SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:SSNC) is a leading provider of software and software-enabled services to the financial services and healthcare industries. The company has a long history of delivering innovative solutions and driving growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions.
Business Overview
SS&C Technologies operates through two primary business segments: Software-Enabled Services and License, Maintenance and Related. The Software-Enabled Services segment provides a range of outsourced services, including fund administration, managed accounting, and healthcare claims processing. The License, Maintenance and Related segment focuses on the licensing of the company's proprietary software solutions, as well as the provision of maintenance and professional services.
SS&C's diverse client base includes asset managers, hedge funds, insurance companies, banks, and healthcare organizations. The company's solutions are designed to help its clients improve operational efficiency, enhance decision-making, and comply with regulatory requirements. SS&C's comprehensive suite of offerings, combined with its deep industry expertise, has made it a trusted partner for many of the world's leading financial institutions.
Financials
In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, SS&C Technologies reported annual revenue of $5,502.8 million, an increase from the prior year's $5,302.1 million. The company's annual net income for the same period was $607.1 million, while annual operating cash flow and free cash flow were $1,215.1 million and $963.6 million, respectively.
For the second quarter of 2024, SS&C reported record adjusted revenue of $1,452.4 million, up 6.5% year-over-year. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $1.27, an increase of 17.6% compared to the prior-year period. The company's adjusted consolidated EBITDA for the quarter was $558.9 million, with an EBITDA margin of 38.5%, up 170 basis points year-over-year.
Organic Growth Drivers
SS&C's strong performance has been driven by several key growth drivers. The company's alternative fund administration business has seen robust growth across private markets, hedge funds, and retail alternatives, leveraging its comprehensive suite of fund administration and transfer agency services. Additionally, the company's wealth and investment technology business unit has gained momentum, with the Trust Suite product line seeing a robust sales pipeline and participation in major industry RFPs.
The company's healthcare claims processing platform, DomaniRx, has also made significant strides, processing over 100 million claims since its launch in January 2024. DomaniRx's enhanced functionality, running on the SS&C private cloud, and its self-service capabilities have been well-received by clients.
Geographic and Segment Diversification
SS&C's revenue is diversified across geographic regions, with approximately 30% of its revenues generated from clients located outside the United States. The company has a strong presence in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, which have contributed to its overall growth.
In terms of revenue breakdown, the Software-Enabled Services segment accounted for 82.5% of total revenues in the first half of 2024, while the License, Maintenance and Related segment contributed the remaining 17.5%. The Software-Enabled Services segment saw a 7.2% year-over-year increase in revenues during the first six months of 2024, driven by strength in the SS&C GlobeOp fund administration, Global Investor and Distribution Solutions, Wealth and Investment Technologies, and virtual data room services businesses.
Outlook
For the full year of 2024, SS&C has raised its revenue guidance to a range of $5.706 billion to $5.866 billion, representing organic revenue growth of 4.9% at the midpoint. The company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $4.98 to $5.22.
In the third quarter of 2024, SS&C anticipates revenue to be in the range of $1.42 billion to $1.46 billion, with adjusted diluted earnings per share between $1.21 and $1.27.
Liquidity
SS&C maintains a strong financial position, with $462.7 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024. The company's net debt, as defined in its credit agreement, was $6.3 billion, resulting in a total leverage ratio of 2.84 times and a secured leverage ratio of 1.6 times.
SS&C has been actively managing its capital structure, recently refinancing its term loan facilities and issuing $750 million in senior notes due 2032. The company has also been opportunistic in its share repurchase program, buying back a record 3.7 million shares in the second quarter of 2024 for $227 million.
While the company continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities, it maintains a disciplined approach, with a focus on achieving returns that are as attractive or greater than buying back its own stock. SS&C's strong cash flow generation and balance sheet provide it with the flexibility to pursue both organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
Risks and Challenges
As with any technology-driven company, SS&C faces various risks and challenges. These include the potential for increased competition, the need to continuously innovate and adapt to changing industry dynamics, and the potential for regulatory changes that could impact its operations. Additionally, the company's global footprint exposes it to foreign currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks.
Conclusion
SS&C Technologies has established itself as a diversified financial technology powerhouse, delivering consistent growth and strong financial performance. The company's comprehensive suite of software-enabled services, coupled with its focus on innovation and strategic acquisitions, has positioned it as a trusted partner for a wide range of financial services and healthcare organizations. With a robust pipeline of growth opportunities, a strong balance sheet, and a disciplined capital allocation strategy, SS&C appears well-positioned to continue its trajectory of success in the years to come.