PLATO Learning Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results

PLATO Learning, Inc. (NASDAQ:TUTR), a leading provider of K–adult e-learning solutions, today announced unaudited results for its fiscal 2009 third quarter ended July 31, 2009.

Total revenue for the third quarter was $16.7 million, compared to $18.6 million in the third quarter of 2008. Subscription revenue increased $1.6 million, or 17%, to $10.8 million on the Company’s growing base of subscription customers, while revenues from legacy perpetual products and related software maintenance declined $2.9 million, or 46%, to $3.5 million, as sales of these non-strategic products and services continue their natural decline. Continued improvements in gross margins and operating efficiencies resulted in the Company reporting its third consecutive quarter of profitability. Net income for the third quarter was $184,000, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of ($2.1) million, or ($0.09) per share, a year ago. The third quarter 2008 net loss includes restructuring charges of $0.8 million, or $0.04 per share. Subscription orders grew 33% to $23.5 million compared to $17.7 million in the prior year quarter. Total orders for the quarter grew 13% to $31.2 million.

Vin Riera, PLATO Learning President and CEO said, “Our fiscal third quarter occurs during the primary buying season in the education market, and we are pleased to report strong financial results for this important period in our business. Compared to our third quarter last year, subscription orders and revenues grew at double-digit rates, gross margins improved, operating expenses declined, cash balances grew, and we achieved our third consecutive quarter of profitability.”

Mr. Riera continued, “During the quarter, we added 176 school districts and community colleges as first-time subscribers to PLE™. Although the budget environment remains difficult for our customers, we continued to experience strong new and recurring demand in the quarter for instructional solutions delivered on PLE™. Compared to the third quarter of 2008, total PLE™ orders grew nearly 50% to $21.3 million. Nearly two-thirds of PLE orders in the quarter came from new customers or expansions of existing customer installations, with the remainder coming from our increasing base of renewing customers. Our renewal rate in the third quarter was approximately 90%, and our dollar weighted average subscription term increased to 18.5 months, from 13.9 months in the third quarter of 2008. We view both these measures as strong indicators of the effectiveness and long-term value of our solutions to our customers.”

Subscription margins in the third quarter improved 12 percentage points to 62%, resulting in an improvement in total gross margins for the quarter to 57%, compared to 50% in the same quarter last year. The improvement in subscription margins reflects 17% growth in subscription revenues, and a decline in subscription product amortization. Operating expenses in the third quarter decreased 10% to $9.4 million, compared to non-GAAP operating expenses before restructuring charges of $10.4 million in the same quarter last year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure), were $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2009, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $3.1 million in the third quarter of 2008.

Cash and cash equivalents at July 31, 2009 totaled $14.2 million, an increase of $3.9 million from the end of the second quarter 2009, and a $2.3 million increase from the end of the third quarter 2008, reflecting the growth in orders and lower spending in the quarter. The third quarter 2009 represented the Company’s first reported year-over-year increase in cash balances since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Outlook

In light of the Company’s strong third quarter performance, it now expects fiscal year 2009 subscription order growth to be in the range of 25% to 30%, versus growth in the mid-teens as previously expected. Cash balances are expected to increase from $14.2 million at the end of the third quarter, to between $25 million and $27 million at fiscal year end, up from previous expectations of approximately $20 million. The Company’s expectations for fiscal 2009 subscription revenue remain unchanged at low double-digit growth given the nature of subscription revenue recognition, the timing of orders, and the effect of longer subscription contracts on near-term revenue. Profitability for fiscal 2009 remains the Company’s goal; however, specific earnings guidance is not being provided.

Conference Call

A conference call to discuss this announcement is scheduled for today, September 1, 2009, at 9:00 am CT (10:00 am ET). The dial-in number for this call is 877-941-2068 in the U.S. and Canada, and 480-629-9712 internationally. Attendees should call 10 minutes prior to the start of the call and inform the operator they are participating in PLATO Learning’s call. A recording of the call will be available from 11:00 am CT (12:00 pm ET) on September 1, 2009, until midnight September 8, 2009. To access the recording, call 800-406-7325 in the U.S. and Canada and 303-590-3030 internationally. At the prompt, enter pass code number 4145401#. Additionally, the webcast will be available for replay on the investor relations section of PLATO Learning’s web site at www.plato.com/Investor-Relations/Conference-Calls.aspx.

About PLATO Learning

PLATO Learning is a leading provider of computer-based and e-learning instruction for kindergarten through adult learners, offering curricula in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and life and job skills. Learn more about PLATO Learning by visiting www.plato.com.

The announcement includes the use of non-GAAP financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures have been used in this announcement because the Company believes they are useful to investors by providing greater transparency to supplemental information used in the Company’s internal financial and operational analysis. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliations attached to this announcement of the non-GAAP financial measures used in this announcement to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

This announcement includes forward-looking statements. PLATO Learning has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events. Although PLATO Learning believes that its assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurances can be given that its assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. PLATO Learning undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Any forward looking statements made are subject to the risks and uncertainties as those described in the Company's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

PLATO®, Straight Curve® and Academic Systems® are registered trademarks of PLATO Learning, Inc. PLATO Learning is a trademark of PLATO Learning, Inc.

PLATO Learning, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		July 31,								July 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
REVENUES
Subscriptions		$	10,774			$	9,247			$	30,368			$	25,691
License fees			1,328				3,353				3,338				7,113
Services			4,637				6,038				14,577				18,214
Total revenues			16,739				18,638				48,283				51,018
COST OF REVENUES
Subscriptions			4,095				4,593				12,165				14,058
License fees			611				1,540				1,467				4,060
Services			2,418				3,172				7,182				9,082
Total cost of revenues			7,124				9,305				20,814				27,200
GROSS PROFIT			9,615				9,333				27,469				23,818
OPERATING EXPENSES
Sales and marketing			5,969				6,657				17,460				21,182
General and administrative			2,209				2,258				6,504				7,909
Software maintenance and development			976				1,128				2,251				3,306
Amortization of intangibles			214				388				640				1,163
Restructuring			-				800				-				2,435
Total operating expenses			9,368				11,231				26,855				35,995
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)			247				(1,898	)			614				(12,177	)
Other (expense) income, net			(63	)			(11	)			(48	)			188
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES			184				(1,909	)			566				(11,989	)
Income tax expense			-				152				-				456
NET INCOME (LOSS)		$	184			$	(2,061	)		$	566			$	(12,445	)
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic		$	0.01			$	(0.09	)		$	0.02			$	(0.52	)
Diluted		$	0.01			$	(0.09	)		$	0.02			$	(0.52	)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
Basic			24,106				23,881				24,052				23,825
Diluted			24,757				23,881				24,383				23,825

PLATO Learning, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
		July 31,				October 31,
		2009				2008
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	14,185			$	20,018
Accounts receivable, net			17,751				6,834
Other current assets			6,053				7,408
Total current assets			37,989				34,260
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net			2,698				3,589
Software development costs, net			20,760				24,086
Identified intangible assets, net			2,719				3,723
Other long-term assets			3,203				3,309
Total assets		$	67,369			$	68,967
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	1,305			$	3,085
Accrued compensation			3,383				3,996
Other accrued liabilities			2,371				6,909
Deferred revenue			34,711				36,005
Total current liabilities			41,770				49,995
Long-term deferred revenue			13,859				8,916
Total liabilities			55,629				58,911
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock			242				240
Additional paid-in capital			172,275				171,143
Treasury stock at cost			(319	)			(315	)
Accumulated deficit			(159,224	)			(159,790	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(1,234	)			(1,222	)
Total stockholders' equity			11,740				10,056
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	67,369			$	68,967

PLATO Learning, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
		Nine Months Ended
		July 31,
		2009				2008
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)		$	566			$	(12,445	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Deferred income taxes			-				456
Depreciation and amortization			9,215				12,868
Stock-based compensation			1,023				559
Other adjustments			(166	)			105
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(10,727	)			(841	)
Other current and long-term assets			1,330				(238	)
Accounts payable			(1,780	)			(1,967	)
Other current and long-term liabilities			(5,144	)			(686	)
Deferred revenue			3,649				(1,275	)
Total adjustments			(2,600	)			8,981
Net cash used in operating activities			(2,034	)			(3,464	)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capitalized software development costs			(3,362	)			(8,741	)
Purchases of equipment and leasehold improvements			(525	)			(318	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(3,887	)			(9,059	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of repurchases			107				60
Repayments of capital lease obligations			(7	)			(22	)
Net cash provided by financing activities			100				38
EFFECT OF CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS			(12	)			26
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(5,833	)			(12,459	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			20,018				24,297
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD		$	14,185			$	11,838

PLATO Learning, Inc.
Supplemental Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Order Value ($000)
		Three Months Ended July 31,								Nine Months Ended July 31,
		2009			2008			% Change		2009			2008			% Change
Subscriptions			23,522			17,709		33%			41,438			30,586		35%
License fees			1,057			2,457		(57%)			2,995			6,384		(53%)
Services :
Professional services			3,861			3,153		22%			7,003			5,470		28%
Software maintenance			2,071			3,594		(42%)			4,329			6,643		(35%)
Other			720			761		(5%)			2,238			2,288		(2%)
Total Services			6,652			7,508		(11%)			13,570			14,401		(6%)
		$	31,231		$	27,674		13%		$	58,003		$	51,371		13%

Reconciliation of Deferred Revenue to Non-GAAP Deferred Revenue Backlog ($000):
		As of July 31,
		2009			2008			% Change
Total Deferred Revenue		$	48,570		$	43,324		12%
Add: Unbilled amounts due under non-cancelable subscription agreements			14,170			7,324		93%
Deferred Revenue Backlog		$	62,740		$	50,648		24%
Components of Deferred Revenue Backlog:
Subscriptions		$	51,771		$	38,413		35%
License fees			99			349		(72%)
Services			10,870			11,886		(9%)
Deferred Revenue Backlog		$	62,740		$	50,648		24%

PLATO Learning, Inc.
Supplemental Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Revenue Details ($000s)
		Three Months Ended July 31,								Nine Months Ended July 31,
		2009			2008			% Change		2009			2008			% Change
Subscriptions			10,774			9,247		17%			30,368			25,691		18%
License fees			1,328			3,353		(60%)			3,338			7,113		(53%)
Services:
Professional services			1,787			2,259		(21%)			5,536			6,579		(16%)
Software maintenance			2,142			3,032		(29%)			6,838			9,393		(27%)
Other			708			747		(5%)			2,203			2,242		(2%)
Total services			4,637			6,038		(23%)			14,577			18,214		(20%)
		$	16,739		$	18,638		(10%)		$	48,283		$	51,018		(5%)

Reconciliation of 2008 GAAP Net Loss and Loss Per Share to Non-GAAP Net Loss and Loss Per Share Before Restructuring Charges
($000s, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended July 31,				Nine Months Ended July 31,
		2008				2008
Net loss, as reported		$	(2,061	)		$	(12,445	)
Restructuring charges			800				2,435
Net loss before restructuring charges		$	(1,261	)		$	(10,010	)
Loss per share (basic):
Loss per share, as reported		$	(0.09	)		$	(0.52	)
Restructuring charges			0.04				0.10
Loss per share before restructuring charges		$	(0.05	)		$	(0.42	)

PLATO Learning, Inc.
Supplemental Financial Information
(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of 2008 GAAP Operating Expenses to Non-GAAP Operating Expenses Before Restructuring Charges ($000s)
		Three Months			Nine Months
		Ended July 31,			Ended July 31,
		2008			2008
Total operating expenses		$	11,231		$	35,995
Restructuring charges			800			2,435
Operating expenses before restructuring charges		$	10,431		$	33,560

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income To 2009 Non-GAAP Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") and 2008 Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA ($000)
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		July 31,								July 31,
		2009				2008				2009				2008
Net income (loss)		$	184			$	(2,061	)		$	566			$	(12,445	)
Income taxes			-				152				-				456
Interest, net			59				12				27				(190	)
Depreciation and amortization			3,150				4,154				9,086				12,750
EBITDA		$	3,393				2,257			$	9,679				571
Restructure charges							800								2,435
Adjusted EBITDA						$	3,057							$	3,006