EarthLink Announces First Quarter 2009 Results
Beats First Call Consensus EPS Estimates; Raises Full Year Guidance
ATLANTA, April 28 -- EarthLink, Inc. (NASDAQ:ELNK)
today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2009. Highlights for the first quarter include:
-- Net income of $32.5 million or $0.30 per share
-- Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) of $68.9 million
-- Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) of $65.7 million
-- Ending cash and marketable securities balance of $565.8 million
-- Repurchased 3.6 million shares of common stock
-- Increased full year Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) guidance to
$220 million - $230 million
"In light of the difficult economic environment, we are especially pleased with our first quarter results. Most of our key metrics were in line with, or above expectations," stated EarthLink Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rolla P. Huff. "Our disciplined approach to continuously re-building and right-sizing our consumer access business is continuing to generate significant cash flow and meaningful shareholder value. Based on subscriber trends and confidence in our ability to manage the cost structure of the business, we continue to expect total year 2009 Adjusted EBITDA margins to be consistent with total year 2008, and are therefore raising our previously announced guidance for full year 2009 results."
Financial and Operating Results
EarthLink reported revenue of $199.1 million in the first quarter of 2009, an 8 percent decrease from the fourth quarter of 2008 and a 24 percent decline compared to the first quarter of 2008. The sequential decline was expected based on historic seasonality in the first quarter, ongoing subscriber mix trends, and changes in the structure of certain partner relationships which contributed to lower revenue but higher gross margin percentages for this quarter.
Total sales and marketing, operations, customer support, and general and administrative expenses for the first quarter were $63.4 million, down 11 percent versus the prior quarter and a 33 percent improvement from the year-ago quarter. Despite the company's lowered investment in marketing spend for demand stimulation; EarthLink reported a sequential increase in gross subscriber adds over the prior quarter for its premium narrowband, value narrowband and DSL products.
Profitability and Other Financial Measures
EarthLink realized $32.5 million, or $0.30 per share, of income from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2009, a 33 percent improvement compared to $24.4 million, or $0.22 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2008, and down from $55.1 million, or $0.50 per share, reported in the first quarter of 2008. Net income was $32.5 million, or $0.30 per share, for the first quarter of 2009, up 33 percent from the prior quarter's net income of $24.4 million, or $0.22 per share, and down from $51.7 million, or $0.47 per share, in the year-ago quarter. The first quarter of 2009 included an income tax provision of $20.9 million, compared with $9.3 million in the first quarter of 2008 and an income tax benefit of $56.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 that was due to the partial release of EarthLink's valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets.
The continued reductions in sales and marketing and back office support expenses resulted in EarthLink generating Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure, see definition in "Non-GAAP Measures" below) of $68.9 million for the first quarter of 2009, as compared to $72.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2008 and $82.1 million in the first quarter of 2008.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure, see definition in "Non-GAAP Measures" below) was $65.7 million during the first quarter of 2009, compared to $70.1 million during the fourth quarter of 2008 and $81.7 million in the first quarter of 2008. The company had capital expenditures of $3.1 million in the first quarter of 2009.
EarthLink ended the first quarter with $565.8 million in cash and marketable securities, an increase of $31.5 million from December 31, 2008. EarthLink utilized $22.3 million in cash in the first quarter to repurchase 3.6 million shares of the company's common stock.
"EarthLink continued to opportunistically return cash to shareholders through stock buybacks in an economic environment where most companies are eliminating these types of programs," explained Huff. "We continue to believe that nothing should be off the table as we evaluate our future capital structure alternatives. The strength of our balance sheet during these uncertain economic times provides us the optionality to concurrently evaluate strategic alternatives that would create additional shareholder value. We continue to be disciplined and patient as we consider all of the opportunities available to the company."
Business Outlook
The following statements are forward-looking, and actual results may differ materially. See comments under "Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" below. EarthLink undertakes no obligation to update these statements.
Today the company is raising and narrowing its previously announced guidance for 2009. For full year 2009 management now expects Adjusted EBITDA of $220 million to $230 million. Full year guidance for free cash flow is being increased to $200 million to $220 million, based upon the aforementioned Adjusted EBITDA guidance along with $10 million to $20 million in estimated capital expenditures. Additionally, EarthLink now expects to generate income from continuing operations of $90 million to $100 million for full year 2009.
Non-GAAP Measures
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before interest expense and other, net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R), gain (loss) on investments, net, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and facility exit and restructuring costs.
Free cash flow is defined as income from continuing operations before interest expense and other, net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R), gain (loss) on investments, net, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and facility exit and restructuring costs, less cash used for purchases of property and equipment and purchases of subscriber bases.
Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial performance measures. They should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to measures determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Please refer to the Consolidated Financial Highlights for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial performance measures to the most comparable measures reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and Footnote 5 of the Consolidated Financial Highlights for a discussion of the presentation, comparability and use of such financial performance measures.
Conference Call for Analysts and Investors
Conference Call Details
Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. EDT hosted by EarthLink's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rolla P. Huff and Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Dotts.
U.S. and Canada Dial-in Number 800-706-0730
International Dial-in Number 706-634-5173
Participants reference the EarthLink call and dial in 10 minutes prior to scheduled start time.
Webcast
A live Webcast of the conference call will be available at: http://ir.earthlink.net/index.cfm
Replay
Replay available from at 9:30 a.m. EDT on April 28 through midnight on May 5.
Dial 800-642-1687 from US and Canada, International callers dial 706-645-9291.
The replay confirmation code is 93310805.
The Webcast will be archived on the company's website at: http://ir.earthlink.net/events.cfm
About EarthLink
"EarthLink. We revolve around you(TM)." A leading Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions and customizable features. Whether it's dial up, high speed, voice, web hosting or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking or security, EarthLink connects people to the power and possibilities of the Internet. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's website at www.EarthLink.net.
Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking" statements (rather than historical facts) that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Although we believe that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot promise that our expectations will turn out to be correct. Our actual results could be materially different from and worse than our expectations. We disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as may be required pursuant to applicable law. With respect to forward-looking statements in this press release, the company seeks the protections afforded by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These risks include, without limitation, (1) that the continued decline of our consumer access subscribers, combined with the change in mix of our consumer access subscriber base from narrowband to broadband, will adversely affect our results of operations; (2) that we face significant competition which could reduce our profitability; (3) that adverse economic conditions may harm our business; (4) that as a result of our continuing review of our business, we may have to undertake further restructuring plans that would require additional charges, including incurring facility exit and restructuring charges; (5) that if we do not continue to innovate and provide products and services that are useful to subscribers, we may not remain competitive, and our revenues and operating results could suffer; (6) that we may be unsuccessful in making and integrating acquisitions and investments into our business, which could result in operating difficulties, losses and other adverse consequences; (7) that our business is dependent on the availability of third-party telecommunications service providers; (8) that our commercial and alliance arrangements may not be renewed, which could adversely affect our results of operations; (9) that our business may suffer if third parties used for technical and customer service and technical support and certain billing services are unable to provide these services, cannot expand to meet our needs or terminate their relationships with us; (10) that service interruptions or impediments could harm our business; (11) that government regulations could adversely affect our business or force us to change our business practices; (12) that privacy concerns relating to our business could damage our reputation and deter current and potential users from using our services; (13) that we may not be able to protect our intellectual property; (14) that we may be accused of infringing upon the intellectual property rights of third parties, which is costly to defend and could limit our ability to use certain technologies in the future; (15) that we could face substantial liabilities if we are unable to successfully defend against legal actions; (16) that our business depends on effective business support systems, processes and personnel; (17) that we may be unable to hire and retain sufficient qualified personnel, and the loss of any of our key executive officers could adversely affect us; (18) that our VoIP business exposes us to certain risks that could cause us to lose customers, expose us to significant liability or otherwise harm our business; (19) that we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges on our goodwill and intangible assets, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial position; (20) that the use of our net operating losses and certain other tax attributes could be limited in the future; (21) that our stock price has been volatile historically and may continue to be volatile; (22) that our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health and limit our ability to react to changes in our industry; and (23) that provisions of our second restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and other elements of our capital structure could limit our share price and delay a change of management. These risks and uncertainties, as well as other risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from management's expectations, are not intended to represent a complete list of all risks and uncertainties inherent in our business, and should be read in conjunction with the more detailed cautionary statements and risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
EARTHLINK, INC.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months
Ended March 31,
---------------------
2008 2009
------ ------
Revenues:
Access and service $234,849 $178,698
Value-added services 28,225 20,365
-------- ---------
Total revenues 263,074 199,063
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues 97,551 75,565
Sales and marketing 30,916 17,022
Operations and customer support 39,224 27,746
General and administrative 24,926 18,622
Amortization of intangible assets 4,013 2,147
Facility exit and restructuring costs (1) 1,030 488
-------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses 197,660 141,590
Income from operations 65,414 57,473
Gain on investments, net - 259
Interest expense and other, net (2) (1,041) (4,291)
-------- ---------
Income from continuing operations
before income taxes 64,373 53,441
Income tax provision (9,274) (20,944)
-------- ---------
Income from continuing operations 55,099 32,497
Loss from discontinued operations,
net of tax (3) (3,392) -
-------- ---------
Net income $51,707 $32,497
======== =========
Basic net income per share
Continuing operations $0.50 $0.30
Discontinued operations (0.03) -
-------- ---------
Basic net income per share $0.47 $0.30
======== =========
Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding 109,493 108,071
======== =========
Diluted net income per share
Continuing operations $0.50 $0.30
Discontinued operations (0.03) -
Diluted net income per share $0.47 $0.30
======== =========
Diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding 110,300 109,168
======== =========
EARTHLINK, INC.
Reconciliation of Income from Continuing Operations to
Adjusted EBITDA (5)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
-----------------------
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2008 2008 2009
-------- ------------ ---------
Income from continuing operations $55,099 $27,304 $32,497
Income tax provision (benefit) 9,274 (56,107) 20,944
Depreciation and amortization 10,482 6,982 6,509
Stock-based compensation expense 5,152 5,814 4,390
(Gain) loss on investments, net - 2,969 (259)
Interest expense and other, net (2) 1,041 1,747 4,291
Impairment of goodwill and
intangible assets (4) - 78,672 -
Facility exit and restructuring
costs (1) 1,030 4,973 488
------- ------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA (5) $82,078 $72,354 $68,860
======= ======= ========
Depreciation - cost of revenues $3,436 $2,031 $1,890
Depreciation - other 3,033 2,755 2,472
Amortization of intangible assets 4,013 2,196 2,147
------- ------- --------
Depreciation and amortization $10,482 $6,982 $6,509
======= ======= ========
EARTHLINK, INC.
Reconciliation of Income From Continuing Operations to Free
Cash Flow (5)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended
-----------------------
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2008 2008 2009
-------- ------------ ---------
Income from continuing operations $55,099 $27,304 $32,497
Income tax provision (benefit) 9,274 (56,107) 20,944
Depreciation and amortization 10,482 6,982 6,509
Stock-based compensation expense 5,152 5,814 4,390
(Gain) loss on investments, net - 2,969 (259)
Interest expense and other, net (2) 1,041 1,747 4,291
Impairment of goodwill and intangible
assets (4) - 78,672 -
Facility exit and restructuring
costs (1) 1,030 4,973 488
Purchases of property and equipment (278) (1,877) (3,133)
Purchases of subscriber bases (117) (352) -
------- ------- --------
Free cash flow (5) $81,683 $70,125 $65,727
======= ======= ========
EARTHLINK, INC.
Reconciliation of Guidance Provided in Non-GAAP Measures (5)
(in millions)
Year
Ending
December 31,
2009
------------
Income from continuing operations $90 - $100
Depreciation 19
Amortization of intangible assets 9
Stock-based compensation expense 15
Income tax provision 70
Interest expense and other, net (2) 17
-------------
Adjusted EBITDA (5) $220 - $230
=============
Year
Ending
December 31,
2009
------------
Income from continuing operations $90 - $100
Depreciation 19
Amortization of intangible assets 9
Stock-based compensation expense 15
Income tax provision 70
Interest expense and other, net (2) 17
Purchases of property and equipment (20) - (10)
-------------
Free cash flow (5) $200 - $220
=============
EARTHLINK, INC.
Supplemental Financial Data and Key Operating Metrics
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2008 2008 2009
--------- ------------ ---------
Balance Sheet Data (in thousands)
Cash and marketable securities $320,023 $534,373 $565,841
Long-term debt 258,750 258,750 258,750
Stockholders' equity 359,788 486,475 500,097
Employee Data
Number of employees at end of period (6) 922 754 717
March 31, December 31, March 31,
2008 2008 2009
--------- ------------ ---------
Subscriber Data (7)
Consumer services
Narrowband access subscribers 2,368,000 1,747,000 1,587,000
Broadband access subscribers (8) 1,026,000 896,000 856,000
--------- --------- ---------
Total consumer subscribers 3,394,000 2,643,000 2,443,000
Business services
Narrowband access subscribers 25,000 17,000 14,000
Broadband access subscribers 65,000 59,000 57,000
Web hosting accounts 97,000 87,000 84,000
--------- --------- ---------
Total business subscribers 187,000 163,000 155,000
Total subscribers at end of period 3,581,000 2,806,000 2,598,000
========= ========= =========
Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
2008 2009
------ ------
Subscriber Activity
Subscribers at beginning of period 3,876,000 2,806,000
Gross organic subscriber additions 253,000 116,000
Adjustment (9) - (7,000)
Churn (548,000) (317,000)
--------- ---------
Subscribers at end of period 3,581,000 2,598,000
Churn Rate (10) 4.9% 3.9%
Consumer Data
Average subscribers (11) 3,538,000 2,539,000
========= =========
ARPU (12) $20.38 $20.95
Churn rate (10) 5.0% 4.0%
Business Data
Average subscribers (11) 190,000 160,000
ARPU (12) $81.88 $82.37
Churn rate (10) 2.7% 3.1%
EARTHLINK, INC.
Supplemental Schedule of Segment Information (13)
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
----------------------------
2008 2009
------ ------
Consumer Services
Revenues
Access and service $188,971 $139,790
Value-added services 27,373 19,772
------- -------
Total revenues 216,344 159,562
Cost of revenues 71,173 52,334
------- -------
Gross margin 145,171 107,228
Segment operating expenses 61,001 37,206
------- -------
Segment income from operations $84,170 $70,022
======= =======
Business Services
Revenues
Access and service $45,878 $38,908
Value-added services 852 593
------- -------
Total revenues 46,730 39,501
Cost of revenues 26,378 23,231
------- -------
Gross margin 20,352 16,270
Segment operating expenses 14,871 11,259
------- -------
Segment income from operations $5,481 $5,011
======= =======
Consolidated
Revenues
Access and service $234,849 $178,698
Value-added services 28,225 20,365
------- -------
Total revenues 263,074 199,063
Cost of revenues 97,551 75,565
------- -------
Gross margin 165,523 123,498
Direct segment operating expenses 75,872 48,465
------- -------
Segment income from operations 89,651 75,033
Stock-based compensation expense 5,152 4,390
Amortization of intangible assets 4,013 2,147
Facility exit and restructuring costs (1) 1,030 488
Other operating expenses 14,042 10,535
------- -------
Income from operations $65,414 $57,473
======= =======
EARTHLINK, INC.
Footnotes to Consolidated Financial Highlights
1. In August 2007, EarthLink adopted a restructuring plan (the "2007
Plan") to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the Company's
operations. The 2007 Plan was the result of a comprehensive review of
operations within and across the Company's functions and businesses.
Under the 2007 Plan, the Company reduced its workforce by
approximately 900 employees, closed office facilities in Orlando,
Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and San
Francisco, California and consolidated its office facilities in
Atlanta, Georgia and Pasadena, California. The 2007 Plan was
primarily implemented during the later half of 2007 and completed
during 2008. Management continues to evaluate EarthLink's businesses
and, therefore, there may be supplemental provisions for new plan
initiatives as well as changes in estimates to amounts previously
recorded.
2. On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards
Board Staff Position No. APB 14-1, "Accounting for Convertible Debt
Instruments that May be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion" ("FSP APB 14-
1"). FSP APB 14-1 requires that the liability and equity components of
convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon
conversion (including partial cash settlement) be separately accounted
for in a manner that reflects an issuer's non-convertible debt
borrowing rate. The resulting debt discount is accreted over the
period the convertible debt is expected to be outstanding as
additional non-cash interest expense. FSP APB 14-1 requires
retrospective application for all periods presented. The adoption of
FSP APB 14-1 on January 1, 2009 affected the accounting for the
Company's Convertible Senior Notes due November 15, 2026 (the
"Notes"), which were issued in November 2006. Upon adoption, the
Company recorded an adjustment to increase additional paid-in capital
as of the November 2006 issuance date by approximately $62.1 million.
The Company is accreting the resulting debt discount to interest
expense over the estimated five-year life of the Notes, which
represents the first redemption date of November 2011. The Company
recorded a pre-tax adjustment of approximately $22.3 million to
retained earnings that represents the debt discount accretion during
the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and will recognize
additional non-cash interest expense of $12.2 million, $13.4 million
and $12.4 million during the years ending December 31, 2009, 2010 and
2011, respectively, for accretion of the debt discount.
The following table presents the adjusted amounts for interest expense
and other, net, income from continuing operations and net income for
each quarter in the year ended December 31, 2008 as a result of the
retrospective application of FSP APB 14-1:
Three Months Ended
------------------
March 31, June 30 Sept. 30, Dec. 31,
2008 2008 2008 2008
--------- ------- --------- --------
(in thousands)
Interest expense and other, net $1,041 $3,482 $3,281 $4,605
Income from continuing operations 55,099 54,969 52,576 24,446
Net income 51,707 50,604 51,895 24,378
3. In November 2007, management concluded that its municipal wireless
broadband operations were no longer consistent with the Company's
strategic direction and the Company's Board of Directors authorized
management to pursue the divestiture of the Company's municipal
wireless broadband assets. As a result of that decision, the Company
presented the municipal wireless broadband results of operations as
discontinued operations. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had
completed the divestiture of its municipal wireless broadband assets.
4. During the fourth quarter of 2008, EarthLink concluded that the
goodwill and certain of the intangible assets recorded as a result of
its April 2006 acquisition of New Edge Networks were impaired and
recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $78.7 million. EarthLink
concluded the carrying value of its goodwill, customer relationships
and trade names related to the New Edge acquisition were impaired in
conjunction with its annual test of goodwill and intangible assets
deemed to have indefinite lives as well as an updating of its long-
term outlook.
5. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income from continuing operations before
interest expense and other, net, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization, stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123(R), gain
(loss) on investments, net, impairment of goodwill and intangible
assets, and facility exit and restructuring costs. Free cash flow is
defined as income from continuing operations before interest expense
and other, net, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-
based compensation under SFAS No. 123(R), gain (loss) on investments,
net, impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, and facility exit
and restructuring costs, less cash used for purchases of property and
equipment and purchases of subscriber bases.
Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are non-GAAP measures and are not
determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. These financial performance measures are not indicative of
cash provided or used by operating activities and may differ from
comparable information provided by other companies, and they should
not be considered in isolation, as an alternative to, or more
meaningful than measures of financial performance determined in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial performance measures are commonly used in the industry and
are presented because EarthLink believes they provide relevant and
useful information to investors. EarthLink utilizes these financial
performance measures to assess its ability to meet future capital
expenditures and working capital requirements. EarthLink also uses
these financial performance measures to evaluate the performance of
its business, for budget planning purposes and as factors in its
employee compensation programs.
6. Represents full-time equivalents.
7. Subscriber counts do not include nonpaying customers. Customers
receiving service under promotional programs that include periods of
free service at inception are not included in subscriber counts until
they become paying customers.
8. Paying customers who subscribe to EarthLink DSL and Home Phone service
are counted as both a broadband subscriber and a voice subscriber.
9. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, EarthLink removed
approximately 7,000 satellite subscribers from its broadband
subscriber count and total subscriber count as a result of the sale of
these subscriber accounts.
10. Churn rate is used to measure the rate at which subscribers
discontinue service on a voluntary or involuntary basis. Churn rate
is computed by dividing the average monthly number of subscribers that
discontinued service during the period by the average subscribers for
the period.
11. Average subscribers for the three month periods is calculated by
averaging the ending monthly subscribers or accounts for the four
months preceding and including the end of the quarterly period.
12. ARPU represents the average monthly revenue per user (subscriber).
ARPU is computed by dividing average monthly revenue for the period by
the average number of subscribers for the period. Average monthly
revenue used to calculate ARPU includes recurring service revenue as
well as nonrecurring revenues associated with equipment and other one-
time charges associated with initiating or discontinuing services.
13. The Company reports segment information along the same lines that its
chief executive officer reviews its operating results in assessing
performance and allocating resources. The Company operates two
reportable segments, Consumer Services and Business Services. The
Company's Consumer Services segment provides Internet access services
and related value-added services to individual customers. These
services include dial-up and high-speed Internet access and voice
services, among others. The Company's Business Services segment
provides integrated communications services and related value-added
services to businesses and communications carriers. These services
include managed private IP-based wide area networks, dedicated
Internet access and web hosting, among others.
EarthLink evaluates performance of its operating segments based on
segment income from operations. Segment income from operations
includes revenues from external customers, related cost of revenues
and operating expenses directly attributable to the segment, which
include expenses over which segment managers have direct
discretionary control, such as advertising and marketing programs,
customer support expenses, site operations expenses, product
development expenses, certain technology and facilities expenses,
billing operation and provisions for doubtful accounts. Segment income
from operations excludes other income and expense items and certain
expenses that segment managers do not have discretionary control over.
Costs excluded from segment income from operations include various
corporate expenses (consisting of certain costs such as corporate
management, human resources, finance and legal), amortization of
intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense under SFAS No.
123(R), impairment of goodwill and intangible assets and facility exit
and restructuring costs, as they are not evaluated in the measurement
of segment performance.
