OpenText Completes Divestiture of Application Modernization and Connectivity (AMC) Business to Rocket Software for $2.275B

Rhea-AI Summary

OpenText has completed the divestiture of its Application Modernization and Connectivity (AMC) business to Rocket Software for $2.275 billion, aiming to reduce debt by $2 billion. The company plans to focus on Information Management, Cloud, Security, and AI markets to drive innovation and growth.

Positive

• Successfully completed divestiture of AMC/Mainframe business, boosting liquidity.

• Reduction of debt by $2 billion enhances financial stability.

• Focus on Information Management, Cloud, Security, and AI markets for future growth and innovation.

• Potential expansion of capital allocation program for shareholders.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The divestiture of OpenText's AMC business to Rocket Software for $2.275 billion is a significant financial move, signaling strategic refocusing for OpenText. The use of net proceeds to reduce debt by $2 billion is a positive step towards strengthening the balance sheet. It’s worth noting that a net leverage ratio below 3x is typically viewed favorably in the industry, as it suggests a more conservative capital structure and could lead to improved credit ratings.

For investors, the company's pivot towards growth in Cloud, Security and AI markets could imply an alignment with current technology trends, potentially opening up new revenue streams and improving competitive positioning.

As for the capital allocation program, expansion could mean anything from increased dividends to share buybacks, both of which would be appealing to shareholders. However, the true impact of such financial strategies would be more accurately assessed once additional details are provided in the forthcoming earnings report.

Market Research Analyst

Exiting the AMC/Mainframe segment allows OpenText to concentrate resources on sectors like Cloud services and AI, where there is a larger growth potential. This reflects a market trend where businesses are divesting non-core assets to double down on strategic areas. Investors should observe how the divestiture affects OpenText's market position, especially considering that mainframe technologies are often seen as legacy systems in contrast to burgeoning cloud solutions.

From a retail investor's perspective, analyzing the company's future guidance, especially in relation to innovation and growth initiatives, will be crucial. An expanded capital allocation program could point towards a strong confidence in the company's future cash flows and profitability.

OpenText to Reduce Debt by $2 Billion

WATERLOO, ON, May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Open Text Corporation (NASDAQ: OTEX), (TSX: OTEX), today announced that it has successfully completed the divestiture of its AMC/Mainframe business to Rocket Software, Inc., a Bain Capital portfolio company ("Rocket Software"), for $2.275 billion in cash before taxes, fees and other adjustments.

"We are pleased to complete the divestiture of our AMC/Mainframe business to Rocket Software," said Mark J. Barrenechea, OpenText CEO & CTO. "We intend to use the net proceeds from the divestiture to reduce our debt by $2 billion and lower our net leverage ratio to under 3x.  Further, the divestiture allows the company to focus on the future of Information Management, which is innovation and growth in the Cloud, Security, and AI markets and the opportunity to expand our capital allocation program for shareholders."

Additional details on the impact of the divestiture to the remainder of Fiscal 2024 will be outlined as part of the Company's quarterly earnings results scheduled for May 2, 2024.

About OpenText

OpenText, The Information Company™, enables organizations to gain insight through market leading information management solutions, powered by OpenText Cloud Editions. For more information about OpenText (NASDAQ: OTEX, TSX: OTEX) visit opentext.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may contain words considered forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities laws. These statements are based on OpenText's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the operating environment, economies and markets in which the company operates. These statements are subject to important assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and the actual outcome may be materially different. OpenText's assumptions, although considered reasonable by the company at the date of this press release, may prove to be inaccurate and consequently its actual results could differ materially from the expectations set out herein. For additional information with respect to risks and other factors which could occur, see OpenText's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other securities filings with the SEC and other securities regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, OpenText disclaims any intention or obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Further, readers should note that we may announce information using our website, press releases, securities law filings, public conference calls, webcasts and the social media channels identified on the Investors section of our website (https://investors.opentext.com). Such social media channels may include the Company's or our CEO's blog, X, formerly known as Twitter, account or LinkedIn account. The information posted through such channels may be material. Accordingly, readers should monitor such channels in addition to our other forms of communication.

Note: All dollar amounts in this press release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

OTEX-MNA

Copyright ©2024 Open Text. OpenText is a trademark or registered trademark of Open Text. The list of trademarks is not exhaustive of other trademarks. Registered trademarks, product names, company names, brands and service names mentioned herein are property of Open Text. All rights reserved. For more information visit: http://www.opentext.com/who-we-are/copyright-information.

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SOURCE Open Text Corporation

FAQ

What business did OpenText divestiture to Rocket Software?

OpenText divested its Application Modernization and Connectivity (AMC) business to Rocket Software.

How much did OpenText receive for the divestiture?

OpenText received $2.275 billion for the divestiture.

What is the purpose of the divestiture for OpenText?

The purpose of the divestiture is to reduce debt by $2 billion and focus on Information Management, Cloud, Security, and AI markets for growth.

When will OpenText provide more details on the divestiture impact?

Additional details on the impact of the divestiture will be provided in the Company's quarterly earnings results scheduled for May 2, 2024.