EDU New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc

BEIJING, Jan. 15 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc. (NYSE:EDU), the largest provider of private educational services in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2006, which is the second quarter for New Oriental's fiscal year 2007(1). Highlights for the Fiscal Quarter Ended November 30, 2006 -- Total net revenues increased by 32.9% year-over-year to RMB169.0 million (US$21.6 million) from RMB127.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. -- Net income increased to RMB8.2 million (US$1.0 million) from a net loss of RMB8.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, and income attributable to holders of common shares excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) increased to RMB16.2 million (US$2.1 million) from a net loss of RMB34.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. -- Basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB0.23 (US$0.03) and RMB0.22 (US$0.03), respectively. Excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP), basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB0.46 (US$0.06) and RMB0.44 (US$0.06), respectively. Each ADS represents four common shares. Common shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per ADS increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 due to 34.5 million new shares issued and sold by the company in its initial public offering during the quarter. -- Total student enrollments in language training and test preparation courses increased by 20.3% year-over-year to approximately 217,500 from approximately 180,800 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. -- Opened 2 new schools in the second quarter bringing the total number of schools and learning centers to 34 and 121 (including the 34 schools), respectively, as of November 30, 2006, up from 32 schools and 115 learning centers (including the 32 schools) as of August 31, 2006, respectively. 'During the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, we experienced continued strong growth in our student enrollments and net revenues enabling us to exceed our revenue guidance by a substantial margin,' said New Oriental's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Yu. 'In addition, we executed on our strategy of pursuing rapid organic growth by adding two new schools, North Star in Beijing marking New Oriental's entry into the fragmented professional certification test preparation market, and our second primary/secondary campus in Taixing, which is nearby our Yangzhou school.' New Oriental's Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Louis T. Hsieh, added, 'During the second fiscal quarter, we continued to improve our profitability by simultaneously growing our revenues and controlling our expenses. As we continue to expand our product offerings, student enrollments, and geographic footprint into new markets across China, we are confident that we will increasingly benefit from economies of scale going forward.' Mr. Hsieh noted that the second quarter of the Company's fiscal year is typically the slowest in terms of revenue as students are occupied with the beginning of the formal school year. 'We also used part of our IPO proceeds to clear remaining debt ensuring a sound financial base for future expansion,' added Mr. Hsieh. Financial Results for the Fiscal Quarter Ended November 30, 2006 For the second fiscal quarter of 2007, New Oriental reported net revenues of RMB169.0 million (US$21.6 million), representing a 32.9% increase year-over-year. Net revenues from educational programs and services for the second fiscal quarter were RMB152.0 million (US$19.4 million), representing a 32.5% increase year-over-year. The growth was mainly driven by the increase in the number of student enrollments in language training and test preparation courses. Total student enrollments in language training and test preparation courses in the second fiscal quarter of 2007 increased by 20.3% year-over-year to approximately 217,500 from approximately 180,800 in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Total operating costs and expenses for the quarter were RMB168.8 million (US$21.5 million), a 22.9% increase year-over-year. Cost of revenues increased by 40.5% year-over-year to RMB85.9 million (US$11.0 million), primarily due to the increased number of courses offered to a larger student base and the greater number of schools and learning centers in operation. Selling and marketing expenses increased by 90.8% year-over-year to RMB25.4 million (US$3.2 million), primarily due to a refinement in accounting process in allocating some of the personnel and other expenses which were included in our general and administrative expenses in the second fiscal quarter of 2006 to our selling and marketing expenses in the second fiscal quarter of 2007. General and administrative expenses decreased by 8.7% year-over-year to RMB57.5 million (US$7.3 million), primarily due to the implementation of the refined accounting process described above. Without such accounting reclassification, general and administrative expenses would have increased year-over-year. Total share-based compensation expenses, which were allocated to related operating costs and expenses, were RMB8.0 million (US$1.0 million) in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007. There were no share-based compensation expenses in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Operating margin for the quarter was 0.2%, compared to negative 8.0% in the corresponding period of the previous year. Excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP), operating margin for the quarter was 4.9%, compared to negative 8.0% in the corresponding period of the prior year. This increase was primarily due to the improved operating efficiency as revenue growth outpaced the growth in operating costs and expenses. Income for the quarter was RMB8.2 million (US$1.0 million) compared to a net loss of RMB8.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006. Basic and diluted earnings per share amounted to RMB0.06 (US$0.01) and RMB0.06 (US$0.01), respectively, and basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB0.23 (US$0.03) and RMB0.22 (US$0.03), respectively. Income attributable to holders of common shares excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) was RMB16.2 million (US$2.1 million). Basic and diluted earnings per ADS excluding share based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) were RMB0.46 (US$0.06) and RMB0.44 (US$0.06), respectively. Capital expenditures for the quarter were RMB7.6 million (US$1.0 million). As of November 30, 2006, New Oriental had cash and cash equivalents of RMB1,166.5 million (US$148.8 million), as compared to RMB294.9 million as of August 31, 2006. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to the net proceeds from our initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange on September 7, 2006. Net operating cash flow for the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 was RMB42.4 million (US$5.4 million). Financial Results for the Six Months Ended November 30, 2006 For the six months ended November 30, 2006 New Oriental reported net revenues of RMB598.4 million (US$76.4 million), representing a 31.8% increase year-over-year. Total student enrollments in language training and test preparation courses in the six months ended November 30, 2006 increased by 23.6% year-over-year to approximately 554,900 from approximately 448,900 in the six months ended November 30, 2005. Operating margin for the six months ended November 30, 2006 was 30.2%, compared to 18.8% for the six months ended November 30, 2005. Net income for the six months ended November 30, 2006 was RMB173.3 million (US$22.1 million), representing a 135.7% increase year-over-year. Basic and diluted earnings per ADS for the six months ended November 30, 2006 amounted to RMB5.72 (US$0.73) and RMB5.31 (US$0.68), respectively. Common shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per ADS increased in the second quarter of fiscal year 2007 due to 34.5 million new shares issued and sold by the company in its initial public offering during the quarter. Outlook for Fiscal Third Quarter 2007 New Oriental expects its total net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007 (December 1, 2006 to February 28, 2007) to be in the range of RMB202 million (US$25.8 million) to RMB212 million (US$27.1 million), representing year-over-year growth in the range of 19.8% to 25.8%, respectively. This forecast reflects New Oriental's current and preliminary view, which is subject to change. Conference Call Information New Oriental's management will host an earnings conference call at 8 AM on January 16, 2007 U.S. Eastern Time (9 PM on January 16, 2007 Beijing/Hong Kong time). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: US: +1-617-213-8055 Hong Kong +852-3002-1672 Please dial-in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call. The passcode is 'New Oriental earnings call.' A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until 11 AM on January 23, 2007 U.S. Eastern Time: International: +1-617-801-6888 Passcode: 38993793 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://investor.neworiental.org/ . About New Oriental New Oriental is the largest provider of private educational services in China based on the number of program offerings, total student enrollments and geographic presence. New Oriental offers a wide range of educational programs, services and products consisting primarily of English and other foreign language training, test preparation courses for major admissions and assessment tests in the United States, the PRC and Commonwealth countries, primary and secondary school education, development and distribution of educational content, software and other technology, and online education. New Oriental's ADSs, each of which represents four common shares, currently trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'EDU.' For more information about New Oriental, please visit http://english.neworiental.org/ . Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the 'safe harbor' provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as 'will,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'future,' 'intends,' 'plans,' 'believes,' 'estimates' and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for third quarter of fiscal year 2007 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as New Oriental's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. New Oriental may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about New Oriental's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: our growth strategies; our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; our ability to attract students without a significant decrease in course fees; our ability to continue to hire, train and retain qualified teachers; our ability to maintain and enhance our 'New Oriental' brand; our ability to effectively and efficiently manage the expansion of our school network and successfully execute our growth strategy; the outcome of ongoing, or any future, litigation or arbitration, including those relating to copyright and other intellectual property rights; competition in the private education sector in China; changes in our revenues and certain cost or expense items as a percentage of our revenues; the expected growth of the Chinese private education market; and Chinese governmental policies relating to private educational services and providers of such services. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our registration statement on Form F-1 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New Oriental does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of January 15, 2007, and New Oriental undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. About Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement New Oriental's consolidated financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, New Oriental uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC: net income excluding share-based compensation expenses and basic and diluted earnings per share and per ADS excluding share-based compensation expenses. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned 'Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures' set forth at the end of this release. New Oriental believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. New Oriental believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to New Oriental's historical performance and liquidity. New Oriental computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter. New Oriental believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of using non-GAAP net income excluding share-based compensation expenses, and basic and diluted earnings per share and per ADS excluding share-based compensation expenses is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation charge that has been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in our business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures. (1) This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of readers. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars for the entities with the functional currency of RMB are made at a rate of RMB7.834 to US$1.00, the effective noon buying rate as of November 30, 2006 in The City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) As of As of November 30 August 31 2006 2006 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB USD RMB ASSETS: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 1,166,510 148,766 294,948 Restricted cash 3,064 391 3,000 Term deposits -- -- 1,000 Accounts receivable, net 2,664 340 1,542 Inventory 40,758 5,203 43,174 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 43,692 5,577 42,974 Total current assets 1,256,688 160,277 386,638 Property, plant and equipment, net 708,269 90,410 712,312 Land use right, net 25,180 3,214 25,318 Deposit for acquiring property and equipment -- -- -- Amounts due from related parties 464 64 2,691 Deferred tax assets 8,996 1,148 3,870 Long term prepaid rent -- -- 1,038 Trade mark 1,637 209 1,637 Total assets 2,001,234 255,322 1,133,504 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable-trade 37,360 4,769 51,140 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 118,649 15,145 128,223 Income tax payable 21,041 2,686 18,413 Current portion of long-term debt -- -- 42,998 Amount due to related parties -- -- 162 Deferred revenue 182,651 23,315 135,728 Total current liabilities 359,701 45,915 376,664 Long-term debt, less current portion -- -- 64,445 Total long-term liabilities -- -- 64,445 Minority interest 2,023 258 200 Total liabilities 361,724 46,173 441,309 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Series A convertible preferred shares (US$ 0.01 par value; 11,111,111 shares authorized as of August 31, 2006; 11,111,111 and nil shares issued and outstanding as of August 31, 2006)(liquidation value US$22,500) -- -- 920 Common Shares (US$ 0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized as of August 31, 2006; 100,000,000 shares issued and outstanding as of August 31, 2006; 300,000,000 shares authorized and 145,611,111 shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2006) 11,940 1,456 8,277 Additional paid-in capital 1,264,475 158,440 315,208 Retained earnings 376,147 47,999 367,930 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain) (13,052) 1,254 (140) Total shareholders' equity 1,639,510 209,149 692,195 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 2,001,234 255,322 1,133,504 NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands except for per share and per ADS amounts) For the Three Months Ended November 30 2006 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB USD RMB Net Revenues: Educational Programs and services 151,967 19,398 114,714 Books and others 17,062 2,178 12,509 Total net revenues 169,029 21,576 127,223 Operating costs and expenses (note 1): Cost of revenues 85,903 10,965 61,142 Selling and marketing 25,409 3,243 13,314 General and administrative 57,456 7,332 62,909 Total operating costs and expenses 168,768 21,540 137,365 Operating income (loss) 261 36 (10,142) Other income (expenses), net 8,085 1,023 (2,185) Income tax expense (485) (62) 1,862 Minority interest, net of tax 356 45 -- Income from continuing operations 8,217 1,042 (10,465) Income on discontinued operations -- -- 1,784 Net Income 8,217 1,042 (8,681) Dividend in kind -- -- (25,526) Income attributable to holders of common shares 8,217 1,042 (34,207) Net income per share-basic 0.06 0.01 (0.34) Net income per share-diluted 0.06 0.01 (0.31) Net income per ADS-basic (note 2) 0.23 0.03 (1.36) Net income per ADS-diluted (note 2) 0.22 0.03 (1.24) Notes: Note 1: Share-based compensation expenses are included in the operating costs and expenses as follows: For the Three Months Ended November 30 2006 2005 Unaudited Unaudited RMB USD RMB Cost of revenues 209 27 -- Selling and marketing 118 15 -- General and administrative 7,698 983 -- Note 2: Each ADS represents four common shares NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands except for per share and per ADS amounts) For the Six Months Ended November 30 2006 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB USD RMB Net Revenues: Educational Programs and services 563,881 71,979 429,535 Books and others 34,481 4,401 24,530 Total net revenues 598,362 76,380 454,065 Operating costs and expenses (note 1): Cost of revenues 224,540 28,662 174,915 Selling and marketing 61,141 7,805 35,455 General and administrative 132,246 16,877 158,398 Total operating costs and expenses 417,927 53,344 368,768 Operating income (loss) 180,435 23,036 85,297 Other income (expenses), net 6,168 779 (5,321) Income tax expense (13,683) (1,747) (16,039) Minority interest, net of tax 356 45 (12) Income from continuing operations 173,276 22,113 63,925 Income on discontinued operations -- -- 9,595 Net Income 173,276 22,113 73,520 Dividend in kind -- -- (25,526) Income attributable to holders of common shares 173,276 22,113 47,994 Net income per share-basic 1.43 0.18 0.48 Net income per share-diluted 1.33 0.17 0.43 Net income per ADS-basic (note 2) 5.72 0.73 1.92 Net income per ADS-diluted (note 2) 5.31 0.68 1.73 Notes: Note 1: Share-based compensation expenses are included in the operating costs and expenses as follows: For the Six Months Ended November 30 2006 2005 Unaudited Unaudited RMB USD RMB Cost of revenues 352 45 65 Selling and marketing 217 28 793 General and administrative 13,145 1,678 25,367 Note 2: Each ADS represents four common shares NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THE MOST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES (In thousands except share and per ADS amounts) For the Three Months Ended November 30 2006 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB USD RMB GAAP net income 8,217 1,042 (8,681) Dividend in kind -- -- (25,526) GAAP income attributable to holders of common shares 8,217 1,042 (34,207) Share-based compensation expenses 8,025 1,025 -- Non-GAAP income attributable to holders of common shares 16,242 2,067 (34,207) GAAP net income per ADS - basic (note 1) 0.23 0.03 (1.36) GAAP net income per ADS - diluted (note 1) 0.22 0.03 (1.24) Non-GAAP net income per ADS - basic (note 1) 0.46 0.06 (1.36) Non-GAAP net income per ADS - diluted (note 1) 0.44 0.06 (1.24) Shares used in calculated basic net income per ADS (note 1) 142,603,785 142,603,785 100,000,000 Shares used in calculated diluted net income per ADS (note 1) 148,176,297 148,176,297 111,111,111 Note 1: Each ADS represents four common shares NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THE MOST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES (In thousands except share and per ADS amounts) For the Six Months Ended November 30 2006 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) RMB USD RMB GAAP net income 173,276 22,113 73,520 Dividend in kind -- -- (25,526) GAAP income attributable to holders of common shares 173,276 22,113 47,994 Share-based compensation expenses 13,714 1,751 26,225 Non-GAAP income attributable to holders of common shares 16,242 23,864 74,219 GAAP net income per ADS - basic (note 1) 5.72 0.73 1.92 GAAP net income per ADS - diluted (note 1) 5.31 0.68 1.73 Non-GAAP net income per ADS - basic (note 1) 6.17 0.79 2.97 Non-GAAP net income per ADS - diluted (note 1) 5.73 0.73 2.67 Shares used in calculated basic net income per ADS (note 1) 121,185,489 121,185,489 100,000,000 Shares used in calculated diluted net income per ADS (note 1) 130,565,761 130,565,761 111,111,111 Note 1: Each ADS represents four common shares For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: Ms. Sisi Zhao New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc. Tel: +86-10-6260-5566 x8203 Email: Mr. Rory Macpherson Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Tel: +86-10-8520-6553 Email: In the United States: Mr. Thomas Smith Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Tel: +1-212-880-5269 Email: DATASOURCE: New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc. CONTACT: In China -- Ms. Sisi Zhao of New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc., +86-10-6260-5566 x8203, or , or Mr. Rory Macpherson of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, +86-10-8520-6553, or ; or in the United States -- Mr. Thomas Smith of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, +1-212-880-5269, or , for EDU Web Site: http://english.neworiental.org/ http://investor.neworiental.org/

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