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EX-99.2 - EXHIBIT 99.2 - CAPELLA EDUCATION COex992.htm


Exhibit 99.1
NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            

Investor Contact:
Heide Erickson
Capella Education Company
612.977.5172
Heide.Erickson@capella.edu

Media Contact:
Mike Buttry
Capella Education Company
612.977.5499
Mike.Buttry@capella.edu

Capella Education Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 11, 2016 - Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), a provider of online post-secondary education, primarily through its wholly owned subsidiary Capella University, today announced financial results for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2015.

“2015 was a solid year for Capella,” said Kevin Gilligan, chairman and chief executive officer. “We achieved our fourth consecutive year of new enrollment growth and our second consecutive year of annual total enrollment and revenue growth. To position Capella for accelerated growth, we are extending our competency-based learning and assessment capabilities to more aggressively pursue evolving market opportunities, including the flexible degree and non-degree markets.”

For the three months ended Dec. 31, 2015:

Revenues were $109.5 million, compared to $108.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, an increase of 1.0 percent.
Capella University total active enrollment increased 1.8 percent to 36,976, new enrollment decreased by 5.6 percent from fourth quarter 2014 and early cohort persistence improved by approximately 2 percent.
Operating income was $19.7 million, compared to $20.3 million for the same period in 2014. Operating margin was 18.0 percent, compared to 18.7 percent for the fourth quarter 2014.
Net income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $11.6 million, compared to $12.3 million for the same period in 2014.
Net income per diluted share was $0.96, compared to $0.99 for the same period in 2014.

For the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2015:

Revenues increased by 2.0 percent to $430.3 million, compared to $422.0 million for the same period in 2014.





Operating income for 2015 was $67.0 million, or 15.6 percent of revenue, compared to $64.1 million, or 15.2 percent of revenue during 2014, including second quarter 2014 lease amendment charges of approximately $2.7 million, or 0.6 percent of annual revenue.
Net income was $40.2 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, compared to $37.9 million, or $3.03 per diluted share for 2014.
Capella University average quarterly total enrollment increased by 3.7 percent, new enrollment increased by 3.4 percent from 2014 and early cohort persistence improved by approximately 2 percent.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

As of Dec. 31, 2015, the Company had cash and marketable securities of $161.2 million, compared to $167.1 million at Dec. 31, 2014, and no debt for the same periods.

Cash flow from operating activities for 2015 was $60.3 million compared to $65.2 million in 2014.

Dividend and Share Repurchases

The company announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.39 per outstanding share of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2015. The dividend was paid on Jan. 15, 2016.

The Company repurchased approximately 485,000 shares of Capella stock for total consideration of $26.0 million in fiscal year 2015. In the fourth quarter 2015, the Company repurchased approximately 155,000 shares of Capella stock for total consideration of $7.5 million. The remaining authorization as of the end of the fourth quarter was $56.0 million.

Outlook

Earlier today Capella announced the planned divestiture of Arden University.

“We are proud of how Arden University has aligned with our high standards for academic quality and believe it is well positioned in the UK market, having received Taught Degree Awarding Powers in 2014 and university title in 2015,” said Kevin Gilligan, chairman and chief executive officer. “By focusing on our FlexPath programs and opportunities in the non-degree market in the U.S., we believe we will better position Capella for sustained growth.”

The outlook for the first quarter of 2016 excludes Arden University results in both expectations and comparisons to the first quarter of 2015. Annual 2015 income statements excluding Arden University are attached to this news release, and quarterly and annual 2015 and annual 2014 income statements excluding Arden University are available at Capellaeducation.com in the investor relations section under financial information and attached to the current report on form 8-K the Company filed today.

For the first quarter ending March 31, 2016, Capella University new enrollment is expected to be down slightly year-over-year and total enrollment is expected to grow about 1.5 to 2.5 percent year-over-year. Consolidated revenue is expected to be about flat to down 1 percent compared to first quarter 2015 and consolidated operating margin is anticipated to be approximately 14.5 to 15.5 percent of total revenue for the first quarter of 2016, excluding Arden University.

“A key goal for Capella University in 2016 is to deliver annual new and total enrollment growth,” said Steve Polacek, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “In addition, we are accelerating investments in growth opportunities that we believe create a higher return for our shareholders.”






Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this news release does not relate to historical financial information, including statements relating to future prospects and expectations regarding our growth, revenues, enrollment, and operating performance, and should be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available at the time those statements are made or management's good faith belief as of that time with regard to future events, and should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from historical results and from results presently anticipated or projected. The company undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements.

Among these risks and uncertainties are any failure to materially comply with the extensive regulatory framework applicable to us, including compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act and the regulations thereunder; complying with U.S. Department of Education rules, including those regarding incentive compensation and gainful employment disclosures, certifications and program requirements; maintaining our business in accordance with regional and specialized accreditation standards and state regulatory and program approval requirements; adapting to changes in the administration, funding and availability for Title IV programs; any governmental review of our business, marketing, or financial aid practices, including by any state attorneys general, the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education or other state regulatory bodies; successfully growing our FlexPath programs; maintaining and expanding existing commercial relationships with employers and developing new employer and business partner relationships; successfully managing our PhD completion efforts; improving our conversion rate and effectively leveraging our brand-driven marketing strategy; keeping up with advances in technology important to the online learner experience; effectively managing data security risks; improving our learner persistence and cohort retention rate; and managing risks associated with the overall competitive environment and general economic conditions.

Other factors that could cause the company’s results to differ materially from those contained in its forward-looking statements include those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and any updates or developments described in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents the company files with the SEC.      
  
Conference Call

Capella will discuss its fourth quarter 2015 results and outlook during a conference call scheduled today, Feb. 11, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time (ET). To participate in the live call, investors should dial 800.794.6623 (domestic) or 785.424.1227 (international) at 8:50 a.m. (ET), conference ID# 8176. The webcast, including the accompanying presentation, will be available on the Capella Education Company Web site at www.capellaeducation.com in the investor relations section. A replay of the call will be available starting on Feb. 11 through Feb. 18, 2016, at 800.839.2670 (domestic) or 402.220.7230 (international), conference ID# 8176. It will also be archived at www.capellaeducation.com in the investor relations section.

About Capella Education Company

Founded in 1991, Capella Education Company (http://www.capellaeducation.com) is a leader in online education, primarily through our wholly owned subsidiary Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), a





regionally accredited* online university with approximately 37,000 learners as of Dec. 31, 2015. In addition, Capella Education Company offers online education through Arden University Ltd., formerly called Resource Development International Ltd. (RDI) (http://arden.ac.uk/), an independent provider of United Kingdom (UK) university distance learning qualifications. Capella Education Company also owns Sophia (http://www.sophia.org), an innovative learning platform leveraging technology to support self-paced learning, and Capella Learning Solutions (CLS) which provides online non-degree, high-demand, job-ready skills, training solutions and services to individuals and corporate partners.

*Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. 

# # #







CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value)
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
88,027

 
$
94,003

Marketable securities, current
27,522

 
29,619

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $6,706 at December 31, 2015 and $6,558 at December 31, 2014
19,136

 
17,902

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
14,581

 
9,007

Total current assets
149,266

 
150,531

Marketable securities, non-current
45,679

 
43,430

Property and equipment, net
34,762

 
37,246

Goodwill
16,872

 
16,961

Intangibles, net
1,389

 
1,927

Other assets
2,387

 
1,453

Total assets
$
250,355

 
$
251,548

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
2,275

 
$
6,832

Accrued liabilities
26,177

 
23,410

Dividends payable
4,824

 
4,622

Income taxes payable

 
709

Deferred revenue
12,763

 
11,718

Total current liabilities
46,039

 
47,291

Deferred rent
1,874

 
2,440

Other liabilities
3,061

 
3,698

Deferred income taxes
1,502

 
3,085

Total liabilities
52,476

 
56,514

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 100,000; Issued and Outstanding shares — 11,824 at December 31, 2015 and 12,243 at December 31, 2014
118

 
122

Additional paid-in capital
114,849

 
112,417

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(272
)
 
(335
)
Retained earnings
83,184

 
82,830

Total shareholders’ equity
197,879

 
195,034

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
250,355

 
$
251,548









CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
2015

2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues
$
109,475


$
108,442

 
$
430,267

 
$
421,967

Costs and expenses:



 
 
 
 
Instructional costs and services
47,201


45,530

 
189,852

 
185,503

Marketing and promotional
25,255


25,407

 
104,413

 
99,790

Admissions advisory
7,246


6,950

 
29,193

 
28,042

General and administrative
10,103


10,243

 
39,776

 
41,847

Lease amendment charges



 

 
2,690

Total costs and expenses
89,805


88,130

 
363,234

 
357,872

Operating income
19,670


20,312

 
67,033

 
64,095

Other expense, net
(150
)

(166
)
 
(218
)
 
(725
)
Income before income taxes
19,520


20,146

 
66,815

 
63,370

Income tax expense
7,872


7,821

 
26,627

 
25,427

Net income
$
11,648


$
12,325

 
$
40,188

 
$
37,943

Net income per common share:



 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.98


$
1.01

 
$
3.33

 
$
3.09

Diluted
$
0.96


$
0.99

 
$
3.27

 
$
3.03

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:



 
 
 
 
Basic
11,881


12,242

 
12,079

 
12,286

Diluted
12,087


12,508

 
12,301

 
12,535

Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.39


$
0.37

 
$
1.50

 
$
1.42









CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
40,188

 
$
37,943

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for bad debts
14,343

 
14,848

Depreciation and amortization
22,673

 
23,798

Amortization of investment discount/premium, net
2,293

 
1,843

Impairment of property and equipment
896

 
277

Loss on disposal of property and equipment
64

 
69

Share-based compensation
6,594

 
5,129

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
(439
)
 
(547
)
Deferred income taxes
(1,602
)
 
(317
)
Payment of contingent consideration

 
(906
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(15,614
)
 
(15,843
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(3,374
)
 
(754
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(3,313
)
 
(3,582
)
Income taxes payable
(2,988
)
 
3,000

Deferred rent
(566
)
 
(781
)
Deferred revenue
1,172

 
1,011

Net cash provided by operating activities
60,327

 
65,188

Investing activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(20,641
)
 
(20,584
)
Investment in partnership interest
(934
)
 
(1,453
)
Purchases of marketable securities
(32,640
)
 
(64,308
)
Maturities of marketable securities
30,175

 
25,415

Net cash used in investing activities
(24,040
)
 
(60,930
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
439

 
547

Net proceeds from exercise of stock options
1,337

 
5,599

Payment of dividends
(18,012
)
 
(17,256
)
Repurchases of common stock
(26,006
)
 
(17,299
)
Payment of contingent consideration

 
(5,945
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(42,242
)
 
(34,354
)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash
(21
)
 
2

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(5,976
)
 
(30,094
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
94,003

 
124,097

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
88,027

 
$
94,003

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
$
31,171

 
$
23,061

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
854

 
$
863

Declaration of cash dividend to be paid
$
4,646

 
$
4,587








CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
Other Information
 
December 31,
 
 
Enrollment by Degree (a):
2015
 
2014
 
% Change
Doctoral
9,645

 
10,100

 
(4.5
)%
Master's
16,882

 
15,700

 
7.5
 %
Bachelor's
9,454

 
9,500

 
(0.5
)%
Other
995

 
1,009

 
(1.4
)%
Total
36,976

 
36,309

 
1.8
 %

(a) Enrollment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 is the enrollment as of the last day of classes for the quarter ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.





CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Non-GAAP Pro-Forma Statement of Income and Earnings per Common Share
Year-Ended December 31, 2015
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Non-GAAP Income Statement and Earnings Per Common Share:
The non-GAAP pro-forma income statement and earnings per common share are non-GAAP financial measures consisting of the consolidated income statement and earnings per common share excluding the impact of Arden University for the year-ended December 31, 2015. The following table provides a reconciliation of the consolidated income statement and earnings per common share, the most directly comparable GAAP to non-GAAP measures. Quarterly schedules for 2015 are available on our website at www.capellaeducation.com in the Investor Relations section under Financial Information.

 
Capella Education Company (GAAP)
 
Arden University (Non-GAAP) Adjustments
 
Capella Education Company (excluding Arden University)
 
Year-Ended
 
Year-Ended
 
Year-Ended
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2015
Revenues
$
430,267

 
$
(13,718
)
 
$
416,549

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Instructional costs and services
189,852

 
(6,969
)
 
182,883

Marketing and promotional
104,413

 
(4,784
)
 
99,629

Admissions advisory
29,193

 
(987
)
 
28,206

General and administrative
39,776

 
(4,278
)
 
35,498

Total costs and expenses
363,234

 
(17,018
)
 
346,216

Operating income
67,033

 
3,300

 
70,333

Other expense, net
(218
)
 
85

 
(133
)
Income before income taxes
66,815

 
3,385

 
70,200

Income tax expense
26,627

 
(64
)
 
26,563

Net income
$
40,188

 
$
3,449

 
$
43,637

Net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
3.33

 
$
0.29

 
$
3.61

Diluted
$
3.27

 
$
0.28

 
$
3.55

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
12,079

 
 
 
12,079

Diluted
12,301

 
 
 
12,301