China Distance Education Holdings Limited Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2018

- Second Quarter 2018 Net Revenue Up 36.1% Year-Over-Year to $29.7 Million, Exceeding High-End of Guidance Range -

- Second Quarter 2018 Cash Receipts from Online Course Registration Up 25.4% Year -Over-Year to $43.9 Million -

BEIJING, May 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China Distance Education Holdings Limited (NYSE: DL) ("CDEL", or the "Company"), a leading provider of online education and value-added services for professionals and corporate clients in China, today announced unaudited financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 ended March 31, 2018.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Financial and Operational Highlights

• Net revenue increased by 36.1% to $29.7 million from $21.9 million in the prior year period.
• Total course enrollments were 589,000, a decrease of 9.4% from the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
• Cash receipts from online course registration were $43.9 million, a 25.4% increase from the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
• Gross profit increased by 10.0% to $11.1 million from $10.1 million in the prior year period.
• Non-GAAP^[1] gross profit increased by 9.8% to $11.1 million from $10.1 million in the prior year period.
• Gross margin was 37.2%, compared with 46.0% in the prior year period. Non-GAAP1 gross margin was 37.3%, compared with 46.2% in the prior year period.
• Operating loss increased to $2.9 million from $2.1 million in the prior year period.
• Non-GAAP^[1] operating loss increased to $2.4 million from $1.6 million in the prior year period.
• Net loss was $3.3 million, compared with net loss of $2.4 million in the prior year period.
• Non-GAAP^[1] net loss was $2.7 million compared with non-GAAP net loss of $1.9 million in the prior year period.
• Basic and diluted net loss per American Depositary Share ("ADS") were $0.098, compared with basic and diluted net loss per ADS of $0.073, for the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Each ADS represents four ordinary shares.
• Basic and diluted non-GAAP^[1] net loss per ADS were $0.082, compared with basic and diluted non-GAAP^[1] net loss per ADS of $0.059, for the second quarter of fiscal 2017.
• Cash flow from operations decreased by 36.1% to $7.2 million from $11.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Mr. Zhengdong Zhu, Chairman and CEO of CDEL, said, "During the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, we delivered strong net revenue growth of 36.1% year-over-year, exceeding the high end of our guidance range, with our accounting vertical again driving the outperformance relative to our guidance. Our total course enrollments were down 9.4% year-over-year in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, primarily due to the decrease in enrollments of our continuing education courses. However, excluding continuing education course enrollments, our total course enrollments in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 increased 17.2% year-over-year. In addition, even though the cash receipts from continuing education courses were down, we are pleased to report that our overall cash receipts from online course registration were up 25.4% year-over-year in our second fiscal quarter."

Mr. Zhu concluded, "We credit the acceleration of net revenue and cash receipt growth during the first half of fiscal year 2018 to our best-in-class educational offerings, the strength of our brand, and the resiliency of our proven business model. We remain steadfast in our efforts to further enhance our industry-leading lifelong learning ecosystem, and aim to continue to grow our existing industry verticals while expanding into select educational disciplines which complement our overall business."

Mr. Mark Marostica, Co-Chief Financial Officer of CDEL, said, "We are encouraged by our strong momentum in cash receipt growth. As expected, the year-over-year increase in salaries and related expenses in the second quarter of fiscal year 2018, which stemmed from the acceleration in hiring activity ahead of fiscal 2018 as previously disclosed, continued to be the primary driver of the year-over-year decline in our second quarter operating margin. However, our second quarter headcount remained relatively stable compared with the first quarter fiscal 2018 as anticipated."

Mr. Marostica continued, "Of note, the year-over-year decline in operating margin narrowed significantly in our second quarter fiscal 2018, compared with the year-over-year decline in operating margin in our first quarter fiscal 2018, owing to strong second quarter revenue growth, relatively stable headcount as previously discussed, and efficient cost control with respect to our second quarter selling expenses, which decreased by 1.1% compared with the same period of last year. As we head into our second half of fiscal year 2018, we will continue to balance investments in growth initiatives while maintaining a keen focus on profitability."

Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Financial Results

Net Revenue. Total net revenue increased by 36.1% to $29.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $21.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Net revenue from online education services, books and reference materials, and other sources contributed 78.6%, 4.7% and 16.7%, respectively, of total net revenues for the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

Online education services. Net revenue from online education services increased by 38.7% to $23.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $16.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, mainly due to strong revenue growth from the core test preparation courses and practical skills training courses of our accounting vertical. In addition, the moderate revenue growth from our healthcare vertical also contributed to the revenue growth.

Books and reference materials. Net revenue from books and reference materials increased by 9.0% to $1.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, from $1.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. 

Others. Net revenue from other sources increased by 33.6% to $5.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $3.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, primarily due to revenue growth from offline accounting professional training courses, and revenue from accounting and related advisory services contributed by our newly acquired Jiangsu Asset. The increase in revenue from other sources was partially offset by year-over-year decreases in revenue from the sale of learning simulation software and business start-up training services.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased by 58.3% to $18.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $11.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Non-GAAP¹ cost of sales increased by 58.7% to $18.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $11.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase was mainly due to increased salaries and related expenses resulting from a higher number of personnel for the expansion of online and offline course offerings, increased lecture fees, increased cost of books and reference materials, increased rental and related expenses, as well as other miscellaneous expenses.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin . Gross profit was $11.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, up 10.0% from $10.1 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ gross profit was $11.1 million, increasing 9.8% from $10.1 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 37.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with 46.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Non-GAAP¹ gross margin was 37.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, compared with 46.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased by 7.9% to $14.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, from $13.1 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ total operating expenses increased by 7.5% to $13.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, from $12.6 million in the prior year period.

Selling expenses. Selling expenses decreased by 1.1% to $8.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $8.4 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ selling expenses decreased by 1.1% to $8.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $8.4 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased advertising and promotional expenses. The decrease was partially offset by increased commissions to our agents.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 24.0% to $5.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $4.6 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ general and administrative expenses increased by 24.4% to $5.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $4.2 million in the prior year period. The increase was mainly due to increased salaries and related expenses.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit increased by 150.2% to $1.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $0.6 million in the prior year period, primarily due to an increase in taxable loss.

Net Loss. As a result of the foregoing, net loss was $3.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared with net loss of $2.4 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ net loss was $2.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 compared with non-GAAP net loss of $1.9 million in the prior year period.

Operating Cash Flow. Net operating cash inflow decreased by 36.1% to $7.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 from $11.3 million in the prior year period. The operating cash inflow was mainly attributable to the decrease in accounts receivable and inventories, and the increase in deferred revenue. The operating cash inflow was partially offset by the net loss before non-cash items incurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The increase in prepayments and other current assets, deferred tax assets, other non-current assets and the decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and income tax payable also contributed to the operating cash outflow.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Short-term Investments. Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments as of March 31, 2018 decreased by 9.2% to $93.5 million from $103.0 million as of December 31, 2017, mainly due to (i) the payment of balance of $8.7 million in connection with investment in Beijing teacheredu, (ii) the payments of $3.5 million and $2.4 million in connection with investments in an offline IT training company and Beijing Taixing #1 LP, respectively, (iii) the repayment of a bank loan of $7.4 million, (iv) the payment of dividend of $14.9 million, and (v) the capital expenditure of $1.3 million. The decrease was partially offset by the operating cash inflow generated and a 1-year bank loan of $15.2 million raised in the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

First Six Months of Fiscal 2018 Financial Results

Net Revenue. Total net revenue increased by 21.9% to $65.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $53.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2017. Net revenue from online education services, books and reference materials, and other sources contributed 69.9%, 5.7% and 24.4%, respectively, of total net revenues for the first six months of fiscal 2018.

Online education services. Net revenue from online education services increased by 23.9% to $45.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $37.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2017.

Books and reference materials. Net revenue from books and reference materials increased by 29.1% to $3.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018, from $2.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2017. 

Others. Net revenue from other sources increased by 14.9% to $16.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $13.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 2017.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased by 50.6% to $37.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $24.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2017. Non-GAAP¹ cost of sales increased by 50.8% to $37.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $24.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2017.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin . Gross profit was $28.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018, down 2.3% from $29.2 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ gross profit was $28.6 million, down 2.3% from $29.3 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 43.5% in the first six months of fiscal 2018, compared with 54.3% in the first six months of fiscal 2017. Non-GAAP¹ gross margin was 43.6% in the first six months of fiscal 2018, compared with 54.4% in the first six months of fiscal 2017.

Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses increased by 13.8% to $28.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018, from $24.8 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ total operating expenses increased by 14.0% to $27.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018, from $23.9 million in the prior year period.

Selling expenses. Selling expenses increased by 11.8% to $17.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $15.6 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ selling expenses increased by 11.9% to $17.4 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $15.6 million in the prior year period.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by 17.3% to $10.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $9.2 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ general and administrative expenses increased by 18.0% to $9.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $8.3 million in the prior year period.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense). Income tax benefit was $0.8 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018, compared with income tax expense of $1.8 million in the prior year period.

Net Income (Loss). As a result of the foregoing, net loss was $3.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 compared with net income of $6.1 million in the prior year period. Non-GAAP¹ net loss was $2.1 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 compared with net income of $7.1 million in the prior year period.

Operating Cash Flow. Net operating cash inflow decreased by 25.5% to $21.6 million in the first six months of fiscal 2018 from $29.0 million in the prior year period.

Outlook

For the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company expects to generate total net revenue in the range of $42.5 million to $44.3 million, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 20% to 25%.

For fiscal year 2018, the Company expects to generate total net revenues in the range of $155.8 million to $162.4 million, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 19% to 24%.

The above guidance reflects the Company's current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.

Conference Call

Management will hold a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 17, 2018 (8:00 p.m. Beijing Time on Thursday, May 17, 2018) to discuss financial results and answer questions from investors and analysts. Listeners may access the call by dialing:

US Toll Free: +1-866-519-4004
International: +65-6713-5090
Mainland China: 400-620-8038
Hong Kong: +852-3018-6771
United Kingdom: +44-203-6214-779
Passcode: CDEL or DL

A telephone replay will be available two hours after the call until May 24, 2018 by dialing:

US Toll Free: +1-855-452-5696
International: +61-2-8199-0299
Mainland China: 400-632-2162
Hong Kong: 800-963-117
United Kingdom: 0808-234-0072
Replay Passcode: 1696696

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://ir.cdeledu.com.

About China Distance Education Holdings Limited

China Distance Education Holdings Limited is a leading provider of online education and value-added services for professionals and corporate clients in China. The courses offered by the Company through its websites are designed to help professionals seeking to obtain and maintain professional licenses and to enhance their job skills through our professional development courses in China in the areas of accounting, healthcare, engineering & construction, and other industries. The Company also offers professional education courses for participants in the national judicial examination, online test preparation courses for self-taught learners pursuing higher education diplomas or degrees, test preparation courses for university students intending to take the nationwide graduate school entrance exam, practical accounting training courses for college students and working professionals, as well as online language courses and third-party developed online courses. In addition, the Company provides business services to corporate clients, including but not limited to tax advisory and accounting outsourcing services. For further information, please visit http://ir.cdeledu.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expect," "predict," "anticipate," "future," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "estimate" and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the third quarter and full fiscal year 2018 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company's strategic and operational plans (in particular, the anticipated benefits of strategic growth initiatives, including the promotion of the Company's lifelong learning ecosystem, as well as cost control) contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic and annual reports to the SEC, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: our goals and growth strategies; future prospects and market acceptance of our courses and other products and services; our future business development and results of operations; projected revenues, profits, earnings and other estimated financial information; projected enrollment numbers; our plans to expand and enhance our courses and other products and services; competition in the education and test preparation markets; and Chinese laws, regulations and policies, including those applicable to the Internet, Internet content providers, the education and telecommunications industries, mergers and acquisitions, taxation and foreign exchange.

Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed or furnished with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Statement Regarding Unaudited Financial Information

The unaudited financial information set forth in this press release is preliminary and subject to adjustments. Adjustments to the financial statements may be identified when audit work is performed for the year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company's consolidated financial results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, the Company uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP net income, operating income, gross profit, cost of sales, selling expenses, general and administrative expenses, net income margin, operating margin, gross profit margin and basic and diluted earnings per ADS and per share. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release.

The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based compensation expenses. However, non-GAAP financial measures may not be indicative of the Company's operating performance from a cash perspective. The Company believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to the Company's historical performance and liquidity. The Company computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of excluding share-based compensation expenses from the above-mentioned line items and presenting these non-GAAP measures is that such items may continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in our business. Management compensates for this limitation by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying table at the end of this release provides more detail on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

Contacts:

Note 1: Each ADS represents four ordinary shares.

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