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8-K - FORM 8-K - STEWART ENTERPRISES INCd551517d8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

STEWART ENTERPRISES REPORTS A 40 PERCENT INCREASE IN EARNINGS PER SHARE TO $.14 FOR THE

SECOND QUARTER OF 2013

JEFFERSON, LA June 10, 2013 . . . Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: STEI) reported today its results for the second quarter of 2013. Earnings from continuing operations were $11.9 million compared to $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2012. On a diluted per share basis for the three months ended April 30, 2013, the Company reported earnings from continuing operations of $.14 and adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $.15 per share, compared to $.11 per share for reported earnings and $.13 per share for adjusted earnings for the same period of last year.

 

     Three Months Ended April 30,      Six Months Ended April 30,  
     2013      2012      2013      2012  
     millions      per share      millions      per share      millions      per share      millions      per share  

Net earnings

   $ 11.9      $ .14      $ 8.7      $ .10      $ 27.4      $ .32      $ 17.3      $ .20  

Net earnings from continuing operations

   $ 11.9      $ .14      $ 9.6      $ .11      $ 27.4      $ .32      $ 18.5      $ .21  

Adjusted earnings from continuing operations (1)

   $ 12.9      $ .15      $ 11.4      $ .13      $ 26.0      $ .30      $ 20.5      $ .23  

 

(1) See table “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations.

Thomas M. Kitchen, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The previously announced definitive merger agreement by Service Corporation International (“SCI”) is evidence of the value we have created in the Company, and we are pleased to see that benefit recognized for our shareholders. We will continue to operate the business with a high degree of performance and believe that fiscal year 2013 is off to a strong start. For the six months ended April 30, 2013, we improved adjusted earnings from continuing operations by 27 percent and adjusted earnings per share by 30 percent. These improvements were driven by a $12 million increase in revenue and a $10 million increase in gross profit, which reflects the highest six months of revenue and gross profit in six years. We are pleased with our second quarter results which include an increase in gross profit by 10 percent, adjusted earnings from continuing operations by 13 percent and adjusted earnings per share by 15 percent as compared to the second quarter of 2012. Our funeral business benefitted from an improvement in same-store calls for the fourth consecutive quarter, which contributed to a 3 percent improvement in funeral revenue compared to the second quarter of last year. Overall our cemetery business produced a 29 percent improvement in gross profit, primarily from an increase in our revenue related to trust activities, combined with a reduction in our expenses throughout the quarter. Some additional highlights of the second quarter compared to the same quarter of last year include:

 

   

Improving overall revenue, gross profit and earnings from continuing operations for the fifth consecutive quarter and improving same-store funeral services for the fourth consecutive quarter;

 

   

Generating operating cash flow of $33.2 million, an improvement of $12.5 million, and free cash flow of $29.9 million, an improvement of $13.0 million;

 

   

Realizing an 8 percent improvement in adjusted EBITDA to $32.3 million or a 24.1 percent adjusted EBITDA margin, as discussed in the table “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures;”

 

   

Producing total returns for the quarter of 6 percent in our preneed trusts and 5 percent in our cemetery perpetual care trusts; and


   

Announcing a 12.5 percent increase in the Company’s quarterly dividend to $.045 per share and returning $3.8 million in dividends to our shareholders.”

Mr. Kitchen concluded, “Our balance sheet and liquidity remain strong with $103.4 million in cash and marketable securities on hand as of April 30, 2013, with no amounts borrowed on our $150 million credit facility. For the first six months of fiscal year 2013, we have generated $45 million in operating cash flow. We believe our ability to consistently produce strong cash flow is one of the many reasons why SCI is paying a significant premium for the Company.”

Definitive Merger Agreement with Service Corporation International

On May 29, 2013, the Company announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with SCI. Pursuant to the agreement, holders of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock will receive $13.25 in cash for each share of common stock they hold. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The proposed transaction is expected to close in late calendar year 2013 or early 2014. For additional information, see the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2013.

Second Quarter Results

FUNERAL

 

Funeral revenue increased $2.5 million, or 3.4 percent, to $75.2 million for the second quarter of 2013.

 

Same-store services increased 4.4 percent, or 606 events, which the Company believes is consistent with industry-wide data. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company experienced a $0.5 million increase in revenue related to trust activities. These increases were partially offset by a 0.6 percent decrease in same-store average revenue per funeral service, coupled with a $0.7 million decrease in insurance commission revenue primarily as a result of a decline in net preneed funeral sales.

 

Funeral gross profit decreased $0.2 million, or 1.1 percent, to $18.3 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $18.5 million for the same period of 2012. Funeral gross profit margin declined 110 basis points to 24.3 percent for the second quarter of 2013 from 25.4 percent for the second quarter of 2012. The Company experienced a decrease in insurance commission revenue, as previously mentioned, coupled with an increase in advertising, direct merchandise and services costs compared to the same period of last year.

 

The cremation rate for the Company’s same-store operations was 43.8 percent for the second quarter of 2013 compared to 42.5 percent for the second quarter of 2012.

 

Net preneed funeral sales decreased 6.5 percent during the second quarter of 2013 compared to the second quarter of 2012. Preneed funeral sales are deferred until the underlying contracts are performed and have no impact on current revenue.

CEMETERY

 

Cemetery revenue decreased $1.2 million, or 2.0 percent, to $58.7 million for the second quarter of 2013. The decline in cemetery revenue is primarily due to a $6.0 million, or 21.2 percent, decrease in cemetery property sales compared to the second quarter of 2012. As part of the integration of its operations and sales teams, the Company revised its organizational structure and compensation packages. In addition, the Company tightened its sales terms for cemetery property sales. These actions negatively impacted cemetery property sales for the second quarter of 2013. The Company knew these changes would create challenges, and is taking the necessary steps to address them.

 

During the second quarter, the Company produced a $2.3 million increase in revenue related to trust activities, coupled with a $1.7 million improvement in revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which construction was completed. In addition, merchandise delivered and services performed improved by $0.5 million.

 

2


Cemetery gross profit increased $3.1 million, or 29.2 percent, to $13.7 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $10.6 million for the same period of 2012. Cemetery gross profit margin improved 560 basis points to 23.3 percent for the second quarter of 2013 from 17.7 percent for the same period of 2012. The improvement is due in part to the increase in revenue related to trust activities, as previously mentioned, coupled with a reduction in costs associated with the decline in cemetery property sales and the sales reorganization.

OTHER

 

During the three months ended April 30, 2013, the Company incurred $0.6 million in merger-related costs which consist primarily of financial advisory and legal fees.

 

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded $2.5 million in restructuring and other charges. These charges were primarily related to separation pay, termination benefits and a non-cash asset impairment, due in part to the restructuring of the sales and operations of the organization, as well as a separate reduction in workforce associated with the Company’s ongoing continuous improvement initiative.

 

The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter ended April 30, 2013 was 38.0 percent compared to 35.9 percent for the same period in 2012. During the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $0.4 million resulting from a reduction in the valuation allowance for capital losses, associated with the improved performance of the Company’s trust portfolio.

 

During the second quarter of 2012, the Company decided to hold one of its e-commerce businesses for sale with the results of its operations and the related impairment included in discontinued operations.

Year to Date Results

FUNERAL

 

Funeral revenue increased $8.6 million, or 5.9 percent, to $153.4 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2013.

 

Same-store funeral services increased 6.4 percent, or 1,782 events, which the Company believes compares favorably to industry-wide data. During the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company experienced a $0.4 million increase in revenue related to trust activities. These increases were partially offset by a 0.3 percent decrease in same-store average revenue per funeral service.

 

Funeral gross profit increased $2.5 million, or 6.7 percent, to $39.8 million for the first half of fiscal year 2013. Funeral gross profit margin improved 10 basis points to 25.9 percent for the six months ended April 30, 2013 from 25.8 percent for the same period of 2012. The increase is primarily due to the $8.6 million improvement in revenue, as previously noted.

 

The cremation rate for the Company’s same-store operations was 43.3 percent for the first six months of fiscal year 2013 compared to 42.9 percent for the corresponding period of 2012.

 

Net preneed funeral sales decreased 6.9 percent during the first six months of fiscal year 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. Preneed funeral sales are deferred until the underlying contracts are performed and have no impact on current revenue.

CEMETERY

 

Cemetery revenue increased $3.5 million, or 3.1 percent, to $116.2 million for the six months ended April 30, 2013. During the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company generated a $4.7 million increase in revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which the down payment required for revenue recognition was received. In addition, revenue related to trust activities increased by $3.8 million and revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which construction was completed increased by $3.0 million.

 

Cemetery property sales declined $9.2 million, or 17.7 percent, compared to the first six months of fiscal year 2012. As part of the integration of its operations and sales teams, the Company revised its organizational structure and compensation packages. In addition, the Company tightened its sales terms for cemetery property sales. These actions negatively impacted cemetery property sales for the first six months of fiscal year 2013. The Company knew these changes would create challenges, and is taking the necessary steps to address them.

 

3


Cemetery gross profit increased $7.2 million, or 41.6 percent, to $24.5 million for the first half of fiscal year 2013. Cemetery gross profit margin improved 570 basis points to 21.1 percent for the six months ended April 30, 2013 from 15.4 percent for the corresponding period of fiscal year 2012. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to the improvement in revenue, as previously noted, coupled with a reduction in property and related selling costs associated with the decline in cemetery property sales and the previously discussed sales reorganization.

OTHER

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.0 million to $13.9 million for the six months ended April 30, 2013, compared to $12.9 million for the same period of 2012. Due to the strong operating results for the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company increased its accrual for annual incentive compensation.

 

During the six months ended April 30, 2013, the Company incurred $0.6 million in merger-related costs which consist primarily of financial advisory and legal fees.

 

The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the first six months ended April 30, 2013 was 31.2 percent compared to 35.0 percent for the corresponding period in fiscal year 2012. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company benefitted from a $2.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively, reduction in the valuation allowance for capital losses, associated with the positive performance of its trust portfolio.

 

During the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company repurchased 0.2 million shares of its Class A common stock for $1.8 million under its stock repurchase program.

Cash Flow Results and Debt for Total Operations

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities for the second quarter of fiscal year 2013 was $33.2 million compared to $20.7 million for the same period of last year. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company generated a $3.1 million improvement in net earnings. In addition, the Company experienced a change in working capital, partly driven by a $7.5 million decrease in receivables due in part to the decline in preneed funeral and cemetery property sales, which are typically financed and for which the Company has tightened the sales terms.

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities for the first six months of fiscal 2013 was $45.0 million compared to $28.5 million for fiscal year 2012. For the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company generated a $10.0 million improvement in net earnings. In addition, the Company experienced a change in working capital, partly driven by a $4.4 million decrease in receivables due in part to the decline in preneed funeral and cemetery property sales, which are typically financed and a $3.3 million decline in spending on cemetery development projects. These changes were partially offset by the timing of trust withdrawals and deposits.

 

Free cash flow was $29.9 million and $36.5 million for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2013, respectively, compared to $16.9 million and $20.7 million for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal year 2012, respectively, primarily due to the changes in operating cash flow, as described above. See table “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on free cash flow.

 

The Company paid $.045 per share in dividends in the second fiscal quarter of 2013, compared to $.040 per share in the prior year period. The Company paid $.085 per share in dividends in the first six months of fiscal year 2013, compared to $.075 per share in the prior year period. The Company paid $7.2 million in dividends in the first six months of fiscal year 2013, compared to $6.5 million in the corresponding period of last year.

Trust Performance

The following total returns include realized and unrealized gains and losses:

 

For the quarter ended April 30, 2013, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 5.7 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 5.2 percent.

 

For the six months ended April 30, 2013, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 10.4 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 9.2 percent.

 

For the twelve months ended April 30, 2013, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 14.0 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 14.4 percent.

 

For the five years ended April 30, 2013, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced an average annual total return of 5.1 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced an average annual total return of 6.9 percent.

 

For fiscal year 2013, the fair market value of the Company’s portfolio improved $60.8 million to $917.0 million.

 

4


Founded in 1910, Stewart Enterprises, Inc. is the second largest provider of products and services in the death care industry in the United States. The Company currently owns and operates 217 funeral homes and 141 cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides a complete range of funeral and cremation merchandise and services, along with cemetery property, merchandise and services, both at the time of need and on a preneed basis. For additional information on Stewart Enterprises, Inc. please visit www.stewartenterprises.com.

Important Additional Information Will be Filed with the SEC

The Company plans to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and mail to its shareholders a Proxy Statement in connection with the merger agreement and related transactions, and may furnish or file other materials with the SEC in connection with the merger agreement and related transactions. The Proxy Statement will contain important information about the Company, SCI, the merger agreement and voting agreement, transactions contemplated by these agreements and related matters. Investors and security holders are urged to read the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC relating to the transaction carefully when they are available before making any voting or investment decision. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC by the Company through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC relating to the transaction from the Company.

Participants in the Solicitation of Proxies

The Company and its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of the Company in connection with the transaction described in this press release. Information regarding the Company’s directors and executive officers is included in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on or about February 22, 2013. Additional information regarding the potential participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Proxy Statement described above. The Company’s proxy statement for its 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is available, and the Proxy Statement and other materials furnished or filed with the SEC relating to the transaction, when furnished or filed, will be available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and from the Company.

 

5


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended April 30,  
     2013     2012  

Revenues:

    

Funeral

   $ 75,243     $ 72,752  

Cemetery

     58,610       59,846  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     133,853       132,598  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

    

Funeral

     56,921       54,203  

Cemetery

     44,965       49,257  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     101,886       103,460  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     31,967       29,138  

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     (6,520     (6,246

Merger-related costs

     (589     —     

Restructuring and other charges

     —          (2,547

Net gain (loss) on dispositions

     21       (11

Other operating income, net

     199       388  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings

     25,078       20,722  

Interest expense

     (5,956     (5,804

Investment and other income, net

     38       45  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

     19,160       14,963  

Income taxes

     7,285       5,377  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     11,875       9,586  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

    

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     —          (1,318

Income tax benefit

     —          (468
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (850
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 11,875     $ 8,736  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .14     $ .11  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .14     $ .10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .14     $ .11  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .14     $ .10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

    

Basic

     84,512       86,044  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     85,232       86,375  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

   $ .045     $ .040  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

6


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Six Months Ended April 30,  
     2013     2012  

Revenues:

    

Funeral

   $ 153,308     $ 144,763  

Cemetery

     116,226       112,659  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     269,534       257,422  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

    

Funeral

     113,585       107,557  

Cemetery

     91,666       95,331  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     205,251       202,888  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     64,283       54,534  

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     (13,908     (12,938

Merger-related costs

     (589     —     

Restructuring and other charges

     (81     (2,547

Net gain on dispositions

     742       332  

Other operating income, net

     1,120       582  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings

     51,567       39,963  

Interest expense

     (11,872     (11,671

Investment and other income, net

     162       91  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

     39,857       28,383  

Income taxes

     12,448       9,939  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     27,409       18,444  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

    

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (88     (1,685

Income tax benefit

     (31     (522
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

     (57     (1,163
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 27,352     $ 17,281  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .32     $ .21  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .32     $ .20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .32     $ .21  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          (.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .32     $ .20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

    

Basic

     84,452       86,546  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     85,088       86,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share (1)

   $ .045     $ .075  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

The first quarter dividend historically declared in December and paid in January (both the Company’s first quarter) was declared in October 2012 (the Company’s fourth quarter) and paid in December 2012. The acceleration of the declaration and payment of the first quarter 2013 dividend resulted in no dividends being declared in the first quarter of 2013, although the dividend was paid in the first quarter of 2013. The Company paid $7.2 million, or $.085 per share, in dividends for the six months ended April 30, 2013, compared to $6.5 million, or $.075 per share, in dividends during the six months ended April 30, 2012.

 

7


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

      April 30, 2013      October 31, 2012  
ASSETS      

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 83,594      $ 68,187  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     6,250        6,250  

Marketable securities

     19,815        10,514  

Receivables, net of allowances

     51,960        52,441  

Inventories

     35,762        36,495  

Prepaid expenses

     8,605        4,923  

Deferred income taxes, net

     19,462        30,671  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     225,448        209,481  

Receivables due beyond one year, net of allowances

     69,909        72,620  

Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments

     459,808        432,422  

Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments

     241,506        225,048  

Goodwill

     249,584        249,584  

Cemetery property, at cost

     402,626        401,670  

Property and equipment, at cost:

     

Land

     49,765        49,085  

Buildings

     368,724        360,852  

Equipment and other

     199,397        204,971  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     617,886        614,908  

Less accumulated depreciation

     325,890        323,648  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

     291,996        291,260  

Deferred income taxes, net

     64,241        62,125  

Cemetery perpetual care trust investments

     280,071        263,663  

Other assets

     12,533        13,812  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,297,722      $ 2,221,685  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

8


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

      April 30, 2013     October 31, 2012  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 6     $ 6  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     24,815       25,214  

Accrued payroll and other benefits

     16,917       19,964  

Accrued insurance

     21,995       22,152  

Accrued interest

     2,090       2,161  

Estimated obligation to fund cemetery perpetual care trust

     11,947       11,965  

Other current liabilities

     10,248       14,723  

Income taxes payable

     1,776       1,004  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     89,794       97,189  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     324,027       321,887  

Deferred income taxes, net

     4,555       4,931  

Deferred preneed funeral revenue

     239,508       240,415  

Deferred preneed cemetery revenue

     262,996       265,347  

Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust

     627,610       585,164  

Perpetual care trusts’ corpus

     277,425       261,883  

Other long-term liabilities

     21,219       20,548  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,847,134       1,797,364  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued

     —          —     

Common stock, $1.00 stated value:

    

Class A authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 81,960,174 and 81,359,536 shares at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively

     81,960       81,360  

Class B authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,555,020 shares at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012; 10 votes per share convertible into an equal number of Class A shares

     3,555       3,555  

Additional paid-in capital

     477,379       479,060  

Accumulated deficit

     (112,344     (139,696

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

    

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     38       42  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

     38       42  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     450,588       424,321  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,297,722     $ 2,221,685  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Six Months Ended April 30,  
     2013     2012  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 27,352     $ 17,281  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Net (gain) loss on dispositions

     (654     508  

Non-cash restructuring charge

     —          1,236  

Depreciation and amortization

     13,032       13,244  

Non-cash interest and amortization of discount on senior convertible notes

     2,875       2,730  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     2,493       2,060  

Share-based compensation

     1,985       1,887  

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     (171     (23

Provision for deferred income taxes

     9,384       6,724  

Estimated obligation to fund cemetery perpetual care trust

     —          633  

Other

     97       30  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Increase in receivables

     (129     (4,519

Increase in prepaid expenses

     (3,682     (3,004

Increase in inventories and cemetery property

     (230     (5,795

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (3,199     (5,923

Federal income tax refund received

     740       —     

Net effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:

    

Increase in preneed funeral receivables and trust investments

     (4,293     (580

Decrease in deferred preneed funeral revenue

     (879     (468

Increase (decrease) in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust

     2,379       (812

Net effect of preneed cemetery production and deliveries:

    

Increase in preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments

     (2,988     (2,676

Increase (decrease) in deferred preneed cemetery revenue

     (2,352     3,676  

Increase in deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust

     2,609       1,905  

Increase in other

     678       348  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     45,047       28,462  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sales/maturities of marketable securities and release of restricted funds

     500       2,006  

Deposits of restricted funds and purchases of marketable securities

     (9,628     (2,036

Proceeds from sale of assets

     799       533  

Purchase of subsidiaries and other investments, net of cash acquired

     —          (3,113

Additions to property and equipment

     (14,262     (11,914

Other

     66       34  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (22,525     (14,490
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayments of long-term debt

     (3     (3

Debt refinancing costs

     —          (34

Issuance of common stock

     1,730       626  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

     (1,833     (11,615

Dividends

     (7,180     (6,533

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     171       23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (7,115     (17,536
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

     15,407       (3,564 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     68,187       65,688  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 83,594     $ 62,124  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Income taxes, net

   $ 1,380     $ 1,525  

Interest

   $ 9,103     $ 9,090  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Issuance of common stock to directors

   $ 133     $ 437  

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures

   $ 924     $ 699  

 

 

10


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED APRIL 30, 2013 AND 2012

(Unaudited)

The Company recorded several items during the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 that impacted earnings from continuing operations: a non-cash interest expense related to the Company’s senior convertible notes, restructuring and other charges, merger-related costs, a perpetual care funding obligation, net gains on dispositions and unusual tax adjustments. The Company is presenting adjusted earnings in the table below to eliminate the effects of the specified items.

 

     Three Months Ended April 30,      Six Months Ended April 30,  
     2013      2012      2013     2012  
Adjusted Balances are Net of Tax    millions      per share      millions     per share      millions     per share     millions     per share  

Consolidated net earnings

   $ 11.9      $ .14      $ 8.7     $ .10      $ 27.4     $ .32     $ 17.3     $ .20  

Add: Loss from discontinued operations

     —           —           0.9       .01        —          —          1.2       .01  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     11.9        .14        9.6       .11        27.4       .32       18.5       .21  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Add: Non-cash interest expense on senior convertible notes (1)

     0.6        .01        0.6       —           1.3       .02       1.2       .01  

Add: Restructuring and other charges (2)

     —           —           1.6       .02        —          —          1.6       .02  

Add: Merger-related costs (3)

     0.4        —           —          —           0.4       —          —          —     

Add: Perpetual care funding obligation (4)

     —           —           —          —           —          —          0.4       —     

Subtract: Net gain on dispositions (5)

     —           —           —          —           (0.4     (.01     (0.2     —     

Subtract: Unusual tax adjustments (6)

     —           —           (0.4     —           (2.7     (.03     (1.0     (.01
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings from continuing operations

   $ 12.9      $ .15      $ 11.4     $ .13      $ 26.0     $ .30     $ 20.5     $ .23  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Effective November 1, 2009, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance that relates to the Company’s senior convertible notes, which has been applied retrospectively in the Company’s financial statements. For additional information, see Note 3 to the financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2012. The tax rate associated with the interest expense related to the Company’s senior convertible notes was 38.0 percent for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012.

(2) 

The Company recorded $2.5 million in restructuring and other charges during the second quarter of 2012. This charge was primarily related to separation pay, termination benefits and a non-cash asset impairment due in part to the restructuring of the sales and operations of the organization, along with a reduction in workforce associated with the Company’s continuous improvement initiative. The tax rate associated with this charge for the three and six months ended April 30, 2012 was 38.0 percent.

(3) 

On May 29, 2013, the Company announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with SCI. Pursuant to the agreement, holders of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock will receive $13.25 in cash for each share of common stock they hold. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Company’s shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The proposed transaction is expected to close in late calendar year 2013 or early 2014. During the three months ended April 30, 2013, the Company incurred $0.6 million in merger-related costs which consist primarily of financial advisory and legal fees. The tax rate associated with the Company’s merger-related costs for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 was 38.0 percent.

(4) 

As a result of Eastman Kodak’s bankruptcy, the Company recorded a charge to record a probable funding obligation related to the Company’s perpetual care trusts during the first quarter of 2012. The tax rate associated with the Company’s adjustment for the perpetual care funding obligation for the six months ended April 30, 2013 was 38.0 percent.

(5) 

The tax rate associated with the Company’s adjustment for the net gain on dispositions for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012 was 38.0 percent.

(6) 

For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and the three and six months ended April 30, 2012, the Company recorded a reduction in the tax valuation allowance, primarily resulting from the improved performance of the Company’s trust portfolio.

 

11


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED APRIL 30, 2013 AND 2012

(Unaudited)

 

Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures. Management believes that free cash flow is a useful measure of the Company’s ability to make strategic investments, repurchase stock, repay debt or pay dividends (subject to the restrictions in its debt agreements). The following table provides a reconciliation between net cash provided by operating activities (the GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is most directly comparable to free cash flow) and free cash flow for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

Free Cash Flow    Three Months Ended
April  30,
    Six Months Ended
April  30,
 
(Dollars in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Net cash provided by operating activities (1)

   $ 33.2     $ 20.7     $ 45.0     $ 28.5  

Less: Maintenance capital expenditures

     (3.3     (3.8     (8.5     (7.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   $ 29.9     $ 16.9     $ 36.5     $ 20.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Cash flow provided by operating activities for the second quarter of fiscal year 2013 was $33.2 million compared to $20.7 million for the same period of last year. During the second quarter of 2013, the Company generated a $3.1 million improvement in net earnings. In addition, the Company experienced a change in working capital, partly driven by a $7.5 million decrease in receivables due in part to the decline in preneed funeral and cemetery property sales, which are typically financed and for which the Company has tightened the sales terms.

Cash flow provided by operating activities for the first six months of fiscal 2013 was $45.0 million compared to $28.5 million for fiscal year 2012. For the first six months of fiscal year 2013, the Company generated a $10.0 million improvement in net earnings. In addition, the Company experienced a change in working capital, partly driven by a $4.4 million decrease in receivables due in part to the decline in preneed funeral and cemetery property sales, which are typically financed and a $3.3 million decline in spending on cemetery development projects. These changes were partially offset by the timing of trust withdrawals and deposits.

 

12


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED APRIL 30, 2013 AND 2012

(Unaudited)

 

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings from continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, perpetual care funding obligations, restructuring and other charges, merger-related costs, income taxes and less net gain on dispositions. Adjusted EBITDA margins are calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue.

Management believes that adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure for providing additional insight into the Company’s operating performance. Due to the Company’s significant cash investment in preneed activity, management does not view adjusted EBITDA as a measure of the Company’s cash flow. Investors should be aware that adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The following table provides a reconciliation between net earnings (the GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

Adjusted EBITDA    Three Months Ended
April  30,
    Six Months Ended
April  30,
 
(Dollars in millions)    2013     2012     2013     2012  

Consolidated net earnings

   $ 11.9     $ 8.7     $ 27.4     $ 17.3  

Add: Loss from discontinued operations

     —          0.9       —          1.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     11.9       9.6       27.4       18.5  

Add: Depreciation and amortization

     6.5       6.7       13.0       13.2  

Add: Interest expense

     6.0       5.8       11.9       11.7  

Add: Perpetual care funding obligation (1)

     —          —          —          0.6  

Add: Restructuring and other charges

     —          2.5       —          2.5  

Add: Merger-related costs

     0.6       —          0.6       —     

Add: Income taxes

     7.3       5.4       12.5       9.9  

Subtract: Net gain on dispositions

     —          —          (0.7     (0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 32.3     $ 30.0     $ 64.7     $ 56.1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

     24.1     22.6     24.0     21.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

As a result of Eastman Kodak’s bankruptcy, the Company recorded a charge to record a probable funding obligation related to the Company’s perpetual care trusts during the first quarter of 2012.

 

13


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS

This press release includes forward-looking statements that are generally identifiable through the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements rely on assumptions, estimates and predictions that could be inaccurate and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our goals or forecasts. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

effects on our trusts and escrow accounts of changes in stock and bond prices and interest and dividend rates;

 

effects of the substantial unrealized losses in the investments in our trusts, including:

 

  decreased future cash flow and earnings as a result of reduced earnings from our trusts and trust fund management;

 

  the potential to realize additional losses and additional cemetery perpetual care funding obligations and tax valuation allowances;

 

effects on at-need and preneed sales of a weak economy;

 

effects on revenue due to the changes in the number of deaths in our markets and recent annual declines in funeral call volume;

 

effects on our revenue and earnings of the continuing national trend toward increased cremation and the increases in the percentage of cremations performed by us that are inexpensive direct cremations;

 

effects on our future revenue and costs of our organizational restructuring designed to better integrate operations and sales, implemented primarily during the latter part of fiscal year 2012 and the beginning of fiscal year 2013;

 

effects on cash flow and earnings as a result of increased costs, particularly supply costs related to increases in commodity prices;

 

effects on our market share, prices, revenues and margins of intensified price competition or improved advertising and marketing by competitors, including low-cost casket providers and increased offerings of products or services over the Internet;

 

risk of loss due to hurricanes and other natural disasters;

 

effects of the call options the Company purchased and the warrants the Company sold on our Class A common stock and the effects of the outstanding warrants on the ownership interest of our current stockholders;

 

our ability to pay future dividends on our common stock;

 

the effects on us as a result of our industry’s complex accounting model;

 

the occurrence of any circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company related to the merger agreement; the inability to complete the transaction due to the failure to obtain shareholder approval or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the transaction, including the receipt of all regulatory approvals related to the transaction; the failure of SCI to obtain the necessary financing arrangements set forth in the commitment letter delivered pursuant to the merger agreement; the disruption of management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations due to the transaction; the effect of the announcement of the transaction on the Company’s relationships with its customers, operating results and business generally;

and other risks and uncertainties described in our Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2012 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2013, filed with the SEC. We disclaim any obligation or intent to update or revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

 

14


CONTACT:  

Lewis J. Derbes, Jr.

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.

1333 S. Clearview Parkway

Jefferson, LA 70121

504-729-1400

 

15