Atento Reports Fiscal 2021 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
Atento reported a 5.3% increase in annual revenue for 2021, totaling $1.45 billion, driven by a 34% surge in US revenues. Despite a $34.8 million revenue loss due to a cyberattack, annual recurring EBITDA rose 23.7%, achieving a margin of 12.9%.
New business sales increased 20% to $215 million, with significant contributions from the tech and healthcare sectors. However, negative impacts from inflation and increased financing costs affected shareholder equity, which stood at -$10.2 million at year-end.
- Annual revenue growth of 5.3%, reaching $1.45 billion.
- Recurring EBITDA increased by 23.7%, reflecting stronger operational efficiency.
- US revenue rose by 34.1%, contributing significantly to overall growth.
- Total Annual Value of Sales of new business rose 20% to $215 million.
- Cyberattack resulted in $34.8 million in lost revenue, heavily impacting Q4 results.
- Recurring net loss of $48.2 million for 2021, indicating financial distress.
- Negative shareholder equity of $10.2 million at year-end 2021 due to substantial non-cash items.
2021 revenue up
Annual Recurring EBITDA growth of
Cyberattack has non-recurring revenue impact of
Total Annual Value of sales of new business rises
US annual revenue up
Reinforced presence in key growth sectors such as tech, healthcare and fintech, which accounted for
Secured and extended key agreements with Telefónica, while expanding share of wallet
Latin America's higher inflation, interest rates and currency fluctuations increased financing costs, and impacting 2021 shareholder equity and free cash flow
NEW YORK, March 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO) ("Atento" or the "Company"), one of the five largest providers of Customer Relationship Management and Business Process Outsourcing (CRM / BPO) services worldwide and sector leader in Latin America, announced today its fourth quarter and full year operating and financial results for the period ending December 31, 2021. All comparisons in this announcement are year-over-year (YoY) and in constant-currency (CCY), unless otherwise noted.
Total Annual Value of Sales (TAV) rise to record
- TAV increased
20% to$215 million , growing59% in US - New In-Year revenue for new business rose
21% , increasing69% in the US - Cyberattack disruption on Brazil operations resulted in
$34.8 million in lost revenue - Annual revenue grew
5.3% to$1.45 billion , up7.9% on a recurring basis (excluding impact of cyberattack) - Annual Multisector sales rose
5.4% , increasing11.7% and8.4% in the Americas and EMEA, respectively, while declining3.1% in Brazil; Recurring Brazil Multisector sales grew1.1% - Telefónica (TEF) sales grew
5.3% in 2021, or9.1% on a recurring basis, as share of wallet continued to grow - Key service agreements with TEF were secured and extended
- Atento won 61 new clients in 2021, with sales in fast-growing tech, healthcare and fintech sectors accounting for
54% ,16% and11% of new wins, respectively, and representing37% of total annual sales in 2021 - US revenues increased
34.1% to$114.8 million in 2021 - Hard-currency revenues expand 220 bps to
24% of 2021 revenue and26% of EBITDA
Strong recurring and hard currency EBITDA
- 2021 Recurring EBITDA rose
23.7% to$191.9 million and with corresponding margin expanding 150 bps to12.9% , mainly on 240 bps increase in Brazil. 2021 EBITDA declined7.1% to$149.8 million - 4Q Recurring EBITDA down slightly to
$50.8 million and with margin expanding 110 bps to15.5% . 4Q EBITDA decreased84.2% to$8.7 million , mainly due to the$34.8 million in lost revenue in Brazil and$7.3 million in costs related to the cyberattack - US EBITDA of
$4.7 million in Q4 and$22.1 million in 2021, up60.3% and representing14.7% of consolidated EBITDA, with EBITDA Margin at10.9% in Q4 and14.1% for the year, 320 bps higher than in 2020 - Hard currency EBITDA represented
26% of total EBITDA at year-end, up 600 bps, mainly due to US expansion - Recurring Net Loss of
$1.6 million in Q4 and net loss of$48.2 million in 2021 - Reported EPS of -
$3.11 in Q4 and -$6.42 in 2021, mainly due to$42.1 million impact of cyberattack and$45.7 million of net financial expense
Debt leverage and maturity profile remain healthy
- At year-end 2021, net debt-to-EBITDA was 3.9x, or 2.9x when excluding EBITDA impact of cyberattack
- Solid cash position of
$129 million , including$56 million drawdown in revolving credit facilities - At December 31, 2021, shareholders' equity was -
$10.2 million , partly impacted by$85.1 million in non-cash items consisting of -$42.8 million of balance sheet and P&L conversion as well as -$42.3 million change in fair value of derivatives instruments
Solid improvements in ESG performance
- Scope 1 carbon emissions decreased
16% in 2021 - Approximately
60% of Company's energy comes from renewable resources - New record for client satisfaction, which increased 280 bps versus 2020
- Improved gender equality, with women comprising approximately
50% of management team
Update on Cybersecurity measures
- Reinforced cybersecurity protection, detection, and remediation measures
- Closed partnership agreements with best-in-class cyber security providers such as CrowdStrike and Microsoft, providing additional security for Company and customers
- Establishing best practices and working closely with defense groups and agencies to improve early warning and threat preparedness
Summarized Consolidated Financials
($ in millions except EPS) | Q4 2021 | Q4 2020 | CCY | 2021 | 2020 | CCY |
Income Statement (6) | ||||||
Revenue | 327.2 | 369.6 | - | 1,449.2 | 1412.3 | |
Recurring EBITDA (2) | 50.8 | 53.5 | - | 191.9 | 161.2 | |
Recurring EBITDA Margin | 1.1 p.p | 1.5 p.p | ||||
Recurring Net Income/Loss (2) | (1.6) | 4.8 | N.M. | (48.2) | (9.9) | N.M. |
EBITDA (2) | 8.7 | 53.5 | - | 149.8 | 161.2 | - |
EBITDA Margin | -11.8 p.p. | -1.1 p.p. | ||||
Net Loss (3) | (43.7) | (8.0) | N.M. | (90.3) | (46.9) | |
Earnings Per Share on the reverse split basis (2) (3) (5) | ( | ( | N.M. | ( | ( | |
Recurring EPS on the reverse split basis (2) (5) | ( | N.M. | ( | ( | -
| |
Cash Flow, Debt and Leverage | ||||||
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | 1.1 | 58.8 | 42.3 | 127.0 | ||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | 128.8 | 209.0 | ||||
Net Debt (4) | 589.6 | 518.8 | ||||
Net Leverage (4) | 3.9x | 3.2x |
(1) Unless otherwise noted, all results are for Q4; all revenue growth rates are on a constant currency basis, year-over-year; (2) Recurring EBITDA, Recurring Net Income/Recurring Earnings per Share (EPS) are Non-GAAP measures adjusted only for the cyberattack impact; (3) Reported Net Income and Earnings per Share (EPS) include the impact of non-cash foreign exchange gains/losses on intercompany balances; (4) Includes IFRS 16 impact in Net Debt and Leverage; (5) Earnings per share and Recurring Earnings per share in the reverse split basis is calculated with weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding. (6) The following selected financial information are unaudited. |
Message from CEO and CFO
Like so many companies in the current era, including some of the world's technology leaders, we were struck by a cyberattack, which impacted our fourth quarter results. This impact proved to be far greater than we initially expected, due the complexities of these events and how the aftershocks manifest themselves.
Nevertheless, the fundamentals of our business remain strong, as our recurring results demonstrate, and we remain focused on our growth strategy, which has proven to be highly effective over the last two and a half years. We will overcome what we consider to be a temporary setback to our business, as we are an agile and resilient company. Throughout the pandemic, we consistently demonstrated these valuable traits.
Last year, we delivered three quarters of outperformance prior to the cyberattack and also outperformed on every key metric. We expanded in higher-growth, higher margin verticals in LatAm and the US, while generating higher levels of hard currency revenues. At the same time, we delivered a greater proportion of higher value next-generation services to Telefónica, while expanding volumes and renewing agreements with this key client. During the year, we also continued to strengthen operationally, enhance our digital capabilities, and drive innovation to broaden our portfolio of CX and BPO services.
We expect to regain momentum in the second half of the year, although we have lowered slightly the ranges of our margin and leverage targets that we set under our Three Horizon Plan. We have ramped up our much-improved sales organization and expect to replenish and grow volumes during the year, volumes that also carry higher margins, consistent with our strategy. Additionally, we are accelerating ongoing efficiency initiatives to further reduce our cost structure as well as improve our effectiveness as an organization, in terms of methodologies, best practices and technologies. We are also moving aggressively to reduce our cost of debt capital.
In summary, Atento remains a far more agile company and is better positioned in the Americas' growing CX market than when we launched our growth plan. We expect to perform at an even higher level this year than last, resuming the same profitable growth trajectory that we achieved and maintained most of last year.
Carlos López-Abadía José Azevedo
Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Fourth Quarter and Full Year Consolidated Financial Results
Atento's fourth quarter revenue decreased
The Company's annual revenue increased
Total Annual Value of Sales of new business increased
US revenues increased
Atento won a total of 61 new clients in 2021, with fast-growing tech, healthcare and fintech clients accounting for
Atento's fourth quarter consolidated EBITDA decreased
In the Americas, EBITDA decreased
On a recurring basis, fourth quarter EBITDA decreased
The Company reported a recurring Net Loss of -
2021 free cash flow was negative
On December 31, 2021, Atento held
On December 31, 2021, shareholders' equity was negative
Segment Reporting
Brazil
($ in millions) | Q4 2021 | Q4 2020 | CCY growth | 2021 | 2020 | CCY Growth |
Brazil Region | ||||||
Revenue | 111.5 | 148.5 | - | 568.8 | 600.9 | - |
Recurring1 EBITDA | 28.7 | 27.8 | 92.8 | 78.2 | ||
Recurring1 EBITDA Margin | 0.9 p.p. | 2.4 p.p. | ||||
EBITDA | (13.4) | 27.8 | - | 50.7 | 78.2 | - |
EBITDA Margin | - | -30.8 p.p. | -4.1 p.p. | |||
Profit/(loss) for the period | (31.6) | (0.3) | N.M. | (37.1) | (21.7) |
1 Excludes |
Fourth quarter revenue in Brazil decreased
The Brazil operation's EBITDA decreased
Annual revenue totaled
Americas Region
($ in millions) | Q4 2021 | Q4 2020 | CCY growth | 2021 | 2020 | CCY Growth |
Americas Region | ||||||
Revenue | 157.7 | 155.3 | 633.9 | 580.5 | ||
EBITDA | 14.3 | 15.7 | - | 59.5 | 52.6 | |
EBITDA Margin | -1.0 p.p. | 0.3 p.p. | ||||
Profit/(loss) for the period | (5.3) | (2.0) | N.M. | (4.7) | (9.9) | - |
In the Americas, Atento's fourth quarter revenue increased
Fourth quarter EBITDA decreased
EMEA Region
($ in millions) | Q4 2021 | Q4 2020 | CCY growth | 2021 | 2020 | CCY Growth |
EMEA Region | ||||||
Revenue | 57.9 | 66.2 | - | 250.1 | 234.7 | |
EBITDA | 7.7 | 7.5 | 26.6 | 15.3 | ||
EBITDA Margin | 2.0 p.p. | 4.1 p.p. | ||||
Profit/(loss) for the period | 1.0 | 6.5 | - | 2.2 | 5.2 | - |
During the fourth quarter, EMEA revenue decreased
Fourth quarter EBITDA increased
Cash Flow
Cash Flow Statement ($ in millions) | Q4 2021 | Q4 2020 | 2021 | 2020 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 145.7 | 196.6 | 209.0 | 124.7 |
Net Cash from Operating activities | 1.1 | 58.8 | 42.3 | 127.0 |
Net Cash used in Investing activities | (14.7) | (10.9) | (50.5) | (38.2) |
Net Cash (used in)/ provided by Financing activities | (0.2) | (35.2) | (58.2) | 1.0 |
Net (increase/decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (13.7) | 12.7 | (66.4) | 89.8 |
Effect of changes in exchanges rates | (3.2) | (0.4) | (13.8) | (5.5) |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 128.8 | 209.0 | 128.8 | 209.0 |
Free cash flow decreased during the fourth quarter to negative
2021 free cash flow was negative
When excluding one-off tax expenses, costs related to the Company's debt refinancing in February, and impact of cyberattack, free cash flow was
Indebtedness & Capital Structure
US$MM | Maturity | Interest Rate | Outstanding |
SSN (1) (USD) | 2026 | 503.9 | |
Super Senior Credit Facility | 2021 | 25.0 | |
Other Borrowings and Leases | 2025 | Variable | 32.9 |
BNDES (BRL) | 2022 | TJLP + | 0.6 |
Debt with Third Parties | 562.5 | ||
Leasing (IFRS 16) | 155.8 | ||
Gross Debt (Debt with Third Parties + IFRS 16) | 718.3 | ||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | 128.8 | ||
Net Debt | 589.5 |
(1) | Notes are protected by certain hedging instruments, with the coupons hedged through maturity, while the principal is |
At December 31, 2021, Gross debt totaled
At the end of 2021, net debt-to-EBITDA was 3.9x, or 2.9x when excluding one-time EBITDA impact of the cyberattack. The Company finished the year with a comfortable maturity profile going out to 2026.
Fiscal 2021 and 2022 Guidance
2021 Guidance | 2021 | 2021 Recurring | 2022 Guidance | |
Revenue growth (in constant currency) | Mid-single digit | Mid-single digit | ||
EBITDA margin | ||||
Leverage (x) | 2.5x-3.0x | 3.9x | 2.9x | 2.7x-3.0x |
Management is lowering 2022 EBITDA margin guidance to
Share Repurchase Program
During the fourth quarter, Atento did not repurchase shares, bringing total buybacks to 43,708 shares in 2021, for a total cost of
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 10:00 am ET to discuss its financial results. The conference call can be accessed by dialing: USA: +1 (866) 807-9684; UK: (+44) 20 3514 3188; Brazil: (+55) 11 4933-0682; Spain: (+34) 91 414 9260; or International: (+1) 412 317 5415. No passcode is required. Individuals who dial in will be asked to identify themselves and their affiliations The live webcast of the conference call will be available on Atento's Investor Relations website at investors.atento.com (Click here). A web-based archive of the conference call will also be available at the website.
About Atento
Atento is one of the five largest global providers for client relationship management and business process outsourcing services nearshoring for companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries with a workforce of 150,000 employees. Atento has over 400 clients for which it provides a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Its clients are leading multinational companies in the technology, digital, telecommunications, finance, health, consumer and public administration sectors, amongst others. Atento trades under ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2019 Atento was recognized by Great Place to Work® as one of the 25 World's Best Multinational Workplaces and as one of the Best Places to Work in Latin America. For more information www.atento.com
Media Relations
Investor and analyst inquiries
Hernan van Waveren
+1 979-633-9539
hernan.vanwaveren@atento.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "intends," "continue" or similar terminology. These statements reflect only Atento's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic, and governments' extraordinary measures to limit the spread of the virus, are disrupting the global economy and Atento's industry, and consequently adversely affecting the Company's business, results of operation and cash flows and, as conditions are recent, uncertain and changing rapidly, it is difficult to predict the full extent of the impact that the pandemic will have. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competition in Atento's highly competitive industries; increases in the cost of voice and data services or significant interruptions in these services; Atento's ability to keep pace with its clients' needs for rapid technological change and systems availability; the continued deployment and adoption of emerging technologies; the loss, financial difficulties or bankruptcy of any key clients; the effects of global economic trends on the businesses of Atento's clients; the non-exclusive nature of Atento's client contracts and the absence of revenue commitments; security and privacy breaches of the systems Atento uses to protect personal data; the cost of pending and future litigation; the cost of defending Atento against intellectual property infringement claims; extensive regulation affecting many of Atento's businesses; Atento's ability to protect its proprietary information or technology; service interruptions to Atento's data and operation centers; Atento's ability to retain key personnel and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees; increases in labor costs and turnover rates; the political, economic and other conditions in the countries where Atento operates; changes in foreign exchange rates; Atento's ability to complete future acquisitions and integrate or achieve the objectives of its recent and future acquisitions; future impairments of our substantial goodwill, intangible assets, or other long-lived assets; and Atento's ability to recover consumer receivables on behalf of its clients. In addition, Atento is subject to risks related to its level of indebtedness. Such risks include Atento's ability to generate sufficient cash to service its indebtedness and fund its other liquidity needs; Atento's ability to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments; the ability to obtain additional financing; the incurrence of significant additional indebtedness by Atento and its subsidiaries; and the ability of Atento's lenders to fulfill their lending commitments. Atento is also subject to other risk factors described in documents filed by the comp any with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. Atento undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atento-reports-fiscal-2021-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results-301514383.html
SOURCE Atento S.A.
FAQ
What was Atento's revenue growth rate for 2021?
How did the cyberattack affect Atento's financial results?
What is Atento's stock symbol on the NYSE?
What is the status of Atento's EBITDA margins?