(Source: Business Wire)

Strayer Education, Inc. (Nasdaq:STRA) today announced financial results
for the three months ended September 30, 2009. Financial highlights are
as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30
Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2009 increased 31%
to $114.4 million, compared to $87.0 million for the same period in
2008, due to increased enrollment and a 5% tuition increase which
commenced in January 2009.
Income from operations was $27.3 million compared to $18.3 million for
the same period in 2008, an increase of 49%. Operating income margin
was 23.8% compared to 21.0% for the same period in 2008.
Net income was $16.7 million compared to $11.8 million for the same
period in 2008, an increase of 42%. Diluted earnings per share was
$1.21 compared to $0.83 for the same period in 2008, an increase of
46%. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased to
13,780,000 from 14,240,000 for the same period in 2008.
Nine Months Ended September 30
Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 increased 29% to
$364.8 million, compared to $282.0 million for the same period in
2008, due to increased enrollment and a 5% tuition increase which
commenced in January 2009.
Income from operations was $120.0 million compared to $87.4 million
for the same period in 2008, an increase of 37%. Operating income
margin was 32.9% compared to 31.0% for the same period in 2008.
Net income was $73.2 million compared to $56.6 million for the same
period in 2008, an increase of 29%. Diluted earnings per share was
$5.29 compared to $3.97 for the same period in 2008, an increase of
33%. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased to
13,850,000 from 14,275,000 for the same period in 2008.
"We are pleased with our solid financial results for the third quarter
and our strong student enrollment for the fall term," said Robert S.
Silberman, Chairman and CEO of Strayer Education, Inc. "We look forward
to opening 13 new campuses in 2010. For the 2010 winter term, we will
add three new Strayer markets with new campuses in New Brunswick and
Lawrenceville, New Jersey and Little Rock, Arkansas."
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
At September 30, 2009, the Company had cash, cash equivalents and
marketable securities of $93.4 million and no debt. The Company
generated $89.8 million from operating activities in the first nine
months of 2009 compared to $63.0 million during the same period in 2008.
Capital expenditures were $22.1 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2009 compared to $15.3 million for the same period in 2008.
During the three months ended September 30, 2009, the Company invested
$5.0 million to repurchase 24,528 shares of stock at an average price of
$202.13 as part of a previously announced stock repurchase
authorization. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the
Company had invested $70.1 million for share repurchases. During the
nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company paid regular,
quarterly dividends of $21.1 million ($0.50 per share for each quarterly
dividend).
For the third quarter 2009, bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues
was 4.5% compared to 3.7% for the same period in 2008. Days sales
outstanding, adjusted to exclude tuition receivable related to future
quarters, was 15 days at the end of the third quarter of 2009, compared
to 13 days at the end of the third quarter of 2008.
Student Enrollment
Enrollment at Strayer University for the 2009 fall term increased 22% to
54,317 students compared to 44,564 students for the same term in 2008.
Across the Strayer University campus and online system, continuing
student enrollments increased 23%, while new student enrollments
increased 20%. Global online students increased 43%. Students taking
100% of their classes online (including campus based students) increased
21%. The total number of students taking at least one class online
increased 22% to 39,128.
Student Enrollment
Fall 2008 Fall 2009 % Change
Campus Based Students:
New Campuses (28 in operation 3 years or less)
Classroom Students 1,487 3,714 150%
Online Students 2,809 4,676 66%
Total New Campus Based Students 4,296 8,390 95%
Mature Campuses (43 in operation more than 3 years)
Classroom Students 15,795 17,622 12%
Online Students 20,435 22,549 10%
Total Mature Campus Based Students 36,230 40,171 11%
Total Campus Based Students 40,526 48,561 20%
Global Online Students 4,038 5,756 43%
Total University Enrollment 44,564 54,317 22%
Total Students Taking 100% of Courses Online 27,282 32,981 21%
Total Students Taking at Least 1 Course Online 32,204 39,128 22%
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New State Approvals
The Company announced today that Strayer University has received
approval to operate in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi
and Texas.
New Campus Openings
The Company announced today that Strayer University intends to open 13
new campuses in 2010. The first three campuses, which will be located in
Lawrenceville and New Brunswick, New Jersey and in Little Rock,
Arkansas, will open for the winter term 2010 start of classes.
2009 Business Outlook
Based on the strong enrollment growth announced for the 2009 fall term
and the planned investments in opening new campuses, the Company
estimates fourth quarter 2009 diluted earnings per share will be in the
range of $2.28 to $2.30. Based on its fourth quarter 2009 estimates, the
Company expects its full year 2009 diluted earnings per share will be in
the range of $7.56 to $7.58.
2010 Business Model
The Company announced today that Strayer University is implementing a 5%
tuition increase effective January 2010. The Company also announced
today that Strayer University intends to open 13 new campuses in 2010.
Taking into account this accelerated investment plan for 2010, and
assuming a 20% increase in annual student enrollment at Strayer
University in 2010, the Company would then expect a 24-25% increase in
revenue, roughly stable operating margins, and diluted earnings per
share in the $9.30 to $9.50 range for 2010. Included in this range is
the Company's estimate of approximately $0.52 per share after tax
stock-based compensation expense and an effective tax rate of 39.5%.
Quarterly Common Stock Cash Dividends
The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors is
increasing the Company's annual dividend to $3.00 per share from $2.00
per share. This annual dividend will be paid quarterly in the amount of
$0.75 per share. Accordingly, the Company's Board of Directors has
declared that the Company will pay a dividend of $0.75 per share on
December 10, 2009 to shareholders of record as of November 24, 2009.
Share Repurchase Plan
The Company announced today that the Company's Board of Directors
amended the share repurchase program to authorize the repurchase of up
to $100 million in value of the Company's common stock over the next 14
months. The Company intends to conduct such purchases, if any, in
compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended. This share repurchase program may be modified, suspended or
terminated at any time by the Company without notice.
Shares and Options Outstanding
At September 30, 2009, the Company had 14,008,796 common shares issued
and outstanding, and 106,667 stock options outstanding with a weighted
average exercise price of $104.81 and a remaining weighted average
contractual life of 2.2 years.
Conference Call with Management
Strayer Education, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss its third
quarter 2009 earnings at 10:00 a.m. (ET) today. To participate on the
live call, investors should dial (888) 523-1227 10 minutes prior to the
start time. In addition, the call will be available via live Webcast
over the Internet.