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): October 29, 2015
 
SABRE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Delaware
 
001-36422
 
20-8647322
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
3150 Sabre Drive
Southlake, TX
 
76092
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(682) 605-1000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 

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))

 










Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On October 29, 2015, Sabre Corporation (“Sabre”) issued a press release and will hold a conference call regarding its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
The information in this Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and the attached exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Sabre makes reference to non-GAAP financial measures in the press release. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is contained in the attached press release.
 
Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
 
 99.1
  
Press Release dated October 29, 2015.









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.
 
 
 
Sabre Corporation
 
 
 
 
Dated:
October 29, 2015
By:
/s/ Richard A. Simonson
 
 
Name:
Richard A. Simonson
 
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer










EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
 
 
99.1
  
Press Release dated October 29, 2015.


Exhibit



Sabre Reports Third Quarter 2015 Results

Revenue + 16.7%, Adjusted EBITDA + 12.1% and Adjusted EPS + 26.1%
Double digit year-over-year increases in Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS
Reaffirming and narrowing full-year guidance
Airline and Hospitality Solutions revenue increased 4.9%
Travel Network Revenue increased 22.1%, bookings growth of 29.5%
Abacus acquisition completed July 1
American Airlines US Airways technology integration completed

SOUTHLAKE, Texas – October 29, 2015 – Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR) today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

“In the third quarter we delivered strong financial results while doing great work to integrate Abacus. Sabre's expanding global footprint, strong customer bookings growth and new product innovation are key to driving our performance,” said Tom Klein, Sabre president and CEO. “Travel Network revenue increased 22.1% in the quarter. Our new, wholly-owned Asia-Pacific business was a big factor, underpinned with continuing strong booking growth of 6.3% in North America and 15.5% in EMEA. In Airline and Hospitality Solutions, revenue and Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.9% and 4.4%, respectively. Our third quarter results keep us on track to deliver on our full-year objectives.”

Q3 2015 Financial Summary

Sabre consolidated third quarter revenue increased 16.7% to $785.0 million, compared to $672.5 million for the same period last year.

Income from continuing operations totaled $123.1 million, compared to $41.2 million in the third quarter of 2014. The increase in income from continuing operations includes gains totaling $97.7 million related to the acquisition of Abacus. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $241.7 million, a 12.1% increase from $215.5 million in the prior year third quarter. The increase in

1



consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is the result of Adjusted EBITDA increases of 19.3% in Travel Network and 4.4% in Airline and Hospitality Solutions, respectively.

For the quarter, Sabre reported income from continuing operations of $0.44 per share. Adjusted net income from continuing operations (Adjusted EPS) increased 26.1% to $0.29 per share.

Cash flow from operations totaled $121.7 million, compared to $81.1 million in the third quarter of 2014. Third quarter Free Cash Flow was $46.6 million, compared to $33.3 million in the year ago period. Capital expenditures totaled $75.1 million, compared to $47.7 million in the year ago period. Adjusted Capital Expenditures, which include capitalized implementation costs, totaled $95.2 million, compared to $57.2 million in the third quarter of 2014.
Financial Highlights
(in thousands; unaudited):
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015
 
2014
% Change
 
2015
 
2014
% Change
Total Company (Continuing Operations):
 
 
Revenue
$
785,002

 
$
672,480

16.7

 
$
2,202,441

 
$
1,985,275

10.9

Income from continuing operations
$
123,124

 
$
41,229

198.6

 
$
205,043

 
$
69,643

194.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA*
$
241,666

 
$
215,542

12.1

 
$
712,825

 
$
641,353

11.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow from Operations
$
121,711

 
$
81,088

50.1

 
$
389,710

 
$
285,544

36.5

Capital Expenditures
$
75,108

 
$
47,742

57.3

 
$
203,071

 
$
154,212

31.7

Adjusted Capital Expenditures*
$
95,189

 
$
57,236

66.3

 
$
252,713

 
$
181,303

39.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Free Cash Flow*
$
46,603

 
$
33,346

39.8

 
$
186,639

 
$
131,332

42.1

Adjusted Free Cash Flow*
$
67,201

 
$
101,163

(33.6
)
 
$
232,960

 
$
252,018

(7.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Debt (total debt, less cash)
$
2,997,095

 
$
2,944,461

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Debt / LTM Adjusted EBITDA**
3.3x

 
3.5x

 
 
 
 
 
 
Airline and Hospitality Solutions:
 
 
Revenue
$
218,978

 
$
208,684

4.9

 
$
640,510

 
$
571,975

12.0

Passengers Boarded
141,994

 
136,545

4.0

 
407,433

 
385,611

5.7

Operating Income
$
52,912

 
$
55,640

(4.9
)
 
$
130,478

 
$
117,957

10.6

Adjusted EBITDA*
$
85,275

 
$
81,671

4.4

 
$
237,748

 
$
197,686

20.3

Travel Network:
 
 
Revenue
$
569,190

 
$
466,278

22.1

 
$
1,571,635

 
$
1,420,341

10.7

Air Bookings
107,361

 
81,047

32.5

 
287,226

 
251,145

14.4

Non-air Bookings
15,499

 
13,806

12.3

 
44,197

 
41,274

7.1

Total Bookings
122,860

 
94,853

29.5

 
331,423

 
292,419

13.3

Bookings Share
37.1
%
 
36.0
%
 
 
36.5
%
 
35.7
%
 
Operating Income
$
205,386

 
$
164,979

24.5

 
$
576,328

 
$
515,093

11.9

Adjusted EBITDA*
$
231,230

 
$
193,823

19.3

 
$
669,274

 
$
606,637

10.3

*indicates non-GAAP financial measure; see descriptions and reconciliations below
**LTM Adjusted EBITDA includes Abacus Adjusted EBITDA only for Q3 2015



2



Sabre Airline and Hospitality Solutions

Third quarter 2015 Airline and Hospitality Solutions revenue increased 4.9% to $219.0 million from $208.7 million in the prior year period. Contributing to the rise in revenue was a 4.0% increase in airline passengers boarded through the SabreSonic reservation solution and continued momentum in Sabre Hospitality Solutions, including the implementation of Sabre Hospitality Solutions products at more than 600 incremental properties.

Sabre Airline and Hospitality Solutions Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.4% to $85.3 million from $81.7 million in the prior year period. Third quarter Adjusted EBITDA margin was 38.9%, compared to 39.1% for the prior year quarter.

Subsequent to the third quarter, Sabre worked with American Airlines to complete the largest technology integration in the airline industry's history, making American Airlines the largest customer in the SabreSonic community.

Sabre Travel Network

On July 1, Sabre completed the acquisition of Abacus International, the leading global distribution system (GDS) in the Asia-Pacific region. Sabre previously owned 35% of Abacus. As the largest and fastest growing region in the travel industry, Asia-Pacific is a platform for investment and growth. Concurrent with the completion of the Abacus acquisition, Sabre signed long-term distribution agreements with the 11 Asian airlines that sold their 65% share in Abacus to Sabre.

Third quarter Travel Network revenue increased 22.1% to $569.2 million, compared to $466.3 million for the same period in 2014. Total bookings increased 29.5% driven by Sabre's now wholly-owned Asia-Pacific business and strong growth in all regions except Latin America. Excluding the Abacus acquisition, global bookings increased 6.5% in the quarter. Bookings growth in North America was 6.3% in the quarter. EMEA continues to be Sabre Travel Network's fastest growing region, with an increase of 15.5% year over year, while bookings in Latin America declined 3.9%. Third quarter 2015 Travel Network Adjusted EBITDA increased 19.3% to $231.2 million.  

3



Business Outlook and Financial Guidance

Reflecting strong year-to-date results and continued momentum, Sabre narrowed full-year revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS guidance.

Sabre expects full-year revenue of between $2.955 billion and $2.975 billion. 2015 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $935 million and $943 million.

In Airline and Hospitality Solutions, Sabre continues to expect 2015 revenue growth toward the higher end of its 9% to 11% range. Full-year passengers boarded are expected to increase at or above 10% in 2015, including the added volume from American Airlines.

In Travel Network, Sabre continues to expect 2015 revenue growth of 13% or more, with full-year bookings growth of approximately 17%.

Sabre's full-year Adjusted net income is expected to be between $293 million to $303 million, and Adjusted EPS is forecast to be in a range of $1.06 to $1.10. Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are expected to be $240 million and more than $290 million, respectively.

In summary, for the full-year 2015, Sabre's guidance for results from continuing operations is as follows:
Full-Year 2015 Guidance
 
($ millions, except for EPS)
Revenue
$2,955 - $2,975
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$935 - $943
 
 
Adjusted Net Income
$293 - $303
 
 
Adjusted EPS
$1.06 - $1.10


Conference Call

Sabre will conduct its third quarter 2015 investor conference call today at 9:00 a.m. ET. The live webcast and accompanying slide presentation can be accessed via the Sabre Investor Relations website at investors.sabre.com. A replay of the event will be available on the website for at least 90 days following the event.


4



About Sabre Corporation

Sabre Corporation is the leading technology provider to the global travel industry. Sabre’s software, data, mobile and distribution solutions are used by hundreds of airlines and thousands of hotel properties to manage critical operations, including passenger and guest reservations, revenue management, flight, network and crew management. Sabre also operates a leading global travel marketplace, which processes more than $110 billion of estimated travel spend annually by connecting travel buyers and suppliers. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world.

Website Information

We routinely post important information for investors on our website, www.sabre.com, in the "Investor Relations" section. We intend to use this website as a means of disclosing material, non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Relations section of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this document.

Supplemental Financial Information

In conjunction with today’s earnings report, a file of supplemental financial information will be available on the Investor Relations section of our website, www.sabre.com.

Note on Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes unaudited non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Capital Expenditures, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and the ratios based on these financial measures. We present non-GAAP measures when our management believes that the additional information provides useful information about our operating performance. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be a substitute for, and should not be considered in isolation from, the financial measures reported in accordance with GAAP. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for an explanation of the non-GAAP measures and “Tabular Reconciliations for Non-GAAP

5



Measures” below for a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements herein are forward-looking statements about trends, future events, uncertainties and our plans and expectations of what may happen in the future. Any statements that are not historical or current facts are forward-looking statements. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "will," "outlook," "guidance," “expect,” "on track," "forecast," "momentum," “may,” “should,” “would,” “intend,” “believe,” “potential” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Sabre’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, dependency on transaction volumes in the global travel industry, particularly air travel transaction volumes, the financial and business effects of acquisitions, including integration of these acquisitions, adverse global and regional economic and political conditions, including, but not limited to, conditions in Venezuela and Russia, exposure to pricing pressure in the Travel Network business, the implementation and effects of new agreements, dependence on maintaining and renewing contracts with customers and other counterparties, dependence on relationships with travel buyers, changes affecting travel supplier customers, travel suppliers’ usage of alternative distribution models, risks arising from global operations, and competition in the travel distribution market and solutions markets. More information about potential risks and uncertainties that could affect our business and results of operations is included in the “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” sections in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future events, outlook, guidance, results, actions, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Unless required by law, Sabre undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events after the date they are made.

6




Contacts:

Media
Investors
Daniel Duarte
Barry Sievert
214-236-9473
682-605-0214
daniel.duarte@sabre.com
barry.sievert@sabre.com


7



SABRE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited) 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenue
$
785,002

 
$
672,480

 
$
2,202,441

 
$
1,985,275

Cost of revenue (1) (2)
509,906

 
441,052

 
1,440,030

 
1,315,669

Selling, general and administrative (2)
166,324

 
113,581

 
412,042

 
351,970

Operating income
108,772

 
117,847

 
350,369

 
317,636

Other income (expense):
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(40,581
)
 
(50,153
)
 
(129,643
)
 
(167,332
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
(33,235
)
 
(33,538
)
Joint venture equity income
372

 
2,867

 
14,198

 
9,367

Other, net
92,568

 
1,124

 
88,320

 
(839
)
Total other income (expense), net
52,359

 
(46,162
)
 
(60,360
)
 
(192,342
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
161,131

 
71,685

 
290,009

 
125,294

Provision for income taxes
38,007

 
30,456

 
84,966

 
55,651

Income from continuing operations
123,124

 
41,229

 
205,043

 
69,643

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
53,892

 
(3,946
)
 
213,499

 
(44,652
)
Net income
177,016

 
37,283

 
418,542

 
24,991

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
676

 
720

 
2,501

 
2,168

Net income attributable to Sabre Corporation
176,340

 
36,563

 
416,041

 
22,823

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

 
11,381

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
176,340

 
$
36,563

 
$
416,041

 
$
11,442

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share attributable to common
stockholders:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
0.44

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.74

 
$
0.24

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
0.20

 
(0.01
)
 
0.78

 
(0.19
)
Net income per common share
$
0.64

 
$
0.14

 
$
1.53

 
$
0.05

Diluted net income per share attributable to common
stockholders:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
0.44

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.73

 
$
0.24

Income (loss) from discontinued operations
0.19

 
(0.01
)
 
0.77

 
(0.19
)
Net income per common share
$
0.63

 
$
0.13

 
$
1.49

 
$
0.05

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Basic
275,471

 
264,768

 
272,224

 
229,405

Diluted
281,395

 
273,330

 
278,848

 
237,994

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per common share
$
0.09

 
$

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.09

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) Includes amortization of upfront incentive consideration
$
9,525

 
$
10,388

 
$
31,575

 
$
33,177

(2) Includes stock-based compensation as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of revenue
$
2,853

 
$
2,165

 
$
9,288

 
$
5,523

Selling, general and administrative
4,351

 
3,200

 
14,040

 
8,326



8



SABRE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
132,695

 
$
155,679

Accounts receivable, net
430,362

 
362,911

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
27,966

 
34,841

Current deferred income taxes
148,190

 
182,277

Other receivables, net
50,733

 
29,893

Assets held for sale

 
112,558

Total current assets
789,946

 
878,159

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $947,016 and $792,161
583,795

 
551,276

Investments in joint ventures
24,024

 
145,320

Goodwill
2,425,963

 
2,153,499

Acquired customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $588,059 and $535,334
447,904

 
170,629

Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $550,146 and $527,921
424,333

 
309,357

Other assets, net
635,755

 
509,764

Total assets
$
5,331,720

 
$
4,718,004

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
149,976

 
$
117,855

Accrued compensation and related benefits
91,916

 
83,828

Accrued subscriber incentives
206,023

 
145,581

Deferred revenues
178,965

 
167,827

Litigation settlement liability and related deferred revenue
40,140

 
73,252

Other accrued liabilities
190,854

 
189,612

Current portion of debt
420,244

 
22,435

Liabilities held for sale

 
96,544

Total current liabilities
1,278,118

 
896,934

Deferred income taxes
253,883

 
61,577

Other noncurrent liabilities
639,894

 
613,710

Long-term debt
2,701,085

 
3,061,400

 


 


Stockholders’ equity
 

 
 

Common Stock: $0.01 par value; 450,000,000 authorized shares; 277,922,158 and 268,237,547 shares issued, 277,204,130 and 267,800,161 shares outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
2,779

 
2,682

Additional paid-in capital
2,001,436

 
1,931,796

Treasury Stock, at cost, 718,028 and 437,386 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
(11,528
)
 
(5,297
)
Retained deficit
(1,433,129
)
 
(1,775,616
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(101,537
)
 
(69,803
)
Noncontrolling interest
719

 
621

Total stockholders’ equity
458,740

 
84,383

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
5,331,720

 
$
4,718,004



9



SABRE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
418,542

 
$
24,991

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
254,854

 
221,016

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration
31,575

 
33,177

Litigation-related (credits) charges
(49,194
)
 
(6,132
)
Stock-based compensation expense
23,328

 
13,849

Allowance for doubtful accounts
6,745

 
5,916

Deferred income taxes
63,402

 
34,952

Joint venture equity income
(14,198
)
 
(9,367
)
Dividends received from joint venture investments
28,700

 
2,205

Amortization of debt issuance costs
4,893

 
4,779

Gain on remeasurement of previously-held joint venture interest
(86,082
)
 

Loss on extinguishment of debt
33,235

 
33,538

Other
10,730

 
1,880

(Income) loss from discontinued operations
(213,499
)
 
44,652

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Accounts and other receivables
(64,296
)
 
(72,559
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
5,249

 
3,721

Capitalized implementation costs
(49,642
)
 
(27,091
)
Upfront incentive consideration
(46,409
)
 
(31,633
)
Other assets
(55,439
)
 
(60,526
)
Accrued compensation and related benefits
10,294

 
(5,752
)
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
60,554

 
29,654

Deferred revenue including upfront solution fees
16,368

 
44,274

Cash provided by operating activities
389,710

 
285,544

Investing Activities
 

 
 

Additions to property and equipment
(203,071
)
 
(154,212
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(441,582
)
 
(31,799
)
Other investing activities
148

 
234

Cash used in investing activities
(644,505
)
 
(185,777
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

Proceeds of borrowings from lenders
752,000

 
148,307

Payments on borrowings from lenders
(719,507
)
 
(797,028
)
Debt prepayment fees and issuance costs
(40,214
)
 
(30,490
)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration paid

 
(27,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in initial public offering, net

 
672,137

Net proceeds on the settlement of equity-based awards
40,045

 
2,376

Cash dividends paid to common stockholders
(73,554
)
 
(23,831
)
Other financing activities
1,975

 
(3,755
)
Cash used in financing activities
(39,255
)
 
(59,284
)
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations
 

 
 

Cash used in operating activities
(908
)
 
(189,802
)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities
278,834

 
(1,904
)
Cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
277,926

 
(191,706
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(6,860
)
 
734

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(22,984
)
 
(150,489
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
155,679

 
308,236

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
132,695

 
$
157,747


10





Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We have included both financial measures compiled in accordance with GAAP and certain non-GAAP financial measures in this earnings release, including Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations (Adjusted EPS), Adjusted Capital Expenditures, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and ratios based on these financial measures.
We define Adjusted Gross Margin as operating income adjusted for selling, general and administrative expenses, amortization of upfront incentive consideration, and the cost of revenue portion of depreciation and amortization, restructuring and other costs, and stock-based compensation.
We define Adjusted Net Income as income from continuing operations adjusted for acquisition-related amortization, loss on extinguishment of debt, other, net, restructuring and other costs, acquisition-related costs, litigation costs, stock-based compensation, management fees and the tax impact of net income adjustments.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as Adjusted Net Income adjusted for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of capitalized implementation costs, amortization of upfront incentive consideration, interest expense, net, and remaining provision for income taxes.
We define Adjusted EPS as Adjusted Net Income divided by the applicable share count.
We define Adjusted Capital Expenditures as additions to property and equipment and capitalized implementation costs during the periods presented.
We define Free Cash Flow as cash provided by operating activities less cash used in additions to property and equipment. We define Adjusted Free Cash Flow as free cash flow plus the cash flow effect of restructuring and other costs, acquisition-related costs, litigation settlement, other litigation costs and management fees.
These non-GAAP financial measures are key metrics used by management and our board of directors to monitor our ongoing core operations because historical results have been significantly impacted by events that are unrelated to our core operations as a result of changes to our business and the regulatory environment. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are used by investors, analysts and other interested parties as measures of financial performance and to evaluate our ability to service debt obligations, fund capital expenditures and meet working capital requirements. Adjusted Capital Expenditures include cash flows used in investing activities, for property and equipment, and cash flows used in operating activities, for capitalized implementation costs. Our management uses this combined metric in making product investment decisions and determining development resource requirements. We also

11



believe that Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS and Adjusted Capital Expenditures assist investors in company-to-company and period-to-period comparisons by excluding differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest expense), tax positions and the impact of depreciation and amortization expense. In addition, amounts derived from Adjusted EBITDA are a primary component of certain covenants under our senior secured credit facilities.
Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Capital Expenditures, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and ratios based on these financial measures are not recognized terms under GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios based on them have important limitations as analytical tools, and should not be viewed in isolation and do not purport to be alternatives to net income as indicators of operating performance or cash flows from operating activities as measures of liquidity. These non-GAAP financial measures and ratios based on them exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income or cash flows from operating activities and these measures may vary among companies. Our use of these measures has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
these non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain recurring, non-cash charges such as stock-based compensation expense and amortization of acquired intangible assets;
although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect cash requirements for such replacements;
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness;
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us;
Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow do not reflect the cash requirements necessary to service the principal payments on our indebtedness;
Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow do not reflect payments related to restructuring, litigation, acquisition-related and management fees;

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Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow remove the impact of accrual-basis accounting on asset accounts and non-debt liability accounts; and
other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted Gross Margin, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS, Adjusted Capital Expenditures, Free Cash Flow or Adjusted Free Cash Flow differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures.





13



Tabular Reconciliations for Non-GAAP Measures
(In thousands, except per share amounts; unaudited)

Reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations and Adjusted EBITDA:

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
176,340

 
$
36,563

 
$
416,041

 
$
11,442

(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
(53,892
)
 
3,946

 
(213,499
)
 
44,652

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1)
676

 
720

 
2,501

 
2,168

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

 
11,381

Income from continuing operations
123,124

 
41,229

 
205,043

 
69,643

Adjustments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Acquisition-related amortization(2a)
31,384

 
21,899

 
76,270

 
76,741

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 
33,235

 
33,538

Other, net(4)
(92,568
)
 
(1,124
)
 
(88,320
)
 
839

Restructuring and other costs(5)
8,888

 
5,150

 
8,888

 
8,834

Acquisition-related costs(6)
9,350

 

 
13,214

 

Litigation costs(7)
9,318

 
4,252

 
14,797

 
11,370

Stock-based compensation
7,204

 
5,365

 
23,328

 
13,849

Management fees(8)

 
193

 

 
23,701

Tax impact of net income adjustments
(15,806
)
 
(14,035
)
 
(54,573
)
 
(65,959
)
Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations
$
80,894

 
$
62,929

 
$
231,882

 
$
172,556

Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations
per share
$
0.29

 
$
0.23

 
$
0.83

 
$
0.73

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
281,395

 
273,330

 
278,848

 
237,994

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjusted Net Income from continuing operations
$
80,894

 
$
62,929

 
$
231,882

 
$
172,556

Adjustments:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization of property
and equipment
(2b)
49,247

 
38,498

 
157,154

 
119,608

Amortization of capitalized implementation costs(2c)
7,606

 
9,083

 
23,032

 
27,070

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration(3)
9,525

 
10,388

 
31,575

 
33,177

Interest expense, net
40,581

 
50,153

 
129,643

 
167,332

Remaining provision for income taxes
53,813

 
44,491

 
139,539

 
121,610

Adjusted EBITDA
$
241,666

 
$
215,542

 
$
712,825

 
$
641,353



14




Reconciliation of Adjusted Capital Expenditures:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Additions to property and equipment
$
75,108

 
$
47,742

 
$
203,071

 
$
154,212

Capitalized implementation costs
20,081

 
9,494

 
49,642

 
27,091

Adjusted Capital Expenditures
$
95,189

 
$
57,236

 
$
252,713

 
$
181,303


Reconciliation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Cash provided by operating activities
$
121,711

 
$
81,088

 
$
389,710

 
$
285,544

Cash used in investing activities
(516,690
)
 
(79,542
)
 
(644,505
)
 
(185,777
)
Cash used in financing activities
(73,488
)
 
(55,705
)
 
(39,255
)
 
(59,284
)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Cash provided by operating activities
$
121,711

 
$
81,088

 
$
389,710

 
$
285,544

Additions to property and equipment
(75,108
)
 
(47,742
)
 
(203,071
)
 
(154,212
)
Free Cash Flow
46,603

 
33,346

 
186,639

 
131,332

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Restructuring and other costs(5)(9)
638

 
6,030

 
918

 
16,625

Acquisition-related costs(6)(9)
9,350

 

 
13,214

 

Litigation settlement(7)(10)
7,192

 
57,535

 
23,292

 
69,183

Other litigation costs(7)(9)
3,418

 
4,252

 
8,897

 
11,370

Management fees(8)(9)

 

 

 
23,508

Adjusted Free Cash Flow
$
67,201

 
$
101,163

 
$
232,960

 
$
252,018




15




Reconciliation of Operating Income (loss) to Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA by segment:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Travel
Network
 
Airline and
Hospitality
Solutions
 
Corporate
 
Total
Operating income (loss)
$
205,386

 
$
52,912

 
$
(149,526
)
 
$
108,772

Add back:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
34,258

 
14,287

 
117,779

 
166,324

Cost of revenue adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
14,563

 
32,174

 
12,597

 
59,334

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration(3)
9,525

 

 

 
9,525

Stock-based compensation

 

 
2,853

 
2,853

Adjusted Gross Margin
263,732

 
99,373

 
(16,297
)
 
346,808

Selling, general and administrative
(34,258
)
 
(14,287
)
 
(117,779
)
 
(166,324
)
Joint venture equity income
372

 

 

 
372

Joint venture intangible amortization(2a)

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
1,384

 
189

 
27,330

 
28,903

Restructuring and other costs(5)

 

 
8,888

 
8,888

Acquisition-related costs(6)

 

 
9,350

 
9,350

Litigation costs(7)

 

 
9,318

 
9,318

Stock-based compensation

 

 
4,351

 
4,351

Adjusted EBITDA
$
231,230

 
$
85,275

 
$
(74,839
)
 
$
241,666

  
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Travel
Network
 
Airline and
Hospitality
Solutions
 
Corporate
 
Total
Operating income (loss)
$
164,979

 
$
55,640

 
$
(102,772
)
 
$
117,847

Add back:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
26,583

 
13,236

 
73,762

 
113,581

Cost of revenue adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
14,264

 
25,871

 
6,013

 
46,148

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration(3)
10,388

 

 

 
10,388

Restructuring and other costs(5)

 

 
2,694

 
2,694

Stock-based compensation

 

 
2,165

 
2,165

Adjusted Gross Margin
216,214

 
94,747

 
(18,138
)
 
292,823

Selling, general and administrative
(26,583
)
 
(13,236
)
 
(73,762
)
 
(113,581
)
Joint venture equity income
2,867

 

 

 
2,867

Joint venture intangible amortization(2a)
801

 

 

 
801

Selling, general and administrative adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
524

 
160

 
21,847

 
22,531

Restructuring and other costs(5)

 

 
2,456

 
2,456

Litigation costs(7)

 

 
4,252

 
4,252

Stock-based compensation

 

 
3,200

 
3,200

Management fees(8)

 

 
193

 
193

Adjusted EBITDA
$
193,823

 
$
81,671

 
$
(59,952
)
 
$
215,542

 

16



 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Travel
Network
 
Airline and
Hospitality
Solutions
 
Corporate
 
Total
Operating income (loss)
$
576,328

 
$
130,478

 
$
(356,437
)
 
$
350,369

Add back:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
82,742

 
47,302

 
281,998

 
412,042

Cost of revenue adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
43,133

 
106,574

 
27,373

 
177,080

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration(3)
31,575

 

 

 
31,575

Stock-based compensation

 

 
9,288

 
9,288

Adjusted Gross Margin
733,778

 
284,354

 
(37,778
)
 
980,354

Selling, general and administrative
(82,742
)
 
(47,302
)
 
(281,998
)
 
(412,042
)
Joint venture equity income
14,198

 

 

 
14,198

Joint venture intangible amortization(2a)
1,602

 

 

 
1,602

Selling, general and administrative adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
2,438

 
696

 
74,640

 
77,774

Restructuring and other costs(5)

 

 
8,888

 
8,888

Acquisition-related costs(6)

 

 
13,214

 
13,214

Litigation costs(7)

 

 
14,797

 
14,797

Stock-based compensation

 

 
14,040

 
14,040

Adjusted EBITDA
$
669,274

 
$
237,748

 
$
(194,197
)
 
$
712,825



 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Travel
Network
 
Airline and
Hospitality
Solutions
 
Corporate
 
Total
Operating income (loss)
$
515,093

 
$
117,957

 
$
(315,414
)
 
$
317,636

Add back:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
76,810

 
38,555

 
236,605

 
351,970

Cost of revenue adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
44,943

 
79,034

 
29,095

 
153,072

Amortization of upfront incentive consideration(3)
33,177

 

 

 
33,177

Restructuring and other costs(5)

 

 
5,273

 
5,273

Stock-based compensation

 

 
5,523

 
5,523

Adjusted Gross Margin
670,023

 
235,546

 
(38,918
)
 
866,651

Selling, general and administrative
(76,810
)
 
(38,555
)
 
(236,605
)
 
(351,970
)
Joint venture equity income
9,367

 

 

 
9,367

Joint venture intangible amortization(2a)
2,403

 

 

 
2,403

Selling, general and administrative adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization(2)
1,654

 
695

 
65,595

 
67,944

Restructuring and other costs(5)

 

 
3,561

 
3,561

Litigation costs(7)

 

 
11,370

 
11,370

Stock-based compensation

 

 
8,326

 
8,326

Management fees(8)

 

 
23,701

 
23,701

Adjusted EBITDA
$
606,637

 
$
197,686

 
$
(162,970
)
 
$
641,353







17



Non-GAAP Footnotes

(1)
Net Income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents an adjustment to include earnings allocated to noncontrolling interests held in Sabre Travel Network Middle East of 40% for all periods presented and in Sabre Seyahat Dagitim Sistemleri A.S. of 40% beginning in April 2014 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
(2)
Depreciation and amortization expenses:
a.
Acquisition-related amortization represents amortization of intangible assets from the take-private transaction in 2007 as well as intangibles associated with acquisitions since that date and amortization of the excess basis in our underlying equity in joint ventures.
b.
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment includes software developed for internal use.
c.
Amortization of capitalized implementation costs represents amortization of upfront costs to implement new customer contracts under our SaaS and hosted revenue model.
(3)
Our Travel Network business at times provides upfront incentive consideration to travel agency subscribers at the inception or modification of a service contract, which are capitalized and amortized to cost of revenue over an average expected life of the service contract, generally over three to five years. Such consideration is made with the objective of increasing the number of clients or to ensure or improve customer loyalty. Such service contract terms are established such that the supplier and other fees generated over the life of the contract will exceed the cost of the incentive consideration provided upfront. Such service contracts with travel agency subscribers require that the customer commit to achieving certain economic objectives and generally have terms requiring repayment of the upfront incentive consideration if those objectives are not met.
(4)
The three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015 include a gain of $86 million associated with the remeasurement of our previously-held 35% investment in Abacus International Pte Ltd ("AIPL") to its fair value and a gain of $12 million related to the settlement of pre-existing agreements between us and AIPL. All periods presented include foreign exchange gains and losses related to the remeasurement of foreign currency denominated balances included in our consolidated balance sheets into the relevant functional currency.
(5)
Restructuring and other costs represent charges associated with business restructuring and associated changes implemented which resulted in severance benefits related to employee terminations, integration and facility opening or closing costs and other business reorganization costs.

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(6)
Acquisition-related costs represent fees and expenses incurred associated with the acquisition of Abacus.
(7)
Litigation costs represent charges associated with antitrust litigation.
(8)
We paid an annual management fee, pursuant to a Management Services Agreement (“MSA”), to TPG Global, LLC (“TPG”) and Silver Lake Management Company (“Silver Lake”) in an amount between (i) $5 million and (ii) $7 million, the actual amount of which is calculated based upon 1% of Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the MSA, earned by the company in such fiscal year up to a maximum of $7 million. In addition, we paid a $21 million fee, in the aggregate, to TPG and Silver Lake at the closing of our initial public offering in April of 2014. The MSA was terminated thereafter.
(9)
The adjustments to reconcile cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow reflect the amounts expensed in our statements of operations in the respective periods adjusted for cash and non-cash portions in instances where material.
(10) Includes payment credits used by American Airlines to pay for purchases of our technology services. The payment credits were provided by us as part of our litigation settlement with American Airlines.



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