis on which Refinitiv prepares its financial statements, and IFRS, the basis on which Thomson Reuters prepares its financial statements. The misstatement, which does not impact revenue, operating profit, segment measures, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS, cash flow from operations or free cash flow, was immaterial to the company’s previously issued financial statements. As the correction of the cumulative misstatement in the third quarter of 2019 would have been material to net earnings in the quarter, the company will revise its previously issued financial statements. In conjunction with correcting this misstatement, the company corrected other unrelated misstatements in the applicable prior periods which were also not material to the company’s previously issued financial statements. Specifically, the company reclassified certain revenue and expenses which pertained to the accounting for foreign currency in hyperinflationary economies between the third and fourth quarters of 2018, but these revisions had no impact on the company’s 2018 audited financial statements.

The company has posted revised prior-period financial information related to the reclassification of certain third-quarter and fourth-quarter 2018 revenues and expenses in the “Investor Relations” section of its website, ir.thomsonreuters.com. The company will also revise its previously issued financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the year ended December 31, 2018, the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the six months ended June 30, 2019 when it files or furnishes its financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the year ending December 31, 2019, the three months ending March 31, 2020 and the six months ending June 30, 2020. Information on these revisions will also be provided within the company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2019, which will be filed after the date hereof with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The impacts of the revised prior-period financial information posted today on the Thomson Reuters website is also being filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Information contained on Thomson Reuters website is not a part of this news release and is intended to be an inactive, textual reference only.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, MATERIAL RISKS AND MATERIAL ASSUMPTIONS

Certain statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, statements in the “Business Outlook for 2019 and 2020 (At Constant Currency and Excluding Future Acquisitions/Dispositions)” section, Mr. Smith’s comments, expectations for Corporate costs, the number of LSEG shares that Thomson Reuters is projected to indirectly own upon closing of the transaction, the company’s current expectations regarding the timing for closing of the proposed LSEG/Refinitiv transaction, and the company’s intention to target a dividend payout ratio of between 50% to 60% of its free cash flow, are forward-looking. The words “expect”, “believe”, “target” and “will” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. While the company believes that it has a reasonable basis for making forward-looking statements in this news release, they are not a guarantee of future performance or outcomes and there is no assurance that the proposed LSEG/Refinitiv transaction will be completed or that any of the other events described in any forward-looking statement will materialize. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Many of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions are beyond our company’s control and the effects of them can be difficult to predict.

Some of the material risk factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, changes in the general economy; actions of competitors; fraudulent or unpermitted data access or other cyber-security or privacy breaches; failures or disruptions of telecommunications, data centers, network systems or the Internet; failure to develop new products, services, applications and functionalities to meet customers’ needs, attract new customers and retain existing ones, or expand into new geographic markets and identify areas of higher growth; increased accessibility to free or relatively inexpensive information sources; failure to derive fully the anticipated benefits from the Refinitiv strategic partnership with Blackstone; failure to efficiently complete the separation of Refinitiv from Thomson Reuters; failure to adapt to organizational changes and effectively implement strategic


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Page 9 of 19

 

initiatives; failure to meet the challenges involved in operating globally; failure to maintain a high renewal rate for recurring, subscription-based services; dependency on third parties for data, information and other services; changes to law and regulations; tax matters, including changes to tax laws, regulations and treaties; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange and interest rates; failure to attract, motivate and retain high quality management and key employees; failure to protect the brands and reputation of Thomson Reuters; inadequate protection of intellectual property rights; threat of legal actions and claims; downgrading of credit ratings and adverse conditions in the credit markets; failure to derive fully the anticipated benefits from existing or future acquisitions, joint ventures, investments or dispositions; the effect of factors outside of the control of Thomson Reuters on funding obligations in respect of pension and post-retirement benefit arrangements; risk of antitrust/competition-related claims or investigations; actions or potential actions that could be taken by the company’s principal shareholder, The Woodbridge Company Limited; impairment of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets; and the ability of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company to affect the company’s governance and management. These and other factors are discussed in materials that Thomson Reuters from time to time files with, or furnishes to, the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Thomson Reuters annual and quarterly reports are also available in the “Investor Relations” section of www.thomsonreuters.com.

The company’s 2019 and 2020 business outlook is based on information currently available to the company and is based on various external and internal assumptions made by the company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the company believes are appropriate under the circumstances. Economic and market assumptions include, but are not limited to, GDP growth in the United States (77% of the company’s 2018 revenues) and secondarily, in other countries where Thomson Reuters operates; a continued increase in the demand and need for high quality information and tools that help automate or manage workflow solutions and drive productivity and efficiency; a continued need for trusted products and services that help customers navigate evolving and complex legal, tax, accounting, regulatory, geopolitical and commercial changes, developments and environments; and a continued increase in customers seeking software-as-a-service or other cloud-based offerings. Internal financial and operational assumptions include, but are not limited to, continued growth in the company’s recurring revenue base which offsets anticipated declines in its global print business; acquiring new customers by enhancing the company’s digital platforms and propositions and through other sales initiatives; improving customer retention through commercial simplification efforts and customer service improvements; the company’s ability to continue to combine information, technology and human expertise in offerings that meet evolving customer demands and needs; the company’s ability to eliminate stranded costs related to the F&R transaction and the separation of the two businesses by the end of 2019; and the successful execution of a number of efficiency initiatives that are expected to generate cost savings, such as reducing headcount, office locations and the number of products offered by the company and the leveraging of fewer, shared technology platforms.

The company has provided an Outlook for the purpose of presenting information about current expectations for 2019 and 2020. This information may not be appropriate for other purposes. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements which reflect expectations only as of the date of this news release.

Except as may be required by applicable law, Thomson Reuters disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

CONTACTS

 

MEDIA

David Crundwell

Head of Communications

+44 7909 898 605

david.crundwell@tr.com

  

INVESTORS

Frank J. Golden

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

+1 646 223 5288

frank.golden@tr.com

Thomson Reuters will webcast a discussion of its third-quarter 2019 results today beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). You can access the webcast by visiting ir.thomsonreuters.com. An archive of the webcast will be available following the presentation.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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Thomson Reuters Corporation

Consolidated Income Statement

(millions of U.S. dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2019     2018     2019     2018  

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

        

Revenues

   $ 1,413     $ 1,284     $ 4,323     $ 3,974  

Operating expenses

     (1,059     (966     (3,220     (2,882

Depreciation

     (38     (24     (110     (83

Amortization of computer software

     (117     (96     (326     (294

Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets

     (28     (26     (80     (83

Other operating gains, net

     91       1       396       13  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     262       173       983       645  

Finance costs, net:

        

Net interest expense

     (40     (82     (112     (241

Other finance (costs) income

     (3     (11     (32     10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before tax and equity method investments

     219       80       839       414  

Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments

     (304     1       (555     5  

Tax benefit (expense)

     13       (128     (35     (152
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) earnings from continuing operations

     (72     (47     249       267  

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

     28       349       (9     381  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (44   $ 302     $ 240     $ 648  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) earnings attributable to:

        

Common shareholders

     (44     272       240       558  

Non-controlling interests

     —         30       —         90  

(Loss) earnings per share:

        

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:

        

From continuing operations

   $ (0.14   $ (0.06   $ 0.49     $ 0.38  

From discontinued operations

     0.05       0.45       (0.02     0.41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share

   $ (0.09   $ 0.39     $ 0.47     $ 0.79  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average common shares

     501,240,480       701,212,419       501,415,930       707,181,793  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted-average common shares

     501,240,480       701,212,419       503,161,382       708,074,979  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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Thomson Reuters Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

(millions of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2019
    December 31,
2018
 

Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,147     $ 2,706  

Trade and other receivables

     1,112       1,313  

Other financial assets

     55       76  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     554       434  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current assets

     2,868       4,529  

Computer hardware and other property, net

     527       473  

Computer software, net

     952       908  

Other identifiable intangible assets, net

     3,416       3,324  

Goodwill

     5,664       5,076  

Equity method investments

     1,530       2,186  

Other financial assets

     455       53  

Other non-current assets

     542       446  

Deferred tax

     30       31  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 15,984     $ 17,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

    

Liabilities

    

Current indebtedness

     —       $ 3  

Payables, accruals and provisions

   $ 1,048       1,549  

Deferred revenue

     818       815  

Other financial liabilities

     104       95  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current liabilities

     1,970       2,462  

Long-term indebtedness

     3,229       3,213  

Provisions and other non-current liabilities

     1,260       1,268  

Other financial liabilities

     293       79  

Deferred tax

     643       794  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     7,395       7,816  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

    

Capital

     5,396       5,348  

Retained earnings

     4,177       4,739  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (984     (877
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     8,589       9,210  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 15,984     $ 17,026  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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Thomson Reuters Corporation

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

(millions of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2019     2018     2019     2018  

Cash provided by (used in):

        

Operating activities

        

(Loss) earnings from continuing operations

   $ (72   $ (47   $ 249     $ 267  

Adjustments for:

        

Depreciation

     38       24       110       83  

Amortization of computer software

     117       96       326       294  

Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets

     28       26       80       83  

Net losses (gains) on disposals of businesses and investments

     1       —         (20     —    

Deferred tax

     (65     82       (145     57  

Other

     233       49       314       107  

Pension contribution

     —         —         (167     —    

Changes in working capital and other items

     20       37       (242     (63
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating cash flows from continuing operations

     300       267       505       828  

Operating cash flows from discontinued operations

     (36     583       (158     1,244  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     264       850       347       2,072  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities

        

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (816     (32     (821     (60

Proceeds from disposals of businesses and investments, net of taxes paid

     5       6       62       6  

Capital expenditures

     (125     (110     (365     (420

(Payments) proceeds from disposals of property and equipment

     (2     —         —         27  

Other investing activities

     1       1       5       19  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing cash flows from continuing operations

     (937     (135     (1,119     (428

Investing cash flows from discontinued operations

     —         (110     29       (356
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (937     (245     (1,090     (784
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities

        

Proceeds from debt

     —         —         —         1,370  

Repayments of debt

     —         (500     —         (1,370

Net borrowings under short-term loan facilities

     —         17       —         78  

Payments of lease principal

     (12     —         (35     —    

Repurchases of common shares

     (98     (129     (288     (488

Dividends paid on preference shares

     —         (1     (2     (2

Dividends paid on common shares

     (175     (232     (524     (707

Other financing activities

     1       9       38       10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing cash flows from continuing operations

     (284     (836     (811     (1,109

Financing cash flows from discontinued operations

     —         (25     —         (60
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (284     (861     (811     (1,169
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash and bank overdrafts

     (957     (256     (1,554     119  

Translation adjustments

     (4     (9     (2     (21

Cash and bank overdrafts at beginning of period

     2,108       1,231       2,703       868  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and bank overdrafts at end of period

   $ 1,147     $ 966     $ 1,147     $ 966  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and bank overdrafts at end of period comprised of:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,147     $ 507     $ 1,147     $ 507  

Cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale

     —         461       —         461  

Bank overdrafts

     —         (2     —         (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,147     $ 966     $ 1,147     $ 966  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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Thomson Reuters Corporation

Reconciliation of (Loss) Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted EBITDA(1)

(millions of U.S. dollars, except for margins)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,     September 30,  
     2019     2018     2019     2018  

(Loss) earnings from continuing operations

   $ (72   $ (47   $ 249     $ 267  

Adjustments to remove:

        

Tax (benefit) expense

     (13     128       35       152  

Other finance costs (income)

     3       11       32       (10

Net interest expense

     40       82       112       241  

Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets

     28       26       80       83  

Amortization of computer software

     117       96       326       294  

Depreciation

     38       24       110       83  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $ 141     $ 320     $ 944     $ 1,110  

Adjustments to remove:

        

Share of post-tax losses (earnings) in equity method investments

     304       (1     555       (5

Other operating gains, net

     (91     (1     (396     (13

Fair value adjustments

     (9     (5     (6     (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 345     $ 313     $ 1,097     $ 1,091  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin(1)

     24.4     24.4     25.4     27.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Thomson Reuters Corporation

Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Earnings to Adjusted Earnings(2)

Reconciliation of Total Change in Adjusted EPS to Change in Constant Currency(4)

(millions of U.S. dollars, except for share and per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2019     2018     Change     2019     2018     Change  

Net (loss) earnings

   $ (44   $ 302       $ 240     $ 648    

Adjustments to remove:

            

Fair value adjustments

     (9     (5       (6     (1  

Amortization of other identifiable intangible assets

     28       26         80       83    

Other operating gains, net

     (91     (1       (396     (13  

Other finance costs (income)

     3       11         32       (10  

Share of post-tax losses (earnings) in equity method investments

     304       (1       555       (5  

Tax on above items

     (58     (7       (57     (18  

Tax items impacting comparability

     22       112         7       100    

(Earnings) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (28     (349       9       (381  

Interim period effective tax rate normalization(3)

     7       (2       (1     —      

Dividends declared on preference shares

     —         (1       (2     (2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted earnings (2)

   $ 134     $ 85       $ 461     $ 401    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EPS (2)

   $ 0.27     $ 0.12       125   $ 0.92     $ 0.57       61
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency(4)

         17         5

Constant currency(4)

         108         56

Diluted weighted-average common shares (millions)

     503.3       702.3         503.2       708.1    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Refer to page 17 for footnotes.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

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Thomson Reuters Corporation

Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow(5)

(millions of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
   September 30,     September 30,  
     2019     2018     2019     2018  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 264     $ 850     $ 347     $ 2,072  

Capital expenditures

     (125     (110     (365     (420

(Payments) proceeds from disposals of property and equipment

     (2     —         —         27  

Capital expenditures from discontinued operations

     —         (116     —         (362

Other investing activities

     1       1       5       19  

Payments of lease principal

     (12     —         (35     —    

Dividends paid on preference shares

     —         (1     (2     (2

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests from discontinued operations

     —         (25     —         (60
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   $ 126     $ 599     $ (50   $ 1,274  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Thomson Reuters Corporation

Reconciliation of Changes in Segment and Consolidated Revenues (for Total Revenues, Recurring Revenues and Transactions Revenues) to Changes in Revenues on a Constant Currency (4) and Organic Basis(6)

(millions of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended                                 
     September 30,      Change  
            SUBTOTAL  
     2019     2018      Total     Foreign
Currency
    Constant
Currency
    Acquisitions/
(Divestitures)
    Organic  

Total Revenues

               

Legal Professionals

   $ 605     $ 595        2     -1     2     -1     3

Corporates

     320       298        7     0     8     1     6

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     166       149        11     1     10     2     8

Reuters News

     155       71        120     -2     121     119 %*      3

Global Print

     168       171        -2     0     -2     0     -2

Eliminations

     (1     —               
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues

   $ 1,413     $ 1,284        10     0     10     7     4
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recurring Revenues

               

Legal Professionals

   $ 560     $ 541        4     -1     4     1     4

Corporates

     275       247        11     0     12     3     8

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     140       129        9     1     8     0     8

Reuters News

     143       59        143     -2     146     142 %*      3
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Recurring Revenues

   $ 1,118     $ 976        15     0     15     10     5
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions Revenues

               

Legal Professionals

   $ 45     $ 54        -18     0     -18     -12     -6

Corporates

     45       51        -11     0     -11     -7     -3

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     26       20        26     4     22     15     7

Reuters News

     12       12        2     6     -5     0     -5
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Transactions Revenues

   $ 128     $ 137        -7     1     -8     -6     -2
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Includes initial contract value of revenues in Reuters News for providing news and editorial content to Refinitiv under the 30-year agreement that began in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Growth percentages are computed using whole dollars. As a result, percentages calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and growth components may not total due to rounding.

Refer to page 17 for footnotes.


 

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Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Page 15 of 19

 

Thomson Reuters Corporation

Reconciliation of Changes in Segment and Consolidated Revenues (for Total Revenues, Recurring Revenues and Transactions Revenues) to Changes in Revenues on a Constant Currency (4) and Organic Basis(6)

(millions of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended                                
     September 30,     Change  
                             SUBTOTAL              
     2019     2018     Total     Foreign
Currency
    Constant
Currency
    Acquisitions/
(Divestitures)
    Organic  

Total Revenues

              

Legal Professionals

   $ 1,802     $ 1,773       2     -1     3     -1     3

Corporates

     990       923       7     -1     8     2     6

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     570       542       5     -2     7     0     6

Reuters News

     466       215       117     -3     120     118 %*      3

Global Print

     497       522       -5     -2     -3     0     -3

Eliminations

     (2     (1          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues

   $ 4,323     $ 3,974       9     -1     10     7     4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recurring Revenues

              

Legal Professionals

   $ 1,665     $ 1,613       3     -1     4     0     4

Corporates

     813       734       11     -1     12     3     9

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     460       434       6     -2     8     0     8

Reuters News

     430       184       134     -4     138     136 %*      2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Recurring Revenues

   $ 3,368     $ 2,965       14     -1     15     10     5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Transactions Revenues

              

Legal Professionals

   $ 137     $ 160       -14     -1     -13     -10     -3

Corporates

     177       189       -6     -1     -5     -2     -3

Tax & Accounting Professionals

     110       108       2     -1     3     3     0

Reuters News

     36       31       16     1     16     0     16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Transactions Revenues

   $ 460     $ 488       -6     -1     -5     -4     -1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Includes initial contract value of revenues in Reuters News for providing news and editorial content to Refinitiv under the 30-year agreement that began in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Growth percentages are computed using whole dollars. As a result, percentages calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and growth components may not total due to rounding.

Refer to page 17 for footnotes.


 

LOGO

Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Page 16 of 19

 

Thomson Reuters Corporation

Reconciliation of Changes in Segment and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to Changes on a Constant Currency Basis(4)

(millions of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

 

       
     Three Months Ended              
     September 30,     Change
     2019     2018     Total     Foreign
Currency
    

Constant
Currency

Adjusted EBITDA

            

Legal Professionals

  $ 227     $ 206       10     1    9%

Corporates

    110       105       4     -3    6%

Tax & Accounting Professionals

    35       32       9     11    -2%

Reuters News

    5       5       -14     83    -97%

Global Print

    71       76       -5     -1    -4%

Corporate costs

    (103     (111     n/a       n/a      n/a
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 345     $ 313       10     1    9%
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

            

Legal Professionals

    37.4     34.6     280bp       40bp      240bp

Corporates

    34.3     35.4     -110bp       -60bp      -50bp

Tax & Accounting Professionals

    21.1     21.4     -30bp       210bp      -240bp

Reuters News

    3.2     8.2     -500bp       170bp      -670bp

Global Print

    42.5     44.2     -170bp       -60bp      -110bp

Corporate costs

    n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a      n/a
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    24.4     24.4     0bp       30bp      -30bp
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

       
     Nine Months Ended              
     September 30,     Change
     2019     2018     Total     Foreign
Currency
    

Constant
Currency

Adjusted EBITDA

            

Legal Professionals

  $ 686     $ 595       15     1    15%

Corporates

    330       311       6     0    6%

Tax & Accounting Professionals

    188       153       23     0    22%

Reuters News

    31       21       45     36    10%

Global Print

    218       233       -6     -1    -5%

Corporate costs

    (356     (222     n/a       n/a      n/a
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 1,097     $ 1,091       1     1    -1%
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

            

Legal Professionals

    38.1     33.6     450bp       50bp      400bp

Corporates

    33.4     33.7     -30bp       30bp      -60bp

Tax & Accounting Professionals

    33.0     28.3     470bp       60bp      410bp

Reuters News

    6.7     10.0     -330bp       150bp      -480bp

Global Print

    43.8     44.6     -80bp       30bp      -110bp

Corporate costs

    n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a      n/a
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    25.4     27.4     -200bp       70bp      -270bp
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

n/a: not applicable

Growth percentages and margins are computed using whole dollars. As a result, percentages and margins calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented, and growth components may not total due to rounding.

Refer to page 17 for footnotes.


 

LOGO

Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Page 17 of 19

 

Footnotes

(1)

Thomson Reuters defines adjusted EBITDA for its business segments as earnings or losses from continuing operations before tax expense or benefit, net interest expense, other finance costs or income, depreciation, amortization of software and other identifiable intangible assets, Thomson Reuters share of post-tax earnings or losses in equity method investments, other operating gains and losses, certain asset impairment charges, fair value adjustments and corporate related items. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA is comprised of adjusted EBITDA for its business segments and corporate costs. Adjusted EBITDA margin is adjusted EBITDA expressed as a percentage of revenues. Thomson Reuters uses adjusted EBITDA because it provides a consistent basis to evaluate operating profitability and performance trends by excluding items that the company does not consider to be controllable activities for this purpose. Adjusted EBITDA also represents a measure commonly reported and widely used by investors as a valuation metric. Additionally, this measure is used by Thomson Reuters and investors to assess a company’s ability to incur and service debt.

(2)

Thomson Reuters defines adjusted earnings as net earnings or loss including dividends declared on preference shares but excluding the post-tax impacts of fair value adjustments, amortization of other identifiable intangible assets, other operating gains and losses, certain asset impairment charges, other finance costs or income, Thomson Reuters share of post-tax earnings or losses in equity method investments, discontinued operations and other items affecting comparability. Thomson Reuters calculates the post-tax amount of each item excluded from adjusted earnings based on the specific tax rules and tax rates associated with the nature and jurisdiction of each item. Adjusted EPS is calculated from adjusted earnings using diluted weighted-average shares and does not represent actual earnings or loss per share attributable to shareholders. Thomson Reuters uses adjusted earnings and adjusted EPS as they provide a more comparable basis to analyze earnings and they are also measures commonly used by shareholders to measure the company’s performance.

Because Thomson Reuters reported a net loss for continuing operations under IFRS for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the weighted-average number of common shares used for basic and diluted loss per share is the same for all per-share calculations in the period, as the effect of stock options and other equity incentive awards would reduce the loss per share, and therefore be anti-dilutive. Since the company’s non-IFRS measure “adjusted earnings” is a profit, potential common shares are included, as they lower adjusted EPS and are therefore dilutive.

The following table reconciles IFRS and non-IFRS common share information:

 

(weighted-average common shares)    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2019
     Three Months Ended
September 30, 2018
 

IFRS: Basic and Diluted

     501,240,480        701,212,419  

Effect of stock options and other equity incentive awards

     2,043,370        1,132,041  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-IFRS Diluted

     503,283,850        702,344,460  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(3)

Adjustment to reflect income taxes based on estimated full-year effective tax rate. Earnings or losses for interim periods under IFRS reflect income taxes based on the estimated effective tax rates of each of the jurisdictions in which Thomson Reuters operates. The non-IFRS adjustment reallocates estimated full-year income taxes between interim periods, but has no effect on full-year income taxes.

(4)

The changes in revenues, adjusted EBITDA and the related margins, and adjusted earnings per share before currency (at constant currency or excluding the effects of currency) are determined by converting the current and prior-year period’s local currency equivalent using the same exchange rates.

(5)

Free cash flow (includes free cash flow from continuing and discontinued operations) is net cash provided by operating activities, proceeds from disposals of property and equipment, and other investing activities less capital expenditures, payments of lease principal, dividends paid on the company’s preference shares, and dividends paid to non-controlling interests from discontinued operations. Thomson Reuters uses free cash flow as it helps assess the company’s ability, over the long term, to create value for its shareholders as it represents cash available to repay debt, pay common dividends and fund share repurchases and new acquisitions.

(6)

Represents changes in revenues of our existing businesses at constant currency. The metric excludes the distortive impacts of acquisitions and dispositions from not owning the business in both comparable periods. Additionally, it excludes the initial contract value of the 30-year Reuters News agreement signed in 2018. Thomson Reuters uses organic growth because it provides further insight into the performance of its existing businesses by excluding distortive impacts and serves as a better measure of the company’s ability to grow its business over the long term.


 

LOGO

Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Page 18 of 19

 

APPENDIX – INFORMATION ABOUT REFINITIV

As of October 1, 2018, Thomson Reuters owns a 45% interest in Refinitiv, which was formerly its wholly owned F&R business. 55% of Refinitiv is owned by private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2018, Thomson Reuters IFRS results include the company’s 45% share of Refinitiv’s results reported in a single line item on the company’s consolidated income statement titled “Share of post-tax (losses) earnings in equity method investments.” Thomson Reuters non-IFRS measures, including adjusted earnings, exclude its share of post-tax results in Refinitiv and other equity method investments.

Because Refinitiv has only been in existence since October 1, 2018, there are no financial statements for the business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The table below sets forth selected financial information for 100% of Refinitiv for the three and nine months of 2019, on both an IFRS and non-IFRS basis as provided to Thomson Reuters from Refinitiv for inclusion in this news release. A reconciliation from Refinitiv’s IFRS measures to its non-IFRS measures is also included in this appendix. The information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 that was previously reported for the F&R business by Thomson Reuters is not fully comparable to Refinitiv’s current basis of presentation, as Refinitiv must apply accounting rules related to the purchase of the business and because Refinitiv defines its non-IFRS measures differently than Thomson Reuters. To provide a reasonable basis to assess revenue trends for the business, Thomson Reuters has noted the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 F&R revenues, as previously reported by the company on a discontinued operations basis prior to the change in ownership, and provided a supplemental change before currency and excluding businesses disposed.

 

(millions of U.S. dollars, except margin)           Change  
(unaudited)   Refinitiv
Actuals

2019
   

As Reported      

by Thomson      
Reuters      

2018      

     Total        Before
Currency

& Excluding
Businesses
Disposed
 

Three months ended September 30,

                       

IFRS Measures

                 

Revenues

  $ 1,557       $     1,541          1        3
   

 

 

     

 

 

             
                   

Net loss

  $ (656                

Cash flow from operations

  $ 404                  

Capital expenditures, less proceeds from disposals

  $ 182                  
     

Non-IFRS Measures

                 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 543                  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    34.9                

Free cash flow

  $ 211                  
   

Nine months ended September 30,

                 

IFRS Measures

                 

Revenues

  $ 4,674       $ 4,677          0        3
   

 

 

     

 

 

             
                   

Net loss (1)

  $ (1,201                

Cash flow from operations

  $ 477                  

Capital expenditures, less proceeds from disposals

  $ 419                  

Debt at September 30, 2019

  $ 13,907                  
   

Non-IFRS Measures

                 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 1,655                  

Adjusted EBITDA margin

    35.4                

Free cash flow

  $ (41                

    

                                                   

 

(1)

The previously reported net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2019 of $477 million has been revised to a net loss of $545 million to correct certain immaterial misstatements discussed in the “Revision of Prior-Period Financial Statements” section of this news release. The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 includes the revised amount.


 

LOGO

Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results

Page 19 of 19

 

The following reconciliation of IFRS measures to non-IFRS measures was provided by Refinitiv. The definitions of non-IFRS measures used by Refinitiv are not the same as those used by Thomson Reuters.

Refinitiv

Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA

(millions of U.S. dollars, except for margins)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
   September 30,     September 30,  
     2019     2019  

Net loss

   $ (656   $ (1,201

Adjustments to remove:

    

Tax expense (benefit)

     38       (22

Finance costs

     570       1,074  

Depreciation and amortization

     486       1,431  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $ 438     $ 1,282  

Adjustments to remove:

    

Share of post-tax earnings in equity method investments

     —         (1

Other operating gains

     (21     (20

Fair value adjustments

     7       45  

Share-based compensation

     35       42  

Transformation-related costs

     84       307  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 543     $ 1,655  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     34.9     35.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Refinitiv

Reconciliation of Net Cash Used In Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow

(millions of U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
   September 30,      September 30,  
     2019      2019  

Net cash used in operating activities

   $ 404      $ 477  

Capital expenditures, less proceeds from disposals

     (182      (419

Other investing activities

     1        1  

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

     (12      (100
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   $ 211      $ (41
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
EXHIBIT 99.2 - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL SCHEDULE

Exhibit 99.2

THOMSON REUTERS CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL BUSINESS AND SEGMENT INFORMATION

(millions of U.S. dollars, except for per share data and as otherwise indicated)

 

This supplemental schedule provides 2018 financial information as previously reported and as revised to reclassify certain revenues and expenses between the third and fourth quarters. These immaterial revisions, which had no impact to the company’s full-year 2018 audited financial statements, are highlighted in yellow. Please see the “Revision of Prior-Period Financial Statements” section on page 8 of the company’s news release dated October 31, 2019, “Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results” for further information.

 

     2018- PREVIOUSLY REPORTED           2018- AS REVISED  
     Q1     Q2     Q3     Q4     Full Year           Q1     Q2      Q3     Q4     Full Year  

Revenues

                       

Legal Professionals

   $ 585     $ 593     $ 596     $ 599     $ 2,373       $ 585     $ 593      $ 595     $ 600     $ 2,373  

Corporates

     329       296       298       315       1,238         329       296        298       315       1,238  

Tax Professionals

     217       176       153       248       794         217       176        149       252       794  

Reuters News

     72       72       71       155       370         72       72        71       155       370  

Global Print

     177       174       174       203       728         177       174        171       206       728  

Eliminations

     (1     —         —         (1     (2       (1     —          —         (1     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $  1,379     $  1,311     $ 1,292     $ 1,519     $ 5,501       $  1,379     $ 1,311      $ 1,284     $ 1,527     $ 5,501  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue growth

                       

Legal Professionals

     4     4     4     3     4       4     4      4     3     4

Corporates

     6     3     4     5     4       6     3      4     5     4

Tax Professionals

     5     5     -1     4     4       5     5      -4     5     4

Reuters News

     -3     -2     -4     109     25       -3     -2      -4     109     25

Global Print

     -1     -4     -5     -8     -5       -1     -4      -7     -6     -5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total reported revenue growth

     4     2     2     7     4       4     2      1     8     4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pre-fx revenue growth

                       

Legal Professionals

     3     3     5     4     4       3     3      5     4     4

Corporates

     5     3     6     6     5       5     3      6     6     5

Tax Professionals

     5     7     3     7     6       5     7      3     7     6

Reuters News

     -7     -5     -4     111     24       -7     -5      -4     111     24

Global Print

     -2     -4     -3     -4     -3       -2     -4      -3     -4     -3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Pre-fx revenue growth

     3     2     3     10     4       3     2      3     10     4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

                       

Legal Professionals

   $ 191     $ 198     $ 206     $ 221     $ 816       $ 191     $ 198      $ 206     $ 221     $ 816  

Corporates

     111       95       102       87       395         111       95        105       84       395  

Tax Professionals

     80       41       34       118       273         80       41        32       120       273  

Reuters News

     8       8       5       6       27         8       8        5       6       27  

Global Print

     81       76       75       88       320         81       76        76       87       320  

Corporate costs

     (41     (70     (120     (235     (466       (41     (70      (111     (244     (466
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjusted EBITDA

   $ 430     $ 348     $ 302     $ 285     $ 1,365       $ 430     $ 348      $ 313     $ 274     $ 1,365  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

                       

Legal Professionals

     32.6     33.5     34.5     36.8     34.4       32.6     33.5      34.6     36.8     34.4

Corporates

     33.8     32.0     34.3     27.5     31.9       33.8     32.0      35.4     26.5     31.9

Tax Professionals

     37.1     23.2     21.7     47.4     34.3       37.1     23.2      21.4     47.4     34.3

Reuters News

     11.3     10.5     8.2     3.3     7.2       11.3     10.5      8.2     3.3     7.2

Global Print

     45.7     43.8     43.3     43.3     44.0       45.7     43.8      44.2     42.6     44.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjusted EBITDA margin

     31.1     26.6     23.4     18.8     24.8       31.1     26.6      24.4     17.9     24.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings

                       

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 430     $ 348     $ 302     $ 285     $ 1,365       $ 430     $ 348      $ 313     $ 274     $ 1,365  

Depreciation and amortization

     (128     (129     (120     (133     (510       (128     (129      (120     (133     (510

Interest expense

     (78     (81     (82     (19     (260       (78     (81      (82     (19     (260

Income tax

     (26     (19     (25     (19     (89       (26     (19      (25     (19     (89

Dividends declared on preference shares

     (1     —         (1     (1     (3       (1     —          (1     (1     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings

   $ 197     $ 119     $ 74     $ 113     $ 503       $ 197     $ 119      $ 85     $ 102     $ 503  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings per share

   $ 0.28     $ 0.17     $ 0.11     $ 0.20     $ 0.75       $ 0.28     $ 0.17      $ 0.12     $ 0.19     $ 0.75  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares (in millions)

     711.5       710.1       702.3       551.3       668.2         711.5       710.1        702.3       551.3       668.2  

Total outstanding shares (in millions)

             501.5                  501.5  

Total Cash Capex—Continuing

   $ 179     $ 131     $ 110     $ 156     $ 576       $ 179     $ 131      $ 110     $ 156     $ 576  

Capex—discontinued operations

     108       138       116       —         362         108       138        116       —         362  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cash Capex

   $ 287     $ 269     $ 226     $ 156     $ 938       $ 287     $ 269      $ 226     $ 156     $ 938  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow—Continuing

   $ 29     $ 266     $ 157     $ (94   $ 358       $ 29     $ 266      $ 157     $ (94   $ 358  

Free Cash Flow—discontinued operations

     91       289       442       (73     749         91       289        442       (73     749  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow—Total

   $ 120     $ 555     $ 599     $ (167   $ 1,107       $ 120     $ 555      $ 599     $ (167   $ 1,107  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The above information contains certain non-IFRS measures, such as adjusted EBITDA and the related margin (other than at the segment level), free cash flow, adjusted EPS and revenue growth before the impact of foreign currency. Refer to the management’s discussion and analysis sections included in the company’s first quarter and second quarter 2019 interim reports, its 2018 Annual Report and the tables appended to the company’s news release dated October 31, 2019 (“Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2019 Results”) for reconciliations to the most comparable IFRS measure and for definitions of our non-IFRS measures.

Growth percentages and margins are computed using whole dollars. As a result, percentages and margins calculated from reported amounts may differ from those presented.

Posted on ir.thomsonreuters.com on October 31, 2019