UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark one)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNESEPTEMBER 30, 2019

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM          TO             

Commission File Number: 0-23245

 

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

36-3932190

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

231 N. Martingale Road

Schaumburg, Illinois

60173

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (847) 781-3600

Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report: N/A

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

 

Trading symbol(s)

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

 

CECO

 

Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

 

 

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

 

 

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

 

  

 

 

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    Yes      No  

Number of shares of registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding as of August 2,November 1, 2019: 70,110,54370,377,310

 


CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

1

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income

2

 

 

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

3

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

4

 

 

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

23

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

37

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

38

 

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

39

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

39

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

39

Item 5.

Other Information

39

Item 6.

Exhibits

40

 

 

SIGNATURES

42

 

 

 


CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

ASSETS

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted

 

$

51,104

 

 

$

32,394

 

 

$

47,411

 

 

$

32,394

 

Restricted cash

 

 

337

 

 

 

337

 

 

 

30,000

 

 

 

337

 

Short-term investments

 

 

228,795

 

 

 

196,428

 

 

 

234,415

 

 

 

196,428

 

Total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments

 

 

280,236

 

 

 

229,159

 

 

 

311,826

 

 

 

229,159

 

Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30,173 and $23,307

as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

27,870

 

 

 

28,751

 

Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $27,075 and $23,307

as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

29,913

 

 

 

28,751

 

Receivables, other, net

 

 

2,677

 

 

 

2,567

 

 

 

1,336

 

 

 

2,567

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

9,013

 

 

 

7,771

 

 

 

7,645

 

 

 

7,771

 

Inventories

 

 

660

 

 

 

763

 

 

 

665

 

 

 

763

 

Other current assets

 

 

364

 

 

 

437

 

 

 

1,640

 

 

 

437

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

 

120

 

 

 

-

 

Total current assets

 

 

320,940

 

 

 

269,448

 

 

 

353,025

 

 

 

269,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $194,787 and $198,052

as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

27,507

 

 

 

30,048

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $197,070 and $198,052

as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

26,698

 

 

 

30,048

 

Right of use asset

 

 

40,049

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

52,016

 

 

 

-

 

Goodwill

 

 

87,356

 

 

 

87,356

 

 

 

87,356

 

 

 

87,356

 

Intangible assets, net of amortization of $1,400 as of both June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

 

 

7,900

 

 

 

7,900

 

Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $557

and $1,529 as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

503

 

 

 

942

 

Intangible assets, net of amortization of $1,400 as of both September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018

 

 

7,900

 

 

 

7,900

 

Student receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,922

and $1,529 as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

1,131

 

 

 

942

 

Deferred income tax assets, net

 

 

72,415

 

 

 

81,628

 

 

 

65,363

 

 

 

81,628

 

Other assets

 

 

4,951

 

 

 

4,993

 

 

 

5,140

 

 

 

4,993

 

Assets of discontinued operations

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

561,799

 

 

$

482,493

 

 

$

598,807

 

 

$

482,493

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liability-operating

 

$

13,390

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

12,109

 

 

$

-

 

Accounts payable

 

 

12,382

 

 

 

9,195

 

 

 

11,044

 

 

 

9,195

 

Accrued expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payroll and related benefits

 

 

22,270

 

 

 

24,530

 

 

 

25,019

 

 

 

24,530

 

Advertising and marketing costs

 

 

11,142

 

 

 

9,300

 

 

 

11,896

 

 

 

9,300

 

Income taxes

 

 

1,135

 

 

 

1,472

 

 

 

1,675

 

 

 

1,472

 

Other

 

 

39,496

 

 

 

19,668

 

 

 

46,610

 

 

 

19,668

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

28,664

 

 

 

32,351

 

 

 

23,784

 

 

 

32,351

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

 

 

3

 

 

 

536

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

536

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

128,482

 

 

 

97,052

 

 

 

132,140

 

 

 

97,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liability-operating

 

 

42,215

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

54,904

 

 

 

-

 

Deferred rent obligations

 

 

-

 

 

 

12,745

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

12,745

 

Other liabilities

 

 

9,854

 

 

 

17,493

 

 

 

9,819

 

 

 

17,493

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

52,069

 

 

 

30,238

 

 

 

64,723

 

 

 

30,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 85,668,036

and 85,173,686 shares issued, 70,110,543 and 69,772,910 shares

outstanding as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

857

 

 

 

852

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; NaN issued or outstanding

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 85,876,510

and 85,173,686 shares issued, 70,312,424 and 69,772,910 shares

outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

859

 

 

 

852

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

630,878

 

 

 

628,295

 

 

 

633,536

 

 

 

628,295

 

Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)

 

 

455

 

 

 

(298

)

 

 

386

 

 

 

(298

)

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(27,679

)

 

 

(52,946

)

 

 

(9,445

)

 

 

(52,946

)

Treasury stock, at cost; 15,557,493 and 15,400,776 shares as of June 30, 2019

and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

(223,263

)

 

 

(220,700

)

Treasury stock, at cost; 15,564,086 and 15,400,776 shares as of September 30, 2019

and December 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

(223,392

)

 

 

(220,700

)

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

381,248

 

 

 

355,203

 

 

 

401,944

 

 

 

355,203

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

$

561,799

 

 

$

482,493

 

 

$

598,807

 

 

$

482,493

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1


CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuition and fees

 

$

155,779

 

 

$

141,344

 

 

$

313,007

 

 

$

288,854

 

 

$

154,291

 

 

$

144,882

 

 

$

467,298

 

 

$

433,736

 

Other

 

 

662

 

 

 

692

 

 

 

1,287

 

 

 

1,247

 

 

 

668

 

 

 

808

 

 

 

1,955

 

 

 

2,055

 

Total revenue

 

 

156,441

 

 

 

142,036

 

 

 

314,294

 

 

 

290,101

 

 

 

154,959

 

 

 

145,690

 

 

 

469,253

 

 

 

435,791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educational services and facilities

 

 

25,350

 

 

 

30,290

 

 

 

51,677

 

 

 

57,236

 

 

 

25,318

 

 

 

27,201

 

 

 

76,995

 

 

 

84,437

 

General and administrative

 

 

128,672

 

 

 

98,340

 

 

 

227,994

 

 

 

196,348

 

 

 

103,063

 

 

 

96,842

 

 

 

331,057

 

 

 

293,190

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,235

 

 

 

2,103

 

 

 

4,468

 

 

 

4,685

 

 

 

2,284

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

6,752

 

 

 

7,049

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

156,257

 

 

 

130,733

 

 

 

284,139

 

 

 

258,269

 

 

 

130,665

 

 

 

126,407

 

 

 

414,804

 

 

 

384,676

 

Operating income

 

 

184

 

 

 

11,303

 

 

 

30,155

 

 

 

31,832

 

 

 

24,294

 

 

 

19,283

 

 

 

54,449

 

 

 

51,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

1,592

 

 

 

742

 

 

 

3,032

 

 

 

1,376

 

 

 

1,698

 

 

 

950

 

 

 

4,730

 

 

 

2,326

 

Interest expense

 

 

(40

)

 

 

(106

)

 

 

(82

)

 

 

(215

)

 

 

(43

)

 

 

(108

)

 

 

(125

)

 

 

(323

)

Miscellaneous income (expense)

 

 

45

 

 

 

(135

)

 

 

271

 

 

 

193

 

Miscellaneous income

 

 

97

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

368

 

 

 

225

 

Total other income

 

 

1,597

 

 

 

501

 

 

 

3,221

 

 

 

1,354

 

 

 

1,752

 

 

 

874

 

 

 

4,973

 

 

 

2,228

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRETAX INCOME

 

 

1,781

 

 

 

11,804

 

 

 

33,376

 

 

 

33,186

 

 

 

26,046

 

 

 

20,157

 

 

 

59,422

 

 

 

53,343

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

2,302

 

 

 

2,940

 

 

 

8,709

 

 

 

6,438

 

 

 

7,653

 

 

 

5,089

 

 

 

16,362

 

 

 

11,527

 

(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

(521

)

 

 

8,864

 

 

 

24,667

 

 

 

26,748

 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

18,393

 

 

 

15,068

 

 

 

43,060

 

 

 

41,816

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

 

 

(38

)

 

 

(113

)

 

 

(435

)

 

 

(495

)

 

 

(159

)

 

 

(211

)

 

 

(594

)

 

 

(706

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) INCOME

 

 

(559

)

 

 

8,751

 

 

 

24,232

 

 

 

26,253

 

NET INCOME

 

 

18,234

 

 

 

14,857

 

 

 

42,466

 

 

 

41,110

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

35

 

 

 

(168

)

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(82

)

 

 

(113

)

 

 

(21

)

 

 

(130

)

 

 

(103

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on investments

 

 

371

 

 

 

108

 

 

 

770

 

 

 

(110

)

 

 

44

 

 

 

106

 

 

 

814

 

 

 

(4

)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

406

 

 

 

(60

)

 

 

753

 

 

 

(192

)

COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

 

$

(153

)

 

$

8,691

 

 

$

24,985

 

 

$

26,061

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

(69

)

 

 

85

 

 

 

684

 

 

 

(107

)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

18,165

 

 

$

14,942

 

 

$

43,150

 

 

$

41,003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

$

(0.01

)

 

$

0.13

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.39

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - BASIC:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.26

 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

0.62

 

 

$

0.60

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.01

)

Net (loss) income per share

 

$

(0.01

)

 

$

0.13

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.38

 

Net income per share

 

$

0.26

 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

0.61

 

 

$

0.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

$

(0.01

)

 

$

0.12

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.38

 

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE - DILUTED:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

0.60

 

 

$

0.59

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.01

)

Net (loss) income per share

 

$

(0.01

)

 

$

0.12

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.37

 

Net income per share

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

0.59

 

 

$

0.58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

70,105

 

 

 

69,668

 

 

 

69,972

 

 

 

69,443

 

 

 

70,142

 

 

 

69,737

 

 

 

70,029

 

 

 

69,542

 

Diluted

 

 

70,105

 

 

 

71,562

 

 

 

71,782

 

 

 

71,239

 

 

 

72,142

 

 

 

71,790

 

 

 

71,901

 

 

 

71,425

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

BALANCE, April 1, 2019

 

 

85,659

 

 

$

857

 

 

 

(15,556

)

 

$

(223,232

)

 

$

629,768

 

 

$

49

 

 

$

(27,120

)

 

$

380,322

 

Net loss

��

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(559

)

 

 

(559

)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

35

 

Unrealized gain on investments

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

371

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

371

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,037

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,037

 

Common stock issued

 

 

9

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(31

)

 

 

73

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

42

 

BALANCE, June 30, 2019

 

 

85,668

 

 

$

857

 

 

 

(15,558

)

 

$

(223,263

)

 

$

630,878

 

 

$

455

 

 

$

(27,679

)

 

$

381,248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

BALANCE, April 1, 2018

 

 

84,988

 

 

$

850

 

 

 

(15,377

)

 

$

(220,336

)

 

$

623,378

 

 

$

(296

)

 

$

(90,625

)

 

$

312,971

 

BALANCE, July 1, 2019

 

 

85,668

 

 

$

857

 

 

 

(15,558

)

 

$

(223,263

)

 

$

630,878

 

 

$

455

 

 

$

(27,679

)

 

$

381,248

 

Net income

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

8,751

 

 

 

8,751

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

18,234

 

 

 

18,234

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(168

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(168

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(113

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(113

)

Unrealized gain on investments

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

108

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

108

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

44

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,198

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,198

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,516

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,516

 

Common stock issued

 

 

127

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

(237

)

 

 

293

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

209

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(129

)

 

 

1,142

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,015

 

BALANCE, June 30, 2018

 

 

85,115

 

 

$

851

 

 

 

(15,392

)

 

$

(220,573

)

 

$

624,869

 

 

$

(356

)

 

$

(81,874

)

 

$

322,917

 

BALANCE, September 30, 2019

 

 

85,877

 

 

$

859

 

 

 

(15,564

)

 

$

(223,392

)

 

$

633,536

 

 

$

386

 

 

$

(9,445

)

 

$

401,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

BALANCE, July 1, 2018

 

 

85,115

 

 

$

851

 

 

 

(15,392

)

 

$

(220,573

)

 

$

624,869

 

 

$

(356

)

 

$

(81,874

)

 

$

322,917

 

Net income

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

14,857

 

 

 

14,857

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(21

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(21

)

Unrealized gain on investments

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

106

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

106

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,445

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,445

 

Common stock issued

 

 

44

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(95

)

 

 

437

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

343

 

BALANCE, September 30, 2018

 

 

85,159

 

 

$

852

 

 

 

(15,398

)

 

$

(220,668

)

 

$

626,751

 

 

$

(271

)

 

$

(67,017

)

 

$

339,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

BALANCE, January 1, 2019

 

 

85,174

 

 

$

852

 

 

 

(15,401

)

 

$

(220,700

)

 

$

628,295

 

 

$

(298

)

 

$

(52,946

)

 

$

355,203

 

 

 

85,174

 

 

$

852

 

 

 

(15,401

)

 

$

(220,700

)

 

$

628,295

 

 

$

(298

)

 

$

(52,946

)

 

$

355,203

 

Net income

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

24,232

 

 

 

24,232

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

42,466

 

 

 

42,466

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(17

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(17

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(130

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(130

)

Unrealized gain on investments

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

770

 

 

 

-

 

��

 

770

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

814

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

814

 

Adjustment for change in accounting method

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

1,035

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,406

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,406

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,922

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,922

 

Common stock issued

 

 

494

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

(157

)

 

 

(2,563

)

 

 

177

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2,381

)

 

 

703

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

(163

)

 

 

(2,692

)

 

 

1,319

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,366

)

BALANCE, June 30, 2019

 

 

85,668

 

 

$

857

 

 

 

(15,558

)

 

$

(223,263

)

 

$

630,878

 

 

$

455

 

 

$

(27,679

)

 

$

381,248

 

BALANCE, September 30, 2019

 

 

85,877

 

 

$

859

 

 

 

(15,564

)

 

$

(223,392

)

 

$

633,536

 

 

$

386

 

 

$

(9,445

)

 

$

401,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

 

Issued Shares

 

 

$0.01 Par

Value

 

 

Purchased Shares

 

 

Cost

 

 

Additional Paid-in Capital

 

 

Comprehensive Gain (Loss)

 

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

 

Total

 

BALANCE, January 1, 2018

 

 

84,280

 

 

$

843

 

 

 

(15,162

)

 

$

(217,355

)

 

$

621,008

 

 

$

(164

)

 

$

(108,127

)

 

$

296,205

 

 

 

84,280

 

 

$

843

 

 

 

(15,162

)

 

$

(217,355

)

 

$

621,008

 

 

$

(164

)

 

$

(108,127

)

 

$

296,205

 

Net income

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

26,253

 

 

 

26,253

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

41,110

 

 

 

41,110

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(82

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(82

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(103

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(103

)

Unrealized loss on investments

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(110

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(110

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(4

)

Share-based compensation expense

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,699

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,699

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,144

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,144

 

Common stock issued

 

 

835

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

(230

)

 

 

(3,218

)

 

 

1,162

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2,048

)

 

 

879

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

(236

)

 

 

(3,313

)

 

 

1,599

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,705

)

BALANCE, June 30, 2018

 

 

85,115

 

 

$

851

 

 

 

(15,392

)

 

$

(220,573

)

 

$

624,869

 

 

$

(356

)

 

$

(81,874

)

 

$

322,917

 

BALANCE, September 30, 2018

 

 

85,159

 

 

$

852

 

 

 

(15,398

)

 

$

(220,668

)

 

$

626,751

 

 

$

(271

)

 

$

(67,017

)

 

$

339,647

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

24,232

 

 

$

26,253

 

 

$

42,466

 

 

$

41,110

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

4,468

 

 

 

4,685

 

 

 

6,752

 

 

 

7,049

 

Bad debt expense

 

 

23,141

 

 

 

13,679

 

 

 

32,028

 

 

 

21,579

 

Compensation expense related to share-based awards

 

 

2,406

 

 

 

2,698

 

 

 

3,922

 

 

 

4,143

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

9,213

 

 

 

6,641

 

 

 

16,265

 

 

 

11,174

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

 

(10,046

)

 

 

(39,202

)

 

 

(16,042

)

 

 

(66,760

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

53,414

 

 

 

14,754

 

 

 

85,391

 

 

 

18,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

 

 

(296,666

)

 

 

(101,043

)

 

 

(418,156

)

 

 

(190,726

)

Sales of available-for-sale investments

 

 

265,743

 

 

 

106,139

 

 

 

382,022

 

 

 

191,555

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(1,408

)

 

 

(2,737

)

 

 

(3,220

)

 

 

(3,952

)

Other

 

 

9

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

-

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

 

(32,322

)

 

 

2,359

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(39,345

)

 

 

(3,123

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common stock

 

 

180

 

 

 

1,170

 

 

 

1,326

 

 

 

1,608

 

Payments of employee tax associated with stock compensation

 

 

(2,562

)

 

 

(3,218

)

 

 

(2,692

)

 

 

(3,313

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(2,382

)

 

 

(2,048

)

 

 

(1,366

)

 

 

(1,705

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

18,710

 

 

 

15,065

 

 

 

44,680

 

 

 

13,467

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of the period

 

 

32,731

 

 

 

18,899

 

 

 

32,731

 

 

 

18,899

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of the period

 

$

51,441

 

 

$

33,964

 

 

$

77,411

 

 

$

32,366

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

4


CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

Career Education’s academic institutions offer a quality education to a diverse student population in a variety of disciplines through online, campus-based and blended learning programs. Our twoOur2 regionally accredited universities – Colorado Technical University (“CTU”) and American InterContinental University (“AIU”) – provide degree programs through the master’s or doctoral level as well as associate and bachelor’s levels. Both universities predominantly serve students online with career-focused degree programs that are designed to meet the educational needs of today’s busy adults. CTU and AIU continue to show innovation in higher education, advancing new personalized learning technologies like their intellipath® learning platform. Career Education is committed to providing quality education that closes the gap between learners who seek to advance their careers and employers needing a qualified workforce.

A listing of our university locations and web links to these institutions can be found at www.careered.com.

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “CEC” refer to Career Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The terms “institution” and “university” refer to an individual, branded, for-profit educational institution, owned by us and includes its campus locations. The term “campus” refers to an individual main or branch campus operated by one of our institutions.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2019.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Career Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively “CEC”). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

         Our reporting segments are determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280 – Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment is comprised of a postsecondary education institution that offers a variety of academic programs. We organize our business across two2 reporting segments: CTU and AIU (collectively referred to as the “University Group”).

          As of January 1, 2019, the Company combined the former All Other Campuses reporting segment with ‘Corporate and Other’ as part of continuing operations. Prior period segment amounts have been recast to reflect our reporting segments on a comparable basis.

          Effective January 1, 2019, we have implemented FASB ASC Topic 842 – Leases. This guidance supersedes all previously issued lease guidance. As a result of this change in accounting guidance, we updated our lease policies and disclosures. The guidance under Topic 842 impacts accounting for leases with the most significant impact primarily related to our accounting for real estate leases and real estate subleases. The guidance under Topic 842 significantly impacts our presentation of financial condition and disclosures, but did not have significant impact to our results of operations. We now have a material amount reported as a right of use asset and lease liability related to these leases reported on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. Prior period amounts have not been restated in accordance with ASC 842’s modified retrospective approach. See Note 7 “Leases”Leases for morefurther information.

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recent accounting guidance adopted in 2019

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this ASU provide financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings in each period when the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recorded. For all entities, ASU 2018-02 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We have evaluated and adopted this guidance beginning 2019. The adoption did not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

5


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The objective of Topic 842 is to establish transparency and comparability that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. The core principle of Topic 842 is that lessees should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. All leases create an asset and liability for the lessee in accordance with FASB Concept Statements No. 6 Elements of Financial Statements, and, therefore, recognition of those lease assets and liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP. The accounting applied for lessors largely remained unchanged. The amendment in this ASU requires recognition of a lease liability and a right of use asset at the lease inception date. For all public business entities, ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We completed the assessment of our evaluation of the new standard on our accounting policies and processes and adopted this guidance beginning 2019 using a modified retrospective approach without restating prior comparative periods. The most significant impact primarily relates to our accounting for real estate leases and real estate subleases. The adoption of this guidance significantly impacts the presentation of our financial condition and disclosures, but didn’t materially impact our results of operations. See Note 7 “Leases”Leases for further information.

Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract. The amendments in this ASU provide clarifications which align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software or software licenses. The accounting for the service element of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract is not affected by these amendments. For public entities, ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this ASU include removals, modifications of and additions to the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The guidance removed the requirements of the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements. The modifications include requirements to disclose timing of liquidation of an investee’s assets and the date when restrictions from redemption might lapse if the investee has communicated the timing to the entity or announced the timing publicly for those investments in entities which calculate net asset value as well as provides clarity for disclosures surrounding uncertainties in measurement as of the reporting date. Furthermore, this ASU added additional requirements regarding changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. For all entities, ASU 2018-13 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in this ASU require a financial asset measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected and credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. Furthermore,In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04, Codification improvements to Topic 326, introducing the expected credit losses methodology for the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, replacing the previous incurred loss methodology. Additionally, in May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, providing targeted transition relief to provide entities that have certain instruments within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses – Measured at Amortized Cost, with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments – Overall, applied on an instrument-by-instrument basis for eligible instruments, upon adoption of Topic 326. The fair value option election does not apply to held-to-maturity debt securities. For all public business entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted for all organizations for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

6


4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Investments consist of the following as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

September 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Gain

 

 

(Loss)

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Cost

 

 

Gain

 

 

(Loss)

 

 

Fair Value

 

Short-term investments (available for sale):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal bonds

 

$

628

 

 

$

1

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

629

 

 

$

1,078

 

 

$

3

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,081

 

Non-governmental debt securities

 

 

212,175

 

 

 

420

 

 

 

(28

)

 

 

212,567

 

 

 

212,120

 

 

 

490

 

 

 

(54

)

 

 

212,556

 

Treasury and federal agencies

 

 

15,606

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

15,599

 

 

 

20,788

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

(14

)

 

 

20,778

 

Total short-term investments (available for sale)

 

$

228,409

 

 

$

427

 

 

$

(41

)

 

$

228,795

 

 

 

233,986

 

 

 

497

 

 

 

(68

)

 

 

234,415

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrealized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

 

 

Gain

 

 

(Loss)

 

 

Fair Value

 

Short-term investments (available for sale):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-governmental debt securities

 

$

179,393

 

 

$

35

 

 

$

(337

)

 

$

179,091

 

Treasury and federal agencies

 

 

17,417

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

(85

)

 

 

17,337

 

Total short-term investments (available for sale)

 

$

196,810

 

 

$

40

 

 

$

(422

)

 

$

196,428

 

 

In the table above, unrealized holding gains (losses) relate to short-term investments that have been in a continuous unrealized gain (loss) position for less than one year.

Our non-governmental debt securities primarily consist of commercial paper and certificates of deposit. Our treasury and federal agencies primarily consist of U.S. Treasury bills and federal home loan debt securities. We do not intend to sell our investments in these securities prior to maturity and it is not likely that we will be required to sell these investments before recovery of the amortized cost basis.

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we held investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments (available-for-sale) consist of municipal bonds, non-governmental debt securities and treasury and federal agencies securities. Available for sale securities included in Level 1 are valued at quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Available for sale securities included in Level 2 are estimated based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurements at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

As of  June 30, 2019

 

 

As of  September 30, 2019

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Municipal bonds

 

$

-

 

 

$

629

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

629

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,081

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,081

 

Non-governmental debt securities

 

 

20,000

 

 

 

192,567

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

212,567

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

197,556

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

212,556

 

Treasury and federal agencies

 

 

-

 

 

 

15,599

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

15,599

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

20,778

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

20,778

 

Totals

 

$

20,000

 

 

$

208,795

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

228,795

 

 

$

15,000

 

 

$

219,415

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

234,415

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of  December 31, 2018

 

 

As of  December 31, 2018

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Non-governmental debt securities

 

$

20,000

 

 

$

159,091

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

179,091

 

 

$

20,000

 

 

$

159,091

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

179,091

 

Treasury and federal agencies

 

 

-

 

 

 

17,337

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

17,337

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

17,337

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

17,337

 

Totals

 

$

20,000

 

 

$

176,428

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

196,428

 

 

$

20,000

 

 

$

176,428

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

196,428

 

 

 

7


Equity Method Investment

Our investment in an equity affiliate, which is recorded within other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, represents an international investment in a private company. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, our investment in an equity affiliate equated to a 30.7%, or $2.7$2.6 million, non-controlling interest in CCKF, a Dublin-based educational technology company providing intelligent systems to power the delivery of individualized and personalized learning.

During each of the quarters ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we recorded less than $0.1 million of gain and approximately $0.2 million of loss, respectively, and during the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and JuneSeptember 30, 2018, we recorded less than $0.1 million of gain and approximately $0.1 million of loss, respectively, related to our proportionate investment in CCKF within miscellaneous income (expense) on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income.

We make periodic operating maintenance payments related to proprietary rights that we use in our intellipath® personalized learning technology. The total fees paid to CCKF for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Maintenance Fee Payments

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019

$

359

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2018

$

377

 

For the year to date ended June 30, 2019

$

707

 

For the year to date ended June 30, 2018

$

753

 

 

Maintenance Fee Payments

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2019

$

338

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018

$

355

 

For the year to date ended September 30, 2019

$

1,045

 

For the year to date ended September 30, 2018

$

1,108

 

 

Credit Agreement

On December 27, 2018, the Company; its wholly-owned subsidiary, CEC Educational Services, LLC; and the subsidiary guarantors thereunder, entered into a credit agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A. (“BMO Harris”), in its capacities as the sole lender, the letter of credit issuer thereunder and the administrative agent for the lenders which from time to time may be parties to the credit agreement. The credit agreement provides the Company with the benefit of a $50.0 million revolving credit facility and is scheduled to mature on January 20, 2022. The loans and letter of credit obligations under the credit agreement are required to be 100% secured with cash and marketable securities deposited with the bank. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no0 outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

5. REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables disaggregate our revenue by major source (dollars in thousands):

 

8


 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2018

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

Tuition

 

$

90,903

 

 

$

57,341

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

148,244

 

 

$

89,291

 

 

$

46,654

 

 

$

160

 

 

$

136,105

 

 

$

90,256

 

 

$

56,383

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

146,639

 

 

$

89,121

 

 

$

50,349

 

 

$

64

 

 

$

139,534

 

Technology fees

 

 

4,590

 

 

 

2,391

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

6,981

 

 

 

2,857

 

 

 

1,784

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,641

 

 

 

4,789

 

 

 

2,360

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

7,149

 

 

 

2,823

 

 

 

1,953

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,776

 

Other miscellaneous fees(1)

 

 

463

 

 

 

91

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

554

 

 

 

489

 

 

 

90

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

598

 

 

 

384

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

503

 

 

 

426

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

572

 

Total tuition and fees

 

 

95,956

 

 

 

59,823

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

155,779

 

 

 

92,637

 

 

 

48,528

 

 

 

179

 

 

 

141,344

 

 

 

95,429

 

 

 

58,862

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

154,291

 

 

 

92,370

 

 

 

52,447

 

 

 

65

 

 

 

144,882

 

Other revenue(2)

 

 

599

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

662

 

 

 

629

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

692

 

 

 

609

 

 

 

45

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

668

 

 

 

745

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

808

 

Total revenue

 

$

96,555

 

 

$

59,873

 

 

$

13

 

 

$

156,441

 

 

$

93,266

 

 

$

48,579

 

 

$

191

 

 

$

142,036

 

 

$

96,038

 

 

$

58,907

 

 

$

14

 

 

$

154,959

 

 

$

93,115

 

 

$

52,504

 

 

$

71

 

 

$

145,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30, 2018

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2019

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(3)

 

 

Total

 

Tuition

 

$

183,521

 

 

$

115,571

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

299,092

 

 

$

180,025

 

 

$

97,785

 

 

$

491

 

 

$

278,301

 

 

$

273,777

 

 

$

171,954

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

445,731

 

 

$

269,146

 

 

$

148,134

 

 

$

555

 

 

$

417,835

 

Technology fees

 

 

8,039

 

 

 

4,769

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

12,808

 

 

 

5,731

 

 

 

3,624

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

9,355

 

 

 

12,828

 

 

 

7,129

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

19,957

 

 

 

8,554

 

 

 

5,577

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

14,131

 

Other miscellaneous fees(1)

 

 

887

 

 

 

220

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,107

 

 

 

989

 

 

 

190

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

1,198

 

 

 

1,271

 

 

 

339

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,610

 

 

 

1,415

 

 

 

335

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

1,770

 

Total tuition and fees

 

 

192,447

 

 

 

120,560

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

313,007

 

 

 

186,745

 

 

 

101,599

 

 

 

510

 

 

 

288,854

 

 

 

287,876

 

 

 

179,422

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

467,298

 

 

 

279,115

 

 

 

154,046

 

 

 

575

 

 

 

433,736

 

Other revenue(2)

 

 

1,165

 

 

 

92

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

1,287

 

 

 

1,128

 

 

 

101

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

1,247

 

 

 

1,774

 

 

 

137

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

1,955

 

 

 

1,873

 

 

 

158

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

2,055

 

Total revenue

 

$

193,612

 

 

$

120,652

 

 

$

30

 

 

$

314,294

 

 

$

187,873

 

 

$

101,700

 

 

$

528

 

 

$

290,101

 

 

$

289,650

 

 

$

179,559

 

 

$

44

 

 

$

469,253

 

 

$

280,988

 

 

$

154,204

 

 

$

599

 

 

$

435,791

 

__________________

 

(1)

Other miscellaneous fees include graduation fees and activity fees.

 

(2)

Other revenue primarily includes contract training revenue and bookstore and laptop sales.

 

(3)

Revenue recorded within Corporate and Other relates to closed campuses which are now reported within this category.

 

Performance Obligations

Our revenue, which is derived primarily from academic programs taught to students who attend our institutions, is generally segregated into two categories: (1) tuition and fees and (2) other. Tuition and fees represent costs to our students for educational services provided by our institutions. Our institutions charge tuition and fees at varying amounts, depending on the institution, the type of program and specific curriculum. Our institutions bill students a single charge that covers tuition, fees and required program materials, such as textbooks and supplies, which we treat as a single performance obligation. Generally, we bill student tuition at the beginning of each academic term, and recognize the tuition as revenue on a straight-line basis over the academic term, which includes any applicable externship period. As part of a student’s course of instruction, certain fees, such as technology fees and graduation fees, are billed to students. These fees are earned over the applicable term and are not considered separate performance obligations.

Other revenue, which consists primarily of contract training revenue and bookstore sales, is billed and recognized as goods are delivered or services are performed. Contract training revenue results from individual training courses that are stand-alone courses and not part of a degree or certificate program. Bookstore sales are primarily initiated by the student and are not included in the enrollment agreement at the onset of a student’s entrance to the institution. These types of sales constitute a separate performance obligation from classroom instruction.

Our institutions’ academic year is generally at least 30 weeks in length but varies both by institution and program of study and is divided by academic terms. Academic terms are determined by regulatory requirements mandated by the federal government and/or applicable accrediting body, which also vary by institution and program. Academic terms are determined by start dates, which vary by institution and program and are generally 10 – 11 weeks in length.

Contract Assets

For each term, the portion of tuition and fee payments received from students but not yet earned is recorded as deferred revenue and reported as a current liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, as we expect to earn these revenues within the next year. A contract asset is recorded for each student for the current term for which they are enrolled for the amount charged for the current term that has not yet been received as payment and to which we do not have the unconditional right to receive payment because the student has not reached the point in the student’s current academic term at which the amount billed is no longer refundable

9


to the student. On a student by student basis, the contract asset is offset against the deferred revenue balance for the current term and the net deferred revenue balance is reflected within current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

9


Due to the short-term nature of our academic terms, the contract asset balance which exists at the beginning of each quarter will no longer be a contract asset at the end of that quarter. The decrease in contract asset balances are a result of one of the following: it becomes a student receivable balance once a student reaches the point in a student’s academic term where the amount billed is no longer refundable to the student; a refund to withdrawn students for the portion entitled to be refunded under each institutions’ refund policy; we receive funds to apply against the contract asset balance; or a student makes a change in the number of classes they are enrolled which may cause an adjustment to their previously billed amount. As of the end of each quarter, a new contract asset is determined on a student by student basis based on the most recently started term and a student’s progress within that term as compared to the date at which the student is no longer entitled to a refund under each institution’s refund policy.

The amount of contract assets which are being offset with deferred revenue balances as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

As of

 

 

As of

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

September 30, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

Gross deferred revenue

 

$

45,801

 

 

$

51,694

 

 

$

35,611

 

 

$

51,694

 

Gross contract assets

 

 

(17,137

)

 

 

(19,343

)

 

 

(11,827

)

 

 

(19,343

)

Deferred revenue, net

 

$

28,664

 

 

$

32,351

 

 

$

23,784

 

 

$

32,351

 

Deferred Revenue

Changes in our deferred revenue balances for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2018

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

Gross deferred revenue, April 1,

 

$

25,901

 

 

$

10,180

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

36,081

 

 

$

24,025

 

 

$

21,415

 

 

$

142

 

 

$

45,582

 

Revenue earned from balances existing as of April 1,

 

 

(23,679

)

 

 

(8,860

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(32,539

)

 

 

(22,347

)

 

 

(18,420

)

 

 

(142

)

 

 

(40,909

)

Gross deferred revenue, July 1,

 

$

25,825

 

 

$

19,976

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

45,801

 

 

$

23,754

 

 

$

13,436

 

 

$

70

 

 

$

37,260

 

Revenue earned from balances existing as of July 1,

 

 

(23,375

)

 

 

(16,970

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(40,345

)

 

 

(21,533

)

 

 

(11,341

)

 

 

(47

)

 

 

(32,921

)

Billings during period(1)

 

 

95,424

 

 

 

69,368

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

164,792

 

 

 

92,201

 

 

 

40,457

 

 

 

99

 

 

 

132,757

 

 

 

96,863

 

 

 

47,310

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

144,173

 

 

 

93,277

 

 

 

73,852

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

167,192

 

Revenue earned for new billings during the period

 

 

(72,277

)

 

 

(50,963

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(123,240

)

 

 

(70,290

)

 

 

(30,108

)

 

 

(37

)

 

 

(100,435

)

 

 

(72,054

)

 

 

(41,892

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(113,946

)

 

 

(70,837

)

 

 

(41,106

)

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(111,961

)

Other adjustments

 

 

456

 

 

 

251

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

707

 

 

 

165

 

 

 

92

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

265

 

 

 

(146

)

 

 

74

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(72

)

 

 

(266

)

 

 

(500

)

 

 

(25

)

 

 

(791

)

Gross deferred revenue, June 30,

 

$

25,825

 

 

$

19,976

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

45,801

 

 

$

23,754

 

 

$

13,436

 

 

$

70

 

 

$

37,260

 

Gross deferred revenue, September 30,

 

$

27,113

 

 

$

8,498

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

35,611

 

 

$

24,395

 

 

$

34,341

 

 

$

43

 

 

$

58,779

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30, 2018

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2019

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

 

CTU

 

 

AIU

 

 

Corporate and Other(2)

 

 

Total

 

Gross deferred revenue, January 1,

 

$

24,250

 

 

$

27,444

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

51,694

 

 

$

23,933

 

 

$

15,507

 

 

$

104

 

 

$

39,544

 

 

$

24,250

 

 

$

27,444

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

51,694

 

 

$

23,933

 

 

$

15,507

 

 

$

104

 

 

$

39,544

 

Revenue earned from balances existing as of January 1,

 

 

(22,335

)

 

 

(21,785

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(44,120

)

 

 

(22,210

)

 

 

(14,310

)

 

 

(104

)

 

 

(36,624

)

 

 

(22,289

)

 

 

(21,779

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(44,068

)

 

 

(22,192

)

 

 

(14,310

)

 

 

(104

)

 

 

(36,606

)

Billings during period(1)

 

 

192,940

 

 

 

112,401

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

305,341

 

 

 

186,097

 

 

 

99,392

 

 

 

495

 

 

 

285,984

 

 

 

289,803

 

 

 

159,711

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

449,514

 

 

 

279,374

 

 

 

173,244

 

 

 

558

 

 

 

453,176

 

Revenue earned for new billings during the period

 

 

(170,112

)

 

 

(98,775

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(268,887

)

 

 

(164,535

)

 

 

(87,289

)

 

 

(406

)

 

 

(252,230

)

 

 

(265,587

)

 

 

(157,643

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(423,230

)

 

 

(256,923

)

 

 

(139,736

)

 

 

(471

)

 

 

(397,130

)

Other adjustments

 

 

1,082

 

 

 

691

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,773

 

 

 

469

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

586

 

 

 

936

 

 

 

765

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,701

 

 

 

203

 

 

 

(364

)

 

 

(44

)

 

 

(205

)

Gross deferred revenue, June 30,

 

$

25,825

 

 

$

19,976

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

45,801

 

 

$

23,754

 

 

$

13,436

 

 

$

70

 

 

$

37,260

 

Gross deferred revenue, September 30,

 

$

27,113

 

 

$

8,498

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

35,611

 

 

$

24,395

 

 

$

34,341

 

 

$

43

 

 

$

58,779

 

______________

 

(1)

Billings during period includes adjustments for prior billings.

10


 

(2)

Revenue recorded within Corporate and Other relates to closed campuses which are now reported within this category.

Cash Receipts

10


Our students finance costs through a variety of funding sources, including, among others, federal loan and grant programs, institutional payment plans, employer reimbursement, Veterans’ Administration and other military funding and grants, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments. Cash receipts from government related sources are typically received during the current academic term. We typically receive funds after the end of an academic term for students who receive employer reimbursements. Students who have not applied for any type of financial aid generally set up a payment plan with the institution and make payments on a monthly basis per the terms of the payment plan.

If a student withdraws from one of our institutions prior to the completion of the academic term, we refund the portion of tuition and fees already paid that, pursuant to our refund policy and applicable federal and state law and accrediting agency standards, we are not entitled to retain. Generally, the amount to be refunded to a student is calculated based upon the percent of the term attended and the amount of tuition and fees paid by the student as of their withdrawal date. In certain circumstances, we have recognized revenue for students who have withdrawn that we are not entitled to retain. We have estimated a reserve for these limited circumstances based on historical evidence in the amount of $1.2$1.1 million and $0.9 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. Students are typically entitled to a partial refund through approximately halfway of their term. Pursuant to each institution’s policy, once a student reaches the point in the term where no refund is given, the student would not have a refund due if withdrawing from the institution subsequent to that date.

Management reassesses collectability when a student withdraws from the institution and has unpaid tuition charges for the current term which the institution is entitled to retain per the applicable refund policy. Such unpaid charges do not meet the threshold of reasonably collectible and are recognized as revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606 when cash is received and the contract is terminated and neither party has further performance obligations. We have no remaining performance obligations for students who have withdrawn from our institutions, and once the refund calculation is performed and funds are returned to the student, if applicable under our refund policy, no further consideration is due back to the student. We recognized $0.3$0.4 million of revenue for each forof the quarters ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, and $0.5$0.9 million and $0.7$1.1 million for the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, for payments received from withdrawn students.

Significant Judgments

We analyze revenue recognition on a portfolio approach under ASC Topic 606. Significant judgment is utilized in determining the appropriate portfolios to assess for meeting the criteria to recognize revenue under ASC Topic 606. We have determined that all of our students can be grouped into one1 portfolio. Based on our past experience, students at different campuses, in different programs or with different funding all behave similarly. Enrollment agreements all contain similar terms, refund policies are similar across all institutions and all students work with the campus to obtain some type of funding, for example, Title IV Program funds, Veterans Administration funds, military funding, employer reimbursement or self-pay. We have significant historical data for our students which allows us to analyze collectability. We do not expect that revenue earned for the portfolio is significantly different as compared to revenue that would be earned if we were to assess each student contract separately.

Significant judgment is also required to assess collectability, particularly as it relates to students seeking funding under Title IV Programs. Because students are required to provide documentation, and in some cases extensive documentation, to the Department of Education to be eligible and approved for funding, the timeframe for this process can sometimes span between 90 to 120 days. We monitor the progress of students through the eligibility and approval process and assess collectability for the portfolio each reporting period to monitor that the collectability threshold is met.

For the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, we received a majority of our institutions’ cash receipts for tuition payments from various government agencies as well as our corporate partnerships which represents a substantial portion of our consolidated revenues and are all low risk of collectability.

6. STUDENT RECEIVABLES

Student receivables represent funds owed to us in exchange for the educational services provided to a student. Student receivables are reflected net of an allowance for doubtful accounts at the end of the reporting period. Student receivables, net, are reflected on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as components of both current and non-current assets. We do not accrue interest on past due student receivables; interest is recorded only upon collection.

Generally, a student receivable balance is written off once it reaches greater than 90 days past due. Although we analyze past due receivables, it is not practical to provide an aging of our non-current student receivable balances as a result of the methodology utilized in determining our earned student receivable balances. Student receivables are recognized on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as they are deemed earned over the course of a student’s program and/or term, and therefore cash collections are not applied against specifically dated transactions.

11


Our standard student receivable allowance estimation methodology considers a number of factors that, based on our collection experience, we believe have an impact on our repayment risk and ability to collect student receivables. Changes in the trends in any of these factors may impact our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These factors include, but are not limited to: internal repayment history, repayment practices of previous extended payment programs, changes in the current economic, legislative or

11


regulatory environments and the ability to complete the federal financial aid process with the students. These factors are monitored and assessed on a regular basis. Overall, our allowance estimation process for student receivables is validated by trending analysis and comparing estimated and actual performance. 

Student Receivables Under Extended Payment Plans

To assist students in completing their educational programs, we previously provided extended payment plans to certain students. We discontinued providing extended payment plans to students during the first quarter of 2011.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the amount of non-current student receivables under these plans along with payment plans that are longer than 12 months in duration, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, was $0.5$1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Student Receivables Valuation Allowance

Changes in our current and non-current receivables allowance for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Balance,

Beginning

of Period

 

 

Charges to

Expense (1)

 

 

Amounts

Written-off

 

 

Balance,

End

of Period

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019

 

$

27,929

 

 

$

11,432

 

 

$

(8,631

)

 

$

30,730

 

For the quarter ended June 30, 2018

 

$

22,551

 

 

$

6,730

 

 

$

(5,013

)

 

$

24,268

 

For the year to date ended June 30, 2019

 

$

24,836

 

 

$

23,154

 

 

$

(17,260

)

 

$

30,730

 

For the year to date ended June 30, 2018

 

$

22,534

 

 

$

13,743

 

 

$

(12,009

)

 

$

24,268

 

 

 

Balance,

Beginning

of Period

 

 

Charges to

Expense (1)

 

 

Amounts

Written-off

 

 

Balance,

End

of Period

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2019

 

$

30,730

 

 

$

8,888

 

 

$

(10,621

)

 

$

28,997

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018

 

$

24,268

 

 

$

7,932

 

 

$

(8,649

)

 

$

23,551

 

For the year to date ended September 30, 2019

 

$

24,836

 

 

$

32,042

 

 

$

(27,881

)

 

$

28,997

 

For the year to date ended September 30, 2018

 

$

22,534

 

 

$

21,675

 

 

$

(20,658

)

 

$

23,551

 

 

 

(1)

Charges to expense include an offset for recoveries of amounts previously written off of $0.5$0.6 million and $1.2$1.8 million for the quarters ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $1.4$2.0 million and $2.5$4.3 million for the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amount reported in our condensed consolidated balance sheets for the current portion of student receivables approximates fair value because of the nature of these financial instruments as they generally have short maturity periods. It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the non-current portion of student receivables, since observable market data is not readily available, and no reasonable estimation methodology exists.

7. LEASES

We lease most of our administrative and educational facilities under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2028. Lease terms generally range from five to ten years with one to four renewal options for extended terms. In most cases, we are required to make additional payments under facility operating leases for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period, which are typically variable in nature.

We determine if a contract contains a lease when the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Upon identification and commencement of a lease, we establish a right of use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability.

Contract components

A lease component is defined as an asset within the lease contract that a lessee can benefit from the use of and is not highly dependent or interrelated with other assets in the arrangement. A lease contract may contain multiple lease components. A non-lease component is defined as a component of the lease that transfers a good or service for the underlying asset, such as maintenance services. We have determined that all of our leases contain one lease component related to the building and land. We have determined that treating the land together with the building as one lease component would not result in a significant difference from accounting for them as separate lease components. Additionally, we have elected the practical expedient to include both the lease component and the non-lease component as a single component when accounting for each lease and calculating the resulting lease liability and ROU asset. Any remaining contract consideration, such as property taxes and insurance, that does not meet the definition of a lease component or non-lease component would be allocated to the single lease component based on our election.

12


Lease liability and ROU asset

The lease liability represents future lease payments for lease and non-lease components discounted for present value. Lease payments that may be included in the lease liability include fixed payments, variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate and payments for penalties for terminating the lease if the lessee is reasonably certain to utilize a termination option, among others. Certain of our leases contain rent escalation clauses that are specifically stated in the lease and these are included in the calculation of the lease liability. Variable lease payments for lease and non-lease components which are not based on an index or rate are excluded

12


from the calculation of the lease liability and are recognized in the statement of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income during the period incurred.

The ROU asset consists of the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability and adjusted for any lease incentives, including rent abatements and tenant improvement allowances, and any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee. The ROU asset is amortized over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis and recorded within educational services and facilities on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income.

Lease term

The lease term is determined by taking into account the initial period as stated in the lease contract and adjusted for any renewal options that the company is reasonably certain to exercise as well as any period of time that the lessee has control of the space before the stated initial term of the lease. If we determine that we are reasonably certain to exercise a termination option, the lease term is then adjusted to account for the expected termination date.

Quantitative lease information

Quantitative information related to leases is presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2019

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30, 2019

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2019

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2019

 

Lease expenses (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed lease expenses - operating (1)

$

3,335

 

$

6,705

 

$

3,046

 

$

9,751

 

Variable lease expenses - operating (1)

 

2,248

 

4,634

 

 

2,196

 

6,830

 

Sublease income (1)

 

(1,149

)

 

(2,257

)

 

(1,075

)

 

(3,332

)

Total lease expenses (1)

 

4,434

 

 

9,082

 

 

4,167

 

 

13,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross operating cash flows for operating leases (2)

$

(8,003

)

$

(18,103

)

$

(7,400

)

$

(25,503

)

Operating cash flows from subleases (2)

 

1,055

 

2,305

 

 

1,112

 

3,417

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2019

 

Weighted average remaining lease term (in months) – operating leases

 

 

 

 

70

 

 

 

 

 

79

 

Weighted average discount rate – operating leases

 

 

 

5.4

%

 

 

 

5.2

%

__________________

 

(1)

Lease expense and sublease income represent the amount recorded within our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income. Variable lease amounts represent expenses recognized as incurred which are not included in the lease liability. Fixed lease expenses and sublease income are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and therefore are not necessarily representative of cash payments during the same period.

 

(2)

Cash flows are presented on a consolidated basis, including continuing and discontinued operations, and represent cash payments for fixed and variable lease costs.

13


Gross Lease Obligations

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, future minimum lease payments under operating leases which are included in lease liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet for continuing operations are as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Operating Leases Total

 

 

Operating Leases Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 (1)

 

$

7,431

 

 

$

2,451

 

2020

 

 

16,462

 

 

 

17,390

 

2021

 

 

11,403

 

 

 

13,505

 

2022

 

 

8,652

 

 

 

11,331

 

2023 and thereafter

 

 

22,364

 

 

 

35,821

 

Total

 

$

66,312

 

 

$

80,498

 

Less: imputed interest

 

 

10,707

 

 

 

13,485

 

Present value of future minimum lease payments

 

 

55,605

 

 

 

67,013

 

Less: current lease liabilities

 

 

13,390

 

 

 

12,109

 

Non-current lease liabilities

 

$

42,215

 

 

$

54,904

 

__________________

  (1)  Amounts provided are for liabilities remaining as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019.

 

As of December 31, 2018, future minimum lease payments under operating leases for continuing and discontinued operations were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing Operations

 

 

Discontinued Operations

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 (1)

 

$

21,076

 

 

$

808

 

 

$

21,884

 

2020

 

 

17,728

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

17,728

 

2021

 

 

12,070

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

12,070

 

2022

 

 

8,638

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

8,638

 

2023 and thereafter

 

 

22,298

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

22,298

 

Total

 

$

81,810

 

 

$

808

 

 

$

82,618

 

__________________

(1)

Amounts include payments due associated with executed early terminations of real estate leases and represent payments for the full year 2019.

Subleases

For certain of our leased locations, primarily those related to our closed campuses, we have vacated the facility and have fully or partially subleased the space. For each sublease that has been entered into, we remain the guarantor under the lease and therefore become the intermediate lessor. We have 12 subleases within 8 leased facilities with terms ranging from 2two to 4four years. We have recognized sublease income of $1.1 million and $2.3$3.3 million for the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, as on offset to lease expense on our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, future minimum sublease rental income under operating leases, which will decrease our future minimum lease payments presented above, is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Operating Subleases Total

 

 

Operating Subleases Total

 

2019 (1)

 

$

1,555

 

 

$

649

 

2020

 

 

2,765

 

 

 

2,765

 

2021

 

 

1,081

 

 

 

1,081

 

2022

 

 

777

 

 

 

777

 

2023 and thereafter

 

 

330

 

 

 

330

 

Total

 

$

6,508

 

 

$

5,602

 

14


_____________________

(1)

Sublease receivables remaining as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019.

 

Significant Judgments and Assumptions

We utilize discount rates to determine the net present value of our gross lease obligations when calculating the lease liability and related ROU asset. In cases in which the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, we utilize that discount rate for purposes of the net present value calculation. In most cases, our lease agreements do not have a discount rate that is readily determinable and therefore we utilize an estimate of our incremental borrowing rate. Our incremental borrowing rate is determined at lease commencement or lease modification and represents the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.  

Of our nine9 leases related to our ongoing operations which consist of administrative offices and university locations, we are not reasonably certain that we will extend or terminate any of those leases. For the 108 remaining leases that have been vacated related to our closed campuses, we are not reasonably certain to exercise any options to extend or terminate any leases.

Transition to ASC 842

Upon transition to ASC 842 as of January 1, 2019, the following beginning balances were restated within our condensed consolidated balance sheet (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

Impact of Modified Retrospective Adoption of ASC 842

 

 

January 1, 2019 Post ASC 842 Adoption

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses (1)

 

$

7,771

 

 

$

(1,502

)

 

$

6,269

 

Right of use asset

 

 

-

 

 

 

45,963

 

 

 

45,963

 

Deferred income tax assets, net

 

 

81,628

 

 

 

(325

)

 

 

81,303

 

Assets of discontinued operations, non-current

 

 

178

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

235

 

Lease liability - operating, current

 

 

-

 

 

 

18,656

 

 

 

18,656

 

Other accrued expenses, current (1)

 

 

19,668

 

 

 

(5,950

)

 

 

13,718

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations, current

 

 

536

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

593

 

Lease liability - operating, non-current

 

 

-

 

 

 

48,238

 

 

 

48,238

 

Deferred rent obligations (1)

 

 

12,745

 

 

 

(12,745

)

 

 

-

 

Other liabilities, non-current (1)

 

 

17,493

 

 

 

(5,098

)

 

 

12,395

 

Accumulated deficit (2)

 

 

(52,946

)

 

 

1,035

 

 

 

(51,911

)

__________________

(1)

Balances as of December 31, 2018 that related to prepaid rent, remaining lease obligations for vacated spaces and deferred rent obligations were offset with the ROU asset as of January 1, 2019.

(2)

Certain leases resulted in a negative ROU asset upon transition to ASC 842 related to vacated spaces that had liabilities previously established. Those leases that resulted in a negative ROU asset were recorded as an adjustment, net of tax, to accumulated deficit within stockholders equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019.

We elected to adopt the relief provisions under ASC 842. ASC 842 offers relief from implementing the transition provisions by permitting an entity to elect not to reassess:

 

 

whether any expired or existing contract is a lease or contains a lease,

 

the lease classification of any expired or existing leases, and

 

initial direct costs for any existing leases.

8. CONTINGENCIES

An accrual for estimated legal fees and settlements of $30.8$37.5 million and $6.1 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, is presented within current liabilities – other accrued expenses on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that was previously accrued, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount. We may be unable to estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss due to various reasons, including, among others: (1) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (2) if the proceedings are in early stages; (3) if there is uncertainty as to the

15


outcome of pending appeals, motions, or settlements; (4) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; and (5) if there are novel or unsettled legal theories presented. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

We are, or were, a party to the following legal proceedings that we consider to be outside the scope of ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. An unfavorable outcome of any one or more of these matters could have a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Oregon Arbitrations. There arewere approximately 310 remaining active individual arbitration claims which were filed against Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. (“WCI”) from March through July 2018, all of which are being administered by the American Arbitration Association. These individual arbitrations involve students who attended WCI from approximately 2008 to 2010. Each arbitration seeks monetary damages and alleges that WCI made a variety of misrepresentations to the individual student filing the arbitration, relating generally to WCI’s placement statistics, students’ employment prospects upon graduation from WCI, the value and quality of an education at WCI, and the amount of tuition students could expect to pay as compared to salaries they could expect to earn after graduation. We expect that approximately 65 of the individual arbitrations will be sent back to state court for further action. The institution is no longer in operation and closed in 2017.

BecauseThe Company entered into a letter of intent as of September 26, 2019 to settle these approximately 310 remaining individual arbitration claims. The settlement, which will be in the form of a class settlement, is for a total amount of $7.1 million which includes all attorneys’ fees and costs. On October 9, 2019, a motion to certify the settlement class was filed in circuit court in Oregon. The Company makes no admission of liability pursuant to the terms of the early stagessettlement. The settlement is subject to final court approval. Payment of these remaining individual arbitrations and any related statethe $7.1 million will be made after final court actions,approval, which the unique circumstances with respectCompany currently expects to each individual student and the many questions of fact and law that have already arisen and that may ariseoccur in the future,first quarter of 2020. Unless they opt out, all claims against the outcomeCompany alleged in the cases by settlement class members will be dismissed with prejudice. The Company will have the option of eachwithdrawing from the settlement if a specified number of these individual actions is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for these actions becauseindividuals opt out of the inherent difficultysettlement.

The Company’s financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 reflect a reserve of $7.1 million related to this matter. The one-time settlement expense is expected to result in assessing damages, if any, with respectsubstantial net savings for the Company compared to eachthe significant long-term cost of participating in multiple individual student and the number of individual students, if any, who might be entitled to recover damages. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with any of these actions that remain unresolved.arbitrations.  

FTC. On August 20, 2015, the Company received a request for information pursuant to a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). The CID was issued pursuant to a November 2013 resolution by the FTC directing an investigation to determine whether unnamed persons, partnerships, corporations, or others have engaged or are engaging in deceptive or unfair acts or practices in or affecting commerce in the advertising, marketing or sale of secondary or postsecondary educational products or services, or educational accreditation products or services. The CID required the Company to provide documents and information regarding a broad spectrum of the business and practices of its subsidiaries and institutions for the period of January 1, 2010 to the present. The Company continued to respond to supplemental requests for information from the FTC, including in response to a CID dated July 5, 2018, requesting specific information about telephone calls placed to prospective students from 2013 to the present. The FTC staff also requested information regarding third party lead aggregators and generators from which the Company received prospective student leads and the Company’s related compliance efforts.

OnAs previously disclosed, on July 26, 2019, the Company and certain operating subsidiaries (together, the “CEC Parties”) executed a settlement agreement (the “FTC Agreement”) with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to resolve the inquiry commenced by the FTC on August 20, 2015. While not admitting any wrongdoing, the Company chose to settle the FTC inquiry after almost four years of legal expenses and cooperating with the FTC’s investigation. The Company is pleased this matter is reaching resolution, particularly as its universities focus on their strategic priorities that directly support quality academic outcomes and their students’ success. Student services and access to federal student loans are not impacted by the FTC Agreement, nor does the FTC Agreement involve the academic quality of the educational programs at the Company’s universities.

The FTC Agreement provides that the CEC Parties will pay $30 million in monetary relief, including for the purpose of restitution, to be distributed at the sole discretion of the FTC. The Company recorded a pre-tax settlement charge of $30 million in the second quarter of 2019 arising from the monetary terms of the settlement. Under the terms of the FTC Agreement, the CEC Parties have agreed to continued compliance with the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, including compliance with the national do not call registry. The CEC Parties agreed to enhance their current operational and compliance processes with respect to prospective student leads purchased from lead aggregators and will implement other agreed-upon compliance measures. Specifically, the FTC Agreement requires the operation of a system to monitor lead aggregators and generators involving a compliance review by, or on behalf of, the CEC Parties of the various sources a prospective student interacts with prior to the CEC Parties’ purchase and use of the prospective student lead. In addition, the FTC Agreement contains requirements regarding employee and lead aggregator acknowledgements of the FTC Agreement, compliance certifications and record creation and maintenance.

The FTC Agreement which is in the form of a Stipulation as to Entry of an Order for Permanent Injunction and Monetary Judgment is subject to approval by the Commissioners of the FTC and upon approval by them will be submitted to, and will becomebecame effective upon its entry as an Order in the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois.Illinois on October 9, 2019. As of September 30, 2019, the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet reflects restricted cash of approximately $30.0 million held in an escrow account and a reserve of $30.0 million related to this matter. The Company anticipates the Order will be entered within the next 60 days, although the approval of the Commissioners ofescrow account funds were distributed to the FTC and timing ofafter entry of the Order is not certain. The principal provisions of the FTC Agreement will remain in effect for twenty years. district court’s Order.

Other. In addition to the legal proceedings and other matters described above, we receive informal requests from state attorneys general and other government agencies relating to specific complaints they have received from students or former students which seek

16


information about the student, our programs, and other matters relating to our activities in the relevant state. These requests can be broad and time consuming to respond to, and there is a risk that they could expand and/or lead to a formal inquiry or investigation into our practices in a particular state. We are also subject to a variety of other claims, lawsuits, arbitrations and investigations that arise from time to time out of the conduct of our business, including, but not limited to, matters involving prospective students, students or graduates, alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, both individually and on behalf of a putative class, and employment matters. While we currently believe that these additional matters, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations, these additional matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. Were an unfavorable final outcome to occur in any one or more of these matters, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial position and cash flows.

9. INCOME TAXES

The determination of the annual effective tax is based upon a number of significant estimates and judgments, including the estimated annual pretax income in each tax jurisdiction in which we operate and the ongoing development of tax planning strategies during the year. In addition, our provision for income taxes can be impacted by changes in tax rates or laws, the finalization of tax audits and reviews, as well as other factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. As such, there can be significant volatility in interim tax provisions.

16


The following is a summary of our provision for income taxes and effective tax rate from continuing operations (dollars in thousands):

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Pretax income

 

$

1,781

 

 

$

11,804

 

 

$

33,376

 

 

$

33,186

 

 

$

26,046

 

 

$

20,157

 

 

$

59,422

 

 

$

53,343

 

Provision for income taxes

 

$

2,302

 

 

$

2,940

 

 

$

8,709

 

 

$

6,438

 

 

$

7,653

 

 

$

5,089

 

 

$

16,362

 

 

$

11,527

 

Effective rate

 

 

129.3

%

 

 

24.9

%

 

 

26.1

%

 

 

19.4

%

 

 

29.4

%

 

 

25.2

%

 

 

27.5

%

 

 

21.6

%

 

As of December 31, 2018, a valuation allowance of $48.0 million was maintained with respect to our foreign tax credits, state net operating losses and Illinois edge credits. After considering both positive and negative evidence related to the realization of these deferred tax assets, we have reduced the valuation allowance duringDuring the quarter ended June 30, 2019, the valuation allowance was reduced by $0.8 million to reflect the results of a Florida income tax audit and the realizability of that state’s net operating loss carryforward. AsAfter considering both positive and negative evidence related to the realization of June 30, 2019, the totaldeferred tax assets, we have determined that it is necessary to continue to maintain a $47.2 million valuation allowance attributable toagainst our foreign tax credits, state net operating losses and Illinois edge credits is $47.2 million.as of September 30, 2019.

The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 was primarily impacted by a $2.4 million unfavorable adjustment related toreflects the tax effect of the partial non-deductibility of the FTC settlement, which increased the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 132.5%5.7% and 7.1%6.5%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 also includes a $0.5 millionwas impacted by the tax effect of stock-based compensation and net benefit associated withadjustments that increased the results of a Florida incomestate deferred tax audit covering the years ended December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2016, which decreased theasset. The year to date effective tax rate also includes the release of previously recorded tax reserves. The effect of these discrete items decreased the current effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 28.2%2.4% and 1.5%4.8%, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the effective tax rate was primarily impacted byreflects the tax effect of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes and other adjustments which on a relative basis are a higher percentage of projected full-year earnings. The effective rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 includes the impact of tax reserves, and the tax effect of stock-based compensation.compensation and adjustments to increase the state deferred tax asset. The effect of these discrete items decreased the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 2.1%2.7% and 6.7%5.2%, respectively.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits for a variety of uncertain tax positions will decrease by up to $1.5$1.6 million in the next twelve months as a result of the completion of various tax audits currently in process and the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions. The income tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 does not take into account the possible reduction of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The impact of a reduction to the liability will be treated as a discrete item in the period the reduction occurs. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we had accrued $1.6$1.8 million as an estimate for reasonably possible interest and accrued penalties.

Our tax returns are routinely examined by federal, state and local tax authorities and these audits are at various stages of completion at any given time. The Internal Revenue Service has completed its examination of our U.S. income tax returns through our tax year ended December 31, 2014.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”). This new guidance provides the option to reclassify stranded tax effects within AOCI to retained earnings in each period when the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act is recorded. The Company evaluated and concluded the

17


stranded tax effects were immaterial and elected not to reclassify the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to retained earnings.  

17


10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Overview of Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Career Education Corporation 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2016 Plan”) authorizes awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock, performance units, annual incentive awards, and substitute awards, which generally may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock. Any shares of our common stock that are subject to awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights payable in shares will be counted as 1.0 share for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit and any shares of our common stock that are subject to any other form of award payable in shares will be counted as 1.35 shares for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, there were approximately 2.41.8 million shares of common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2016 Plan, which is net of (i) 0.8 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and (ii) 1.92.5 million shares underlying restricted stock units, which will be settled in shares of our common stock if the vesting conditions are met and thus reduce the common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2016 Plan by the amount vested. These shares have been multiplied by the applicable factor under the 2016 Plan to determine the remaining shares available as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019. Additionally, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 under the previous Career Education Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan, there were approximately 1.81.7 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and 0.2 million shares underlying outstanding restricted and deferred stock units, which will be settled in shares of our common stock if the vesting conditions are met. This plan was replaced by the 2016 Plan and effective May 24, 2016 all future awards are being made under the 2016 Plan.2016. The vesting of all types of equity awards (stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and deferred stock units) is subject to possible acceleration in certain circumstances. Generally, if a plan participant terminates employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, the right to unvested equity awards is forfeited.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we estimate that compensation expense of approximately $9.0$16.0 million will be recognized over the next four years for all unvested share-based awards that have been granted to participants, including stock options and restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock but excluding restricted stock units to be settled in cash and cash-based performance unit awards and excludes any estimates of forfeitures. This amount generally does not include expense associated with performance-based restricted stock unit awards granted in the fourth quarter of 2018 as the Company does not currently believe it is probable that it will meet the performance goals.

Stock Options. The exercise price of stock options granted under each of the plans is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Employee stock options generally become exercisable 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Non-employee directors’ stock options expire ten years from the date of grant and generally become 100% exercisable after the first anniversary of the grant date. Grants of stock options are generally only subject to the service conditions discussed previously.

Stock option activity during the year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 under all of our plans was as follows (options in thousands):

 

 

Options

 

 

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

 

 

Options

 

 

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018

 

 

2,818

 

 

$

9.59

 

 

 

2,818

 

 

$

9.59

 

Granted

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

21.29

 

Exercised

 

 

(4

)

 

 

7.33

 

 

 

(194

)

 

 

5.73

 

Cancelled

 

 

(164

)

 

 

22.62

 

 

 

(164

)

 

 

22.62

 

Outstanding as of June 30, 2019

 

 

2,650

 

 

$

8.79

 

Exercisable as of June 30, 2019

 

 

2,073

 

 

$

8.85

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2019

 

 

2,502

 

 

$

9.23

 

Exercisable as of September 30, 2019

 

 

1,947

 

 

$

9.01

 

 

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Stock. Restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock which are not “performance-based” generally vest 25% per year over a four-year service period. Restricted stock units which are “performance-based” are subject to performance or market conditions that, even if the requisite service period is met, may reduce the number of units of restricted stock that vest at the end of the requisite service period or result in all units being forfeited. The performance-based restricted stock units generally vest three years after the grant date.

18


The following table summarizes information with respect to all outstanding restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock under our plans during the year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 (units in thousands):

 

 

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Shares of Stock

 

 

 

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Shares of Stock

 

 

 

Units

 

 

Weighted Average

Grant-Date Fair

Value Per Unit

 

 

 

Units

 

 

Weighted Average

Grant-Date Fair

Value Per Unit

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018(1)

 

 

2,017

 

 

$

10.59

 

 

 

 

2,017

 

 

$

12.70

 

 

Granted

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

428

 

 

 

21.31

 

 

Vested

 

 

(478

)

 

 

6.18

 

 

 

 

(493

)

 

 

6.11

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(23

)

 

 

11.25

 

 

 

 

(23

)

 

 

11.42

 

 

Outstanding as of June 30, 2019

 

 

1,516

 

 

$

11.97

 

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2019

 

 

1,929

 

 

$

16.31

 

 

__________________

(1)

The weighted average grant-date fair value per unit as of December 31, 2018 reflects an adjusted fair value per unit from $10.59 to $12.70 due to the modification of grants approved by the Board of Directors during the current quarter for our performance-based grants granted on December 14, 2018.

          Deferred Stock Units to be Settled in Stock. We granted deferred stock units to our non-employee directors. The deferred stock units are to be settled in shares of stock and generally vest one-third per year over a three-year service period beginning on the date of grant.stock. Settlement of the deferred stock units and delivery of the underlying shares of stock to the plan participants does not occur until he or she ceases to provide services to the Company in the capacity of a director, employee or consultant.

The following table summarizes information with respect to all deferred stock units during the year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 (units in thousands):

 

 

Deferred Stock

Units to be Settled

in Shares

 

 

Weighted Average

Grant-Date Fair

Value Per Unit

 

 

Deferred Stock

Units to be Settled

in Shares

 

 

Weighted Average

Grant-Date Fair

Value Per Unit

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 (1)

 

 

76

 

 

$

4.44

 

 

 

76

 

 

$

4.44

 

Granted

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Vested (2)

 

 

(3

)

 

 

5.56

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

5.56

 

Forfeited

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

Outstanding as of June 30, 2019 (1)

 

 

73

 

 

$

4.39

 

Outstanding as of September 30, 2019 (1)

 

 

73

 

 

$

4.39

 

 

(1)

Includes vested but unreleased awards. These awards are included in total outstanding awards until they are released under the terms of the agreement.

(2)

Includes previously vested awards which were released during the current period.  

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Cash. Restricted stock units to be settled in cash generally vest 25% per year over a four-year service period beginning on the date of grant. Cash-settled restricted stock units are recorded as liabilities as the expense is recognized and the fair value for these awards is determined at each period end date with changes in fair value recorded in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income in the current period. Cash-settled restricted stock units are settled with a cash payment for each unit vested equal to the closing price on the vesting date. Cash-settled restricted stock units are not included in common shares reserved for issuance or available for issuance under the 2016 Plan.

The following table summarizes information with respect to all cash-settled restricted stock units during the year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 (units in thousands):

 

 

 

Restricted Stock

Units to be Settled

in Cash

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018

 

 

213

 

Granted

 

 

-

 

Vested

 

 

(110125

)

Forfeited

 

 

(2

)

Outstanding as of  JuneSeptember 30, 2019

 

 

10186

 

 

19


          Upon vesting, based on the conditions set forth in the award agreements, these units will be settled in cash. We valued these units in accordance with the guidance set forth by FASB ASC Topic 718 – Compensation-Stock Compensation and recognized $1.4$1.8 million and $1.6$2.0 million of expense for the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and JuneSeptember 30, 2018, respectively, for all cash-settled

19


restricted stock units, of which $0.4$0.3 million and $0.5$0.4 million was recorded during the quarters to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and JuneSeptember 30, 2018, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Total stock-based compensation expense for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 for all types of awards was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

Award Type

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Stock options

 

$

409

 

 

$

483

 

 

$

860

 

 

$

907

 

 

$

400

 

 

$

516

 

 

$

1,260

 

 

$

1,423

 

Restricted stock units settled in stock

 

 

623

 

 

 

711

 

 

 

1,538

 

 

 

1,783

 

 

 

1,113

 

 

 

924

 

 

 

2,651

 

 

 

2,707

 

Restricted stock units settled in cash

 

 

446

 

 

 

494

 

 

 

1,437

 

 

 

1,562

 

 

 

340

 

 

 

435

 

 

 

1,777

 

 

 

1,997

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

$

1,478

 

 

$

1,688

 

 

$

3,835

 

 

$

4,252

 

 

$

1,853

 

 

$

1,875

 

 

$

5,688

 

 

$

6,127

 

 

Performance Unit Awards. Performance unit awards granted during 2017 are long-term incentive, cash-based awards. Payment of these awards is based upon a calculation of Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) of CEC as compared to TSR across a specified peer group of our competitors over a three-year performance period ending on December 31, 2019. These awards are recorded as liabilities as the expense is recognized and the fair value for these awards is determined at each period end date with changes in fair value recorded in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income in the current period. We recorded $2.1$2.9 million and $1.6$2.5 million of expense related to these awards for the years to date JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and JuneSeptember 30, 2018, respectively, with $1.5$0.8 million and $0.9 million of expense for the quarters ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and JuneSeptember 30, 2018, respectively.

11. WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares assuming dilution. Dilutive common shares outstanding is computed using the Treasury Stock Method and reflects the additional shares that would be outstanding if dilutive stock options were exercised and restricted stock units were settled for common shares during the period.

The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted net income per share for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

2019 (1)

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Basic common shares outstanding

 

70,105

 

 

 

69,668

 

 

 

69,972

 

 

 

69,443

 

 

70,142

 

 

 

69,737

 

 

 

70,029

 

 

 

69,542

 

Common stock equivalents

 

-

 

 

 

1,894

 

 

 

1,810

 

 

 

1,796

 

 

2,000

 

 

 

2,053

 

 

 

1,872

 

 

 

1,883

 

Diluted common shares outstanding

 

70,105

 

 

 

71,562

 

 

 

71,782

 

 

 

71,239

 

 

72,142

 

 

 

71,790

 

 

 

71,901

 

 

 

71,425

 

______________

 

(1)

Due to the fact that we reported a loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, potential common stock equivalents are excluded from diluted common shares outstanding. Per FASB ASC Topic 260 – Earnings Per Share, an entity that reports discontinued operations shall use income or loss from continuing operations as the benchmark for calculating diluted common shares outstanding, and as such, we have zero common stock equivalents since these shares would have an anti-dilutive effect on our net loss per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2018quarters and the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, certain unexercised stock option awards are excluded from our computations of diluted earnings per share, as these shares were out-of-the-money and their effect would have been anti-dilutive. The anti-dilutive options that were excluded from our computations of diluted earnings per share were 0.90.3 million and 0.8 million shares for the quarterquarters ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 0.7 million and 0.8 million shares for the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

12. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our segments are determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280—Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment is comprised of a postsecondary education institution that offers a variety of academic programs. These segments are organized by key market segments and to enhance brand focus within each segment to more effectively execute our strategic plan. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, our two2 segments are:

 

Colorado Technical University (CTU) places a strong focus on providing industry-relevant degree programs to meet the needs of our non-traditional students for career advancement and of employers for a well-educated workforce and offers

20


academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, nursing, computer science, engineering, information systems and technology, cybersecurity, criminal justice and healthcare management. Students pursue their

20


degrees through fully-online programs, local campuses and blended formats which combine campus-based and online education. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, students enrolled at CTU represented approximately 67%62% of our total enrollments. Approximately 93%94% of CTU’s enrollments are fully online.

 

 

American InterContinental University (AIU) focuses on helping non-traditional students get the degree they need to move forward in their career as efficiently as possible and offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, information technologies, education and criminal justice. Students pursue their degrees through fully-online programs, local campuses and blended formats which combine campus-based and online education. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, students enrolled at AIU represented approximately 33%38% of our total enrollments. Approximately 94% of AIU’s enrollments are fully online.

 

Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

Revenue

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

2019

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2018

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2018

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

CTU (1)

 

$

96,555

 

 

 

61.7

%

 

$

93,266

 

 

 

65.7

%

 

$

12,113

 

 

$

27,116

 

 

$

96,038

 

 

 

62.0

%

 

$

93,115

 

 

 

63.9

%

 

$

29,926

 

 

$

26,261

 

AIU (2)

 

 

59,873

 

 

 

38.3

%

 

 

48,579

 

 

 

34.2

%

 

 

(4,217

)

 

 

(1,585

)

 

 

58,907

 

 

 

38.0

%

 

 

52,504

 

 

 

36.0

%

 

 

7,341

 

 

 

1,070

 

Total University Group

 

 

156,428

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

141,845

 

 

 

99.9

%

 

 

7,896

 

 

 

25,531

 

 

 

154,945

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

145,619

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

37,267

 

 

 

27,331

 

Corporate and Other (3)(1)

 

 

13

 

 

NM

 

 

 

191

 

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

(7,712

)

 

 

(14,228

)

 

 

14

 

 

NM

 

 

 

71

 

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

(12,973

)

 

 

(8,048

)

Total

 

$

156,441

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

142,036

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

184

 

 

$

11,303

 

 

$

154,959

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

145,690

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

24,294

 

 

$

19,283

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

Revenue

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

Revenue

 

 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

 

2019

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2018

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2018

 

 

% of Total

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

CTU (1)(2)

 

$

193,612

 

 

 

61.6

%

 

$

187,873

 

 

 

64.8

%

 

$

41,804

 

 

$

54,301

 

 

$

289,650

 

 

 

61.7

%

 

$

280,988

 

 

 

64.5

%

 

$

71,730

 

 

$

80,562

 

AIU (2)(3)

 

 

120,652

 

 

 

38.4

%

 

 

101,700

 

 

 

35.1

%

 

 

4,095

 

 

 

2,551

 

 

 

179,559

 

 

 

38.3

%

 

 

154,204

 

 

 

35.4

%

 

 

11,436

 

 

 

3,621

 

Total University Group

 

 

314,264

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

289,573

 

 

 

99.8

%

 

 

45,899

 

 

 

56,852

 

 

 

469,209

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

435,192

 

 

 

99.9

%

 

 

83,166

 

 

 

84,183

 

Corporate and Other (3)(1)

 

 

30

 

 

NM

 

 

 

528

 

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

(15,744

)

 

 

(25,020

)

 

 

44

 

 

NM

 

 

 

599

 

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

(28,717

)

 

 

(33,068

)

Total

 

$

314,294

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

290,101

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

30,155

 

 

$

31,832

 

 

$

469,253

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

435,791

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

54,449

 

 

$

51,115

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets as of  (4)

 

 

Total Assets as of  (4)

 

 

June 30, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

September 30, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

CTU

 

$

97,655

 

 

$

76,713

 

 

$

100,527

 

 

$

76,713

 

AIU

 

 

65,292

 

 

 

59,133

 

 

 

79,039

 

 

 

59,133

 

Total University Group

 

 

162,947

 

 

 

135,846

 

 

 

179,566

 

 

 

135,846

 

Corporate and Other (3)(1)

 

 

398,554

 

 

 

346,469

 

 

 

419,063

 

 

 

346,469

 

Discontinued Operations

 

 

298

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

Total

 

$

561,799

 

 

$

482,493

 

 

$

598,807

 

 

$

482,493

 

 

 

(1)

Corporate and Other includes results of operations for closed campuses. A reserve of $7.1 million was recorded during the current quarter within Corporate and Other for the Oregon arbitration matter related to previously closed campuses.

(2)

A reserve of $18.6 million was recorded within CTU related to the FTC settlement during the quarteryear to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019.

(2)(3)

A reserve of $11.4 million was recorded within AIU related to the FTC settlement during the quarteryear to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019.

(3)

Corporate and Other includes results of operations for closed campuses.

(4)

Total assets do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between institutions and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.

13. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, the results of operations for campuses that have ceased operations prior to 2015 are presented within discontinued operations. Prior to January 1, 2015, our teach-out campuses met the criteria for discontinued operations upon completion of their teach-out as defined under FASB ASC Topic 205 – Presentation of Financial Statements. Commencing January 1, 2015, in accordance with the new guidance under ASC Topic 360, only campuses that meet the criteria of a strategic shift upon

21


disposal are classified within discontinued operations, among other criteria. Since the January 2015 effective date of the updated guidance within ASC Topic 360, we have not had any campuses that met the criteria to be considered a discontinued operation.  

Results of Discontinued Operations

The summary of unaudited results of operations for our discontinued operations for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Total operating expenses

 

$

49

 

 

$

147

 

 

$

567

 

 

$

645

 

 

$

208

 

 

$

277

 

 

$

775

 

 

$

922

 

Loss before income tax

 

$

(49

)

 

$

(147

)

 

$

(567

)

 

$

(645

)

 

$

(208

)

 

$

(277

)

 

$

(775

)

 

$

(922

)

Benefit from income tax

 

 

(11

)

 

 

(34

)

 

 

(132

)

 

 

(150

)

 

 

(49

)

 

 

(66

)

 

 

(181

)

 

 

(216

)

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

$

(38

)

 

$

(113

)

 

$

(435

)

 

$

(495

)

 

$

(159

)

 

$

(211

)

 

$

(594

)

 

$

(706

)

 

 

Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 include the following (dollars in thousands):

 

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables, net

 

$

120

 

 

$

-

 

Total current assets

 

 

120

 

 

 

-

 

Non-current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income tax assets, net

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

178

 

Total assets of discontinued operations

 

$

298

 

 

$

178

 

 

$

178

 

 

$

178

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

3

 

 

$

51

 

 

$

3

 

 

$

51

 

Remaining lease obligations

 

 

-

 

 

 

485

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

485

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

3

 

 

 

536

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

536

 

Total liabilities of discontinued operations

 

$

3

 

 

$

536

 

 

$

3

 

 

$

536

 

 

22


ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion below and other items in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain “forward-looking statements,” as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that reflect our current expectations regarding our future growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance and business prospects, and opportunities, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. We have tried to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “continue to,” “outlook,” “focused on” and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those matters discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 that could cause our actual growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances, or for any other reason. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements are the following:

 

declines in enrollment or interest in our programs;

 

our continued compliance with and eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and the regulations thereunder (including 90-10, financial responsibility and administrative capability standards prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”)), as well as applicable accreditation standards and state regulatory requirements;

 

the impact of recently effective and recently adopted “borrower defense to repayment” regulations and any modifications thereto;regulations;

 

rulemaking by ED or any state or accreditor and increased focus by Congress and governmental agencies on, or increased negative publicity about, for-profit education institutions;institutions (in particular as these risks and uncertainties may be exacerbated leading up to and following the 2020 presidential election);

 

the operating impact of the settlements with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general;

 

the success of our initiatives to improve student experiences, retention and academic outcomes;

 

the ability of our student admissions and advising centers to achieve anticipated operating performance;

 

increased competition;

 

delays in receiving necessary regulatory approvals relating to the pending acquisition of Trident University International and difficulties with post-closing business integration;

 

the impact of management changes; and

 

changes in the overall U.S. economy.

Readers are also directed to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about other risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those matters discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Form 10-K.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The MD&A is intended to help investors understand the results of operations, financial condition and present business environment. The MD&A is organized as follows:

 

Overview

 

Consolidated Results of Operations

 

Segment Results of Operations

 

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Liquidity, Financial Position and Capital Resources

23


OVERVIEW

Our academic institutions offer a quality education to a diverse student population in a variety of disciplines through online, campus-based and blended learning programs which combine campus-based and online education. Our two regionally accredited

23


universities – Colorado Technical University (“CTU”) and American InterContinental University (“AIU”) – provide degree programs through the master’s or doctoral level as well as associate and bachelor’s levels. Both universities predominantly serve students online with career-focused degree programs that are designed to meet the educational needs of today’s busy adults. CTU and AIU continue to show innovation in higher education, advancing new personalized learning technologies like their intellipath® adaptive learning platform. Career Education is committed to providing quality education that closes the gap between learners who seek to advance their careers and employers needing a qualified workforce.

Our reporting segments are determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280 – Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment is comprised of a postsecondary education institution that offers a variety of academic programs. These segments are organized by key market segments and to enhance brand focus within each segment to more effectively execute our strategic plan.

Beginning 2019, the Company no longer reports results for closed campuses separately as these campuses no longer meet the definition of an operating segment under ASC Topic 280. Any remaining results of operations, which primarily consists of occupancy expenses for remaining properties and legal fees, is reported within Corporate and Other. Prior period segment amounts have been recast to reflect our reporting segments on a comparable basis.

Regulatory Environment

We operate in a highly regulated industry, which has significant impacts on our business and creates risks and uncertainties. In recent years, Congress, ED, states, accrediting agencies, the CFPB, the FTC, state attorneys general and the media have scrutinized the for-profit, postsecondary education sector. Congressional hearings and roundtable discussions were held regarding various aspects of the education industry and reports were issued that are highly critical of for-profit colleges and universities. A group of influential U.S. senators, consumer advocacy groups and some media outlets have strongly and repeatedly encouraged the Departments of Education, Defense and Veterans Affairs to take action to limit or terminate the participation of for-profit educational institutions, including Career Education Corporation, in existing tuition assistance programs.

We encourage you to review Item 1, “Business,” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K to learn more about our highly regulated industry and related risks and uncertainties, in addition to the MD&A in our 2019 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Note Regarding Non-GAAP measures

We believe it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures which exclude certain significant and non-cash items as a means to understand the performance of our core business. As a general matter, we use non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP to help analyze the performance of our core business, assist with preparing the annual operating plan, and measure performance for some forms of compensation. In addition, we believe that non-GAAP financial information is used by analysts and others in the investment community to analyze our historical results and to provide estimates of future performance.

We believe certain non-GAAP measures allow us to compare our current operating results with respective historical periods and with the operational performance of other companies in our industry because it does not give effect to potential differences caused by items we do not consider reflective of underlying operating performance, such as restructuring charges and significant legal reserves. In evaluating the use of non-GAAP measures, investors should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments presented below. Our presentation of non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by expenses that are unusual, non-routine or non-recurring. A non-GAAP measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for net income (loss), operating income (loss), earnings per diluted share, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with and reported under GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities or as a measure of our liquidity.

Non-GAAP financial measures, when viewed in a reconciliation to respective GAAP financial measures, provide an additional way of viewing the Company's results of operations and the factors and trends affecting the Company's business. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the respective financial results presented in accordance with GAAP.

2019 SecondThird Quarter Overview

SecondThird quarter 2019 (“current quarter”) results showed improvementswere supported by positive operating trends across both of our universities. We continue to make further investments in student-serving processes, technology and data analytics with the goal of improving student

24


experiences, retention and academic outcomes while also benefitting our operating processes and financial metrics. These results were supported byresults. Additionally, we continue to see consistent levels of prospective student interest that are being well served by our admissions and advising support centers. Although these investments acrosshave mostly annualized, we are increasingly using technology and data analytics to optimize our student-serving processesstudent enrollment, onboarding and initiatives. We are executing well against our strategic priority of sustainable and responsible growth, while supporting investments in our student-serving operations and ongoing technology initiatives.learning processes.

24


For the secondthird quarter of 2019, new student enrollments within the University Group increased 4.2%4.7% as compared to the prior year quarter and increased 25.0%16.2% for the current year to date as compared to the prior year to date. The increases in new student enrollments drove an increase in total enrollments of 5.4%6.1% as of the end of the secondthird quarter as compared to the prior year. Consistent levels of prospective student interest towards the end of 2018 carried through the first half of 2019 and contributed to the increase in student enrollments. Serving these prospective students is our robust nurture strategy, in which we employ both staff and technology to provide students with information to assist them with their decision making process. Other factors contributing to the growth in student enrollments are technology initiatives and investments in student-serving operations at our Illinois and Arizona admissions and advising centers that have increased efficiencies within our onboarding and enrollment processes, leveraging of data and analytics to further improve our onboarding and enrollment processes by providing customized and relevant information to prospective students as well as theThe timing impact of the academic calendar redesign at AIU whichhad positively impacted new enrollment trends through the first half of 2019. Supported by the positive enrollment trends through the first half of 2019 we expect new student enrollments but the number of enrollment growth of between 8% and 10%days were relatively comparable for the University Group for the full year 2019. We seek to maintain optimum staffing levels within our student-serving operations that we believe will enable us to efficiently serve prospective student interest while providing superior experiences to our current students. We expect employee related costs during the second halfthird quarter of 2019 to be modestly higher than the first half.

New student enrollments within CTU increased 7.0% for the current quarter and 10.5% for the current year to date as compared to the respective prior year periods, contributing to total student enrollments growth of 3.2% as of June 30, 2019. We believe this growth is attributable to our operational focus and priorities, including: reporting and technology enhancements which have enabled admissions and advising staff to customize their onboarding and engagement strategies based on a student’s prior college experience to provide the student a more meaningful and customized engagement; updating and editing course design and content based on active feedback from faculty and advisors while optimizing course sequencing based on insights from each session with the ultimate goal of enhancing learning and retention as students progress through their course of study; and a retention analytics tool which has resulted in increased interactions with students and more meaningful intervention, increased engagement and an overall shift to a more proactive outreach culture within student coaching and advising. In addition to these operational priorities, an increase in new student enrollments resulting from corporate partnerships has contributed to the increase in total student enrollments.  

Total student enrollments for AIU increased by 10.0% as of June 30, 2019 as compared to the prior year supported by the current year to date new student enrollment growth of 52.6% as compared to the prior year. The second quarter new student enrollments were relatively flat for AIU as compared to the prior year quarter, with approximately 17% fewer enrollment days during the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. Enrollment days attributable to any given quarter are the available days in the quarter during which a prospective student may apply to start school during that quarter. The number of enrollment days within the quarter impacts the new student enrollments for the quarter. For the third and fourth quarters of 2019 we do not expectWe have been working on optimizing the academic calendar to materially impact quarterly new enrollment day comparability asso that the number of quarterly enrollment days for the thirdmagnitude and fourth quarters of 2019 will be relatively in line with the prior year periods. Somefrequency of the key operationalcalendar driven variability within AIU should be less in future quarters. Lastly, we experienced improved student retention during the current quarter driven by our student-serving initiatives and investments, which has contributed to the increase in total student enrollments.

Some additional factors at AIU which have contributed to the increase in total student enrollment growthenrollments as of September 30, 2019 include: student-serving operations atconsistent levels of prospective student interest; improved productivity and service levels within our Illinois and Arizona admissions and advising student support centers as a result of increased tenure and training and development of our employees; improved student retention and engagement; and ongoing optimization of course pairing and sequencing that has resulted in greater learning and student engagement. Corporate partnerships also continue to effectively servebe a meaningful contributor of the growth in total student enrollment and improvement in student retention trends.

Additionally, we are increasingly using technology and data analytics to optimize our student enrollment, onboarding and learning processes. One example is our two-way messenger application between advising, faculty and students which provides more real time support and feedback to students. We are also utilizing machine learning and automation technologies to enhance the functionality and sophistication of our online outreach to identify prospective students and a chatbot which has streamlined the process for prospective students with the ability to answer questions with over 90% accuracy while continuing to learn from its interactions. We have further optimized the onboarding and enrollment processes; an increase in student support staffing at AIU for the first half of 2019 which is supporting onboarding metrics and momentum; student support teams continue to evaluate and optimize outreach strategies based on session-by-session student outcomes; training and development has further improved the level of student service; and overall tenure and experience amongst our student support teams is increasing and has resulted in further efficiencies with various student processes.  

Technology continues to be a key differentiator and an enabler to promote learning for our students at both of our universities. Our universities havefully rolled out an updated version of theour mobile application for both students and faculty and we have also continued to refine technology within the student admissions process that customizes our outreach to prospective students based on their prior student experience and program of interest, which has increased the operating efficiency of our student enrollment process.

Supported by the positive enrollment trends through the first three quarters of 2019 coupled with a refreshed look that is focused on keythe operating improvements and initiatives discussed above, we expect new student deliverables around financial aid, assignment completion and notifications. The application has simplified classroom organization and now provides additional information on the financial aid processenrollment growth of 12.0% to 13.0% for the student. Mobile application useUniversity Group for the full year 2019 with both AIU and CTU experiencing new and total student enrollment growth during the fourth quarter.

New student enrollments within CTU remained relatively flat for the current quarter and increased 6.4% for the current year to date as compared to the respective prior year periods, contributing to total student enrollment growth of 3.2% as of September 30, 2019. New student enrollments for the quarter were expected to be relatively flat, due to the strong prior year comparative performance period. We believe the year to date new student enrollment and total student enrollment growth is attributable to our operational focus and priorities discussed above.

Total student enrollments for AIU increased by faculty11.3% as of September 30, 2019 as compared to the prior year supported by the current quarter and staffyear to date new student enrollment growth of 10.0% and 30.5%, respectively, as a communication tool with students continuescompared to increase.the prior year periods. The current quarter enrollment days were relatively comparable to the prior year period while the year to date new student enrollments benefitted by approximately 10.5% more enrollment days as compared to the prior year to date. The current quarter improvement in student enrollments was positively impacted by the operational initiatives discussed above as well as ongoing refinement and optimization of the graduate team model that AIU has continued to leverage artificial intelligence technology and analytics and has launched a virtual assistant which is designed to help students through their academic life cycle from orientation and onboarding to ongoing coaching support and advising. Further, AIU plans to extend artificial intelligence beyond virtual assistants to other areas of the university in the near future.implemented.

Financial Highlights

Revenue for the secondthird quarter increased $14.4$9.3 million or 10.1%6.4% as compared to the prior year quarter, driven by revenue growth at both universities as a result of the positive enrollment trends discussed above and an increase in revenue-earning days within AIU as compared to the prior year quarter.above. Operating income for the current quarter was $0.2$24.3 million as compared to operating income of $11.3$19.3 million for the prior year quarter, a declinean increase of $11.1$5.0 million or 98.4%26.0%. This decline was driven by a $30.0 million reserve recorded duringIncluded in the current quarter was a legal settlement reserve of $7.1 million related to the FTC settlementOregon arbitration matter (see Note 8 “Contingencies” for more information). Excluding the FTC settlement, operating income increased for the current quarter driven by revenue growth at both universities as well as reduced operating losses associated with our closed campuses, partially offset with ongoing investments in technology and increased bad debt expense. Lastly, we reported cash provided by operations for the current year to date of $53.4$85.4 million as compared to cash provided by operations of $14.8$18.3 million in the prior year to date.

25


Revenue within our CTU segment increased $3.3$2.9 million or 3.5%3.1% for the second quarter as compared to the prior year quarter supported by an increase in new and total student enrollments. Operating income for CTU decreased $15.0 million or 55.3% for the second quarter as compared to the prior year quarter, driven by a reserve of $18.6 million recorded within CTU for the FTC settlement. Excluding the impact of the settlement, operating income increased driven by revenue growth. Operating expenses were relatively flat as compared to the prior year with efficiencies across various student processes, partially offsetting increased bad debt expense for the second quarter as compared to the prior year quarter.

Revenue within our AIU segment increased $11.3 million or 23.2% for the secondthird quarter as compared to the prior year quarter supported by the increase in total student enrollments as well as 12.3% more revenue-generating daysenrollments. Operating income for CTU increased $3.7 million or 14.0% for the secondthird quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. AIU reported an operating loss for the current quarter of $4.2 million. Excluding the $11.4 million charge for the portion of the FTC settlement amount recorded at AIU, operating income would have increased as compared to the prior year quarter, driven by the increase in revenue growthand reduced severance expense as compared to the prior year with efficiencies across student processes offsetting incremental investments in marketing.

25


Revenue within our AIU segment increased $6.4 million or 12.2% for the third quarter as compared to the prior year quarter supported by the increase in new and total student enrollments. Operating income for AIU increased $6.3 million or 586.1% for the third quarter as compared to the prior year quarter, driven by the increase in revenue and reduced severance expense as compared to the prior year, partially offset with increased bad debt expense.and marketing expenses.

Within our Corporate and Other category, operating loss was $13.0 million for the third quarter of $7.7 million improved by $6.5 million or 45.8%2019 as compared to an operating loss of $8.0 million for the prior year quarter. The increased operating loss for the current quarter was driven by the legal settlement reserve of $7.1 million recorded related to our closed campuses. Excluding the legal settlement reserve, operating losses would have improved driven by the completion of our teach-out strategy in the prior year. With the closure of all of our teach-out campuses byin the end of 2018,prior year, we began reporting the losses associated with the closed campuses within Corporate and Other in 2019. All prior period results have been recast to be comparable. During 2019, the residualResidual losses for future quarters associated with our closed campuses will primarily consist of residual occupancy expenses associated with remaining leases along with fees for legal and legal expenses. Additionally, the prior year quarter included a benefit for recovery of past claims of $2.5 million.professional services.

The Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude certain significant and non-cash items, as a means to understand the performance of its operations. (See tables below for a GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.) Adjusted operating income for the total company was $32.8$34.0 million for the secondthird quarter as compared to $23.8$25.8 million in the prior year quarter with the improvement primarily driven by revenue growth at both universities and reductions inreduced operating losses atwithin our closed campuses, partially offset with costs associated with ongoing investments in technology and increased marketing and bad debt expense.expenses.

Adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per diluted share for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 is presented below (dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted):

 

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended

June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended

September 30,

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Total Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

184

 

 

$

11,303

 

 

$

30,155

 

 

$

31,832

 

 

$

24,294

 

 

$

19,283

 

 

$

54,449

 

 

$

51,115

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,235

 

 

 

2,103

 

 

 

4,468

 

 

 

4,685

 

 

 

2,284

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

6,752

 

 

 

7,049

 

Lease expenses for vacated space (1)

 

 

392

 

 

 

4,411

 

 

 

1,158

 

 

 

3,660

 

 

 

295

 

 

 

2,114

 

 

 

1,453

 

 

 

5,774

 

Significant legal settlements (2)

 

 

30,000

 

 

 

5,970

 

 

 

30,000

 

 

 

9,461

 

Severance and related costs, net of cancellations (2)

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,898

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,898

 

Significant legal settlements (3)

 

 

7,100

 

 

 

134

 

 

 

37,100

 

 

 

9,595

 

Adjusted Operating Income -- Total Company

 

$

32,811

 

 

$

23,787

 

 

$

65,781

 

 

$

49,638

 

 

$

33,973

 

 

$

25,793

 

 

$

99,754

 

 

$

75,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended

June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended

September 30,

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

2019 (4)

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Total Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$

(0.01

)

 

$

0.12

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.37

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

0.59

 

 

$

0.58

 

Pre-tax adjustments included in operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease expenses for vacated space (1)

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

0.06

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

0.08

 

Significant legal settlements (2)

 

 

0.41

 

 

 

0.08

 

 

 

0.41

 

 

 

0.13

 

Severance and related costs, net of cancellations (2)

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.03

 

Significant legal settlements (3)

 

 

0.10

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.52

 

 

 

0.13

 

Total pre-tax adjustments

 

$

0.42

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

0.43

 

 

$

0.18

 

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

0.06

 

 

$

0.54

 

 

$

0.24

 

Tax effect of adjustments (3)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

(0.04

)

Tax effect of adjustments (4)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.06

)

 

 

(0.06

)

Total adjustments after tax

 

 

0.40

 

 

 

0.11

 

 

 

0.40

 

 

 

0.14

 

 

 

0.08

 

 

 

0.04

 

 

 

0.48

 

 

 

0.18

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share -- Total Company

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

0.74

 

 

$

0.51

 

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$

1.07

 

 

$

0.76

 

26


_________________

(1)

Lease expenses for vacated space include both fixed and variable lease costs offset with sublease income.

26


(2)

Severance and related costs, net of cancellations, include charges related to significant restructuring actions which were primarily recorded within the University Group. These restructuring charges do not regularly occur and are not consideration part of ongoing operating results.

(3)

Significant legal settlements relate to the FTC matterand Oregon arbitration matters recorded during 2019 and the Surrett matter which was settledrecorded during 2018.

(3)(4)

The tax effect of adjustments was calculated by multiplying the pre-tax adjustments with a tax rate of 25%. This tax rate reflects federal and state taxable jurisdictions as well as the nature of the adjustments. The non-deductible amount of $23.3 million for the FTC settlement recorded during the second quarter ofyear to date ended September 30, 2019 does not include a tax effect.

(4)

For the quarter ended June 30, 2019, adjusted diluted common shares outstanding were utilized to compute the per share impact of the pre-tax adjustments. As a result of a reported net loss for the quarter, potential common stock equivalents were excluded from the reported diluted common shares outstanding calculation. Due to the adjustments resulting in a positive adjusted earnings per diluted share calculation, potential common stock equivalents were added to basic common shares outstanding to determine the dilutive share impact.

Diluted common shares outstanding (shares in thousands)

For the Quarter Ended

June 30, 2019

Reported diluted common shares outstanding

70,105

Common stock equivalents

1,929

Adjusted diluted common shares outstanding

72,034

We continue to focus on building a strong balance sheet, while prudently investing in organic growth projects and also have committed capital to inorganic growth strategies, with the pending acquisition of Trident University International which was announced during the first quarter. Additionally, on November 4, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of the Company’s common stock through the end of 2021. Our goal remains to deploy resources in the most effective and efficient manner that we believe will lead to increased shareholder value.value while supporting and enhancing the academic quality of our institutions.

The first half ofyear to date 2019 operating performance was influencedpositively impacted by the investments in our admissions and advising centers, strongconsistent levels of prospective student interest, investments in technology and 8.3%5.6% more revenue-earning days at AIU. During the second halfWe are on track to enter 2020 on a strong note. We continue to focus on student retention and supporting our students’ continued persistence and learning as they progress through their field of 2019, we will begin to annualize somestudy. We are executing well against our overall strategy of these investmentssustainable and responsible growth which weis driven by our focus on student experiences, retention and academic outcomes. We believe generated a stronger prior year comparative performance period. Additionally, for the second half of 2019 we are expecting a similar number of enrollment and revenue-earning days when compared to the prior year. However, we remain confident and believe that we are well positioned,well-positioned, both from a competitive and operating standpoint, to serve and educate current and prospective students. With our two universities we believe we havestudents and to build a strong foundation to offer qualityleadership position in the postsecondary education while continuing to enhance overall student experiences, retention and academic outcomes and invest capital and resources that we believe will increase shareholder value.industry.

2019 Outlook

We currently expect the following results,updated outlook, subject to the key assumptions identified below (see the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation for adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per diluted share below):

Financial Outlook:

 

Full year 2019 – total company:

 

o

Revenue growth of approximately 4.0 percent6.0% to 5.0 percent6.5%

 

o

Operating income in the range of $77.0$81.9 million to $81.0$83.9 million

 

o

Adjusted operating income in the range of $118.0$130.0 million to $122.0$132.0 million

 

o

Earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.80$0.84 to $0.84$0.86

 

o

Adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $1.20$1.32 to $1.24$1.34

 

ThirdFourth quarter 2019 – total company:

 

o

Operating income in the range of $23.5$27.7 million to $24.5$29.7 million

 

o

Adjusted operating income in the range of $26.0$30.2 million to $27.0$32.2 million

 

o

Earnings per diluted share and adjustedin the range of $0.26 to $0.28

o

Adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.23$0.27 to $0.25$0.29

 

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ending December 31,

 

 

For the Year Ending December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Total Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$27.7M - $29.7M

 

 

$

20,183

 

 

$81.9M - $83.9M

 

 

$

71,298

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

~2.0

 

 

 

2,345

 

 

~9.0

 

 

 

9,394

 

Lease expenses for vacated space (1)

 

~0.5

 

 

 

2,642

 

 

~2.0

 

 

 

8,416

 

Severance and related costs, net of cancellations (2)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(443

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,455

 

Significant legal settlements (3)

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

37.1

 

 

 

14,595

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

$30.2M - $32.2M

 

 

$

29,727

 

 

$130M - $132M

 

 

$

105,158

 


 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ending September 30,

 

 

For the Year Ending December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Total Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$23.5M - $24.5M

 

 

$

19,283

 

 

$77M - $81M

 

 

$

71,298

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

~2.2

 

 

 

2,364

 

 

~9.0

 

 

 

9,394

 

Lease expenses for vacated space (1)

 

~0.3

 

 

 

2,114

 

 

~2.0

 

 

 

8,416

 

Severance and related costs, net of cancellations (2)

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,898

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,455

 

Significant legal settlements (3)

 

 

-

 

 

 

134

 

 

 

30.0

 

 

 

14,595

 

Adjusted Operating Income

 

$26M - $27M

 

 

$

25,793

 

 

$118M - $122M

 

 

$

105,158

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

OUTLOOK

 

 

ACTUAL

 

 

For the Quarter Ending September 30,

 

 

For the Year Ending December 31,

 

 

For the Quarter Ending December 31,

 

 

For the Year Ending December 31,

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Total Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reported Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$0.23 - $0.25

 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$0.80 - $0.84

 

 

$

0.77

 

 

$0.26 - $0.28

 

 

$

0.20

 

 

$0.84 - $0.86

 

 

$

0.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax adjustments included in operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease expenses for vacated space (1)

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

~0.02

 

 

 

0.12

 

 

~0.01

 

 

 

0.04

 

 

~0.03

 

 

 

0.12

 

Severance and related costs, net of cancellations (2)

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.02

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.02

 

Significant legal settlements (3)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

~0.41

 

 

 

0.21

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.07

 

 

~0.52

 

 

 

0.21

 

Total pre-tax adjustments

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

~0.43

 

 

 

0.35

 

 

~0.01

 

 

 

0.11

 

 

~0.55

 

 

 

0.35

 

Tax effect of adjustments (4)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

(0.07

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.07

)

 

 

(0.07

)

Total adjustments after tax

 

 

-

 

 

 

0.04

 

 

~0.40

 

 

 

0.28

 

 

~0.01

 

 

 

0.10

 

 

~0.48

 

 

 

0.28

 

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share

 

$0.23 - $0.25

 

 

$

0.25

 

 

$1.20 - $1.24

 

 

$

1.05

 

 

$0.27 - $0.29

 

 

$

0.30

 

 

$1.32 - $1.34

 

 

$

1.05

 

_______________________

(1)

Lease expenses for vacated space include both fixed and variable lease costs offset with sublease income.

(2)

Severance and related costs, net of cancellations, include charges related to significant restructuring actions.actions which were primarily recorded within the University Group. These restructuring charges do not regularly occur and are not considered part of ongoing operating results.

(3)

Significant legal settlements relate to the FTC matterand Oregon arbitration matters recorded during 2019 and the Surrett and multi-state AG matters recorded during 2018.

(4)

The tax effect of adjustments was calculated by multiplying the pre-tax adjustments with a tax rate of 25%. This tax rate reflects federal and state taxable jurisdictions as well as the nature of the adjustments. The non-deductible amounts of $23.3 million for the FTC settlement recorded during the second quarter of 2019 and $5.0 million for the multi-state AG settlement recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018, do not include a tax effect.

University Group Outlook:

 

CTU:

 

o

New and total student enrollments for the fourth quarter and full year 2019 are expected to show growthgrow as compared to the prior year.

o

New student enrollments for the third quarter of 2019 are expected to be relatively flat as compared to the prior year. Third quarter student enrollment trends will be moderated by a strongrespective prior year comparative performance period, during which new student enrollments were 9% higher as compared to the third quarter of 2017.periods.

 

AIU:

 

o

New and total student enrollments for the thirdfourth quarter and full year 2019 are expected to show growthgrow as compared to the respective prior year periods, with the number of enrollment days in the thirdfourth quarter relatively comparable to the prior year quarter and approximately 8.2% higher for the full year as compared to the prior year pursuant to the academic calendar.

 

University Group:

 

o

New student enrollments are expected to increase approximately 8%12.0% to 10%13.0% for the full year 2019 as compared to the prior year.

28


Forward looking adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per diluted share are presented in the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP tables above. Operating income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to adjusted operating income, and earnings per diluted share may not follow the same trends stated in the outlook above because of adjustments made for certain significant and non-cash items such as lease expenses for vacated space offset with any sublease income as well as depreciation, amortization, asset impairment charges, significant restructuring charges and significant legal settlements. The revenue, operating income, adjusted operating income, earnings per share, adjusted earnings per share and enrollment outlook provided above for 2019 are based on the following key assumptions and factors, among others: (i) prospective student interest in the Company’s programs remains consistent with recent experience, (ii) initiatives and investments in student-serving operations continue to positively impact enrollment trends within the University Group, (iii) no material changes in the current legal or regulatory environment, and excludes legal and regulatory liabilities and other related impacts which are not probable and estimable at this time, and any impact of new or proposed regulations, including the “borrower defense to repayment” regulations, and any modifications thereto, (iv) no significant operating impacts from the settlements with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general or other legal or regulatory matters, (v) no material changes in the estimated amount of compensation expense that could be impacted by changes in the Company’s stock price or the

28


Company’s assessment of the probable outcome of performance conditions relating to performance-based compensation, (vi) earnings per diluted share outlook assumes an effective income tax rate of approximately 32%32.5% for the thirdfourth quarter and 30% for the full year, (vii) any impact from the Company’s stock repurchase program is excluded, and (vii)(viii) any results of operations from Trident University are excluded. Although these estimates and assumptions are based upon management’s good faith beliefs regarding current and future circumstances and actions that may be undertaken, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. In addition, decisions we make in the future as we continue to evaluate diverse strategies to enhance shareholder value may impact the outlook provided above.

Regulatory Updates

Gainful Employment.Borrower Defense to Repayment. CEC institutions, and most other for-profit institutions, qualify for Title IV Program participation on the basis that they offer programs that, in addition to meeting other requirements, “prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” During 2013, ED established negotiated rulemaking committees, one specifically designed to limit Title IV availability for programs at for-profit institutions by defining gainful employment in a recognized occupation. On October 30, 2014,28, 2016, ED adopted new regulations that cover multiple issues including the processes and standards for the discharge of federal student loans, which are commonly referred to as “borrower defense to repayment” regulations. ED initially delayed the effective date of these regulations; however, after a successful legal challenge against the delay, ED published guidance to institutions on March 15, 2019 regarding how to implement the 2016 regulations while noting that a new complex final regulation, effective July 1, 2015, to define “gainful employment” as meeting certain standards measuring the general amount students borrow for enrollment in a program against an amount of their reported earnings. Prior to this rulemaking, the term gainful employment had been used in the Higher Education Act for forty years, and had not been further defined by Congress or ED.

On June 14, 2017, ED announced its intention to convene new negotiated rulemaking committees to consider modifications to the gainful employment regulation. During negotiations, ED considered different options for adopting a uniform set of requirements that could be applicable to all schools and not specifically targeted at for-profit institutions.regulations was forthcoming. On August 14, 2018,September 23, 2019, ED published for public comment a proposalnew final “borrower defense to rescind the gainful employmentrepayment” regulations previously implemented on July 1, 2015. ED published a final regulation on July 1, 2019 to rescind the 2015 gainful employment regulationthat become effective on July 1, 2020; however, the Secretary of Education exercised her authority2020. Prior to allow institutions to make an election to adopt the rescission effective as early as July 1, 2019. In lieu of2020, institutions are required to follow the complex gainful employment regulation designed2016 regulations, subject to eliminate program eligibility, ED indicated its intentED’s ongoing guidance and direction. The new 2019 final borrower defense to updaterepayment regulations will result in a distinct loan discharge process and standards applicable to federal student loans first disbursed after July 1, 2020. As a result, student loans disbursed before July 1, 2017 will follow ED’s original discharge standards and processes, loans disbursed between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2020 will follow the college scorecards ED has developed, which apply to all Title IV eligible institutions, with relevant information for prospective students. Both AIU and CTU have elected to early adopt the final regulation. While the eligibility tests and disclosures associated with the 2015 gainful employment regulation are no longer required, the term “gainful employment” continues to existprocesses outlined in the Higher Education Act2016 regulations and AIUloans disbursed after July 1, 2020 will follow the new 2019 regulations. In addition to modifying the loan discharge standards and CTU’s Title IV eligible programs will continueprocesses, the 2019 regulations maintain the concept from the 2016 regulations of triggering events that cause the recalculation of an institution’s financial responsibility, but generally narrow the triggering events to need to be career focused educational programs.    

Program Participation Agreements. Under the provisions of the Higher Education Act,more measurable and certain events which potentially impact an institution must apply to ED for continued certification to participate in Title IV Programs at least every six years or when it undergoes a change of control. In May 2019, AIU and CTU each received renewals of their program participation agreements through March 31, 2021. CTU was removed from provisional certification, while AIU remains on provisional certification due to open reviews.institution’s financial status. See Item 1, “Business—Student Financial Aid and Related Federal Regulation—EligibilityCompliance with Federal Regulatory Standards and Certification byEffect of Federal Regulatory Violations - Borrower Defense to Repayment,” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Highly Regulated Field in Which We Operate - Currently effective or modified ‘borrower defense to repayment’ regulations may subject us to significant repayment liability to ED for discharged federal student loans, posting of substantial letters of credit and other requirements that could have a material adverse effect on us, in ourthe Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for more information about the 2016 regulations and the risks associated with those regulations and modifications thereto. We continue to review the new 2019 final regulations and the impact on us as well as monitor for additional guidance and direction from ED regarding certification to participate in Title IV Programs and provisional certification.the interim implementation of the 2016 regulations.

Accreditation and Innovation Negotiated RulemakingRulemaking.. On April 3,November 1, 2019, ED announcedpublished final regulations that it had concluded a negotiated rulemaking process that included regulatoryinclude updates on a wide range of topics designed to impact accreditation standards and innovation in higher education, including state authorization of distance learning. Because the negotiators reached a consensus on the set of rule changes, ED was required to adhere closely to the outcomeThese published final regulations only cover part of the negotiations when itpackage of rules that were collectively negotiated as part of the rule-making process and ED has indicated that the remaining regulations will be published proposedat a later date. The final regulations are substantially the same as the earlier proposal that was published for public comment onin June 12, 2019. A 30-day public comment period expired on July 12, 2019. Included in the changesfinal regulations are various updates to technical Title IV Program requirements that may provide additional flexibility for accreditors and institutions that should benefit students. Among the many topics negotiatedaddressed were rules concerning the state authorization of distance learning as a condition of Title IV Program eligibility. State authorization of distance learningeligibility and related reciprocity agreements likechanges to required disclosures associated with state licensing and adverse state and accreditor actions. Although the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”) continues to be a complex issue with divergent viewpoints. A key definition in the rule being proposed would require that reciprocity agreements like SARA permit states to adopt and enforce their own laws which would defeat an important benefit of reciprocity. A few states and some advocacy groups have indicated a desire to adopt state rules that conflict

29


with existing SARA requirements and its goal of eliminating a state by state patchwork of regulatory requirements that increases the cost and complexity of delivering distance education. We continue to monitor the development of thesenew regulations and the potential impact on our institutions. If ED publishes final regulations by November 1, 2019, they would typicallywill generally take effect on July 1, 2020. 2020, select provisions, including those related to required disclosures and state authorization, have been designated by the Secretary of Education as eligible for early adoption and institutions may elect to immediately adopt them as effective. AIU and CTU have elected to early adopt these rules. See Item 1, “Business—Accreditation and Jurisdictional Authorizations—State Authorization,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for more information about state authorization and SARA.authorization.

State Authorization of Distance LearningCohort Default Rates.. On April 26, 2019, a federal court in California ruled against ED in a lawsuit that challenged ED’s two-year delay of 2016 regulations concerning state authorization requirements for distance learning programs. On July 22, In late September 2019, ED announced that pursuant toreleased the court’s ruling,official three-year cohort default rates for the 2016 regulations were effective as of May 26, 2019. EDcohort. Both CTU and AIU had delayedcohort default rates under the effective date of30% threshold for the 2016 regulations, initially set to become effective in July 2018, until July 2020 while it conducted negotiated rulemaking to make modifications to the requirements. In addition to ensuring distance learning programs had state level authorizations, the 2016 regulations also included new disclosure obligations to current and prospective students, including whether programs had approvals (if necessary) for graduates to become licensed in each state where a student was residing, applicable procedures for making complaints, applicable state required refund policies, an institution’s method of meeting state authorization requirements and information concerning adverse state and accreditor actions. On June 24, 2019, ED filed a notice of appealcohort, with the 9th circuit courtrates for both institutions showing improvement from the prior year cohort. See Item 1, “Business – Student Financial Aid and Related Federal Regulation – Compliance with Federal Regulatory Standards and Effect of appeals. The 2016 state authorization regulations would be replaced byFederal Regulatory Violations – Student Loan Default Rates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the new regulations described above as part of the accreditationyear ended December 31, 2018 for more information about cohort default rates, our prior year rates and innovation negotiated rulemaking that, if published by November 1, 2019, would typically take effect on July 1, 2020.ED’s related standards.

29


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The summary of selected financial data table below should be referenced in connection with a review of the following discussion of our results of operations for the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

TOTAL REVENUE

 

$

156,441

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

142,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

314,294

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

290,101

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

154,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

145,690

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

469,253

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

435,791

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educational services and facilities (1)

 

 

25,350

 

 

 

16.2

%

 

 

30,290

 

 

 

21.3

%

 

 

51,677

 

 

 

16.4

%

 

 

57,236

 

 

 

19.7

%

 

 

25,318

 

 

 

16.3

%

 

 

27,201

 

 

 

18.7

%

 

 

76,995

 

 

 

16.4

%

 

 

84,437

 

 

 

19.4

%

General and administrative: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising

 

 

31,153

 

 

 

19.9

%

 

 

30,980

 

 

 

21.8

%

 

 

63,858

 

 

 

20.3

%

 

 

62,858

 

 

 

21.7

%

 

 

35,354

 

 

 

22.8

%

 

 

34,155

 

 

 

23.4

%

 

 

99,212

 

 

 

21.1

%

 

 

97,013

 

 

 

22.3

%

Admissions

 

 

23,065

 

 

 

14.7

%

 

 

23,148

 

 

 

16.3

%

 

 

46,278

 

 

 

14.7

%

 

 

47,154

 

 

 

16.3

%

 

 

23,435

 

 

 

15.1

%

 

 

23,764

 

 

 

16.3

%

 

 

69,713

 

 

 

14.9

%

 

 

70,918

 

 

 

16.3

%

Administrative

 

 

63,022

 

 

 

40.3

%

 

 

37,482

 

 

 

26.4

%

 

 

94,704

 

 

 

30.1

%

 

 

72,593

 

 

 

25.0

%

 

 

35,386

 

 

 

22.8

%

 

 

30,991

 

 

 

21.3

%

 

 

130,090

 

 

 

27.7

%

 

 

103,584

 

 

 

23.8

%

Bad debt

 

 

11,432

 

 

 

7.3

%

 

 

6,730

 

 

 

4.7

%

 

 

23,154

 

 

 

7.4

%

 

 

13,743

 

 

 

4.7

%

 

 

8,888

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

7,932

 

 

 

5.4

%

 

 

32,042

 

 

 

6.8

%

 

 

21,675

 

 

 

5.0

%

Total general and administrative expense

 

 

128,672

 

 

 

82.2

%

 

 

98,340

 

 

 

69.2

%

 

 

227,994

 

 

 

72.5

%

 

 

196,348

 

 

 

67.7

%

 

 

103,063

 

 

 

66.5

%

 

 

96,842

 

 

 

66.5

%

 

 

331,057

 

 

 

70.5

%

 

 

293,190

 

 

 

67.3

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

2,235

 

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

2,103

 

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

4,468

 

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

4,685

 

 

 

1.6

%

 

 

2,284

 

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

1.6

%

 

 

6,752

 

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

7,049

 

 

 

1.6

%

OPERATING INCOME

 

 

184

 

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

11,303

 

 

 

8.0

%

 

 

30,155

 

 

 

9.6

%

 

 

31,832

 

 

 

11.0

%

 

 

24,294

 

 

 

15.7

%

 

 

19,283

 

 

 

13.2

%

 

 

54,449

 

 

 

11.6

%

 

 

51,115

 

 

 

11.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRETAX INCOME

 

 

1,781

 

 

 

1.1

%

 

 

11,804

 

 

 

8.3

%

 

 

33,376

 

 

 

10.6

%

 

 

33,186

 

 

 

11.4

%

 

 

26,046

 

 

 

16.8

%

 

 

20,157

 

 

 

13.8

%

 

 

59,422

 

 

 

12.7

%

 

 

53,343

 

 

 

12.2

%

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

 

2,302

 

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

2,940

 

 

 

2.1

%

 

 

8,709

 

 

 

2.8

%

 

 

6,438

 

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

7,653

 

 

 

4.9

%

 

 

5,089

 

 

 

3.5

%

 

 

16,362

 

 

 

3.5

%

 

 

11,527

 

 

 

2.6

%

Effective tax rate

 

 

129.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

26.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

29.4

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

25.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

27.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(LOSS) INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

(521

)

 

 

-0.3

%

 

 

8,864

 

 

 

6.2

%

 

 

24,667

 

 

 

7.8

%

 

 

26,748

 

 

 

9.2

%

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

 

18,393

 

 

 

11.9

%

 

 

15,068

 

 

 

10.3

%

 

 

43,060

 

 

 

9.2

%

 

 

41,816

 

 

 

9.6

%

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax

 

 

(38

)

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

(113

)

 

 

-0.1

%

 

 

(435

)

 

 

-0.1

%

 

 

(495

)

 

 

-0.2

%

 

 

(159

)

 

 

-0.1

%

 

 

(211

)

 

 

-0.1

%

 

 

(594

)

 

 

-0.1

%

 

 

(706

)

 

 

-0.2

%

NET (LOSS) INCOME

 

$

(559

)

 

 

-0.4

%

 

$

8,751

 

 

 

6.2

%

 

$

24,232

 

 

 

7.7

%

 

$

26,253

 

 

 

9.0

%

NET INCOME

 

$

18,234

 

 

 

11.8

%

 

$

14,857

 

 

 

10.2

%

 

$

42,466

 

 

 

9.0

%

 

$

41,110

 

 

 

9.4

%

 

(1)

Educational services and facilities expense includes costs directly attributable to the educational activities of our institutions, including: salaries and benefits of faculty, academic administrators and student support personnel, and costs of educational supplies and facilities, such as rents on campus leases and certain costs of establishing and maintaining computer laboratories. Also included in educational services and facilities expense are costs of other goods and services provided by our campuses, including costs of textbooks and laptop computers.

(2)

General and administrative expense includes salaries and benefits of personnel in corporate and campus administration, marketing, admissions, information technology, financial aid, accounting, human resources, legal and compliance. Other expenses within this expense category include costs of advertising and production of marketing materials, bad debt expense and

30


for the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, occupancy of the corporate offices. Beginning January 1, 2019 all occupancy expenses are recorded within educational services and facilities.

Revenue

Current quarter and year to date revenue increased by 10.1%6.4% or $14.4$9.3 million and 8.3%7.7% or $24.2$33.5 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods supported by a 5.4%6.1% increase in total student enrollments and increases in new student enrollments for the current quarter and year to date as compared to the prior year periods.University Group. CTU’s and AIU’s new and total student enrollments are discussed in the segment results of operations section below. The current quarter and year to date revenue was also benefitted by 12.3% and 8.4%5.6% more revenuerevenue-earning days within AIU, respectively.AIU.

30


Educational Services and Facilities Expense (dollars in thousands)

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

Educational services and facilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academics & student related

 

$

19,552

 

 

12.5%

 

 

$

21,340

 

 

15.0%

 

 

$

39,414

 

 

12.5%

 

 

$

43,939

 

 

15.1%

 

 

$

19,473

 

 

12.6%

 

 

$

20,974

 

 

14.4%

 

 

$

58,887

 

 

12.5%

 

 

$

64,913

 

 

14.9%

 

Occupancy

 

 

5,798

 

 

3.7%

 

 

 

8,950

 

 

6.3%

 

 

 

12,263

 

 

3.9%

 

 

 

13,297

 

 

4.6%

 

 

 

5,845

 

 

3.8%

 

 

 

6,227

 

 

4.3%

 

 

 

18,108

 

 

3.9%

 

 

 

19,524

 

 

4.5%

 

Total educational services and facilities

 

$

25,350

 

 

16.2%

 

 

$

30,290

 

 

21.3%

 

 

$

51,677

 

 

16.4%

 

 

$

57,236

 

 

19.7%

 

 

$

25,318

 

 

16.3%

 

 

$

27,201

 

 

18.7%

 

 

$

76,995

 

 

16.4%

 

 

$

84,437

 

 

19.4%

 

  

The educational services and facilities expense for the current quarter and year to date improved by 16.3%6.9% or $4.9$1.9 million and 9.7%8.8% or $5.6$7.4 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Academics and student related costs improved by 8.4%7.2% or $1.8$1.5 million and 10.3%9.3% or $4.5$6.0 million for the current quarter and year to date, respectively, driven by efficiencies attained through our restructuring and re-engineering effortsactions implemented primarily within non student-facing operations during the third quarter of 2018. We have maintained the level of staffing through 2019 but as our total student enrollments increase, academics and student related costs as a percent of revenue should decrease. Occupancy expense improved by 7.8% or $1.0 million for the current quarter and year to date improved by 6.1% or $0.4 million and 7.3% or $1.4 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year period, and 35.2% or $3.2 millionperiods primarily driven by the termination of leases for the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter.our closed campuses. We have begun recording occupancy expenses for the corporate offices within educational services and facilities beginning in 2019. Previously, these expenses were recorded within administrative expenses. The amount of occupancy expenses for the corporate offices that was recorded within general and administrative expense during the prior year quarter and prior year to date was $1.4$1.6 million and $3.1$4.7 million, respectively. Educational services and facilities expense as a percent of revenue improved by 5.1%2.4% for the quarter and 3.3%3.0% for the year to date as compared to prior periods.

General and Administrative Expense (dollars in thousands)

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Total

Revenue

 

General and administrative:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertising

 

$

31,153

 

 

19.9%

 

 

$

30,980

 

 

21.8%

 

 

$

63,858

 

 

20.3%

 

 

$

62,858

 

 

21.7%

 

 

$

35,354

 

 

22.8%

 

 

$

34,155

 

 

23.4%

 

 

$

99,212

 

 

21.1%

 

 

$

97,013

 

 

22.3%

 

Admissions

 

 

23,065

 

 

14.7%

 

 

 

23,148

 

 

16.3%

 

 

 

46,278

 

 

14.7%

 

 

 

47,154

 

 

16.3%

 

 

 

23,435

 

 

15.1%

 

 

 

23,764

 

 

16.3%

 

 

 

69,713

 

 

14.9%

 

 

 

70,918

 

 

16.3%

 

Administrative

 

 

63,022

 

 

40.3%

 

 

 

37,482

 

 

26.4%

 

 

 

94,704

 

 

30.1%

 

 

 

72,593

 

 

25.0%

 

 

 

35,386

 

 

22.8%

 

 

 

30,991

 

 

21.3%

 

 

 

130,090

 

 

27.7%

 

 

 

103,584

 

 

23.8%

 

Bad debt

 

 

11,432

 

 

7.3%

 

 

 

6,730

 

 

4.7%

 

 

 

23,154

 

 

7.4%

 

 

 

13,743

 

 

4.7%

 

 

 

8,888

 

 

5.7%

 

 

 

7,932

 

 

5.4%

 

 

 

32,042

 

 

6.8%

 

 

 

21,675

 

 

5.0%

 

Total general and administrative expense

 

$

128,672

 

 

82.2%

 

 

$

98,340

 

 

69.2%

 

 

$

227,994

 

 

72.5%

 

 

$

196,348

 

 

67.7%

 

 

$

103,063

 

 

66.5%

 

 

$

96,842

 

 

66.5%

 

 

$

331,057

 

 

70.5%

 

 

$

293,190

 

 

67.3%

 

 

The general and administrative expense for the current quarter and year to date increased by 30.8%6.4% or $30.3$6.2 million and 16.1%12.9% or $31.6$37.9 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The quarter and year to date increases were primarily driven by increases in administrative, advertising and bad debt expense.expenses. The increased administrative expense for the current quarter and year to date is primarily due to a $30.0legal reserves recorded during the current year of $37.1 million, reserveof which $7.1 million was recorded during the current quarter related to the FTC settlementOregon arbitration matter (see Note 8 “Contingencies’ “Contingencies” to the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q for more information)further information) as compared to settlement expenses of $6.0 million and $9.5 millionwell as increased investments in thetechnology. The prior year quarter and year to date respectively,included legal settlement expense of $9.6 million related to the Surrett matter. The advertising expense for the current quarter and year to date increased by 0.6%3.5% or $0.2$1.2 million and 1.6%2.3% or $1.0$2.2 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. This increase is aligned with our prospective student interest and supports positive total enrollment growth within both CTU and AIU. Admissions expense remained relatively flatimproved for the quarter and improved by 1.9% or $0.9 million for the year to date by 1.4% or $0.3 million and 1.7% or $1.2 million, respectively, as compared to the respective prior periods. An improvement in CTU’s admissions expense for the quarter and year to date of 3.6%4.4% or $0.4$1.6 million and 5.4% or $1.4 million, as

31


compared to the respective prior year periodsperiod was partially offset by increases within AIU’s admissions expense of 3.2%1.0% or $0.3 million and 2.2% or $0.5 million, for the current quarter and year to date respectively, as compared to prior periods.

Bad debt expense incurred by each of our segments during the quarters and years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

31


 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% of

Segment

Revenue

 

Bad debt expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CTU

 

$

5,432

 

 

 

5.6

%

 

$

4,260

 

 

 

4.6

%

 

$

11,629

 

 

 

6.0

%

 

$

8,748

 

 

 

4.7

%

 

$

4,973

 

 

 

5.2

%

 

$

5,089

 

 

 

5.5

%

 

$

16,602

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

$

13,837

 

 

 

4.9

%

AIU

 

 

5,871

 

 

 

9.8

%

 

 

2,856

 

 

 

5.9

%

 

 

11,474

 

 

 

9.5

%

 

 

5,399

 

 

 

5.3

%

 

 

3,951

 

 

 

6.7

%

 

 

3,259

 

 

 

6.2

%

 

 

15,425

 

 

 

8.6

%

 

 

8,658

 

 

 

5.6

%

Total University Group

 

 

11,303

 

 

 

7.2

%

 

 

7,116

 

 

 

5.0

%

 

 

23,103

 

 

 

7.4

%

 

 

14,147

 

 

 

4.9

%

 

 

8,924

 

 

 

5.8

%

 

 

8,348

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

32,027

 

 

 

6.8

%

 

 

22,495

 

 

 

5.2

%

Corporate and Other

 

 

129

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(386

)

 

NM

 

 

 

51

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(404

)

 

NM

 

 

 

(36

)

 

NM

 

 

 

(416

)

 

NM

 

 

 

15

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(820

)

 

NM

 

Total bad debt expense

 

$

11,432

 

 

 

7.3

%

 

$

6,730

 

 

 

4.7

%

 

$

23,154

 

 

 

7.4

%

 

$

13,743

 

 

 

4.7

%

 

$

8,888

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

$

7,932

 

 

 

5.4

%

 

$

32,042

 

 

 

6.8

%

 

$

21,675

 

 

 

5.0

%

        

          Bad debt expense increased by 69.9%12.1% or $4.7$1.0 million and 68.5%47.8% or $9.4$10.4 million for the current quarter and year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The increased bad debt expense within both CTU and AIU for the current quarter and year to date was primarily driven by an increase in accounts receivable balances and an increase in reserve rates due to recent performance within each segment along with increases in accounts receivable write-offs as compared to the prior year periods within both CTU and AIU. CTU’s bad debt decreased by 2.3% or $0.1 million and increased by 27.5%20.0% or $1.2 million and 32.9% or $2.9$2.8 million for the current quarter and year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. AIU’s bad debt increased by 105.6%21.2% or $3.0$0.7 million and 112.5%78.2% or $6.1$6.8 million for the current quarter and year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The Company continues to focus on implementing improvements to processes related to collection effortsfurther improving student retention and completion of the financial aid packagesprocess for students.

Operating Income

Operating income decreasedincreased by 98.4%26.0% or $11.1$5.0 million and 5.3%6.5% or $1.7$3.3 million for the current quarter and year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The decreaseincrease was driven by a $30.0 million reserve recorded during the current quarter relatedprimarily due to the FTC settlement as compared to settlement expenses of $6.0 million and $9.5 million in the prior year quarter and year to date, respectively, related to the Surrett matter. This impact was offset by increased revenue of 10.1%6.4% or $14.4$9.3 million and 8.3%7.7% or $24.2$33.5 million for the current quarter and year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, and reduced operating losses within Corporate and Other for both the current quarter and year to date, which includes losses relatingmore than offset the increases in legal settlement expenses related to closed campuses. Excluding the impact of the FTC settlement, operating income for the current quarter and year to date generated within the University GroupOregon arbitration matters, increases in bad debt and marketing expenses and ongoing investments in technology. The increase in revenue was primarily driven by increased revenue from overall growth in total student enrollments and an increase in revenue-earning days at AIU for the year to date as compared to the prior year periods, partially offset with ongoing investments in technology and increased bad debt expense.periods.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $2.3$7.7 million or 129.3%29.4% and $8.7$16.4 million or 26.1%27.5%, respectively, as compared to a provision for income taxes of $2.9$5.1 million or 24.9%25.2% and $6.4$11.5 million or 19.4%21.6% for the respective prior year periods. The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 was primarily impacted by a $2.4 million unfavorable adjustment related toreflects the expectedtax effect of the partial non-deductibility of the FTC settlement, which increased the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 132.5%5.7% and 7.1%, respectively, and a $0.5 million net benefit associated with results of a Florida income tax audit which decreased the effective tax rate by 28.2% and 1.5%6.5%, respectively. The 2018current quarter and year to date effective tax rate includes the impact of stock-based compensation and net adjustments which increased the state deferred tax asset. The year to date effective tax rate was primarilyalso impacted by the release of previously recorded tax reserves. The effect of these discrete items decreased the current effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 2.4% and 4.8%, respectively. For the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018, the effective tax rate includes the impact of tax reserves, and the tax effect of stock-based compensation and adjustments to increase the state deferred tax asset, which decreased the effective tax rate by 2.1%2.7% and 6.7%5.2%, respectively. For the full year 2019, we expect our effective tax rate to be between 29.5%29.0% and 31%30.5%. As of December 31, 2018, we had $193.6 million of federal net operating loss carry forwards which will be partially used in 2019 to offset federal taxable income.

SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following tables present unaudited segment results for the reported periods (dollars in thousands):

 

32


 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

REVENUE

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

OPERATING MARGIN

 

 

REVENUE

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

OPERATING MARGIN

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CTU (1)

 

$

96,555

 

 

$

93,266

 

 

 

3.5

%

 

$

12,113

 

 

$

27,116

 

 

 

-55.3

%

 

 

12.5

%

 

 

29.1

%

 

$

96,038

 

 

$

93,115

 

 

 

3.1

%

 

$

29,926

 

 

$

26,261

 

 

 

14.0

%

 

 

31.2

%

 

 

28.2

%

AIU (2)

 

 

59,873

 

 

 

48,579

 

 

 

23.2

%

 

 

(4,217

)

 

 

(1,585

)

 

 

-166.1

%

 

 

-7.0

%

 

 

-3.3

%

 

 

58,907

 

 

 

52,504

 

 

 

12.2

%

 

 

7,341

 

 

 

1,070

 

 

 

586.1

%

 

 

12.5

%

 

 

2.0

%

Total University Group

 

 

156,428

 

 

 

141,845

 

 

 

10.3

%

 

 

7,896

 

 

 

25,531

 

 

 

-69.1

%

 

 

5.0

%

 

 

18.0

%

 

 

154,945

 

 

 

145,619

 

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

37,267

 

 

 

27,331

 

 

 

36.4

%

 

 

24.1

%

 

 

18.8

%

Corporate and other(1)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(5,938

)

 

 

(2,000

)

 

 

-196.9

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(4,758

)

 

 

(4,362

)

 

 

-9.1

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Closed campuses(2)

 

 

13

 

 

 

191

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(1,774

)

 

 

(12,228

)

 

 

85.5

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

71

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(8,215

)

 

 

(3,686

)

 

 

-122.9

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Total Corporate and Other (3)(2)

 

 

13

 

 

 

191

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(7,712

)

 

 

(14,228

)

 

 

45.8

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

71

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(12,973

)

 

 

(8,048

)

 

 

-61.2

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

156,441

 

 

$

142,036

 

 

 

10.1

%

 

$

184

 

 

$

11,303

 

 

 

-98.4

%

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

8.0

%

 

$

154,959

 

 

$

145,690

 

 

 

6.4

%

 

$

24,294

 

 

$

19,283

 

 

 

26.0

%

 

 

15.7

%

 

 

13.2

%

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

REVENUE

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

OPERATING MARGIN

 

 

REVENUE

 

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

OPERATING MARGIN

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CTU (1)(3)

 

$

193,612

 

 

$

187,873

 

 

 

3.1

%

 

$

41,804

 

 

$

54,301

 

 

 

-23.0

%

 

 

21.6

%

 

 

28.9

%

 

$

289,650

 

 

$

280,988

 

 

 

3.1

%

 

$

71,730

 

 

$

80,562

 

 

 

-11.0

%

 

 

24.8

%

 

 

28.7

%

AIU (2)(4)

 

 

120,652

 

 

 

101,700

 

 

 

18.6

%

 

 

4,095

 

 

 

2,551

 

 

 

60.5

%

 

 

3.4

%

 

 

2.5

%

 

 

179,559

 

 

 

154,204

 

 

 

16.4

%

 

 

11,436

 

 

 

3,621

 

 

 

215.8

%

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

2.3

%

Total University Group

 

 

314,264

 

 

 

289,573

 

 

 

8.5

%

 

 

45,899

 

 

 

56,852

 

 

 

-19.3

%

 

 

14.6

%

 

 

19.6

%

 

 

469,209

 

 

 

435,192

 

 

 

7.8

%

 

 

83,166

 

 

 

84,183

 

 

 

-1.2

%

 

 

17.7

%

 

 

19.3

%

Corporate and other(1)

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(11,158

)

 

 

(6,542

)

 

 

-70.6

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(15,916

)

 

 

(10,904

)

 

 

-46.0

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Closed campuses(2)

 

 

30

 

 

 

528

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(4,586

)

 

 

(18,478

)

 

 

75.2

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

599

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(12,801

)

 

 

(22,164

)

 

 

42.2

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Total Corporate and Other (3)(2)

 

 

30

 

 

 

528

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(15,744

)

 

 

(25,020

)

 

 

37.1

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

 

 

44

 

 

 

599

 

 

NM

 

 

 

(28,717

)

 

 

(33,068

)

 

 

13.2

%

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Total

 

$

314,294

 

 

$

290,101

 

 

 

8.3

%

 

$

30,155

 

 

$

31,832

 

 

 

-5.3

%

 

 

9.6

%

 

 

11.0

%

 

$

469,253

 

 

$

435,791

 

 

 

7.7

%

 

$

54,449

 

 

$

51,115

 

 

 

6.5

%

 

 

11.6

%

 

 

11.7

%

_____________________

(1)

A reserve of $18.6 million was recorded within CTU related to the FTC settlement during the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

(2)

A reserve of $11.4 million was recorded within AIU related to the FTC settlement during the quarter ended June 30, 2019.

(3)

This category includes amounts that were historically reported within Corporate and Other prior to the segment change which occurred during the first quarter of 2019.

(2)

A reserve of $7.1 million was recorded within Corporate and Other for our closed campuses related to the Oregon arbitration matter during the third quarter of 2019.

(3)

A reserve of $18.6 million was recorded within CTU related to the FTC settlement during the year to date ended September 30, 2019.

(4)

A reserve of $11.4 million was recorded within AIU related to the FTC settlement during the year to date ended September 30, 2019.

 

 

 

NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENTS

 

 

TOTAL STUDENT

ENROLLMENTS

 

 

NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENTS

 

 

TOTAL STUDENT

ENROLLMENTS

 

 

For the Quarter Ended June 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended June 30,

 

 

As of  June 30,

 

 

For the Quarter Ended September 30,

 

 

For the Year to Date Ended September 30,

 

 

As of  September 30,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

CTU

 

 

5,840

 

 

 

5,460

 

 

 

7.0

%

 

 

11,850

 

 

 

10,720

 

 

 

10.5

%

 

 

22,400

 

 

 

21,700

 

 

 

3.2

%

 

 

6,500

 

 

 

6,520

 

 

 

-0.3

%

 

 

18,350

 

 

 

17,240

 

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

22,900

 

 

 

22,200

 

 

 

3.2

%

AIU

 

 

3,250

 

 

 

3,260

 

 

 

-0.3

%

 

 

8,620

 

 

 

5,650

 

 

 

52.6

%

 

 

11,000

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

10.0

%

 

 

6,710

 

 

 

6,100

 

 

 

10.0

%

 

 

15,330

 

 

 

11,750

 

 

 

30.5

%

 

 

13,800

 

 

 

12,400

 

 

 

11.3

%

Total University Group

 

 

9,090

 

 

 

8,720

 

 

 

4.2

%

 

 

20,470

 

 

 

16,370

 

 

 

25.0

%

 

 

33,400

 

 

 

31,700

 

 

 

5.4

%

 

 

13,210

 

 

 

12,620

 

 

 

4.7

%

 

 

33,680

 

 

 

28,990

 

 

 

16.2

%

 

 

36,700

 

 

 

34,600

 

 

 

6.1

%

 

 

CTU. Current quarter and year to date revenue increased by 3.5%3.1% or $3.3$2.9 million and 3.1% or $5.7$8.7 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. CTU experienced positive new student enrollment growth for the current quarter and year to date of 7.0% and 10.5%, respectively,6.4% as compared to the prior year periods,period, and increased total student enrollments by 3.2% as of the end of the quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. New student enrollments for the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter remained relatively flat as a result of the strong prior year comparative performance period. CTU’s new and total student enrollments were positively impacted by initiatives and investments in student-serving functions and technology enhancements as well as improved student retention and supported by consistent levels of prospective student interest. Also contributing to the increase in student enrollments was the continued growth within the corporate partnership program.

Current quarter and year to date operating income for CTU decreasedincreased by 55.3%14.0% or $15.0$3.7 million and 23.0% or $12.5 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods,period and decreased by 11.0% or $8.8 million for the year to date as compared to the prior year periods. The current quarter increase was driven

33


by the increase in revenue and reduced severance expense as compared to the prior year quarter with efficiencies across student processes offsetting incremental investments in marketing. The year to date decrease in operating income was primarily driven by a reserve recorded during the current quarteryear of $18.6 million related to the FTC settlement as well as increased bad debt expense,and marketing expenses, which was partially offset with the increase in revenue discussed above.

AIU. Current quarter and year to date revenue increased by 23.2%12.2% or $11.3$6.4 million and 18.6%16.4% or $19.0$25.4 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The revenue growth was supported by an increase of 10.0%11.3% in total student enrollments at the end of the quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. New student enrollments for the quarter were relatively flatand year to date improved by 10.0% and 30.5% as compared to the prior year quarter primarily dueperiods. The year to date increase was benefitted by approximately 17% less10.5% more enrollment days during the second quartercurrent year as compared to the prior year quarter as a result of the academic calendar redesign. Enrollment days attributable to any given quarter are the available days during the quarter during which a prospective student may apply to start school during that quarter. The new student enrollments for the year

33


to date improved by 52.6% as compared to the prior year period, which was impacted by approximately 18% more enrollment days as compared to the prior year to date. AIU’s new and total student enrollments were also positively impacted by initiatives and investments in student-serving functions and technology enhancements as well as improved student retention and supported by consistent levels of prospective student interest and initiatives and investments in admissions and advising centers in Arizona and Illinois.interest. AIU also experienced approximately 12% and 8%5.6% more revenue-generatingrevenue-earning days for the currentyear to date as compared to the prior year period.

Current quarter and year to date operating income for AIU increased by 586.1% or $6.3 and 215.8% or $7.8 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods.

Current quarter The improvement in operating loss for AIU increased by 166.1% or $2.6 million as compared to the prior year quarter whichincome was primarily driven by aimproved revenue from new and total student enrollment growth and reduced severance expense, which more than offset the increases in legal reserve recorded during the current quarter of $11.4 million related to the FTC settlement as well as increased bad debt expense. Operating incomeand marketing expenses for the current year to date improved by 60.5% or $1.5 million as compared to the prior year. The improvement in operating income for the year to date was driven by the increase in revenue offset with an increase in bad debt expense and the settlement recorded during the second quarter of 2019.date.

Corporate and Other. This category includes unallocated costs that are incurred on behalf of the entire company and remaining expenses associated with closed campuses. Total Corporate and Other operating loss for the current quarter and year to date improvedincreased by $6.561.2% or $4.9 million or 45.8% and $9.3 million or 37.1%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periodsperiod primarily driven bydue to a reduction in operating losses of $10.5$7.1 million and $13.9 millionlegal reserve recorded for the Oregon arbitration matter during the current quarter related to our closed campuses. Total Corporate and Other operating loss for the year to date respectively,improved by 13.2% or $4.4 million as compared to the prior year periodsperiod primarily as a result of decreased expenses associated with our closed campuses. Excluding expenses associatedcampuses partially offset with closed campuses, Corporate and Other expenses increased by $3.9 million for the current quarter and $4.6 million for the current year to date, as compared to the prior periods, driven by a benefit recorded in the prior year quarter of $2.5 million for recovery of past claims and increased legal and other professional fees relating to the FTC and Oregon arbitrations matters discussed further in Note 8 “Contingencies” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.within Corporate.

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

A detailed discussion of the accounting policies and estimates that we believe are most critical to our financial condition and results of operations that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties is included under the caption “Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Note 2 “SummarySummary of Significant Accounting Policies”Policies of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 also includes a discussion of these and other significant accounting policies.

LIQUIDITY, FINANCIAL POSITION AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale short-term investments (“cash balances”) totaled $280.2$311.8 million. Restricted cash as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 was approximately $0.3$30.0 million and includes restricted cashis related to provide securitizationamounts held in an escrow account for letters of credit.the FTC settlement. This amount was subsequently paid in October 2019. Our cash flows from operating activities have been adequate to fulfill our liquidity requirements. We have historically financed our operating activities, organic growth and acquisitions primarily through cash generated from operations and existing cash balances. We expect to continue to generate cash during 2019. The expectation is based upon, and subject to, the key assumptions and factors discussed above in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis under the heading “2019 Outlook.” We anticipate that we will be able to satisfy the cash requirements associated with, among other things, our working capital needs, capital expenditures and lease commitments through at least the next 12 months primarily with cash generated by operations and existing cash balances.

Our credit agreement allows us to borrow up to a maximum amount of $50.0 million and is scheduled to mature on January 20, 2022. The credit agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants, including a requirement to maintain a balance of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities in our domestic accounts with the bank of at least $50.0 million at all times. Amounts borrowed under the credit agreement are required to be 100% secured with deposits of cash and marketable securities with the bank. Under the credit agreement, the Company may make restricted payments, including payments in connection with an acquisition or a repurchase of shares of CEC’s common stock, up to an aggregate maximum of $65.0 million through January 27, 2020 and up to an aggregate maximum of $100.0 million during the one year period ending January 27, 2021.

Our strategy has been focused on building a strong balance sheet while prudently investing in organic growth projects. As we further build our cash balances, we will continue to evaluate diverse strategies to enhance shareholder value, including acquisitions of high-quality educational institutions and programs and repurchases of company stock, while emphasizing organic student-serving investments at our universities and maintaining adequate liquidity.

34


On November 4, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $50 million of our common stock from time to time depending on market conditions and other considerations.  The program expires on December 31, 2021. See Part II, Item 5, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information about this stock repurchase program.

In 2019, we entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Trident University International (“Trident”). Trident is a regionally accredited university offering online undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs with a strong focus on graduate programs. Under the terms of the agreement, we have agreed to pay a cash purchase price in the range of $35 million to $44 million depending on Trident’s actual financial results measured in terms of its revenue and EBITDA during a 12-month period prior to closing. We will also reimburse the seller for certain employee related expenses, the amount of which will be finalized at closing. In addition, the parties have agreed to a working capital adjustment based on the final closing balance sheet and that

34


$4.0 $4.0 million of the purchase price will be set aside in an escrow account to secure indemnification obligations of the seller after closing. The purchase price is expected to be funded fully using the Company’s available cash balances. The acquisition of Trident is expected to be immediately accretive to the Company’s earnings after closing. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2019 or in early 2020, subject to necessary regulatory approvals and customary representations, warranties, covenants and closing conditions.

The discussion above reflects management’s expectations regarding liquidity; however, we are not able to assess the effect of loss contingencies on future cash requirements and liquidity. See Note 8 “Contingencies” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Further, as a result of the significance of the Title IV Program funds received by our students, we are highly dependent on these funds to operate our business. Any reduction in the level of Title IV Program funds that our students are eligible to receive or any impact on timing or our ability to receive Title IV Program funds, or any requirement to post a significant letter of credit to ED, may have a significant impact on our operations and our financial condition. In addition, our financial performance is dependent on the level of student enrollment which could be impacted by external factors. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Operating Cash Flows

During the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $53.4$85.4 million and $14.8$18.3 million, respectively. The improvement in cash flow from operations as compared to the prior year is primarily driven by improved operating performance within CTU and AIU and reduction of losses at our teach-out campuses.

Our primary source of cash flows from operating activities is tuition collected from our students. Our students derive the ability to pay tuition costs through the use of a variety of funding sources, including, among others, federal loan and grant programs, state grant programs, private loans and grants, institutional payment plans, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments. For the yearyears to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, approximately 80% and 78%, respectively, of our institutions’ cash receipts from tuition payments came from Title IV Program funding.

For further discussion of Title IV Program funding and alternative funding sources for our students, see Item 1, “Business - Student Financial Aid and Related Federal Regulation,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Our primary uses of cash to support our operating activities include, among other things, cash paid and benefits provided to our employees for services, to vendors for products and services, to lessors for rents and operating costs related to leased facilities, to suppliers for textbooks and other institution supplies, and to federal, state and local governments for income and other taxes.

Investing Cash Flows

During the yearyears to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, net cash flows used in investing activities totaled $32.3$39.3 million compared to net cash flows provided by investing activities of $2.4and $3.1 million, for the prior year to date.respectively.

Purchases and Sales of Available-for-Sale Investments. Purchases and sales of available-for-sale investments resulted in a net cash outflow of $30.9$36.1 million and a $5.1$0.8 million net cash inflow during the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures decreased to $1.4$3.2 million for the year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 as compared to $2.7$4.0 million for year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018. Capital expenditures represented less than 1.0% of total revenue for each of the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018. For the full year 2019, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately 1% to 2% of revenue.

Financing Cash Flows

During the years to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and 2018, net cash flows used in financing activities totaled $2.4$1.4 million and $2.0$1.7 million, respectively.

35


Payments of employee tax associated with stock compensation. Payments of employee tax associated with stock compensation were $2.6$2.7 million for the year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and $3.2$3.3 million for the prior year to date.

Credit Agreement. On December 27, 2018, we entered into a $50.0 million credit agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A., in its capacities as the sole lender and letter of credit issuer thereunder and the administrative agent for the lenders which from time to time may be parties to the credit agreement. The revolving credit facility under the credit agreement is scheduled to mature on January 20, 2022. Amounts borrowed under the credit agreement are required to be 100% secured with cash and marketable securities with the bank. The credit agreement, which includes certain financial covenants, requires that interest is payable at the end of each respective interest period or monthly in arrears, fees are payable quarterly in arrears and principal is payable at maturity. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and we remain in compliance with the covenants of the credit agreement.

35


Changes in Financial Position

          Selected condensed consolidated balance sheet account changes from December 31, 2018 to JuneSeptember 30, 2019 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

June 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

% Change

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments

 

$

280,236

 

 

$

229,159

 

 

 

22

%

 

$

311,826

 

 

$

229,159

 

 

 

36

%

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right of use asset

 

 

40,049

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

 

 

52,016

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

Deferred income tax assets, net

 

 

72,415

 

 

 

81,628

 

 

 

-11

%

 

 

65,363

 

 

 

81,628

 

 

 

-20

%

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liability-operating

 

 

13,390

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

 

 

12,109

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

Accrued expenses - other

 

 

39,496

 

 

 

19,668

 

 

 

101

%

 

 

46,610

 

 

 

19,668

 

 

 

137

%

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liability-operating

 

 

42,215

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

 

 

54,904

 

 

 

-

 

 

NM

 

Deferred rent obligations

 

 

-

 

 

 

12,745

 

 

NM

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

12,745

 

 

NM

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

9,854

 

 

 

17,493

 

 

 

-44

%

 

 

9,819

 

 

 

17,493

 

 

 

-44

%

          

           Total cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments: The increase is primarily driven by cash provided by operating activities as a result of the increase in total revenue within CTU and AIU during the current year partially offset with cash outflows related to the attorney generallegal settlement payments and annual long-term incentive compensation payments during the current year to date.

Right of use asset: The increase is due to a change in accounting for lease assets under ASC Topic 842 as of January 1, 2019.

Deferred income tax assets, net: The decrease is driven by the usage of deferred tax assets associated with the offset of income taxes payable.

Lease liability-operating, current: The increase is due to a change in accounting for lease liabilities under ASC Topic 842 as of January 1, 2019.

         Accrued expenses – other: The increase is driven by the recording of a $30.0 million reserve during the second quarter of 2019 relating to the FTC settlement.settlement and a $7.1 million reserve for the Oregon arbitration matter during the current year to date.  

Lease liability-operating, non-current: The increase is due to a change in accounting for lease liabilities under ASC Topic 842 as of January 1, 2019.

Deferred rent: The decrease is driven by the offset of deferred rent liabilities against the right of use asset upon adoption of ASC Topic 842 as of January 1, 2019.

          Other non-current liabilities: The decrease is driven by $5.1 million of unused space charges offset against the right of use asset upon adoption of ASC Topic 842.


Contractual Obligations

36


As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, future minimum cash payments under contractual obligations for our non-cancelable operating lease arrangements were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

2019 (5)

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2022

 

 

2023 & Thereafter

 

 

Total

 

 

2019 (5)

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2022

 

 

2023 & Thereafter

 

 

Total

 

Gross operating lease obligations (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ongoing operations (2)

 

$

5,098

 

 

$

12,393

 

 

$

10,339

 

 

$

8,652

 

 

$

22,364

 

 

$

58,846

 

 

$

1,707

 

 

$

13,318

 

 

$

12,440

 

 

$

11,331

 

 

$

35,821

 

 

$

74,617

 

Closed campuses (3)

 

 

2,333

 

 

 

4,069

 

 

 

1,064

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

7,466

 

 

 

744

 

 

 

4,072

 

 

 

1,065

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

5,881

 

Total gross operating lease obligations

 

$

7,431

 

 

$

16,462

 

 

$

11,403

 

 

$

8,652

 

 

$

22,364

 

 

$

66,312

 

 

$

2,451

 

 

$

17,390

 

 

$

13,505

 

 

$

11,331

 

 

$

35,821

 

 

$

80,498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sublease income (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ongoing operations (2)

 

$

409

 

 

$

860

 

 

$

764

 

 

$

777

 

 

$

330

 

 

$

3,140

 

 

$

163

 

 

$

860

 

 

$

764

 

 

$

777

 

 

$

330

 

 

$

2,894

 

Closed campuses (3)

 

 

1,146

 

 

 

1,905

 

 

 

317

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,368

 

 

 

486

 

 

 

1,905

 

 

 

317

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,708

 

Total sublease income

 

$

1,555

 

 

$

2,765

 

 

$

1,081

 

 

$

777

 

 

$

330

 

 

$

6,508

 

 

$

649

 

 

$

2,765

 

 

$

1,081

 

 

$

777

 

 

$

330

 

 

$

5,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating lease obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ongoing operations (2)

 

$

4,689

 

 

$

11,533

 

 

$

9,575

 

 

$

7,875

 

 

$

22,034

 

 

$

55,706

 

 

$

1,544

 

 

$

12,458

 

 

$

11,676

 

 

$

10,554

 

 

$

35,491

 

 

$

71,723

 

Closed campuses (3)

 

 

1,187

 

 

 

2,164

 

 

 

747

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

4,098

 

 

 

258

 

 

 

2,167

 

 

 

748

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

3,173

 

Total net contractual lease obligations

 

$

5,876

 

 

$

13,697

 

 

$

10,322

 

 

$

7,875

 

 

$

22,034

 

 

$

59,804

 

 

$

1,802

 

 

$

14,625

 

 

$

12,424

 

 

$

10,554

 

 

$

35,491

 

 

$

74,896

 

 

(1)

Amounts exclude certain costs associated with real estate leases, such as expense for common area maintenance (i.e., “CAM”) and taxes, as these amounts are undeterminable at this time and may vary based on future circumstances.

(2)

Amounts relate to ongoing operations which include CTU, AIU and Corporate.

(3)

Amounts relate to closed campuses.

(4)

Amounts provided are for executed sublease arrangements.

(5)

Amounts provided are for liabilities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We use various techniques to manage our market risk. We had no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments, and believe the risk related to cash equivalents and available for sale investments is limited due to the adherence to our investment policy, which focuses on capital preservation and liquidity. In addition, we utilize asset managers who conduct initial and ongoing credit analysis on our investment portfolio and monitor that all investments are in compliance with our investment policy. Despite the investment risk mitigation strategies we employ, we may incur investment losses as a result of unusual and unpredictable market developments and may experience reduced investment earnings if the yields on investments deemed to be low risk remain low or decline.

Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Exposure

We manage interest rate risk by investing excess funds in cash equivalents and available for sale investments bearing a combination of fixed and variable interest rates, which are tied to various market indices. Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if we are forced to sell investments that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. At JuneSeptember 30, 2019, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates applicable to our investments or borrowings would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair values or cash flows.

Any outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility bear annual interest at fluctuating rates under either the Base Rate Loan or as determined by the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for the relevant currency, plus the applicable rate based on the type of loan. Under the credit agreement, if LIBOR cannot be determined or an announcement is made about a specific date after which LIBOR will no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans, an alternative to LIBOR or a mechanism to establish an alternate rate is specified. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility.

37


During 2019 we were subject to foreign currency exchange exposures arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and from the translation of foreign currency balance sheet accounts into U.S. dollar balance sheet accounts, primarily related to an equity investment. We are subject to risks associated with fluctuations in the value of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar.

37


Our financial instruments are recorded at their fair values as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018. We believe that the exposure of our consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows to adverse changes in interest rates applicable to our investments or borrowings or to foreign currency fluctuations is not significant.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We completed an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”) under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by us in this Report was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.

These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

 

38


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Note 8 “Contingencies”Contingencies to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

           In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the reader should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2019.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth information regarding purchases made by us of shares of our common stock on a monthly basis during the year to date ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Period

 

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased (1)

 

 

Average Price

Paid per Share

 

 

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced Plans

or Programs (2)

 

 

Maximum

Approximate

Dollar Value of

Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plans

or Programs (2)

 

 

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased (1)

 

 

Average Price

Paid per Share

 

 

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced Plans

or Programs (2)

 

 

Maximum

Approximate

Dollar Value of

Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plans

or Programs (2)

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

183,296,772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

183,296,772

 

January 1, 2019—January 31, 2019

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

 

 

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

February 1, 2019—February 28, 2019

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

March 1, 2019—March 31, 2019

 

 

155,137

 

 

 

16.32

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

 

 

155,137

 

 

 

16.32

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

April 1, 2019—April 30, 2019

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

May 1, 2019—May 31, 2019

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

June 1, 2019—June 30, 2019

 

 

1,580

 

 

 

19.58

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

 

 

1,580

 

 

 

19.58

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

July 1, 2019—July 31, 2019

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

August 1, 2019—August 31, 2019

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

September 1, 2019—September 30, 2019

 

 

6,593

 

 

 

19.57

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

183,296,772

 

Total

 

 

156,717

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

163,310

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes 119,766126,359 and 36,951 shares delivered back to the Company for payment of withholding taxes from employees for vesting restricted stock units pursuant to the terms of the Career Education Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan and 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan, respectively.

(2)

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2019, approximately $183.3 million was available under our previously authorized repurchase program. Stock repurchases under thisThis repurchase program may be madewas terminated on the open market from time to time, depending on various factors, including market conditionsNovember 4, 2019, and corporate and regulatory requirements. Thea new stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.was approved. See Item 5 below for information about the new stock repurchase program

Item 5.

Other Information

ModificationOn November 4, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new stock repurchase program which authorizes the Company to 2018 Ownership Equity Awards

As previously disclosed, on December 14, 2018, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”)repurchase up to $50 million of the Company’s Boardoutstanding common stock. The timing of Directors granted performance-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”)purchases and the number of shares repurchased under the Career Education Corporation 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2016 Plan”)new program will be determined by the Company’s management and will depend on a variety of factors including stock price, trading volume and other general market and economic conditions, its assessment of alternative uses of capital, regulatory requirements and other factors.

Repurchases will be made in open market transactions, including block purchases, conducted in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act. Repurchases may also be made pursuant to certain eligible employees, including executive officers oftrading plans established under Rule 10b5-1 under the Company. These awards, referredExchange Act, which would permit shares to as Ownership Equity Awards (“OEA”), were designed to continue to foster an ownership culture atbe repurchased when the Company while focusing on achieving the Company’s financial goals, delivering on its strategic objective to support student retention and academic outcomes and retaining talent to increase long-term stockholder value. The Committee determined to make these awards to drive continued progress on the Company’s objective of sustainable and responsible growth given that the Company was completing the teach-out of all of the campuses in its former All Other Campuses segment by the end of 2018.

The 2018 OEA grants (other than those made to Todd Nelson and Ashish Ghia, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively) are eligible to vest 85% subject to the achievement of a rigorous two-year adjusted EBITDA performance goal for 2019-20. The 2018 OEA grants to Messrs. Nelson and Ghia are eligible to vest 70% subject to the achievement of the same rigorous two-year adjusted EBITDA performance goal for 2019-20. The rigorous nature of the two-year adjustedmight otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws.

39


EBITDA performance goal for 2019-20 when establishedThe stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase shares and the Company may, in its discretion, begin, suspend or terminate repurchases at any time, without any prior notice. The program expires on December 2018 is evidenced31, 2021 and replaces all prior stock repurchase programs authorized by the Company’s determination under FASB ASC 718 that asBoard of the grant date the probable outcome was that the performance goal would not be achieved.Directors.

On August 6, 2019, the Committee approved a revised two-year adjusted EBITDA performance goal for 2019-20 for the 2018 OEA grants. The Committee determined to lower the adjusted EBITDA performance goal by 5% taking into consideration current operational expectations and in order to continue to motivate and retain the eligible employees who received the 2018 OEA grants. The revised performance goal continues to be a rigorous goal as evidenced by the Company’s determination under FASB ASC 718 that as of the modification date the probable outcome was that the revised performance goal would not be achieved.

The new student retention performance measure and minimum threshold level of adjusted EBITDA performance applicable for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 remain unchanged, as does the market-based performance goal applicable to 15% of the 2018 OEA grants to Messrs. Nelson and Ghia.

Please see the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 18, 2018 and the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in the Company’s 2019 Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 22, 2019 for additional information regarding the 2018 OEA grants.

Change to Named Executive Officer Compensation

On August 2, 2018, the Committee approved a 6.7% base salary increase for Ashish Ghia, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, to $400,000, effective August 5, 2019.

Item 6.

Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed in the “Exhibit Index,” which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40


 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

 

Exhibit Number

 

Exhibit

 

Incorporated by Reference to:

+10.1

Stipulated Order for Permanent Injunction and Monetary Judgment dated October 9, 2019 agreed to by the Federal Trade Commission and Career Education Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

+31.1

 

Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+31.2

 

Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+32.1

 

Certification of CEO Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+32.2

 

Certification of CFO Pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+101101.INS

 

The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q forInline XBRL Instance Document- the six months ended June 30, 2019, filed withinstance document does not appear in the SEC on August 7, 2019, formatted inInteractive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income and Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stocholders' Equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, (iv) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, and (v) Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial StatementsXBRL document

+101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

+101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

+101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

+101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

+101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+104

 

The cover page from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL (included in Exhibit 101)

 

 

 

 

____

 

 

 

 

* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an Exhibit on this Form 10-Q.

 

 

 

 

+Filed herewith.

 

 

 

41


SIGNATURES

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 thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

Date: August 7,November 6, 2019

By:

 

/s/ TODD S. NELSON

 

 

 

Todd S. Nelson

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

Date: August 7,November 6, 2019

By:

 

/s/ ASHISH R. GHIA

 

 

 

Ashish R. Ghia

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

42