NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 19, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEI) reported today its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 31, 2008.
The Company reported a net loss from continuing operations for fiscal year 2008 of $3.7 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to net earnings from continuing operations of $39.3 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2007. For the quarter ended October 31, 2008, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $35.6 million, or $0.39 per share, compared to net earnings from continuing operations of $5.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2007. The Company's fourth quarter and annual results were negatively impacted by several unusual items including a $26.0 million ($25.6 million after tax, or $0.27 per share) goodwill impairment charge, a $13.3 million ($8.1 million after tax, or $0.09 per share) estimated probable funding obligation on its cemetery perpetual care trusts and a $7.4 million ($0.08 per share) tax valuation charge.
After adjusting for these items, adjusted earnings from continuing operations increased 9.5 percent to $40.2 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2008, compared to $36.7 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2007. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations increased 56.6 percent to $8.3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2008, compared to $5.3 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2007. See table under "Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations."
Cash flow from operations for fiscal year 2008 was $84.5 million compared to $81.9 million for the same period last year. In addition, the Company returned $9.4 million to shareholders through dividends and repurchased $48.4 million of Class A common stock. As of October 31, 2008, the Company had cash on hand of $72.6 million.
Fiscal year 2008 funeral revenue increased $7.3 million, or 2.6 percent, to $286.6 million. The Company's same-store funeral operations achieved a 2.7 percent increase in the average revenue per traditional funeral service and a 4.1 percent increase in the average revenue per cremation service. Same-store average revenue per funeral service, including trust earnings, increased 3.0 percent, and same-store funeral services performed were flat year-over-year. Funeral gross profit increased $5.4 million primarily due to the increase in revenue.
Fiscal year 2008 cemetery revenue decreased $2.2 million, or 0.9 percent, to $241.3 million, primarily due to a 7.3 percent decrease in cemetery property sales, net of discounts, which was largely driven by current economic conditions. Cemetery gross profit decreased $17.0 million primarily due to the estimated probable cemetery perpetual care funding obligation.
Thomas J. Crawford, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "For fiscal year 2008, our funeral operations performed very well, and our cemetery operations did well under difficult economic conditions. We have been aggressively implementing our 'Best in Class' initiative and finding ways to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and deliver better services and products to the families we serve. The dramatic fall in the U.S. stock prices and the failure of several large institutions such as Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, have caused us to realize some losses in our trust portfolios and have resulted in a substantial decline in the value of our trust assets. However, our preneed obligations are long-term in nature and we believe that the trust investments have the potential over the long-term to appreciate in value. We cannot control the financial markets; nevertheless, we can control the continuous improvement of our funeral and cemetery operations and this effort has been well established in fiscal year 2008. In fiscal year 2009, we will increase our focus on finding innovative ways to enhance our revenues and profits."
Thomas M. Kitchen, Chief Financial Officer, stated, "While we have realized some losses related to the financial markets, we are pleased that the Company's liquidity position remains strong. Our balance sheet and cash flow are solid with $72.6 million in cash on hand as of October 31, 2008 and no amounts drawn on our $125 million revolving credit facility. We generated $84.5 million of operating cash flow during the year, and we are currently working with our bank group to renew or replace the credit facility, which expires in November 2009. Although we have nothing drawn, we do have $12.0 million in letters of credit that would be required, and a $30.8 million bond that may be required, to be covered with cash on hand should we not obtain a new facility by next November. Based on recent discussions with our banks, we are optimistic that we will be able to obtain an acceptable credit facility reflecting current market conditions. Until the negotiations with regard to the credit facility are finalized, we plan to conserve our cash. Otherwise, we plan to continue to evaluate our options for deployment of cash flow as opportunities arise."
Mr. Kitchen continued, "For fiscal year 2008, cemetery perpetual care trust earnings, funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trust earnings and ITI trust management fees comprised 7 percent of our revenue and 36 percent of our gross profit. Based on current market conditions and current realized losses, we believe the decrease in revenue from trust earnings recognized on delivery of preneed services and merchandise, cemetery perpetual care trust earnings and ITI trust management fees for fiscal year 2009 could be as much as $10 million, or approximately 2 percent of fiscal year 2008 revenue and approximately 10 percent of fiscal year 2008 gross profit. The Company will continue to monitor its investment strategy to seek the proper asset allocation and diversification to mitigate risks in this difficult environment."
Mr. Crawford concluded, "Overall, if you isolate the unusual items that occurred in the fourth quarter, the performance of the underlying operations of our funeral homes and cemeteries was good. This is due to the steady progress of our 'Best in Class' initiative and continuous improvement initiatives and the enthusiastic reception and dedication from our employees."
Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations
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.
Three Months Ended October 31,
Adjusted Balances are ------------------------------------
Net of Tax 2008 2007
---------------- ----------------
per per
millions share millions share
Consolidated net earnings
(loss) $(35.6) $ (.39) $ 6.1 $ .06
Subtract: Earnings from
discontinued operations -- -- (0.8) (.01)
------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings (loss) from
continuing operations $(35.6) $ (.39) $ 5.3 $ .05
Subtract: Out of period
adjustments -- -- (0.1) --
Add: Gains on dispositions
and impairment (losses) 0.4 -- -- --
Add: Hurricane related
charges, net 1.3 .01 0.1 --
Add: Perpetual care funding
obligation 8.1 .09 -- --
Add: Independent committee
for SCI proposal 1.1 .01 -- --
Add: Goodwill impairment 25.6 .28 -- --
Add: Separation charges -- -- -- --
Add: Loss on early
extinguishment of debt -- -- -- --
Add (subtract): Tax valuation
charge (benefit) 7.4 .08 -- --
------ ------ ------ ------
Adjusted earnings from
continuing operations $ 8.3 $ .08 $ 5.3 $ .05
====== ====== ====== ======
Twelve Months Ended October 31,
Adjusted Balances are ------------------------------------
Net of Tax 2008 2007
---------------- ----------------
per per
millions share millions share
Consolidated net earnings
(loss) $ (3.7) $ (.04) $ 39.8 $ .39
Subtract: Earnings from
discontinued operations -- -- (0.5) (.01)
------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings (loss) from
continuing operations $ (3.7) $ (.04) $ 39.3 $ .38
Subtract: Out of period
adjustments -- -- (0.8) (.01)
Add: Gains on dispositions
and impairment (losses) 0.2 -- -- --
Add: Hurricane related
charges, net 1.5 .02 1.6 .02
Add: Perpetual care funding
obligation 8.1 .09 -- --
Add: Independent committee
for SCI proposal 1.1 .01 -- --
Add: Goodwill impairment 25.6 .27 -- --
Add: Separation charges -- -- 0.4 --
Add: Loss on early
extinguishment of debt -- -- 0.4 --
Add (subtract): Tax valuation
charge (benefit) 7.4 .08 (4.2) (.04)
------ ------ ------ ------
Adjusted earnings from
continuing operations $ 40.2 $ .43 $ 36.7 $ .35
====== ====== ====== ======
Cemetery Perpetual Care Funding Obligation and Tax Valuation Allowance
The magnitude of the market decline in such a short time frame during the Company's fiscal fourth quarter, the failure of several large institutions such as Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the resulting substantial realized losses in the Company's trusts were not anticipated. In addition, the realized losses came at a time when the Company has limited capital gains against which to offset the losses. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the realized losses had two effects on the Company's reported results: 1) a charge of $13.3 million ($8.1 million after tax, or $0.09 per share) in cemetery costs due to an estimated probable funding obligation primarily relating to replenishing investment losses in certain of the Company's cemetery perpetual care trusts, and 2) a $7.4 million valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset with respect to some of the capital losses in the Company's funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts, which increased the Company's reported tax expense. For additional information see Notes 6 and 18 to the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2008.
Goodwill
The further weakened economy in the Company's fourth quarter of 2008 has negatively impacted cemetery property sales, particularly in the Company's Eastern division. When the Company performed its annual evaluation of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2008, particularly taking into account the reduction in trust earnings, the estimated probable funding obligation related to cemetery perpetual care trusts and the recent market deterioration, a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $26.0 million ($25.6 million after tax, or $0.27 per share) related to the aggregated Northern and Central regions of the Eastern division cemetery operating segment was required. There was no goodwill impairment charge for the year ended October 31, 2007.
Other
During fiscal year 2007, the Company recorded prior period accounting adjustments resulting in an increase in net earnings before taxes of $1.4 million ($0.8 million after tax, or $0.01 per diluted share) with a $0.1 million increase recorded in the fourth quarter. In addition, prior year earnings were positively impacted by a reduction in the effective tax rate, which resulted primarily from the recognition of tax benefits totaling $4.2 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.
In addition to the above items the Company recorded several other unusual items during the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 that impacted earnings, including an independent committee charge related to the Service Corporation International proposal, an early extinguishment of debt charge, hurricane related charges, gains on dispositions and impairment losses and separation pay.
Legal Developments
Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation
As previously disclosed, in November 2006, the Company received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued pursuant to a formal order of investigation, seeking documents and information related to the Company's previously disclosed and completed deferred revenue project. On December 9, 2008, the SEC approved a settlement with the Company, bringing a conclusion to the SEC investigation. Under the settlement, without admitting or denying the SEC's findings, the Company consented to an administrative cease and desist order requiring future compliance with specified provisions of the federal securities laws related to reporting, books and records and internal accounting controls requirements. The settlement does not require the Company to pay a monetary penalty.
Class Action Suits
As previously disclosed, the Company is a defendant in purported class action suits alleging violations of the antitrust laws, among other things. On November 24, 2008, the magistrate judge issued a Memorandum and Recommendation that the plaintiff's motion for class certification be denied. The court has entered an order staying the matter pending resolution of the motion for class certification.
Fourth Quarter Results From Continuing Operations
FUNERAL
-- Funeral revenue increased $0.8 million, or 1.2 percent, to
$67.7 million.
-- The Company's same-store funeral operations achieved a 5.2
percent increase in the average revenue per traditional funeral
service and a 7.3 percent increase in the average revenue per
cremation service due primarily to the continued refinement of
new 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 5.3 percent.
-- The cremation rate for the Company's same-store operations
increased slightly to 39.9 percent for the fourth quarter of 2008
compared to 39.8 percent for the fourth quarter of 2007.
-- The Company's same-store funeral services performed decreased
4.5 percent, or 629 events, to 13,336 events.
-- Net preneed funeral sales decreased 9.7 percent during the fourth
quarter of 2008 compared to the fourth quarter of 2007, due to
current economic conditions. Preneed funeral sales are deferred
until the underlying contracts are performed and have no impact
on current revenue.
-- Funeral gross profit increased $1.8 million, or 16.4 percent, to
$12.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to
$11.0 million for the same period of 2007, primarily due to the
increase in revenue, as noted above, and a $1.0 million decrease
in expenses. The decrease in expenses is primarily due to a prior
year $0.7 million impairment charge related to funeral licenses
in the state of Maryland. Funeral gross profit margin increased
250 basis points to 18.9 percent for the fourth quarter of 2008
from 16.4 percent for the same period of 2007.
CEMETERY
-- Cemetery revenue increased $3.2 million, or 5.4 percent, to
$62.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. This increase is
due primarily to a $0.9 million increase in cemetery commission
income related to a new program to manage the cemetery sales at
eleven Archdiocese of Los Angeles cemeteries, a $0.8 million
increase in construction on various cemetery projects, a
$0.7 million increase in cemetery merchandise delivered and
services performed and a $0.5 million increase related to the
leasing of the Company's mineral rights at one of the Company's
cemeteries to an outside third-party. These increases were
partially offset by a 13.8 percent decrease in cemetery property
sales, net of discounts, due to current economic conditions.
-- Cemetery gross profit decreased $13.9 million from $11.2 million
in the fourth quarter of 2007 to a negative gross profit of
$2.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The decrease in
gross profit is primarily due to a $13.3 million charge recorded
for the Company's estimated probable obligation to restore the
net realized losses in certain of the Company's cemetery
perpetual care trusts, included in cemetery costs, as described
above in "Cemetery Perpetual Care Funding Obligation and Tax
Valuation Adjustment."
OTHER
-- Corporate general and administrative expenses increased
$0.4 million to $8.4 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal
2008. The increase was primarily due to a $1.8 million increase
in costs related to the Company's evaluation of the unsolicited
acquisition proposal received from Service Corporation
International in the third quarter of 2008. This increase was
partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in professional fees.
-- The Company incurred $1.9 million ($1.3 million after tax, or
$0.01 per share) in hurricane related charges in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2008 due to Hurricane Ike and Hurricane
Katrina. In September 2008, Hurricane Ike struck the Texas Gulf
Coast and the Company's facilities in that area were affected
resulting in a $1.2 million charge primarily for debris cleanup
and repairs. The Company is in the process of preparing its
insurance claim related to Hurricane Ike. In addition, the
Company incurred $0.7 million in costs related to Hurricane
Katrina due to legal costs associated with ongoing insurance
claims. The Company incurred $0.2 million ($0.1 million after
tax) in hurricane related charges for the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2007 primarily due to repairs at locations damaged by
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. A trial date had been
set in Federal Court for December 1, 2008, but was postponed, and
a new trial date has been set for April 2009.
-- Interest expense increased $0.3 million to $6.1 million during
the fourth quarter of 2008 due to a $0.2 million increase in
interest due on federal, state and other tax liabilities and a
$0.2 million reduction in capitalized interest due to a decrease
in the number of construction projects in the current quarter.
-- Investment and other income, net, decreased $0.2 million to
$0.7 million due primarily to a decrease in the average rate
earned on the Company's cash balances from 4.84 percent in the
fourth quarter of 2007 to 0.96 percent in the fourth quarter of
2008. In light of the current economic and market conditions, the
Company decided to seek stable investments in money-market funds
invested in United States Treasury securities. These investments
realize a lower average rate on cash.
-- The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter
ended October 31, 2008 was 11.4 percent compared to 42.3 percent
for the same period in 2007. The change in the 2008 tax rate from
the 2007 tax rate was primarily due to: 1) the $26.0 million
goodwill impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 2008, of which $25.0 million was a non-deductible
permanent difference for tax purposes (no tax benefit was
recorded for the $25.0 million portion of the goodwill impairment
charge); and 2) the $7.4 million valuation allowance against a
deferred tax asset with respect to some of the capital losses in
the Company's funeral and cemetery merchandise and services
trusts. The Company concluded a valuation allowance for the
capital loss carryforward was necessary because it was uncertain
whether the Company could generate any taxable capital gains
within the carryforward period.
Year to Date Results From Continuing Operations
FUNERAL
-- Funeral revenue increased $7.3 million, or 2.6 percent, to
$286.6 million.
-- The Company's same-store funeral operations achieved a 2.7
percent increase in the average revenue per traditional funeral
service and a 4.1 percent increase in the average revenue per
cremation service due primarily to the continued refinement of
new funeral packages and pricing. These increases along with a
year-over-year increase in funeral trust earnings resulted in an
overall increase in the same-store average revenue per funeral
service of 3.0 percent.
-- The cremation rate for the Company's same-store operations was
39.8 percent for fiscal 2008 compared to 39.3 percent for fiscal
2007.
-- The Company's same-store funeral services performed remained flat
with a 15 event decrease to 58,462 events.
-- Net preneed funeral sales decreased 5.2 percent during fiscal
2008 compared to the same period of 2007, due to current economic
conditions. Preneed funeral sales are deferred until the
underlying contracts are performed and have no impact on current
revenue.
-- Funeral gross profit increased $5.4 million, or 8.6 percent, to
$68.3 million for fiscal 2008 compared to $62.9 million for the
same period of 2007, primarily due to the increase in revenue,
as noted above. Funeral gross profit margin increased 130 basis
points to 23.8 percent for fiscal year 2008 from 22.5 percent for
the same period of 2007.
CEMETERY
-- Cemetery revenue decreased $2.2 million, or 0.9 percent, to
$241.3 million for fiscal year 2008. This decrease is due
primarily to an $8.2 million, or 7.3 percent, decrease in
cemetery property sales, net of discounts, due to current
economic conditions. In addition, the Company experienced a
$3.6 million decrease in construction on various cemetery
projects. In the prior year, the Company experienced growth due
to focused efforts to reduce the production backlog in existing
cemetery projects. These decreases were partially offset by a
$3.2 million, or 3.5 percent, increase in cemetery merchandise
delivered and services performed, a $2.8 million increase in
cemetery commission income related to a new program to manage the
cemetery sales at eleven Archdiocese of Los Angeles cemeteries
and a $2.1 million increase related to the leasing of the
Company's mineral rights at one of the Company's cemeteries to an
outside third-party.
-- Cemetery gross profit decreased $17.0 million to $32.5 million
for fiscal year 2008 compared to $49.5 million for the same
period of 2007. The decrease in gross profit is primarily due to
a $13.3 million charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 for
the Company's estimated probable funding obligation to restore
the net realized losses in certain of the Company's cemetery
perpetual care trusts, included in cemetery costs, as described
above in "Cemetery Perpetual Care Funding Obligation and Tax
Valuation Allowance."
OTHER
-- Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.5
million to $32.6 million for fiscal year 2008. The increase was
primarily due to a $2.3 million increase in information
technology costs due in part to the implementation of new
business systems and a web development project in the current
year and a $1.8 million increase in costs related to the
Company's evaluation of the unsolicited acquisition proposal
received from Service Corporation International in the third
quarter of fiscal year 2008. In addition, the Company incurred a
$1.5 million one-time consulting fee related to initiating the
continuous improvement effort that began in the first quarter of
2008. The increases were partially offset by a $2.0 million
decrease in professional fees primarily due to a decrease in
litigation expense and a $1.0 million decrease in depreciation
expense for the current year due to the accelerated depreciation
in the prior year of the Company's previous computer software
systems associated with the implementation of the new business
systems in the prior year.
-- The Company incurred $2.3 million ($1.5 million after tax, or
$0.02 per share) in hurricane related charges in fiscal year
2008, primarily related to Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Katrina.
In September 2008, Hurricane Ike struck the Texas Gulf Coast and
the Company's facilities in that area were affected resulting in
a $1.2 million charge primarily for debris cleanup and repairs.
The Company is in the process of preparing its insurance claim
related to Hurricane Ike. The $1.1 million charge in the current
year in relation to Hurricane Katrina primarily relates to legal
costs associated with ongoing insurance claims. The Company
incurred $2.5 million ($1.6 million after tax, or $0.02 per
diluted share) in hurricane related charges for the same period
of 2007 primarily due to repairs at locations damaged by
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. A trial date had been
set in Federal Court for December 1, 2008, but was postponed, and
a new trial date has been set for April 2009.
-- Interest expense decreased $1.0 million to $24.1 million during
fiscal 2008 due to a 123 basis point decrease in the average
rate, partially offset by a $52.7 million increase in the average
debt outstanding.
-- Investment and other income, net, decreased $1.0 million to
$2.4 million due primarily to a decrease in the average rate
earned on the Company's cash balances from 4.75 percent in fiscal
year 2007 to 1.67 percent for fiscal year 2008. In light of the
current economic and market conditions, the Company decided to
seek stable investments in money-market funds invested in United
States Treasury securities. These investments realize a lower
average rate on cash.
-- Other operating income, net, decreased $0.8 million to
$0.9 million for fiscal 2008. The decrease is primarily due to
the sale of excess cemetery property in the Western division and
proceeds related to the sale of an investment during fiscal year
2007.
-- As a result of the $250.0 million senior convertible note
transaction in June 2007, the Company recorded a charge for the
loss on early extinguishment of debt of $0.7 million during
fiscal year 2007.
-- The Company recorded $0.6 million in separation charges during
fiscal year 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 fiscal year
2008 was 119.7 percent compared to 31.5 percent for the same
period in 2007. The increased rate in 2008 was primarily due to
the $26.0 million goodwill impairment charge recorded in the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, of which $25.0 million was
non-deductible for tax purposes. This increase was coupled with a
$7.4 million valuation allowance against a deferred tax asset
with respect to some of the capital losses in the Company's
funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts. The Company
concluded a valuation allowance for the capital loss carryforward
was necessary because it was uncertain whether the Company could
generate any taxable capital gains within the carryforward
period. The effective tax rate exclusive of these items would
have been 35.9 percent. The reduced rate in 2007 was primarily
caused by a tax benefit of $3.4 million attributable to the
utilization of a capital loss carryforward, coupled with a tax
benefit of $0.8 million attributable to the completion and
settlement of an audit by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for tax
periods 1999, 2000 and 2001. The effective rate for 2007
exclusive of these items would have been 36.5 percent.
-- The Company's weighted average shares outstanding decreased to
93.8 million shares for fiscal year 2008 compared to
102.6 million shares for the same period in 2007. The decrease is
primarily due to the Company's $75.0 million stock repurchase
program in which the Company has repurchased $48.4 million, or
6.6 million shares, of the Company's Class A common stock in the
current fiscal year, yielding a positive impact on the Company's
earnings per share.
Depreciation and Amortization
-- Depreciation and amortization from continuing and total
operations was $7.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2008
compared to $7.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2007.
-- Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations was
$28.3 million for fiscal year 2008 and $27.4 million for the same
period of 2007. Depreciation and amortization from total
operations was $28.3 million for fiscal year 2008 and
$27.6 million for the same period of 2007.
Cash Flow Results and Debt for Total Operations
-- Cash flow provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter
of fiscal year 2008 was $32.3 million compared to $27.1 million
for the same period of last year. The increase in operating cash
flow is primarily due to $0.2 million in net tax payments made in
2007 compared to $15.7 million in net tax refunds received in the
fourth quarter of 2008. In addition, during the fourth quarter of
fiscal year 2007, the Company withdrew $2.1 million of unusual
trust withdrawals related to the deferred revenue project and
executed a lease of its mineral rights at one of its cemeteries
to an outside third-party for $2.1 million.
-- Cash flow provided by operating activities for fiscal year 2008
was $84.5 million compared to $81.9 million for fiscal year 2007.
The increase in operating cash flow is primarily due to
$9.3 million in net tax payments made in fiscal year 2007
compared to $4.0 million in net tax refunds received in fiscal
year 2008, which included approximately $21.8 million in tax
refunds in 2008 compared to $5.8 million in refunds in 2007. We
expect to be a cash tax payer in fiscal year 2009. The timing of
additional refunds cannot be predicted at this time, although the
Company continually reviews its tax planning strategies looking
for opportunities. These increases are partially offset by
$3.2 million of business interruption insurance proceeds and
$1.3 million of insurance proceeds, net of expenses, related to
Hurricane Katrina, received in fiscal year 2007. In addition, in
fiscal year 2007, the Company withdrew $2.1 million of unusual
trust withdrawals related to the deferred revenue project and
received $2.1 million due to the execution of a lease of its
mineral rights at one of its cemeteries to an outside third-party.
-- During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company paid $2.3 million,
or $.025 per share, in dividends compared to $2.5 million, or
$.025 per share, paid in the fourth quarter of 2007.
-- During fiscal year 2008, the Company paid $9.4 million, or $.10
per share, in dividends compared to $10.2 million, or $.10 per
share, paid in fiscal year 2007.
-- As of October 31, 2008, the Company had outstanding debt of
$450.1 million and cash on hand of $72.6 million, or net debt
of $377.5 million.
-- During fiscal year 2008, the Company has repurchased 6.6 million
shares for approximately $48.4 million under the Board approved
stock repurchase program. In June 2008, the Company announced an
increase in the stock repurchase program from $50.0 million to
$75.0 million leaving the Company with $26.6 million available
under the program. The Company did not repurchase shares during
the fourth quarter and the Company intends to conserve cash until
a new credit facility is in place.
Trust Performance
The following returns include realized and unrealized gains and
losses:
-- For the year ended October 31, 2008, the Company's preneed
funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced
a total loss in value of 29.5 percent, and its perpetual care
trusts experienced a total loss in value of 25.9 percent. For a
portfolio balanced with equity and fixed-income securities, this
is consistent with the overall performance of the equity market
as demonstrated by the S&P 500 performance with a total loss in
value of 36.1 percent for the same period.
-- For the last three years ended October 31, 2008, the Company's
preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts
experienced an annual total average loss in value of 4.9 percent,
and its perpetual care trusts experienced an annual total average
loss in value of 4.4 percent. For a portfolio balanced with
equity and fixed-income securities, this is consistent with the
overall performance of the equity market as demonstrated by the
S&P 500 performance with an annual total average loss in value of
5.2 percent for the same period.
-- For the last five years ended October 31, 2008, the Company's
preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts
experienced an annual total average loss in value of 1.0 percent,
and its perpetual care trusts experienced an annual total average
loss in value of 1.0 percent. For a portfolio balanced with
equity and fixed-income securities, this is consistent with the
overall performance of the equity market as demonstrated by the
S&P 500 performance with an annual total average return of 0.3
percent for the same period.
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 140 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.
The Stewart Enterprises, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4456
Stewart Enterprises, Inc. will host its quarterly conference call for investors to discuss fourth quarter results on December 19, 2008 at 10 a.m. Central Standard Time. The teleconference dial-in number is 888-204-4519. 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 913-981-4912. 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 2973466 until December 26, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. Central Standard 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 January 19, 2009.
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
October 31,
-------------------
2008 2007
-------- --------
Revenues:
Funeral $ 67,745 $ 66,920
Cemetery 62,618 59,444
-------- --------
130,363 126,364
-------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Funeral 54,968 55,960
Cemetery 65,280 48,255
-------- --------
120,248 104,215
-------- --------
Gross profit 10,115 22,149
Corporate general and administrative expenses (8,385) (8,014)
Impairment of goodwill (25,952) --
Hurricane related charges, net (1,946) (190)
Gains on dispositions and impairment
(losses), net (506) (88)
Other operating income, net 66 210
-------- --------
Operating earnings (loss) (26,608) 14,067
Interest expense (6,134) (5,791)
Investment and other income, net 736 947
-------- --------
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes (32,006) 9,223
Income taxes 3,641 3,908
-------- --------
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (35,647) 5,315
-------- --------
Discontinued operations:
Earnings from discontinued operations
before income taxes -- 1,326
Income tax expense -- 506
-------- --------
Earnings from discontinued operations -- 820
-------- --------
Net earnings (loss) $(35,647) $ 6,135
======== ========
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (.39) $ .05
Earnings from discontinued operations -- .01
-------- --------
Net earnings (loss) $ (.39) $ .06
======== ========
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (.39) $ .05
Earnings from discontinued operations -- .01
-------- --------
Net earnings (loss) $ (.39) $ .06
======== ========
Weighted average common shares
outstanding (in thousands):
Basic 91,683 97,745
======== ========
Diluted 91,683 97,990
======== ========
Dividends declared per common share $ .025 $ .025
======== ========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended
October 31,
-------------------
2008 2007
-------- --------
Revenues:
Funeral $286,607 $279,330
Cemetery 241,276 243,487
-------- --------
527,883 522,817
-------- --------
Costs and expenses:
Funeral 218,228 216,375
Cemetery 208,838 194,012
-------- --------
427,066 410,387
-------- --------
Gross profit 100,817 112,430
Corporate general and administrative expenses (32,611) (31,143)
Impairment of goodwill (25,952) --
Hurricane related charges, net (2,297) (2,533)
Separation charges -- (580)
Gains on dispositions and impairment
(losses), net (353) (44)
Other operating income, net 819 1,651
-------- --------
Operating earnings 40,423 79,781
Interest expense (24,115) (25,065)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt -- (677)
Investment and other income, net 2,406 3,374
-------- --------
Earnings from continuing operations before
income taxes 18,714 57,413
Income taxes 22,407 18,099
-------- --------
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (3,693) 39,314
-------- --------
Discontinued operations:
Earnings from discontinued operations before
income taxes -- 807
Income tax expense -- 308
-------- --------
Earnings from discontinued operations -- 499
-------- --------
Net earnings (loss) $ (3,693) $ 39,813
======== ========
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (.04) $ .38
Earnings from discontinued operations -- .01
-------- --------
Net earnings (loss) $ (.04) $ .39
======== ========
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations $ (.04) $ .38
Earnings from discontinued operations -- .01
-------- --------
Net earnings (loss) $ (.04) $ .39
======== ========
Weighted average common shares outstanding
(in thousands):
Basic 93,795 102,584
======== ========
Diluted 93,795 102,737
======== ========
Dividends declared per common share $ .10 $ .10
======== ========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
October 31, October 31,
ASSETS 2008 2007
------ ---------- ----------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 72,574 $ 71,545
Marketable securities 55 262
Receivables, net of allowances 59,129 60,615
Inventories 35,870 36,061
Prepaid expenses 7,317 6,355
Deferred income taxes, net 8,798 8,621
---------- ----------
Total current assets 183,743 183,459
Receivables due beyond one year, net of
allowances 70,671 83,608
Preneed funeral receivables and trust
investments 368,412 515,053
Preneed cemetery receivables and trust
investments 182,141 255,679
Goodwill 247,236 273,286
Cemetery property, at cost 375,832 373,038
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land 42,343 42,334
Buildings 319,839 310,968
Equipment and other 178,589 164,246
---------- ----------
540,771 517,548
Less accumulated depreciation 236,243 213,063
---------- ----------
Net property and equipment 304,528 304,485
Deferred income taxes, net 179,515 192,859
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 173,090 236,503
Non-current assets held for sale 2,873 3,195
Other assets 16,474 17,809
---------- ----------
Total assets $2,104,515 $2,438,974
========== ==========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
October 31, October 31,
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 2008 2007
------------------------------------ ---------- ----------
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 20 $ 198
Accounts payable 27,652 26,606
Accrued payroll and other benefits 14,133 16,316
Accrued insurance 21,287 21,252
Accrued interest 5,864 5,576
Estimated obligation to fund cemetery
perpetual care trust 13,281 --
Other current liabilities 16,198 17,958
Income taxes payable 2,061 4,177
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 100,496 92,083
Long-term debt, less current maturities 450,095 450,115
Deferred preneed funeral revenue 245,182 256,603
Deferred preneed cemetery revenue 275,835 284,507
Non-controlling interest in funeral and
cemetery trusts 475,420 683,052
Other long-term liabilities 20,479 13,869
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 1,567,507 1,780,229
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies
Non-controlling interest in perpetual care
trusts 171,371 235,427
---------- ----------
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 88,693,127 and
94,865,387 shares at October 31, 2008
and 2007, respectively 88,693 94,865
Class B authorized 5,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 3,555,020 shares
at October 31, 2008 and 2007; 10 votes
per share convertible into an equal
number of Class A shares 3,555 3,555
Additional paid-in capital 536,902 583,789
Accumulated deficit (263,550) (258,902)
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Unrealized appreciation of investments 37 11
---------- ----------
Total accumulated other comprehensive
income 37 11
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 365,637 423,318
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity $2,104,515 $2,438,974
========== ==========
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended October 31,
------------------------
2008 2007
---------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss) $ (3,693) $ 39,813
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
(loss) to net cash provided by operating
activities:
(Gains) on dispositions and impairment
losses, net 353 (565)
Impairment of goodwill 25,952 --
Loss on early extinguishment of debt -- 677
Depreciation and amortization 28,275 27,638
Provision for doubtful accounts 7,995 9,756
Share-based compensation 2,819 2,687
Excess tax benefits from share-based
payment arrangements (227) (153)
Provision for deferred income taxes 7,174 4,337
Estimated obligation to fund cemetery
perpetual care trust 13,281 --
Other 443 908
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables 12,107 (7,795)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid
expenses (1,031) 73
Increase in inventories and cemetery
property (2,509) (4,365)
Increase in accounts payable and
accrued expenses 2,623 1,741
Net effect of preneed funeral
production and maturities:
Decrease in preneed funeral
receivables and trust investments 36,604 4,167
Decrease in deferred preneed
funeral revenue (11,067) (15,435)
Increase (decrease) in funeral
non-controlling interest (30,642) 10,867
Net effect of preneed cemetery
production and deliveries:
Decrease in preneed cemetery
receivables and trust investments 15,910 5,042
Decrease in deferred preneed
cemetery revenue (8,673) (11,807)
Increase (decrease) in cemetery
non-controlling interest (9,599) 11,681
Increase (decrease) in other (1,572) 2,674
---------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 84,523 81,941
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of marketable
securities 20,219 --
Purchases of marketable securities (19,956) (1)
Proceeds from sale of assets, net 599 3,750
Purchase of subsidiaries and other
investments, net of cash acquired (1,378) (5,203)
Insurance proceeds related to hurricane
damaged properties -- 2,529
Additions to property and equipment (26,995) (35,310)
Other 144 49
---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities (27,367) (34,186)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt -- 250,000
Repayments of long-term debt (198) (176,547)
Debt issue costs -- (6,217)
Proceeds from sale of common stock warrants -- 43,850
Issuance of common stock 1,845 3,066
Purchase of call options -- (60,000)
Purchase and retirement of common stock (48,627) (64,201)
Dividends (9,374) (10,184)
Excess tax benefits from share-based
payment arrangements 227 153
---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing activities (56,127) (20,080)
---------- ----------
Net increase in cash 1,029 27,675
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 71,545 43,870
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 72,574 $ 71,545
========== ==========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Income taxes, net $ (3,980) $ 9,276
Interest $ 22,120 $ 24,772
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of common stock to executive
officers and directors $ 923 $ 1,028
Issuance of restricted stock, net of
forfeitures $ 162 $ 4,136
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE PERIODS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
(Unaudited)
Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less maintenance capital expenditures. Management believes that free cash flow is a useful measure 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 free cash flow for the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2008 and 2007:
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
October 31, October 31,
Free Cash Flow ---------------- ----------------
(Dollars in millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by
operating activities (1) $ 32.3 $ 27.1 $ 84.5 $ 81.9
Less: Maintenance capital
expenditures (5.0) (7.4) (17.4) (18.9)
------ ------ ------ ------
Free cash flow $ 27.3 $ 19.7 $ 67.1 $ 63.0
====== ====== ====== ======
(1) Net cash flow provided by operating activities for fiscal year
2008 was $84.5 million compared to $81.9 million for fiscal year
2007. The increase in operating cash flow is primarily due to
$9.3 million in net tax payments made in fiscal year 2007
compared to $4.0 million in net tax refunds received in fiscal
year 2008, which included approximately $21.8 million in tax
refunds in 2008 compared to $5.8 million in refunds in 2007. We
expect to be a cash tax payer in fiscal year 2009. The timing of
additional refunds cannot be predicted at this time, although
the Company continually reviews its tax planning strategies
looking for opportunities. These increases are partially offset
by $3.2 million of business interruption insurance proceeds and
$1.3 million of insurance proceeds, net of expenses, related to
Hurricane Katrina, received in fiscal year 2007. In addition, in
fiscal year 2007, the Company withdrew $2.1 million of unusual
trust withdrawals related to the deferred revenue project and
received $2.1 million due to the execution of a lease of its
mineral rights at one of its cemeteries to an outside
third-party.
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 our trusts and escrow accounts of changes in stock and
bond prices and interest and dividend rates;
-- effects of the recent substantial decline in market value of our
trust assets, including:
-- decreased future cash flow and earnings as a result of
reduced earnings from our trusts and trust fund management;
-- the potential to realize additional losses and additional
cemetery perpetual care funding obligations and tax
valuation allowances;
-- effects on at-need and preneed sales of a weakening economy;
-- effects on revenue due to the changes in the number of deaths in
our markets and decline in funeral call volume;
-- our ability to refinance our revolving credit facility maturing
in November 2009;
-- 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;
-- risk of loss due to hurricanes;
-- effects of the call options the Company purchased and the
warrants the Company 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 and repurchase 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, 2008. We encourage readers to review our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. 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.