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Exhibit 99.1
NEWS RELEASE
capellagraphic1a01a10.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 Third Quarter 2017 Results

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 30, 2017 - Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), a leading educational services company, today announced financial results for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2017. In a separate news release today, Strayer Education, Inc. (“Strayer”) (NASDAQ: STRA) and Capella Education Company (“Capella”) announced that they have agreed to combine in an all-stock merger of equals transaction creating a national leader in education innovation. Please refer to that release for details on the merger. The following commentary is just related to Capella’s financial results.

“We stabilized new enrollment trends for Capella University in the third quarter of 2017, and new enrollment growth trending into the fourth quarter is positive,” said Kevin Gilligan, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our goal is to position Capella for long-term sustainable growth by delivering the most direct path between learning and employment, differentiate our offerings with learners and employers, and create shareholder value.”

Selected Financial Data for the Three Months Ended Sept. 30, 2017

Revenues were $107.0 million in the third quarter of 2017, up 1.0 percent compared to $105.9 million in the third quarter of 2016. Operating income was $13.8 million, compared to $15.3 million for the same period in 2016. The operating margin was 12.9 percent, compared to 14.5 percent for the third quarter 2016. Diluted net income per common share from continuing operations was $0.73, compared to $0.81 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, third quarter 2017 revenues were $104.4 million, up 0.9 percent compared to $103.5 million in the same period a year ago. The operating margin was 15.5 percent in the third quarter 2017, compared to 16.4 percent in the third quarter of 2016. Results are primarily attributable to Capella University.
Capella University total active enrollment decreased 1.3 percent to 37,223 learners, new enrollment decreased by 2.1 percent compared to third quarter 2016, and early cohort persistence improved by approximately 2 percent.
Revenues for the Job-Ready Skills segment were $2.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $2.4 million in the same period of 2016. The operating loss was $2.4 million in the third quarter 2017, compared to a loss of $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2016.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

At Sept. 30, 2017, Capella Education Company had cash and marketable securities of $186.9 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 nine months ended Sept. 30, 2017 was $56.3 million compared to $76.8 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 third quarter of 2017. The dividend was paid on Oct. 13, 2017.

In the third quarter of 2017, Capella Education Company repurchased approximately 37,000 shares of Capella stock for total consideration of $2.5 million. The remaining authorization as of the end of the third quarter was $27.9 million.

Outlook
 
Due to the pending merger transaction, the Company is not providing a financial outlook at this time and has also suspended any prior guidance provided.

Conference Call

In light of the pending merger announced today, Oct. 30, 2017, the Company will not be discussing the third quarter 2017 financial results in an investor conference call. A conference call to discuss the merger announcement is scheduled for today, Oct. 30, 2017, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time (ET). To participate in the live call please dial 866.547.1509 (domestic) or 920.663.6208 (international) at 7:50 a.m. (ET), conference ID# 6889128. The live webcast and replay, including the accompanying presentation, will be available on the Capella Education Company Web site at www.capellaeducation.com in the investor relations section.

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. The company also faces risks and uncertainties relating to the proposed merger transaction with Strayer Education, Inc., including the ability to satisfy the conditions to consummation of the merger; the risk that required governmental and regulatory approvals may delay the merger transaction or result in the imposition of conditions that could cause the parties to abandon the merger transaction or materially impact the financial benefits of the transaction; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that the cost savings and anticipated synergies from the merger transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; disruption from the proposed merger transaction making it more difficult to maintain relationships with learners, employers, employees or suppliers; the diversion of management time on merger-related issues and the risk of shareholder class action lawsuits against the company, its management team and board of directors.

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.   
   
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 September 30, 2017
 
As of December 31, 2016
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
112,216

 
$
93,570

Marketable securities, current
55,113

 
45,458

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $7,507 at September 30, 2017 and $6,682 at December 31, 2016
22,981

 
20,708

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
9,488

 
17,877

Total current assets
199,798

 
177,613

Marketable securities, non-current
19,554

 
23,320

Property and equipment, net
36,510

 
34,121

Goodwill
23,331

 
23,310

Intangibles, net
8,665

 
9,221

Deferred income taxes

 
1,853

Other assets
8,853

 
7,875

Total assets
$
296,711

 
$
277,313

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
682

 
$
4,367

Accrued liabilities
30,323

 
31,302

Dividends payable
4,987

 
4,945

Deferred revenue
17,468

 
12,398

Total current liabilities
53,460

 
53,012

Deferred rent
12,641

 
13,693

Deferred income taxes
721

 

Other liabilities
2,017

 
2,316

Total liabilities
68,839

 
69,021

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 100,000, Issued and Outstanding shares — 11,637 at September 30, 2017 and 11,545 at December 31, 2016
116

 
115

Additional paid-in capital
127,056

 
121,581

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(16
)
 
(93
)
Retained earnings
100,716

 
86,689

Total shareholders’ equity
227,872

 
208,292

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
296,711

 
$
277,313









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

2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues
$
107,007


$
105,909

 
$
328,379

 
$
318,082

Costs and expenses:


 
 

 

Instructional costs and services
49,621


47,656

 
146,402

 
138,469

Marketing and promotional
26,660


25,338

 
81,493

 
76,140

Admissions advisory
7,112


7,408

 
22,215

 
22,116

General and administrative
9,852


10,159

 
31,535

 
31,410

Total costs and expenses
93,245


90,561

 
281,645

 
268,135

Operating income
13,762


15,348

 
46,734

 
49,947

Other income, net
229


46

 
392

 
79

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
13,991


15,394

 
47,126

 
50,026

Income tax expense
5,237


5,807

 
16,446

 
19,089

Income from continuing operations
8,754


9,587

 
30,680

 
30,937

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
2,963

 
95

 
606

Net income
$
8,754

 
$
12,550

 
$
30,775

 
$
31,543

Basic net income per common share:


 
 
 
 
 
   Continuing operations
$
0.75


$
0.83

 
$
2.64

 
$
2.66

   Discontinued operations


0.26

 
0.01

 
0.05

Basic net income per common share
$
0.75

 
$
1.09

 
$
2.65

 
$
2.71

Diluted net income per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Continuing operations
$
0.73

 
$
0.81

 
$
2.57

 
$
2.61

   Discontinued operations

 
0.25

 

 
0.05

Diluted net income per common share
$
0.73

 
$
1.06

 
$
2.57

 
$
2.66

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:


 
 
 
 
 
Basic
11,659


11,538

 
11,621

 
11,647

Diluted
11,936


11,790

 
11,955

 
11,872

Cash dividend declared per common share
$
0.41


$
0.39

 
$
1.23

 
$
1.17









CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
Operating activities
 
Net income
$
30,775

 
$
31,543

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
95

 
606

Income from continuing operations
30,680

 
30,937

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Provision for bad debts
9,267

 
7,686

Depreciation and amortization
14,936

 
15,751

Amortization of investment discount/premium, net
1,133

 
1,608

Impairment of property and equipment
440

 
404

Loss on disposal of property and equipment
380

 
143

Share-based compensation
5,184

 
5,434

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 
(378
)
Deferred income taxes
2,594

 
(5,016
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(11,541
)
 
(9,938
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
996

 
(1,603
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(6,031
)
 
7,863

Income taxes payable
4,280

 
4,058

Deferred rent
(1,052
)
 
12,193

Deferred revenue
5,069

 
7,692

Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations
56,335

 
76,834

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

 
(2,831
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
56,430

 
74,003

Investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(32,101
)
Capital expenditures
(17,763
)
 
(14,703
)
Investment in partnership interests
(868
)
 
(3,551
)
Purchases of marketable securities
(55,437
)
 
(21,810
)
Maturities of marketable securities
48,535

 
25,635

Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations
(25,533
)
 
(46,530
)
Net cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations
3,243

 
13,792

Net cash used in investing activities
(22,290
)
 
(32,738
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

 
378

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

 
2,339

Payment of dividends
(14,293
)
 
(13,756
)
Repurchases of common stock
(2,476
)
 
(22,517
)
Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations
(15,496
)
 
(33,556
)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash
2

 
(23
)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
18,646

 
7,686

Cash and cash equivalents and cash of business held for sale at beginning of period
93,570

 
88,027

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
112,216

 
$
95,713

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
$
9,575

 
$
20,044

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
609

 
$
523

Declaration of cash dividend to be paid
4,847

 
4,554

Repurchases of common stock included in accrued liabilities
21

 

Receivable due from sale of business

 
4,539






CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
Segment Reporting
(In thousands)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
104,373

 
$
103,488

 
$
320,828

 
$
314,704

     Job-Ready Skills
2,634

 
2,421

 
7,551

 
3,378

Consolidated Revenues
$
107,007

 
$
105,909

 
$
328,379

 
$
318,082

Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Post-Secondary
$
16,183

 
$
16,970

 
$
54,188

 
$
56,254

     Job-Ready Skills
(2,421
)
 
(1,622
)
 
(7,454
)
 
(6,307
)
Consolidated operating income
13,762

 
15,348

 
46,734

 
49,947

Other income, net
229

 
46

 
392

 
79

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
$
13,991

 
$
15,394

 
$
47,126

 
$
50,026


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
 
September 30,
 
 
Capella University Enrollment by Degree (a):
2017
 
2016
 
% Change
Doctoral
8,932

 
9,257

 
(3.5
)%
Master's
17,462

 
17,761

 
(1.7
)%
Bachelor's
9,752

 
9,644

 
1.1
 %
Other
1,077

 
1,046

 
3.0
 %
Total
37,223

 
37,708

 
(1.3
)%

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