Franklin Covey Reports Strong Full Year and Fourth Quarter Results
Franklin Covey Co. reported a 17% increase in fiscal 2022 sales, reaching a record $262.8 million, driven by strong subscription services. The fourth quarter sales rose 14% to $78.8 million, with All Access Pass subscriptions growing 28% year-over-year. Operating income surged 192% to $23.7 million, and adjusted EBITDA rose 51% to $42.2 million. Deferred subscription revenue increased 20% to $153.4 million. Despite international sales challenges, the company maintained strong liquidity with over $75 million available at year-end.
- Sales increased 17% to $262.8 million in fiscal 2022.
- Fourth quarter sales rose 14% to $78.8 million.
- All Access Pass subscription sales grew 28% to $144.5 million.
- Operating income increased 192% to $23.7 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA grew 51% to $42.2 million.
- Deferred subscription revenue rose 20% to $153.4 million.
- Liquidity exceeded $75 million at year-end.
- International office sales, especially in China, decreased by 27% for the year.
Fiscal 2022 Sales Increase
Full Year All Access Pass Subscription and Subscription Services Sales Grow
Sum of Billed and Unbilled Deferred Subscription Revenue Increases
Full Year and Fourth Quarter Operating Income and Adjusted EBITDA Exceed Expectations, with Fiscal 2022 Operating Income Increasing
Liquidity Remains Strong, Cash Flows from Operating Activities Increase
Company Provides Earnings Guidance for Fiscal 2023
Introduction
The Company’s strong full year and fourth quarter performance were highlighted by the following key metrics:
-
The Company’s consolidated sales for the year ended
August 31, 2022 increased17% , or , to$38.7 million compared with$262.8 million in fiscal 2021, and consolidated sales for the fourth quarter increased$224.2 million 14% , or , to$9.9 million compared with$78.8 million in fiscal 2021. The Company’s sales for both the full year and fourth quarter increased primarily due to strong subscription and subscription services sales, including the following:$68.9 million -
All Access Pass subscription and subscription services sales grew
28% to for the year compared with$144.5 million in fiscal 2021, and grew$112.5 million 26% to in the fourth quarter compared with$40.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.$32.0 million -
Education Division revenues grew
26% for the fiscal year and grew17% in the fourth quarter on the strength of a record 739 new Leader in Me schools, as well as increased consulting, coaching, and training days delivered for both the year and the fourth quarter, a significant increase in the amount of previously deferred subscription revenue related to Leader in Me subscriptions recognized, and increased training and classroom material sales. -
Total Company deferred revenue atAugust 31, 2022 topped for the first time and totaled$100 million . The sum of billed subscription and unbilled deferred subscription revenue at$102.4 million August 31, 2022 grew20% to , compared with$153.4 million August 31, 2021 . Approximately46% of the Company’s All Access Pass subscriptions are now multi-year contracts, representing61% of total All Access Pass subscription contract value.
-
All Access Pass subscription and subscription services sales grew
The Company was very pleased with its overall sales growth for the year and during the quarter despite some international headwinds, including
-
On the strength of increased sales and continued strong gross margins, gross profit for fiscal 2022 increased
17% , or , to$29.0 million , and fourth quarter gross profit increased$201.9 million 11% to compared with$59.1 million in 2021.$53.3 million -
Operating income increased
192% , or , to$15.6 million for fiscal 2022, and increased$23.7 million 101% , or , to$4.4 million in the fourth quarter compared with$8.7 million in fourth quarter of fiscal 2021.$4.3 million -
Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2022 increased
51% , or , to$14.2 million compared with$42.2 million in fiscal 2021, and Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 increased$28.0 million 26% to compared with$13.3 million in the prior year.$10.6 million -
Cash flows provided by operating activities for the fiscal year ended
August 31, 2022 increased13% to compared with$52.3 million in fiscal 2021.$46.2 million -
With
of cash and$60.5 million available on its revolving line of credit, the Company’s liquidity totaled more than$15 million at$75 million August 31, 2022 .
Walker continued, “Our strong results in fiscal 2022 have been driven by five key factors. First, the global markets we have chosen to serve are large and growing. These market conditions provide us with significant opportunities for growth and to increase our share of these markets. Second, our focus is on the most important and durable segments within these markets. The opportunities and challenges we help our clients address are very longstanding and provide us with the opportunity to partner with them in both favorable and more challenging and volatile times. Third, our subscription model is a powerful engine that drives growth, recurring revenue, improved predictability of future revenues, and a high flow through of revenue to profitability and cash flow. Fourth, we have compelling opportunities for growth. The combination of the large and growing markets we serve, the importance of the challenges we help our clients address, and the strength of our subscription business model create a number of exciting global growth opportunities. And fifth, our strong cash flow has, and can be invested to create additional value for shareholders. We believe these factors have built considerable momentum in our business during fiscal 2022 and have created a foundation for increased revenues, Adjusted EBITDA, and cash flows in fiscal 2023 and in future years.”
Fourth Quarter Financial Overview
The following is a summary of financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022:
-
Net Sales : Consolidated sales for the quarter endedAugust 31, 2022 increased14% to , compared with$78.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates during the fourth quarter, the Company’s sales increased$68.9 million 16% to . The Company continues to be pleased with the performance of the All Access Pass and Leader in Me subscription-based services, which have driven strong growth in fiscal 2022 and significant momentum to begin fiscal 2023. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, Enterprise Division sales grew$80.3 million 13% , or , to$6.1 million compared with$52.2 million in fiscal 2021, despite unfavorable foreign exchange rates and a$46.0 million 28% decrease in sales through the Company’s office inChina , primarily from COVID-related restrictions. AAP subscription and subscription services sales increased26% to , and annual revenue retention remained strong at well above$40.3 million 90% . International licensee revenues continue to improve and increased46% compared with the prior year, despite the resurgence of COVID-19 and new lockdowns, especially inAsia and certain other countries, and the impact in certain countries inEastern Europe of the war inUkraine . Education Division sales grew17% , or , to$3.6 million compared with$24.7 million in fiscal 2021. Education Division sales grew on the strength of 739 new Leader in Me schools in fiscal 2022, increased consulting, coaching, and training days delivered during the quarter, increases in the amount of previously deferred Leader in Me subscriptions revenue recognized, and increased training and classroom material sales. Total deferred revenue, including deferred subscription revenue from the Company’s All Access Pass and Leader in Me membership, on the Company’s balance sheet increased to$21.0 million at$102.4 million August 31, 2022 . Subscription sales are initially deferred and recorded on the Company’s balance sheet, and provide a solid base for growth in future periods. -
Deferred Subscription Revenue and Unbilled Deferred Revenue: At
August 31, 2022 , the Company had of billed and unbilled deferred subscription revenue, a$153.4 million 20% , or increase over the balance at$26.0 million August 31, 2021 . This total includes of deferred subscription revenue which was on its balance sheet, a$88.1 million 14% , or increase compared with deferred subscription revenue at the end of fiscal 2021. At$11.0 million August 31, 2022 , the Company also had of unbilled deferred subscription revenue, a$65.4 million 30% , or increase compared with$15.0 million of unbilled deferred revenue at$50.4 million August 31, 2021 . Unbilled deferred subscription revenue represents business (typically multi-year contracts) that is contracted but unbilled, and excluded from the Company’s balance sheet. -
Gross profit: Gross profit increased to
in the fourth quarter compared with$59.1 million in fiscal 2021. The Company’s gross margin for the quarter ended$53.3 million August 31, 2022 remained strong and was 75.0 percent of sales compared with 77.3 percent in the prior year, even after a significant increase in subscription service sales. -
Operating Expenses: The Company’s operating expenses for the quarter ended
August 31, 2022 increased compared with the fourth quarter of the prior year, which was due to a$1.4 million increase in selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses. Despite the increase in SG&A expenses, as a percent of sales, SG&A expenses decreased to$1.9 million 60.9% in fiscal 2022 compared with67.0% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company’s SG&A expenses increased primarily due to increased associate costs resulting from new personnel and increased salaries; increased commissions on higher sales; and increased travel expense. -
Operating Income: As a result of increased sales and strong gross margins, the Company’s income from operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 improved
101% , or , to$4.4 million compared with$8.7 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year.$4.3 million -
Pre-Tax Income: The Company’s pre-tax income for the fourth quarter increased
114% , or , to$4.4 million , compared with$8.3 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2021.$3.9 million
-
Income Taxes: The Company’s income tax provision for the quarter ended
August 31, 2022 was compared with$2.7 million in the prior year. The Company’s effective income tax rate decreased to$2.1 million 32.6% compared with53.2% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 primarily due to increased pre-tax income compared with fiscal 2021, as more pre-tax income lessens the impact of permanent differences on the Company’s effective tax rate.
-
Net Income: As a result of the factors described above, the Company’s fourth quarter net income increased
209% , or , to$3.8 million , or$5.6 million per diluted share, compared with$0.39 , or$1.8 million per diluted share, in fiscal 2021.$0.13 -
Adjusted EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter ended
August 31, 2022 improved26% , or , to$2.8 million compared with$13.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, reflecting increased sales and continued strong gross margins.$10.6 million -
Cash Flows, Liquidity, and Financial Position Remain Strong: The Company’s balance sheet and liquidity position remained strong with
of cash at$60.5 million August 31, 2022 , and no borrowings on its line of credit, compared with$15.0 million of cash with no borrowings on its line of credit at$47.4 million August 31, 2021 . Cash flows from operating activities for fiscal 2022 were strong and increased13% to , compared with$52.3 million in fiscal 2021.$46.2 million
Full Year Fiscal 2022 Financial Results
Consolidated revenue for fiscal 2022 increased
Operating expenses for fiscal 2022 increased
Fiscal 2023 Outlook
Driven by the strength and strategic durability of its All Access Pass and Leader in Me membership subscriptions, which have driven accelerated growth over the past years, and continuing strong performance and momentum generated in fiscal 2022, the Company’s guidance is that Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2023 will increase to between
Earnings Conference Call
On
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including those statements related to the Company’s future results and profitability and other goals relating to the growth and operations of the Company. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to: general economic conditions; the severity and duration of global business disruptions from the COVID-19 outbreak; the ability of the Company to operate effectively during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic; impacts from global economic and supply chain disruptions; expectations regarding the economic recovery from the pandemic; renewals of subscription contracts; the impact of deferred revenues on future financial results; market acceptance of new products or services, including new AAP portal upgrades; inflation; the ability to achieve sustainable growth in future periods; and other factors identified and discussed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the
Non-GAAP Financial Information
This earnings release includes the concepts of adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) and “constant currency,” which are non-GAAP measures. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss excluding the impact of interest expense, income taxes, intangible asset amortization, depreciation, stock-based compensation expense, and certain other items such as adjustments to the fair value of expected contingent consideration liabilities arising from business acquisitions. Constant currency is a non-GAAP financial measure that removes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and is calculated by translating the current period’s financial results at the same average exchange rates in effect during the prior year and then comparing this amount to the prior year. The Company references these non-GAAP financial measures in its decision making because they provide supplemental information that facilitates consistent internal comparisons to the historical operating performance of prior periods and the Company believes they provide investors with greater transparency to evaluate operational activities and financial results. Refer to the attached table for the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure, Adjusted EBITDA, to consolidated net income, a related GAAP financial measure.
The Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of the above forward-looking estimate of non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA to GAAP measures because certain information needed to make a reasonable forward-looking estimate is difficult to obtain and dependent on future events which may be uncertain, or out of the Company’s control, including the amount of AAP contracts invoiced, the number of AAP contracts that are renewed, necessary costs to deliver the Company’s offerings, such as unanticipated curriculum development costs, and other potential variables. Accordingly, a reconciliation is not available without unreasonable effort.
About
This approach to leadership and organizational change has been tested and refined by working with tens of thousands of teams and organizations over the past 30 years. Clients have included organizations in the Fortune 100, Fortune 500, and thousands of small- and mid-sized businesses, numerous governmental entities, and educational institutions. To learn more, visit www.franklincovey.com, and enjoy exclusive content from Franklin Covey’s social media channels at: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Condensed Consolidated Income Statements | ||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per-share amounts, and unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||||||||
Net sales | $ |
78,806 |
|
$ |
68,945 |
|
$ |
262,841 |
|
$ |
224,168 |
|
||||
Cost of sales |
|
19,739 |
|
|
15,677 |
|
|
60,929 |
|
|
51,266 |
|
||||
Gross profit |
|
59,067 |
|
|
53,268 |
|
|
201,912 |
|
|
172,902 |
|
||||
Selling, general, and administrative |
|
48,027 |
|
|
46,166 |
|
|
168,069 |
|
|
153,605 |
|
||||
Depreciation |
|
1,217 |
|
|
1,286 |
|
|
4,903 |
|
|
6,190 |
|
||||
Amortization |
|
1,160 |
|
|
1,503 |
|
|
5,266 |
|
|
5,006 |
|
||||
Income from operations |
|
8,663 |
|
|
4,313 |
|
|
23,674 |
|
|
8,101 |
|
||||
Interest expense, net |
|
(383 |
) |
|
(449 |
) |
|
(1,610 |
) |
|
(2,026 |
) |
||||
Income before income taxes |
|
8,280 |
|
|
3,864 |
|
|
22,064 |
|
|
6,075 |
|
||||
Income tax benefit (provision) |
|
(2,702 |
) |
|
(2,057 |
) |
|
(3,634 |
) |
|
7,548 |
|
||||
Net income | $ |
5,578 |
|
$ |
1,807 |
|
$ |
18,430 |
|
$ |
13,623 |
|
||||
Net income per common share: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ |
0.40 |
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
$ |
1.30 |
|
$ |
0.97 |
|
||||
Diluted |
|
0.39 |
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
1.27 |
|
|
0.96 |
|
||||
Weighted average common shares: | ||||||||||||||||
Basic |
|
13,857 |
|
|
14,156 |
|
|
14,147 |
|
|
14,090 |
|
||||
Diluted |
|
14,425 |
|
|
14,175 |
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
14,143 |
|
||||
Other data: | ||||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | $ |
13,347 |
|
$ |
10,556 |
|
$ |
42,197 |
|
$ |
27,958 |
|
(1) | The term Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, and certain other items) is a non-GAAP financial measure that the Company believes is useful to investors in evaluating its results. For a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure to a GAAP measure, refer to the Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA as shown below. |
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands and unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||
Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA: | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ |
5,578 |
|
$ |
1,807 |
|
$ |
18,430 |
|
$ |
13,623 |
|
||||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
|
383 |
|
|
449 |
|
|
1,610 |
|
|
2,026 |
|
||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
|
2,702 |
|
|
2,057 |
|
|
3,634 |
|
|
(7,548 |
) |
||||||
Amortization |
|
1,160 |
|
|
1,503 |
|
|
5,266 |
|
|
5,006 |
|
||||||
Depreciation |
|
1,217 |
|
|
1,286 |
|
|
4,903 |
|
|
6,190 |
|
||||||
Stock-based compensation |
|
2,299 |
|
|
3,490 |
|
|
8,286 |
|
|
8,617 |
|
||||||
Increase in the fair value of contingent | ||||||||||||||||||
consideration liabilities |
|
8 |
|
|
28 |
|
|
68 |
|
|
193 |
|
||||||
Business acquisition costs |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
300 |
|
||||||
Government COVID assistance |
|
- |
|
|
(64 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
(299 |
) |
||||||
Gain from insurance settlement |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(150 |
) |
||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ |
13,347 |
|
$ |
10,556 |
|
$ |
42,197 |
|
$ |
27,958 |
|
||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
16.9 |
% |
15.3 |
% |
16.1 |
% |
12.5 |
% |
Additional Financial Information | ||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands and unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||
Quarter Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||||||||||
Sales by Division/Segment: | ||||||||||||||||||
Enterprise Division: | ||||||||||||||||||
Direct offices | $ |
49,807 |
|
$ |
44,422 |
|
$ |
183,845 |
|
$ |
159,608 |
|
||||||
International licensees |
|
2,355 |
|
|
1,616 |
|
|
10,551 |
|
|
9,036 |
|
||||||
|
52,162 |
|
|
46,038 |
|
|
194,396 |
|
|
168,644 |
|
|||||||
Education Division |
|
24,650 |
|
|
21,028 |
|
|
61,852 |
|
|
48,902 |
|
||||||
Corporate and other |
|
1,994 |
|
|
1,879 |
|
|
6,593 |
|
|
6,622 |
|
||||||
Consolidated | $ |
78,806 |
|
$ |
68,945 |
|
$ |
262,841 |
|
$ |
224,168 |
|
||||||
Gross Profit by Division/Segment: | ||||||||||||||||||
Enterprise Division: | ||||||||||||||||||
Direct offices | $ |
39,757 |
|
$ |
36,215 |
|
$ |
148,051 |
|
$ |
129,416 |
|
||||||
International licensees |
|
2,038 |
|
|
1,273 |
|
|
9,382 |
|
|
7,727 |
|
||||||
|
41,795 |
|
|
37,488 |
|
|
157,433 |
|
|
137,143 |
|
|||||||
Education Division |
|
16,457 |
|
|
15,262 |
|
|
41,206 |
|
|
32,771 |
|
||||||
Corporate and other |
|
815 |
|
|
518 |
|
|
3,273 |
|
|
2,988 |
|
||||||
Consolidated | $ |
59,067 |
|
$ |
53,268 |
|
$ |
201,912 |
|
$ |
172,902 |
|
||||||
Adjusted EBITDA by Division/Segment: | ||||||||||||||||||
Enterprise Division: | ||||||||||||||||||
Direct offices | $ |
8,833 |
|
$ |
6,211 |
|
$ |
37,497 |
|
$ |
27,948 |
|
||||||
International licensees |
|
546 |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
4,964 |
|
|
3,586 |
|
||||||
|
9,379 |
|
|
6,200 |
|
|
42,461 |
|
|
31,534 |
|
|||||||
Education Division |
|
6,610 |
|
|
6,823 |
|
|
8,408 |
|
|
4,818 |
|
||||||
Corporate and other |
|
(2,642 |
) |
|
(2,467 |
) |
|
(8,672 |
) |
|
(8,394 |
) |
||||||
Consolidated | $ |
13,347 |
|
$ |
10,556 |
|
$ |
42,197 |
|
$ |
27,958 |
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||
(in thousands and unaudited) | ||||||||
2022 |
2021 |
|||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ |
60,517 |
|
$ |
47,417 |
|
||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for |
||||||||
doubtful accounts of |
|
72,561 |
|
|
70,680 |
|
||
Inventories |
|
3,527 |
|
|
2,496 |
|
||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
19,278 |
|
|
16,115 |
|
||
Total current assets |
|
155,883 |
|
|
136,708 |
|
||
Property and equipment, net |
|
9,798 |
|
|
11,525 |
|
||
Intangible assets, net |
|
44,833 |
|
|
50,097 |
|
||
|
31,220 |
|
|
31,220 |
|
|||
Deferred income tax assets |
|
4,686 |
|
|
4,951 |
|
||
Other long-term assets |
|
12,735 |
|
|
15,153 |
|
||
$ |
259,155 |
|
$ |
249,654 |
|
|||
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Current portion of notes payable |
$ |
5,835 |
|
$ |
5,835 |
|
||
Current portion of financing obligation |
|
3,199 |
|
|
2,887 |
|
||
Accounts payable |
|
10,864 |
|
|
6,948 |
|
||
Deferred subscription revenue |
|
85,543 |
|
|
74,772 |
|
||
Other deferred revenue |
|
14,150 |
|
|
11,117 |
|
||
Accrued liabilities |
|
34,205 |
|
|
34,980 |
|
||
Total current liabilities |
|
153,796 |
|
|
136,539 |
|
||
Notes payable, less current portion |
|
7,268 |
|
|
12,975 |
|
||
Financing obligation, less current portion |
|
7,962 |
|
|
11,161 |
|
||
Other liabilities |
|
7,116 |
|
|
8,741 |
|
||
Deferred income tax liabilities |
|
199 |
|
|
375 |
|
||
Total liabilities |
|
176,341 |
|
|
169,791 |
|
||
Shareholders' equity: | ||||||||
Common stock |
|
1,353 |
|
|
1,353 |
|
||
Additional paid-in capital |
|
220,246 |
|
|
214,888 |
|
||
Retained earnings |
|
82,021 |
|
|
63,591 |
|
||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
|
(542 |
) |
|
709 |
|
||
|
|
(220,264 |
) |
|
(200,678 |
) |
||
Total shareholders' equity |
|
82,814 |
|
|
79,863 |
|
||
$ |
259,155 |
|
$ |
249,654 |
|
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221102005809/en/
Investor Contact:
801-817-5127
investor.relations@franklincovey.com
Media Contact:
801-817-6440
Debra.Lund@franklincovey.com
Source:
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