Equinix to Buy Back $250M Shares - Analyst Blog
November 22 2011 - 11:24AM
Zacks
Global data center solution and service provider Equinix
Inc. (EQIX) recently announced that it will be buying back
shares worth $250.0 million by December 2012, as approved by its
board of directors.
Equinix did not mention its intention of repurchasing shares at
the earnings call, so this would be a later development. However,
the company did mention that it would be making strategic capital
investments, so we’ll wait and see what it does in that
respect.
In any case, a share repurchase program is good news because it
is a way of returning cash to investors rather than stashing it in
the hope of future growth opportunities. The recent momentum in its
business has enabled Equinix to build enough of a cash balance for
the purpose. The company has not made any repurchases in the past
few years.
Equinix ended the recent financial quarter with more than a
billion in cash, and half of which will go toward share buybacks
and the cash settlement of $250.0 million in convertible debt due
April 2012.
Along with the buyback announcement, Equinix reiterated its
2011/2012 guidance and reaffirmed its target of achieving $3.0
billion in annual revenue by 2015. Moreover, the company is
planning to deliver positive adjusted free cash flow by 2013.
The company delivered mixed third quarter results with earnings
per share coming below our expectation. However, revenue improved
on a year-over-year basis. We believe further growth in client base
and strategic acquisitions will enhance the company’s revenue
potential and expand its geographic reach.
Moreover, we are encouraged by Equinix’s decision to expand its
current facilities as well as its recurring revenue model. Though
competitive concerns naturally remain, given offerings from
AT&T Inc. (T) and Verizon
Inc. (VZ) and the European exposure should also not be
discounted, we believe the share repurchase program and positive
free cash flow generation will inspire investor loyalty.
Equinix holds a Zacks #2 Rank, implying a short-term Buy
rating.
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