First Data Corporation reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. For the quarter, the company reported total revenues of $2,282 million against $2,801 million a year ago. Operating profit was $348 million against $326 million a year ago. Income before income taxes and equity earnings in affiliates was $112 million against $36 million a year ago. Net income was $134 million against $79 million a year ago. Net income attributable to the company was $101 million against $36 million a year ago. Net income attributable to the company per basic and diluted share was $0.11 against $0.04 a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $534 million against $421 million a year ago. Adjusted net income attributable to the company was $279 million against $258 million a year ago. Adjusted net income per diluted share was $0.29 against $0.28 a year ago. Capital expenditures were $139 million against $117 million a year ago. Free cash flow was $368 million against $261 million a year ago. Net debt as of March 31, 2018 was $18,382 million against $18,621 as of December 31, 2017. The increase in net income attributable to the company was primarily driven by the non-recurrence of $56 million of debt extinguishment charges that were incurred in the prior year period and improved operating results in the current period. Free cash flow primarily driven by improved operating results and working capital improvements in the current period.

The company updated earnings guidance for the year 2018. The company expects adjusted diluted EPS in the range of $1.42 to $1.47, compared to previously disclosed guidance of $1.35 to $1.40. The company expects net income attributable to company of $0.90 against $0.95 a year ago.
The company expects adjusted effective tax rate of approximately 25%, compared to previously disclosed guidance of 27% to 29% and free cash flow of more than $1.4 billion, remains unchanged from previously disclosed guidance. The company expects 20% decrease in consolidated revenue (at reported rates) 2018 at ASC 606 vs. 2017 at ASC 605 compares to 2017 result and decrease in the range of 35% - 45% in net income attributable to FDC 2018 at ASC 606 vs. 2017 at ASC 605 compared to 2017 result and cash provided by operating activities of more than $2.1 billion.