Evolving Systems Reports 2007 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Financial Results


ENGLEWOOD, CO--(Marketwire - March 12, 2008) - Evolving Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOL)

--  Q4 Revenue up 3% from 2006 to $9.1 million, full year up 6% to $36.0
    million
--  Adjusted EBITDA of $1.2 million in Q4, $5.6 million for full year
--  Net income of $284,000 in Q4, $598,000 for full year
--  Sixth consecutive quarter of positive operating income
--  $4.8 million in operating cash flow YTD vs. $3.4 million a year ago
--  License and services bookings up 39% in Q4 from 2006, 16% for full
    year
--  Year-end backlog up 43% to $19.7 million
--  10 new customer accounts in 2007 vs. 3 in 2006
--  $10.0 million debt refinancing strengthens balance sheet and cash flow
    

Evolving Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOL), a leading provider of software solutions and services to the wireless, wireline and IP carrier market, today reported solid profitability on growing revenue for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2007.

"Q4 represented a strong finish to a good year for Evolving Systems," said Thad Dupper, president and CEO. "In 2007 we delivered solid revenue and earnings growth while strengthening our balance sheet. We also made excellent progress on the new business front, opening 10 new accounts in 2007 versus three in 2006 -- a fact that underscores our success in the emerging markets of Central and Latin America, Asia and Africa. While we expect to achieve steady growth in traditional markets, we continue to believe that emerging markets offer the best potential for significant growth. We enter 2008 with an impressive order backlog, a growing portfolio of software solutions and a proven sales organization that is well-placed to pursue global opportunities."

Fourth Quarter Results

Evolving Systems reported $9.1 million in revenue in the fourth quarter, up 3% from revenue of $8.8 million in the fourth quarter a year ago. It was the Company's fourth straight quarter of increased year-over-year revenue. Management attributed the steady revenue growth to a combination of new customer engagements, additional revenue from established customers, and success in opening new, emerging markets. License fees and services revenue grew by 11% to $4.5 million from $4.0 million, more than offsetting a 4% decline in customer support revenue, which was $4.6 million versus $4.8 million in the same quarter last year. Revenue mix in the fourth quarter included $4.7 million in Service Activation, $3.2 million in Numbering Solutions and $1.2 million in Mediation.

Net income in the fourth quarter was $284,000, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share, versus net income of $1.0 million, or $0.05 per basic and diluted share, in the same quarter last year. The decline in year-over-year net income was attributable to higher costs in the 2007 fourth quarter to support expanding operations and new product development. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment, stock compensation and gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions ("adjusted EBITDA") for the fourth quarter were $1.2 million versus $2.0 million in the same quarter last year.

Total costs of revenue and operating expenses in the fourth quarter increased to $8.6 million from $7.7 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting the incremental costs of managing increased revenue. Sales and marketing expense increased 14% due to increased costs associated with pursuing new geographic markets. General and administrative expense increased 11% due to higher professional fees. And product development expense increased 19% due to ongoing enhancements to the Company's Tertio™ Activation suite.

Income from operations in the fourth quarter was $500,000 as compared with $1.1 million in the same quarter last year. It was the Company's sixth consecutive quarter of positive operating income.

Bookings and Backlog Highlights

The Company achieved its strongest license and services bookings quarter since the 2004 acquisition of Tertio Telecoms, writing new business with six new carrier customers. License and services bookings totaled $6.4 million, up from $4.6 million in the same quarter last year. Customer support bookings increased to $10.2 million from $5.8 million, benefiting from a change in the timing of a large renewal. Total new order bookings in the fourth quarter totaled $16.6 million. Bookings consisted of $7.8 million in Activation, $6.5 million in Numbering Solutions, and $2.3 million in Mediation.

Full year 2007 bookings were $42.0 million versus $34.2 million in 2006. The mix included $19.6 million in license fees and services orders, up 16% over 2006, and $22.4 million in customer support, up 28% over 2006. By product mix, bookings included $22.0 million in Activation, $14.2 million in Numbering Solutions and $5.8 million in Mediation.

The Company defines bookings as new, non-cancelable orders that are expected to be recognized as revenue during the following 12 months.

Backlog at December 31, 2007, was $19.7 million, up 43% from a backlog of $13.8 million at year-end 2006. The mix in backlog included $6.5 million in license fees and services and $13.2 million in customer support.

Balance Sheet Highlights

Evolving Systems generated $4.8 million in cash from operations in 2007, up 42% from $3.4 million in 2006. Cash and cash equivalents increased 43% over the same period to $7.3 million from $5.1 million. Working capital at 2007 year-end was up 74% to $1.4 million from $0.8 million a year ago. During 2007 holders of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock converted a substantial number of preferred shares to common stock, reducing the preferred stock balance from $11.3 million at December 31, 2006 to $5.6 million at December 31, 2007. Subsequently, during the first quarter of 2008, additional conversions were made, further reducing the preferred stock balance to $0.2 million. Also in the first quarter of 2008, Evolving Systems completed a $10.0 million debt refinancing that lowered the Company's average cash interest rate and improved financial flexibility. The financing, which carries more favorable covenants than its predecessor, will lower the Company's 2008 principal amortization by approximately $200,000 and will generate interest savings of approximately $200,000 in 2008 and more than $250,000 in 2009.

2007 Full Year Results

The Company reported net income of $598,000, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share, in 2007 as compared with a net loss of $16.8 million, or $0.88 per basic and diluted share, in 2006. The 2006 net loss included a $15.0 million impairment charge net of income tax benefit. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairment, stock compensation and gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions ("adjusted EBITDA") for 2007 increased 26% to $5.6 million from $4.5 million in 2006.

Revenue in 2007 increased to $36.0 million, up 6% over $33.8 million a year ago. License fees and services revenue increased 13% to $17.9 million from $15.9 million, while customer support revenue increased 1% to $18.1 million from $17.9 million in 2006. Revenue mix included $19.6 million in Activation, $11.9 million in Numbering Solutions and $4.5 million in Mediation.

Total costs of revenue and operating expenses in 2007 improved to $33.5 million from $50.4 million in 2006. The significant improvement is primarily the result of the 2006 impairment charge of $16.5 million, which also produced a lower amortization expense run rate. Other areas of decreased expense in 2007 included sales and marketing, which incurred lower average headcount, and product development due to reduced numbering solutions development costs. The Company experienced year over year increases in costs of revenue to support revenue growth and in general and administrative expense, which grew due to higher professional fees and incentive compensation resulting from improved year over year financial results.

Operating income in 2007 was $2.4 million compared with an operating loss of $16.6 million, including the $16.5 million impairment, in 2006.

Conference Call

The Company will conduct a conference call and Web cast today at 2:15 p.m. Mountain Daylight Savings Time. The call-in numbers for the conference call are 1-800-901-5248 for domestic toll free and 617-786-4512 for international callers. The passcode is 54507387. A telephone replay will be available through March 18, 2008, and can be accessed by calling 1-888-286-8010 or 617-801-6888, passcode 41197097. To access a live Webcast of the call, please visit Evolving Systems' website at www.evolving.com. A replay of the Webcast will be accessible at that website through March 18, 2008.

About Evolving Systems®

Evolving Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOL) is a provider of software and services to more than 60 network operators in over 37 countries worldwide. Its portfolio includes market-leading products for Activation, Dynamic SIM Allocation, Number Portability, Number Inventory and Mediation. Founded in 1985, the Company has headquarters in Englewood, Colorado, with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India and Malaysia. Further information is available on the web at www.evolving.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on current expectations, estimates and projections that are subject to risk. Specifically, statements about the Company's growth and future profitability, future business, revenue and expense projections, the Company's continued ability to post quarterly and annual results that are similar to those described in this press release and the impact of new accounts on the Company's business are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our expectations and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, and the Company may not undertake to update these statements. Actual results could vary materially from these expectations. For a more extensive discussion of Evolving Systems' business, and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2007, as well as subsequently filed Forms 10-Q, 8-K and press releases.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands except per share data)

(Unaudited)                        Three months ended    12 months ended
                                       December 31,        December 31,
                                     2007      2006      2007       2006
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
Revenue:
  License fees and services       $   4,470  $  4,029  $  17,895  $ 15,883
  Customer support                    4,589     4,769     18,058    17,950
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
Total revenue                         9,059     8,798     35,953    33,833
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
Costs of revenue and operating
 expenses:
  Costs of license fees and services,
   excluding depreciation and
   amortization                       2,061     1,819      8,023     7,342
  Costs of customer support,
   excluding depreciation and
   amortization                       1,496     1,281      6,237     5,694
  Sales and marketing                 2,328     2,043      8,557     8,962
  General and administrative          1,314     1,180      5,862     5,138
  Product development                   804       678      2,376     3,072
  Depreciation                          170       307        899     1,169
  Amortization                          389       386      1,565     2,511
  Impairment of goodwill and
   intangible assets                      -         -          -    16,516
  Restructuring and other expense
   (recovery)                            (3)        2         (4)      (21)
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
Total costs of revenue and operating
 expenses                             8,559     7,696     33,515    50,383
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
  Income (loss) from operations         500     1,102      2,438   (16,550)
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
    Interest and other income
     (expense), net                    (229)     (416)    (1,284)   (1,837)
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
  Income (loss) before income taxes     271       686      1,154   (18,387)
    Income tax expense (benefit)        (13)     (326)       556    (1,604)
                                  ---------  --------  ---------  --------
  Net income (loss)               $     284  $  1,012  $     598  $(16,783)
                                  =========  ========  =========  ========
  Basic income (loss) per common
   share                          $    0.01  $   0.05  $    0.03  $  (0.88)
                                  =========  ========  =========  ========
  Diluted income (loss) per common
   share                          $    0.01  $   0.05  $    0.03  $  (0.88)
                                  =========  ========  =========  ========
  Weighted average basic shares
   outstanding                       19,259    19,134     19,198    19,100
  Weighted average diluted shares
   outstanding                       19,665    19,344     19,576    19,100




Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                    Three months ended     12 months ended
                                        December 31,         December 31,
                                     2007      2006      2007       2006
                                   --------- --------  --------   --------

Net income (loss)                   $    284 $  1,012  $    598   $(16,783)
  Depreciation                           170      307       899      1,169
  Amortization                           389      386     1,565      2,511
  Impairment of goodwill & intangible
   assets                                  -        -         -     16,516
  Stock-based compensation expense       167      183       710        808
  Interest expense and other, net        229      416     1,284      1,837
  Income tax expense (benefit)           (13)    (326)      556     (1,604)
                                   --------- --------  --------   --------
Adjusted EBITDA                     $  1,226 $  1,978  $  5,612   $  4,454
                                   ========= ========  ========   ========



Evolving Systems reports its financial results in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP). In addition,
the Company is providing in this news release non-GAAP information in
the form of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, amortization, impairment, stock compensation and gain/loss
on foreign exchange transaction.)  Management believes adjusted EBITDA
is useful to investors and lenders in evaluating the overall financial
health of the Company in that it allows for greater transparency of
additional financial data routinely used by management to evaluate
performance. Adjusted EBITDA relates to a covenant contained in the
Company's loan agreements and therefore can be useful for lenders as an
indicator of earnings available to service debt. Readers of this adjusted
EBITDA information are reminded that adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized
term under GAAP and does not purport to be an alternative to income
(loss) from operations, an indicator of cash flow from operations or a
measure of liquidity. Not all companies calculate adjusted EBITDA
identically, so this presentation may not be comparable to similar
presentations of other companies.



Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                                  December 31, December 31,
                                                       2007        2006
                                                    ----------   ---------
ASSETS
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                         $    7,271   $   5,076
  Current portion of restricted cash                         -         300
  Contract receivables, net                             10,959       9,206
  Unbilled work-in-progress                                922       1,064
  Prepaid and other current assets                       1,335       1,701
                                                    ----------   ---------
    Total current assets                                20,487      17,347
  Property and equipment, net                            1,677       1,349
  Amortizable intangible assets, net                     4,687       6,155
  Goodwill                                              26,417      26,027
  Long-term restricted cash                                100           -
  Other long-term assets                                   359         460
                                                    ----------   ---------
    Total assets                                    $   53,727   $  51,338
                                                    ==========   =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current portion of long-term debt and capital
   lease obligations                                $    2,520   $   2,037
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities               5,937       4,428
  Unearned revenue                                      10,635      10,079
                                                    ----------   ---------
    Total current liabilities                           19,092      16,544
Long-term liabilities:
  Long-term debt and other obligations                  10,242      12,153
  Deferred foreign income taxes                            878       1,202
                                                    ----------   ---------
    Total liabilities                                   30,212      29,899
Preferred stock                                          5,587      11,281
Stockholders' equity:
  Common stock                                              18          16
  Additional paid-in capital                            75,317      68,825
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                 2,144       1,466
  Accumulated deficit                                  (59,551)    (60,149)
                                                    ----------   ---------
    Total stockholders' equity                          17,928      10,158
                                                    ----------   ---------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity        $   53,727   $  51,338
                                                    ==========   =========


Contact Information: Investor Relations Jay Pfeiffer Pfeiffer High Investor Relations, Inc. 303.393.7044 Press Relations Sarah Hurp Marketing Communications Manager Evolving Systems +44 1225 478060