NEW ORLEANS, June 10, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEI) reported today its results for the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2008.
The Company reported a 15 percent increase in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to $.15 per share for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 from $.13 per share for the same period of last year. After taking into account a $1.5 million unusual tax benefit in fiscal 2007, the Company reported a 25 percent increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share to $.15 per share for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 from $.12 per share for the same period of last year. See table under "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for further information on adjusted diluted earnings per share and adjusted net earnings from continuing operations.
Net earnings from continuing operations for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 increased to $13.9 million compared to $13.8 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2007. Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 increased to $14.1 million from $12.5 million for the same period of last year.
Thomas J. Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased with our second quarter performance as we achieved a 13 percent increase in our adjusted net earnings on a comparable basis with last year and a 25 percent increase in adjusted earnings per share. This is especially gratifying considering the challenging economic environment we are experiencing and that the second quarter of 2007 enjoyed strong growth compared to the previous year. We are encouraged with our funeral operations for the quarter as we grew funeral revenues by 5 percent or $3.5 million while increasing funeral gross profit by $3.6 million. This translates into a 350 basis point improvement in funeral gross profit margin to 29.3 percent, our highest funeral gross profit margin in the past four years. For the quarter, same-store calls increased 2.9 percent and we were able to prudently increase average revenue per call, including trust earnings, by 3.3 percent, as traditional funeral average revenue increased by 2.6 percent and cremation service average revenue increased by 3.2 percent. Additionally, given these increases in revenue we are especially pleased that our organization successfully managed funeral costs which decreased by $0.1 million compared to the same quarter in the prior year."
Mr. Crawford continued, "We experienced a $3.7 million decrease in cemetery revenue for the quarter due to a decrease of $4.3 million in construction on various cemetery projects when compared to the previous year. However, last year we benefited from increased revenue in the second quarter due to focused efforts to reduce the production backlog in existing cemetery projects. The strong results of the cemetery operations during 2007 make comparisons of our results for the current quarter difficult. We remain pleased with the process improvements made last year that produced these strong results. We now have effective procedures in place to manage these projects and maintain the backlog at more appropriate levels. Despite not being able to keep pace with the level of revenue from construction on cemetery projects in the current quarter, our at-need cemetery production performed well with an increase in cemetery merchandise delivered and services performed of $1.1 million, or 5 percent, and we produced a slight increase in cemetery gross profit margin of 10 basis points to 21.8 percent."
Mr. Crawford concluded, "In addition to the positive operating and financial performance for the quarter, thus far in fiscal year 2008 our operating cash flow has remained strong at $28 million and we returned $4.8 million to our shareholders through dividends and repurchased $37.2 million, or 5.0 million shares, of Stewart Enterprises' common stock. Our active share buy back program has resulted in a decrease in our current quarter's weighted average diluted shares outstanding to 94.6 million shares compared to 105.5 million shares in the prior year quarter and is yielding a positive impact on our earnings per share. We remain focused on the execution of our 'Best in Class' initiative and our overall continuous improvement initiatives to produce greater efficiencies and reduce costs while developing opportunities to further grow our revenue."
Second Quarter Results From Continuing Operations
FUNERAL
* Funeral revenue increased $3.5 million, or 4.8 percent, to $76.8
million.
* The Company's same-store funeral operations achieved a 2.9
percent, or 448 event increase in funeral services performed, to
15,806 events, due in part to an increase in the number of
deaths.
* The Company's same-store funeral operations achieved a 2.6
percent increase in average revenue per traditional funeral
service and a 3.2 percent increase in average revenue per
cremation service due primarily to the continued refinement of
funeral packages and pricing. These increases along with a
quarter-over-quarter increase in funeral trust earnings resulted
in an increase in the same-store average revenue per funeral
service of 3.3 percent.
* The cremation rate for the Company's same-store operations was
39.9 percent for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 38.9
percent for the second quarter of 2007.
* Net preneed funeral sales decreased 13.7 percent during the
second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007,
due in part to current economic conditions. Preneed funeral
sales are deferred until a future period and have no impact on
current revenue.
* Funeral gross profit increased $3.6 million to $22.5 million for
the second quarter of 2008 compared to $18.9 million for the same
period of 2007, primarily due to the increase in revenue, as
noted above, and a $0.1 million decrease in expenses primarily
due to decreased property, casualty and general liability
insurance. These variances resulted in a 350 basis point
increase in funeral gross profit margin to 29.3 percent for the
second quarter of 2008 from 25.8 percent for the same period of
2007.
CEMETERY
* Cemetery revenue decreased $3.7 million, or 5.8 percent, to $60.0
million for the second quarter of 2008. This decrease is due
primarily to a $4.3 million decrease in construction on various
cemetery projects. In the prior year, the Company addressed the
need to better execute and monitor the construction process which
resulted in an increase in prior year revenue making a quarter-
over-quarter comparison difficult. The Company also experienced
a $1.2 million, or 4.3 percent, decrease in cemetery property
sales, net of discounts, due in part to current economic
conditions. The decreases were partially offset by a $1.1
million, or 4.9 percent, increase in cemetery merchandise
delivered and services performed.
* Cemetery gross profit decreased $0.7 million to $13.1 million for
the second quarter of 2008 compared to $13.8 million for the same
period of 2007. However, cemetery gross profit margin increased
by 10 basis points to 21.8 percent for the second quarter of 2008
from 21.7 percent for the same period of 2007. The decrease in
gross profit is primarily due to the decrease in revenue, as
discussed above, offset by a $3.0 million decrease in expenses.
The decrease in cemetery expenses is primarily due to a decrease
in construction costs on various cemetery projects.
OTHER
* Interest expense decreased $0.2 million to $6.1 million during
the second quarter of 2008 due to a 201 basis point decrease in
the average rate primarily related to the issuance of the $250.0
million of senior convertible notes in fiscal year 2007. The
senior convertible notes carry an average interest rate of 3.25
percent. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in
interest due on federal, state and other tax liabilities. In May
2008, Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. APB
14-1, "Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May be
Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash
Settlement)" ("FSP No. APB 14-1") was issued. This opinion is
effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year
beginning after December 15, 2008, which corresponds to the
Company's fiscal year beginning November 1, 2009, and must be
applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FSP No. APB 14-1
will have on its consolidated financial statements, but expects
to record higher interest expense related to its senior
convertible notes beginning in fiscal year 2010.
* Investment and other income, net, decreased $0.2 million to $0.4
million due primarily to a decrease in the average rate earned on
the Company's cash balances from 4.7 percent in the second
quarter of 2007 to 1.5 percent in the second quarter of 2008.
* Other operating income, net, decreased $0.8 million to $0.1
million for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 primarily due to the
sale of excess cemetery property and proceeds related to the sale
of an investment during the quarter ended April 30, 2007.
* The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter
ended April 30, 2008 was 36.7 percent compared to 30.4 percent
for the same period in 2007. The reduced rate in 2007 was
primarily due to a tax benefit of $1.5 million resulting from the
utilization of a capital loss carryforward. The effective tax
rate for 2007 exclusive of the tax benefit would have been 38.0
percent, which is more comparable to the 2008 tax rate.
* The Company's weighted average diluted shares outstanding
decreased to 94.6 million shares for the quarter ended April 30,
2008 compared to 105.5 million shares for the same period in
2007. The decrease is primarily due to the Company's $50.0
million share repurchase program in which the Company has
repurchased $37.2 million, or 5.0 million shares, of the
Company's Class A common stock. In addition, the Company
repurchased $64.2 million, or 7.7 million shares, of the
Company's Class A common stock in the third quarter of fiscal
year 2007 in relation to the issuance of the $250.0 million of
senior convertible notes. The decrease in diluted shares
outstanding is yielding a positive impact on the Company's
earnings per share.
Year to Date Results From Continuing Operations
FUNERAL
* Funeral revenue increased $4.8 million, or 3.3 percent, to $150.3
million.
* The Company's same-store funeral operations achieved a 2.6
percent, or 788 event increase in funeral services performed, to
31,215 events, due in part to an increase in the number of
deaths.
* The Company's same-store funeral operations achieved a 1.8
percent increase in average revenue per traditional funeral
service and a 1.8 percent increase in average revenue per
cremation service due primarily to the continued refinement of
funeral packages and pricing. These increases were offset by a
shift in mix to lower-priced cremation services resulting in an
overall increase in the same-store average revenue per funeral
service, including trust earnings, of 1.6 percent.
* The cremation rate for the Company's same-store operations was
39.9 percent for the first six months of fiscal 2008 compared to
38.9 percent the first six months of fiscal 2007.
* Net preneed funeral sales decreased 8.0 percent during the first
six months of 2008 compared to the same period of 2007, due in
part to current economic conditions. Preneed funeral sales are
deferred until a future period and have no impact on current
revenue.
* Funeral gross profit increased $2.9 million to $40.6 million for
the first six months of 2008 compared to $37.7 million for the
same period of 2007 primarily due to the increase in revenue, as
noted above. Funeral gross profit margin increased 110 basis
points to 27.0 percent for the first six months of 2008 from 25.9
percent for the same period of 2007.
CEMETERY
* Cemetery revenue decreased $6.6 million, or 5.3 percent, to
$116.8 million for the first six months of 2008. This decrease
is due primarily to a $5.8 million decrease in construction on
various cemetery projects. In the prior year, the Company
addressed the need to better execute and monitor the construction
process which resulted in an increase in prior year revenue
making a year-over-year comparison difficult. The Company also
experienced a $2.9 million, or 5.4 percent, decrease in cemetery
property sales, net of discounts, due in part to current economic
conditions. The decreases were partially offset by a $1.7
million, or 3.9 percent, increase in cemetery merchandise
delivered and services performed.
* Cemetery gross profit decreased $4.0 million to $22.1 million for
the first six months of 2008 compared to $26.1 million for the
same period of 2007. Cemetery gross profit margin decreased by
230 basis points to 18.9 percent for the first six months of 2008
from 21.2 percent for the same period of 2007. The decrease in
gross profit primarily relates to the decrease in revenue, as
noted above.
OTHER
* Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.2
million to $16.0 million for the six month period of fiscal 2008.
The increase was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in
information technology costs due in part to the implementation of
the new business systems and a web development project in the
current year and a $0.8 million increase in costs related to the
continuous improvement initiative that began in the first quarter
of 2008. The increases are partially offset by a $0.6 million
decrease in depreciation expense for the year due to the
accelerated depreciation of the Company's current computer
software systems associated with the implementation of the new
business systems in the prior year.
* The Company incurred less than $0.1 million in hurricane related
charges in the first six months of fiscal 2008; however, the
Company recorded a hurricane related charge of $2.1 million ($1.3
million after tax, or $.01 per diluted share) for the same period
of 2007. The charges in the prior year were due to repairs at
locations damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The timing of the receipt
of insurance proceeds is not in line with the timing of cash
spending related to Hurricane Katrina. The Company has been
unable to finalize its negotiations with its carriers related to
damages caused by Hurricane Katrina. Accordingly, in August
2007, the Company initiated litigation to pursue resolution. In
2007, the carriers advanced an additional $1.1 million, which the
Company has not recorded as income, but as a liability pending
the outcome of the litigation. The suit involves numerous policy
interpretation disputes, among other issues, and no assurance can
be given as to how much additional proceeds the Company may
recover from its insurers, if any, or the timing of the receipt
of any additional proceeds. A trial date has been set in Federal
Court on December 1, 2008. With the exception of any legal costs
related to this suit, the Company does not anticipate any
additional charges related to Hurricane Katrina.
* Interest expense decreased $1.1 million to $12.0 million during
the first six months of fiscal 2008 due to a 205 basis point
decrease in the average rate primarily related to the issuance of
the $250.0 million of senior convertible notes in fiscal year
2007. The senior convertible notes carry an average interest
rate of 3.25 percent. The decrease was partially offset by an
increase in interest due on federal, state and other tax
liabilities.
* Investment and other income, net, decreased $0.5 million to $1.1
million due primarily to a decrease in the average rate earned on
the Company's cash balances from 4.6 percent in the first six
months of fiscal year 2007 to 2.5 percent for the first six
months of fiscal year 2008.
* Other operating income, net, decreased $0.8 million to $0.3
million for the six months ended April 30, 2008. The decrease
is primarily due to the sale of excess cemetery property and
proceeds related to the sale of an investment during the six
months ended April 30, 2007.
* The Company recorded $0.5 million in separation charges during
the six months ended April 30, 2007 primarily related to
separation pay of a former executive officer who retired in the
first quarter of 2007.
* The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the six
months ended April 30, 2008 was 37.0 percent compared to 28.6
percent for the same period in 2007. The reduced rate in 2007
was primarily due to a tax benefit of $3.4 million resulting from
the utilization of a capital loss carryforward. The effective
tax rate for 2007 exclusive of the tax benefit would have been
38.0 percent, which is more comparable to the 2008 tax rate.
* The Company's weighted average diluted shares outstanding
decreased to 95.8 million shares for the six months ended April
30, 2008 compared to 105.2 million shares for the same period in
2007. The decrease is primarily due to the Company's $50.0
million share repurchase program in which the Company has
repurchased $37.2 million, or 5.0 million shares, of the
Company's Class A common stock. In addition, the Company
repurchased $64.2 million, or 7.7 million shares, of the
Company's Class A common stock in the third quarter of fiscal
year 2007 in relation to the issuance of the $250.0 million of
senior convertible notes. The decrease in diluted shares
outstanding is yielding a positive impact on the Company's
earnings per share.
Depreciation and Amortization
* Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations was $7.0
million for the second quarter of 2008 compared to $6.7 million
for the second quarter of 2007. Depreciation and amortization
for total operations was $7.0 million for the second quarter of
2008 compared to $6.8 million for the second quarter of 2007.
* Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations was
$14.0 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2008 and
$13.2 million for the same period of 2007. Depreciation and
amortization for total operations was $14.0 million for the six
months ended April 30, 2008 compared to $13.3 million for the
same period of 2007.
Cash Flow Results and Debt for Total Operations
* Cash flow provided by operating activities for the second
quarter of fiscal year 2008 was $24.3 million compared to $14.6
million for the same period of last year. The Company paid an
additional $3.2 million in interest payments in the second
quarter of 2007 compared to the second quarter of 2008 due to the
timing of payments as a result of the issuance of the senior
convertible notes. In addition, the Company is better managing
its payables process, resulting in additional operating cash flow
in the current quarter.
* Cash flow provided by operating activities for the first six
months of 2008 was $28.4 million compared to $32.5 million for
the same period of last year. The Company paid $5.6 million in
net tax payments in the first half of 2007 compared to net tax
payments of $10.7 million in the first half of 2008. The
increase in tax payments in fiscal 2008 is primarily due to a
$3.4 million tax payment reduction in 2007 resulting from the
utilization of a capital loss carryforward, coupled with a $2.9
million tax refund in fiscal 2007. In addition, in the first six
months of 2007, the Company had $4.9 million, net, cash inflows
related to Hurricane Katrina, of which $3.2 million related to
business interruption insurance proceeds. In the first six months
of 2008, the Company had cash outflows of $0.4 million related to
Hurricane Katrina.
* Recurring free cash flow was $20.4 million during the second
quarter of 2008 compared to $11.5 million for the second quarter
of 2007.
* Recurring free cash flow was $21.6 million for the first six
months of fiscal year 2008 compared to $23.7 million for the same
period of last year.
* During the second quarter of 2008, the Company paid $2.4 million,
or $.025 per share, in dividends compared to $2.6 million, or
$.025 per share, paid in the second quarter of 2007.
* As of April 30, 2008, the Company had outstanding debt of $450.2
million and cash on hand of $35.3 million, or net debt of $414.9
million.
* As of June 9, 2008, the Company has repurchased 6.3 million
shares for approximately $45.9 million under the Board approved
$50.0 million stock repurchase program. The Company currently
has $4.1 million available under the program.
Trust Performance
The following returns include realized and unrealized gains and
losses:
* For the quarter ended April 30, 2008, the Company's preneed
funeral and cemetery merchandise trust funds experienced a total
return of 0.6 percent, and its perpetual care trust funds
experienced a total return of (0.3) percent.
* For the last three years ended April 30, 2008, the Company's
preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise trust funds experienced
an annual total average return of 5.9 percent, and its perpetual
care trust funds experienced a total return of 5.0 percent.
* For the last five years ended April 30, 2008, the Company's
preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise trust funds experienced
an annual total average return of 6.8 percent, and its perpetual
care trust funds experienced a total return of 5.8 percent.
Founded in 1910, Stewart Enterprises is the second largest provider of products and services in the death care industry in the United States. The Company currently owns and operates 221 funeral homes and 139 cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides a complete range of funeral merchandise and services, along with cemetery property, merchandise and services, both at the time of need and on a preneed basis.
Stewart Enterprises, Inc. will host its quarterly conference call for investors to discuss second quarter results today at 10 a.m. Central Time. The teleconference dial-in number is 800-289-0517. To participate, please call the number at least 15 minutes prior to the call. If you are calling from outside the United States, the dial-in number is 913-312-9315. A replay of the call will be available by dialing 888-203-1112 (from within the continental United States) or 719-457-0820 (from outside the continental United States), and using pass code 9810474 until June 17, 2008, at 10:59 p.m. Central Time. Interested parties will also have the opportunity to listen to the live conference call via the Internet through Stewart Enterprises' website http://www.stewartenterprises.com. To listen to the live call, please go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay will be available at this website shortly following the conference call and will be available at the website until July 10, 2008.
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
April 30,
---------------------
2008 2007
--------- ---------
Revenues:
Funeral $ 76,855 $ 73,333
Cemetery 59,964 63,695
--------- ---------
136,819 137,028
--------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Funeral 54,289 54,381
Cemetery 46,896 49,872
--------- ---------
101,185 104,253
--------- ---------
Gross profit 35,634 32,775
Corporate general and administrative expenses (7,803) (7,744)
Hurricane related charges, net (169) (283)
Separation charges -- (47)
Gains on dispositions and impairment
(losses), net (19) (8)
Other operating income, net 104 884
--------- ---------
Operating earnings 27,747 25,577
Interest expense (6,093) (6,295)
Investment and other income, net 357 567
--------- ---------
Earnings from continuing operations before
income taxes 22,011 19,849
Income taxes 8,071 6,033
--------- ---------
Earnings from continuing operations 13,940 13,816
--------- ---------
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations before
income taxes -- (341)
Income tax benefit -- (154)
--------- ---------
Loss from discontinued operations -- (187)
--------- ---------
Net earnings $ 13,940 $ 13,629
========= =========
Basic earnings per common share:
Earnings from continuing operations $ .15 $ .13
Earnings from discontinued operations -- --
--------- ---------
Net earnings $ .15 $ .13
========= =========
Diluted earnings per common share:
Earnings from continuing operations $ .15 $ .13
Earnings from discontinued operations -- --
--------- ---------
Net earnings $ .15 $ .13
========= =========
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(in thousands):
Basic 94,525 105,300
========= =========
Diluted 94,635 105,540
========= =========
Dividends declared per common share $ .025 $ .025
========= =========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Six Months Ended
April 30,
---------------------
2008 2007
--------- ---------
Revenues:
Funeral $ 150,304 $ 145,496
Cemetery 116,788 123,378
--------- ---------
267,092 268,874
--------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Funeral 109,736 107,826
Cemetery 94,652 97,276
--------- ---------
204,388 205,102
--------- ---------
Gross profit 62,704 63,772
Corporate general and administrative expenses (16,038) (14,786)
Hurricane related charges, net (10) (2,133)
Separation charges -- (532)
Gains on dispositions and impairment
(losses), net 128 90
Other operating income, net 346 1,151
--------- ---------
Operating earnings 47,130 47,562
Interest expense (11,981) (13,052)
Investment and other income, net 1,077 1,617
--------- ---------
Earnings from continuing operations before
income taxes 36,226 36,127
Income taxes 13,401 10,338
--------- ---------
Earnings from continuing operations 22,825 25,789
--------- ---------
Discontinued operations:
Loss from discontinued operations before
income taxes -- (381)
Income tax benefit -- (147)
--------- ---------
Loss from discontinued operations -- (234)
--------- ---------
Net earnings $ 22,825 $ 25,555
========= =========
Basic earnings per common share:
Earnings from continuing operations $ .24 $ .24
Earnings from discontinued operations -- --
--------- ---------
Net earnings $ .24 $ .24
========= =========
Diluted earnings per common share:
Earnings from continuing operations $ .24 $ .24
Earnings from discontinued operations -- --
--------- ---------
Net earnings $ .24 $ .24
========= =========
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(in thousands):
Basic 95,667 105,097
========= =========
Diluted 95,838 105,248
========= =========
Dividends declared per common share $ .05 $ .05
========= =========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
April 30, October 31,
ASSETS 2008 2007
------ ---------- ----------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,252 $ 71,545
Marketable securities 10,025 262
Receivables, net of allowances 64,344 60,615
Inventories 36,860 36,061
Prepaid expenses 10,285 6,355
Deferred income taxes, net 8,283 8,621
---------- ----------
Total current assets 165,049 183,459
Receivables due beyond one year, net of
allowances 81,264 83,608
Preneed funeral receivables and trust
investments 471,519 515,053
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust
investments 234,531 255,679
Goodwill 273,188 273,286
Cemetery property, at cost 378,359 374,800
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land 43,767 43,767
Buildings 314,940 310,968
Equipment and other 171,806 164,246
---------- ----------
530,513 518,981
Less accumulated depreciation 224,984 213,063
---------- ----------
Net property and equipment 305,529 305,918
Deferred income taxes, net 193,933 192,859
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 223,547 236,503
Other assets 17,929 17,809
---------- ----------
Total assets $2,344,848 $2,438,974
========== ==========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
April 30, October 31,
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 2008 2007
------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 66 $ 198
Accounts payable 26,331 26,606
Accrued payroll and other benefits 13,621 16,316
Accrued insurance 22,601 21,252
Accrued interest 5,537 5,576
Other current liabilities 15,374 17,958
Income taxes payable 3,955 4,177
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 87,485 92,083
Long-term debt, less current maturities 450,097 450,115
Deferred preneed funeral revenue 251,179 256,603
Deferred preneed cemetery revenue 284,263 284,507
Non-controlling interest in funeral and
cemetery trusts 624,037 683,052
Other long-term liabilities 19,152 13,869
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 1,716,213 1,780,229
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies
Non-controlling interest in perpetual care
trusts 221,804 235,427
---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value,
5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
issued -- --
Common stock, $1.00 stated value:
Class A authorized 200,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 90,262,993 and
94,865,387 shares at April 30, 2008 and
October 31, 2007, respectively 90,263 94,865
Class B authorized 5,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 3,555,020 shares
at April 30, 2008 and October 31, 2007;
10 votes per share convertible into an
equal number of Class A shares 3,555 3,555
Additional paid-in capital 549,991 583,789
Accumulated deficit (237,032) (258,902)
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments 54 11
---------- ----------
Total accumulated other comprehensive
income 54 11
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 406,831 423,318
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity $2,344,848 $2,438,974
========== ==========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Six Months Ended
April 30,
-------------------
2008 2007
-------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings $ 22,825 $ 25,555
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
net cash provided by operating activities:
(Gains) on dispositions and impairment
losses, net (128) 265
Depreciation and amortization 13,985 13,268
Provision for doubtful accounts 3,638 3,401
Share-based compensation 950 691
Excess tax benefits from share-based
payment arrangements (165) (37)
Provision (benefit) for deferred income
taxes 2,594 (3,138)
Other 1,118 806
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables (5,706) 9,106
Increase in prepaid expenses (3,933) (4,281)
(Increase) decrease in inventories and
cemetery property (4,368) 103
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued
expenses (1,644) (8,561)
Net effect of preneed funeral production
and maturities:
(Increase) decrease in preneed funeral
receivables and trust investments 6,654 (1,470)
Decrease in deferred preneed funeral
revenue (5,070) (6,132)
Increase (decrease) in funeral non-
controlling interest (4,814) 2,790
Net effect of preneed cemetery
production and deliveries:
(Increase) decrease in preneed cemetery
receivables and trust investments 3,101 (2,956)
Decrease in deferred preneed cemetery
revenue (244) (5,575)
Increase in cemetery non-controlling
interest 453 8,550
Increase (decrease) in other (849) 146
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 28,397 32,531
-------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of marketable
securities 10,219 --
Purchases of marketable securities (19,897) (141)
Proceeds from sale of assets, net 338 1,635
Purchase of subsidiaries and other
investments, net of cash acquired (1,378) (2,805)
Insurance proceeds related to hurricane
damaged properties -- 1,400
Additions to property and equipment (13,385) (13,605)
Other 21 35
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (24,082) (13,481)
-------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt (150) (13,561)
Issuance of common stock 1,458 2,414
Purchase and retirement of common stock (37,320) --
Dividends (4,761) (5,265)
Excess tax benefits from share-based
payment arrangements 165 37
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (40,608) (16,375)
-------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash (36,293) 2,675
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 71,545 43,870
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 35,252 $ 46,545
======== ========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net $ 10,697 $ 5,632
Interest $ 11,437 $ 13,246
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock to executive
officers and directors $ 922 $ 1,028
Issuance of restricted stock, net of
forfeitures $ 236 $ 2,931
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE PERIODS ENDED APRIL 30, 2008 AND 2007
(Unaudited)
The Company recorded several items during the three and six months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007 that impacted earnings including hurricane related charges, separation pay and tax benefits. The Company is presenting adjusted earnings in the table below to eliminate the effects of the specified items, which are not comparable from one period to the next.
Adjusted Three Months Ended April 30, Six Months Ended April 30,
Balances ----------------------------- ---------------------------
are Net
of Tax 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
millions per millions per millions per millions per
share share share share
Consolidated
net
earnings $13.9 $.15 $13.7 $.13 $22.8 $.24 $25.6 $.24
Add: Loss
from
discontin-
ued
operations -- -- 0.1 -- -- -- 0.2 --
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Earnings
from
continuing
opera-
tions $13.9 $.15 $13.8 $.13 $22.8 $.24 $25.8 $.24
Add:
Hurricane
related
charges,
net 0.2 -- 0.2 -- -- -- 1.3 .01
Add:
Separation
charges -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.3 --
Subtract:
Tax
benefit -- -- (1.5) (.01) -- -- (3.4) (.03)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Adjusted
earnings
from
continuing
opera-
tions $14.1 $.15 $12.5 $.12 $22.8 $.24 $24.0 $.22
====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE PERIODS ENDED APRIL 30, 2008 AND 2007
(Unaudited)
Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures. Recurring free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures and specified items not expected to recur. Management believes that free cash flow and recurring free cash flow are useful measures of the Company's ability to repay debt, make strategic investments, repurchase stock or pay dividends (subject to the restrictions in its debt agreements). The following table provides a reconciliation between net cash provided by operating activities (the GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is most directly comparable to free cash flow and recurring free cash flow) and free cash flow and between net cash provided by operating activities and recurring free cash flow for the three and six months ended April 30, 2008 and 2007:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
Free Cash Flow April 30, April 30,
-------------------- --------------------
(Dollars in millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by
operating activities
(1) $ 24.3 $ 14.6 $ 28.4 $ 32.5
Less: Maintenance
capital expenditures (4.0) (3.5) (7.2) (7.1)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Free cash flow $ 20.3 $ 11.1 $ 21.2 $ 25.4
========= ========= ========= =========
Net cash provided by
operating activities $ 24.3 $ 14.6 $ 28.4 $ 32.5
Add (Subtract): Net
cash outflows
(inflows) from
insurance proceeds
and expenditures
recorded related to
Hurricane Katrina 0.1 0.4 0.4 (1.7)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Adjusted cash provided
by operating activities 24.4 15.0 28.8 30.8
Less: Maintenance
capital expenditures (4.0) (3.5) (7.2) (7.1)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Recurring free cash
flow (2) $ 20.4 $ 11.5 $ 21.6 $ 23.7
========= ========= ========= =========
(1) Net cash provided by operating activities for the first six
months of fiscal 2008 decreased $4.1 million from $32.5 million
for the first six months of 2007 to $28.4 million for the first
six months of 2008 primarily due to $3.2 million of business
interruption insurance proceeds and $1.7 million of insurance
proceeds, net of expenses, related to Hurricane Katrina,
received in fiscal year 2007. In addition, the Company paid
$5.6 million in net tax payments in the first half of 2007
compared to net tax payments of $10.7 million in the first half
of 2008.
(2) Recurring free cash flow decreased $2.1 million from $23.7
million for the first six months of fiscal year 2007 to $21.6
million for the first six months of 2008. The decrease in
recurring free cash flow is primarily due to $3.2 million of
business interruption insurance proceeds received in fiscal
year 2007. In addition, the Company paid $5.6 million in net
tax payments in the first half of 2007 compared to net tax
payments of $10.7 million in the first half of 2008.
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
This press release includes forward-looking statements that are generally identifiable through the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate," "project," "will" and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements rely on assumptions, estimates and predictions that could be inaccurate and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our goals or forecasts. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
* effects on revenue due to the changes in the number of deaths in our markets and decline in funeral call volume; * effects on at-need and preneed sales of a weakening economy; * effects on cash flow and earnings as a result of increased costs, particularly supply costs related to increases in commodity prices; * effects on our market share, prices, revenues and margins of intensified price competition or improved advertising and marketing by competitors, including low-cost casket providers and increased offerings of products or services over the Internet; * effects on our revenue and earnings of the continuing national trend toward increased cremation and the increases in the percentage of cremations performed by us that are inexpensive direct cremations; * effects on our trust fund and escrow accounts of changes in stock and bond prices and interest and dividend rates; * risk of loss due to hurricanes; * effects of the call options we purchased and the warrants we sold on our Class A common stock and the effects of the outstanding warrants on the ownership interest of our current stockholders; * our ability to pay future dividends on our common stock; * possible adverse outcomes of pending class action lawsuits and the continuing cost of defending against them; * our ability to consummate significant acquisitions successfully; * the effects on us as a result of our industry's complex accounting model; * the effect of the change in accounting method for our senior convertible notes;
and other risks and uncertainties described in our Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2007, our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2008 and our other filings with the SEC. We disclaim any obligation or intent to update or revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.