Capella Education Company Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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. Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $7,507 at September 30, 2017 and$6,682 at December 31, 2016 Common stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized shares — 100,000, Issued andOutstanding shares — 11,637 at September 30, 2017 and 11,545 at December 31, 2016 CAPELLA EDUCATION COMPANY
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