Switch, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| ☑ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022
or
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-38231
Switch, Inc. | ||
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) | ||
Nevada | 82-1883953 | ||||||||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
7135 S. Decatur Boulevard | |||||||||||
Las Vegas, | NV | 89118 | |||||||||
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(702) 444-4111
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Class A common stock, par value $0.001 | SWCH | New York Stock Exchange | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☑ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | ||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | ||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
As of May 2, 2022, the registrant had 150,388,024 shares of Class A common stock, 94,231,279 shares of Class B common stock, and no shares of Class C common stock outstanding.
Switch, Inc.
Table of Contents
Part I. | Financial Information | |||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 3. | ||||||||
Item 4. | ||||||||
Part II. | Other Information | |||||||
| Item 1. | ||||||||
Item 1A. | ||||||||
| Item 2. | ||||||||
| Item 6. | ||||||||
Part I.Financial Information.
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited).
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 1
Switch, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except per share data)
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||
| (unaudited) | |||||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 27,493 | $ | 48,325 | |||||||
| Restricted cash | 1,890 | 1,890 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $363 and $361, respectively | 24,774 | 18,368 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | 11,457 | 10,265 | |||||||||
Other current assets, net of allowance for credit losses of $3 | 4,627 | 4,624 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 70,241 | 83,472 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 2,317,408 | 2,237,059 | |||||||||
| Long-term deposit | 15,222 | 13,504 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 306,753 | 295,699 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | 124,354 | 125,758 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 106,350 | 106,350 | |||||||||
Other assets, net of allowance for credit losses of $94 and $91, respectively | 59,097 | 56,776 | |||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 2,999,425 | $ | 2,918,618 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, current portion | $ | 4,000 | $ | 4,000 | |||||||
| Accounts payable | 21,813 | 55,262 | |||||||||
| Accrued salaries and benefits | 8,316 | 6,786 | |||||||||
| Accrued interest | 7,822 | 8,577 | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other | 16,580 | 18,285 | |||||||||
| Accrued construction payables | 32,580 | 31,093 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue, current portion | 21,163 | 16,905 | |||||||||
| Customer deposits | 16,707 | 16,335 | |||||||||
| Swap liability, current portion | 2,846 | 8,062 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability, current portion | 2,705 | 3,281 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 134,532 | 168,586 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | 1,711,433 | 1,611,962 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liability | 31,467 | 32,157 | |||||||||
| Finance lease liability | 57,346 | 57,376 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue | 25,507 | 25,921 | |||||||||
| Liabilities under tax receivable agreement | 412,456 | 395,615 | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 969 | 8,360 | |||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 2,373,710 | 2,299,977 | |||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, 10,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
Class A common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 750,000 shares authorized, 148,846 and 145,187 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 149 | 145 | |||||||||
Class B common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 300,000 shares authorized, 95,773 and 98,331 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 96 | 98 | |||||||||
Class C common stock, $0.001 par value per share, 75,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding | — | — | |||||||||
| Additional paid in capital | 357,286 | 352,984 | |||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (18,188) | (23,022) | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (568) | (568) | |||||||||
| Total Switch, Inc. stockholders’ equity | 338,775 | 329,637 | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest | 286,940 | 289,004 | |||||||||
| TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 625,715 | 618,641 | |||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | $ | 2,999,425 | $ | 2,918,618 | |||||||
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 2
Switch, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 164,609 | $ | 130,866 | |||||||
| Cost of revenue | 94,491 | 71,693 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 70,118 | 59,173 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 42,871 | 34,998 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 27,247 | 24,175 | |||||||||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||||||
Interest expense, including $662 and $583, respectively, in amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount | (13,197) | (8,757) | |||||||||
| Gain on swaps | 13,649 | 3,205 | |||||||||
| Equity in net losses of investments | — | (220) | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of equity method investment | — | 5,374 | |||||||||
| Other | 475 | 3,271 | |||||||||
| Total other income | 927 | 2,873 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 28,174 | 27,048 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | (4,240) | (2,654) | |||||||||
| Net income | 23,934 | 24,394 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 11,141 | 12,753 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to Switch, Inc. | $ | 12,793 | $ | 11,641 | |||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
| Basic | 147,745 | 126,641 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 153,265 | 129,110 | |||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss: | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of reclassification adjustment and tax of $0 | — | (474) | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income | 23,934 | 23,920 | |||||||||
| Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 11,141 | 12,340 | |||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Switch, Inc. | $ | 12,793 | $ | 11,580 | |||||||
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 3
Switch, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Switch, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Additional Paid in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances—December 31, 2021 | 145,187 | $ | 145 | 98,331 | $ | 98 | $ | 352,984 | $ | (23,022) | $ | (568) | $ | 289,004 | $ | 618,641 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | 12,793 | — | 11,141 | 23,934 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | 6,681 | — | — | — | 6,681 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for tax | 957 | 1 | — | — | (11,209) | — | — | (341) | (11,549) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Class A common stock upon exercise of stock options | 144 | 1 | — | — | 2,611 | — | — | (167) | 2,445 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.0525 per share) | — | — | — | — | — | (7,959) | — | — | (7,959) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (4,931) | (4,931) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock | 2,558 | 2 | (2,558) | (2) | 7,766 | — | — | (7,766) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of tax receivable agreement liability resulting from exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock | — | — | — | — | (16,841) | — | — | — | (16,841) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net deferred tax asset resulting from changes in outside basis difference on investment in Switch, Ltd. | — | — | — | — | 15,294 | — | — | — | 15,294 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances—March 31, 2022 | 148,846 | $ | 149 | 95,773 | $ | 96 | $ | 357,286 | $ | (18,188) | $ | (568) | $ | 286,940 | $ | 625,715 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 4
Switch, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Continued)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Switch, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A Common Stock | Class B Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Additional Paid in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances—December 31, 2020 | 119,009 | $ | 119 | 121,640 | $ | 122 | $ | 266,129 | $ | 9 | $ | 79 | $ | 344,509 | $ | 610,967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | 11,641 | — | 12,753 | 24,394 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity-based compensation expense | — | — | — | — | 6,359 | — | — | 938 | 7,297 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Class A common stock upon settlement of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld for tax | 812 | 1 | — | — | (5,622) | — | — | 147 | (5,474) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($0.05 per share) | — | — | — | — | — | (6,562) | — | — | (6,562) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (5,696) | (5,696) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock | 7,725 | 8 | (7,725) | (8) | 22,364 | — | — | (22,364) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Recognition of tax receivable agreement liability resulting from exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock | — | — | — | — | (32,477) | — | — | — | (32,477) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net deferred tax asset resulting from changes in outside basis difference on investment in Switch, Ltd. | — | — | — | — | 26,752 | — | — | — | 26,752 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | — | — | — | (61) | (413) | (474) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances—March 31, 2021 | 127,546 | $ | 128 | 113,915 | $ | 114 | $ | 283,505 | $ | 5,088 | $ | 18 | $ | 329,874 | $ | 618,727 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 5
Switch, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 23,934 | $ | 24,394 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | 47,833 | 38,791 | |||||||||
| Amortization of customer relationships | 1,562 | — | |||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment | 193 | (193) | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 4,240 | 2,654 | |||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount | 662 | 583 | |||||||||
| Credit loss expense (benefit) | 157 | (77) | |||||||||
| Unrealized gain on swaps | (15,994) | (5,562) | |||||||||
| Equity in net losses on investments | — | 220 | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of equity method investment | — | (5,374) | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 6,681 | 7,297 | |||||||||
| Amortization of portfolio energy credits | 384 | — | |||||||||
| Cost of revenue for sales-type leases | — | 149 | |||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (6,603) | 169 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | (1,192) | (514) | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 62 | 108 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 872 | (444) | |||||||||
| Accounts payable | (8,848) | 1,001 | |||||||||
| Accrued salaries and benefits | 1,530 | 2,245 | |||||||||
| Accrued interest | (755) | (5,581) | |||||||||
| Accrued expenses and other | (1,705) | 965 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenue | 3,844 | 4,472 | |||||||||
| Customer deposits | 372 | 456 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | (537) | (1,141) | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | (180) | (121) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 56,512 | 64,497 | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Acquisition of property and equipment | (150,433) | (100,424) | |||||||||
| Purchase of portfolio energy credits | (542) | (1,500) | |||||||||
| Purchase of equity method investment | — | (2,200) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of equity method investment | — | 4,900 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment | 378 | — | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (150,597) | (99,224) | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings, net of original issue discount | 100,000 | — | |||||||||
| Repayment of borrowings, including finance lease liabilities | (1,031) | (46) | |||||||||
| Change in long-term deposit | (3,218) | 877 | |||||||||
| Payment of tax withholdings upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards | (12,104) | (5,782) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | 2,445 | — | |||||||||
| Dividends paid to Class A common stockholders | (7,811) | (6,377) | |||||||||
| Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest | (5,028) | (5,782) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 73,253 | (17,110) | |||||||||
| NET DECREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH | (20,832) | (51,837) | |||||||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH—Beginning of period | 50,215 | 90,719 | |||||||||
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH—End of period | $ | 29,383 | $ | 38,882 | |||||||
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 6
Switch, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized | $ | 13,449 | $ | 13,852 | |||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING INFORMATION: | |||||||||||
| (Decrease) increase in liabilities incurred to acquire property and equipment | $ | (23,114) | $ | 3,141 | |||||||
| Decrease in accrued construction payables incurred related to long-term deposit | $ | (1,500) | $ | (41) | |||||||
| Increase in receivables due to sale of property and equipment | $ | — | $ | 931 | |||||||
| Decrease in noncontrolling interest as a result of exchanges for Class A common stock | $ | (7,766) | $ | (22,364) | |||||||
| Recognition of liabilities under tax receivable agreement | $ | 16,841 | $ | 32,477 | |||||||
| Increase in deferred tax asset resulting from changes in outside basis difference on investment in Switch, Ltd. | $ | 15,294 | $ | 26,752 | |||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $ | — | $ | 3,434 | |||||||
| Decrease in distributions payable on unvested common units | $ | (97) | $ | (86) | |||||||
| Increase in dividends payable on unvested restricted stock units | $ | 148 | $ | 185 | |||||||
| Dividends payable settled with shares of Class A common stock | $ | 555 | $ | 308 | |||||||
| RECONCILIATION OF CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 27,493 | $ | 38,882 | |||||||
| Restricted cash | 1,890 | — | |||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | 29,383 | $ | 38,882 | |||||||
The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 7
Switch, Inc.
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
Note 1 | ||||||||
Note 2 | ||||||||
Note 3 | ||||||||
| Note 4 | ||||||||
Note 5 | ||||||||
Note 6 | ||||||||
| Note 7 | ||||||||
| Note 8 | ||||||||
Note 9 | ||||||||
| Note 10 | ||||||||
| Note 11 | ||||||||
| Note 12 | ||||||||
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 8
1. Organization
Switch, Inc. was formed as a Nevada corporation in June 2017 for the purpose of completing an initial public offering (“IPO”) and related organizational transactions in order to carry on the business of Switch, Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Switch,” and together with Switch, Inc., the “Company”). Switch is comprised of limited liability companies that provide colocation space and related services to global enterprises, financial companies, government agencies, and others that conduct critical business on the internet. Switch develops and operates data centers in Nevada, which are Tier IV Gold certified, Michigan, and Georgia, delivering redundant services with low latency and super capacity transport environments. In June 2021, Switch, Ltd. acquired all of the equity interests of Data Foundry, LLC (“Data Foundry”) and certain real property interests used in connection with Data Foundry’s operations, including operating data centers in Texas. As the manager of Switch, Ltd., Switch, Inc. operates and controls all of the business and affairs of Switch.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
On June 7, 2021, Switch, Ltd. acquired all of the equity interests of Data Foundry and certain real property interests used in connection with Data Foundry’s operations. The Company has included the results of operations for Data Foundry in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. See Note 3 “Acquisition” for additional information.
Management believes that the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair statement of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022, or for any other future annual or interim period.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
As the sole manager of Switch, Ltd., Switch, Inc. identified itself as the primary beneficiary of Switch and began consolidating Switch in its consolidated financial statements as of October 11, 2017, the closing date of the IPO, resulting in a noncontrolling interest related to the common units of Switch, Ltd. (“Common Units”) held by members other than Switch, Inc. on its consolidated financial statements. As of January 2021, Switch, Inc. owns a majority economic interest in Switch.
The Company periodically evaluates entities for consolidation either through ownership of a majority voting interest, or through means other than voting interest, in accordance with the Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) accounting model. A VIE is an entity in which either (i) the equity investors as a group, if any, lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of such entity that most significantly impact such entity’s economic performance or (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to the allowance for credit losses, useful lives of property and equipment, impairment of intangible assets, deferred income taxes, liabilities under the tax receivable agreement, equity-based compensation, deferred revenue, incremental borrowing rate, fair value of performance obligations, fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, and probability assessments of exercising renewal options on leases. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 9
Significant Accounting Policies
A description of the Company’s significant accounting policies is included in the audited financial statements within its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. No other changes to significant accounting policies have occurred since December 31, 2021, with the exception of those detailed below.
Concentration of Credit and Other Risks
Although the Company operates primarily in Nevada, realization of its receivables and its future operations and cash flows could be affected by adverse economic conditions, both regionally and elsewhere in the United States. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company’s largest customer and its affiliates comprised 14% and 16%, respectively, of the Company’s revenue. Two customers accounted for 10% or more of total receivables, including net investments in sales-type leases, as of March 31, 2022. One customer accounted for 10% or more of total receivables, including net investments in sales-type leases, as of December 31, 2021.
Revenue Recognition
Contract Balances
The opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract assets, net of allowance for credit losses, and deferred revenue are as follows:
Contract Assets, Current Portion(1) | Contract Assets(2) | Deferred Revenue, Current Portion(3) | Deferred Revenue(4) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | $ | 190 | $ | 4,262 | $ | 16,905 | $ | 25,921 | |||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2022 | 190 | 4,296 | 21,163 | 25,507 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change | $ | — | $ | 34 | $ | 4,258 | $ | (414) | |||||||||||||||
________________________________________
(1)Amounts are included within other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Amounts are included within other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(3)Amounts include $1.5 million and $1.4 million of deferred revenue related to leases as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
(4)Amounts include $2.5 million and $2.8 million of deferred revenue related to leases as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
The differences between the opening and closing balances of the Company’s deferred revenue primarily result from timing differences between the Company’s satisfaction of performance obligations and the associated customer payments. Revenue recognized from the balance of deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021 was $2.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2022. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, no impairment losses related to contract assets were recognized on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Remaining Performance Obligations
Remaining performance obligations represent contracted revenue that has not yet been recognized, which includes deferred revenue and amounts that will be invoiced and recognized in future periods. These amounts totaled $875.0 million as of March 31, 2022, 45%, 44%, and 9% of which is expected to be recognized over the next year, to three years, and to five years, respectively, with the remainder recognized thereafter. The remaining performance obligations do not include estimates of variable consideration related to unsatisfied performance obligations, such as the usage of metered power, or any contracts that could be terminated without significant penalties.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 10
Fair Value Measurements
Information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below:
| March 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Classification | Carrying Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Power swaps | Other current assets | $ | 685 | $ | — | $ | 685 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Power swaps | Other assets | $ | 1,270 | $ | — | $ | 1,270 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | Other assets | $ | 2,116 | $ | — | $ | 2,116 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | Swap liability, current portion | $ | 2,846 | $ | — | $ | 2,846 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Classification | Carrying Value | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents | Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 17,959 | $ | 17,959 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | Swap liability, current portion | $ | 8,062 | $ | — | $ | 8,062 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | Other long-term liabilities | $ | 6,706 | $ | — | $ | 6,706 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
There were no transfers between levels of fair value hierarchy during the periods presented.
The fair values of power swaps and interest rate swaps were measured using a present value of cash flow valuation technique based on forward pricing and yield curves for the same or similar financial instruments.
Derivative Financial Instruments
A derivative is a financial instrument whose value changes in response to an underlying variable, requires little or no initial net investment, and is settled at a future date. Derivatives are initially recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value on the date on which the derivatives are entered into and subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are separated into their current and long-term components based on the timing of the estimated cash flows as of the end of each reporting period.
Embedded derivatives included in hybrid instruments are treated and disclosed as separate derivatives when their economic characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contract, the terms of the embedded derivative are the same as those of a stand-alone derivative, and the combined contract is not measured at fair value through earnings. The financial host contracts are accounted for and measured using the applicable GAAP of the relevant financial instrument category.
The method of recognizing fair value gains and losses depends on whether the derivatives are designated as hedging instruments, and if so, the nature of the hedge relationship. All gains and losses from changes in the fair values of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in earnings. Cash flows from derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are classified in accordance with the nature of the derivative instrument and how it is used in the context of the Company’s business.
The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest rate risk associated with variable-rate borrowings. In January and February 2019, Switch, Ltd. entered into four interest rate swap agreements; whereby, Switch, Ltd. will pay a weighted average fixed interest rate (excluding the applicable interest margin) of 2.48% on notional amounts corresponding to borrowings of $400.0 million in exchange for receipts on the same notional amount at a variable interest rate based on the applicable LIBOR at the time of payment. The interest rate swap agreements mature in June 2024 and are not designated as hedging instruments. Resulting gains and losses from these derivatives, inclusive of periodic net settlement amounts, were recorded in gain on swaps on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company recorded gains on interest rate swaps of $11.6 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 11
The Company enters into power swap agreements to manage its exposure to adverse changes in the price of power. In March 2022, Switch, Ltd. entered into two power swap agreements comprising power paid at fixed prices in exchange for receipts on power sales based on the variable prices at the time of settlement. The power swap agreements mature in September 2022 and September 2024 and are not designated as hedging instruments. Resulting gains from these derivatives, inclusive of periodic net settlement amounts, were recorded in gain on swaps on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The Company recorded a gain on power swaps of $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company’s management has evaluated all of the recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standards-setting bodies through the filing date of these financial statements and does not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
3. Acquisition
On June 7, 2021, Switch, Ltd. acquired all of the equity interests of Data Foundry and certain real property interests used in connection with Data Foundry’s operations for total cash consideration of $420.0 million, which includes $3.7 million outstanding as of March 31, 2022 to be paid prior to June 7, 2022 upon the finalization of certain closing conditions and $4.6 million of acquired cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash.
Supplemental pro forma results of operations for the Company, assuming the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2020, are as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 | |||||
| Revenue | $ | 142,445 | |||
| Net income attributable to Switch, Inc. | $ | 9,516 | |||
The above supplemental pro forma results of operations include the following adjustments and related income tax and noncontrolling interest impacts after applying the Company’s accounting policies:
•additional depreciation and amortization expense reflecting the fair value adjustments to property and equipment and intangible assets;
•adjustment to interest expense to reflect the removal of Data Foundry’s debt and the issuance of Switch, Ltd.’s $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.125% senior unsecured notes due 2029 in conjunction with the acquisition; and
•adjustment to reflect acquisition-related costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2021 as incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 12
4. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Land and land improvements | $ | 322,974 | $ | 322,808 | |||||||
| Buildings, building improvements, and leasehold improvements | 699,055 | 695,378 | |||||||||
| Substation equipment | 19,780 | 19,780 | |||||||||
| Data center equipment | 1,589,574 | 1,559,241 | |||||||||
| Vehicles | 2,105 | 2,045 | |||||||||
| Core network equipment | 45,103 | 43,086 | |||||||||
| Fiber facilities | 14,825 | 14,647 | |||||||||
| Computer equipment, furniture and fixtures | 53,692 | 53,194 | |||||||||
| Finance lease right-of-use assets | 75,933 | 75,933 | |||||||||
| Construction in progress | 410,474 | 319,623 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, gross | 3,233,515 | 3,105,735 | |||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | (916,107) | (868,676) | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | $ | 2,317,408 | $ | 2,237,059 | |||||||
Accumulated amortization for finance lease right-of-use assets totaled $17.2 million and $16.7 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, capitalized interest was $2.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Total depreciation and amortization of property and equipment recognized on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 46,438 | $ | 37,729 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 1,395 | 1,062 | |||||||||
| Total depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | $ | 47,833 | $ | 38,791 | |||||||
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 13
5. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
3.75% senior unsecured notes, due September 2028 | $ | 600,000 | $ | 600,000 | |||||||
4.125% senior unsecured notes, due June 2029 | 500,000 | 500,000 | |||||||||
Term loan facility, interest paid at the defined LIBOR rate plus applicable interest margin (2.46% and 2.10% at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively), due July 2028 | 398,000 | 399,000 | |||||||||
Revolving credit facility, interest paid at the defined LIBOR rate plus applicable interest margin (2.21% and 1.85% at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively), due July 2026 | 230,000 | 130,000 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, gross | 1,728,000 | 1,629,000 | |||||||||
| Less: unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount | (12,567) | (13,038) | |||||||||
| 1,715,433 | 1,615,962 | ||||||||||
| Less: long-term debt, current | (4,000) | (4,000) | |||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | 1,711,433 | $ | 1,611,962 | |||||||
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $263.1 million of available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was approximately $1.71 billion and $1.65 billion, respectively, compared to its carrying value, excluding debt issuance costs and original issue discount, of $1.73 billion and $1.63 billion, respectively. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was based on Level 2 inputs using quoted market prices on or about March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
6. Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Commitments
In March 2022, Switch, Ltd. entered into a power purchase and sale agreement to purchase an aggregate firm commitment of 474,650 megawatt-hours, or a purchase commitment of $25.7 million, inclusive of scheduling services, during a term of 19 months starting on May 1, 2022. Additional franchise tax amounts may be due based on the data center location where the purchased power is used.
Operating Leases
During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, lease costs related to operating leases were $1.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Related party lease costs included in these amounts were $1.2 million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is party to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, but is not currently a party to any legal proceeding that management believes could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
7. Income Taxes
The Company recorded net increases in deferred tax assets of $15.3 million and $26.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, with a corresponding increase to additional paid in capital, resulting from changes in the outside basis difference on Switch, Inc.’s investment in Switch, Ltd. The Company has determined that it is more-likely-than-not that it will be able to realize this deferred tax asset in the future.
Tax Receivable Agreement
The Company has recorded a liability under the tax receivable agreement of $412.5 million and $395.6 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, of which $197.4 million and $190.7 million is owed to certain named executive officers of the Company, certain members of its Board of Directors, and certain beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s Class A or Class B common stock (and immediate family members of the foregoing) as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The tax receivable agreement provides for
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 14
the payment of 85% of the amount of the tax benefits, if any, that Switch, Inc. is deemed to realize as a result of increases in the tax basis of its ownership in Switch, Ltd. related to exchanges of noncontrolling interest for Class A common stock. No amounts are expected to be paid within the next 12 months.
8. Equity-Based Compensation
Total equity-based compensation recognized on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 522 | $ | 590 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 6,159 | 6,707 | |||||||||
| Total equity-based compensation | $ | 6,681 | $ | 7,297 | |||||||
9. Noncontrolling Interest
Ownership
Switch, Inc. owns an economic interest in Switch, Ltd., where “economic interest” means the right to receive any distributions, whether cash, property, or securities of Switch, Ltd., in connection with Common Units. Switch, Inc. presents interest held by noncontrolling interest holders within noncontrolling interest in the consolidated financial statements. During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, Switch, Inc. issued an aggregate of 2.6 million shares and 7.7 million shares, respectively, of Class A common stock to members in connection with such members’ redemptions of an equivalent number of Common Units and corresponding cancellation and retirement of an equivalent number of Switch, Inc.’s Class B common stock. Such retired shares of Class B common stock may not be reissued. The redemptions occurred pursuant to the terms of the Switch operating agreement entered into in connection with the Company’s IPO.
The ownership of the Common Units is summarized as follows:
| March 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Units (in thousands) | Ownership % | Units (in thousands) | Ownership % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Switch, Inc.’s ownership of Common Units(1) | 148,775 | 60.8 | % | 145,116 | 59.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interest holders’ ownership of Common Units | 95,773 | 39.2 | % | 98,331 | 40.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Common Units | 244,548 | 100.0 | % | 243,447 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
________________________________________
(1)Common Units held by Switch, Inc. exclude 71,000 Common Units underlying unvested restricted stock awards.
The Company uses the weighted average ownership percentages during the period to calculate the income or loss before income taxes attributable to Switch, Inc. and the noncontrolling interest holders of Switch, Ltd.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 15
10. Net Income Per Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||
| Net income per share: | |||||||||||
| Numerator—basic: | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—basic | $ | 12,793 | $ | 11,641 | |||||||
| Numerator—diluted: | |||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Switch, Inc.—diluted | $ | 12,793 | $ | 11,641 | |||||||
| Denominator—basic: | |||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding—basic | 147,745 | 126,641 | |||||||||
| Net income per share—basic | $ | 0.09 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
| Denominator—diluted: | |||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding—basic | 147,745 | 126,641 | |||||||||
| Weighted average effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||
| Stock options | 4,173 | 1,471 | |||||||||
| Restricted stock units | 1,268 | 904 | |||||||||
| Dividend equivalent units | 26 | 46 | |||||||||
| Restricted stock awards | 52 | 48 | |||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted | 153,265 | 129,110 | |||||||||
| Net income per share—diluted | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.09 | |||||||
Shares of Class B and Class C common stock do not share in the earnings or losses of Switch, Inc. and are therefore not participating securities. As such, separate calculations of basic and diluted net income per share for each of Class B and Class C common stock under the two-class method have not been presented.
The following table presents potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share for the periods presented because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
________________________________________
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
Stock options(1) | — | 5,762 | |||||||||
Restricted stock units(1) | 577 | 12 | |||||||||
Performance-vesting restricted stock units(1) | 498 | 277 | |||||||||
Shares of Class B and Class C common stock(2) | 95,773 | 113,915 | |||||||||
(1)Represents the number of instruments outstanding at the end of the period. Application of the treasury stock method would reduce this amount if they had a dilutive effect and were included in the computation of diluted net income per share.
(2)Shares of Class B and Class C common stock at the end of the period are considered potentially dilutive shares of Class A common stock under application of the if-converted method.
11. Segment Reporting
The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company manages its operations as a single operating segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions. All of the Company’s assets are maintained in the United States, although the Company holds an equity method investment in an entity with foreign operations. The Company derives almost all of its revenue from sales to customers in the United States, based upon the billing address of the customer. Revenue derived from customers outside the United States, based upon the billing address of the customer, was less than 2% of revenue for each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 16
The Company’s revenue is comprised of the following:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Colocation | $ | 131,932 | $ | 107,301 | |||||||
| Connectivity | 29,957 | 21,886 | |||||||||
| Other | 2,720 | 1,679 | |||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 164,609 | $ | 130,866 | |||||||
12. Subsequent Events
In April and May 2022, Switch, Inc. issued an aggregate of 0.2 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively, of Class A common stock to members in connection with such members’ redemptions of an equivalent number of Common Units and corresponding cancellation and retirement of an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock. Such retired shares of Class B common stock may not be reissued. The redemptions occurred pursuant to the terms of the Switch operating agreement entered into in connection with the Company’s IPO.
In May 2022, Switch, Inc.’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.0525 per share of Class A common stock, for a total estimated to be $7.9 million, to be paid on June 6, 2022 to holders of record as of May 24, 2022. Prior to the payment of this dividend, Switch, Ltd. will make a cash distribution to all holders of record of Common Units, including Switch, Inc., of $0.0525 per Common Unit, for a total estimated to be $12.8 million.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 17
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related condensed notes included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”), and with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” “Switch” and similar references refer to Switch, Inc., and, unless otherwise stated, all of its subsidiaries, including Switch, Ltd., and, unless otherwise stated, all of its subsidiaries.
Overview
We are a technology infrastructure company powering the sustainable growth of the connected world and the Internet of Everything. Using our technology platform, we provide solutions to help enable that growth. Our advanced data centers are the center of our platform and provide power densities that exceed industry averages with efficient cooling, while being powered by 100% renewable energy. These exascale data centers address the growing challenges facing the data center industry. Our critical infrastructure components in our data centers are purpose-built to satisfy customers’ needs, drive efficiency and enable the deployment of highly advanced computing technologies.
We presently own and operate five primary campus locations, called Primes, which encompass 16 colocation facilities with an aggregate of up to 5.1 million gross square feet (“GSF”) of space. Our Primes consist of The Core Campus in Las Vegas, Nevada; The Citadel Campus near Reno, Nevada; The Pyramid Campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan; The Keep Campus in Atlanta, Georgia; and The Rock Campus in Austin, Texas, which was launched with our acquisition in June 2021 of all of the equity interests of Data Foundry, LLC (“Data Foundry”) and certain real property interests used in connection with Data Foundry’s operations.
In addition to our Primes, we held a 50% ownership interest in SUPERNAP International, S.A. (“SUPERNAP International”), which had deployed facilities in Italy and Thailand, until February 2021, when we acquired SUPERNAP International’s 30% ownership interest in SUPERNAP (Thailand) Company Limited (“SUPERNAP Thailand”), the entity which has deployed the facility in Thailand, and sold our ownership interest in SUPERNAP International, thus disposing of our interest in the facility in Italy. We account for our ownership interest in SUPERNAP Thailand under the equity method of accounting.
We currently have more than 1,300 customers, including some of the world’s largest technology and digital media companies, cloud, IT and software providers, as well as financial institutions and network and telecommunications providers. Our ecosystem connects over 350 cloud, IT and software providers and more than 100 network and telecommunications providers. Our business is based on a recurring revenue model comprised of (1) colocation, which includes the licensing and leasing of cabinet space and power and (2) connectivity services, which include cross-connects, broadband services and external connectivity. We consider these services recurring because our customers are generally billed on a fixed and recurring basis each month for the duration of their contract. We generally derive more than 95% of our revenue from recurring revenue and we expect to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Our non-recurring revenue is primarily comprised of installation services related to a customer’s initial deployment. These services are non-recurring because they are typically billed once, upon completion of the installation.
In November 2021, our board of directors approved the pursuit of a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) conversion with a target of electing REIT status for the taxable year beginning January 1, 2023. We will report material developments and plans from time to time as the key steps for our conversion to a REIT are put in place and completed.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 18
Factors that May Influence Future Results of Operations
Impact of COVID-19. The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its resurgences has and may continue to negatively impact global economic activity, which, despite progress in vaccination efforts, remains uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence. In addition, new variants of COVID-19 continue to emerge, including the recent Omicron variant which appears to be the most transmissible variant to date. While we have not incurred significant disruptions thus far from COVID-19, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants cannot be predicted at this time, and could depend on numerous factors, including vaccination rates among the population, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against variants, the response by governmental bodies and regulators, the severity of the disease or any variant, the duration of the outbreak, the future impact to the business of our customers, partners and vendors, and other facts identified in Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the circumstances, it is difficult to predict the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. We will continue to evaluate the nature and extent of the impact of COVID-19 and its variants on the global economy and to our business, consolidated results of operations, and financial condition.
Market and Economic Conditions. We are affected by general business and economic conditions in the United States and globally. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflationary pressures, supply chain issues, money supply, political issues, legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets and broad trends in industry and finance, all of which are beyond our control. Macroeconomic conditions that affect the economy and the economic outlook of the United States and the rest of the world, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants, could adversely affect our customers and vendors, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Growth and Expansion Activities. Our future revenue growth will depend on our ability to maintain our existing revenue base while expanding and increasing utilization at our existing and developing Prime Campus locations. Our existing Prime Campus locations currently encompass 16 colocation facilities with an aggregate of up to 5.1 million GSF of space and up to 508 megawatts of power. As of March 31, 2022, the utilization rates at these Prime Campuses, based on currently available cabinets, were approximately 94%, 100%, 99%, 97%, and 77% at The Core Campus, The Citadel Campus, The Pyramid Campus, The Keep Campus, and The Rock Campus, respectively. Each of our existing Primes has room for further expansion. We may be unable to attract customers to our data centers or retain them for a number of reasons, including if we fail to provide competitive pricing terms, provide space that is deemed to be inferior to that of our competitors or are unable to provide services that our existing and potential customers desire.
Cost of Power. We are a large consumer of power, and the cost of energy accounts for a significant portion of our cost of revenue. We require power supply to provide many services we offer, such as powering and cooling our customers’ IT equipment and operating critical data center plant and equipment infrastructure. Pursuant to our service agreements, we provide our customers with a committed level of power supply availability and we have committed to operating our data centers with 100% clean and renewable energy. Most of our customer agreements provide the ability to increase our prices in response to an increase in the cost of energy; however, our gross profit can be adversely affected by increases in our cost of energy if we choose not to pass along the increases to our customers. For instance, historically, we generally have intentionally not passed along the seasonal increase in energy costs during the summer months to the full extent permitted under our contracts in order to avoid seasonal adjustments to our customer pricing, and that practice has, therefore, resulted in a decrease in our gross profit in those periods. Beginning in July 2021, we increased certain customer pricing in response to an increase in the cost of energy. As an unbundled purchaser of energy in Nevada, we are able to purchase power in the open market through long-term power contracts, which we believe reduces variability of energy costs. Additionally, we enter into power swap agreements, which we believe manages our exposure to adverse changes in the price of power. Our existing customers may not renew their contracts with us or may reduce the services purchased from us, or we may be unable to attract new customers, if we experience increased energy costs or limited availability of power resources, including clean and renewable energy. Our brand or reputation could be adversely affected if we are unable to operate our data centers with 100% clean and renewable energy.
Capital Expenditures. Our growth and expansion initiatives require significant capital. The costs of constructing, developing, operating and maintaining data centers, and growing our operations are substantial. While we strive to match the growth of our facilities to the demand for services, we still must spend significant amounts before we receive any revenue. If we are unable to generate sufficient capital to meet our anticipated capital requirements, our growth could slow and operations could be adversely affected. Our maintenance capital expenditures were $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 19
Growth in Customers. Our results of operations could be significantly affected by the growth or reduction of our customer base. We have over 1,300 customers, including some of the world’s largest technology and digital media companies, cloud, IT and software providers, financial institutions, and network and telecommunications providers. We believe we have significant opportunities to both grow penetration of our existing customers as well as attract new customers. Our ability to attract new customers depends on a number of factors, including our ability to offer high quality services at competitive prices and the capability of our marketing and sales team to attract new customers. Additionally, a significant portion of our revenue is highly dependent on our top 10 customers and the loss of these customers or any significant decrease in their business could adversely affect our results of operations.
Key Metrics and Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We monitor the following unaudited key metrics and financial measures, some of which are not calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) to help us evaluate our business, identify trends affecting our business, formulate business plans and make strategic decisions.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Recurring revenue | $ | 161,085 | $ | 127,977 | |||||||
| Capital expenditures | $ | 150,433 | $ | 100,424 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 86,793 | $ | 73,442 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 52.7 | % | 56.1 | % | |||||||
Recurring Revenue
We calculate recurring revenue as contractual revenue under signed contracts calculated in accordance with GAAP for the applicable period. Recurring revenue does not include any installation or other one-time revenue, which would be classified as non-recurring revenue. Management uses recurring revenue as a supplemental performance measure because it provides a useful measure of increases or decreases in contractual revenue from our customers and provides a baseline revenue measure on which to plan expenses.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of recurring revenue to total revenue:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Recurring revenue | $ | 161,085 | $ | 127,977 | |||||||
| Non-recurring revenue | 3,524 | 2,889 | |||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 164,609 | $ | 130,866 | |||||||
Capital Expenditures
We define capital expenditures as cash purchases of property and equipment during a particular period. We believe that capital expenditures is a useful metric because it provides information regarding the growth of our technology infrastructure platform and the potential to expand our services and add new customers.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss adjusted for interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of customer relationships, and for specific and defined supplemental adjustments to exclude (i) non-cash equity-based compensation expense; (ii) equity in net losses of investments; and (iii) certain other items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA margin as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
Our Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are not prepared in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation of, or as an alternative to measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We present Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin because we believe certain investors use them as measures of a company’s historical operating performance and its ability to service and incur debt and make capital expenditures. We believe that the inclusion of certain adjustments in presenting Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin is
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 20
appropriate to provide additional information to investors because Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin exclude certain items that we believe are not indicative of our core operating performance and that are not excluded in the calculation of EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is also similar to the measures used under the debt covenants included in our credit facilities, except that the definition used in our credit facilities does not exclude certain cash gains or costs for REIT and related restructuring/strategic initiatives. Accordingly, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results, enhancing the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects, and allowing for greater transparency with respect to key financial metrics used by our management in its financial and operational decision-making.
Our non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for an analysis of our results under GAAP. There are a number of limitations related to the use of these non-GAAP financial measures versus their nearest GAAP equivalents. Non-GAAP financial measures may not provide information directly comparable to measures provided by other companies in our industry, as those other companies may calculate their non-GAAP financial measures differently. In addition, the non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain recurring expenses that have been and will continue to be significant expenses of our business.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of our net income to Adjusted EBITDA:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 23,934 | $ | 24,394 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 13,197 | 8,757 | |||||||||
Interest income(1) | (37) | (39) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 4,240 | 2,654 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment | 47,833 | 38,791 | |||||||||
| Amortization of customer relationships | 1,562 | — | |||||||||
| Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment | 193 | (193) | |||||||||
| Equity-based compensation | 6,681 | 7,297 | |||||||||
| Gain on swaps | (13,649) | (3,205) | |||||||||
REIT and related restructuring/strategic initiatives(2) | 2,839 | — | |||||||||
| Equity in net losses of investments | — | 220 | |||||||||
Acquisition-related costs(2) | — | 140 | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of equity method investment | — | (5,374) | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 86,793 | $ | 73,442 | |||||||
________________________________________
(1)Interest income is included in the “Other” line of other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
(2)REIT and related restructuring/strategic initiatives and acquisition-related costs are included in the “Selling, general and administrative expense” line in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Components of Results of Operations
Revenue
During each of the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, we derived more than 97% of our revenue from recurring revenue streams, consisting primarily of (1) colocation, which includes the licensing and leasing of cabinet space and power and (2) connectivity services, which include cross-connects, broadband services and external connectivity. The remainder of our revenue is from non-recurring revenue, which primarily includes installation services related to a customer’s initial deployment. The majority of our revenue contracts are classified as licenses, with the exception of certain contracts that contain lease components. Based on the current growth stage of our business, we expect increases in revenue to be driven primarily by increases in volume, rather than changes in the prices we charge to our customers.
We recognize revenue when control of these goods and services is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue from recurring revenue streams is generally billed monthly and recognized using a time-based measurement of progress as customers receive service benefits evenly throughout the term of the contract. Contracts with our customers generally have terms of three to five years. Non-recurring installation fees, although generally paid in a lump sum
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 21
upon installation, are deferred and recognized ratably over the contract term, which is determined using a portfolio approach. Revenue is generally recognized on a gross basis as a principal versus on a net basis as an agent, largely because we are primarily responsible for fulfilling the contract, take title to services, and bear credit risk.
Cost of Revenue
Cost of revenue consists primarily of depreciation and amortization expense, expenses associated with the operations of our facilities, including electricity and other utility costs and repairs and maintenance, data center employees’ salaries and benefits, including equity-based compensation, connectivity costs, and rental payments related to our leased buildings and land used in data center operations. A substantial portion of our cost of revenue is fixed in nature and may not vary significantly from period to period, unless we expand our existing data centers or open new data centers. However, there are certain costs that are considered more variable in nature, including utilities and supplies that are directly related to growth in our existing and new customer base. The largest portion of our utility costs is fixed and a smaller portion is variable with market conditions.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
Gross profit, or revenue less cost of revenue, and gross margin, or gross profit as a percentage of revenue, have been and will continue to be affected by various factors, including customer growth, the expansion of our existing data centers or opening of new data centers, and the cost of our utilities, specifically electricity. Our gross margin may fluctuate from period to period depending on the interplay of these factors.
Operating Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and related expenses, including equity-based compensation, accounting, legal and other professional service fees, real estate and personal property taxes, rental payments related to our corporate office lease, marketing and selling expenses, including sponsorships, commissions paid to partners, travel, depreciation and amortization expense, insurance, and other facility and employee related costs. This expense classification may not be comparable to those of other companies. We expect to incur additional selling, general and administrative expenses as we continue to scale our operations to invest in sales and marketing initiatives to further increase our revenue and support our growth. We also expect to continue to incur general and administrative expenses as a result of operating as a public company, including expenses related to compliance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and those of the New York Stock Exchange, additional insurance expenses, investor relations activities, and other administrative and professional services. Further, we expect to continue to incur general and administrative expenses in the form of equity-based compensation as a result of the continued issuance and vesting of equity awards. As a result, we expect that our selling, general and administrative expense will continue to increase in absolute dollars, but may fluctuate as a percentage of our revenue from period to period.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest Expense
Interest expense consists primarily of interest on our credit facilities and senior unsecured notes and amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, net of amounts capitalized.
Gain on Swaps
Gain on swaps consists of changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps used to mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk and power swaps used to mitigate our exposure to adverse changes in the price of power, inclusive of periodic net settlement amounts.
Equity in Net Losses of Investments
Equity in net losses of investments consists of our share of results of operations from our equity method investments, including foreign currency translation adjustments. We held a 50% ownership interest in SUPERNAP International until February 2021, when we acquired SUPERNAP International’s 30% ownership interest in SUPERNAP Thailand and sold our ownership interest in SUPERNAP International. We had discontinued the equity method of accounting for our investment in SUPERNAP International as the carrying value of our investment was reduced to zero as a result of recording our share of its losses. Our interest in SUPERNAP Thailand was accounted for under the equity method of accounting through December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the carrying value of our investment in SUPERNAP Thailand was reduced to zero as a result of recording our share of operating losses and foreign currency translation adjustments. Accordingly, we discontinued the equity method of accounting for our investment in SUPERNAP Thailand as of December 31, 2021 and will not provide for additional losses until our share of future net income, if any, equals the share of net losses not recognized during the period the equity
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 22
method was suspended. Our losses will continue to include the foreign currency translation adjustments in our investment.
Gain on Sale of Equity Method Investment
Gain on sale of equity method investment consists of the gain resulting from the sale of our ownership interest in SUPERNAP International, inclusive of foreign currency translation gains realized.
Other
Other primarily consists of other items that have impacted our results of operations such as interest income on our cash equivalents and gains and losses resulting from other transactions.
Income Taxes
Switch, Ltd. is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and most applicable state and local income tax purposes. As a partnership, Switch, Ltd. is not subject to U.S. federal and certain state and local income taxes. Any taxable income or loss generated by Switch, Ltd. is passed through to, and included in the taxable income or loss of, its members, including us, on a pro rata basis. We are subject to U.S. federal income taxes, in addition to state and local income taxes with respect to our allocable share of any taxable income or loss generated by Switch, Ltd.
Noncontrolling Interest
We consolidate the financial results of Switch, Ltd. and report a noncontrolling interest on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income, representing the portion of net income or loss and comprehensive income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest. The weighted average ownership percentages during the period are used to calculate the net income or loss and other comprehensive income or loss attributable to Switch, Inc. and the noncontrolling interest.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our results of operations:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Income Data: | |||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 164,609 | $ | 130,866 | |||||||
| Cost of revenue | 94,491 | 71,693 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 70,118 | 59,173 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 42,871 | 34,998 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 27,247 | 24,175 | |||||||||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount | (13,197) | (8,757) | |||||||||
| Gain on swaps | 13,649 | 3,205 | |||||||||
| Equity in net losses of investments | — | (220) | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of equity method investment | — | 5,374 | |||||||||
| Other | 475 | 3,271 | |||||||||
| Total other income | 927 | 2,873 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 28,174 | 27,048 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | (4,240) | (2,654) | |||||||||
| Net income | 23,934 | 24,394 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 11,141 | 12,753 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to Switch, Inc. | $ | 12,793 | $ | 11,641 | |||||||
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 23
The following table sets forth the consolidated statements of income data presented as a percentage of revenue. Amounts may not sum due to rounding.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Income Data: | |||||||||||
| Revenue | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||
| Cost of revenue | 57 | 55 | |||||||||
| Gross profit | 43 | 45 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | 26 | 27 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | 17 | 18 | |||||||||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||||||
| Interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount | (8) | (7) | |||||||||
| Gain on swaps | 8 | 2 | |||||||||
| Equity in net losses of investments | — | — | |||||||||
| Gain on sale of equity method investment | — | 4 | |||||||||
| Other | — | 2 | |||||||||
| Total other income | 1 | 2 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 17 | 21 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | (3) | (2) | |||||||||
| Net income | 15 | 19 | |||||||||
| Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 7 | 10 | |||||||||
| Net income attributable to Switch, Inc. | 8 | % | 9 | % | |||||||
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
Revenue
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Colocation | $ | 131,932 | $ | 107,301 | $ | 24,631 | 23 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Connectivity | 29,957 | 21,886 | 8,071 | 37 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 2,720 | 1,679 | 1,041 | 62 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 164,609 | 0 | $ | 130,866 | $ | 33,743 | 26 | % | ||||||||||||||
Revenue increased by $33.7 million, or 26%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase was attributable to $12.3 million contributed by Data Foundry, with 20% of the remaining increase attributable to revenue from new customers initiating service after March 31, 2021, and 80% attributable to increased revenue from existing customers.
Cost of Revenue and Gross Margin
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | $ | 94,491 | $ | 71,693 | $ | 22,798 | 32 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 42.6 | % | 45.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenue increased by $22.8 million, or 32%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to $8.2 million incurred by Data Foundry, with the remaining increase attributable to increases of $6.8 million in facilities costs due to increased utility rates, $4.9 million in depreciation and amortization expense due to additional property and equipment being placed into service, and $2.6 million in connectivity costs associated with our expansion activities. Accordingly,
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 24
gross margin decreased by 260 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expense | $ | 42,871 | $ | 34,998 | $ | 7,873 | 22 | % | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense increased by $7.9 million, or 22%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to increases of $3.2 million in professional fees, $1.6 million in amortization of acquired customer relationships, and $1.3 million in real estate and personal property taxes.
Other Income (Expense)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | (13,197) | $ | (8,757) | $ | (4,440) | 51 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Gain on swaps | 13,649 | 3,205 | 10,444 | 326 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in net losses of investments | — | (220) | 220 | (100) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of equity method investment | — | 5,374 | (5,374) | (100) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 475 | 3,271 | (2,796) | (85) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total other income | $ | 927 | $ | 2,873 | $ | (1,946) | (68) | % | |||||||||||||||
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $4.4 million, or 51%, for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in our weighted average debt outstanding from our senior unsecured notes and borrowings on our revolving credit facility.
Gain on Swaps
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we incurred a gain on swaps of $13.6 million, compared to a gain on swaps of $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The change was primarily driven by an $11.7 million gain on interest rate swaps due to the fluctuation in market interest rates and a $2.0 million gain on power swaps entered into during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Other
Other decreased by $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021, due to non-recurring license fee income of $2.8 million recorded pursuant to a technology license agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Income Tax Expense
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | (4,240) | $ | (2,654) | $ | (1,586) | 60 | % | |||||||||||||||
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we incurred income tax expense of $4.2 million, compared to $2.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Income tax expense is driven by our allocable share of Switch, Ltd.’s income before income taxes.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 25
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| (dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | $ | 11,141 | $ | 12,753 | $ | (1,612) | (13) | % | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to $12.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The change was the result of a decrease in ownership by noncontrolling interest holders during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Switch, Inc. is a holding company and has no material assets other than its ownership of common membership interests in Switch, Ltd. As such, we have no independent means of generating revenue or cash flow, and our ability to pay our taxes or declare and pay dividends in the future, if any, will be dependent upon the financial results and cash flows of Switch, Ltd. and its subsidiaries and any distributions we receive from Switch, Ltd. The terms of the amended and restated credit agreement and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes limit the ability of Switch, Ltd., among other things, to incur additional debt, incur additional liens, encumbrances or contingent liabilities, and pay distributions or make certain other restricted payments.
Cash Sources
We have historically relied primarily on cash flows from operations, borrowings under our credit facilities, and issuances of notes. We regularly explore financing alternatives, including new credit agreements, unsecured and secured note issuances, and equity financing.
As of March 31, 2022, we had $27.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and our total indebtedness was approximately $1.79 billion (excluding debt issuance costs and original issue discount) consisting of (i) $1.10 billion principal from our senior unsecured notes, (ii) $628.0 million principal from our credit facilities, $228.0 million of which is accruing interest at an underlying variable interest rate of 2.21% and $400.0 million of which is effectively fixed at 4.48% pursuant to interest rate swap agreements, and (iii) $57.4 million from our finance lease liabilities. As of March 31, 2022, we had access to $263.1 million in additional liquidity from our revolving credit facility, net of outstanding letters of credit.
Senior Unsecured Notes
On September 17, 2020, we issued $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 3.75% senior unsecured notes due 2028. The notes bear interest at the rate of 3.75% per annum and mature on September 15, 2028. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on March 15, 2021.
On June 7, 2021, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.125% senior unsecured notes due 2029. The notes bear interest at the rate of 4.125% per annum and mature on June 15, 2029. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2021.
The indentures to the notes contain covenants that, subject to exceptions and qualifications, among other things, limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock, prepay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness, issue certain preferred stock or similar equity securities, make loans and investments, dispose of assets, incur liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into agreements restricting our ability to pay dividends, and consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets.
Credit Agreement
We are party to an amended and restated credit agreement (as amended on December 28, 2017, September 17, 2020, and July 29, 2021) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and certain other lenders, consisting of a $400.0 million term loan facility, maturing in July 2028, and a $500.0 million revolving credit facility, maturing in July 2026. The term loan facility is subject to quarterly principal amortization payments of $1.0 million, beginning on December 31, 2021, followed by a final payment of $373.0 million upon maturity.
The amended credit agreement contains affirmative and negative covenants customary for such financings, including, but not limited to, limitations, subject to specified exceptions and baskets, on incurring additional debt,
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 26
incurring additional liens, encumbrances or contingent liabilities, making investments in other persons or property, selling or disposing of our assets, merging with or acquiring other companies, liquidating or dissolving ourselves or any of the subsidiary guarantors, engaging in any business that is not otherwise a related line of business, engaging in certain transactions with affiliates, paying dividends or making certain other restricted payments, and making loans, advances or guarantees. The terms of the amended credit agreement also require compliance with the consolidated secured leverage ratio (as defined in the amended credit agreement) of 4.00 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter.
We were in compliance with all applicable covenants as of March 31, 2022.
Cash Uses
For the year ending December 31, 2022, we expect to incur $510 million to $560 million in capital expenditures for development and construction projects related to our expansion (excluding acquisitions of land); however, the exact amount will depend on a number of factors. We believe we have sufficient cash and access to liquidity, coupled with anticipated cash generated from operating activities, to satisfy our anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months, including completion of our development projects. We also believe that our financial resources will allow us to manage the anticipated impact of COVID-19 and its variants on our business operations for the foreseeable future, which could include reductions in revenue and delays in payments from customers and partners. The challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants on our business are expected to evolve. Consequently, we will continue to evaluate our financial position in light of future developments, particularly those relating to COVID-19 and its variants.
In addition, we are obligated to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement (“TRA”). As of March 31, 2022, we recorded a liability under the TRA of $412.5 million. Although the actual timing and amount of any payments we make under the TRA will vary, we expect those payments may be significant. Any payments we make under the TRA will generally reduce the amount of overall cash flow that might have otherwise been available to us or to Switch, Ltd. and, to the extent we are unable to make payments under the TRA for any reason, the unpaid amounts generally will be deferred and will accrue interest until paid by us.
In March 2022, we entered into a power purchase and sale agreement to purchase an aggregate firm commitment of 474,650 megawatt-hours, or a purchase commitment of $25.7 million, inclusive of scheduling services, during a term of 19 months starting on May 1, 2022. Additional franchise tax amounts may be due based on the data center location where the purchased power is used.
Outside of the aforementioned, and any routine transactions made in the ordinary course of business, there have been no significant changes to our material cash requirements as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 56,512 | $ | 64,497 | |||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (150,597) | (99,224) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 73,253 | (17,110) | |||||||||
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $ | (20,832) | $ | (51,837) | |||||||
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 27
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash from operating activities is primarily generated from operating income from our colocation and connectivity services.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2022 was $56.5 million, compared to $64.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of $8.0 million was primarily due to changes in our working capital accounts, partially offset by increased operations in our data center facilities.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was $150.6 million, primarily consisting of capital expenditures of $150.4 million related to the expansion of our data center facilities.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $99.2 million, primarily consisting of capital expenditures of $100.4 million related to the expansion of our data center facilities.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
During the three months ended March 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was $73.3 million, primarily consisting of $100.0 million in proceeds from borrowings under our credit facilities, partially offset by $12.1 million for the payment of tax withholdings upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards, $7.8 million in dividends paid, and $5.0 million in distributions paid to noncontrolling interest.
During the three months ended March 31, 2021, net cash used in financing activities was $17.1 million, primarily consisting of dividends paid of $6.4 million, distributions paid to noncontrolling interest of $5.8 million, and payments of tax withholdings upon settlement of restricted stock unit awards of $5.8 million.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, costs and expenses and related disclosures. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these judgments and estimates under different assumptions or conditions and any such differences may be material. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the continued appropriateness of our accounting policies and resulting estimates to make adjustments we consider appropriate under the facts and circumstances. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 28
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain word such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, statements about:
•our goals and strategies;
•our expectations regarding our plans to pursue a conversion to a REIT, including the timing related to such conversion;
•our expansion plans, including timing for such plans;
•our expectation regarding the acquisition of Data Foundry and certain real property interests used in connection with Data Foundry’s operations, including any future expansion opportunities in Texas;
•our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;
•our anticipated levels of capital expenditures;
•the expected growth of the data center market;
•our belief regarding the anticipated impact of COVID-19 and its variants on our business operations;
•our belief that our financial resources will allow us to manage the anticipated impact of COVID-19 and its variants;
•our beliefs regarding our design technology and its advantages to our business and financial results;
•our beliefs regarding opportunities that exist in the data center market due to current industry limitations;
•our expectations regarding opportunities to grow penetration of existing customers and attract new customers;
•our beliefs regarding our competitive strengths and the value of our brand;
•our expectations regarding our revenue streams and drivers and types of future revenue;
•our expectations regarding our future expenses, including anticipated increases;
•our expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, our services, including any new services;
•our expectations regarding our customer growth rate;
•our beliefs regarding the sufficiency of our cash and access to liquidity, and cash generated from operating activities, to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditures for at least the next 12 months;
•our intentions regarding sources of financing for our operations and capital expenditures;
•the network effects associated with our business;
•our plans to further invest in and grow our business, and our ability to effectively manage our growth and associated investments;
•our expectations regarding construction projects and the estimated timelines, additional floorspace, and renewable power available to such data centers;
•our ability to timely and effectively scale and adapt our existing technology;
•our ability to successfully enter new markets;
•our expectations to enter into joint ventures, strategic collaborations and other similar arrangements;
•our beliefs regarding our ability to achieve reduced variability of power costs as an unbundled purchaser of energy;
•our beliefs that we have the necessary permits and approvals to operate our business and that our properties are in substantial compliance with applicable laws;
•our ability to maintain, protect and enhance our intellectual property and not infringe upon others’ intellectual property;
•our beliefs regarding the adequacy of our insurance coverage;
•our beliefs regarding the merits of pending litigation;
•our expectations regarding payment of dividends;
•our expectations regarding payments under the TRA, contingent upon our taxable income and the applicable tax rate;
•our expectations regarding the recognition of our remaining performance obligations in future periods;
•our expectations regarding our interest rate and power swaps;
•our expectations regarding our ability to realize deferred tax assets; and
•our expectations regarding the reissuance of retired shares of Class B common stock.
We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are only predictions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 29
expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those risks discussed in Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors and throughout Part II, Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in Part II, Item 1A—Risk Factors and elsewhere of this Form 10-Q. In addition, you should consult other disclosures made by us (such as in our other filings with the SEC or in company press releases) for other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected by us. You should read this Form 10-Q, and the documents that we reference in this Form 10-Q and have filed with the SEC, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance, and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.
Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We are exposed to financial market risks, primarily in interest rates related to our debt obligations.
Interest Rate Risk
Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our long-term debt. We evaluate our exposure to market risk by monitoring interest rates in the marketplace. As of March 31, 2022, our only borrowings subject to variable interest rates are under our credit agreement and bear interest at a margin above LIBOR or base rate (each as defined in the amended and restated credit agreement) as selected by us. In 2019, we entered into four interest rate swap agreements; whereby, we pay a weighted average fixed interest rate (excluding the applicable interest margin) of 2.48% on notional amounts corresponding to borrowings of $400.0 million in exchange for receipts on the same notional amount at a variable interest rate based on the applicable LIBOR at the time of payment. The interest rate swap agreements mature in June 2024. As of March 31, 2022, we had $228.0 million outstanding under our credit facilities with an underlying variable interest rate of 2.21% for which a hypothetical increase or decrease of 100 basis points in LIBOR would cause our annual interest cost to change by $2.3 million.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 30
Item 4.Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated, as of March 31, 2022, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as amended, or the “Exchange Act”). Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of March 31, 2022.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 31
Part II.Other Information.
Item 1.Legal Proceedings.
The information set forth in Note 6 “Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Proceedings” to our consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 1A.Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
In March 2022, we issued 46,694 shares of our Class A common stock to the former spouse of our Chief Executive Officer. The shares were issued in reliance upon an exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), on the basis that it did not involve a public offering. These shares of Class A common stock are restricted securities for purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and are subject to certain requirements restricting the resale of such shares, including certain holding period requirements.
Item 6.Exhibits.
| Incorporated by Reference | |||||||||||||||||
| Exhibit No. | Exhibit Description | Form | Exhibit | Filing Date | |||||||||||||
| 3.1 | 8-K | 3.1 | 10/11/2017 | ||||||||||||||
| 3.2 | 10-K | 3.2 | 3/1/2021 | ||||||||||||||
| 10.1 | * | ||||||||||||||||
| 31.1 | * | ||||||||||||||||
| 31.2 | * | ||||||||||||||||
| 32.1 | # | ||||||||||||||||
| 101 | * | The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2022, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||
| 104 | * | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |||||||||||||||
___________________________________________________________________
* Filed herewith.
# Furnished herewith.
Switch, Inc. | Q1 2022 Form 10-Q | 32
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Switch, Inc. (Registrant) | ||||||||
| Date: | May 10, 2022 | /s/ Gabe Nacht | ||||||
Gabe Nacht Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) | ||||||||