THE ADVISORY BOARD COMPANY REPORTS FISCAL YEAR 2007 FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
Company Reports Quarterly Revenue Growth of 15% and Contract Value Growth of 17%; Announces Member Renewal Rate of 89%
WASHINGTON, D.C.— (May 8, 2007) — The Advisory Board Company (NASDAQ: ABCO) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ending March 31, 2007. Revenues for the quarter increased 15.1% to $50.3 million, from $43.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Net income was $7.2 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, compared to $8.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the same period a year ago. For the year ended March 31, 2007, revenues increased 15.0% to $189.8 million, from $165.0 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. Net income for the year was $27.4 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to $25.6 million, or $1.29 per diluted share in the same period a year ago.
In February 2006, the Company received notification that it had been certified as a Qualified High Technology Company (QHTC) for income tax purposes. Due to the Company’s QHTC status, the Company recorded a one-time noncash charge to the Company’s deferred tax asset during the three months ended December 31, 2005. In addition, effective April 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (SFAS No. 123R), which provides the accounting rules for share-based compensation. To analyze results on a comparable basis to the prior year, the Company’s management uses and is providing adjusted financial results, including adjusted net income and earnings per diluted share that excludes share-based compensation expense and employer taxes paid in connection with exercises of employee stock options. The adjusted results for all periods presented also include effective income tax rates and number of weighted average diluted shares calculated assuming adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 123R and the Company’s certification as a QHTC.
Including the adjustments discussed above, adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $9.2 million, up from $8.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006. Adjusted earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 was $0.48, up from $0.45 in the same quarter in the prior year. Adjusted net income for the year ended March 31, 2007 was $35.6 million, or $1.83 per diluted share compared to $32.5 million or $1.64 per diluted share in the same period a year ago. A reconciliation of the Company’s reported and adjusted results is set forth in the notes to the financial highlights table included below.
Contract value grew 17.4% to $200.1 million as of March 31, 2007, up from $170.5 million as of March 31, 2006. The Company’s member renewal rate for fiscal 2007 was 89%. As of the end of the fiscal year, the Company’s membership base increased to 2,662 institutions, with average contract value per member institution growing to $75,166 up from $65,707 at the same time last year.
Frank Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Advisory Board Company commented, “With 15% revenue growth for the quarter and contract value growth of 17% versus this time last year, we are very pleased with our results for both the fourth quarter and the fiscal year. Our growth has been driven by success in four key areas: the addition of new member institutions, price increases, cross-selling, and new program launches. This year, the growth in our membership base exceeded our expected range, expanding by 3% to 2,662 institutions. Further, the increase in average contract value per member—which is now at $75,167 up from $65,707 at this time last year—is evidence of the continued strong demand for our programs across the membership.”
Mr. Williams added, “We are also pleased with our FY ’07 member renewal rate of 89%, which is one of the highest renewal rates in our history. This metric is a key indicator of product quality and member satisfaction and a critical factor in solidifying our platform for the future. This year’s strong renewal performance and contract value growth indicate that our on-point research agendas, proven best practices and continued commitment to enhancing impact are helping our members to address their most important strategic and operational issues. Having grown our network to over 13,000 executives, we are in the unique position of having unparalleled access to best practices as well as the reach necessary to drive critical performance improvement throughout the industry.”
Outlook for the Remainder of Calendar Year 2007
The Company announced guidance for the next calendar quarter of approximately $50.8 million of revenue and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.49. For calendar year 2007, the Company reiterated its full year revenue guidance of approximately $210.8 million and increased its full year adjusted earnings per diluted share guidance to $2.08. Beginning in fiscal year 2008, the Company will no longer exclude from its adjusted results employer taxes related to the exercise of employee stock options given the smaller number of pre-IPO options now outstanding. For the period from April 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, the company estimates approximately $200,000 to $300,000 of these employer taxes. This expense is included in the adjusted earnings per diluted share guidance provided above. As stated in last quarter’s earnings release, the Company expects an effective income tax rate of approximately 33.3% for fiscal year 2008.
Adjusted results exclude share-based compensation expenses and are estimated using effective tax rates and number of weighted average diluted shares calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for additional information on adjusted financial presentations and a reconciliation with results presented in accordance with GAAP.
Share Repurchase
During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company repurchased 652,284 shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $34.6 million. To date the Company has repurchased 3,598,212 shares of its common stock at a total cost of approximately $156.1 million. Repurchases will continue to be made from time to time in open market and privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares has been fixed. The Company will fund its share repurchases with cash on hand and cash generated from operations. At March 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $159.4 million in cash and marketable securities and no debt.
The Company will hold an investor conference call to discuss its third quarter performance this evening, May 8, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The conference call will be available via live web cast on the Company’s web site atwww.advisoryboardcompany.com in the section entitled “Investor Information” found under the tab “About Us.” To participate by telephone, the dial-in number is 800.259.0251 and the access code is 25014983. Investors are advised to dial-in at least five minutes prior to the call to register. The web cast will be archived for seven days: from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2007.
About The Advisory Board Company
The Advisory Board Company provides best practices research and analysis to the health care industry, focusing on business strategy, operations and general management issues. The Company provides best practices and research through discrete annual programs to a membership of more than 2,600 hospitals, health systems, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, health care insurers, and medical device companies in the United States. Each program typically charges a fixed annual fee and provides members with such services as best practice research reports, executive education, on-line analytical tools, and other supporting research services.
THE ADVISORY BOARD COMPANY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Selected
March 31,
Growth
2007
2006
Rates
Financial Highlights (GAAP, as reported) Revenues
$
50,300
$
43,703
15.1
%
Cost of services
$
24,305
$
18,928
Member relations and marketing
$
10,396
$
8,591
General and administrative
$
5,800
$
4,361
Income from operations
$
9,186
$
11,484
Net income
$
7,178
$
8,659
-17.1
%
Basic earnings per share
$
0.39
$
0.46
-15.2
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.38
$
0.44
-13.6
%
Weighted average common shares outstanding Basic
18,398
18,773
Diluted
19,124
19,724
Financial Highlights (Adjusted) (1) Adjusted cost of services
$
23,217
$
18,785
Adjusted member relations and marketing
$
9,678
$
8,507
Adjusted general and administrative
$
4,622
$
4,311
Adjusted income from operations
$
12,170
$
11,761
3.5
%
Adjusted net income
$
9,150
$
8,842
3.5
%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
0.48
$
0.45
6.7
%
Adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
19,124
19,637
Adjusted percentages of revenues (1) Adjusted cost of services
46.2
%
43.0
%
Adjusted member relations and marketing
19.2
%
19.5
%
Adjusted general and administrative
9.2
%
9.9
%
Adjusted income from operations
24.2
%
26.9
%
Twelve Months Ended
Selected
March 31,
Growth
2007
2006
Rates
Financial Highlights (GAAP, as reported) Revenues
$
189,843
$
165,049
15.0
%
Cost of services
$
90,129
$
70,959
Member relations and marketing
$
40,204
$
33,667
General and administrative
$
22,815
$
16,135
Income from operations
$
34,625
$
42,738
Net income
$
27,395
$
25,642
6.8
%
Basic earnings per share
$
1.46
$
1.35
8.1
%
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.41
$
1.29
9.3
%
Weighted average common shares outstanding Basic
18,714
18,979
Diluted
19,448
19,902
Financial Highlights (Adjusted) (1) Adjusted cost of services
$
85,844
$
70,816
Adjusted member relations and marketing
$
37,394
$
33,583
Adjusted general and administrative
$
17,554
$
16,085
Adjusted income from operations
$
46,981
$
43,015
9.2
%
Adjusted net income
$
35,562
$
32,491
9.5
%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
1.83
$
1.64
10.9
%
Adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
19,448
19,763
Adjusted percentages of revenues (1) Adjusted cost of services
45.2
%
42.9
%
Adjusted member relations and marketing
19.7
%
20.3
%
Adjusted general and administrative
9.2
%
9.7
%
Adjusted income from operations
24.7
%
26.1
%
(1)
In order to allow investors to assess results on a basis consistent with those used by management, the following tables reconcile GAAP to adjusted amounts for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Adjusted results exclude the share-based compensation expense recognized by the Company in accordance with SFAS No. 123R and employer taxes paid in connection with the exercise of employee stock options. In addition, for comparison purposes the Company’s effective tax rate for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2006 have been adjusted to reflect the Company’s certification as a QHTC and include the effects of SFAS No. 123R.
THE ADVISORY BOARD COMPANY RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED RESULTS (In thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
Employer taxes
paid upon
Tax benefit
GAAP, as
Share-based
exercise of
associated with
Financial statement descriptions
reported
compensation
employee options
QHTC status
Adjusted
Cost of services
$
24,305
(1,036
)
(52
)
—
$
23,217
Member relations and marketing
$
10,396
(666
)
(52
)
—
$
9,678
General and administrative
$
5,800
(1,133
)
(45
)
—
$
4,622
Income from operations
$
9,186
2,835
149
—
$
12,170
Net income
$
7,178
1,874
98
—
$
9,150
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.38
0.10
—
—
$
0.48
Diluted weighted average shares
19,124
—
—
—
19,124
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006
Employer taxes
paid upon
Tax benefit
GAAP, as
Share-based
exercise of
associated with
Financial statement descriptions
reported
compensation
employee options
QHTC status
Adjusted
Cost of services
$
18,928
(2
)
(141
)
—
$
18,785
Member relations and marketing
$
8,591
(1
)
(83
)
—
$
8,507
General and administrative
$
4,361
(2
)
(48
)
—
$
4,311
Income from operations
$
11,484
5
272
—
$
11,761
Net income
$
8,659
3
180
—
$
8,842
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.44
—
0.01
—
$
0.45
Diluted weighted average shares
19,724
(87
)
—
—
19,637
Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2007
Employer taxes
paid upon
Tax benefit
GAAP, as
Share-based
exercise of
associated with
Financial statement descriptions
reported
compensation
employee options
QHTC status
Adjusted
Cost of services
$
90,129
(4,167
)
(118
)
—
$
85,844
Member relations and marketing
$
40,204
(2,753
)
(57
)
—
$
37,394
General and administrative
$
22,815
(5,081
)
(180
)
—
$
17,554
Income from operations
$
34,625
12,001
355
—
$
46,981
Net income
$
27,395
7,933
235
—
$
35,562
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.41
0.41
0.01
—
$
1.83
Diluted weighted average shares
19,448
—
—
—
19,448
Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2006
Employer taxes
paid upon
Tax benefit
GAAP, as
Share-based
exercise of
associated with
Financial statement descriptions
reported
compensation
employee options
QHTC status
Adjusted
Cost of services
$
70,959
(2
)
(141
)
—
$
70,816
Member relations and marketing
$
33,667
(1
)
(83
)
—
$
33,583
General and administrative
$
16,135
(2
)
(48
)
—
$
16,085
Income from operations
$
42,738
5
272
—
$
43,015
Net income
$
25,642
3
180
6,666
$
32,491
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.29
—
0.01
0.34
$
1.64
Diluted weighted average shares
19,902
(139
)
—
—
19,763
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company believes its calculations of adjusted results to exclude noncash income tax charges and equity-based compensation charges provide additional information about the Company’s ongoing operating performance. The Company’s management uses the adjusted presentations to evaluate projected operating results on a basis that is comparable to that used for periods prior to implementation of SFAS No. 123R and provides such information publicly to assist in comparisons to prior periods. For historical results, a reconciliation between results as adjusted and in conformity with GAAP is shown in the attached schedule. The Company is not able to provide a quantitative reconciliation of its outlook for the remainder of calendar year 2007 to GAAP as equity-based compensation and related expense are dependent upon a number of unknown factors, including the amount, type and timing of stock-based compensation grants and future stock prices. Because adjusted financial results are not measurements determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable as presented to other similarly titled measures of other companies.
Adjusted financial results are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be viewed as a pro-forma presentation reflecting the elimination of the underlying share-based compensation programs, as those programs are an important element of the Company’s compensation structure and generally accepted accounting principles indicate that all forms of share-based payments should be valued and included as appropriate in results of operations. Management compensates for this aspect of the non-GAAP financial measures by separately evaluating its share-based compensation arrangements.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are hereby cautioned that these statements may be affected by certain factors, among others, set forth below and in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and consequently, actual operations and results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements include, among others, the dependence on renewal of membership-based services, dependence on key personnel, the need to attract and retain qualified personnel, management of growth, new product development, competition, risks associated with anticipating market trends, industry consolidation, variability of quarterly operating results, possible volatility in the Company’s stock price, impact on our financials associated with some of our newer programs that are more dependent upon technology, the effects of adoption of SFAS No. 123R including the effect of the amount, type and timing of future stock-based compensation grants, and various factors related to income and other taxes, including whether the District of Columbia withdraws the Company’s status as a Qualified High-Tech Company. These factors are discussed more fully in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
# # #
THE ADVISORY BOARD COMPANY
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND OTHER OPERATING STATISTICS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
Selected
Twelve Months Ended
Selected
March 31,
Growth
March 31,
Growth
2007
2006
Rates
2007
2006
Rates
Statements of Operations
Revenues
$
50,300
$
43,703
15.1
%
$
89,843
$
65,049
15.0
%
Cost of services (1)
24,305
18,928
90,129
70,959
Member relations and marketing (1)
10,396
8,591
40,204
33,667
General and administrative (1)
5,800
4,361
22,815
16,135
Depreciation
613
339
2,070
1,550
Income from operations
9,186
11,484
34,625
42,738
Interest income
1,674
1,515
6,819
5,770
Income before
provision for income
taxes
10,860
12,999
-16.5
%
41,444
48,508
-14.6
%
Provision for income taxes (2)
(3,682
)
(4,340
)
(14,049
)
(22,866
)
Net income
$
7,178
$
8,659
-17.1
%
$
27,395
$
25,642
6.8
%
Earnings per share
Basic
$
0.39
$
0.46
$
1.46
$
1.35
Diluted
$
0.38
$
0.44
-13.6
%
$
1.41
$
1.29
9.3
%
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic
18,398
18,773
18,714
18,979
Diluted
19,124
19,724
19,448
19,902
Contract Value (at end of period)
$
200,094
$
170,510
17.4
%
Percentages of Revenues
Cost of services (1)
48.3
%
43.3
%
47.5
%
43.0
%
Member relations and marketing (1)
20.7
%
19.7
%
21.2
%
20.4
%
General and administrative (1)
11.5
%
10.0
%
12.0
%
9.8
%
Depreciation and loss on disposal of assets
1.2
%
0.8
%
1.1
%
0.9
%
Income from operations (1)
18.3
%
26.3
%
18.2
%
25.9
%
Net income (1) (2)
14.3
%
19.8
%
14.4
%
15.5
%
(1) Effective April 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123R), which provides the accounting rules for share-based compensation. During the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2007, the Company recognized approximately $1.1 million and $4.3 million in cost of services, approximately $0.7 million and $2.8 million in member relations and marketing, and approximately $1.2 million $5.3 million in general and administrative expense for share-based compensation related to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R and in employer taxes associated with the exercise of employee stock options. The Company has recorded all these expenses in the same line items as other compensation paid to the relevant categories of employees.
THE ADVISORY BOARD COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
March 31,
March 31,
2007
2006
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
13,195
$
21,678
Marketable securities
10,094
8,484
Membership fees receivable, net
57,671
36,822
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
3,123
2,876
Deferred income taxes
21,673
19,495
Total current assets
105,756
89,355
Fixed assets, net
17,421
9,675
Intangible assets, net
1,011
780
Goodwill
5,426
5,426
Deferred incentive compensation and other charges
13,857
11,652
Deferred income taxes, net of current portion
6,629
15,633
Marketable securities
136,074
138,338
Total assets
$
286,174
$
270,859
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Deferred revenues
$
116,994
$
99,269
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
18,721
15,445
Accrued incentive compensation
10,608
8,344
Total current liabilities
146,323
123,058
Other long-term liabilities
1,387
636
Total liabilities
147,710
123,694
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock
208
203
Additional paid-in capital
181,380
152,081
Retained earnings
80,962
53,567
Accumulated elements of comprehensive income
(1,156
)
(2,618
)
Treasury stock
(122,930
)
(56,068
)
Total stockholders’ equity
138,464
147,165
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
286,174
$
270,859
THE ADVISORY BOARD COMPANY
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Twelve Months Ended March 31,
2007
2006
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
27,395
$
25,642
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities -
Depreciation
2,070
1,550
Amortization of intangible assets
200
128
Deferred income taxes
12,940
22,299
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments
(6,937
)
—
Share-based payment expense
12,000
—
Amortization of marketable securities premiums
938
810
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Member fees receivable
(20,849
)
(16,360
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
(50
)
(392
)
Deferred incentive compensation and other charges
(2,402
)
(5,573
)
Deferred revenues
17,725
17,919
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
4,172
5,181
Accrued incentive compensation
2,264
524
Other liabilities
751
(479
)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
50,217
51,249
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(9,816
)
(860
)
Capitalized software development costs
(431
)
(1,313
)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired
(895
)
(3,831
)
Redemption of marketable securities
20,000
7,400
Purchases of marketable securities
(18,000
)
(31,882
)
Net cash flows used in investing activities
(9,142
)
(30,486
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds on issuance of stock from exercise of stock options
9,925
5,528
Proceeds on issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plan
442
382
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements
6,937
—
Repayment of debt assumed in acquisition
—
(371
)
Purchases of treasury stock
(66,862
)
(32,491
)
Net cash flows used in financing activities
(49,558
)
(26,952
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(8,483
)
(6,189
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
21,678
27,867
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
13,195
$
21,678
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