Solid performance in 2016; positioned for continued growth in 2017

Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), a leading educational services company, today announced financial results for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2016.

“We delivered solid results in 2016 and made significant progress in executing our vision of providing the most direct path between learning and employment,” said Kevin Gilligan, chairman and chief executive officer. “We believe our ‘most direct path’ innovations, including our flexible degree and job-ready skills offerings, will drive long-term growth by expanding our addressable market, creating new sources of revenue, and better positioning us to deliver differentiated value to both consumers and employers.”

Results for the three months and year ended Dec. 31, 2016, and comparisons to previous periods, are for consolidated Capella Education Company continuing operations. Included in consolidated results are Hackbright Academy and DevMountain operations from their acquisition dates of April 22 and May 4, 2016, respectively. The sale of Arden University was completed on Aug. 18, 2016 with results presented as discontinued operations.

Selected Financial Data for the Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2016

Revenues were $111.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, up 4.9 percent compared to $106.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Operating income was $18.3 million, compared to $20.5 million for the same period in 2015. The operating margin was 16.4 percent, compared to 19.3 percent for the fourth quarter 2015. Diluted net income per common share from continuing operations was $0.97, compared to $1.05 for the same period in 2015.

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, revenues were $109.4 million, up 3.1 percent compared to $106.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. The operating margin was 18.9 percent, compared to 21.0 percent. Results are primarily attributable to Capella University.
  • Capella University total active enrollment increased 2.5 percent to 37,882 learners, new enrollment decreased by 1.1 percent compared to fourth quarter 2015, and early cohort persistence improved by approximately 5 percent.
  • Revenues for the Job-Ready Skills segment were $1.9 million compared to $0.02 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. The operating loss was $2.4 million, compared to $1.8 million.

Selected Financial Data for the Fiscal Year Ended Dec. 31, 2016

Revenues were $429.4 million in fiscal year 2016, up 3.1 percent compared to $416.5 million in 2015. Operating income was $68.2 million, compared to $70.3 million for the same period in 2015. The operating margin was 15.9 percent, compared to 16.9 percent in 2015. Diluted net income per common share from continuing operations was $3.58, compared to $3.55 for the same period in 2015.

Operating and Segment Highlights

  • For the Post-Secondary segment, fiscal year 2016 revenues were $424.1 million, up 2.0 percent compared to $416.0 million in 2015. The operating margin was 18.1 percent, compared to 17.6 percent in 2015. Results are primarily attributable to Capella University.
  • Capella University average quarterly total enrollment increased by 2.5 percent, new enrollment decreased by 0.9 percent from 2015, and early cohort persistence improved by approximately 5 percent.
  • Revenues for the Job-Ready Skills segment were $5.3 million compared to $0.6 million in 2015. The operating loss was $8.7 million in 2016, compared to $2.9 million for 2015.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

At Dec. 31, 2016, Capella Education Company had cash and marketable securities of $162.3 million, compared to $159.3 million at Dec. 31, 2015, and no debt as of these dates.

Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations for 2016 was $85.1 million compared to $59.9 million in 2015. A portion of the year-over-year increase in 2016 was due to $13.6 million of cash received as an incentive to extend the lease for our headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.

Dividend and Share Repurchases

The company announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.41 per outstanding share of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2016. The dividend was paid on Jan. 13, 2017.

The Company repurchased approximately 488,000 shares of Capella stock for total consideration of $25.6 million in fiscal year 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2016, Capella Education Company repurchased approximately 51,000 shares of Capella stock for total consideration of $3.1 million. The remaining authorization as of the end of the fourth quarter was $30.4 million.

Outlook

For the first quarter ending March 31, 2017, consolidated revenues for Capella Education Company are expected to be up 5.0 to 6.0 percent compared to first quarter 2016. Consolidated operating margin is anticipated to be approximately 14.5 to 15.5 percent of total revenue for the first quarter of 2017. Capella University new enrollment is expected to be up in the low-single digit percentage range year-over-year and total enrollment is expected to be up about 1 percent year-over-year.

For the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2017, consolidated revenues for Capella Education Company are expected to increase 3 to 5 percent year-over-year and operating margins are expected to be similar to fiscal 2016 due to expected investments in advance of accelerated revenue growth.

“We are particularly pleased with achieving five consecutive years of strong learner success improvements, which was the primary driver for total enrollment growth in 2016,” said Steve Polacek, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “We are in a strong financial position and are managing our investments thoughtfully with the goal of driving accelerated growth.”

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; 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; 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, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2016 and other documents the company files with the SEC.

Conference Call

Capella will discuss its fourth quarter 2016 results and outlook during a conference call scheduled today, Feb. 14, 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 Feb. 14 through Feb. 21, 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 December 31, 2016     As of December 31, 2015 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 93,570 $ 86,104 Marketable securities, current 45,458 27,522 Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $6,682 at December 31, 2016 and $6,340 at December 31, 2015 20,708 17,081 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 17,877 14,308 Currents assets of business held for sale   —     4,251   Total current assets 177,613 149,266 Marketable securities, non-current 23,320 45,679 Property and equipment, net 34,121 34,306 Goodwill 23,310 — Intangibles, net 9,221 — Deferred income taxes 1,853 — Other assets 7,875 2,397 Noncurrent assets of business held for sale   —     18,707   Total assets $ 277,313   $ 250,355   LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 4,367 $ 1,470 Accrued liabilities 31,302 23,658 Dividends payable 4,945 4,824 Deferred revenue 12,398 7,796 Current liabilities of business held for sale   —     8,291   Total current liabilities 53,012 46,039 Deferred rent 13,693 1,874 Other liabilities 2,316 3,061 Deferred income taxes   —     1,502   Total liabilities 69,021 52,476 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 100,000; Issued and Outstanding shares — 11,545 at December 31, 2016 and 11,824 at December 31, 2015 115 118 Additional paid-in capital 121,581 114,849 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (93 ) (272 ) Retained earnings   86,689     83,184   Total shareholders’ equity   208,292     197,879   Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 277,313   $ 250,355       CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY   Consolidated Statements of Income (In thousands, except per share amounts)       Three Months Ended December 31,     Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016     2015 2016     2015 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Revenues $ 111,308 $ 106,129 $ 429,390 $ 416,548 Costs and expenses: Instructional costs and services 47,526 45,575 185,995 182,883 Marketing and promotional 27,319 23,971 103,458 99,629 Admissions advisory 7,176 6,996 29,292 28,206 General and administrative   11,027     9,055     42,438   35,498   Total costs and expenses   93,048     85,597       361,183   346,216   Operating income 18,260 20,532 68,207 70,332 Other income (expense), net   98     (105 )     177   (133 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 18,358 20,427 68,384 70,199 Income tax expense   6,891     7,734     25,980   26,569   Income from continuing operations 11,467 12,693 42,404 43,630 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax   (41 )   (1,045 )   565   (3,442 ) Net income $ 11,426   $ 11,648   $ 42,969 $ 40,188   Basic net income (loss) per common share: Continuing operations 1.00 1.07 3.65 3.61 Discontinued operations   (0.01 )   (0.09 )   0.05   (0.28 ) Basic net income per common share $ 0.99   $ 0.98   $ 3.70 $ 3.33   Diluted net income (loss) per common share Continuing operations 0.97 1.05 3.58 3.55 Discontinued operations   —     (0.09 )   0.04   (0.28 ) Diluted net income per common share $ 0.97   $ 0.96   $ 3.62 $ 3.27   Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Basic 11,517 11,881 11,614 12,079 Diluted 11,812 12,087 11,856 12,301 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.41 $ 0.39 $ 1.58 $ 1.50     CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands)     Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016     2015 (Unaudited) Operating activities Net income $ 42,969 $ 40,188 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax   565     (3,442 ) Income from continuing operations 42,404 43,630 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for bad debts 10,663 14,275 Depreciation and amortization 21,343 21,917 Amortization of investment discount/premium, net 2,129 2,293 Impairment of property and equipment 442 896 Loss on disposal of property and equipment 164 64 Share-based compensation 6,422 6,594 Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (1,136 ) (439 ) Deferred income taxes (4,280 ) (1,641 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from business acquisitions: Accounts receivable (13,568 ) (15,150 ) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (470 ) (7,162 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 8,132 (3,344 ) Income taxes payable (2,823 ) (2,980 ) Deferred rent 11,819 (566 ) Deferred revenue   3,902     1,540   Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations 85,143 59,927 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations   (2,874 )   400   Net cash provided by operating activities 82,269 60,327 Investing activities Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (32,101 ) — Capital expenditures (20,908 ) (20,417 ) Investment in partnership interests (3,551 ) (934 ) Purchases of marketable securities (29,216 ) (32,640 ) Maturities of marketable securities   31,430     30,175   Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations (54,346 ) (23,816 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities - discontinued operations   15,032     (224 ) Net cash used in investing activities (39,314 ) (24,040 ) Financing activities Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation 1,136 439 Net proceeds from exercise of stock options 5,363 1,337 Payment of dividends (18,254 ) (18,012 ) Repurchases of common stock   (25,633 )   (26,006 ) Net cash used in financing activities - continuing operations (37,388 ) (42,242 ) Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash   (24 )   (21 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 5,543 (5,976 ) Cash and cash equivalents and cash of business held for sale at beginning of year   88,027     94,003   Cash and cash equivalents and cash of business held for sale at end of year 93,570 88,027 Less cash of business held for sale at end of year   —     (1,923 ) Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 93,570   $ 86,104   Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Income taxes paid $ 33,093 $ 31,171 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 784 $ 854 Declaration of cash dividend to be paid 4,785 4,646 Receivable due from sale of business 3,084 —     CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY   Segment Reporting (In thousands)       Three Months Ended     Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2016     2015 2016     2015 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Revenues Post-Secondary $ 109,381 $ 106,108 $ 424,085 $ 415,964 Job-Ready Skills   1,927     21     5,305     584   Consolidated revenues $ 111,308   $ 106,129   $ 429,390   $ 416,548   Operating income (loss) Post-Secondary 20,680 22,289 76,935 73,248 Job-Ready Skills   (2,420 )   (1,757 )   (8,728 )   (2,916 ) Consolidated operating income 18,260 20,532 68,207 70,332 Other income (expense), net   98     (105 )   177     (133 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 18,358   $ 20,427   $ 68,384   $ 70,199    

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.

Quarterly revenues and operating income (loss) by reportable segment for 2015 and prior quarters of 2016 can be found at the Capella Education Company website at www.capellaeducation.com, under ‘Investor Relations’, within the ‘Financial Information’ section in the ‘Fiscal Year & Quarterly Results’ spreadsheet.

  CAPELLA UNIVERSITY   Other Information         December 31, Capella University Enrollment by Degree (a):

   2016   

   

   2015   

 % Change 

Doctoral 9,110 9,645 (5.5 )% Master's 17,865 16,882 5.8

 %

Bachelor's 9,791 9,454 3.6

 %

Other 1,116 995 12.2

 %

Total 37,882 36,976 2.5

 %

 

(a) Enrollment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is the enrollment as of the last day of classes for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Capella Education CompanyInvestor Contact:Heide Erickson, 612-977-5172Heide.Erickson@capella.eduorMedia Contact:Mike Buttry, 612-977-5499Mike.Buttry@capella.edu

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