0001193125-12-505984.txt : 20121218 0001193125-12-505984.hdr.sgml : 20121218 20121218104921 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-12-505984 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20121217 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20121218 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20121218 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: STEWART ENTERPRISES INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000878522 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-PERSONAL SERVICES [7200] IRS NUMBER: 720693290 STATE OF INCORPORATION: LA FISCAL YEAR END: 1031 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-15449 FILM NUMBER: 121270344 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1333 SOUTH CLEARVIEW PARKWAY CITY: JEFFERSON STATE: LA ZIP: 70121 BUSINESS PHONE: 5047291400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1333 SOUTH CLEARVIEW PARKWAY CITY: JEFFERSON STATE: LA ZIP: 70121 8-K 1 d455232d8k.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 17, 2012

 

 

STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

LOUISIANA   1-15449   72-0693290
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission   (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation)   File Number)   Identification No.)

1333 South Clearview Parkway

Jefferson, Louisiana 70121

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(504) 729-1400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On December 17, 2012, Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release reporting its results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012. A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

The information in this Item 2.02 (and in Item 9.01) shall be deemed to be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission but not filed, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filings by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless the Company expressly states otherwise in such filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

  (d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

    

Description

  99.1       Press release by Stewart Enterprises, Inc. dated December 17, 2012 reporting its results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012

 

1


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

      STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
December 18, 2012       /s/ Angela M. Lacour
     

Angela M. Lacour

Senior Vice President of Finance

and Chief Accounting Officer

 

2


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

    

Description

  99.1       Press release by Stewart Enterprises, Inc. dated December 17, 2012 reporting its results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012

 

3

EX-99.1 2 d455232dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE BY STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC. DATED DECEMBER 17, 2012 Press Release by Stewart Enterprises, Inc. dated December 17, 2012

Exhibit 99.1

STEWART ENTERPRISES REPORTS EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

OF $.11 FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND $.43 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012

NEW ORLEANS, LA December 17, 2012 . . . Stewart Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq GS: STEI) reported today its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 31, 2012. Earnings from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $9.1 million compared to $8.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 and $37.5 million for fiscal year 2012 compared to $39.3 million for fiscal year 2011. Fiscal year 2011 results included an after-tax benefit of $7.5 million from the Company’s successful settlement of Hurricane Katrina litigation. On a diluted per share basis for the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2012, the Company reported earnings from continuing operations of $.11 and $.43 per share and adjusted earnings from continuing operations of $.12 and $.46 per share, respectively.

 

     Three Months Ended October 31,      Twelve Months Ended October 31,  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     millions      per share      millions      per share      millions      per share      millions      per share  

Net earnings (1)

   $ 9.0      $ .11      $ 8.5      $ .10      $ 35.9      $ .41      $ 38.6      $ .42  

Net earnings from continuing operations (1)

   $ 9.1      $ .11      $ 8.8      $ .10      $ 37.5      $ .43      $ 39.3      $ .43  

Adjusted earnings from continuing operations (2)

   $ 10.1      $ .12      $ 8.4      $ .09      $ 40.2      $ .46      $ 35.6      $ .39  

 

(1) The year ended October 31, 2011 included a $12.4 million ($7.5 million after tax, or $.08 per diluted share) recovery related to the settlement of the Hurricane Katrina litigation.
(2) See table “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations.

Thomas M. Kitchen, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We finished fiscal year 2012 with an exceptional fourth quarter, continuing the positive momentum we generated during the fiscal year. The fourth quarter is the third consecutive period with year-over-year improvements in many of our key metrics including total revenue, gross profit and adjusted earnings. For the fourth quarter of 2012, we increased adjusted earnings per share by 33 percent and same-store funeral services by 2.2 percent. In addition, we expanded our gross profit margin by 270 basis points, producing the highest fourth quarter gross profit margin in six years. For the year, we improved adjusted earnings per share by 18 percent. These improvements were driven by a $3 million increase in revenue and a $9 million increase in gross profit, which reflects the highest annual revenue and gross profit in four years. Some additional highlights of fiscal year 2012 compared to the prior year include:

 

  Increasing cemetery gross profit by 20 percent and funeral gross profit by 4 percent, while expanding cemetery gross profit margin by 250 basis points and funeral gross profit margin by 100 basis points;

 

  Producing total annual returns of 11 percent in our preneed trusts and 13 percent in our perpetual care trusts;

 

  Experiencing the highest annual cemetery property and preneed funeral production in five years;


  Improving cemetery cremation sales by 15 percent while investing approximately $8 million in our new cremation inventory development projects;

 

  Realizing a 7 percent improvement in adjusted EBITDA to $109.6 million, as discussed in the table “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures;”

 

  Purchasing 4 million shares of the Company’s outstanding Class A common stock, including 1 million repurchased in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 3.5 percent decrease in total shares outstanding in fiscal year 2012;

 

  Announcing a 14 percent increase in the Company’s annual dividend to $.16 per share and returning $13.3 million in dividends to our shareholders; and

 

  Generating operating cash flow of $76.5 million and free cash flow of $61.4 million. As of October 31, 2012, the Company had more than $78 million of cash and marketable securities with no amounts borrowed on our $150 million credit facility.”

Mr. Kitchen concluded, “During the fiscal year, we successfully integrated our operations and sales organizational structures to better serve customers and families. In addition, we have prudently managed our expenses and continuously evaluated our costs, resulting in expanded margins. We believe the changes we have made this fiscal year are significant and will benefit the Company for years to come.”

Fourth Quarter Results

FUNERAL

 

Funeral revenue increased $1.3 million, or 1.9 percent, to $69.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2012.

 

Same-store services increased 2.2 percent, or 280 events, which the Company believes compares favorably to industry-wide data. The increase was partially offset by a 0.3 percent decrease in same-store average revenue per funeral service.

 

Funeral gross profit increased $2.6 million, or 18.8 percent, to $16.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to $13.8 million for the same period of 2011. The improvement in gross profit is primarily due to the improvement in revenue, as previously noted, as well as a reduction in operating expenses associated with the Company’s continuous improvement initiative, including successfully integrating the Company’s operations and sales organizational structures. Funeral gross profit margin improved 340 basis points to 23.7 percent for the fourth quarter of 2012 from 20.3 percent for the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

The cremation rate for the Company’s same-store operations was 43.1 percent for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to 42.1 percent for the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Net preneed funeral sales increased 1.4 percent during the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Preneed funeral sales are deferred until the underlying contracts are performed and have no impact on current revenue.

CEMETERY

 

Cemetery revenue decreased $1.3 million, or 2.1 percent, to $60.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. Cemetery property sales declined $1.2 million, or 4.3 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Fourth quarter 2011 cemetery property sales were 14.4 percent higher than the same period in 2010. The decrease in cemetery property sales is due in part to a decline in large cemetery property sales in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. In addition, there was a decrease in revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which the property was not yet constructed or the down payment required for revenue recognition was not yet received. These declines were partially offset by an improvement in merchandise delivered and services performed and an increase in revenue related to trust activities.

 

Cemetery gross profit increased $0.9 million, or 8.3 percent, to $11.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to $10.9 million for the same period of 2011. The increase in gross profit is due in part to the reduction in operating expenses associated with the Company’s continuous improvement initiative, including successfully integrating the Company’s operations and sales organizational structures, coupled with a decline in property and related selling costs. Cemetery gross profit margin improved 180 basis points to 19.6 percent for the fourth quarter of 2012 from 17.8 percent for the same period of 2011.

 

2


OTHER

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.0 million to $8.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to $7.2 million for the same period of 2011. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company incurred higher professional fees and health care expenses.

 

The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the quarter ended October 31, 2012 was 35.1 percent compared to 28.9 percent for the same period in 2011. The tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2011 was impacted primarily by a tax benefit associated with a deduction attributable to the prior disposition of a business.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company repurchased 1.1 million shares of its Class A common stock for $8.3 million under its stock repurchase program.

Fiscal Year 2012 Results

FUNERAL

 

Funeral revenue declined $0.7 million, or 0.2 percent, to $283.0 million for fiscal year 2012. This decline is primarily due to a 0.9 percent decrease in same-store funeral services, which the Company believes is consistent with industry-wide data in its markets and compares favorably to its peers. This decrease was partially offset by a 0.3 percent improvement in same-store average revenue per funeral service.

 

Funeral gross profit increased $2.7 million, or 4.1 percent, to $69.3 million for fiscal year 2012. The improvement in gross profit is primarily due to a reduction in operating expenses associated with the Company’s continuous improvement initiative, including successfully integrating the Company’s operations and sales organizational structures, as well as an improvement in the Company’s insurance claims experience. Funeral gross profit margin improved 100 basis points to 24.5 percent for fiscal year 2012 from 23.5 percent for the same period of 2011.

 

The cremation rate for the Company’s same-store operations was 43.1 percent for fiscal year 2012 compared to 42.5 percent for the same period of 2011.

 

Net preneed funeral sales increased 10.0 percent during fiscal year 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. Preneed funeral sales are deferred until the underlying contracts are performed and have no impact on current revenue.

CEMETERY

 

Cemetery revenue increased $4.1 million, or 1.8 percent, to $233.1 million for fiscal year 2012. Cemetery property sales improved $2.4 million, or 2.3 percent, compared to fiscal year 2011. In addition, revenue related to trust activities increased by $2.4 million and merchandise delivered and services performed increased by $1.3 million. These improvements were partially offset by a $2.1 million decline in finance charges as a result of reduced interest rates in this low interest rate environment and a $1.6 million decrease in revenue recognized for cemetery property sales for which the property was not yet constructed or the down payment required for revenue recognition was not yet received.

 

Cemetery gross profit increased $6.6 million, or 19.5 percent, to $40.4 million for fiscal year 2012. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to the improvement in revenue, as previously noted, as well as a reduction in operating expenses associated with the Company’s continuous improvement initiative, including successfully integrating the Company’s operations and sales organizational structures. Cemetery gross profit margin improved 250 basis points to 17.3 percent for fiscal year 2012 from 14.8 percent for the same period of 2011.

OTHER

 

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.7 million to $28.5 million for fiscal year 2012, compared to $26.8 million for the same period of 2011. During fiscal year 2012, the Company increased spending on marketing and consumer research, as well as professional fees associated with the operations and sales integration, which the Company believes will provide benefits in the future. In addition, the Company experienced an increase in health care expenses.

 

3


Results for fiscal year 2011 include $12.4 million related to the settlement of Hurricane Katrina insurance litigation. The settlement increased prior year’s pre-tax earnings by $12.4 million, net earnings by $7.5 million and diluted earnings per share by $.08.

 

The Company recorded $3.3 million in restructuring and other charges during fiscal year 2012. This charge was primarily related to separation pay, termination benefits and a non-cash asset impairment due to the restructuring of the operations and sales organizational structure, as well as a separate reduction in workforce associated with the Company’s continuous improvement initiative, announced in April 2012. For the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2012, the decline in costs associated with the restructuring of the Company’s operations and sales organizational structure, as well as the reduction in force are consistent with the previously announced expectations of approximately $10 million on an annual basis, realized in part in fiscal year 2012, and expected to be realized in full in fiscal year 2013. For additional information, see Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012.

 

As a result of the refinancing of the Company’s senior notes and revolving credit facility in April 2011, the Company recorded a $1.9 million charge for the early extinguishment of debt during fiscal year 2011.

 

The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the year ended October 31, 2012 was 33.3 percent compared to 37.7 percent for the same period in 2011. For the year ended October 31, 2012, the Company benefited from a $2.1 million reduction in the valuation allowance for capital losses, associated with the positive performance of its trust portfolio.

 

During fiscal year 2012, the Company sold one of its e-commerce businesses with the results of its operations and the related impairment reported within discontinued operations.

 

During fiscal year 2012, the Company repurchased 4.0 million shares of the Company’s Class A common stock for $27.4 million under its stock repurchase program. As of October 31, 2012, the Company had $16.4 million remaining under its $125.0 million program.

 

The Company’s weighted average diluted shares outstanding decreased to 86.3 million shares for the year ended October 31, 2012 compared to 90.5 million shares for fiscal year 2011. The decrease is primarily a result of the Company’s stock repurchase program, which has yielded a positive impact on the Company’s earnings per share.

Cash Flow Results and Debt for Total Operations

 

During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, the Company received $11.3 million as a result of the Hurricane Katrina settlement.

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 was $17.8 million compared to $26.4 million for the same period of last year, or $15.1 million excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement. The improvement in operating cash flow, excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement, is due in part to an increase in net earnings, coupled with a $0.8 million decrease in net tax payments in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Cash flow provided by operating activities for fiscal 2012 was $76.5 million compared to $86.8 million for fiscal year 2011, or $75.5 million excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement.

 

Free cash flow was $14.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to $21.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, or $10.4 million excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement. Free cash flow was $61.4 million for fiscal year 2012 compared to $69.2 million for the same period of 2011, or $57.9 million excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement. See table “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on free cash flow.

 

The Company paid $3.4 million, or $.04 per share, and $13.3 million, or $.155 per share, in dividends for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2012, respectively, compared to $3.1 million, or $.035 per share, and $11.8 million, or $.13 per share, in dividends during the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2011, respectively.

 

4


Trust Performance

The following total returns include realized and unrealized gains and losses:

 

For the quarter ended October 31, 2012, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 2.2 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 2.4 percent.

 

For the twelve months ended October 31, 2012, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced a total return of 11.4 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced a total return of 13.2 percent.

 

For the three years ended October 31, 2012, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced an average annual total return of 9.9 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced an average annual total return of 11.0 percent.

 

For the five years ended October 31, 2012, the Company’s preneed funeral and cemetery merchandise and services trusts experienced an average annual total return of 1.6 percent, and its perpetual care trusts experienced an average annual total return of 4.0 percent.

 

For fiscal year 2012, the fair market value of the Company’s portfolio improved $51.6 million to $856.2 million.

Founded in 1910, Stewart Enterprises, Inc. is the second largest provider of products and services in the death care industry in the United States. The Company currently owns and operates 217 funeral homes and 141 cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides a complete range of funeral and cremation 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 fourth quarter results on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 10 a.m. Central Standard Time. The teleconference dial-in number is 1-800-303-0442, using pass code 33868085. 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 1-847-413-3733. A replay of the call will be available by dialing 1-888-843-7419 (from within the continental United States) or 1-630-652-3042 (from outside the continental United States), and using pass code 33868085# until January 1, 2013, at 11:59 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 18, 2013.

 

5


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Three Months Ended October 31,  
     2012     2011  

Revenues:

    

Funeral

   $ 69,338     $ 68,056  

Cemetery

     60,098       61,322  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     129,436       129,378  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

    

Funeral

     52,985       54,225  

Cemetery

     48,289       50,484  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     101,274       104,709  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     28,162       24,669  

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     (8,257     (7,227

Restructuring and other charges

     (439     —     

Hurricane related charges, net

     (55     (13

Net gain on dispositions

     71       —     

Other operating income, net

     438       432  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings

     19,920       17,861  

Interest expense

     (5,857     (5,779

Investment and other income, net

     26       278  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

     14,089       12,360  

Income taxes

     4,949       3,572  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     9,140       8,788  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

    

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (249     (435

Income tax benefit

     (86     (174
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

     (163     (261
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 8,977     $ 8,527  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .11     $ .10  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .11     $ .10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .11     $ .10  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .11     $ .10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

    

Basic

     84,641       88,528  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     85,181       88,840  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

   $ .080     $ .035  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

6


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended October 31,  
     2012     2011  

Revenues:

    

Funeral

   $ 282,984     $ 283,657  

Cemetery

     233,113       229,007  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     516,097       512,664  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

    

Funeral

     213,670       217,009  

Cemetery

     192,745       195,238  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     406,415       412,247  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     109,682       100,417  

Corporate general and administrative expenses

     (28,521     (26,775

Restructuring and other charges

     (3,291     —     

Hurricane related recoveries (charges), net

     (55     12,232  

Net gain (loss) on dispositions

     403       (389

Other operating income, net

     1,211       1,625  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating earnings

     79,429       87,110  

Interest expense

     (23,401     (22,747

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —          (1,884

Investment and other income, net

     174       672  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

     56,202       63,151  

Income taxes

     18,722       23,834  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     37,480       39,317  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discontinued operations:

    

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (2,314     (1,245

Income tax benefit

     (730     (483
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations

     (1,584     (762
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 35,896     $ 38,555  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .43     $ .44  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (.02     (.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .41     $ .43  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

    

Earnings from continuing operations

   $ .43     $ .43  

Loss from discontinued operations

     (.02     (.01
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ .41     $ .42  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

    

Basic

     85,879       90,001  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

     86,278       90,486  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends declared per common share

   $ .195     $ .130  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

7


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

ASSETS

   October 31, 2012      October 31, 2011  

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 68,187      $ 65,688  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     6,250        6,250  

Marketable securities

     10,514        662  

Receivables, net of allowances

     52,441        49,146  

Inventories

     36,495        35,859  

Prepaid expenses

     4,923        5,055  

Deferred income taxes, net

     30,671        29,768  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     209,481        192,428  

Receivables due beyond one year, net of allowances

     72,620        67,979  

Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments

     432,422        409,296  

Preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments

     225,048        216,582  

Goodwill

     249,584        247,038  

Cemetery property, at cost

     401,670        396,014  

Property and equipment, at cost:

     

Land

     49,085        46,538  

Buildings

     360,852        353,688  

Equipment and other

     204,971        197,766  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     614,908        597,992  

Less accumulated depreciation

     323,648        305,708  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

     291,260        292,284  

Deferred income taxes, net

     62,125        79,793  

Cemetery perpetual care trust investments

     263,663        240,392  

Other assets

     13,812        15,292  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,221,685      $ 2,157,098  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

8


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   October 31, 2012     October 31, 2011  

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 6     $ 5  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     25,214       24,547  

Accrued payroll and other benefits

     19,964       18,181  

Accrued insurance

     22,152       22,398  

Accrued interest

     2,161       2,129  

Estimated obligation to fund cemetery perpetual care trust

     11,965       12,017  

Other current liabilities

     14,723       10,013  

Income taxes payable

     1,004       1,173  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     97,189       90,463  

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     321,887       317,821  

Deferred income taxes, net

     4,931       5,104  

Deferred preneed funeral revenue

     240,415       240,286  

Deferred preneed cemetery revenue

     265,347       259,237  

Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust

     585,164       558,194  

Perpetual care trusts’ corpus

     261,883       238,980  

Other long-term liabilities

     20,548       19,337  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,797,364       1,729,422  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 81,359,536 and 84,421,416 shares at October 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

     81,360       84,421  

Class B authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,555,020 shares at October 31, 2012 and 2011; 10 votes per share convertible into an equal number of Class A shares

     3,555       3,555  

Additional paid-in capital

     479,060       515,274  

Accumulated deficit

     (139,696     (175,592

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

    

Unrealized appreciation of investments

     42       18  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

     42       18  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     425,321       427,676  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 2,221,685     $ 2,157,098  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9


STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Year Ended October 31,  
     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 35,896     $ 38,555  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Net losses on dispositions

     468       389  

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —          1,884  

Non-cash restructuring charge

     1,236       —     

Premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt

     —          (850

Depreciation and amortization

     26,412       27,052  

Non-cash interest and amortization of discount on senior convertible notes

     5,531       5,305  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     4,256       4,879  

Share-based compensation

     3,404       2,952  

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     —          (351

Provision for deferred income taxes

     16,000       20,141  

Estimated obligation to fund cemetery perpetual care trust

     619       72  

Other

     159       (184

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Increase in receivables

     (12,158     (7,503

Decrease in prepaid expenses

     124       424  

Increase in inventories and cemetery property

     (6,778     (4,105

Federal income tax refunds

     76       1,698  

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (546     (858

Net effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:

    

Decrease in preneed funeral receivables and trust investments

     1,280       35,532  

Decrease in deferred preneed funeral revenue

     (4     (4,356

Decrease in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust

     (4,803     (32,787

Net effect of preneed cemetery production and deliveries:

    

(Increase) decrease in preneed cemetery receivables and trust investments

     (135     3,872  

Increase (decrease) in deferred preneed cemetery revenue

     6,110       (2,354

Decrease in deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust

     (859     (1,194

Increase (decrease) in other

     249       (1,383
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     76,537       86,830  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Proceeds from sales/maturities of certificates of deposit and marketable securities and release of restricted funds

     2,869       10,000  

Deposits of restricted funds and purchases of restricted cash equivalents, certificates of deposit and marketable securities

     (12,630     (6,912

Proceeds from sale of assets

     755       332  

Purchase of subsidiaries and other investments, net of cash acquired

     (6,442     (9,110

Additions to property and equipment

     (20,846     (26,958

Other

     148       149  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (36,146     (32,499
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds of long-term debt

     —          200,000  

Repayments of long-term debt

     (5     (200,005

Debt refinancing costs

     (34     (5,944

Issuance of common stock

     2,910       1,495  

Purchase and retirement of common stock

     (27,428     (28,838

Dividends

     (13,335     (11,762

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     —          351  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (37,892     (44,703
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash

     2,499       9,628  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     65,688       56,060  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 68,187     $ 65,688  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the year for:

    

Income taxes, net

   $ 2,798     $ 3,298  

Interest

   $ 18,237     $ 20,203  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Issuance of common stock to directors

   $ 437     $ 456  

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures

   $ 690     $ 914  

Dividends declared but not paid

   $ 3,400     $ —     

 

10


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

(Unaudited)

The Company recorded several items during the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2012 and 2011 that impacted earnings from continuing operations: a non-cash interest expense related to the Company’s senior convertible notes, restructuring and other charges, early extinguishment of debt, a perpetual care funding obligation, net hurricane related recoveries, net gains and losses on dispositions and unusual tax adjustments. The Company is presenting adjusted earnings in the table below to eliminate the effects of the specified items.

 

     Three Months Ended October 31,     Twelve Months Ended October 31,  
Adjusted Balances are Net of Tax (1)    2012      2011     2012     2011  
   millions      per share      millions     per share     millions     per share     millions     per share  

Consolidated net earnings

   $ 9.0      $ .11      $ 8.5     $ .10     $ 35.9     $ .41     $ 38.6     $ .42  

Add: Loss from discontinued operations

     0.1        —           0.3       —          1.6       .02       0.7       .01  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     9.1        .11        8.8       .10       37.5       .43       39.3       .43  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Add: Non-cash interest expense on senior convertible notes (2)

     0.7        .01        0.6       —          2.6       .03       2.3       .03  

Add: Restructuring and other charges (3)

     0.3        —           —          —          2.1       .02       —          —     

Add: Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —           —           —          —          —          —          1.2       .01  

Add: Perpetual care funding obligation (4)

     —           —           —          —          0.4       —          —          —     

Add: Hurricane related recoveries, net (5)

     —           —           —          —          —          —          (7.5     (.08

Subtract: Net (gain) loss on dispositions

     —           —           —          —          (0.3     —          0.3       —     

Subtract: Unusual tax adjustments

     —           —           (1.0     (.01     (2.1     (.02     —          —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings from continuing operations

   $ 10.1      $ .12      $ 8.4     $ .09     $ 40.2     $ .46     $ 35.6     $ .39  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

The tax rate associated with the Company’s adjustment for the net gain on dispositions for the twelve months ended October 31, 2012 was 37.0 percent. The tax rate associated with the loss on early extinguishment of debt and the net impairment losses on dispositions for the twelve months ended October 31, 2011 was 38.3 percent.

(2) 

Effective November 1, 2009, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board guidance that relates to the Company’s senior convertible notes, which has been applied retrospectively in the Company’s financial statements. For additional information, see Note 3 to the financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2012. The tax rate associated with the interest expense related to the Company’s senior convertible notes was 36.4 percent and 37.0 percent for the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2012, respectively. The tax rate associated with the interest expense related to the Company’s senior convertible notes was 38.4 percent and 38.3 percent for the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2011, respectively.

(3) 

The Company recorded $3.3 million in restructuring and other charges during fiscal year 2012, including $0.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. These charges were primarily related to separation pay, termination benefits and a non-cash asset impairment due in part to the restructuring of the operations and sales of the organization, along with a separate reduction in workforce associated with the Company’s continuous improvement initiative. The tax rate associated with the Company’s adjustment for restructuring and other charges for the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2012 was 35.5 percent and 37.0 percent, respectively.

(4) 

As a result of Eastman Kodak’s bankruptcy, the Company recorded a charge to record a probable funding obligation related to the Company’s perpetual care trusts during the first quarter of 2012. The tax rate associated with the Company’s adjustment for the perpetual care funding obligation for the twelve months ended October 31, 2012 was 37.0 percent.

(5) 

In August 2011, the Company successfully settled litigation related to Hurricane Katrina damages for $12.4 million, including $1.1 million that was advanced to the Company in fiscal year 2007. The tax rate associated with the Company’s adjustment for net hurricane related recoveries for the twelve months ended October 31, 2011 was 39.1 percent.

 

11


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

(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 make strategic investments, repurchase stock, repay debt 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, 2012 and 2011:

 

Free Cash Flow    Three Months  Ended
October 31,
    Twelve Months  Ended
October 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2011     2012     2011  

Net cash provided by operating activities (1)

   $ 17.8     $ 26.4     $ 76.5     $ 86.8  

Less: Maintenance capital expenditures

     (3.7     (4.7     (15.1     (17.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   $ 14.1     $ 21.7     $ 61.4     $ 69.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011, the Company received $11.3 million as a result of the Hurricane Katrina settlement. Cash flow provided by operating activities for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 was $17.8 million compared to $26.4 million for the same period of last year, or $15.1 million excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement. The improvement in operating cash flow, excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement, is due in part to an increase in net earnings, coupled with a $0.8 million decrease in net tax payments in the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Cash flow provided by operating activities for fiscal 2012 was $76.5 million compared to $86.8 million for fiscal year 2011, or $75.5 million excluding the Hurricane Katrina settlement.

 

12


RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2012 AND 2011

(Unaudited)

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings from continuing operations plus depreciation and amortization, interest expense, early extinguishment of debt, perpetual care funding obligations, restructuring and other charges, income taxes and net hurricane charges and less net gain on dispositions and net hurricane recoveries. Adjusted EBITDA margins are calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue.

Management believes that adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure for providing additional insight into the Company’s operating performance. Due to the Company’s significant cash investment in preneed activity, management does not view adjusted EBITDA as a measure of the Company’s cash flow. Investors should be aware that adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The following table provides a reconciliation between net earnings (the GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA) and adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended October 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

Adjusted EBITDA    Three Months  Ended
October 31,
     Twelve Months  Ended
October 31,
 
(Dollars in millions)    2012     2011      2012     2011  

Consolidated net earnings

   $ 9.0     $ 8.5      $ 35.9     $ 38.6  

Add: Loss from discontinued operations

     0.1       0.3        1.6       0.7  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     9.1       8.8        37.5       39.3  

Add: Depreciation and amortization

     6.6       6.7        26.4       27.1  

Add: Interest expense

     5.9       5.8        23.4       22.7  

Add: Loss on early extinguishment of debt

     —          —           —          1.9  

Add: Perpetual care funding obligation (1)

     —          —           0.6       —     

Add: Restructuring and other charges

     0.4       —           3.3       —     

Add: Income taxes

     5.0       3.6        18.7       23.8  

Add (Subtract): Hurricane related charges (recoveries), net

     0.1       —           0.1       (12.2

Subtract: Net gain on dispositions

     (0.1     —           (0.4     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 27.0     $ 24.9      $ 109.6     $ 102.6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

As a result of Eastman Kodak’s bankruptcy, the Company recorded a charge to record a probable funding obligation related to the Company’s perpetual care trusts during the first quarter of 2012.

 

13


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 substantial unrealized losses in the investments in our trusts, 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 weak economy;

 

effects on revenue due to the changes in the number of deaths in our markets and recent annual declines in funeral call volume;

 

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 future revenue and costs of our organizational restructuring designed to better integrate operations and sales, being implemented primarily during the latter part of fiscal year 2012 and the beginning of fiscal year 2013;

 

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;

 

risk of loss due to hurricanes and other natural disasters;

 

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;

 

our ability to consummate significant acquisitions of or investments in death care or related businesses successfully;

 

the effects on us as a result of our industry’s complex accounting model;

and other risks and uncertainties described in our Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2012, filed 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.

 

CONTACT: Lewis J. Derbes, Jr.

Stewart Enterprises, Inc.

1333 S. Clearview Parkway

Jefferson, LA 70121

504-729-1400

 

14