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Exhibit 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
capellagraphic1a01a09.jpg

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 Second Quarter 2017 Results
Second quarter 2017 financial performance within expectations

MINNEAPOLIS, July 25, 2017 - Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), a leading educational services company, today announced financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

“Our financial performance in the second quarter of 2017 was within expectations,” said Kevin Gilligan, chairman and chief executive officer. “New enrollment performance was softer than expected, and we have taken actions directed at restoring new enrollment growth in the second half of 2017. We believe that our strategy of delivering the most direct path between learning and employment positions us to create a differentiated value proposition for learners and employers and to create shareholder value.”

Selected Financial Data for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017

Revenues were $109.6 million in the second quarter of 2017, up 2.7 percent compared to $106.7 million in the second quarter of 2016. Operating income was $15.4 million, compared to $18.1 million for the same period in 2016. The operating margin was 14.0 percent, compared to 16.9 percent for the second quarter 2016. Diluted net income per common share from continuing operations was $0.90, compared to $0.93 for the same period in 2016.

Operating and Segment Highlights
 
The “Post-Secondary” segment is comprised of Capella University and Sophia Learning; the “Job-Ready Skills” segment consists of Capella Learning Solutions, Hackbright Academy and DevMountain.





For the Post-Secondary segment, second quarter 2017 revenues were $107.0 million, up 1.1 percent compared to $105.8 million in the same period a year ago. The operating margin was 16.6 percent, compared to 20.4 percent. Results are primarily attributable to Capella University.
Capella University total active enrollment decreased 1.7 percent to 37,588 learners, new enrollment decreased by 9.6 percent compared to second quarter 2016, and early cohort persistence improved by approximately 3 percent.
Revenues for the Job-Ready Skills segment were $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2017 compared to $0.9 million in the same period of 2016. The operating loss was $2.4 million in the second quarter 2017, compared to a loss of $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
 
At June 30, 2017, Capella Education Company had cash and marketable securities of $179.5 million, compared to $162.3 million at Dec. 31, 2016, and no debt as of these dates.

Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $35.3 million compared to $42.8 million in the same period a year ago.

Dividend
 
A quarterly cash dividend of $0.41 per outstanding share of common stock was declared during the second quarter of 2017. The dividend was paid on July 14, 2017.

Outlook

For the third quarter ending Sept. 30, 2017, consolidated revenues for Capella Education Company are expected to be up 2.0 to 3.0 percent compared to third quarter 2016. Consolidated operating margin is anticipated to be approximately 11.5 to 12.5 percent of total revenue. Capella University’s third quarter 2017 new enrollment growth is expected to be about flat year-over-year and total enrollment is expected to decline about one percent year-over-year.

For fiscal year 2017, we expect consolidated revenues for Capella Education Company to grow about 3.0 percent and consolidated operating margins to be about 15 percent.

“While we achieved our financial goals for the first half of 2017, Capella University’s second quarter enrollment performance has put pressure on our annual performance goals,” said Steve Polacek, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “We remain committed to making investments necessary to achieve our long-term growth potential.”

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, gainful employment, return of Title IV funds, borrower defenses to repayment, financial responsibility standards, state authorization, 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; successfully defending litigation and other claims; any governmental action or review of our business, marketing, or financial aid practices, including by any state attorneys general, the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education or other state or federal regulatory bodies; successfully growing our FlexPath programs; maintaining and expanding existing commercial relationships with employers and developing new employer and business partner relationships; improving our conversion rate and effectively optimizing our marketing strategy and spend; successfully managing our learner success, doctoral enrollment and degree completion efforts; keeping up with advances in technology important to the online learner experience; effectively managing data security risks; successfully integrating acquisitions; successfully growing Capella Learning Solutions’ new business lines; 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, or other documents the company files with the SEC. 
    
Conference Call

Capella will discuss its second quarter 2017 results and outlook during a conference call scheduled today, July 25, 2017, 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 July 25 through Aug. 1, 2017, 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

Capella Education Company (http://www.capellaeducation.com) is an educational services company that provides access to high-quality education through online postsecondary degree programs and job-ready skills offerings needed in today’s market. Capella’s portfolio of companies is dedicated to closing the skills gap by providing the most direct path between learning and employment.



# # #






CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value)
 
As of June 30, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
118,023

 
$
93,570

Marketable securities, current
42,940

 
45,458

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $6,198 at June 30, 2017 and $6,682 at December 31, 2016
20,676

 
20,708

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
11,308

 
17,877

Total current assets
192,947

 
177,613

Marketable securities, non-current
18,583

 
23,320

Property and equipment, net
35,793

 
34,121

Goodwill
23,331

 
23,310

Intangibles, net
8,827

 
9,221

Deferred income taxes

 
1,853

Other assets
7,821

 
7,875

Total assets
$
287,302

 
$
277,313

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
2,755

 
$
4,367

Accrued liabilities
24,300

 
31,302

Dividends payable
4,978

 
4,945

Deferred revenue
14,811

 
12,398

Total current liabilities
46,844

 
53,012

Deferred rent
12,957

 
13,693

Deferred income taxes
577

 

Other liabilities
2,087

 
2,316

Total liabilities
62,465

 
69,021

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 100,000, Issued and Outstanding shares — 11,672 at June 30, 2017 and 11,545 at December 31, 2016
117

 
115

Additional paid-in capital
125,806

 
121,581

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(3
)
 
(93
)
Retained earnings
98,917

 
86,689

Total shareholders’ equity
224,837

 
208,292

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
287,302

 
$
277,313









CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2017

2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues
$
109,584


$
106,725

 
$
221,372

 
$
212,173

Costs and expenses:


 
 

 

Instructional costs and services
48,369


45,502

 
96,781

 
90,813

Marketing and promotional
27,308


24,922

 
54,833

 
50,802

Admissions advisory
7,440


7,285

 
15,103

 
14,708

General and administrative
11,096


10,944

 
21,683

 
21,251

Total costs and expenses
94,213


88,653

 
188,400

 
177,574

Operating income
15,371


18,072

 
32,972

 
34,599

Other income, net
56


42

 
163

 
33

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
15,427


18,114

 
33,135

 
34,632

Income tax expense
4,672


7,040

 
11,209

 
13,282

Income from continuing operations
10,755


11,074

 
21,926

 
21,350

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
(1,379
)
 
95

 
(2,357
)
Net income
$
10,755

 
$
9,695

 
$
22,021

 
$
18,993

Basic net income (loss) per common share:


 
 
 
 
 
   Continuing operations
$
0.92


$
0.95

 
$
1.89

 
$
1.82

   Discontinued operations


(0.12
)
 
0.01

 
(0.20
)
Basic net income per common share
$
0.92

 
$
0.83

 
$
1.90

 
$
1.62

Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Continuing operations
$
0.90

 
$
0.93

 
$
1.83

 
$
1.79

   Discontinued operations

 
(0.11
)
 
0.01

 
(0.20
)
Diluted net income per common share
$
0.90

 
$
0.82

 
$
1.84

 
$
1.59

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:


 
 
 
 
 
Basic
11,644


11,648

 
11,602

 
11,701

Diluted
11,992


11,872

 
11,965

 
11,912

Cash dividend declared per common share
$
0.41


$
0.39

 
$
0.82

 
$
0.78









CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
Operating activities
 
Net income
$
22,021

 
$
18,993

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
95

 
(2,357
)
Income from continuing operations
21,926

 
21,350

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for bad debts
5,225

 
4,814

Depreciation and amortization
10,112

 
10,349

Amortization of investment discount/premium, net
855

 
1,113

Impairment of property and equipment
440

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment
243

 
144

Share-based compensation
3,479

 
4,432

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 
(348
)
Deferred income taxes
2,443

 
(352
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(5,194
)
 
(5,713
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
294

 
(4,522
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(9,470
)
 
6,492

Income taxes payable
3,219

 
929

Deferred rent
(735
)
 
(472
)
Deferred revenue
2,413

 
4,603

Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
35,250

 
42,819

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations
95

 
(476
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
35,345

 
42,343

Investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(32,118
)
Capital expenditures
(12,116
)
 
(9,977
)
Investment in partnership interest
(354
)
 
(3,203
)
Purchases of marketable securities
(29,456
)
 
(12,737
)
Maturities of marketable securities
35,995

 
13,625

Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations
(5,931
)
 
(44,410
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations
3,243

 
(74
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,688
)
 
(44,484
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
348

Net payments related to share-based award activities
1,273

 
1,551

Payment of dividends
(9,479
)
 
(9,214
)
Repurchases of common stock

 
(15,012
)
Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations
(8,206
)
 
(22,327
)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash
2

 
(9
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
24,453

 
(24,477
)
Cash and cash equivalents and cash of business held for sale at beginning of period
93,570

 
88,027

Cash and cash equivalents and cash of business held for sale at end of period
118,023

 
63,550

Less cash of business held for sale at end of period

 
(2,109
)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
118,023

 
$
61,441

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
$
5,562

 
$
12,703

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
741

 
$
342

Declaration of cash dividend to be paid
4,847

 
4,609






CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Segment Reporting
(In thousands)

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
106,974

 
$
105,789

 
$
216,455

 
$
211,216

     Job-Ready Skills
2,610

 
936

 
4,917

 
957

Consolidated Revenues
$
109,584

 
$
106,725

 
$
221,372

 
$
212,173

Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
17,754

 
$
21,566

 
$
38,005

 
$
39,285

     Job-Ready Skills
(2,383
)
 
(3,494
)
 
(5,033
)
 
(4,686
)
Consolidated operating income
15,371

 
18,072

 
32,972

 
34,599

Other income, net
56

 
42

 
163

 
33

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
$
15,427

 
$
18,114

 
$
33,135

 
$
34,632


Note: The summary of financial information by reportable segment above excludes the results of operations for Arden University, which are presented as discontinued operations in our Consolidated Statements of Income.  








CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
Other Information
 
June 30,
 
 
Capella University Enrollment by Degree (a):
2017
 
2016
 
% Change
Doctoral
9,052

 
9,729

 
(7.0
)%
Master's
17,714

 
17,706

 
 %
Bachelor's
9,760

 
9,798

 
(0.4
)%
Other
1,062

 
998

 
6.4
 %
Total
37,588

 
38,231

 
(1.7
)%

(a) Enrollment in the table above includes learners who are actively enrolled during the last month of the quarters ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.