U. S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ | | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2009
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o | | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 1-31923
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | |
Delaware | | 86-0226984 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
20410 North 19th Avenue, Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(Address of principal executive offices)
(623) 445-9500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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. Yesþ Noo
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). Yeso Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filero | | Accelerated filerþ | | Non-accelerated filero(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | | Smaller reporting companyo |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yeso Noþ
At January 28, 2010, there were 23,853,548 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock.
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | | | September 30, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2009 | |
| | ($’s in thousands) | |
Assets | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 61,838 | | | $ | 56,199 | |
Investments, current portion | | | 30,722 | | | | 25,142 | |
Receivables, net | | | 14,070 | | | | 14,892 | |
Deferred tax assets | | | 6,044 | | | | 7,452 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 11,218 | | | | 10,480 | |
| | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 123,892 | | | | 114,165 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Investments, less current portion | | | 4,653 | | | | 3,806 | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 81,373 | | | | 81,168 | |
Goodwill | | | 20,579 | | | | 20,579 | |
Other assets | | | 3,571 | | | | 3,633 | |
| | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 234,068 | | | $ | 223,351 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | $ | 37,236 | | | $ | 47,276 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 54,654 | | | | 48,175 | |
Accrued tool sets | | | 4,532 | | | | 4,276 | |
Income tax payable | | | 6,214 | | | | 1,794 | |
Other current liabilities | | | 29 | | | | 25 | |
| | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 102,665 | | | | 101,546 | |
| | | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | 1,304 | | | | 3,086 | |
Deferred rent liability | | | 5,589 | | | | 5,593 | |
Other liabilities | | | 6,291 | | | | 6,428 | |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 115,849 | | | | 116,653 | |
| | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Shareholders’ equity: | | | | | | | | |
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 28,710,607 shares issued and 23,840,381 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 28,641,006 shares issued and 23,770,780 shares outstanding at September 30, 2009 | | | 3 | | | | 3 | |
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding | | | — | | | | — | |
Paid-in capital | | | 143,054 | | | | 140,813 | |
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,870,226 shares at December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 | | | (76,506 | ) | | | (76,506 | ) |
Retained earnings | | | 51,668 | | | | 42,388 | |
| | | | | | |
Total shareholders’ equity | | | 118,219 | | | | 106,698 | |
| | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | 234,068 | | | $ | 223,351 | |
| | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | (In thousands, except per | |
| | share amounts) | |
Net revenues | | $ | 103,522 | | | $ | 90,121 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Educational services and facilities | | | 48,927 | | | | 47,742 | |
Selling, general and administrative | | | 39,539 | | | | 38,790 | |
| | | | | | |
Total operating expenses | | | 88,466 | | | | 86,532 | |
| | | | | | |
Income from operations | | | 15,056 | | | | 3,589 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 48 | | | | 79 | |
Interest expense | | | (4 | ) | | | (12 | ) |
Other income | | | 135 | | | | 71 | |
| | | | | | |
Total other income | | | 179 | | | | 138 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | 15,235 | | | | 3,727 | |
Income tax expense | | | 5,955 | | | | 1,423 | |
| | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 9,280 | | | $ | 2,304 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income per share — basic | | $ | 0.39 | | | $ | 0.09 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income per share — diluted | | $ | 0.38 | | | $ | 0.09 | |
| | | | | | |
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 23,827 | | | | 25,090 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diluted | | | 24,176 | | | | 25,462 | |
| | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total | |
| | Common Stock | | | Paid-in | | | Treasury Stock | | | Retained | | | Shareholders’ | |
| | Shares | | | Amount | | | Capital | | | Shares | | | Amount | | | Earnings | | | Equity | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | (In thousands) | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at September 30, 2009 | | | 28,641 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 140,813 | | | | 4,870 | | | $ | (76,506 | ) | | $ | 42,388 | | | $ | 106,698 | |
Net income | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 9,280 | | | | 9,280 | |
Issuance of common stock under employee plans | | | 71 | | | | — | | | | 347 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 347 | |
Shares withheld for payroll taxes | | | (1 | ) | | | — | | | | (35 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (35 | ) |
Tax benefit from employee stock plans | | | — | | | | — | | | | 354 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 354 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,575 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,575 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2009 | | | 28,711 | | | $ | 3 | | | $ | 143,054 | | | | 4,870 | | | $ | (76,506 | ) | | $ | 51,668 | | | $ | 118,219 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| | For the Three Months Ended | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 9,280 | | | $ | 2,304 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 4,372 | | | | 4,371 | |
Bad debt expense | | | 1,495 | | | | 2,084 | |
Stock-based compensation | | | 1,556 | | | | 1,390 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | (20 | ) | | | (1,473 | ) |
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | | | 16 | | | | 121 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Receivables | | | (287 | ) | | | 2,336 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | (759 | ) | | | (807 | ) |
Other assets | | | 47 | | | | 8 | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | | | (9,264 | ) | | | (3,310 | ) |
Deferred revenue | | | 6,479 | | | | 910 | |
Income tax payable | | | 4,060 | | | | 2,647 | |
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities | | | 260 | | | | 15 | |
Other liabilities | | | (118 | ) | | | 83 | |
| | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 17,117 | | | | 10,679 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Purchase of property and equipment | | | (5,337 | ) | | | (4,016 | ) |
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment | | | — | | | | 5 | |
Purchase of investments | | | (8,548 | ) | | | — | |
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments | | | 1,735 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (12,150 | ) | | | (4,011 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee plans | | | 347 | | | | (17 | ) |
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld | | | (35 | ) | | | — | |
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation | | | 360 | | | | 2 | |
| | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | 672 | | | | (15 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | 5,639 | | | | 6,653 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | | | 56,199 | | | | 80,878 | |
| | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | | $ | 61,838 | | | $ | 87,531 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | | | | |
Taxes paid | | $ | 1,563 | | | $ | 250 | |
| | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 12 | |
| | | | | | |
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services | | $ | 285 | | | $ | 287 | |
| | | | | | |
Accrued capital expenditures | | $ | 776 | | | $ | 313 | |
| | | | | | |
Capitalized stock-based compensation | | $ | 19 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
1. Nature of the Business
We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate enrollment and graduates. We offer undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 10 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (collectively, MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI). We also offer manufacturer-specific training programs including both student paid electives at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at dedicated training centers.
We work closely with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine industries to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Through our relationships with OEMs, we are able to continuously refine and expand our programs and curricula. We believe our industry-oriented educational philosophy and national presence have enabled us to develop valuable industry relationships which provide us with significant competitive strength and support our market leadership.
2. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2010. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 1, 2009.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI) and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
We have evaluated events after December 31, 2009 through February 2, 2010, which is the date the financial statements were issued, and determined that any events or transactions occurring during this period that would require recognition or disclosure were appropriately addressed in these financial statements.
5
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
3. Investments
We invest predominantly in pre-refunded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties, and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions. We have the ability and intent to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost.
Amortized cost and estimated fair market value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2009 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Estimated | |
| | Amortized | | | Gross Unrealized | | | Fair Market | |
| | Cost | | | Gains | | | Losses | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Certificates of deposit due in less than 1 year | | $ | 2,303 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,303 | |
Certificates of deposit due in 1 - 2 years | | | 2,635 | | | | — | | | | (1 | ) | | | 2,634 | |
Bonds due in less than 1 year | | | 28,419 | | | | 36 | | | | (8 | ) | | | 28,447 | |
Bonds due in 1 - 2 years | | | 2,018 | | | | 7 | | | | — | | | | 2,025 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 35,375 | | | $ | 43 | | | $ | (9 | ) | | $ | 35,409 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk and as a result, it is possible that changes in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income.
4. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The valuation techniques used to determine fair value are consistent with either the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach. The following three-tier fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation techniques to measure fair value:
Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
Level 2 — Observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities; and
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.
Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market volatility. Therefore, classification of inputs within the hierarchy may change from period to period depending upon the ability to observe those prices and inputs. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value for certain assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
6
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
At December 31, 2009, we held $51.5 million in money market mutual funds which are classified within cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheet. We measure fair value for our money market mutual funds using quoted market prices for identical assets (Level 1).
5. Postemployment Benefits
During the three months ended December 31, 2009 and year ended September 30, 2009, we entered into agreements with personnel whose employment terminated and recorded charges for postemployment benefits of approximately $0.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The postemployment benefit liability will be paid out ratably over the terms of the agreements, which range from 1 to 18 months, with the final agreement expiring in December 2010.
The following table summarizes the postemployment activity for the three months ended December 31, 2009:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Liability Balance at | | | Postemployment | | | | | | | Other | | | Liability Balance at | |
| | September 30, 2009 | | | Benefit Charges | | | Cash Paid | | | Non-cash(1) | | | December 31, 2009 | |
Severance | | $ | 1,741 | | | $ | 152 | | | $ | (604 | ) | | $ | (200 | ) | | $ | 1,089 | |
Other | | | 182 | | | | 15 | | | | (39 | ) | | | (35 | ) | | | 123 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 1,923 | | | $ | 167 | | | $ | (643 | ) | | $ | (235 | ) | | $ | 1,212 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | Primarily relates to the affected employee not using benefits within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance. |
6. Earnings per Common Share
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. For the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, 1,241,584 shares, and 1,812,041 shares, respectively, which could be issued under outstanding options or restricted stock, were not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive.
7
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Weighted average number of shares | | | | | | | | |
Basic shares outstanding | | | 23,827 | | | | 25,090 | |
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans | | | 349 | | | | 372 | |
| | | | | | |
Diluted shares outstanding | | | 24,176 | | | | 25,462 | |
| | | | | | |
In June 2008, the FASB issued guidance for determining whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. This guidance clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and requires such awards be included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the two-class method. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. This guidance requires all prior-period EPS data presented to be adjusted retrospectively and early application is not permitted. We adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our EPS calculations.
7. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consist of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Depreciable | | | December 31, | | | September 30, | |
| | Lives (in Years) | | | 2009 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Land | | | — | | | $ | 1,456 | | | $ | 1,456 | |
Buildings and building improvements | | | 35 | | | | 7,955 | | | | 7,654 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 1-28 | | | | 36,109 | | | | 35,859 | |
Training equipment | | | 3-10 | | | | 65,042 | | | | 63,982 | |
Office and computer equipment | | | 3-10 | | | | 36,082 | | | | 35,187 | |
Software developed for internal use | | | 3-5 | | | | 7,145 | | | | 6,883 | |
Curriculum development | | | 5 | | | | 643 | | | | 643 | |
Vehicles | | | 5 | | | | 695 | | | | 695 | |
Construction in progress | | | — | | | | 8,733 | | | | 6,813 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 163,860 | | | | 159,172 | |
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | | | | | (82,487 | ) | | | (78,004 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | $ | 81,373 | | | $ | 81,168 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
8
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
8. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | | | September 30, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2009 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 3,376 | | | $ | 7,515 | |
Accrued compensation and benefits | | | 22,457 | | | | 30,218 | |
Other accrued expenses | | | 11,403 | | | | 9,543 | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 37,236 | | | $ | 47,276 | |
| | | | | | |
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, investigations and claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Based on internal review, we record reserves using our best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable contingent liabilities. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Proprietary Loan Program
In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a national chartered bank in 2008. Under terms of the related agreement, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank on a monthly basis and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan.
The bank agreed to provide these services in exchange for a fee equivalent to 0.4% of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we have a $2.0 million deposit with the bank in order to secure our related loan purchase obligation. This balance is classified as other assets in our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009.
In substance, we provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition and as a result, we account for the underlying transactions in accordance with our tuition revenue recognition policy. However, due to the nature of the program coupled with the extended payment terms required under the student loan agreements, collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize tuition revenue and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest income required under the loan when such amounts are collected. We will reevaluate this policy on the basis of our historical collection experience under the program and will accelerate recognition of the related revenue if appropriate. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred and were approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans and related deferred tuition revenue will not be recognized in our consolidated balance sheet until sufficient collection history has been obtained.
9
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
Our Board of Directors authorized the extension of up to an aggregate of $30.0 million of credit under our proprietary loan program. As of December 31, 2009, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $19.1 million and of that amount there was approximately $18.0 million in loans outstanding. At December 31, 2008 there was approximately $5.1 million in loans outstanding under this program. Since the inception of the program, approximately $11.0 million of the related tuition revenue has not been recognized because collectability is not reasonably assured. We will recognize the related tuition revenue when such amounts are collected.
10. Stock Repurchase Program
On April 28, 2009 and November 26, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the stock repurchase program at any time without prior notice. At December 31, 2009, we have purchased 3,439,281 shares at an average price per share of $13.50 and a total cost of approximately $46.4 million under this program. We did not make any purchases during the three months ended December 31, 2009.
11. Segment Information
Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training, and these operations are managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the Other category. Corporate expenses are allocated to Postsecondary Education and the Other category based on compensation expense.
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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
Summary information by reportable segment is as follows as of and for the three months ended December 31:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | | | | | | | |
Postsecondary education | | $ | 100,827 | | | $ | 85,724 | |
Other | | | 2,695 | | | | 4,397 | |
| | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 103,522 | | | $ | 90,121 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations | | | | | | | | |
Postsecondary education | | $ | 15,584 | | | $ | 3,936 | |
Other | | | (528 | ) | | | (347 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 15,056 | | | $ | 3,589 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | | | | | | |
Postsecondary education | | $ | 4,179 | | | $ | 4,227 | |
Other | | | 193 | | | | 144 | |
| | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 4,372 | | | $ | 4,371 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Goodwill | | | | | | | | |
Postsecondary education | | $ | 20,579 | | | $ | 20,579 | |
Other | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 20,579 | | | $ | 20,579 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | | | | | | | |
Postsecondary education | | $ | 230,068 | | | $ | 208,509 | |
Other | | | 4,000 | | | | 3,085 | |
| | | | | | |
Consolidated | | $ | 234,068 | | | $ | 211,594 | |
| | | | | | |
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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and those in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” included in Part II, Item IA of this report.
2010 Overview
Operations
Our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment increased 15.1% to 18,782 students for the three months ended December 31, 2009, resulting in revenue growth of 14.9%. Our net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were $103.5 million, an increase of $13.4 million from the prior year. Our net income for the three months ended December 31, 2009 was $9.3 million, an increase of $7.0 million from the prior year. The increase in net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2009 was primarily due to an increase in average undergraduate student enrollment, an increase in tuition rates, and a decrease in tuition discounts. The increase was partially offset by tuition revenue and loan origination fees financed under our proprietary loan program, which, because collectability is not reasonably assured, we will recognize as tuition revenue when such amounts have been collected. Additionally, the increase in our net revenue was partially offset by a decrease in revenue from our industry training programs. Net income was impacted by higher compensation and related benefits expense which was partially offset by lower bad debt expense.
Student starts for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were 3,850, an increase of 16.0% as compared to 3,319 for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The increase in starts is a result of the investments we made in our student recruitment representatives as well as the recruitment, training and development of additional financial aid and future student advisors during 2009. In addition, although not quantifiable, we believe broader economic conditions have contributed to a portion of our recent enrollment growth.
Student Lending Environment
There is legislation under consideration which would discontinue the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program under which banks and other lending institutions make loans to students or their parents. The legislation would make such loans available through the Federal Direct Loan Program. All of our institutions have been approved to process loans under the Direct Loan Program. We are modifying our processes and systems and believe we will be prepared to make the transition to the Direct Loan Program when necessary.
In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a proprietary loan program with a national chartered bank in June 2008. For a detailed discussion, see “Proprietary Loan Program” in Note 9 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Our Board of Directors authorized the extension of up to an aggregate of $30.0 million of credit under our proprietary loan program. As of December 31, 2009, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $19.1 million and of that amount there was approximately $18.0 million in loans outstanding. At December 31, 2008 there was approximately $5.1 million in loans outstanding under this program. Since the inception of the program, we have not recognized revenue in the amounts of approximately $11.0 million and $7.0 million because collectability is not reasonably assured and due to the timing of student progression through their programs, respectively. We will recognize the revenue when such amounts are collected as payments are made on the loans.
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New Campus
We are planning to open a new campus in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas during the summer of 2010, providing our automotive and automotive/diesel training programs during the following three months to six months.
Through December 31, 2009, we have invested approximately $9.4 million on the building and land purchase, building improvements and equipment, with approximately $0.2 million of that investment occurring during the three months ended December 31, 2009. We anticipate making an additional investment of approximately $10.0 million in preparing this campus for opening over the next six months. During the three months ended December 31, 2009, we have incurred approximately $0.6 million in operating expenses related to opening our new campus and we anticipate we will incur approximately $6.6 million in 2010. We anticipate this new campus will become profitable within 9 months to 15 months after opening.
Regulatory Update
The recently commenced negotiated rulemaking by the U.S. Department of Education could result in regulatory changes that materially and adversely affect our business.
In November 2009, the U.S. Department of Education convened two new negotiated rulemaking teams related to Title IV program integrity issues and foreign school issues. The proposed program integrity rulemaking addresses numerous topics, including, but not limited to:
| • | | standards regarding the payment of incentive compensation to employees involved in student enrollment; |
| • | | establishing a definition of “gainful employment” for purposes of the foundational requirement for Title IV student financial aid that a program of study prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation. |
The negotiated rulemaking process is expected to consist of three meetings for each team that will culminate in the publication of proposed rules in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment some time after the final meeting deliberations in early calendar year 2010. At these meetings, representatives of the various higher education constituencies, often reflecting widely divergent views, attempt to negotiate acceptable regulations to address the topics introduced by the U.S. Department of Education. After the public comment period expires, the U.S. Department of Education must publish final regulations in the Federal Register on or before November 1, 2010 for the regulations to be effective July 1, 2011. We cannot predict the outcome of this rulemaking process at this time.
Industry Background
The U.S. Department of Labor recently released data related to the market for qualified service technicians which estimated that in 2008 there were approximately 764,000 working automotive technicians in the United States, and this number was expected to increase by 4.7% from 2008 to 2018. Other 2008 estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that from 2008 to 2018 the number of technicians in the other industries we serve, including diesel repair, collision repair, motorcycle repair and marine repair, are expected to increase by 5.7%, 0.5%, 9.0% and 5.9%, respectively. This need for technicians is due to a variety of factors, including technological advancement in the industries our graduates enter, a continued increase in the number of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and boats in service, as well as an aging and retiring workforce that generally requires training to keep up with technological advancements and maintain its technical competency. As a result of these factors, it is estimated that an average of approximately 31,200 new job openings will exist annually for new entrants from 2008 to 2018 in the fields we serve, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of net revenues for each of the periods indicated.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net revenues | | | 100.0 | % | | | 100.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Educational services and facilities | | | 47.3 | % | | | 53.0 | % |
Selling, general and administrative | | | 38.2 | % | | | 43.0 | % |
| | | | | | |
Total operating expenses | | | 85.5 | % | | | 96.0 | % |
| | | | | | |
Income from operations | | | 14.5 | % | | | 4.0 | % |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 0.1 | % | | | 0.1 | % |
Other income | | | 0.2 | % | | | 0.1 | % |
| | | | | | |
Total other income | | | 0.3 | % | | | 0.2 | % |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | | 14.8 | % | | | 4.2 | % |
Income tax expense | | | 5.8 | % | | | 1.6 | % |
| | | | | | |
Net income | | | 9.0 | % | | | 2.6 | % |
| | | | | | |
Capacity utilization is the ratio of our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment to total seats available. The following table sets forth our average capacity utilization during each of the periods indicated and the total seats available at the end of each of the periods indicated:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Average undergraduate full-time student enrollment | | | 18,782 | | | | 16,323 | |
Total seats available | | | 24,966 | | | | 24,670 | |
Average capacity utilization | | | 75.2 | % | | | 66.2 | % |
We continue to seek alternate uses for our underutilized space at existing campuses. Alternate uses may include subleasing space to third parties, allocating space for use by our manufacturer specific advanced training programs, adding new industry relationships or consolidating administrative functions into campus facilities.
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Three Months Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2008
Net revenues.Our net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were $103.5 million, representing an increase of $13.4 million, or 14.9%, as compared to net revenues of $90.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008. This increase was a result of an increase in the average undergraduate full-time student enrollment of 15.1%, tuition increases between 3% and 5%, depending on the program, and a decrease in tuition discounts of $0.7 million. The increase in net revenues was partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in tuition revenue and loan origination fees financed under our proprietary loan program, which because collectability is not reasonably assured, we will recognize as tuition revenue when such amounts have been collected. In addition, industry training revenue decreased by $1.7 million due to reductions in and discontinuation of training for certain manufacturer specific training programs. The manufacturers we work with periodically review their technician hiring and training needs which results in adjustments to the training schedules and staffing requirements. Certain manufacturers performed such an assessment which resulted in a reduction in the number of courses offered, and in some cases, a shift of courses from manufacturer paid courses to student paid electives.
Educational services and facilities expenses. Our educational services and facilities expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were $48.9 million, an increase of $1.2 million as compared to $47.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008.
The following tables set forth the significant components of our educational services and facilities expenses:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | % of Net Revenues | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | | | Impact on | |
| | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | Operating | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | Margin | |
| | (In thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and related costs | | $ | 25,819 | | | $ | 24,812 | | | | 24.9 | % | | | 27.5 | % | | | 2.6 | % |
Occupancy costs | | | 8,937 | | | | 9,016 | | | | 8.6 | % | | | 10.0 | % | | | 1.4 | % |
Other educational services and facilities expenses | | | 6,734 | | | | 6,567 | | | | 6.6 | % | | | 7.4 | % | | | 0.8 | % |
Depreciation expense | | | 3,581 | | | | 3,717 | | | | 3.5 | % | | | 4.1 | % | | | 0.6 | % |
Tools and training aids expense | | | 2,711 | | | | 2,384 | | | | 2.6 | % | | | 2.6 | % | | | 0.0 | % |
Contract services expense | | | 1,145 | | | | 1,246 | | | | 1.1 | % | | | 1.4 | % | | | 0.3 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 48,927 | | | $ | 47,742 | | | | 47.3 | % | | | 53.0 | % | | | 5.7 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total compensation and related costs increased by approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to an increase in salaries expense of approximately $1.2 million. This increase was due to the growth in average undergraduate full-time students and our related investment in the recruitment, training, and development of additional financial aid and future student advisors to ensure we provide the highest level of service to our future students.
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Selling, general and administrative expenses.Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2009 were $39.5 million, representing an increase of $0.7 million as compared to $38.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008.
The following tables set forth the significant components of our selling, general and administrative expenses:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | % of Net Revenues | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended | | | Three Months Ended | | | Impact on | |
| | December 31, | | | December 31, | | | Operating | |
| | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | 2009 | | | 2008 | | | Margin | |
| | (In thousands) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and related costs | | $ | 23,584 | | | $ | 22,687 | | | | 22.8 | % | | | 25.2 | % | | | 2.4 | % |
Other selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 7,210 | | | | 6,685 | | | | 7.0 | % | | | 7.3 | % | | | 0.3 | % |
Advertising expense | | | 5,868 | | | | 6,000 | | | | 5.7 | % | | | 6.7 | % | | | 1.0 | % |
Bad debt expense | | | 1,495 | | | | 2,084 | | | | 1.4 | % | | | 2.3 | % | | | 0.9 | % |
Contract services expense | | | 1,382 | | | | 1,334 | | | | 1.3 | % | | | 1.5 | % | | | 0.2 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 39,539 | | | $ | 38,790 | | | | 38.2 | % | | | 43.0 | % | | | 4.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and related costs increased primarily due to increases in salaries and bonuses, partially offset by costs capitalized in connection with the transformation of our automotive and diesel curriculum. Our salary expense increased $0.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to an increase in the number of sales force representatives who were hired to drive an increase in the number of enrollments. Salary expense also increased due to an increase in the number of staff to support the transformation of our automotive and diesel curriculum as well as the growth associated with the increase in average undergraduate full-time students.
Bad debt expense decreased $0.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, due to improved operating efficiencies as a result of the investment we made in recruiting, hiring and training additional financial aid and future student advisors during 2009.
Income taxes.Our provision for income taxes was $6.0 million or 39.1% of pre-tax income for three months ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $1.4 million or 38.2% of pre-tax income for the three months ended December 31, 2008. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of state income taxes, net of related federal income tax benefits.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We finance our operating activities and our internal growth through cash generated from operations. Our net cash provided by operating activities was $17.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009, as compared to $10.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2008.
A majority of our net revenues are derived from Title IV Programs. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs. Students must apply for a new loan for each academic year consisting of thirty-week periods. Loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received within 30 days of the start of a student’s academic year and the second disbursement is typically received at the beginning of the sixteenth week from the start of the student’s academic year. Additionally, we established a proprietary loan program in which we bear all credit and collection risk and students are not required to begin repayment until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. These factors, together with the timing of when our students begin their programs, affect our operating cash flow.
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Operating Activities
Three months ended December 31, 2009
For the three months ended December 31, 2009, our cash flows provided by operating activities were $17.1 million resulting from net income of $9.3 million with adjustments of $7.4 million for non-cash and other items and $0.4 million related to the change in our operating assets and liabilities.
For the three months ended December 31, 2009, the primary adjustments to our net income for non-cash and other items were depreciation and amortization of $4.4 million, substantially all of which was depreciation, stock-based compensation of $1.6 million and bad debt expense of $1.5 million.
Three months ended December 31, 2008
For the three months ended December 31, 2008, our cash flows provided by operating activities were $10.7 million resulting from net income of $2.3 million with adjustments of $6.5 million for non-cash and other items and $1.9 million related to the change in our operating assets and liabilities.
For the three months ended December 31, 2008, the primary adjustments to our net income for non-cash and other items were depreciation and amortization of $4.4 million, substantially all of which was depreciation, bad debt expense of $2.1 million, stock-based compensation of $1.4 million, and loss on disposal of property and equipment of $0.1 million, partially offset by a $1.5 million change in deferred tax benefit.
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Three months ended December 31, 2009
For the three months ended December 31, 2009, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash inflows of $0.4 million and were primarily attributable to changes in deferred revenue and income tax payable, offset by accounts payable and accrued expenses.
Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $9.3 million primarily due to the timing of our accounts payable cycle and a decrease in accrued payroll and benefits. The timing of our accounts payable cycle resulted in a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1.5 million. Accrued payroll and benefits decreased $7.8 million primarily due to the payment of 2009 bonuses and the timing of our payroll cycle.
The increase in deferred revenue resulted in cash provided of $6.5 million and was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program at December 31, 2009 compared to September 30, 2009.
The increase in income tax payable resulted in cash provided of $4.1 million and was primarily due to income taxes incurred on income earned during the three months ended December 31, 2009.
Our days sales outstanding (DSO) was approximately 16 days at December 31, 2009 compared to approximately 18 days at December 31, 2008. The decrease of 2 days is due to our revenue growth and the decrease in accounts receivable.
17
Three months ended December 31, 2008
For the three months ended December 31, 2008, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in $1.9 million of cash provided, primarily attributable to changes in receivables, deferred revenue and income taxes payable, partially offset by changes in accounts payable and accrued expenses
The decrease in receivables resulted in cash provided of $2.3 million. Receivables decreased primarily due to a lower number of students in school at December 31, 2008 when compared to September 30, 2008. In addition, our DSO decreased by three days to approximately 18 days at December 31, 2008 compared to approximately 21 days at September 30, 2008. The decrease in DSO was primarily due to a focused effort to reduce the delay we were experiencing in receiving financial aid funding to settle in-school student receivables during 2008, and an increase in our allowance for doubtful accounts.
The increase in deferred revenue resulted in cash provided of $0.9 million and was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at year end in relation to the completion of their program and an increase in need-based tuition scholarships.
The increase in income tax payable resulted in cash provided of $2.6 million and was primarily due to income taxes incurred on income earned during the three months ended December 31, 2008.
Accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $3.3 million primarily due to the timing of our accounts payable and payroll cycles. The timing of our accounts payable cycle resulted in a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1.0 million. Due to the timing of the payroll cycle, fewer days of payroll were accrued at December 31, 2008, resulting in a decrease of $2.3 million in accrued payroll and benefits.
Investing Activities
Three months ended December 31, 2009
For the three months ended December 31, 2009, cash used in investing activities was $12.2 million and was primarily related to our investment of $8.5 million in pre-refunded municipal bonds and certificates of deposit partially offset by $1.7 million of proceeds received upon the maturity of investments, all of which were re-invested. Additionally, we invested $5.3 million for the purchase of property and equipment associated with information technology projects, curriculum development, campus improvements and ongoing replacement of equipment related to student training.
Three months ended December 31, 2008
For the three months ended December 31, 2008, cash used in investing activities was $4.0 million and was primarily related to the purchase of property and equipment associated with information technology projects, existing campus expansions and ongoing replacement of equipment related to student training.
Financing Activities
Three months ended December 31, 2009
For the three months ended December 31, 2009, cash provided by financing activities was $0.7 million and was primarily attributable to activity in employee stock plans.
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Three months ended December 31, 2008
For the three months ended December 31, 2008, cash flows used in financing activities were attributable to shares withheld for taxes on the vesting of restricted common stock under employee stock option plans.
Future Liquidity Sources
Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash flows from operations, cash on hand and investments will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, commitments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations through the next 12 months.
We believe that the strategic use of our cash resources includes funding our new campus as well as subsidizing funding alternatives for our students. In addition, our long term strategy includes evaluating repurchase of our common stock as well as the consideration of strategic acquisitions. To the extent that potential acquisitions are large enough to require financing beyond cash from operations, we may issue debt resulting in increased interest expense.
Seasonality and Trends
Our net revenues and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population and costs associated with opening or expanding our campuses. Our student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower student populations in our third quarter than in the remainder of our year because fewer students are enrolled during the summer months. Additionally, our schools have had higher student populations in our fourth quarter than in the remainder of the year because more students enroll during this period. Our expenses, however, do not vary significantly with changes in student population and net revenues and, as a result, such expenses do not fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of seasonal enrollment patterns. Such patterns may change, however, as a result of new school openings, new program introductions, increased enrollments of adult students or acquisitions. In addition, our net revenues for the first quarter ending December 31 are impacted by the fact that we have fewer earning days when our campuses are closed during the calendar year end holiday break and accordingly we do not earn revenue during that period.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009. During the three months ended December 31, 2009 there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements are disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009. During the three months ended December 31, 2009 there have been no new accounting pronouncements which are expected to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements.
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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our principal exposure to market risk relates to changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2009, we held $61.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and $35.4 million in investments. During the three months ended December 31, 2009, we earned minimal interest income. During 2009, we began investing predominantly in pre-refunded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties, and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions.
As of December 31, 2009, we did not have significant short-term or long-term borrowings. Any future borrowings will be subject to interest rate risk. Please refer to the Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009 for additional information.
Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results
This report contains forward-looking information about our financial results, estimates and our business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. From time to time, we also may provide oral or written forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public. Forward-looking statements are expressions of our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They often include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future regulatory initiatives, future performance or results, expenses, the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings, and financial results.
We cannot guarantee any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the SEC. The Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009 listed various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historic results. We note these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers can find them under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K. We incorporate that section of the Form 10-K in this filing and investors should refer to it. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Our filings with the SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s web site atwww.sec.gov.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, investigations and claims including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
Information regarding risk factors appears in Part I, Item 3 of this report under the heading “Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results” and in Part I, Item 1A of our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009.
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Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table summarizes the purchase of equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2009:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | (d) Approximate Dollar | |
| | | | | | | | | | (c) Total Number | | | Value of Shares that | |
| | (a) Total | | | | | | of Shares | | | May Yet Be Purchased | |
| | Number of | | | (b) Average | | | Purchased as | | | Under the Plans Or | |
| | Shares | | | Price Paid | | | Part of Publicly | | | Programs | |
Period | | Purchased(1) | | | per Share | | | Announced Plans | | | (In thousands)(2) | |
October 2009 | | | — | | | $ | — | | | | — | | | $ | 23,660 | |
November 2009 | | | — | | | $ | — | | | | — | | | $ | 23,660 | |
December 2009 | | | 1,884 | | | $ | 18.84 | | | | — | | | $ | 23,660 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | 1,884 | | | | | | | | — | | | $ | 23,660 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
(1) | | Represents shares of common stock delivered to us as payment of taxes on the vesting of shares of our common stock which were granted subject to forfeiture restrictions under our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan. |
|
(2) | | On April 28, 2009 and November 26, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. |
Item 6. EXHIBITS
| | | | |
Number | | Description |
| | | | |
| 31.1 | | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.) |
| | | | |
| 31.2 | | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.) |
| | | | |
| 32.1 | | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.) |
| | | | |
| 32.2 | | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.) |
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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.
| | | | |
| UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. | |
Dated: February 2, 2010 | By: | /s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr. | |
| | Eugene S. Putnam, Jr. | |
| | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) | |
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