FIS Reports 2023 Results, 2024 Outlook, Future Expectations and Announces $500M Increase to Share Repurchase Goal
By FF Newsroom · 26 February 2024

FIS (NYSE:FIS), a global leader in financial services technology, today reported its fourth quarter and full-year 2023 results.
“Our 2023 results and our 2024 outlook reflect the continued positive momentum of the business as we delivered on our financial commitments for the fourth consecutive quarter and successfully closed the Worldpay transaction,” said FIS CEO and President Stephanie Ferris. “I am pleased with our outperformance on our Future Forward expectations, and to announce that we are once again increasing our share repurchase goal by $500 million reflecting our confidence in the strength of the business and our ongoing commitment to returning capital to shareholders. As we turn the page to the next chapter of FIS, I look forward to providing you with a comprehensive deep-dive into FIS' corporate strategy at our upcoming Investor Day in New York City on May 7th.”
Financial Reporting Considerations for Completed Worldpay Transaction
On July 6, 2023, the Company announced an acceleration of its previously announced separation plan to create two highly focused global companies with greater strategic flexibility. FIS signed a definitive agreement to sell a 55% stake in its Worldpay Merchant Solutions business to private equity funds managed by GTCR. The Worldpay transaction was completed on January 31, 2024.
Unless otherwise noted, all results are presented on a continuing operations basis and exclude the results of the Company’s Worldpay Merchant Solutions business that was classified as discontinued operations as of the third quarter of 2023.
Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, FIS' 45% ownership of the Worldpay Merchant Solutions business will be reported under the "Equity method investment earnings (loss)" line of the income statement (EMI).
Capital Allocation Update
The Company remains committed to shareholder returns and is increasing its goal to repurchase at least $4.0 billion of shares by year end 2024, up from the previous goal of at least $3.5 billion, inclusive of $510 million of shares repurchased in the fourth quarter of 2023. Additionally, the Company continues to target a dividend payout ratio of 35% of adjusted net earnings, excluding equity method investment earnings (loss) (EMI).
On February 25, 2024, FIS' Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.36 per common share. The dividend is payable on March 22, 2024, to shareholders of record as of close of business on March 8, 2024.
Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
On a GAAP basis, excluding $1.2 billion of revenue classified as discontinued operations, revenue decreased 1% as compared to the prior year period to approximately $2.5 billion. GAAP net earnings attributable to common stockholders from continuing operations were $64 million or $0.11 per diluted share. Including discontinued operations, GAAP net earnings attributable to common stockholders were $251 million or $0.42 per diluted share.
On an adjusted basis, revenue was flat as compared to the prior-year period driven by 7% adjusted recurring revenue growth, offset by a 16% decline in adjusted non-recurring revenue. Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 70 basis points (bps) over the prior-year period to 42.1% primarily driven by cost efficiencies. Adjusted net earnings for continuing operations were approximately $558 million, and adjusted EPS decreased by 4% as compared to the prior-year period to $0.94 per diluted share primarily due to a $0.07 headwind associated with higher interest costs. Including discontinued operations, adjusted net earnings were approximately $985 million and adjusted EPS decreased 2% as compared to the prior-year period to $1.67 per diluted share primarily due to a $0.05 headwind associated with higher interest costs.
Full-Year 2023 Financial Results
On a GAAP basis, excluding $4.9 billion of revenue classified as discontinued operations, revenue increased 1% as compared to the prior year to approximately $9.8 billion. GAAP net earnings attributable to common stockholders from continuing operations were $503 million or $0.85 per diluted share. Including discontinued operations, GAAP net earnings (loss) attributable to common stockholders were $(6,654) million or $(11.26) per diluted share, including a $6.8 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in the year related to the Merchant Solutions reporting unit.
On an adjusted basis, revenue increased 3% as compared to the prior year driven by 5% adjusted recurring revenue growth, partially offset by a 4% decline in adjusted non-recurring revenue. Adjusted EBITDA margin contracted by 40 basis points (bps) over the prior year to 40.4% as cost efficiencies were more than offset by a lower contribution from higher margin non-recurring revenue. Adjusted net earnings for continuing operations were approximately $2.0 billion, and adjusted EPS decreased by 11% as compared to the prior year to $3.37 per diluted share primarily due to a $0.49 headwind associated with higher interest costs. Including discontinued operations, adjusted net earnings were approximately $3.7 billion and adjusted EPS decreased 7% as compared to the prior year to $6.17 per diluted share primarily due to a $0.46 headwind associated with higher interest costs.
Segment Information
- Banking Solutions:
- Capital Market Solutions:
- Corporate and Other: