Table of Contents


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

2019

Commission File No. 0-21039

Strayer

Strategic Education, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in this charter)

Maryland

52-1975978

Maryland

52-1975978
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2303 Dulles Station Boulevard

Herndon, VA

20171

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (703) 561-1600

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes       No   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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  

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueSTRANasdaq Global Select Market
(Title of each class)(Trading symbol(s))(Name of each exchange on which registered)
As of April 13, 2018,15, 2019, there were outstanding 11,300,67121,931,496 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Registrant.



STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
INDEX
FORM 10-Q

Table of Contents

STRAYER EDUCATION, INC.

INDEX

FORM 10-Q

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

3

4

5

6

7

22

30

30

31

31

31

31

31

31

32

33

CERTIFICATIONS


2



STRAYERSTRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

March 31, 2018

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

155,933

 

$

165,867

 

Tuition receivable, net

 

 

23,122

 

 

24,997

 

Other current assets

 

 

11,293

 

 

10,558

 

Total current assets

 

 

190,348

 

 

201,422

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

73,763

 

 

73,686

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

24,452

 

 

23,803

 

Goodwill

 

 

20,744

 

 

20,744

 

Other assets

 

 

11,971

 

 

12,155

 

Total assets

 

$

321,278

 

$

331,810

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

$

46,177

 

$

45,806

 

Income taxes payable

 

 

1,038

 

 

2,541

 

Contract liabilities

 

 

21,851

 

 

23,931

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

69,066

 

 

72,278

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

43,015

 

 

41,240

 

Total liabilities

 

 

112,081

 

 

113,518

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $0.01; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 11,167,425 and 11,300,671 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2018, respectively

 

 

112

 

 

113

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

47,079

 

 

49,766

 

Retained earnings

 

 

162,006

 

 

168,413

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

209,197

 

 

218,292

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

321,278

 

$

331,810

 

 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2019
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$311,732
 $352,387
Marketable securities, current37,121
 36,486
Tuition receivable, net55,694
 50,842
Other current assets15,814
 16,874
Total current assets420,361
 456,589
Property and equipment, net122,677
 119,040
Right-of-use lease assets
 101,533
Marketable securities, non-current37,678
 31,866
Intangible assets, net328,344
 314,511
Goodwill732,540
 732,799
Other assets19,429
 19,052
Total assets$1,661,029
 $1,775,390
    
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$85,979
 $80,085
Income taxes payable419
 6,144
Contract liabilities38,733
 40,826
Lease liabilities, current
 26,462
Total current liabilities125,131
 153,517
Deferred income tax liabilities59,358
 70,298
Lease liabilities, non-current
 90,501
Other long-term liabilities51,316
 37,636
Total liabilities235,805
 351,952
Commitments and contingencies
 
Stockholders’ equity:   
Common stock, par value $0.01; 32,000,000 shares authorized; 21,743,498 and 21,923,800 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019, respectively217
 219
Additional paid-in capital1,306,653
 1,304,170
Accumulated other comprehensive income32
 266
Retained earnings118,322
 118,783
Total stockholders’ equity1,425,224
 1,423,438
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,661,029
 $1,775,390
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3



STRAYERSTRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

    

2017

    

2018

    

Revenues

 

$

114,912

 

$

116,469

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruction and educational support

 

 

61,416

 

 

63,776

 

Marketing

 

 

18,718

 

 

20,124

 

Admissions advisory

 

 

4,716

 

 

4,676

 

General and administration

 

 

11,619

 

 

11,218

 

Merger costs

 

 

 —

 

 

5,347

 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

96,469

 

 

105,141

 

Income from operations

 

 

18,443

 

 

11,328

 

Investment income

 

 

181

 

 

448

 

Interest expense

 

 

159

 

 

159

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

18,465

 

 

11,617

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

7,887

 

 

2,150

 

Net income

 

$

10,578

 

$

9,467

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.00

 

$

0.88

 

Diluted

 

$

0.95

 

$

0.84

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

10,630

 

 

10,745

 

Diluted

 

 

11,121

 

 

11,311

 

 For the three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2019
Revenues$116,469
 $246,508
Costs and expenses:   
Instructional and support costs68,452
 134,050
General and administration31,342
 64,139
Amortization of intangible assets
 15,417
Merger and integration costs5,347
 7,179
Total costs and expenses105,141
 220,785
Income from operations11,328
 25,723
Other income289
 3,327
Income before income taxes11,617
 29,050
Provision for income taxes2,150
 17,550
Net income$9,467
 $11,500
Earnings per share:   
Basic$0.88
 $0.53
Diluted$0.84
 $0.52
Weighted average shares outstanding:   
Basic10,745
 21,499
Diluted11,311
 22,050
Cash dividend declared per share$0.25
 $0.50
STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
 For the three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2019
Net income$9,467
 $11,500
Other comprehensive income:   
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax
 234
Comprehensive income$9,467
 $11,734
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4



STRAYERSTRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

    

Shares

    

Par Value

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

 

11,093,489

 

$

111

 

$

35,453

 

$

152,810

 

$

188,374

 

Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures

 

66,395

 

 

 1

 

 

(1)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,427

 

 

 —

 

 

2,427

 

Common stock dividends

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,853)

 

 

(2,853)

 

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

10,578

 

 

10,578

 

Balance at March 31, 2017

 

11,159,884

 

$

112

 

$

37,879

 

$

160,535

 

$

198,526

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

    

Par Value

    

Capital

    

Earnings

    

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 

11,167,425

 

$

112

 

$

47,079

 

$

162,006

 

$

209,197

 

Impact of adoption of new accounting standard

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(171)

 

 

(171)

 

Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures

 

133,246

 

 

 1

 

 

(1)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,688

 

 

 —

 

 

2,688

 

Common stock dividends

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(2,889)

 

 

(2,889)

 

Net income

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

9,467

 

 

9,467

 

Balance at March 31, 2018

 

11,300,671

 

$

113

 

$

49,766

 

$

168,413

 

$

218,292

 

 Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 Total
 Shares Par Value    
Balance at December 31, 201711,167,425
 $112
 $47,079
 $162,006
 $
 $209,197
Impact of adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 (171) 
 (171)
Stock-based compensation
 
 2,688
 
 
 2,688
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures133,246
 1
 (1) 
 
 
Common stock dividends
 
 
 (2,889) 
 (2,889)
Net income
 
 
 9,467
 
 9,467
Balance at March 31, 201811,300,671
 $113
 $49,766
 $168,413
 $
 $218,292
 Common Stock 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income 
 Total
 Shares Par Value    
Balance at December 31, 201821,743,498
 $217
 $1,306,653
 $118,322
 $32
 $1,425,224
Stock-based compensation
 
 2,772
 82
 
 2,854
Exercise of stock options, net51,889
 1
 (1,700) 
 
 (1,699)
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures121,714
 1
 (1) 
 
 
Issuance of restricted stock, net6,699
 
 (3,554) 
 
 (3,554)
Common stock dividends
 
 
 (11,121) 
 (11,121)
Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of tax
 
 
 
 234
 234
Net income
 
 
 11,500
 
 11,500
Balance at March 31, 201921,923,800
 $219
 $1,304,170
 $118,783
 $266
 $1,423,438
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5



STRAYERSTRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

    

2017

    

2018

    

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

10,578

 

$

9,467

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of gain on sale of assets

 

 

(71)

 

 

 —

 

Amortization of deferred rent

 

 

(477)

 

 

(417)

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

66

 

 

66

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4,370

 

 

5,035

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

762

 

 

(1,842)

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

2,427

 

 

2,688

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuition receivable, net

 

 

19

 

 

(2,249)

 

Other current assets

 

 

616

 

 

931

 

Other assets

 

 

397

 

 

115

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

(2,836)

 

 

(867)

 

Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable

 

 

7,089

 

 

3,995

 

Contract liabilities

 

 

2,441

 

 

1,192

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

(846)

 

 

(1,065)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

24,535

 

 

17,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

 

(3,841)

 

 

(4,233)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(3,841)

 

 

(4,233)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common dividends paid

 

 

(2,853)

 

 

(2,889)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(2,853)

 

 

(2,889)

 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

 

17,841

 

 

9,927

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — beginning of period

 

 

129,758

 

 

156,448

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — end of period

 

$

147,599

 

$

166,375

 

Noncash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable

 

$

571

 

$

2,385

 

 For the three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income$9,467
 $11,500
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Amortization of deferred financing costs66
 83
Amortization of investment discount/premium
 127
Depreciation and amortization5,035
 25,983
Deferred income taxes(1,842) 10,834
Stock-based compensation2,688
 3,010
Changes in assets and liabilities:   
Tuition receivable, net(2,249) 4,847
Other current assets931
 (1,060)
Other assets115
 325
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(867) (3,537)
Income taxes payable and income taxes receivable3,995
 6,031
Contract liabilities1,192
 1,702
Other long-term liabilities(1,482) (1,187)
Net cash provided by operating activities17,049
 58,658
    
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Purchases of property and equipment(4,233) (8,756)
Purchases of marketable securities
 (6,249)
Maturities of marketable securities
 12,910
Other investments
 (374)
Net cash used in investing activities(4,233) (2,469)
    
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Common dividends paid(2,889) (11,091)
Taxes paid for stock awards
 (4,443)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,889) (15,534)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash9,927
 40,655
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — beginning of period156,448
 312,237
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash — end of period$166,375
 $352,892
Noncash transactions:   
Purchases of property and equipment included in accounts payable$2,385
 $634
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6



STRAYERSTRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

(UNAUDITED)

1.    Nature of Operations

Strayer

1.Nature of Operations
Strategic Education, Inc. (the(“Strategic Education” or the “Company”), a Maryland corporation conducts its operations through its wholly-owned subsidiaries,formerly known as Strayer University (the “University”) and New York Code and Design Academy (“NYCDA”). The University is an accredited institution of higher education that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields of study online and through physical campuses, predominantly located in the eastern United States. NYCDAEducation, Inc., is a New York City-based provider of webnational leader in education innovation, dedicated to enabling economic mobility for working adults through education. As further discussed in Note 2 and application software development courses. NYCDA courses are delivered primarily on-ground to students seeking to further their career in software application development. The Company has only one reportable segment.

2.    Merger with Capella Education Company

On October 29, 2017,Note 3, the Company entered into acompleted its merger agreement with Capella Education Company (“Capella”CEC”). Capella provides post-secondary education on August 1, 2018. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and job-skills programs primarily through its subsidiary Capella University. The merger was approved byfootnotes include the Company’s stockholders and by Capella’s shareholders on January 19, 2018. Upon consummation of the merger, Capella will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and will continue to offer its education programs through Capella University.

Pursuant to the merger, the Company will issue 0.875 sharesresults of the Company’s Common Stock for each issuedthree reportable segments: Strayer University, Capella University and outstanding share of Capella Common Stock. Outstanding equity awards held by current Capella employees and certain non-employee directors of Capella will be assumed by the Company and converted into comparable Company awards at the exchange ratio. Outstanding equity awards held by Capella non-employee directors who will not serve as directors of the Company after completion of the merger and by former Capella employees will be settled upon completion of the mergerNon-Degree Programs. The Company’s reportable segments are discussed further in exchange for cash payments as specified in the merger agreement. Following the merger, stockholders of the Company and Capella are expected to own approximately 52% and 48%, respectively, of the outstanding combined company shares on a fully diluted basis, based on the number of shares currently expected to be outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.

Also in connection with the completion of the merger, and as approved by the Company’s shareholders on January 19, 2018, the Company will change its name to Strategic Education, Inc. and increase the number of shares of authorized Common Stock to 32,000,000. The merger is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2018, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of approvals by the Department of Education, state educational regulators, and relevant accreditation bodies.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company incurred $5.3 million of merger costs. These costs were primarily attributable to legal, accounting, and integration support services incurred by the Company in connection with the proposed merger, and are included in merger costs in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

3.    Significant Accounting Policies

Note 15.

2.Significant Accounting Policies
Financial Statement Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

On August 1, 2018, the Company completed its merger with CEC, whereby the Company was deemed the acquirer in the business combination for accounting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Therefore, Strayer Education, Inc. is considered Strategic Education’s predecessor, and its historical financial statements prior to the merger date are reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as the historical financial statements of the Company. Accordingly, the financial results of the Company as of and for any periods ended prior to August 1, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC and therefore are not directly comparable.
All information as of December 31, 20172018 and March 31, 20172018 and 2018,2019, and for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 20182019 is unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Company. Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of AmericaGAAP have been condensed or omitted. In addition, the Company had no items of other comprehensive income in the periods presented and accordingly comprehensive income is equal to net income. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,

7


2017. 2018. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

New accounting standard for revenue recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”) which supersedes

Certain amounts in the prior revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance. During 2016 and 2017,period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspectscurrent period's presentation. Effective during the first quarter of ASU 2014-09. On January 1, 2018,2019, the Company adoptedmade changes in its presentation of operating expenses and reclassified prior periods to conform to the new accounting standardcurrent presentation. The Company determined that these changes aligned with its organizational structure and will improve comparability with several of its peer companies. There were no changes to total operating expenses or operating income as a result of these reclassifications. Below is a description of the nature of the costs included in the Company’s operating expense categories.
Instruction and support costs ("I&SC") generally contain items of expense directly attributable to activities of Strayer University and Capella University (the "Universities") that support students and learners. This expense category includes salaries and benefits of faculty and academic administrators, as well as admissions and administrative personnel who support and serve student interests. Instructional and support costs also include course development costs and costs associated with delivering course content, including educational supplies, facilities, and all other physical plant and occupancy costs, with the related amendments (“ASC 606”) using the modified retrospective method. The Company recognized the cumulative effectexception of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustmentcosts attributable to the opening balancecorporate offices. Bad debt expense incurred on delinquent student account balances is also included in instructional and support costs.
General and administration ("G&A") expenses include salaries and benefits of retained earnings. management and employees engaged in finance, human resources, legal, regulatory compliance, marketing and other corporate functions. Also included are the costs of advertising and production of marketing materials. General and administration expense also includes the facilities occupancy and other related costs attributable to such functions.

The comparative information hasfollowing table presents the Company's operating expenses as previously reported and as reclassified on its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended (in thousands):
  New Classification
  March 31, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2018
Prior Classification I&SC G&A I&SC G&A I&SC G&A I&SC G&A
Instructional and educational support $63,776
 $
 $64,690
 $
 $93,290
 $
 $118,320
 $
Admissions advisory 4,676
 
 4,609
 
 9,789
 
 12,392
 
Marketing 
 20,124
 
 21,113
 
 46,165
 
 49,577
General and administration 
 11,218
 
 11,063
 
 15,811
 
 18,964
Total reclassified costs and expenses(1)
 $68,452
 $31,342
 $69,299
 $32,176
 $103,079
 $61,976
 $130,712
 $68,541

(1)This amount excludes the amortization of intangible assets and merger and integration costs expense line items on the condensed consolidated statements of income as those expense line items were not been restated and continues to be reported underimpacted by the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company expects the impact of the adoption of the new standard to be immaterial to the Company’s net income on an ongoing basis. Refer to Note 4 for further discussion.operating expense reclassification.

Restricted Cash

A significant portion of the Company’s revenues are funded by various federal and state government programs. The Company generally does not receive funds from these programs prior to the start of the corresponding academic term. The Company may be required to return certain funds for students who withdraw from the UniversityUniversities during the academic term. The Company had approximately $15,000 and $8,000$5,000 of these unpaid obligations as of December 31, 20172018 and March 31, 2018, respectively, of these unpaid obligations,2019, which are recorded as restricted cash and included in other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

As part of commencing operations in Pennsylvania in 2003, the Company is required to maintain a “minimum protective endowment” of at least $0.5 million in an interest-bearing account as long as the Company operates its campuses in the state. The Company holds these funds in an interest-bearing account which is included in other assets.

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of March 31, 20172018 and 20182019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

 

March 31,

 

 

2017

 

2018

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

147,099

 

$

165,867

Restricted cash included in other current assets

 

 

 —

 

 

 8

Restricted cash included in other long-term assets

 

 

500

 

 

500

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows

 

$

147,599

 

$

166,375

 As of March 31,
 2018 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$165,867
 $352,387
Restricted cash included in other current assets8
 5
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets500
 500
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$166,375
 $352,892
Tuition Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records tuition receivable and contract liabilities for its students upon the start of the academic term or program. Therefore, at the end of the quarter (and academic term), tuition receivable generally represents amounts due from students for educational services already provided and contract liabilities generally represents advance payments from students for academic services to be provided in the future. Tuition receivables are not collateralized; however, credit risk is minimized as a result of the diverse nature of the University’sUniversities' student base.bases and through the participation of the majority of the students in federally funded financial aid programs. An allowance for doubtful accounts is established primarily based upon historical collection rates by group of receivable reflecting factors such as age of receivable,the balance due, student academic status, and size of outstanding balance, net of estimated recoveries.recoveries, and consideration of other relevant factors. These collection rates incorporate historical performance based on a student’s current enrollment status and likelihood of future enrollment. The Company periodically assesses its methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience.

8



The Company’s tuition receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows as of December 31, 20172018 and March 31, 20182019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

December 31, 2017

    

March 31, 2018

 

Tuition receivable

 

$

35,809

 

$

38,772

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

(12,687)

 

 

(13,775)

 

Tuition receivable, net

 

$

23,122

 

$

24,997

 

 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2019
Tuition receivable$84,151
 $80,229
Allowance for doubtful accounts(28,457) (29,387)
Tuition receivable, net$55,694
 $50,842
Approximately $2.9$1.1 million and $3.3$0.8 million of tuition receivable are included in other assets as of December 31, 20172018 and March 31, 2018,2019, respectively, because these amounts are expected to be collected after 12 months.

The following table illustrates changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 20182019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the three months ended

    

 

 

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period

 

$

10,201

 

$

12,687

 

Additions charged to expense

 

 

4,382

 

 

6,391

 

Write-offs, net of recoveries

 

 

(3,763)

 

 

(5,303)

 

   Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period

 

$

10,820

 

$

13,775

 

Fair Value

The Fair Value Measurement Topic, ASC 820-10 (“ASC 820-10”), establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based upon

 For the three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts, beginning of period$12,687
 $28,457
Additions charged to expense6,391
 12,320
Write-offs, net of recoveries(5,303) (11,390)
Allowance for doubtful accounts, end of period$13,775
 $29,387
Leases
In February 2016, the observabilityFASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 is intended to improve financial reporting of inputs usedleasing transactions by requiring organizations that lease assets to measure fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Assetsrecognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leases with a term longer than 12 months. ASU 2016-02 also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. During 2018 and 2019, the FASB issued additional ASUs amending certain aspects of ASU 2016-02. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new accounting standard and all the related amendments ("ASC 842") using the modified retrospective method. The Company applied ASU 2016-02 to all leases that had commenced as of January 1, 2019. In addition, as permitted by ASU 2016-02, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under ASU 2016-02, which allowed the Company to not reassess prior conclusions regarding lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs under the new standard. As a result of adopting the new standard, the Company recognized a lease liability of $123 million and a right-of-use asset of $107 million on January 1, 2019. The standard did not materially impact the Company's condensed consolidated statements of income and cash flows.
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases with an initial term longer than 12 months are classifiedincluded in their entirety withinright-of-use ("ROU") lease assets, short-term lease liabilities, and long-term lease liabilities on the fair value hierarchyCompany's condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company combines lease and non-lease components for all leases.
ROU lease assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Under ASC 820-10, fairpresent value of an investment islease payments over the price that would be received to sell an asset or to transfer a liability to an entity in an orderly transaction between market participants atlease term. As the measurement date. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to assets and liabilities with readily available quoted prices in an active market and lowest priority to unobservable inputs which require a higher degree of judgment when measuring fair value, as follows:

·

Level 1 assets or liabilities use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the measurement date;

·

Level 2 assets or liabilities use observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and

·

Level 3 assets or liabilities use unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

The Company’s assets and liabilities that are subject to fair value measurement are categorized in oneimplicit interest rates for most of the three levels above. Fair values areCompany's leases cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the inputsinformation available at the measurement dates,commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. The Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company subleases certain building space to third parties and may relysublease income is recognized on certain assumptions that may affecta straight-line basis over the valuation of fair valuelease term. See Note 7 for certain assets or liabilities.

additional information.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.assumed in a business combination. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include trade names, are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date. An indefinite life was assigned to the trade names because they have the continued ability to generate cash flows indefinitely.


Goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the respective reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying amount. No
Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on their acquisition dates and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of student relationships.
The Company reviews its finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances occurred inindicate that the three months ended March 31, 2018carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment loss is recognized to indicate an impairment to goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangibleextent the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

9


Authorized Stock

The Company has authorized 20,000,00032,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01,$0.01, of which 11,167,42521,743,498 and 11,300,67121,923,800 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 20172018 and March 31, 2018,2019, respectively. The Company also has authorized 8,000,000 shares of preferred stock, none of which is issued or outstanding. Before any preferred stock may be issued in the future, the Board of Directors would need to establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and the terms or conditions of the redemption of the preferred stock.

In March 2018,February 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.25$0.50 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on March 19, 2018.

Stock-Based Compensation

As required by the Stock Compensation Topic, ASC 718, the Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchases related to the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan, based on estimated fair values. Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for each of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and, therefore, has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and revises the estimate, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The forfeiture rate used is based on historical experience. The Company also assesses the likelihood that performance criteria associated with performance-based awards will be met. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that performance criteria will not be achieved, the Company revises its estimate of the number of shares it believes will ultimately vest. See note 7 for additional information.

18, 2019.

Net Income Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur assuming conversion or exercise of all dilutive unexercised stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of stock awards was determined using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, all of the following are assumed to be used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock: (1) the proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and (2) the amount of compensation cost associated with the stock awards for future service not yet recognized by the Company. Stock options are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when the stock option exercise price of an individual grant exceeds the average market price for the period.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018, the Company had no issued and outstanding stock options that were excluded from the calculation.

Set forth below is a reconciliation of shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 20182019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the three months ended

    

 

 

March 31,

 

 

    

2017

    

2018

    

Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share

 

10,630

 

10,745

 

Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options

 

35

 

45

 

Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units

 

456

 

521

 

    Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share

 

11,121

 

11,311

 

Income Taxes

The

 For the three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2019
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share10,745
 21,499
Incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options45
 92
Unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units521
 459
Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share11,311
 22,050
During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company provides for deferredhad approximately 59,000 shares of restricted stock excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been antidilutive. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company had no issued and outstanding awards that were excluded from the calculation.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income taxes based on temporary differences between financial statementincludes net income and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effectall changes in the year inCompany’s equity during a period from non-owner sources, which the differences are expected to reverse.

The Income Taxes Topic, ASC 740, requires the company to determine whether uncertain tax positions should be recognized within the Company’s financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are recognized when a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is determined more likely than not to be sustained upon examination. Upon determination, uncertain tax positions are measured to determine the amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority

10


that has full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position is derecognized if it no longer meets the more likely than not threshold of being sustained.

The tax years since 2014 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years since 2013 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.

consists of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax. As of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019, the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income was $32,000, net of tax of $10,000 and $266,000, net of tax of $116,000, respectively. There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2019.


Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the period reported. The most significant management estimates include allowances for doubtful accounts, useful lives of property and equipment and intangible assets, fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations, incremental borrowing rates, potential sublease income and vacancy periods, accrued expenses, forfeiture rates and the likelihood of achieving performance criteria for stock-based awards, value of free courses earned by students that will be redeemed in the future, valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, fair value of contingent consideration, and the provision for income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016,June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02,2018-07, LeasesCompensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 842)718):  Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-02”2018-07”). The new, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. ASU 2018-07 aligns guidance requireson share-based payments to nonemployees with the recognitionrequirements for share-based payments granted to employees, including determination of right-of-use assetsthe measurement date and lease liabilities on the balance sheetaccounting for most leases. Under current guidance, operating leases are off-balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 also requires more extensive quantitativeperformance conditions and qualitative disclosures about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 applies to fiscal periods beginningfor share-based payments after December 15, 2018, using the modified retrospective method, with early adoption permitted.vesting. The Company anticipates that theadopted this guidance as of January 1, 2019 with no material impact of ASU 2016-02 on its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet will be material as the Company will record significant asset and corresponding liability balances in connection with its leased properties.financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), which applies to ASC Topic 326,:  Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses and will require organizations to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about collectibility. Assets must be presented in the financial statements at the net amount expected to be collected. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact this standard will have on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the Statement of Cash Flows by providing guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. The Company adopted the standard retrospectively on January 1, 2018 with no effect on its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash (Topic 230) (“ASU 2016-18”). Under ASU 2016-18, an entity should include in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2016-18 with no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill only in the event that an impairment is recognized. The amendments in this update should be adopted on a prospective basis for the annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019, though early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this guidance effective as of January 1, 2018 with no material impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other ASUs issued by the FASB but not yet effective are not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3.Merger with Capella Education Company

11


Table of Contents

4.    Revenue Recognition

On JanuaryAugust 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606completed its merger with CEC and its wholly owned subsidiaries, pursuant to a merger agreement dated October 29, 2017. The merger has enabled the Company to become a national leader in education innovation that improves affordability and enhances career outcomes by offering complementary programs and sharing academic and technological best practices, through a best-in-class corporate platform supporting two independent universities.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, the Company issued 0.875 shares of the Company’s common stock for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock. Outstanding equity awards held by existing CEC employees and certain non-employee directors of CEC were assumed by the Company and converted into comparable Company awards at the exchange ratio. Outstanding equity awards held by CEC non-employee directors who did not serve as directors of the Company after completion of the merger were converted to Company awards and settled. Outstanding equity awards held by former CEC employees were settled upon completion of the merger in exchange for cash payments as specified in the merger agreement.
The following table summarizes the components of the aggregate consideration transferred for the acquisition of CEC (in thousands):
Fair value of Company common stock issued in exchange for CEC outstanding shares(1)
$1,209,483
Fair value of Company equity-based awards issued in exchange for CEC equity-based awards27,478
Total fair value of consideration transferred$1,236,961

(1)
The Company issued 10,263,775 common shares at a market price of $117.84 in exchange for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock.
The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting to CEC’s business, whereby the excess of the acquisition date fair value of consideration transferred over the fair value of identifiable net assets was allocated to goodwill. Goodwill reflects workforce and synergies expected from cost savings, operations, and revenue enhancements of the combined company that are expected to result from the acquisition. The goodwill recorded as part of the merger has been provisionally allocated to the Strayer University and

Capella University reportable segments in the amount of $330.6 million and $395.4 million, respectively, and is not deductible for tax purposes.
To date, the Company has incurred $20.1 million of acquisition-related costs which have been recognized in Merger and integration costs in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. Issuance costs of $0.1 million were recognized in additional paid-in capital in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The preliminary opening balance sheet is subject to adjustment based on final assessment of the fair values of certain acquired assets and liabilities, primarily intangible assets and income taxes. As the Company finalizes its assessment of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, additional purchase price adjustments may be recorded during the measurement period. The Company reflects measurement period adjustments, if any, in the period in which the adjustments occur. During the first quarter of 2019, the Company reduced current assets by $0.3 million and the acquired deferred income tax liability by $0.1 million, which resulted in a $0.2 million increase to goodwill recognized in connection with the CEC merger.
The preliminary fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as a reconciliation to consideration transferred is presented in the table below (in thousands):
Cash and cash equivalents$167,859
Marketable securities, current31,419
Tuition receivable38,803
Income tax receivable163
Other current assets8,496
Marketable securities, non-current34,700
Property and equipment, net53,182
Other assets14,556
Intangible assets349,800
Goodwill725,999
Total assets acquired1,424,977
Accounts payable and accrued expenses(46,735)
Contract liabilities(39,000)
Deferred income taxes(100,044)
Other long term liabilities(2,237)
Total liabilities assumed(188,016)
Total consideration$1,236,961
The table below presents a summary of intangible assets acquired (in thousands) and the weighted average useful lives of these assets:
 Fair Value 
Weighted Average
Useful Life in Years
Trade names$183,800
 Indefinite
Student relationships166,000
 3
 $349,800
  
The Company determined the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on assumptions that reasonable market participants would use while employing the concept of highest and best use of the assets and liabilities. The Company utilized the following assumptions, some of which include significant unobservable inputs which would qualify the valuations as Level 3 measurements, and valuation methodologies to determine fair value:
Intangible assets - To determine the fair value of the trade name, the Company used the relief from royalty approach. The excess earnings method was used to estimate the fair value of student relationships.
Property and equipment - Included in property and equipment is course content of $14.0 million, valued using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed asrelief from royalty approach, and internally developed software of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606. The comparative information has not been restated$5.0 million, valued using the cost approach. Each will be amortized over three years. All other property and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect in those reporting periods.

equipment was valued at estimated cost.


Contract liabilities - The Company recorded an adjustmentestimated the fair value of contract liabilities using the cost build-up method, which represents the cost to reduce opening retained earnings by $0.2 million, netdeliver the services plus a normal profit margin.
Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities - The carrying value of tax, due toall other assets and liabilities approximated fair value at the impacttime of adopting ASC 606,acquisition.
4.Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues primarily related to the allocationconsist of tuition revenue across various performance obligations involvedarising from educational services provided in certain student contract arrangements. In accordance with ASC 606, the disclosureform of classroom instruction and online courses. Tuition revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the impactperiod of adoptioninstruction, which varies depending on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated income statementcourse format and balance sheet aschosen program of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Period Ended March 31, 2018

 

    

As Reported

    

Balances without Adoption of ASC 606

 

Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)

Income Statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

116,469

 

$

116,338

 

$

131

Instruction and educational support expense

 

 

63,776

 

 

63,584

 

 

192

Provision for income taxes

 

 

2,150

 

 

2,167

 

 

(17)

Net income

 

 

9,467

 

 

9,511

 

 

(44)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2018

 

    

As Reported

    

Balances without Adoption of ASC 606

 

Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)

Balance Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuition receivable – net

 

$

24,997

 

$

23,769

 

$

1,228

Other current assets

 

 

10,558

 

 

12,084

 

 

(1,526)

Income taxes payable

 

 

2,541

 

 

2,624

 

 

(83)

Retained earnings

 

 

168,413

 

 

168,628

 

 

(215)

Revenue Recognition

The Company’sstudy. Strayer’s educational programs and Capella’s GuidedPath classes typically are offered on a quarterly basis and such periods coincide with the Company’s quarterly financial reporting periods.

periods, while Capella’s FlexPath courses are delivered over a twelve-week subscription period.

The following table presents the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers disaggregated by material revenue category for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2019 (in thousands):
 For the three months ended March 31,
 2018 2019
Strayer University Segment   
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships$110,960
 $123,515
    Other(1)
4,311
 4,543
Total Strayer University Segment115,271
 128,058
Capella University Segment   
Tuition, net of discounts, grants and scholarships
 109,468
    Other(1)

 5,230
Total Capella University Segment
 114,698
Non-Degree Programs Segment(2)
1,198
 3,752
Consolidated revenue$116,469
 $246,508
(1)Other revenue is primarily comprised of academic fees, sales of textbooks, other course materials, and other revenue streams.
(2)Non-Degree Programs revenue is primarily comprised of tuition revenue and placement fee revenue.
Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods and services. The Company applies the five-step revenue model under ASC 606 to determine when revenue is earned and recognized.

Arrangements with students may have multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates net tuition revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines standalone selling prices based on the prices charged to customers and observable market prices. The standalone selling price of material rights to receive free classes in the future is estimated based on class tuition priceprices and likelihood of redemption based on historical student attendance and completion behavior.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company derived approximately $112.0 million, or 96% of its revenues from tuition revenue net of discounts, grants, and scholarships, which will continue to be recognized in the quarter of instruction. The Company also recognized approximately $3.1 million of revenues from academic fees, $0.9 million for textbook-related sales, and $0.5 million from other revenue streams.

At the start of each academic term or program, a liability (contract liability) is recorded for academic services to be provided and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid in advance. Any cash received prior to the start of an academic term or program is recorded as a contract liability. Some students may be eligible for scholarship awards, the estimated value of which will be realized in the future and is deducted from revenue when earned, based on historical student attendance and completion behavior. Contract liabilities are recorded as a current or long-term liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets based on when the benefit is expected to be realized.

12


Table of Contents

Textbook-related incomeCourse materials available through Capella University enable students to access electronically all required materials for courses in which they enroll during the quarter. Revenue derived from course materials is recognized upon saleratably over the duration of the course material.as the Company provides the student with continuous access to these materials during the term. For sales of certain other course materials, the Company is considered the agent in the transaction and as such the Company recognizes revenue net of amounts owed to the vendor at the time of sale. Revenues also include certain academic fees recognized within the quarter of instruction, and certificate revenue and licensing revenue, which are recognized as the services are provided.


Contract Liabilities – Graduation Fund

In 2013, theStrayer University introduced the Graduation Fund, which allows new undergraduate students to earn tuition credits that are redeemable in the final year of a student’s course of study if he or she successfully remains in the program. New students registering in credit-bearing courses in any undergraduate program receive one free course for every three courses that are successfully completed. Students must meet all of theStrayer University’s admission requirements and must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. The Company’s employees and their dependents are not eligible for the program. Students who have more than one consecutive term of non-attendance lose any Graduation Fund credits earned to date, but may earn and accumulate new credits if the student is reinstated or readmitted by theStrayer University in the future.

Revenue from students participating in the Graduation Fund is recorded in accordance with ASC 606. The Company defers the value of the related performance obligation associated with the credits estimated to be redeemed in the future based on the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the student toward earning the benefit. The Company’s estimate of the benefits that will be redeemed in the future is based on its historical experience of student persistence toward completion of a course of study within this program and similar programs. Each quarter, the Company assesses its methodologies and assumptions underlying these estimates, and to date, any adjustments to the estimates have not been material. The amount estimated to be redeemed in the next 12 months is $21.3$22.4 million and is included as a current contract liability in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The remainder is expected to be redeemed within two to four years.

The table below presents activity in the contract liability related to the Graduation Fund for the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 20182019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

March 31,

 

    

March 31,

 

 

 

2017

 

    

2018

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

29,499

 

    

$

37,400

 

Revenue deferred

 

 

5,702

 

 

 

5,885

 

Benefit redeemed

 

 

(3,563)

 

 

 

(4,967)

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

31,638

 

 

$

38,318

 

 As of March 31,
 2018 2019
Balance at beginning of period$37,400
 $43,329
Revenue deferred5,885
 6,945
Benefit redeemed(4,967) (5,798)
Balance at end of period$38,318
 $44,476
Unbilled receivables – Student tuition

Academic materials may be shipped to certain new undergraduate students in advance of the term of enrollment. Under ASC 606, the materials represent a performance obligation to which the Company allocates revenue based on the fair value of the materials relative to the total fair value of all the performance obligations in the arrangement with the student. When control of the materials passes to the student in advance of the term of enrollment, an unbilled receivable and related revenue is recorded. Following adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, theThe balance of unbilled receivables related to such materials was $1.2 million as of March 31, 2018,2019, and is included in tuition receivable.

5.    Restructuring and Related Charges

5.Restructuring and Related Charges
In October 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring to better align the Company’s resources with student enrollments at the time. This restructuring included the closing of 20 physical locations and reductions in the number of campus-based and corporate employees. AAt the time of this restructuring, a liability for lease obligations, some of which continue through 2022, was recorded and is measured at fair value using a discounted cash flow approach encompassing significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The estimation of future cash flows includesincluded non-cancelable contractual lease costs over the remaining terms of the leases discounted at the Company’s marginal borrowing rate of 4.5%, partially offset by estimated future sublease rental income discounted at credit-adjusted rates. The Company’s estimates, which involve significant judgment, also consider
In addition, the amountCompany has incurred personnel-related restructuring charges due to cost reduction efforts and timing of sublease rental income based on subleases that have been executedmanagement changes. These changes are primarily intended to integrate CEC successfully and subleases expected to be executed based on current commercial real estate market data and conditions, and other qualitative factors specific toestablish an efficient ongoing cost structure for the facilities. The estimates are subject to adjustment as market conditions change or as new information becomes available, including the execution of additional sublease agreements.

Company.

13



Table of Contents

The following details the changes in the Company’s restructuring liability for lease and related costs during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 20182019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017

 

2018

 

Balance at beginning of period(1)

 

$

11,985

 

$

8,781

 

Adjustments(2)

 

 

57

 

 

41

 

Payments

 

 

(1,061)

 

 

(724)

 

Balance at end of period(1)

 

$

10,981

 

$

8,098

 


 Lease and Related Costs, Net 
Severance and Other Employee
 Separation Costs
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2017$8,781
 $
 $8,781
Restructuring and other charges(1)

 
 
Payments(724) 
 (724)
Adjustments(2)
41
 
 41
Balance at March 31, 2018$8,098
 $
 $8,098
      
Balance at December 31, 2018(3)
$6,540
 $14,347
 $20,887
Restructuring and other charges(1)

 1,913
 1,913
Payments
 (2,424) (2,424)
Adjustments(2)
(6,540) 
 (6,540)
Balance at March 31, 2019(3)
$
 $13,836
 $13,836

(1)

Restructuring and other charges of $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are included in Merger and integration costs on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. There were no restructuring and other charges for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

(2)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from sublease income. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, adjustments represent the impact of adopting ASC 842 on January 1, 2019. In accordance with ASC 842, the lease related restructuring liability balance as of December 31, 2018 was netted against the initial ROU asset recognized upon adoption. Asset retirement obligations related to these restructured properties are also included in the adjustments amount.
(3)
The current portion of restructuring liabilities was $3.1$9.8 million and $3.0$8.4 million as of December 31, 20172018 and March 31, 2018,2019, respectively, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. The long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities.

6. Marketable Securities
The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of March 31, 2019 (in thousands):
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized (Losses) Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities$46,685
 $95
 $(89) $46,691
Tax-exempt municipal securities18,969
 83
 (9) 19,043
Variable rate demand notes1,600
 
 
 1,600
Commercial paper1,018
 
 
 1,018
Total$68,272
 $178
 $(98) $68,352

The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Gross Unrealized (Losses) Estimated Fair Value
Corporate debt securities$48,202
 $12
 $(284) $47,930
Tax-exempt municipal securities22,858
 45
 (34) 22,869
Variable rate demand notes4,000
 
 
 4,000
Total$75,060
 $57
 $(318) $74,799
The unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s investments in municipal and corporate debt securities as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019 were caused by changes in market values primarily due to interest rate changes. As of March 31, 2019, the fair value of the Company’s securities which were in an unrealized loss position for a period longer than twelve months was $17.6 million. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2019.

The following table summarizes the maturities of the Company’s marketable securities as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019 (in thousands):
 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2019
Due within one year$37,121
 $36,486
Due after one year through five years37,678
 31,866
Total$74,799
 $68,352
Amounts due within one year in the table above included $1.6 million of variable rate demand notes, which have contractual maturities ranging from 26 years to 27 years as of March 31, 2019. The variable rate demand notes are floating rate municipal bonds with embedded put options that allow the Company to sell the security at par plus accrued interest on a settlement basis ranging from one day to seven days. The Company has classified these securities based on their effective maturity dates, which ranges from one day to seven days from the balance sheet date.
The Company received $12.9 million of proceeds from the maturities of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The Company did not record any gross realized gains or gross realized losses in net income during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Additionally, there were no proceeds from sales of marketable securities prior to maturity during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2019.
7. Leases
The Company has long-term, non-cancelable operating leases for campuses and other administrative facilities. These leases generally range from one to ten years and may include renewal options to extend the lease term. The Company also subleases certain portions of unused building space to third parties. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized $7.6 million of lease costs.
The components of lease costs were as follows (in thousands except lease term and discount rate):
 For the three months ended March 31,
 2019
Lease cost: 
Operating lease cost$8,084
Short-term lease cost233
Sublease income(722)
Total lease costs$7,595
Other information: 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities(1)
$8,552
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)5.8
Weighted-average discount rate4.23%

(1)Includes $1.3 million related to interest.

Maturities of lease liabilities (in thousands):
Year Ending March 31, 
2020$30,724
202127,021
202221,035
202312,858
202410,326
Thereafter30,942
Total lease payments(1)
$132,906
Less: interest(15,943)
Present value of lease liabilities$116,963

(1)Operating lease payments exclude $1.4 million of legally binding minimum payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.
The minimum rental commitments for the Company as of December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):
 
Minimum
rental
commitments(1)
2019$33,600
202028,399
202123,485
202213,770
202310,316
Thereafter32,745
Total$142,315

(1)Amounts are based on the accounting guidance in ASC 840, Leases, that was superseded upon the Company's adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019.

(2)

8.

Adjustments include accretion of interest on lease costs, partially offset by changes in the timing and expected income from sublease agreements

Fair Value Measurement

6.    Fair Value Measurement

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of March 31, 20182019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

 

 

    

 

 

    

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

for Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

March 31,

 

Assets/Liabilities

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

 

2018

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

101

 

$

101

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred payments

 

$

4,556

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

4,556

 

   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 March 31,
2019
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:       
Money market funds$9,441
 $9,441
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Corporate debt securities47,691
 
 47,691
 
Tax-exempt municipal securities19,043
 
 19,043
 
Variable rate demand notes1,600
 
 1,600
 
Commercial paper1,018
 
 1,018
 
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis$78,793
 $9,441
 $69,352
 $
        
Liabilities:       
Deferred payments$4,131
 $
 $
 $4,131

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of December 31, 20172018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices in

    

Significant

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Active Markets

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

for Identical

 

Observable

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

December 31,

 

Assets/Liabilities

 

Inputs

 

Inputs

 

 

    

2017

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

113

 

$

113

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred payments

 

$

4,514

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

4,514

 

   Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 December 31,
2018
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:       
Money market funds$1,791
 $1,791
 $
 $
Marketable securities:       
Corporate debt securities48,430
 
 48,430
 
Tax-exempt municipal securities22,869
 
 22,869
 
Variable rate demand notes4,000
 
 4,000
 
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis77,090
 1,791
 75,299
 
        
Liabilities:       
Deferred payments$4,120
 $
 $
 $4,120
The Company measures the above items on a recurring basis at fair value as follows:

·

Money market funds – Classified in Level 1 is excess cash the Company holds in both taxable and tax-exempt money market funds and are included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company records any net unrealized gains and losses for changes in fair value as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. The Company's cash and cash equivalents held at December 31, 2017 and March  31, 2018, approximate fair value and are not disclosed in the above tables because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments.    

·

Deferred payments – The Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers in transactions that occurred in 2011 and 2016. The deferred payments are classified within Level 3 as there is no liquid market for similarly priced instruments and are valued using models that encompass significant unobservable inputs to estimate the operating results of the acquired assets. The assumptions used to prepare the discounted cash flows include estimates for interest rates, enrollment growth, retention rates, obtaining regulatory approvals for expansion into new markets, and pricing strategies. These assumptions are subject to change as the underlying data sources evolve and

14

Money market funds – Classified in Level 1 is excess cash the Company holds in both taxable and tax-exempt money market funds, which are included in cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company records any net unrealized gains and losses for changes in fair value as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders' equity. The Company's cash and cash equivalents held at December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019 approximate fair value and are not disclosed in the above tables because of the short-term nature of the financial instruments.    

Marketable securities – Classified in Level 2 and valued using readily available pricing sources for comparable instruments utilizing observable inputs from active markets. The Company does not hold securities in inactive markets.

TableDeferred payments – The Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers in transactions that occurred in 2011 and 2016. The deferred payments are classified within Level 3 as there is no liquid market for similarly priced instruments and are valued using models that encompass significant unobservable inputs to estimate the operating results of Contents

the acquired assets. The assumptions used to prepare the discounted cash flows include estimates for interest rates, enrollment growth, retention rates, obtaining regulatory approvals for expansion into new markets, and pricing strategies. These assumptions are subject to change as the underlying data sources evolve and the programs mature. The short-term portion of deferred payments was $0.4 million as of March 31, 2019 and is included in accounts payable and accrued expense.

the programs mature. The short-term portion of deferred payments was $0.4 million as of March  31, 2018 and is included in accounts payable and accrued expense.

The Company did not change its valuation techniques associated with recurring fair value measurements from prior periods and did not transfer assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 20172018 or 2018.  

2019.

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2018

 

Balance as of the beginning of period

 

$

4,514

 

Amounts paid

 

 

(656)

 

Other adjustments to fair value

 

 

698

 

Balance at end of period

 

$

4,556

 

7.    Stock Options, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

 As of March 31,
 2018 2019
Balance as of the beginning of period$4,514
 $4,120
Amounts paid(656) (751)
Other adjustments to fair value698
 762
Balance at end of period$4,556
 $4,131

9.Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of March 31, 2019 (in thousands):
 Strayer University Capella University Non-Degree Programs Total
Balance as of December 31, 2018$337,381
 $395,159
 $
 $732,540
Additions
 
 
 
Impairments
 
 
 
Adjustments
 259
 
 259
Balance as of March 31, 2019$337,381
 $395,418
 $
 $732,799
The Company administersassesses goodwill at least annually for impairment during the Strayer Education, Inc. 2015 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which provides forfourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, options that do not qualify as incentive stock options, and other forms of equity compensation and performance-based awards to employees, officers, and directors of the Company, or to a consultant or advisor to the Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Vesting provisions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Options may be granted at option prices based at or above the fair market value of the shares atrespective reporting unit below its carrying amount. No events or circumstances occurred in the date of grant. three months ended March 31, 2019 to indicate an impairment to goodwill. There was no impairment charge related to goodwill recorded during the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
Intangible Assets
The maximum termfollowing table represents the balance of the awards granted under the 2015 Plan is ten years. Company’s intangible assets as of March 31, 2019 (in thousands):
  December 31, 2018 March 31, 2019
  Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Gross Carrying Amount 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Subject to amortization            
Student relationships $166,000
 $(23,056) $142,944
 $166,000
 $(36,889) $129,111
Not subject to amortization            
Trade names 185,400
 
 185,400
 185,400
 
 185,400
Total $351,400
 $(23,056) $328,344
 $351,400
 $(36,889) $314,511
The numberCompany’s finite-lived intangible assets are comprised of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan is 500,000 authorized but unissued shares, plus the number of shares available for grant under the Company’s previously existing equity compensation plans at the time of stockholder approval of the 2015 Plan, plus the number of sharesstudent relationships, which may in the future become available under any previously existing equity compensation plan due to forfeitures of outstanding awards.

In February 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved grants of 144,577 shares of restricted stock to certain individuals. These shares, which vestare being amortized on a straight-line basis over a four-year period, were granted pursuantthree-year useful life. Straight-line amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets reflects the pattern in which the assets' economic benefits are consumed over their estimated useful lives. Amortization expense related to the 2015 Plan. The Company’s stock price closed at $90.99 on the date of these grants.

Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock are reimbursed to the Company if the recipient forfeits his or her shares as a result of termination of employment prior to vesting in the award, other than as a result of the recipient’s death, disability, or certain qualifying terminations in connection with a change in control of the Company, unless waived by the Company.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

The table below sets forth the restricted stock and restricted stock units activityfinite-lived intangible assets was $13.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Number of

shares or units

    

Weighted-

average

Grant price

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

 

716,128

 

$

99.65

 

Grants

 

144,577

 

 

90.99

 

Vested shares

 

(140,852)

 

 

58.99

 

Forfeitures

 

(11,331)

 

 

57.37

 

Balance, March 31, 2018

 

708,522

 

$

107.51

 

2019.

15

Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of trade names. The Company assigned an indefinite useful life to its trade name intangible assets, as it is believed these assets have the ability to generate cash flows indefinitely. In addition, there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, economic or other factors to limit the useful life of the trade name intangibles.

TableThe Company assesses indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of Contents

Stock Options

The tablethe respective reporting unit below sets forth the stock option activity and other stock option information as of and forits carrying amount. No events or circumstances occurred in the three months ended March 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

 

    

Weighted-

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

average

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

remaining

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

Number of

 

average

 

contractual

 

intrinsic value(1)

 

 

    

shares

    

exercise price

    

life (years)

    

(in thousands)

 

Balance, December 31, 2017

 

100,000

 

$

51.95

 

3.1

 

$

3,763

 

Grants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercises

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeitures/Expirations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, March 31, 2018

 

100,000

 

$

51.95

 

2.8

 

$

4,910

 

Exercisable, March 31, 2018

 

100,000

 

$

51.95

 

2.8

 

$

4,910

 


(1)

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holder had all options been exercised on the respective trading day. The amount of intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock.

Valuation and Expense Information under Stock Compensation Topic ASC 718

At2019 to indicate an impairment to indefinite-lived intangible assets. There was no impairment charge related to indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded during the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

10.Long-Term Debt
On August 1, 2018, total stock-based compensation costthe Company entered into an amended credit facility (the “Amended Credit Facility”), which has not yet been recognized was $24.7provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million. The Amended Credit Facility provides the Company with an option, under certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the Revolver or establish one or more incremental term loans (each, an “Incremental Facility”) in an amount up to the sum of (x) $150 million for unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock option awards. This cost(y) if such Incremental Facility is expected toincurred in connection with a permitted acquisition, any amount so long as the Company’s leverage ratio (calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis) on a pro forma basis will be recognizedno greater than 1.75:1.00. The maturity date of the Amended Credit Facility is August 1, 2023. The Company paid approximately $1.2 million in debt financing costs associated with the Amended Credit Facility, and these costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the next 33 months onfive-year term of the Amended Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the Revolver will bear interest at a weighted-average basis. Awards of approximately 599,000 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subjectper annum rate equal to, performance conditions. The accrual for stock-based compensation for performance awards is basedat the Company’s election, LIBOR or a base rate, plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% depending on the Company’s estimates that such performance criteria are probable of being achieved over the respective vesting periods. Suchleverage ratio. The Company also is subject to a determination involves judgment surroundingquarterly unused commitment fee ranging from 0.20% to 0.30% per annum depending on the Company’s abilityleverage ratio, times the daily unused amount under the Revolver.
The Amended Credit Facility is guaranteed by all domestic subsidiaries, subject to maintain regulatory compliance. Ifcertain exceptions, and secured by substantially all of the performance targets are not reached duringassets of the respective vesting period, or it is determined it is more likely than notCompany and its subsidiary guarantors. The Amended Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, representations, warranties, events of default, and remedies upon default, including acceleration and rights to foreclose on the collateral securing the Amended Credit Facility. In addition, the Amended Credit Facility requires that the performance criteria willCompany satisfy certain financial maintenance covenants, including:
A leverage ratio of not be achieved, related compensationgreater than 2 to 1. Leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt to trailing four-quarter EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and noncash charges, such as stock-based compensation).
A coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1. Coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of trailing four-quarter EBITDA and rent expense is adjusted.

to trailing four-quarter interest and rent expense.

A U.S. Department of Education (“Department”) Financial Responsibility Composite Score of not less than 1.5.
The following table sets forthCompany was in compliance with all the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in eachterms of the expense line items forAmended Credit Facility and had no borrowings outstanding under the three months endedRevolver as of March 31, 2017 and 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

 

    

2017

    

2018

    

Instruction and educational support

 

$

170

 

$

620

 

Marketing

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

Admissions advisory

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

General and administration

 

 

2,257

 

 

2,068

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense

 

 

2,427

 

 

2,688

 

Tax benefit

 

 

958

 

 

752

 

Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

 

$

1,469

 

$

1,936

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company recognized a tax shortfall related to share-based payment arrangements of approximately $0.4 million as an adjustment to the provision for income taxes. During the three months ended March  31, 2018, the Company recognized a tax windfall related to share-based payment arrangements of approximately $1.2 million, which was recorded as an adjustment to the provision for income taxes. No stock options were exercised during the three months ended March  31, 2017 or 2018.

2019.

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8.11.    Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

December 31, 2017

    

March 31, 2018

 

Contract liabilities, net of current portion

 

$

21,033

 

$

20,315

 

Deferred rent and other facility costs

 

 

7,113

 

 

6,957

 

Deferred payments related to acquisitions

 

 

6,385

 

 

6,020

 

Loss on facilities not in use

 

 

5,652

 

 

5,091

 

Lease incentives

 

 

2,832

 

 

2,857

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

$

43,015

 

$

41,240

 

 December 31, 2018 March 31, 2019
Contract liabilities, net of current portion$23,880
 $23,489
Deferred payments related to acquisitions5,904
 5,433
Employee separation costs6,800
 5,422
Deferred rent and other facility costs6,837
 1,875
Other1,263
 1,417
Loss on facilities not in use4,332
 
Lease incentives2,300
 
Other long-term liabilities$51,316
 $37,636
Contract Liabilities

As discussed in Note 4, in connection with its student tuition contracts, the Company has an obligation to provide free classes in the future should certain eligibility conditions be maintained (the Graduation Fund). In addition, the Company also has licensed certain of its non-credit bearing course content to a third party for which the Company received an upfront cash payment. Long-term contract liabilities represent the amount of revenue under these arrangements that the Company expects will be realized after one year.

Employee Separation Costs
Severance and other employee separation costs to be paid after one year.
Deferred Rent and Other Facility Costs and Loss on Facilities Not in Use

The

Prior to the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the Company recordsrecorded a liability for lease costs of campusescampus and non-campus facilities that are not currently in use (see Note 5). For facilities still in use, the Company recordsrecorded rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of a lease. The difference between the rent payment and the straight-line rent expense iswas recorded as a liability.

Upon adoption of ASC 842, these liability balances were netted against the ROU asset recognized on January 1, 2019. As such, there are no long-term liability balances for deferred rent and loss on facilities not in use as of March 31, 2019. At December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019, the Company had $1.9 million included in the deferred rent and other facility costs balances, which relate to asset retirement obligations for lease agreements requiring the leased premises to be returned in a predetermined condition.


Deferred Payments Related to Acquisitions

In connection with previous acquisitions, the Company acquired certain assets and entered into deferred payment arrangements with the sellers. The deferred payment arrangements are valued at approximately $3.6$3.1 million and $3.2$2.6 million as of December 31, 20172018 and March 31, 2018,2019, respectively. In addition, one of the sellers contributed $2.8 million to the Company representing the seller’s continuing interest in the assets acquired.

Lease Incentives

In conjunction with the opening of new campuses or renovating existing ones, the Company, in some instances, was reimbursed by the lessors for improvements made to the leased properties. In accordance withPrior to the adoption of ASC 840-20,842 on January 1, 2019, the underlying assets were capitalized as leasehold improvements and a liability was established for the reimbursements.reimbursements in accordance with ASC 840-20. The leasehold improvements and the liability are amortized on a straight-line basis over the corresponding lease terms, which generally range from five to ten10 years.

9.    Income Taxes

Upon adoption of ASC 842, the liability balance associated with the reimbursement was netted against the ROU asset recognized on January 1, 2019. As such, there is no lease incentive long-term liability balance as of March 31, 2019.

12.Equity Awards
The Tax Cutsfollowing table sets forth the amount of stock-based compensation expense recorded in each of the expense line items for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and Jobs Act (the “2017 Act”)2019 (in thousands):
 For the three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2019
Instructional and support costs$620
 $858
General and administration2,068
 1,673
Merger and integration costs
 479
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense2,688
 3,010
Tax benefit752
 759
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax$1,936
 $2,251
During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2019, the Company recognized a tax windfall related to share-based payment arrangements of approximately $1.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Act includes a broad range of tax reform legislation affecting businesses, including lowering corporate tax rates, among other provisions. Under accounting principles generally accepted inrecorded as an adjustment to the United States of America, changes in tax rates and tax law are accountedprovision for in the period of enactment. income taxes.
13.Income Taxes

The Company recognized therecorded income tax effectsexpense of $2.2 million and $17.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2019, reflecting an effective tax rate of 18.5% and 60.4%, respectively.
In February 2019, to align compensation and benefit plans after completion of the 2017 Actmerger with CEC, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors took action to terminate all deferred compensation arrangements, including for employees already participating in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118,such arrangements. These changes affect the tax deductibility of certain arrangements, which provides SEC staff guidance forresulted in a first quarter discrete item reducing the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.

The 2017 Act reduced the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. ASC 740 requiresCompany’s deferred tax assets by $11.5 million, and liabilities to be valued using enacted tax rates in effect inincreasing the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Thus, the Company revalued its federal deferred taxes based upon the new 21%Company’s 2019 effective tax rate as of December 31, 2017.

The 2017 Act also allows for immediate full expensing for property placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023. The Company has made the election to accelerate these deductions for the year ended December 31, 2017future cash tax returns. At this time, it is uncertain which states will follow federal rules regarding accelerated depreciation and, as such, the Company

payments.

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has not been able to make a reasonable estimate on the impact of deferred taxes related to state depreciation and continues to account for this based on the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect prior to enactment. In addition, the 2017 Act places limitations on the deductibility of certain executive compensation awards in the future, although the Company’s existing awards remain eligible for deductibility pursuant to the 2017 Act. The Company is still analyzing the 2017 Act and refining its calculations, which could potentially impact the measurement of the Company’s tax balances.

The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2017 or 2018. The Company had $0.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2019. Interest and penalties, including those related to uncertain tax positions, are included in the provision for income taxes in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company incurred no expense related to interest and penalties during the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2018, respectively.

$28,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

The Company paid $0.2$0.1 million and $0.1$0.7 million in income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 20172018 and 2019, respectively.
The tax years since 2015 remain open for Federal tax examination and the tax years since 2014 remain open to examination by state and local taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject.

14. Other Investments
At March 31, 2019, the Company held $13.8 million in investments in certain limited partnerships that invest in various innovative companies in the health care and education-related technology fields. The Company has commitments to invest up to an additional $2.4 million across these partnerships through December 2027. The Company's investments range from 3%-5% of any partnership’s interest and are accounted for under the equity method. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company made investments totaling $0.3 million and received cash distributions totaling $0.9 million related to these partnerships. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded income of $1.0 million related to these partnerships, which was recognized in Other income in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2018, respectively.

10.Litigation

the Company's investment in limited partnerships was $13.4 million.

15. Segment Reporting
Strategic Education is an educational services company that provides access to high-quality education through campus-based and online post-secondary education offerings, as well as through programs to develop job-ready skills for high-demand markets. Strategic Education’s portfolio of companies is dedicated to closing the skills gap by placing adults on the most direct path between learning and employment.
Two of the Company’s operating segments that meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments are the Strayer University and Capella University segments. The Strayer University segment is comprised of Strayer University, including its programs offered through the Jack Welch Management Institute; the Capella University segment consists of Capella University. None of the Company’s other operating segments individually meet the quantitative thresholds to qualify as reportable segments; therefore, these other operating segments are combined and presented below as Non-Degree Programs. The Non-Degree Programs reportable segment is comprised of the DevMountain, LLC (“DevMountain”), Hackbright Academy, Inc. (“Hackbright”), NYCDA, and Sophia Learning, LLC businesses.
Revenue and operating expenses are generally directly attributable to the segments. Inter-segment revenues are not presented separately, as these amounts are immaterial. The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker does not evaluate operating segments using asset information.
A summary of financial information by reportable segment (in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2019 is presented in the following table:
 For the three months ended March 31,
 2018 2019
Revenues   
Strayer University$115,271
 $128,058
Capella University
 114,698
Non-Degree Programs1,198
 3,752
Consolidated revenues$116,469
 $246,508
Income (loss) from operations   
Strayer University$17,992
 $24,973
Capella University
 24,153
Non-Degree Programs(1,317) (807)
Amortization of intangible assets
 (15,417)
Merger and integration costs(5,347) (7,179)
Consolidated income from operations$11,328
 $25,723
16.Litigation
From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. There are no pending material legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Company is subject or to which the Company’s property is subject.

11.    Regulation


17.Regulation
The Company, the University,Universities, Hackbright, DevMountain and NYCDA are subject to significant state regulatory oversight, as well as accreditor and federal regulatory oversight, in the case of the Company and the University.

Universities.

Gainful Employment

Under the Higher Education Act, a proprietary institution offering programs of study other than a baccalaureate degree in liberal arts (for which there is a limited statutory exception) must prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. On October 31, 2014, the U.S.The Department of Education (the “Department”)has published final regulations related to gainful employment. The regulationsemployment that went into effect on July 1, 2015, with the exception of new disclosure requirements, that were originally scheduled to gowhich generally went into effect January 1, 2017, but which have now been delayed, to some extent, until July 1, 2018.2019. Additionally, the Department announced, on June 16, 2017, its intention to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise the gainful employment regulations. Those proceedings began in December 2017 and concluded in March 2018. The negotiating committee did not reach a consensus, and as a result the Department maywas able to propose its own regulatory language with no obligation to use the language negotiated or agreed-uponagreed upon during the committee meetings. If
On August 14, 2018, the Department released draft rules which propose to rescind the gainful employment regulations, including sanctions, appeals, and disclosure and certification requirements. The Department indicated its plans to update the College Scorecard, or similar web-based tool, to provide program-level outcomes for all higher education programs at all institutions that participate in the Title IV programs. The Department accepted public comments through September 13, 2018 and the Department has indicated that it is currently drafting final rules. The Company cannot predict what new regulations are published by November 1, 2018, they could become effective as early as July 1, 2019.

will ultimately be adopted.

The current gainful employment regulations include two debt-to-earnings measures, consisting of an annual income rate and a discretionary income rate. The annual income rate measures student debt in relation to earnings, and the discretionary income rate measures student debt in relation to discretionary income. A program passes if the program’s graduates:

·

have an annual income rate that does not exceed 8%; or

·

have a discretionary income rate that does not exceed 20%.

In addition, a program that does not pass either of the debt-to-earnings metrics and that has an annual income rate between 8% and 12%, or a discretionary income rate between 20% and 30%, is considered to be in a warning zone. A program fails if the program’s graduates have an annual income rate of 12% or greater and a discretionary income rate of 30% or greater. A program would becomebecomes Title IV-ineligible for three years if it fails both metrics for two out of three consecutive years, or fails to pass at least one metric for four consecutive award years. The regulations provide a means by which an institution may challenge the Department’s calculation of any of the debt metrics prior to loss of Title IV eligibility. On January 8, 2017, theStrayer University and Capella University received its final 2015 debt-to-earnings measures and nonemeasures. None of itsStrayer University or Capella University programs failed the debt-to-earnings metrics. Two active Strayer University programs, the Associate in Arts in Accounting and Associate in Arts in Business Administration, areand one active Capella University program, the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy, were “in the zone,” which means each programof those three programs remains fully eligible unless (1) eitherthe program has a combination of zone and failing designations for four consecutive years, in

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which case it would become Title IV-ineligible in the fifth year; or (2) eitherthe program fails the metrics for two out of three consecutive years, in which case the program could become ineligible for the following award year.

The Department has not yet released 2016 debt-to-earnings measures, and the Department has announced that because it no longer has a data-sharing agreement with the U.S. Social Security Administration to receive earnings data, the Department is unable to calculate the debt-to-earnings measures under the gainful employment regulations in 2019.

If an institution is notified by the Secretary of Education that a program could become ineligible, based on its final rates, for the next award year:

·

The institution must provide a warning with respect to the program to students and prospective students indicating, among other things, that students may not be able to use Title IV funds to attend or continue in the program; and

·

The institution must not enroll, register or enter into a financial commitment with a prospective student until a specified time after providing the warning to the prospective student.

The current regulationsregulation also requirerequires institutions annually to report certain student- and program-level data to the Department of Education, and comply with additional disclosure requirements. Final regulationsRegulations adopted by the Department which generally became effective on July 1, 2011,of Education require an institution to use a template designed by the Department of Education to disclose to prospective students, with respect to each gainful employment program, occupations that the program prepares students to enter, total cost of the program, on-time graduation rate, job placement rate, if applicable, and the median loan debt of program completers for the most recently completed award year. On January 19, 2018, the Department announced the release of the 2018 templateThe regulation that became effective July 1, 2015 expanded upon those existing disclosure requirements, and gave institutions until April 6, 2018were required to update their disclosures for each gainful employment program. The University is in compliance with that requirement. On June 30, 2017, the Department delayed, untildisclosure templates by July 1, 2018, the requirements that an institution include the disclosure template, or a link thereto,2017 and regularly in its gainful employment program promotional materials and directly distribute the disclosure templates to prospective students.

accordance with subsequent deadlines thereafter.


In addition, the current gainful employment regulations requireregulation requires institutions to certify, among other things, that each eligible gainful employment program is programmatically accredited if programmatic accreditation is required by a federal governmental entity or a state governmental entity of a state in which it is located or in which the institution is otherwise required to obtain state approval.approval to offer the program in that state. Institutions also must certify that each eligible program satisfies the applicable educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification requirements in each state in which it is located or is otherwise required to obtain state approval, so that a student who completes the program and seeks employment in that state qualifies to take any licensure or certification exam that is needed for the student to practice or find employment in an occupation that the program prepares students to enter. The University hasUniversities have timely made the required certification.

Under the gainful employment regulations,regulation, an institution may establish a new program’s Title IV eligibility by updating the list of the institution’s programs maintained by the Department.Department of Education. However, an institution may not update its list of eligible programs to include a failing or zone program that the institution voluntarily discontinued or that became ineligible, or a gainful employment program that is substantially similar to such a program, until three years after the loss of eligibility or discontinuance.

The requirements associated with the gainful employment regulations may substantially increase the Company’s administrative burdens and could affect the University’sUniversities’ program offerings, student enrollment, persistence, and retention. Further, although the regulations provide opportunities for an institution to correct any potential deficiencies in a program prior to the loss of Title IV eligibility, the continuing eligibility of the University’sCompany’s academic programs will be affected by factors beyond management’s control such as changes in the University’sCompany’s graduates’ income levels, changes in student borrowing levels, increases in interest rates, changes in the percentage of former students who are current in the repayment of their student loans, and various other factors. Even if the UniversityCompany were able to correct any deficiency in the gainful employment metrics in a timely manner, the disclosure requirements associated with a program’s failure to meet at least one metric may adversely affect student enrollments in that program and may adversely affect the reputation of the University.

Borrower Defenses to Repayment

Pursuant to the Higher Education Act and following negotiated rulemaking, on November 1, 2016, the Department published final regulations that, inter alia, would have specifiedamong other things, specify the acts or omissions of an institution that a borrower may assert as a defense to repayment of a loan made under the Federal Direct Loan Program. Program (the “2016 BDTR Rule”). The 2016 BDTR Rule specifies the acts or omissions of an institution that a borrower may assert as a defense to repayment of a loan made under the Federal Direct Loan Program and the consequences of such borrower defenses for borrowers, institutions, and the Department. Under the regulation, for Direct Loans disbursed after July 1, 2017, a student borrower may assert a defense to repayment if: (1) the student borrower obtained a state or federal court judgment against the institution; (2) the institution failed to perform on a contract with the student; and/or (3) the institution committed a “substantial misrepresentation” on which the borrower reasonably relied to his or her detriment. These defenses are asserted through claims submitted to the Department, and the Department has the authority to issue a final decision. In addition, the regulation permits the Department to grant relief to an individual or group of individuals, including individuals who have not applied to the Department seeking relief. If a defense is successfully raised, the Department has discretion to initiate action to collect from an institution the amount of losses incurred based on the borrower defense. The 2016 BDTR Rule also amends the rules concerning discharge of federal student loans when a school or campus closes and prohibits pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class action waivers for borrower defense-type claims. On January 19, 2017, the Department issued a final rule updating the hearing procedures for actions to establish liability against an institution of higher education and establishing procedures for recovery proceedings under the 2016 BDTR Rule.
Although the regulations were2016 BDTR Rule was scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2017, on June 16, 2017, the Department under the Trump Administration delayed indefinitely the effective date of selected provisions of the regulations2016 BDTR Rule and announced its intention to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise the regulations. On October 24, 2017, the Department published an interim final rule to delay until July 1, 2018 the effective date of the selected provisions. Then, on February 14, 2018, the Department published a final rule to delay until July 1, 2019 the effective date of the selected provisions.
On September 12, 2018, a federal judge ruled that the Department’s various delays of the 2016 BDTR Rule were contrary to law. On October 16, 2018, in a related case, the judge denied a request to delay implementation of portions of the 2016 BDTR Rule. As a result, the 2016 BDTR Rule is now in effect. The Department has indicated that it will not appeal that ruling, but does still expect to issue a new rule at some point in the future. On March 15, 2019, the Department issued guidance about how to comply with selected provisions contained in the 2016 BDTR Rule that took effect as of October 16, 2018. As described in the guidance, the Department will apply the federal standard for borrower defense to repayment applications set forth in the 2016 BDTR Rule for claims asserted as to Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2017. In the guidance, the Department explained that institutions should handle reporting for events, actions, or conditions that occurred after July 1, 2017 by making required reports to the Department no later than May 13, 2019. The Department also indicated that institutions must implement the prohibitions related to dispute

resolution, including by making any required modifications to enrollment agreements or by beginning to implement required notification procedures by May 13, 2019.
With respect to the negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise the regulations, those proceedings began in November 2017 and

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concluded in February 2018. The negotiating committee did not reach a consensus, and as a result the Department maywas able to propose its own regulatory language with no obligation to use language negotiated or agreed-upon during the committee meetings. If

On July 31, 2018, the Department published a notice of proposed rulemaking that, among other things, would establish a new federal standard for evaluating, and a process for adjudicating, borrower defenses to repayment of loans made under the Direct Loan Program on or after July 1, 2019. Under the proposed standard, an individual borrower could assert a defense to repayment based on the institution’s statement, act, or omission that is false, misleading, or deceptive. To be eligible for relief, the borrower would be required to demonstrate that the misrepresentation (1) was made with knowledge of its false, misleading, or deceptive nature or with a reckless disregard for the truth, (2) was relied upon by the borrower in making an enrollment decision, and (3) caused the student financial harm. The Department would have discretion to determine the appropriate amount of relief. The proposed regulations would make changes to the Department’s eligibility requirements for granting loan discharges to students who had enrolled at institutions or locations that subsequently close. The proposed regulations also would require that institutions that require students to enter into pre-dispute arbitration agreements or class action waivers as a condition of enrollment disclose those requirements in an easily accessible format.
In addition, the proposed regulations would amend the Department’s financial responsibility provisions in several respects. The proposed rules would identify certain conditions or events that have or may have an adverse material effect on the institution’s financial condition, in response to which the Department would or could require that the institution submit some form of financial protection for the Department. The proposed rules would also update the Department’s composite score calculations to reflect recent changes in FASB accounting standards and provide a phase-in process to enable the Department to update its composite score regulations through additional negotiated rulemaking. The Department accepted public comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking through August 30, 2018. Capella University and Strayer University provided public comments on August 30. The Department did not publish the final regulations are publishedrule by November 1, 2018, they could becomethe date by which the Department’s master calendar rule dictates a final regulation must be published to take effect the following July. 
In January 2019, the Department announced during the Accreditation and Innovation negotiated rulemaking session that it is rewriting the BDTR NPRM and will publish new draft rules for public comment during 2019. That NPRM has not yet been released, and in April 2019 a Department official indicated that the Department may move to publish a final rule instead of issuing a new NPRM.
Current Negotiated Rulemaking
On July 31, 2018, the Department announced its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations for the Federal Student Aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“HEA”). As described in the July 31 announcement and further detailed in a subsequent announcement on October 15, the Department indicated the proposed topics for negotiation include:
Requirements for accrediting agencies in their oversight of member institutions and programs.
Criteria used by the Secretary to recognize accrediting agencies, emphasizing criteria that focus on educational quality and deemphasizing those that are anti-competitive.
Simplification of the Department’s recognition and review of accrediting agencies.
Clarification of the core oversight responsibilities amongst each entity in the regulatory triad, including accrediting agencies, States, and the Department to hold institutions accountable.
Clarification of the permissible arrangements between an institution of higher education and another organization to provide a portion of an education program (34 CFR 668.5).
The roles and responsibilities of institutions and accrediting agencies in the teach-out process (34 CFR 600.32(d) and 602.24).
Elimination of regulations related to programs that have not been funded in many years.
Needed technical changes and corrections to program regulations that have been identified by the Department.
Regulatory changes required to ensure equitable treatment of brick-and-mortar and distance education programs; enable expansion of direct assessment programs, distance education, and competency-based education; and to clarify disclosure and other requirements of state authorization.
Protections to ensure that accreditors recognize and respect institutional mission, and evaluate an institution’s policies and educational programs based on that mission; and remove barriers to the eligibility of faith-based entities to participate in the title IV, HEA programs.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (“TEACH”) Grant requirements and ways to reduce and correct the inadvertent conversion of grants to loans. 
The Department also announced its intent to convene three subcommittees: one addressing proposed regulations related to distance learning and educational innovation, one addressing TEACH Grant conversions, and one to make recommendations to the committee regarding revisions to the regulations regarding the eligibility of faith-based entities to participate in the Title IV programs. The Department convened the distance learning and educational innovation subcommittee to address, among other topics, simplification of state authorization requirements, the definition of “regular and substantive interaction”, the definition of the term “credit hour”, direct assessment programs and competency-based education, and barriers to innovation in post-secondary education.
In connection with this negotiated rulemaking process, the Department convened three public hearings and accepted written comments through September 14, 2018. Strayer University and Capella University submitted written comments on September 14. The Department accepted negotiator nominations through November 15, 2018 and negotiations took place January - April 2019. On April 3, 2019, the Accreditation and Innovation negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on all topics being negotiated. This outcome means the Department, except in extraordinary circumstances, is bound to publish the consensus language as the notice of proposed rulemaking and accept public comment on that proposal. The Department intends to publish final rules to be effective as early as July 1, 2019.

2020.

State Education Licensure – Licensure of Online Programs

The increasing popularity and use of the internet and other technology for the delivery of education has led, and may continue to lead, to the adoption of new laws and regulatory practices in the United States or foreign countries or to the interpretation of existing laws and regulations to apply to such services. These new laws and interpretations may relate to issues such as the requirement that online education institutions be licensed as a school in one or more jurisdictions even where they have no physical location. New laws, regulations, or interpretations related to doing business over the internet could increase Strayer University’sthe Company’s cost of doing business, affect its ability to increase enrollments and revenues, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business.

In April 2013, the Department of Education (the “Department”) announced that it would address state authorization of distance education through negotiated rulemaking. While four negotiated rulemaking sessions were conducted from February through May 2014, no consensus was reached.

In June 2016, despite the lack of consensus at the negotiated rulemaking sessions, but as permitted by federal law, the Department of Education issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment on the issue of state authorization for online programs. On December 19, 2016, the Department issued final regulations, which are described below and were scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2018. On January 30, 2017, the new Administration indicated in a notice published in the Federal Register that it intended to take action in relation to this regulation, and, in AprilMay 25, 2018, the Department sentissued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to the Office of Management and Budget a draft proposed rule that would delay until July 1, 2020 the effective date of the state authorization of distance education provisions of those final regulations based on concerns that were raised by regulated parties and to provide adequate time to conduct negotiated rulemaking to reconsider those provisions and, as necessary, develop revised regulations.

On July 3, 2018, the Department published a final rule, which was made effective retroactively to June 29, 2018, to delay until July 1, 2020 the effective date of the state authorization of distance education provisions. Certain other portions of the 2016 final regulations, which relate to authorization of foreign locations, went into effect on July 1, 2018. On April 26, 2019, in litigation brought to challenge ED’s delayed implementation of the 2016 final regulations, a judge found that the delay was improper and ordered that the rules regarding state authorization of programs offered through distance education take effect on May 26, 2019. The 2016 final regulations will remain in effect until any new final rules developed through negotiated rulemaking, described below, take effect.

The 2016 final regulations, among other things, would require an institution offering Title IV-eligible distance education or correspondence courses to be authorized by each state in which the institution enrolls students, if such authorization is required by the state. Institutions can obtain such authorization directly from the state or through a state authorization reciprocity agreement. A state authorization reciprocity agreement is defined as an agreement between two or more states that authorizes an institution located and legally authorized in a state covered by the agreement to provide post-secondary education through distance education or correspondence courses to students in other states covered by the agreement and does not prohibit a participating state from enforcing its own laws with respect to higher education. On December 2, 2016, theMarch 6, 2015, Capella University became awas approved as an institution participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”). AsOn December 2, 2016, Strayer University became a participant in SARA. As participants in SARA, theStrayer University and Capella University may offer online courses and other forms of distance education to students in any participating SARA state in which it doesthey do not have a physical location or a physical presence, as defined by the state, without having to seek any new state institutional approval beyond itsthe Universities’ home statestates (Washington, D.C.) and Minnesota, respectively). There are currently 49 SARA member states - all but California. The 2016 final regulations also require institutions to document the state process for resolving complaints from students enrolled in programs offered through distance education or correspondence courses for each state in which such students reside.


In addition, the 2016 final regulations would require an institution to provide public and individualized disclosures to enrolled and prospective students regarding its programs offered solely through distance education or correspondence courses. The public disclosures would include state authorization for the program or course, the process for submitting complaints to relevant states, any adverse actions by a state or accrediting agency related to the distance education program or correspondence course within the past five years, refund policies specific to the state, and applicable licensure or certification requirements for a career that the program prepares a student to enter. An institution mustwould be required to disclose directly to all prospective students if a distance education or correspondence course does not meet the licensure or certification requirements for a state. An institution mustwould be required to disclose to each current and prospective student when an adverse action is taken against a distance education or correspondence program and any determination that a program ceases to meet licensure or certification requirements.

If

Under the 2016 final regulations, if an institution does not obtain or maintain state authorization for distance education or correspondence courses in any particular state that has authorization requirements, the institution maywould lose its ability to award Title IV funds for students in those programs who are residing in that state.


On October 15, 2018, the Department announced its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations on a variety of topics, including state authorization of distance education programs. The Department included state authorization of distance education programs in the Accreditation and Innovation negotiated rulemaking that took place in early 2019. The committee agreed to language that would retain the requirement that institutions are authorized - including the option to be authorized via a reciprocity agreement - to operate in any state in which a student is located for the purposes of Title IV eligibility. However, the consensus language removes many of the public and individualized disclosures to enrolled and prospective students regarding programs offered solely through distance education or correspondence courses. A notice of proposed rulemaking reflecting the consensus language on this topic is expected in 2019.
The Clery Act

The

Strayer University and Capella University must comply with the campus safety and security reporting requirements as well as other requirements in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), including changes made to the Clery Act by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. On October 20, 2014, the Department promulgated

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regulations, effective July 1, 2015, implementing amendments to the Clery Act. In addition, the Department has interpreted Title IX to categorize sexual violence as a form of prohibited sex discrimination and to require institutions to follow certain disciplinary procedures with respect to such offenses. On September 22, 2017, the Department withdrew the statements of policy and guidance reflected in two guidance documents issued under the Obama administration and issued interim guidance about campus sexual misconduct. In the interim guidance, the Department announced that it intends to conduct negotiated rulemaking proceedings to revise its regulations related to institutions’ Title IX responsibilities. Failure by theStrayer University or Capella University to comply with the Clery Act or Title IX requirements or regulations thereunder could result in action by the Department fining theStrayer University or Capella University, or limiting or suspending its participation in Title IV programs, could lead to litigation, and could harm theStrayer University or Capella University’s reputation. The Company believes that theStrayer University isand Capella University are in compliance with these requirements.

Compliance Reviews

The University isUniversities are subject to announced and unannounced compliance reviews and audits by various external agencies, including the Department, its Office of Inspector General, state licensing agencies, guaranty agencies, and accrediting agencies. In 2014, the Department conducted four campus-based program reviews of Strayer University locations in three states and the District of Columbia. The reviews covered federal financial aid years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, and two of the reviews also covered compliance with the Clery Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and regulations related thereto. For three of the program reviews, theStrayer University received correspondence from the Department in 2015 closing the program reviews with no further action required by theStrayer University. For the other program review, in 2016, theStrayer University received a Final Program Review Determination Letter identifying a payment of less than $500 due to the Department based on an underpayment on a return to Title IV calculation, and otherwise closing the review. TheStrayer University remitted payment, and received a letter from the Department indicating that no further action was required and that the matter was closed.

Program Participation Agreement

Each institution participating in Title IV programs must enter into a Program Participation Agreement with the Department. Under the agreement, the institution agrees to follow the Department’s rules and regulations governing Title IV programs. On October 13,11, 2017, the Department informed theand Strayer University that it was approved to participateexecuted a new Program Participation Agreement, approving Strayer University’s continued participation in Title IV programs with full certification through June 30, 2021.

As a result of the August 1, 2018 merger, Capella University experienced a change of ownership, with the Company as its new owner. On January 18, 2019, consistent with standard procedure upon a Title IV institution’s change of ownership, the Department and Capella University executed a new Program Participation Agreement, approving Capella’s continued participation in Title IV programs with provisional certification through December 31, 2022.

NYCDA,

Hackbright and DevMountain

NYCDA currently provides instruction through B2B relationships in various locations. Hackbright Academy currently provides on-ground courses in New York, Pennsylvania, Utah,the San Francisco Bay Area. DevMountain currently provides on-ground courses in Provo and the District of Columbia, but isLehi, Utah; Dallas, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona, and in 2017, introduced its first online program in Web Development. NYCDA, Hackbright Academy and DevMountain are not accredited, doesdo not participate in state or federal student financial aid programs, and isare not subject to the regulatory requirements applicable to accredited schools and schools that participate in financial aid programs such as those described above. Programs such as those offered by NYCDA, Hackbright Academy and DevMountain are regulated by each individual state.

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ITEM 2:   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements included in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” as well as elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“Reform Act”). Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” or similar words, and include, without limitation, statements relating to future enrollment, revenues, revenues per student, earnings growth, operating expenses and capital expenditures. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In accordance with the Safe Harbor provisions of the Reform Act, the Company has identified important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The assumptions, risks and uncertainties include the pace of growth of student enrollment, our continued compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act, and the regulations thereunder, as well as regional accreditation standards and state regulatory requirements, rulemaking by the Department of Education and increased focus by the U. S.U.S. Congress on for-profit education institutions, the pace of growth of student enrollment, competitive factors, risks associated with the opening of new campuses, risks associated with the offering of new educational programs and adapting to other changes, risks associated with the acquisition of existing educational institutions, risks relating to the timing of regulatory approvals, our ability to implement our growth strategy, the risk that the benefits of the merger with Capella Education Company, including expected synergies, may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, the risk that the combined company may experience difficulty integrating employees or operations, risks associated with the ability of our students to finance their education in a timely manner, and general economic and market conditions. Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

statements, except as required by law.

Additional Information

We maintain a website at http://www.strayereducation.com.www.strategiceducation.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and our web address is included as an inactive textual reference only. We make available, free of charge through our website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Background and Overview

We are

Strategic Education, Inc. (“SEI,” “we”, “us” or “our”) is an education services holding company that ownsseeks to provide the most direct path between learning and employment through campus-based and online post-secondary education offerings and through programs to develop job-ready skills for high-demand markets. We operate primarily through our wholly-owned subsidiaries Strayer University (the “University”and Capella University, both accredited post-secondary institutions of higher education. Our operations also include certain non-degree programs, mainly focused on software and application development.
Acquisition of Capella Education Company
On August 1, 2018, we completed our merger with Capella Education Company (“CEC”) pursuant to a merger agreement dated October 29, 2017. The merger solidifies our position as a national leader in education innovation, and provides scale that will enable greater investment in improving student academic and career outcomes while maintaining our focus on affordability. The merger is also expected to create significant cost synergies for us.
Pursuant to the merger, we issued 0.875 shares of our common stock for each issued and outstanding share of CEC common stock. Outstanding equity awards held by CEC employees and certain nonemployee directors of CEC were assumed by us and converted into comparable SEI awards at the exchange ratio. Outstanding equity awards held by CEC nonemployee directors who did not serve as directors of January 13, 2016,SEI after completion of the New York Codemerger, and Design Academy (“NYCDA”). Theawards held by former employees of CEC who left before completion of the merger were settled upon completion of the merger as specified in the merger agreement.
Our financial results for any periods ended prior to August 1, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC, and are therefore not directly comparable. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, CEC’s revenues were $112.0 million, and its income from continuing operations was $18.4 million.

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, we incurred $7.2 million in expenses related to the merger, primarily attributable to legal fees, personnel, and other integration costs.
As of March 31, 2019, SEI had the following reportable segments:
Strayer University Segment
Strayer University is an institution of higher education whichlearning that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business administration, accounting, information technology, education, health services administration, public administration, and criminal justice at 74 physical campuses, predominantly located in the eastern United States, and online. NYCDAStrayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (hereinafter referred to as “Middle States” or “Middle States Commission”), one of the seven regional collegiate accrediting agencies recognized by the Department. By offering its programs both online and in physical classrooms, Strayer University provides non-degree coursesits working adult students flexibility and convenience.
The Jack Welch Management Institute (“JWMI”) offers an executive MBA online and is a Top 25 Princeton Review ranked online MBA program.
In the first quarter, Strayer University’s enrollment increased 11.5% to 51,479 compared to 46,184 for the same period in 2018. New student enrollment for the period increased 13.2% and continuing student enrollment for the period increased 11.1%.
Capella University Segment
Capella University is an online post-secondary education company that offers a variety of doctoral, master’s and bachelor’s degree programs, primarily for working adults, in the following primary disciplines: public service leadership, nursing and health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, business and technology, education, and undergraduate studies. Capella University focuses on master's and doctoral degrees, with 70% of its learners enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program. Capella University's academic offerings are built with competency-based curricula and are delivered in an online format that is convenient and flexible. Capella University designs its offerings to help working adult learners develop specific competencies they can apply in their workplace. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of the seven regional collegiate accrediting agencies recognized by the Department.
On April 19, 2019, the Higher Learning Commission ("HLC") issued formal notification that its Institutional Action Council affirmed the appropriateness of the Change of Control arising out of the merger and further affirmed Capella University’s continued adherence to HLC’s Eligibility Requirements and Criteria for Accreditation. In addition, HLC specifically confirmed Capella University’s shared service relationship with the Company satisfies HLC’s Core Components related to HLC’s Guidelines for Shared Services Arrangements.
In the first quarter, Capella University’s enrollment increased 2.9% to 39,271 compared to 38,181 for the same period in 2018. New student enrollment for the period increased 14.7%.
Non-Degree Programs Segment
DevMountain, LLC is a software development school offering affordable, high-quality, leading-edge software coding education at multiple campus locations and online.
Hackbright Academy, Inc. is a software engineering school for women. Its primary offering is an intensive 12-week accelerated software development program, together with placement services and coaching.
The New York Code and Design Academy, Inc. is a New York City-based provider of web and application software development primarilycourses.
Sophia Learning, LLC is an innovative learning company which leverages technology to support self-paced learning, including courses eligible for transfer into credit at campusesover 2,000 colleges and universities.
We believe we have the right operating strategies in New York Cityplace to provide the most direct path between learning and Philadelphia, PA. NYCDA’s results of operations are includedemployment for our students. We focus on innovation continually to differentiate ourselves in our results frommarkets and drive growth by supporting student success, producing affordable degrees, optimizing our comprehensive marketing strategy, serving a broader set of our students’ professional needs, and establishing new growth platforms. Technology and the acquisition date.

In October 2017, we entered into a merger agreement with Capella Education Company (“Capella”). Capella provides post-secondarytalent of our faculty and employees enable these strategies. We believe these strategies and enablers will allow us to continue to deliver high quality, affordable education, and job-skills programs primarily through its subsidiary Capella University. Capella had approximately 37,500 students at December 31, 2017, its revenue for 2017 was $440.4 million, and its net income from continuing operationsresulting in 2017 was $23.4 million. The merger was approved by our stockholders and by Capella’s shareholders on January 19, 2018. Upon consummation ofcontinued growth over the merger, Capella will become our wholly-owned subsidiary andlong-term. We will continue to offer its education programs through Capella University.

Mostinvest in these enablers to strengthen the foundation and future of our business. We also believe our enhanced scale and capabilities allow us to continue to focus on innovative cost and revenue comes fromsynergies, while improving the University, which derives approximately 96% of its revenue from tuition for educational programs, whether delivered online or delivered in person at a physical campus. The academic year of the University is divided into four quarters, each of which is within the four quarters of the calendar year. Students at the University and at NYCDA make payment arrangements for the tuition for each course at the time of enrollment. Tuition revenue is recognized ratably over the course of instruction. If a student withdraws from a course priorvalue provided to completion, the University refunds a portion of the tuition depending on when the withdrawal occurs. Tuition revenue is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, employee tuition discounts, and scholarships. The University also derives revenue from other sources such as textbook-related income which is recognized upon sale, and certificate revenue, certain academic fees, licensing revenue, and other income, which are recognized when as the services are provided.  

our students.

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Tuition receivable and contract liabilities for our students are recorded upon the start of the course, which for the University, is the start of the academic term. Because the University’s academic quarters coincide with the calendar quarters, at the end of the fiscal quarter (and academic term), tuition receivable generally represents amounts due from students for educational services already provided and contract liabilities generally represent advance payments for academic services to be provided in the future. Based upon past experience and judgment, the University establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts with respect to accounts receivable. Any uncollected account more than one year past due is charged against the allowance. Accounts less than one year past due are reserved according to the length of time the balance has been outstanding. In establishing reserve amounts, we also consider the status of students as to whether or not they are currently enrolled for the next term, as well as the likelihood of recovering balances that have previously been written off, based on historical experience. Bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 was 3.8% and 5.5%, respectively.

Below is a description of the nature of the consolidated costs included in our operating expense categories:

·

Instruction and educational support expenses generally contain items of expense directly attributable to educational activities. This expense category includes salaries and benefits of faculty and academic administrators, as well as administrative personnel who support faculty and students. Instruction and educational support expenses also include costs of educational supplies and facilities, including rent for campus facilities, certain costs of establishing and maintaining computer laboratories, and all other physical plant and occupancy costs, with the exception of costs attributable to the corporate offices. Bad debt expense incurred on delinquent student account balances is also included in instruction and educational support expenses.

·

Marketing expenses include the costs of advertising and production of marketing materials and related personnel costs.

·

Admissions advisory expenses include salaries, benefits, and related costs of personnel engaged in admissions.

·

General and administration expenses include salaries and benefits of management and employees engaged in accounting, human resources, legal, regulatory compliance, and other corporate functions, along with the occupancy and other related costs attributable to such functions.

Investment income consists primarily of earnings and realized gains or losses on investments and interest expense consists of interest incurred on our outstanding borrowings, unused revolving credit facility fees, and amortization of deferred financing costs.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments related to its allowance for doubtful accounts; income tax provisions; the useful lives of property and equipment;equipment and intangible assets; redemption rates for scholarship programs and valuation of contract liabilities; fair value of future contractual operating lease obligations for facilities that have been closed; incremental borrowing rates; valuation of deferred tax assets, goodwill, contingent consideration, and intangible assets; forfeiture rates and achievability of performance targets for stock-based compensation plans; and accrued expenses. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments regarding the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management regularly reviews its estimates and judgments for reasonableness and may modify them in the future. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Management believes that the following critical accounting policies are its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue recognition — Like many traditional institutions, theStrayer University offers itsand Capella University offer educational programs primarily on a quarter system having four academic terms, which generally coincide with our quarterly financial reporting periods. NYCDA’s revenues are recognized as services are provided, generally ratably over the length of a course. Beginning January 1, 2018, in accordance with our adoption of new revenue recognition standards under ASC 606, materials provided to students in connection with their enrollment in a

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course are recognized as revenue when control of those materials transfers to the student. Approximately 96% of our revenues during the three months ended March 31, 20182019 consisted of tuition revenue. Capella University offers monthly start options for new students, who then transition to a quarterly schedule. Capella University also offers its FlexPath program, which allows students to determine their 12-week billing session schedule after they complete their first course. Tuition revenue for all students is recognized ratably over the course of instruction as the University providesUniversities and the schools offering non-degree programs provide academic services, in a given term, whether delivered in person at a physical campus or online. Tuition revenue is shown net of any refunds, withdrawals, corporate discounts, scholarships, and employee tuition discounts. The UniversityUniversities also derivesderive revenue from other sources such as textbook-related income, certificate revenue, certain academic fees, licensing revenue, and other income, which are all recognized when earned. In accordance with ASC 606, materials provided to students in connection with their enrollment in a course are recognized as revenue when control of those materials transfers to the student. At the start of each academic term or program, a liability (contract liability) is recorded for academic services to be provided, and a tuition receivable is recorded for the portion of the tuition not paid in advance. Any cash received prior to the start of an academic term or program is recorded as a contract liability.

Students of the UniversityUniversities finance their education in a variety of ways, and historically about three quarters of our students have participated in one or more financial aid programs provided through Title IV of the Higher Education Act. In addition, many of our working adult students finance their own education or receive full or partial tuition reimbursement from their employers. Those students who are veterans or active duty military personnel have access to various additional government-funded educational benefit programs.

A typical class is offered in weekly increments over a ten-weeksix- to twelve-week period, depending on the University and course type, and is followed by an exam. Students who withdraw from a course may be eligible for a refund of tuition charges based on the timing of the withdrawal. We use the student’s last date of attendance for this purpose. Student attendance is based on physical presence in class for on-ground classes. For online classes, attendance consists of logging into one’s course shell and performing an academically-related activity (e.g., engaging in a discussion post or taking a quiz).

If a student withdraws from a course prior to completion, a portion of the tuition may be refundable depending on when the withdrawal occurs. Our specific refund policies vary across Universities and non-degree programs. For students attending Strayer University, our refund policy typically permits students who complete less than half of a course to receive a partial refund of tuition for that course. For learners attending Capella University, our refund policy varies based on course format. GuidedPath learners are allowed a 100% refund through the first five days of the course, a 75% refund from six to twelve days, and 0% refund for the remainder of the period. FlexPath learners receive a 100% refund through the 12th calendar day of the course for their first billing session only and a 0% refund after that date and for all subsequent billing sessions. Refunds reduce the tuition revenue that otherwise would have otherwise been recognized for that student. Since the University’sUniversities’ academic terms coincide with our financial reporting periods for most programs, nearly all refunds are processed and recorded in the same quarter as the corresponding revenue. For certain programs where courses may overlap a quarter-end date, the Company estimates a refund rate and does not recognize the related revenue until the uncertainty related to the refund is resolved. The portion of tuition revenue refundable to students may vary based on the student’s state of residence.


For undergraduate students who withdraw from all their courses during the quarter of instruction, we reassess collectibility of tuition and fees for revenue recognition purposes. In addition, we cease revenue recognition when a student fully withdraws from all of his or her courses in the academic term. Tuition charges billed in accordance with our billing schedule may be greater than the pro rata revenue amount, but the additional amounts are not recognized as revenue unless they are collected in cash.

cash and the term is complete.

For students who receive funding under Title IV and withdraw, funds are subject to return provisions as defined by the Department of Education. The University is responsible for returning Title IV funds to the Department of Education and then may seek payment from the withdrawn student of prorated tuition or other amounts charged to him or her. Loss of financial aid eligibility during an academic term is rare and would normally coincide with the student’s withdrawal from the institution. As discussed above, we cease revenue recognition upon a student’s withdrawal from all of his or her classes in an academic term.

term until cash is received and the term is complete.

New students at Strayer University registering in credit-bearing courses in any undergraduate program for the summer 2013 term (fiscal third quarter) and subsequent terms qualify for the Graduation Fund, whereby qualifying students earn tuition credits that are redeemable in the final year of a student’s course of study if he or she successfully remains in the program. Students must meet all of the University’s admission requirements and not be eligible for any previously offered scholarship program. Our employees and their dependents are not eligible for the program. To maintain eligibility, students must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. Students who have more than one consecutive term of non-attendance lose any Graduation Fund credits earned to date, but may earn and accumulate new credits if the student is reinstated or readmitted by the University in the future. In their final academic year, qualifying students will receive one free course for every three courses that were successfully completed.completed in prior years. The performance obligation associated with free courses that may be redeemed in the future is valued based on a systematic and rational allocation of the cost of honoring the benefit earned to each of the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the student toward earning the benefit. The estimated value of awards under the Graduation Fund that will be recognized in the future is based on historical experience of students’ persistence in completing their course of study and earning a degree and the tuition rate in effect at the time it was associated with the transaction. Estimated redemption rates of eligible students vary based on their term of enrollment. As of March 31, 2018,2019, we had deferred $38.3$44.5 million for estimated redemptions earned under the Graduation Fund, as compared to $37.4$43.3 million at December 31, 2017.2018. Each quarter, we assess our methodologies and assumptions underlying our estimates for persistence and estimated redemptions based on actual experience. To date, any adjustments to our

24


estimates have not been material. However, if actual persistence or redemption rates change, adjustments to the reserve may be necessary and could be material.

Tuition receivable — We record estimates for our allowance for doubtful accounts for tuition receivable from students primarily based on our historical collection rates by group of receivable reflecting factors such as age of receivable,the balance due, student academic status, and size of outstanding balances, net of recoveries, and consideration of other relevant factors. Our experience is that payment of outstanding balances is influenced by whether the student returns to the institution, as we require students to make payment arrangements for their outstanding balances prior to enrollment. Therefore, we monitor outstanding tuition receivable balances through subsequent terms, increasing the reserve on such balances over time as the likelihood of returning to the institution diminishes and our historical experience indicates collection is less likely. We periodically assess our methodologies for estimating bad debts in consideration of actual experience. If the financial condition of our students were to deteriorate, resulting in evidence of impairment of their ability to make required payments for tuition payable to us, additional allowances or write-offs may be required. For the first quarter of 2018,2019, our bad debt expense was 5.5%5.0% of revenue, compared to 3.8%5.5% for the same period in 2017. Our bad debt has been negatively impacted by changes made by the U.S. Department of Education in the way it processes student financial aid, which increased the number of students subject to verification for loan eligibility under Title IV. This increase was not unique to Strayer, and affected many other institutions which receive funding through Title IV programs. The increased volume resulted in delays in processing financial aid for these students, largely causing the deterioration in our bad debt rate as compared to historical results.  The Department of Education announced certain corrections to its processes which are scheduled to take effect in 2018 and are expected to reduce the volume of accounts selected for verification and improve the timeliness of the reviews.2018. A change in our allowance for doubtful accounts of 1% of gross tuition receivable as of March 31, 20182019 would have changed our income from operations by approximately $0.4$0.8 million.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets — Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the amount assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which include trade names, are recorded at fair market value on their acquisition date. Goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed at least annually for impairment. In connection with the goodwill inThrough our JWMI reporting unit and the indefinite-lived intangible asset associated with the JWMI trade name, we utilized a qualitative assessment, consistent with ASC 350, to evaluate the recoverabilityacquisition of the related amounts. A qualitative assessment was performed based on the excess fair value noted in prior years. The qualitative factors considered included macroeconomic conditions, industry/market factors, cost considerations, and overall financial performance, among others. Based on our qualitative assessment, we concluded that it was not more likely than not that the fair value was less than the carrying value; as such, no impairments had been incurred.

In connection with the goodwill in our NYCDA reporting unit and the indefinite-lived intangible asset associated with the NYCDA tradename, we utilized a quantitative assessment consistent with ASC 350 during the period ended December 31, 2017. The valuation of the reporting unit considered both an income approach and a market approach, whereas the tradename valuation utilized a relief from royalty method. Key assumptions utilizedCEC in the discounted cash flowthird quarter of 2018, we had significant additions to goodwill and relief from royalty models include revenue growth rates ranging from 5%tradename intangible assets. The acquired goodwill was allocated to 129% through 2024the Strayer University and 3% thereafter, operating margins ranging from -15% to 20% during the same period, and a discount rateCapella University reporting units. As of 17.5%. Management determined that no impairment had been incurred. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, management2019, the Company performed a qualitative assessment, consistent with ASC 350, and concluded that there were no goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment indicators. Accordingly, no impairment charges related to evaluategoodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets were recorded during the recoverabilitythree month period ended March 31, 2019.

Finite-lived intangible assets that are acquired in business combinations are recorded at fair value on their acquisition dates and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related amounts and determinedasset. Finite-lived intangible assets consist of student relationships. We review our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that nothe carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such assets are not recoverable, a potential impairment had been incurred. The NYCDA businessloss is still in its early stages and, as such, future operating performance is uncertain. Although we remain committed to this business and are optimistic about its future prospects, the rate of growth in the business has been slower than originally anticipated. Management will continue to monitor the business and update the operating plan, as necessary. Further downward adjustmentsrecognized to the plan could result in impairments in future periods, which could be material.

Contingent Consideration — In connection withextent the acquisitioncarrying amount of NYCDA, the Company agreed thatassets exceeds the purchase price would include contingent cash payments (contingent consideration) of up to $12.5 million payable based on NYCDA’s results of operations over a five-year period (the “Earnout”). Generally accepted accounting principles require that contingent consideration be recorded at its estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and then adjusted to fair value each period thereafter until it is settled.

The fair value of the Earnout was originally measured by applying a probability weighted discounted cash flow model based on significant inputs not observable in the market. Based on its original projections, the Company expected the full amount of the Earnout would be paid and initially measured the liability at $9.0 million. Following its initial recognition, the Company reassessed and adjusted the carrying value of the Earnoutassets. No impairment charges related to fair value with fair value reflecting revisions to the business plan, expectations relative to achieving the performance targets over the earnout period, and the impact of the discount rate. As of March 31, 2018, the Company estimates that no amounts under the Earnout will be paid and the related liability has beenfinite-lived intangible assets were recorded at zero. The Company will continue to update it forecasts each period and record any fair value adjustments, as necessary.

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Accrued lease and related costs — We estimate potential sublease income and vacancy periods for space that is not in use, adjusting our estimates when circumstances change. If our estimates change or if we enter into subleases at rates that are substantially different than our current estimates, we will adjust our liability for lease and related costs. Duringduring the three monthsmonth period ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we had no reduction to our liability for leases.

2019.


Other estimates — We record estimates for contingent consideration, certain of our accrued expenses, and income tax liabilities. We estimate the useful lives of our property and equipment and intangible assets and periodically review our assumed forfeiture rates and ability to achieve performance targets for stock-based awards and adjust them as necessary. Should actual results differ from our estimates, revisions to our contingent consideration, accrued expenses, carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, and income tax liabilities may be required.

Results of Operations

As discussed above, we completed our merger with CEC on August 1, 2018. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 include the results of CEC, but the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 do not include the financial results of CEC. Accordingly, the financial results of each period presented are not directly comparable. This discussion will highlight changes largely in the Strayer University segment, as those results are included in full in each period.
In the first quarter of 2018,2019, we generated $246.5 million in revenue compared to $116.5 million in revenue, a 1% increase compared to 2017, principally due to a 6% increase in total enrollment, partially offset by a 5% decline in revenue per student. Income2018. Our income from operations was $11.3$25.7 million for the first quarter of 20182019 compared to $18.4$11.3 million forin 2018 due primarily to the first quarterinclusion of 2017.CEC's results in our consolidated results of operations. Net income in the first quarter of 20182019 was $9.5$11.5 million compared to $10.6$9.5 million for the same period in 2017.2018. Diluted earnings per share was $0.84$0.52 compared to $0.95$0.84 for the same period in 2017.

2018.

In the accompanying analysis of financial information for 2019 and 2018, we use certain financial measures including Adjusted Income from Operations, Adjusted Net Income, and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share that are not required by or prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These measures, which are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC rules, are defined by us to exclude charges associated with our previously announcedthe following:
amortization expense related to assets acquired through the Company’s merger with Capella Education Company. Company,
transaction and integration costs associated with the Company’s merger with Capella Education Company,
income from partnership investments that are not part of our core operations, and
discrete tax adjustments related to stock-based compensation and other adjustments.
When considered together with GAAP financial results, we believe these measures provide management and investors with an additional understanding of our business and operating results, including underlying trends. Fortrends associated with the three months ended March 31, 2017 there were no such charges and, accordingly, non-GAAP financial measures are not presented.

Company’s ongoing operations.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable with other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, GAAP results. A reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is provided below.

Adjusted income from operations was $16.7$48.3 million in the first quarter of 20182019 compared to $18.4$16.7 million in 2017.2018. Adjusted net income was $13.9$36.7 million in the first quarter of 20182019 compared to $10.6$13.9 million in 2017,2018, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.23$1.66 in the first quarter of 20182019 compared to $0.95$1.23 in 2017. There were no differences between Net Income and Adjusted Net Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017. 2018.

The tabletables below reconcilesreconcile our reported results of operations to adjusted results (amounts in thousands, except per share data):
Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

2019

26


   Non-GAAP Adjustments  
 
As Reported
(GAAP)
 
Amortization of
intangible assets(1)
 
Merger and integration costs(2)
 
Income from partnership interests(3)
 
Tax
adjustments(4)
 
As Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
Income from operations$25,723
 $15,417
 $7,179
 $
 $
 $48,319
Other income, net3,327
 
 
 (1,023) 
 2,304
Income before income taxes29,050
 15,417
 7,179
 (1,023) 
 50,623
Provision for income taxes17,550
 
 
 
 (3,629) 13,921
Net income$11,500
 $15,417
 $7,179
 $(1,023) $3,629
 $36,702
Earnings per share:           
Basic$0.53
         $1.71
Diluted$0.52
         $1.66
Weighted average shares outstanding:           
Basic21,499
         21,499
Diluted22,050
         22,050

Reconciliation of Reported to Adjusted Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-GAAP Adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

    

As Reported (GAAP)

    

Merger Costs (1)

 

As Adjusted (Non-GAAP)

    

Income from operations

 

$

11,328

 

$

5,347

 

$

16,675

 

Investment income

 

 

448

 

 

 —

 

 

448

 

Interest expense

 

 

159

 

 

 —

 

 

159

 

    Income before income taxes

 

 

11,617

 

 

5,347

 

 

16,964

 

    Provision for income taxes

 

 

2,150

 

 

914

 

 

3,064

 

         Net income

 

$

9,467

 

$

4,433

 

$

13,900

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.88

 

$

0.41

 

$

1.29

 

Diluted

 

$

0.84

 

$

0.39

 

$

1.23

 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

10,745

 

 

 —

 

 

10,745

 

Diluted

 

 

11,311

 

 

 —

 

 

11,311

 

   Non-GAAP Adjustments  
 
As Reported
(GAAP)
 
Amortization of
intangible assets(1)
 
Merger and integration
costs(2)
 
Income from partnership interests(3)
 
Tax
adjustments(4)
 
As Adjusted
(Non-GAAP)
Income from operations$11,328
 $
 $5,347
 $
 $
 $16,675
Other income, net289
 
 
 
 
 289
Income before income taxes11,617
 
 5,347
 
 
 16,964
Provision for income taxes2,150
 
 
 
 914
 3,064
Net income$9,467
 $
 $5,347
 $
 $(914) $13,900
Earnings per share:           
Basic$0.88
         $1.29
Diluted$0.84
         $1.23
Weighted average shares outstanding:           
Basic10,745
         10,745
Diluted11,311
         11,311

(1)

Reflects amortization expense related to intangible assets associated with the Company’s merger with CEC.

(2)Reflects transaction and integration charges associated with the Company’s previously announcedCompany's merger with Capella Education Company.

CEC.

Key enrollment trends by quarter for the University were as follows:

Enrollment

% Change vs Prior Year

(3)Reflects income recognized from the Company's investments in partnership interests.
(4)Reflects discrete tax adjustments related to the vesting of stock awards and other adjustments, utilizing an adjusted effective tax rate of 18.1% and 27.5% for 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Picture 1

Since 2013, we have introduced a number of initiatives in responseThree Months Ended March 31, 2019 Compared to the variability in demand for our programs. Recognizing that affordability is an important factor in a prospective student’s decision to seek a college degree, we reduced Strayer University undergraduate tuition for new students by 20% beginning in our 2014 winter academic term. We also introduced the Graduation Fund in mid-2013, whereby qualifying students can receive one free course for every three courses successfully completed. The free courses are redeemable in the student’s final academic year. In 2015, we increased our investment in resources focused on helping Fortune 1000 companies to structure customized education and training programs for their employees, often with significant discounts to our published tuition rates. In 2017, we introduced several new scholarship programs aimed at specific demographics, geographies, and student profiles. We also began testing significantly reduced tuition for select graduate degree programs. These initiatives have had a negative impact on Strayer University revenue per student, which declined 3% in 2017, and is expected to decrease in 2018 by 3% to 4%, not including any impact from our pending merger with Capella.

27


As a result of these and other initiatives, average total enrollment grew approximately 6% in 2017. Should the 2017 full-year enrollment growth continue in 2018, we would expect revenue for the full year 2018 to increase at the rate of enrollment growth, less the decline in revenue per student, and would expect operating expenses in 2018 to increase slightly, not including any impact from our pending merger with Capella.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared

Revenues. The increase in consolidated revenues compared to Three Months Endedthe same period in the prior year was primarily related to the inclusion of CEC revenue. In the Strayer University segment for the three months ended March 31, 2017

Enrollment. Total enrollments at2019, enrollment grew 11.5% to 51,479 from 46,184 in the University for the winter term 2018 increasedprior year. Revenue grew 11.1% to 46,184 students, from 43,387 for the winter term 2017. New student enrollments and continuing student enrollments increased by 6% each.

Revenues.  Revenues increased 1%$128.1 million compared to $116.5$115.3 million in 2018 as a result of the first quarter of 2018 from $114.9increase in enrollment. Capella University segment revenue was $114.7 million. Non-Degree Programs segment revenues were $3.8 million in the first quarter of 2017, principally due to total enrollment growth of 6%, partially offset by a decline in revenue per student of 5%. The decline in revenue per student is largely attributable to students continuing on scholarship programs offered in fall 2017 and growth in lower priced graduate degree programs. Revenues for undergraduate students increased 6% in the three months ended March 31, 2018, driven by an increase in total undergraduate enrollment of 10%, partially offset by a decline in revenue per student of 4%. We expect this decline in revenue per student2019, compared to continue at the undergraduate level as we enroll more new undergraduate students. For graduate students, revenues decreased 9% in 2018, driven by a decline in total graduate enrollment of 2% and a decline in revenue per student of 7%.

Instruction and educational support expenses. Instruction and educational support expenses increased $2.4 million, or 4%, to $63.8$1.2 million in the first quarterthree months ended March 31, 2018. The increase in revenues for the three month period was primarily attributable to incremental revenues generated from the operations of 2018 from $61.4Hackbright, DevMountain, and Sophia Learning, which were acquired in the CEC merger.

Instructional and support costs. Consolidated instructional and support costs increased to $134.1 million, compared to $68.5 million in the first quarter of 2017,same period in the prior year, principally due to increases in student materialsthe inclusion of instructional and support costs depreciation expense following recent infrastructure investments,of CEC. Consolidated

instructional and bad debt expense. Instruction and educational support expenses as a percentage of revenues increased to 54.8% in the first quarter of 2018 from 53.4% in the first quarter of 2017.

Marketing expenses. Marketing expenses increased $1.4 million, or 8%, to $20.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $18.7 million in the first quarter of 2017, principally due to increased investments in branding initiatives. Marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues increased to 17.3% in the first quarter of 2018 from 16.3% in the first quarter of 2017.

Admissions advisory expenses. Admissions advisory expenses remained unchanged at $4.7 million in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017. Admissions advisory expensescosts as a percentage of revenues decreased to 4.0%54.4% in the first quarter of 20182019 from 4.1%58.8% in the first quarter of 2017.

2018.

General and administration expenses. GeneralConsolidated general and administration expenses decreased $0.4 millionincreased to $11.2$64.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $11.62019 compared to $31.3 million in the first quarterprior year, principally due to the inclusion of 2017. Generalgeneral and administration expenses of CEC, as well as increased investments in branding initiatives and partnerships with brand ambassadors. Consolidated general and administration expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 9.6%26.0% in the first quarter of 20182019 from 10.1%26.9% in the first quarter of 2017.2018.

Amortization of intangible assets. In the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded $15.4 million in amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in the merger with CEC.
Merger and integration costs. Merger and integration costs were $5.3$7.2 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $5.3 million in 2018, and reflect expenses for legal, accounting, and integration support services and severance costs incurred by the Company in connection with the proposed merger with Capella.  Merger costs as a percentage of revenues was 4.6% in the first quarter of 2018.    CEC.

Income from operations. Income from operations was $25.7 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to income from operations of $11.3 million in the first quarter of 2018, comparedprincipally due to $18.4the inclusion of CEC in our results from operations.
Other income. Other income increased to $3.3 million in the first quarter of 2017,  primarily due2019 compared to the merger costs incurred in the period.

Investment income and interest expense. Investment income increased to $0.4$0.3 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $0.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 as a result of the inclusion of $1.0 million of investment income from partnership interests acquired in the CEC merger, higher yields on money markets and marketable securities, and an increase in our cash balances. InterestOther income is net of interest expense, which was $0.2 million in the first quarter of both 20182019 and 2017.2018. We have $150.0had $250.0 million available under our amended revolving credit facility and no borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2018.2019.

Provision for income taxes.Income tax expense was $17.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2018, compared to $7.9 million in the first quarter of 2017.2018. Our effective tax rate for the quarter was 60.4%, compared to 18.5% andfor the same period in 2018. The tax rate was favorablyunfavorably impacted by changes in previously deferred compensation arrangements. These changes resulted in a discrete charge of $11.5 million during the lower federal incomefirst quarter of 2019 as a result of reducing the Company's deferred tax rate in effect in 2018, and by tax benefits associated with the vesting of restricted stock. We expect our effective tax rate, excluding the effect of tax benefits associated with the vesting of restricted stock, the effect of certain nondeductible merger costs, and other discrete tax adjustments,asset related to be between 27%-28% for 2018.these arrangements.

28


Net income. Net income decreased $1.1was $11.5 million in the first quarter of 2019 compared to $9.5 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $10.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 due to the factors discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2018,2019, we had cash, and cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $165.9$420.7 million compared to $155.9$386.5 million at December 31, 20172018 and $147.1$165.9 million at March 31, 2017.2018. At March 31, 2018,2019, most of our cash was held in demand deposit accounts at high credit quality financial institutions.

We are party to a

On August 1, 2018, the Company entered into an amended credit agreementfacility (the “Amended Credit Facility”), which amended the existing credit facility ("Prior Credit Facility"). The Amended Credit Facility provides for a $150 millionsenior secured revolving credit facility and(the “Revolver”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $250 million. The Amended Credit Facility provides the Company with an option, under certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the Revolver or establish one or more incremental term loans under certain conditions. The credit agreement has(each, an “Incremental Facility”) in an amount up to the sum of (x) $150 million and (y) if such Incremental Facility is incurred in connection with a maturity date of July 2, 2020. We hadpermitted acquisition, any amount so long as the Company’s leverage ratio (calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis) on a pro forma basis will be no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility during each of the three months ended March  31, 2017 and 2018.

greater than 1.75:1.00. Borrowings under the revolving credit facilityAmended Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR or a base rate, plus a margin ranging from 1.75%1.50% to 2.25%2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. An unused commitment fee ranging from 0.25%0.20% to 0.35%0.30%, depending on our leverage ratio, accrues on unused amounts under the revolving credit facility.Amended Credit Facility. During the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, we paid unused commitment fees of $0.1 million and $0.2$0.1 million, respectively.respectively, under the Amended Credit Facility and the Prior Credit Facility. We were in compliance with all applicable covenants related to the credit agreementAmended Credit Facility as of March 31, 2019. We had no borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility or Prior Credit Facility during each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018.

Our net cash fromprovided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2018 decreased2019 was $58.7 million, compared to $17.0 million, as compared to $24.5 million for the same period in 2017.2018. The decreaseincrease in net cash from operating activities was largely due to the increase in income from operations following the merger costs incurred inwith CEC, together with cash flow benefits from depreciation and amortization expense and the period.

provision for income taxes.

Capital expenditures were $4.2$8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, compared to $3.8$4.2 million for the same period in 2017.

2018.


The Board of Directors declared a regular, quarterly cash dividend of $0.25$0.50 per share of common share.stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, we paid a total of $2.9$11.1 million in cash dividends on our common stock. For the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock and, at March 31, 2018,2019, had $70 million in repurchase authorization to use through December 31, 2018.

2019.

For the first quarter of 2018,2019, bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue was 5.5%5.0% compared to 3.8%5.5% for the first quarter of 2017.

2018.

We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operating activities, and if necessary, cash borrowed under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our requirements for at least the next 12 months. Currently, we maintain our cash primarily in mostly demand deposit bank accounts and money market funds, which isare included in cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018. We also hold marketable securities, which primarily include tax-exempt municipal securities and corporate debt securities. During the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, we earned interest income of $2.5 million and $0.4 million, and $0.2 million, respectively.

The table below sets forth our contractual commitments associated with operating leases, excluding subleases as of March  31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due By Period

 

 

    

 

    

Less than 1

    

1-3

    

3-5

    

More than

 

 

 

Total

 

Year

 

 Years

 

Years

 

5 Years

 

Operating leases

 

$

106,854

 

$

30,327

 

$

46,010

 

$

20,420

 

$

10,097

 

29


ITEM 3:   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to the impact of interest rate changes and may be subject to changes in the market values of our future investments. We invest our excess cash in bank overnight deposits, money market funds and marketable securities. We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio. Earnings from investments in bank overnight deposits, money market mutual funds, and marketable securities may be adversely affected in the future should interest rates decline, although such a decline may reduce the interest rate payable on any borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if forced to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. As of March 31, 2018,2019, a 1% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair values, or cash flows related to investments in cash equivalents or interest earning marketable securities.

Changing interest rates could also have a negative impact on

On August 1, 2018, the amountCompany amended its Prior Credit Facility to extend the maturity date of interest expense we incur. On July 2, 2015, we used approximately $116 million of our existing cash and cash equivalents to prepay our term loan and terminate an interest rate swap as part of an amendment to our credit and term loan agreement. The credit agreement provides for a $150 millionthe revolving credit facility from July 2, 2020 to August 1, 2023, and to increase available borrowings from $150 million to $250 million, with an option, subject to obtaining additional loan commitments and satisfaction of certain conditions, to increase the commitments under the revolving facility or establish one or more incremental term loans under certain conditions. The credit agreement has(each, an “Incremental Facility”) in an aggregate amount of up to the sum of (x) $150 million and (y) if such Incremental Facility is incurred in connection with a maturity date of July 2, 2020.permitted acquisition, any amount so long as the Company’s leverage ratio (calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis) on a pro forma basis will be no greater than 1.75:1.00. We had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility after prepayment of the term loan facility, andAmended Credit Facility as of March 31, 2018.2019. Borrowings under the revolving credit facilityAmended Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR or a base rate, plus a margin ranging from 1.75%1.50% to 2.25%2.00%, depending on our leverage ratio. An unused commitment fee ranging from 0.25%0.20% to 0.35%0.30%, depending on our leverage ratio, accrues on unused amounts under the revolving credit facility.Amended Credit Facility. An increase in LIBOR would affect interest expense on any outstanding balance of the revolving credit facility. For every 100 basis points increase in LIBOR, we would incur an incremental $1.5$2.5 million in interest expense per year assuming the entire $150$250 million revolving credit facility was utilized.

ITEM 4:   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

a)

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2018.2019. Based upon such review, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company had in place, as of March 31, 2018,2019, effective disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company (including consolidated subsidiaries) in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

b)

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changesOn August 1, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of Capella Education Company. As noted under Item 9A, Controls and Procedures, contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, management’s assessment of, and conclusion on, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting duringdid not include the quarter ended March 31, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,internal controls of Capella Education Company. See Note 3, Merger with Capella Education Company in the Company’s internal control overcondensed consolidated financial reporting.statements appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of the acquisition and related financial data. Under guidelines established by the SEC, companies


30

are permitted to exclude acquisitions from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting for a period of up to one year following an acquisition while integrating the acquired company. The Company is in the process of integrating Capella Education Company’s and the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. As a result of these integration activities, certain controls will be evaluated and may be changed. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases, and implemented internal controls to enable the preparation of financial information as part of the adoption. Except as noted above, there have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.



PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in litigation and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of our business. There are no pending material legal proceedings to which we or our property are subject.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors 

You should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2018, which could materially affect our business, adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could cause you to suffer a partial or complete loss of your investment. There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also could materially adversely affect our business. See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock under our repurchase program. The remaining authorization for our common stock repurchases was $70.0 million as of March 31, 2018,2019, and is available for use through December 31, 2018.

2019.

Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5.   Other Information

None

31

None

Item 6.   Exhibits

3.1

Amended Articles of Incorporation and Articles Supplementary of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-21039) filed with the Commission on March 28, 2002).

3.2

3.3

3.2

10.1*

31.1

Employment Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2018, between Strayer University, LLC and Brian W. Jones.

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

101.

INS XBRL Instance Document

101.

SCH XBRL Schema Document

101.

CAL XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document

101.

DEF XBRL Definition Linkbase Document

101.

LAB XBRL Label Linkbase Document

101.

PRE XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document

*Filed herewith.


32

SIGNATURES

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.

STRAYER

STRATEGIC EDUCATION, INC.

By:

/s/ Daniel W. Jackson

Daniel W. Jackson

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 3, 2018

2, 2019


33

39