Attached files

file filename
EX-32.2 - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 - ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INCdex322.htm
EX-31.2 - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) - ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INCdex312.htm
EX-32.1 - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 - ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INCdex321.htm
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INCFinancial_Report.xls
EX-31.1 - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) - ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES INCdex311.htm
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x

  

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

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011                            

OR

 

¨   

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

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  

For the transition period from                  to                                                          

 

   Commission file number     1-13144

ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   36-2061311

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

13000 North Meridian Street

Carmel, Indiana

  46032-1404
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:    (317) 706-9200

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    x        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    x        No    ¨

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. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer     x    Accelerated filer     ¨
Non-accelerated filer  

¨ (Do not check if a smaller

     reporting company)

   Smaller reporting company     ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes    ¨        No     x

28,069,708

Number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding at March 31, 2011


Table of Contents

ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

Carmel, Indiana

Quarterly Report to Securities and Exchange Commission

March 31, 2011

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

Index

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited) and December  31, 2010

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three months ended March  31, 2011 and 2010

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March  31, 2011 and 2010

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March  31, 2011 and 2010 (unaudited) and the year ended December 31, 2010

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

- 1 -


Table of Contents

ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

     As of  
     March 31,
2011
     December 31,
2010
     March 31,
2010
 
     (unaudited)             (unaudited)  

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

     $187,922         $163,779         $165,544   

Short-term investments

     152,612         149,160         156,143   

Restricted cash

     1,820         255         5,298   

Accounts receivable, net

     59,798         68,937         88,290   

Deferred income taxes

     5,402         9,079         13,321   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     24,388         22,887         19,735   
                          

Total current assets

     431,942         414,097         448,331   

Property and equipment, net

     196,579         198,213         191,438   

Deferred income taxes

     28,125         21,814         9,720   

Other assets

     44,869         40,656         27,900   
                          

Total assets

     $701,515         $674,780         $677,389   
                          

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

     $72,689         $67,920         $68,474   

Accrued compensation and benefits

     19,345         28,428         17,465   

Other current liabilities

     61,321         15,441         65,851   

Deferred revenue

     265,540         244,362         191,795   
                          

Total current liabilities

     418,895         356,151         343,585   

Long-term debt

     150,000         150,000         150,000   

Other liabilities

     52,151         40,559         28,294   
                          

Total liabilities

     621,046         546,710         521,879   
                          

Shareholders’ equity:

        

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

     0         0         0   

Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized, 37,068,904, 37,068,904 and 54,068,904 issued

     371         371         541   

Capital surplus

     177,594         173,935         160,371   

Retained earnings

     607,765         524,678         1,090,413   

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

     (4,563)         (4,509)         (9,851)   

Treasury stock, 8,999,196, 7,075,563 and 19,531,095 shares, at cost

     (700,698)         (566,405)         (1,085,964)   
                          

Total shareholders’ equity

     80,469         128,070         155,510   
                          

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

     $701,515         $674,780         $677,389   
                          

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

 

- 2 -


Table of Contents

ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011      2010  

Revenue

     $383,171         $383,957   

Costs and expenses:

     

Cost of educational services

     137,926         134,382   

Student services and administrative expenses

     104,583         106,960   
                 

Total costs and expenses

     242,509         241,342   
                 

Operating income

     140,662         142,615   

Interest income

     835         709   

Interest (expense)

     (557)         (420)   
                 

Income before provision for income taxes

     140,940         142,904   

Provision for income taxes

     55,554         55,453   
                 

Net income

     $85,386         $87,451   
                 

Earnings per share:

     

Basic

     $2.94         $2.50   

Diluted

     $2.91         $2.46   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

     

Basic

     29,085         35,028   

Diluted

     29,312         35,499   

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

 

- 3 -


Table of Contents

ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011      2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income

     $85,386         $87,451   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:

     

Depreciation and amortization

     6,842         6,758   

Provision for doubtful accounts

     12,667         22,765   

Deferred income taxes

     (2,685)         (2,978)   

Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises

     (351)         (921)   

Stock-based compensation expense

     3,914         4,813   

Other

     (1,430)         156   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

     

Restricted cash

     (1,565)         (3,407)   

Accounts receivable

     (3,528)         (25,629)   

Accounts payable

     4,769         7,199   

Other operating assets and liabilities

     56,922         43,051   

Deferred revenue

     21,178         19,862   
                 

Net cash flows from operating activities

     182,119         159,120   
                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Facility expenditures and land purchases

     (502)         (839)   

Capital expenditures, net

     (4,699)         (5,298)   

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments and repayment of notes

     142,085         84,698   

Purchase of investments and note advances

     (158,589)         (107,172)   
                 

Net cash flows from investing activities

     (21,705)         (28,611)   
                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises

     351         921   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     3,028         1,026   

Repurchase of common stock and shares tendered for taxes

     (139,650)         (95,700)   
                 

Net cash flows from financing activities

     (136,271)         (93,753)   
                 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     24,143         36,756   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     163,779         128,788   
                 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     $187,922         $165,544   
                 

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

 

- 4 -


Table of Contents

ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars and shares in thousands)

 

                                 Accumulated                       
     Common Stock      Capital      Retained     

Other

Comprehensive

     Common Stock in
Treasury
        
     Shares      Amount      Surplus      Earnings      Income (Loss)      Shares      Amount      Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2009

     54,069         $541         $154,495         $1,006,903         ($10,093)         (18,623)         ($995,261)         $156,585   
                             

For the three months ended March 31, 2010 (unaudited):

                       

Net income

              87,451                  87,451   

Other comprehensive income:

                       

Prior service costs, net of $3 of income tax

                 4               4   

Net actuarial pension loss, net of $147 of income tax

                 230               230   

Unrealized gain

                 8               8   
                             

Comprehensive income

                          87,693   
                             

Exercise of stock options and equity awards

              (3,942)            51         4,968         1,026   

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and equity award vesting

           1,063                     1,063   

Stock-based compensation

           4,813                     4,813   

Common shares repurchased

                    (953)         (95,025)         (95,025)   

Issuance of shares for Directors’ compensation

              1            1         29         30   

Shares tendered for taxes

                    (7)         (675)         (675)   
                                                                       

Balance as of March 31, 2010

     54,069         541         160,371         1,090,413         (9,851)         (19,531)         (1,085,964)         155,510   
                             

For the nine months ended December 31, 2010 (unaudited):

                       

Net income

              286,715                  286,715   

Other comprehensive income:

                       

Prior service costs, net of $4,055 of income tax

                 6,336               6,336   

Net actuarial pension loss, net of $404 of income tax

                 (1,090)               (1,090)   

Unrealized gain

                 96               96   
                             

Comprehensive income

                          292,057   
                             

Exercise of stock options and equity awards

              (9,689)            163         16,556         6,867   

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and equity award vesting

           2,564                     2,564   

Stock-based compensation

           11,000                     11,000   

Common shares repurchased

                    (4,705)         (339,631)         (339,631)   

Shares tendered for taxes

                    (3)         (297)         (297)   

Common shares retired

     (17,000)         (170)            (842,761)            17,000         842,931         0   
                                                                       

Balance as of December 31, 2010

     37,069         371         173,935         524,678         (4,509)         (7,076)         (566,405)         128,070   
                             

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 (unaudited):

                       

Net income

              85,386                  85,386   

Other comprehensive income:

                       

Prior service costs, net of $135 of income tax

                 (211)               (211)   

Net actuarial pension loss, net of $186 of income tax

                 290               290   

Unrealized (loss)

                 (133)               (133)   
                             

Comprehensive income

                          85,332   
                             

Exercise of stock options and equity awards

              (2,300)            84         5,328         3,028   

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and equity award vesting

           351                     351   

Stock-based compensation

           3,308                     3,308   

Common shares repurchased

                    (2,000)         (139,097)         (139,097)   

Issuance of shares for Directors’ compensation

              1            1         29         30   

Shares tendered for taxes

                    (8)         (553)         (553)   
                                                                       

Balance as of March 31, 2011

     37,069         $371         $177,594         $607,765         ($4,563)         (8,999)         ($700,698)         $80,469   
                                                                       

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

 

- 5 -


Table of Contents

ITT EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2011

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data and unless otherwise stated)

 

1. The Company and Basis of Presentation

We are a leading provider of technology-oriented postsecondary education in the United States based on revenue and student enrollment. As of March 31, 2011, we were offering master, bachelor and associate degree programs to approximately 84,000 students at ITT Technical Institute and Daniel Webster College locations. As of March 31, 2011, we had 134 locations (including 130 campuses and four learning sites) in 38 states. All of our locations are authorized by the applicable education authorities of the states in which they operate and are accredited by an accrediting commission recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”). We have provided career-oriented education programs since 1969 under the “ITT Technical Institute” name and since June 2009 under the “Daniel Webster College” name. Our corporate headquarters are located in Carmel, Indiana.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include our wholly-owned subsidiaries’ accounts and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America for interim periods and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, including significant accounting policies, normally included in a complete presentation of financial statements prepared in accordance with those principles, rules and regulations have been omitted. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2010 was derived from audited financial statements but, as presented in this report, may not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Arrangements where we may have a variable interest in another party are evaluated in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”), to determine whether we would be required to include the financial results of the other party in our consolidated financial statements. As of March 31, 2011, we were not required to include the financial results of any variable interest entity in our condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 8 – Variable Interests, for additional discussion of our variable interests.

In the opinion of our management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to fairly state our financial condition and results of operations. The interim financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

2. New Accounting Guidance

In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-29, which is included in the Codification under ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” This update provides guidance on the disclosure of supplemental pro forma information for business combinations. This guidance became effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Also in December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, which is included in the Codification under ASC 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” This update provides guidance on applying the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. This guidance became effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3. Fair Value

Fair value for financial reporting is defined as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement of our financial assets utilized assumptions categorized as observable inputs under the accounting guidance. Observable inputs are assumptions based on independent market data sources.

 

 

- 6 -


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth information regarding the fair value measurement of our financial assets as of March 31, 2011:

 

            Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
            (Level 1)      (Level 2)      (Level 3)  

Description

   As of
March 31,
2011
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
     Significant Other
Observable Inputs
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 

Cash equivalents:

           

Money market funds

     $181,056         $181,056         $0         $0   

Short-term investments:

           

U.S. Treasury obligations

     100,658         100,658         0         0   

Government agency obligations

     33,172         0         33,172         0   

Corporate obligations

     13,437         0         13,437         0   

Other assets:

           

Money market fund

     7,699         7,699         0         0   
                                   
     $336,022         $289,413         $46,609         $0   
                                   

We used quoted prices in active markets for identical assets as of the measurement date to value our financial assets that were categorized as Level 1. For assets that were categorized as Level 2, we used:

 

   

quoted prices for similar assets in active markets;

   

quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that were not active or in which little public information had been released;

   

inputs other than quoted prices that were observable for the assets; or

   

inputs that were principally derived from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current liabilities and deferred revenue approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. Investments classified as available-for-sale are recorded at their market value.

The fair value of the notes receivable included in other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2011 is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current rates for similar arrangements. As of March 31, 2011, each of the carrying value and the estimated fair value of these financial instruments was approximately $18,000.

The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current rates for similar loans with similar characteristics and remaining maturities. As of March 31, 2011, each of the carrying value and the estimated fair value of our long-term debt was approximately $150,000.

 

4. Equity Compensation

The stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefit recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in the periods indicated were as follows:

 

         Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
       2011     2010  
 

Stock-based compensation expense

     $3,914        $4,813   
 

Income tax (benefit)

     ($1,507     ($1,853

We did not capitalize any stock-based compensation cost in the three months ended March 31, 2011 or 2010.

As of March 31, 2011, we estimated that pre-tax compensation expense for unvested stock-based compensation grants in the amount of approximately $26,598, net of estimated forfeitures, will be recognized in future periods. This expense will be recognized over the remaining service period applicable to the grantees which, on a weighted-average basis, is approximately 2.0 years.

 

- 7 -


Table of Contents

The stock options granted, forfeited, exercised and expired in the period indicated were as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2011  
     # of
Shares
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Aggregate
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
 

Outstanding at beginning of period

     1,724,791         $77.95         $134,447         

Granted

     159,500         $69.43         11,074         

Forfeited

     0         $0         0         

Exercised

     (60,530)         $50.02         (3,028)         

Expired

     0         $0         0         
                          

Outstanding at end of period

     1,823,761         $78.13         $142,493         4.2 years         $0   
                                            

Exercisable at end of period

     1,372,580         $71.31         $97,877         3.5 years         $1,155   
                                            

 

  (1) The aggregate intrinsic value of the stock options was calculated by multiplying the number of shares subject to the options outstanding or exercisable, as applicable, by the closing market price of our common stock on March 31, 2011, and subtracting the applicable aggregate exercise price.

The following table sets forth information regarding the stock options granted and exercised in the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2011      2010  

Shares subject to stock options granted

     159,500         305,000   

Weighted average grant date fair value per share

     $28.90         $43.59   

Shares subject to stock options exercised

     60,530         32,129   

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

     $911         $2,430   

Proceeds received from stock options exercised

     $3,028         $1,026   

Tax benefits realized from stock options exercised

     $351         $923   

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the difference between the fair market value of the stock and the option exercise price.

The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:

 

     Three Months Ended
March  31,
     2011    2010

Risk-free interest rates

   1.8%    2.2%

Expected lives (in years)

   4.7    4.6

Volatility

   48%    43%

Dividend yield

   None    None

The following table sets forth the number of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) that were granted, forfeited and vested in the period indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31, 2011
 
     # of RSUs      Weighted
Average  Grant
Date

Fair Value
 

Unvested at beginning of period

     128,803         $99.22   

Granted

     153,826         $69.39   

Forfeited

     (3,145)         $97.62   

Vested

     (23,803)         $88.10   
           

Unvested at end of period

     255,681         $82.32   
                 

In January 2011, we awarded 50,363 RSUs that have a time-based restriction period that ends on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Each of these RSUs had a grant date fair value of $69.43 and will be settled in cash. All other RSUs awarded in the three months ended March 31, 2011 have a time-based restriction period that ends on the third anniversary of the date of grant and will be settled in shares of our common stock. The total fair market value of the RSUs vested during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $1,561.

 

- 8 -


Table of Contents
5. Stock Repurchases

As of March 31, 2011, 2,836,725 shares remained available for repurchase under the share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”) authorized by our Board of Directors. The terms of the Repurchase Program provide that we may repurchase shares of our common stock, from time to time depending on market conditions and other considerations, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Unless earlier terminated by our Board of Directors, the Repurchase Program will expire when we repurchase all shares authorized for repurchase thereunder.

The following table sets forth information regarding the shares of our common stock that we repurchased in the periods indicated:

 

         Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
       2011      2010  
 

Number of shares

     2,000,000         952,500   
 

Total cost

     $139,097         $95,025   
 

Average cost per share

     $69.55         $99.76   

 

6. Debt

We are a party to a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 11, 2010 and amended as of February 3, 2010 and August 10, 2010 (the “Credit Agreement”) with two unaffiliated lenders to borrow up to $150,000 under two revolving credit facilities: one in the maximum principal amount of $50,000; and the other in the maximum principal amount of $100,000. We can borrow under the credit facilities on either a secured or unsecured basis at our election, except if an event that would be a default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing, we may not elect to borrow on an unsecured basis. Both revolving credit facilities under the Credit Agreement mature on May 1, 2012.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin or at an alternative base rate, as defined under the Credit Agreement. We pay a facility fee equal to 0.30% per annum on the daily amount of the commitment of each lender (whether used or unused). As of March 31, 2011, the borrowings under the Credit Agreement were $150,000, all of which were secured and bore interest at a rate of 0.79% per annum. Approximately $157,950 of our investments and cash equivalents served as collateral for the secured borrowings as of March 31, 2011.

The following table sets forth the interest expense (including the facility fee) that we recognized on our borrowings under the Credit Agreement and under the prior credit agreement that was replaced by the Credit Agreement in the periods indicated:

 

         Three Months Ended
March 31,
       2011    2010
  Interest expense    $557    $420

 

7. Investments

Our available-for-sale investments were classified as short-term investments on our March 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2010 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table sets forth the aggregate fair value, amortized cost basis and the net unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of our available-for-sale investments as of the dates indicated:

 

     As of:  
     March 31, 2011     December 31, 2010     March 31, 2010  
     Aggregate
Fair Value
     Amortized
Cost
     Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
    Aggregate
Fair Value
     Amortized
Cost
     Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
    Aggregate Fair
Value
     Amortized
Cost
     Net
Unrealized
Gains

(Losses)
 

Available-

for-Sale

Investments:

                        

Variable rate

demand notes

     $0         $0         $0        $0         $0         $0        $15,000         $15,000         $0   

Government

obligations

     100,658         100,691         (33     110,560         110,550         10        80,686         80,712         (26

Government

agency obligations

     33,172         33,187         (15     24,394         24,399         (5     31,430         31,454         (24

Corporate

obligations

     13,437         13,441         (4     8,903         8,908         (5     23,849         23,814         35   
                                                                              
     $147,267         $147,319         ($52     $143,857         $143,857         $0        $150,965         $150,980         ($15
                                                                              

 

- 9 -


Table of Contents

We also held a certificate of deposit with a total principal value of $5,345 as of March 31, 2011, $5,303 as of December 31, 2010 and $5,178 as of March 31, 2010. This investment is included in short-term investments on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. All of our debt securities classified as available-for-sale as of March 31, 2011 had contractual maturities within five years.

The following table sets forth the unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments that were included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the periods indicated:

 

         Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
       2011      2010  
 

Unrealized gains

     $0         $8   
 

Unrealized (losses)

     ($133)         $0   

No unrealized gains or losses were reclassified out of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. We recognized $145 of investment gains in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in the three months ended March 31, 2011.

The following table sets forth the components of investment income included in interest income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income in the periods indicated:

 

         Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
       2011      2010  
 

Interest income on investments

     $155         $153   
 

Realized gains on the sale of investments

     145         93   
                   
       $300         $246   
                   

 

8. Variable Interests

On January 20, 2010, we entered into agreements with unrelated third parties to establish the PEAKS Private Student Loan Program (“PEAKS Program”), which is a private education loan program for our students. Under the PEAKS Program, an unaffiliated lender makes private education loans to our eligible students and, subsequently, sells those loans to an unaffiliated trust that purchases, owns and collects private education loans (“PEAKS Trust”). The PEAKS Trust issued senior debt in the aggregate principal amount of $300,000 (“PEAKS Senior Debt”) to investors. The lender disburses the proceeds of the private education loans to us for application to the students’ account balances with us that represent their unpaid education costs. We transfer a portion of the amount of each private education loan disbursed to us under the PEAKS Program to the PEAKS Trust in exchange for a subordinated note issued by the PEAKS Trust (“Subordinated Note”).

The Subordinated Note is non-interest bearing and has been recorded net of an unamortized discount based on an imputed interest rate of 9.0% in Other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The discount will be amortized over the term of the Subordinated Note, which is expected to be approximately 15 years. The face value of the Subordinated Note as of March 31, 2011 was approximately $73,731.

The PEAKS Trust utilizes the proceeds from the issuance of the PEAKS Senior Debt and the Subordinated Note to purchase the private education loans made by the lender to our students. The assets of the PEAKS Trust (which include, among other assets, the private education loans owned by the PEAKS Trust) serve as collateral for, and are intended to be the principal source of, the repayment of the PEAKS Senior Debt and the Subordinated Note. We guarantee payment of the principal, interest and certain call premiums owed on the PEAKS Senior Debt, and the administrative fees and expenses of the PEAKS Trust (“PEAKS Guarantee”). See Note 11 – Contingencies, for further discussion of the PEAKS Guarantee.

We did not explicitly or implicitly provide any financial or other support to the PEAKS Trust during the three months ended March 31, 2011 or 2010 that we were not contractually required to provide, and we do not intend to provide any such support to the PEAKS Trust in the foreseeable future, other than what we are contractually required to provide.

The PEAKS Trust is a variable interest entity as defined under ASC 810. We held variable interests in the PEAKS Trust as of March 31, 2011 as a result of the Subordinated Note and PEAKS Guarantee. To determine whether we were the primary beneficiary of the PEAKS Trust, we:

 

   

assessed the risks that the PEAKS Trust was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders;

   

identified the variable interests in the PEAKS Trust;

   

identified the other variable interest holders and their involvement in the activities of the PEAKS Trust;

   

identified the activities that most significantly impact the PEAKS Trust’s economic performance;

   

determined whether we have the power to direct those activities; and

   

determined whether we have the right to receive the benefits from, or the obligation to absorb the losses of, the PEAKS Trust that could potentially be significant to the PEAKS Trust.

 

- 10 -


Table of Contents

We determined that the activities of the PEAKS Trust that most significantly impact the economic performance of the PEAKS Trust involve:

 

   

establishing the underwriting criteria of, and the interest rates and fees charged on, the private education loans acquired by the PEAKS Trust; and

   

the servicing (which includes the collection) of the private education loans owned by the PEAKS Trust.

To make that determination, we analyzed various possible scenarios of student loan portfolio performance to evaluate the potential economic impact on the PEAKS Trust. In our analysis, we made what we believe are conservative assumptions based on historical data for the following key variables:

 

   

the composition of the credit profiles of the borrowers;

   

the interest rates and fees charged on the loans;

   

the default rates and the timing of defaults associated with similar types of loans; and

   

the prepayment and the speed of repayment associated with similar types of loans.

Based on our analysis, we concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the PEAKS Trust, because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the PEAKS Trust. As a result, we are not required under ASC 810 to include the financial results of the PEAKS Trust in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Our conclusion that we are not the primary beneficiary of the PEAKS Trust did not change from the prior reporting period. Therefore, there was no effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

On February 20, 2009, we entered into agreements with an unaffiliated entity (the “2009 Entity”) to create a program that makes private education loans available to our students to help pay the students’ cost of education that student financial aid from federal, state and other sources do not cover (the “2009 Loan Program”). Under the 2009 Loan Program, an unaffiliated lender makes private education loans to our eligible students and, subsequently, sells those loans to the 2009 Entity. The 2009 Entity purchases the private education loans from the lender utilizing funds received from its owners in exchange for participation interests in the private education loans acquired by the 2009 Entity. The lender disburses the proceeds of the private education loans to us for application to the students’ account balances with us that represent their unpaid education costs.

In connection with the 2009 Loan Program, we entered into a risk sharing agreement (the “2009 RSA”) with the 2009 Entity under which we have guaranteed the repayment of any private education loans that are charged off above a certain percentage of the private education loans made under the 2009 Loan Program, based on the annual dollar volume. See Note 11 – Contingencies, for further discussion of the 2009 RSA.

In addition, we have made advances to the 2009 Entity under a revolving promissory note (the “Revolving Note”). We did not provide any advances to the 2009 Entity under the Revolving Note in the three months ended March 31, 2011. We provided advances of $2,568 in the three months ended March 31, 2010 to the 2009 Entity under the Revolving Note that we were not contractually required to provide. In the three months ended March 31, 2011, the 2009 Entity repaid $758 to us under the Revolving Note. In the three months ended March 31, 2010, the amount of repayments made by the 2009 Entity to us under the Revolving Note exceeded the amount of our advances to the 2009 Entity under the Revolving Note by $604. Substantially all of the assets of the 2009 Entity serve as collateral for the Revolving Note. The Revolving Note bears interest, is subject to customary terms and conditions and may be repaid at any time without penalty prior to its 2025 maturity date.

The advances under the Revolving Note were primarily used by the 2009 Entity to purchase additional private education loans under the 2009 Loan Program. We made the advances instead of retaining the funds and providing internal student financing, which is non-interest bearing. We have no immediate plans to significantly increase the amount of advances that we make to the 2009 Entity under the Revolving Note, but we may decide to do so in the foreseeable future.

The 2009 Entity is a variable interest entity as defined under ASC 810. We held variable interests in the 2009 Entity as of March 31, 2011 as a result of the Revolving Note and 2009 RSA. To determine whether we were the primary beneficiary of the 2009 Entity, we:

 

   

assessed the risks that the 2009 Entity was designed to create and pass through to its variable interest holders;

   

identified the variable interests in the 2009 Entity;

   

identified the other variable interest holders and their involvement in the activities of the 2009 Entity;

   

identified the activities that most significantly impact the 2009 Entity’s economic performance;

   

determined whether we have the power to direct those activities; and

   

determined whether we have the right to receive the benefits from, or the obligation to absorb the losses of, the 2009

Entity that could potentially be significant to the 2009 Entity.

To identify the activities of the 2009 Entity that most significantly impact the economic performance of the 2009 Entity, we analyzed various possible scenarios of private education loan portfolio performance. In our analysis, we made what we believe are conservative assumptions based on historical data for the following key variables:

 

- 11 -


Table of Contents
   

the composition of the credit profiles of the borrowers;

   

the interest rates and fees charged on the loans;

   

the default rates and the timing of defaults associated with similar types of loans; and

   

the prepayment and the speed of repayment associated with similar types of loans.

We determined that the activities of the 2009 Entity that most significantly impact its economic performance involve:

 

   

establishing the underwriting criteria of, and the interest rates and fees charged on, the private education loans acquired by the 2009 Entity; and

   

the servicing (which includes the collection) of the private education loans owned by the 2009 Entity.

Based on our analysis, we concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of the 2009 Entity, because we do not direct those activities. As a result, we are not required under ASC 810 to include the financial results of the 2009 Entity in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2011. Our conclusion that we are not the primary beneficiary of the 2009 Entity did not change from the prior reporting period. Therefore, there was no effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

The carrying value of the Subordinated Note and the Revolving Note as of March 31, 2011 was $18,019 and is included in Other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

9. Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings per common share for all periods have been calculated in conformity with ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share.” This data is based on historical net income and the weighted average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during each period as set forth in the following table:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
      
     2011      2010     
     (In thousands)     

Shares:

        

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding

     29,085         35,028      

Shares assumed issued (less shares assumed purchased for treasury)
for stock-based compensation

     227         471      
                    

Outstanding shares for diluted
earnings per share calculation

     29,312         35,499      
                    

A total of 1,122,931 shares at March 31, 2011 and 577,000 shares at March 31, 2010 were excluded from the calculation of our diluted earnings per common share because the effect was anti-dilutive.

 

10. Employee Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth the components of net periodic pension benefit of the ESI Pension Plan and ESI Excess Pension Plan for the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months
        Ended March 31,        
      
     2011      2010     

Interest cost

     $598         $720      

Expected return on assets

     (1,147)         (1,110)      

Recognized net actuarial loss

     476         377      

Amortization of prior service (credit) cost

     (346)         7      
                    

Net periodic pension (benefit)

     ($419)         ($6)      
                    

The benefit accruals under the ESI Pension Plan and ESI Excess Pension Plan were frozen effective March 31, 2006. As a result, no service cost has been included in the net periodic pension benefit.

The rates at which interest is credited under the ESI Pension Plan and ESI Excess Pension Plan were changed effective January 1, 2011. This was the primary cause of the lower interest cost in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010. This change also resulted in the recognition of a prior service credit, which is being amortized and is included in the net periodic pension benefit in the three months ended March 31, 2011.

We made no contributions to the ESI Pension Plan or the ESI Excess Pension Plan in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. We do not expect to make any contributions to the ESI Pension Plan or the ESI Excess Pension Plan in 2011.

 

- 12 -


Table of Contents
11. Contingencies

As part of our normal operations, one of our insurers issues surety bonds for us that are required by various education authorities that regulate us. We are obligated to reimburse our insurer for any of those surety bonds that are paid by the insurer. As of March 31, 2011, the total face amount of those surety bonds was approximately $28,935.

We are also subject to various claims and contingencies in the ordinary course of our business, including those related to litigation, business transactions, employee-related matters and taxes, among others. We cannot assure you of the ultimate outcome of any litigation involving us. Although we believe that our estimates related to any litigation are reasonable, deviations from our estimates could produce a materially different result. Any litigation alleging violations of education or consumer protection laws and/or regulations, misrepresentation, fraud or deceptive practices may also subject our affected campuses to additional regulatory scrutiny. The following is a description of pending litigation that falls outside the scope of litigation incidental to the ordinary course of our business.

On November 3, 2010, a complaint in a securities class action lawsuit was filed against us and two of our current executive officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the following caption: Operating Engineers Construction Industry and Miscellaneous Pension Fund, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. ITT Educational Services, Inc., et al. (the “Securities Litigation”). On January 21, 2011, the court named the Wyoming Retirement System as the lead plaintiff in the Securities Litigation. On April 1, 2011, an amended complaint was filed in the Securities Litigation under the following caption: In re ITT Educational Services, Inc. Securities and Shareholder Derivative Litigation. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that:

 

   

the defendants violated Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by creating and implementing a systemically predatory business model that operated as a fraud or deceit on purchasers of our common stock during the class period by misrepresenting our financials and future business prospects;

   

the defendants’ misrepresentations and material omissions caused our common stock to trade at artificially inflated prices throughout the class period; and

   

the market’s expectations were ultimately corrected on August 13, 2010 when the ED published the loan repayment rate of our students under a formula contained in proposed regulations published by the ED on July 26, 2010.

The putative class period in this action is from October 23, 2008 through August 13, 2010. The plaintiff seeks, among other things, the designation of this action as a class action, and an award of unspecified compensatory damages, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees and expert fees. All of the defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations made in the complaint.

On November 12, 2010, a complaint in a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against three of our current executive officers and all of our current Directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the following caption: Antonio Cosing, Derivatively and On Behalf of ITT Educational Services, Inc. v. Kevin M. Modany, et al. (the “Cosing Lawsuit”). The complaint alleges, among other things, that from October 23, 2008 through August 13, 2010, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to us, abused their ability to control and influence us, grossly mismanaged us, caused us to waste corporate assets and were unjustly enriched, by making false and misleading statements and engaging in fraudulent business practices. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified damages, equitable and/or injunctive relief, restitution, disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation, an order directing us to reform our corporate governance and internal procedures, costs, disbursements and attorneys’ fees. All of the individual defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations in the complaint. On December 14, 2010, the Cosing Lawsuit was consolidated into the Securities Litigation.

On November 22, 2010, another complaint in a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against seven of our current officers and all of our current Directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana under the following caption: Roger B. Orensteen, derivatively on behalf of ITT Educational Services, Inc. v. Kevin M. Modany, et al. The complaint alleges, among other things, that, from January 2008 through August 2010, the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, breached their fiduciary duties to us, abused their ability to control and influence us, grossly mismanaged us, caused us to waste corporate assets and were unjustly enriched, by making false and misleading statements and engaging in fraudulent business practices. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified damages, restitution, disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation, an order directing us to reform our corporate governance and internal procedures, costs, disbursements and attorneys’ fees. All of the individual defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations in the complaint.

On December 3, 2010, another complaint in a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against two of our current executive officers and all of our current Directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the following caption: J. Kent Gregory, derivatively on behalf of ITT Educational Services, Inc. v. Kevin M. Modany, et al. (the “Gregory Lawsuit”). The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to us, were unjustly enriched by us and misappropriated information about us, by making false and misleading statements and engaging in fraudulent business practices. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified damages, restitution, disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation, an order directing us to reform our corporate governance and internal procedures, costs, disbursements and attorneys’ fees.

 

- 13 -


Table of Contents

All of the individual defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations in the complaint. The Gregory Lawsuit was consolidated into the Cosing Lawsuit on December 13, 2010 and further consolidated into the Securities Litigation on December 14, 2010.

Guarantees. We entered into the PEAKS Guarantee in connection with the PEAKS Program. Under the PEAKS Guarantee, we guarantee payment of the principal, interest and certain call premiums owed on the PEAKS Senior Debt, and the administrative fees and expenses of the PEAKS Trust. The PEAKS Senior Debt bears interest at a variable rate based on the LIBOR plus an applicable margin and matures in January 2020. The PEAKS Guarantee agreement contains, among other things, representations and warranties and events of default customary for guarantees. In addition, under the PEAKS Program, some or all of the holders of the PEAKS Senior Debt could require us to purchase their PEAKS Senior Debt in certain limited circumstances that pertain to our continued eligibility to participate in the federal student financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Title IV Programs”). We believe that the likelihood of those limited circumstances occurring is remote. Our guarantee and purchase obligations under the PEAKS Program remain in effect until the PEAKS Senior Debt and the PEAKS Trust’s fees and expenses are paid in full. At such time, we will be entitled to repayment of the amount of any payments made under the PEAKS Guarantee to the extent that funds are remaining in the PEAKS Trust.

The maximum future payments that we could be required to make under the PEAKS Guarantee include:

 

   

up to $300,000 in principal of PEAKS Senior Debt;

   

accrued interest on the PEAKS Senior Debt;

   

certain call premiums associated with the PEAKS Senior Debt; and

   

the fees and expenses of the PEAKS Trust.

We are not able to estimate the undiscounted maximum potential amount of future payments that we could be required to make under the PEAKS Guarantee, because those payments will be affected by:

 

   

the amount of the private education loans made under the PEAKS Program;

   

the fact that those loans will consist of a large number of loans of individually immaterial amounts;

   

the repayment performance of those loans, the proceeds from which will be used to repay the PEAKS Senior Debt and to pay the fees and expenses of the PEAKS Trust;

   

the fact that the interest rate on the PEAKS Senior Debt is a variable rate based on the LIBOR plus a margin;

   

whether certain call premiums will be payable in connection with the PEAKS Senior Debt; and

   

the amount of fees and expenses of the PEAKS Trust.

We entered into the 2009 RSA in connection with the 2009 Loan Program. Under the 2009 RSA, we have guaranteed the repayment of the principal amount (including capitalized origination fees) and accrued interest payable on any private education loans that are charged off above a certain percentage of the private education loans made under the 2009 Loan Program, based on the annual dollar volume. The total initial principal amount of private education loans that the 2009 Entity is expected to purchase under the 2009 Loan Program is approximately $141,000. Our obligations under the 2009 RSA will remain in effect until all private education loans made under the 2009 Loan Program are paid in full or charged off. The standard repayment term for a private education loan made under the 2009 Loan Program is ten years, with repayment generally beginning six months after a student graduates or three months after a student withdraws or is terminated from his or her program of study.

Pursuant to the 2009 RSA, we are required to maintain collateral to secure our guarantee obligation in an amount equal to a percentage of the outstanding balance of the private education loans disbursed to our students under the 2009 Loan Program. As of March 31, 2011, the total collateral maintained in a restricted bank account was not material. This amount is included in Other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2011. The 2009 RSA also requires that we comply with certain covenants, including that we maintain certain financial ratios which are measured on a quarterly basis. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2011.

We also are a party to a separate risk sharing agreement (the “2007 RSA”) with a different lender for certain private education loans that were made to our students in 2007 and early 2008. We guaranteed the repayment of any private education loans that the lender charges off above a certain percentage of the total dollar volume of private education loans made under this agreement. We will have the right to pursue repayment from the borrowers for those charged off private education loans under the 2007 RSA that we pay to the lender pursuant to our guarantee obligation. The 2007 RSA was terminated effective February 22, 2008, such that no private education loans have been or will be made under the 2007 RSA after that date. Based on information that we have received to date from the lender, we believe that the total original principal amount of private education loans made under the 2007 RSA, net of amounts refunded under those loans, was approximately $180,000. Our obligations under the 2007 RSA will remain in effect until all private education loans under the agreement are paid in full or charged off by the lender. The standard repayment term for a private education loan made under the 2007 RSA is ten years, with repayment generally beginning six months after a student graduates, withdraws or is terminated from his or her program of study.

 

- 14 -


Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2011, we had not made any guarantee payments under the PEAKS Guarantee, the 2009 RSA or the 2007 RSA. At the end of each reporting period, we assess whether we should recognize a contingent liability related to our guarantees under the PEAKS Guarantee, the 2009 RSA and the 2007 RSA and, if so, in what amount. As of March 31, 2011, our recorded liability for the guarantee obligations related to those arrangements was not material and is included in Other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements, trend analyses and other information contained in this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements are made based on our management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on us. You can identify those statements by the use of words such as “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “potential,” “intend,” “continue” and “contemplate,” as well as similar words and expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and do not guarantee future performance. We cannot assure you that future developments affecting us will be those anticipated by our management. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements are the following:

 

   

changes in federal and state governmental laws and regulations with respect to education and accreditation standards, or the interpretation or enforcement of those laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the level of government funding for, and our eligibility to participate in, student financial aid programs utilized by our students;

   

business conditions and growth in the postsecondary education industry and in the general economy;

   

our failure to comply with the extensive education laws and regulations and accreditation standards that we are subject to;

   

effects of any change in our ownership resulting in a change in control, including, but not limited to, the consequences of such changes on the accreditation and federal and state regulation of our campuses;

   

our ability to implement our growth strategies;

   

our failure to maintain or renew required federal or state authorizations or accreditations of our campuses or programs of study;

   

receptivity of students and employers to our existing program offerings and new curricula;

   

loss of access by our students to lenders for education loans;

   

our ability to collect internally funded financing from our students;

   

our exposure under our guarantees related to private student loan programs; and

   

our ability to successfully defend litigation and other claims brought against us.

Readers are also directed to other risks and uncertainties discussed in other documents we file with the SEC, including, without limitation, those discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC and in Part II, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Overview

You should keep in mind the following points as you read this report:

 

   

References in this document to “we,” “us,” “our” and “ITT/ESI” refer to ITT Educational Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

   

The terms “ITT Technical Institute” or “Daniel Webster College” (in singular or plural form) refer to an individual campus owned and operated by ITT/ESI, including its learning sites, if any. The terms “institution” or “campus group” (in singular or plural form) mean a main campus and its additional locations, branch campuses and/or learning sites, if any.

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the same titled section contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC for discussion of, among other matters, the following items:

 

   

cash receipts from financial aid programs;

   

nature of capital additions;

   

seasonality of revenue;

 

- 15 -


Table of Contents
   

  components of income statement captions;

   

  federal regulations regarding:

   

timing of receipt of funds from the Title IV Programs;

   

percentage of applicable revenue that may be derived from the Title IV Programs;

   

return of Title IV Program funds for withdrawn students; and

   

default rates;

   

  private loan programs;

   

  investments; and

   

  repurchase of shares of our common stock.

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimates and judgments under different assumptions or conditions.

In this management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, when we discuss factors that contributed to a change in our financial condition or results of operations, we disclose the primary factors that materially contributed to that change.

Background

We are a leading provider of technology-oriented postsecondary education programs in the United States based on revenue and student enrollment. As of March 31, 2011, we were offering master, bachelor and associate degree programs to approximately 84,000 students. As of March 31, 2011, we had 134 locations (including 130 campuses and four learning sites) in 38 states. All of our locations are authorized by the applicable education authorities of the states in which they operate, and are accredited by an accrediting commission recognized by the ED. We design our education programs, after consultation with employers and other constituents, to help graduates prepare for careers in various fields involving their areas of study. We have provided career-oriented education programs since 1969 under the “ITT Technical Institute” name and since June 2009 under the “Daniel Webster College” name.

In the first quarter of 2011, we did not begin operations at any new ITT Technical Institute campuses. We plan to begin operations at eight to ten new locations during the remainder of 2011. Our overall expansion plans include:

 

   

increasing student enrollment in existing programs at existing campuses;

   

increasing the number and types of program offerings that are delivered in residence and/or online;

   

operating new campuses across the United States; and

   

adding learning sites to existing campuses.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from those estimates and judgments under different assumptions or conditions. We have discussed the critical accounting policies that we believe affect our more significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of the Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC. There have been no material changes to those critical accounting policies or the underlying accounting estimates or judgments.

New Accounting Guidance

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, which is included in the Codification under ASC 805. This update provides guidance on the disclosure of supplemental pro forma information for business combinations. This guidance became effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Also in December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, which is included in the Codification under ASC 350. This update provides guidance on applying the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. This guidance became effective for our interim and annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2011. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

- 16 -


Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship of certain statement of income data to revenue for the periods indicated:

 

         Three Months Ended  
       March 31,  
       2011      2010  
 

Revenue

     100.0%         100.0%   
 

Cost of educational services

     36.0%         35.0%   
 

Student services and administrative expenses

     27.3%         27.9%   
                   
 

Operating income

     36.7%         37.1%   
 

Interest income, net

     0.1%         0.1%   
                   
 

Income before provision for income taxes

     36.8%         37.2%   
                   

The following table sets forth our total student enrollment as of the dates indicated:

 

    

2011

  

2010

          Increase/          
     Total    (Decrease)    Total    Increase
Total Student    Student    From    Student    Over

Enrollment as of:

  

Enrollment

  

Prior Year

  

Enrollment

  

Prior Year

March 31

   84,030    (0.6%)    84,555    28.9%

June 30

   Not applicable    Not applicable    84,695    21.2%

September 30

   Not applicable    Not applicable    88,004    11.1%

December 31

   Not applicable    Not applicable    84,686    4.9%

Total student enrollment includes all new and continuing students. A continuing student is any student who, in the academic term being measured, is enrolled in a program of study at one of our campuses and was enrolled in the same program at any of our campuses at the end of the immediately preceding academic term. A new student is any student who, in the academic term being measured, enrolls in and begins attending any program of study at one of our campuses:

 

   

for the first time at that campus;

   

after graduating in a prior academic term from a different program of study at that campus; or

   

after having withdrawn or been terminated from a program of study at that campus.

The following table sets forth our new student enrollment in the periods indicated:

 

    

2011

  

2010

          Increase/         Increase/
New Student Enrollment    New    (Decrease)    New    (Decrease)
in the Three    Student    From    Student    From

Months Ended:

  

Enrollment

  

Prior Year

  

Enrollment

  

Prior Year

March 31

   21,761          (5.6%)    23,064    21.8%

June 30

   Not applicable    Not applicable    21,673    10.1%

September 30

   Not applicable    Not applicable    26,664    (3.9%)

December 31

   Not applicable    Not applicable    17,722    (9.4%)
               

Total for the year

   Not applicable    Not applicable    89,123    3.7%
               

We believe that economic downturns in the United States, in particular those that result in higher unemployment rates among unskilled workers, have historically been associated with increased student enrollment at postsecondary educational institutions. Based on this, we believe that the recent economic recession in the United States which has given rise to higher unemployment among unskilled workers in 2009 and 2010 may have contributed to the year-over-year increases in our new and total student enrollment through June 30, 2010. These increases had a material favorable effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. There are a number of other factors, however, that affect new student enrollment, including changes in the types and levels of utilization of the various forms of media advertising that we use, which have recently negatively impacted, and could continue to negatively impact, this trend.

At the vast majority of our campuses, we generally organize the academic schedule for programs of study offered on the basis of four 12-week academic quarters in a calendar year. The academic quarters typically begin in early March, mid-June, early September and late November or early December. To measure the persistence of our students, the number of continuing students in any academic term is divided by the total student enrollment in the immediately preceding academic term.

 

- 17 -


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the rates of our students’ persistence as of the dates indicated:

 

    

Student Persistence as of (1):

Year

  

March 31

  

June 30

  

September 30

  

December 31

2009

   75.3%    75.3%    73.6%    77.3%

2010

   76.1%    74.5%    72.4%    76.1%

2011

   73.5%    Not applicable    Not applicable    Not applicable

 

  (1) Students enrolled at Daniel Webster College have been included beginning with the rate as of September 30, 2009. The impact on our students’ persistence as a result of the inclusion of Daniel Webster College students in the calculation was not material.

The decrease in student persistence as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, September 30 and June 30, 2010 compared to the corresponding prior year dates was primarily due to, in order of significance:

 

   

a higher number of students who graduated at the end of the academic periods that began in December, September, June and March 2010 compared to the end of the same academic periods in 2009; and

   

a slight decrease in student retention in the academic periods that began in December, September, June and March 2010 compared to the same academic periods in 2009.

We believe that the slight decrease in student retention in the academic period that began in December 2010 was due primarily to weather-related disruptions that affected the academic calendar. In the absence of those disruptions, we believe that student retention in the academic period that began in December 2010 would have been substantially similar to student retention in the same academic period that began in 2009.

We believe that student persistence may decline as of June 30, September 30 and December 31, 2011 compared to the same dates in 2010, primarily due to a significant increase in the number of students who are scheduled to graduate in the remaining fiscal quarters of 2011 compared to the same fiscal quarters in 2010. A decline in student persistence, along with any decrease in new student enrollment, would negatively impact our total student enrollment in 2011.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2010. Revenue decreased $0.8 million, or 0.2%, to $383.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $384.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010. The primary factors that contributed to this decrease included, in order of significance:

 

   

the impact of private education loan programs on the accounting for revenue earned; and

   

an increase in the amount of institutional scholarships and other awards that we granted to our students in the three months ended March 31, 2011.

The decrease in revenue was partially offset by:

 

   

a 4.9% increase in total student enrollment at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009; and

   

a 5.0% increase in tuition rates implemented in March 2010.

The primary factors that contributed to the increase in total student enrollment at December 31, 2010 compared to December 31, 2009 included, in order of significance:

 

   

student enrollment growth in programs of study and at locations that were in operation prior to 2009;

   

new programs of study offered at our campuses; and

   

operating new campuses.

While we have typically increased the tuition rates for our programs of study annually, we have not increased, and do not intend to increase, the tuition rates in 2011. In addition, we believe that the amount of scholarships and other awards available to our students will continue to increase in 2011. We believe that the combination of these two factors, as well as the continued impact of private education loan programs on the accounting for revenue earned, will result in a decrease in the average revenue per student in 2011 compared to 2010.

Cost of educational services increased $3.5 million, or 2.6%, to $137.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $134.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010. The primary factors that contributed to this increase included, in order of significance:

 

   

the increased costs associated with operating new campuses; and

   

an increase in compensation and benefit costs associated with a greater number of employees.

Cost of educational services as a percentage of revenue increased 100 basis points to 36.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 35.0% in the three months ended March 31, 2010. The primary factors that contributed to this increase included, in order of significance:

 

   

costs associated with operating new campuses; and

   

compensation costs that increased at a higher rate than the increase in revenue.

 

- 18 -


Table of Contents

Student services and administrative expenses decreased $2.4 million, or 2.2%, to $104.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $107.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010. The principal cause of this decrease was a reduction in the amount of bad debt expense which was partially offset by:

 

   

an increase in compensation and benefit costs associated with a greater number of employees; and

   

an increase in media advertising expenditures.

Student services and administrative expenses decreased to 27.3% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 27.9% of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2010. The principal cause of this decrease was a decrease in bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue to 3.3% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 5.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2010. The decrease in student services and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue was partially offset by increases in compensation and media expenses as a percentage of revenue. The primary factor that contributed to the decrease in bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue was a decrease in the amount of internal student financing that we provided to our students in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010, due to the private education loan programs available to our students in the three months ended March 31, 2011. We believe that our bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue will be in the range of 4.0% to 6.0% in 2011, primarily due to private education loan programs available to our students in 2011.

Operating income decreased $2.0 million, or 1.4%, to $140.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $142.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010, as a result of the impact of the factors discussed above in connection with revenue, cost of educational services and student services and administrative expenses. Our operating margin decreased to 36.7% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 37.1% in the three months ended March 31, 2010, as a result of the impact of the factors discussed above.

Interest income increased $0.1 million, or 17.8%, to $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to amortization of the discount on the Subordinated Note. Interest expense increased $0.1 million, or 32.6%, to $0.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010, due to an increase in the effective interest rate on our revolving credit facilities.

Our combined federal and state effective income tax rate was 39.4% in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 38.8% in the three months ended March 31, 2010. Our combined effective income tax rate increased primarily due to changes in state income tax laws and the conclusion of certain state income tax audits.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents were $187.9 million as of March 31, 2011 compared to $163.8 million as of December 31, 2010 and $165.5 million as of March 31, 2010. We also had short-term investments of $152.6 million as of March 31, 2011 compared to $149.2 million as of December 31, 2010 and $156.1 million as of March 31, 2010. In total, our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $340.5 million as of March 31, 2011 compared to $312.9 million as of December 31, 2010 and $321.7 million as of March 31, 2010. The $27.6 million increase in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2011 compared to December 31, 2010 was primarily due to cash generated from operations which was offset by repurchases of our common stock. The $18.8 million increase in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments as of March 31, 2011 compared to March 31, 2010 was primarily due to cash generated from operations which was offset by repurchases of our common stock.

We are required to recognize the funded status of our defined benefit postretirement plans on our balance sheet. We recorded an asset of $12.3 million for the ESI Pension Plan, a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan commonly referred to as a cash balance plan, and a liability of $0.3 million for the ESI Excess Pension Plan, a nonqualified, unfunded retirement plan, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2011.

We do not expect to make any contributions to the ESI Pension Plan or the ESI Excess Pension Plan in 2011. In 2010, we made no contributions to the ESI Pension Plan or the ESI Excess Pension Plan.

Operations. Cash from operating activities increased $23.0 million to $182.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $159.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to an increase in funds received from private education loans made to our students by third-party lenders.

Accounts receivable less allowance for doubtful accounts was $59.8 million as of March 31, 2011 compared to $88.3 million as of March 31, 2010. Days sales outstanding decreased 6.7 days to 14.0 days at March 31, 2011 compared to 20.7 days at March 31, 2010. Our accounts receivable balance and days sales outstanding at March 31, 2011 decreased primarily due to, in order of significance:

 

   

an increase in the amount of funds received from private education loan programs available to our students in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010; and

   

an increase in the amount of scholarships and other awards provided to our students in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010.

 

- 19 -


Table of Contents

The amount of scholarships and other awards provided to our students increased 16.1% to $18.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $16.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010. We believe that our days sales outstanding at the end of 2011 will be in the range of 10 to 15 days.

Investing. In the three months ended March 31, 2011, we spent $0.5 million to renovate, expand and construct buildings at eight of our locations, compared to $0.8 million for similar expenditures at nine of our locations in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Capital expenditures, excluding facility and land purchases and facility construction, totaled $4.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $5.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2010. These expenditures consisted primarily of classroom and laboratory equipment (such as computers and electronic equipment), classroom and office furniture, software and leasehold improvements.

We plan to continue to upgrade and expand our current facilities and equipment in 2011. Cash generated from operations is expected to be sufficient to fund our capital expenditure requirements.

Financing. We are a party to the Credit Agreement which provides that we may borrow up to $150.0 million under two revolving credit facilities: one in the maximum principal amount of $50.0 million; and the other in the maximum principal amount of $100.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are used to allow us to continue repurchasing shares of our common stock while maintaining compliance with certain financial ratios required by the ED, the state education authorities that regulate our locations and the accrediting agencies that accredit our locations.

Both revolving credit facilities under the Credit Agreement mature on May 1, 2012. The borrowings under each credit facility may be secured or unsecured at our election, except if an event that would be a default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing, we may not elect to borrow on an unsecured basis. Cash equivalents and investments held in a pledged account serve as the collateral for any secured borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The availability of borrowings under the Credit Agreement is subject to our ability at the time of borrowing to satisfy certain specified conditions. These conditions include the absence of default by us, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and that the representations and warranties contained in the Credit Agreement and related loan documents continue to be true and correct. Under the Credit Agreement, we are also required to maintain:

 

   

a certain maximum leverage ratio at the end of each of our fiscal quarters;

   

a quarterly minimum ratio of cash and investments to indebtedness; and

   

a minimum ED financial responsibility composite ratio as of the end of each fiscal year.

We were in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements as of March 31, 2011.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at LIBOR plus an applicable margin or at an alternative base rate as defined under the Credit Agreement. We pay a facility fee equal to 0.30% per annum on the daily amount of the commitment of each lender (whether used or unused). As of March 31, 2011, the borrowings under the Credit Agreement were $150.0 million, all of which were secured, and bore interest at a rate of 0.79% per annum. Approximately $158.0 million of our investments and cash equivalents served as collateral for the secured borrowings as of March 31, 2011.

Our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase shares of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act under the Repurchase Program. The following table sets forth information regarding our share repurchase activity in the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2011      2010  

Number of shares repurchased

     2,000,000         952,500   

Total cost of shares repurchased (in millions)

     $139.1         $95.0   

Average cost per share

     $69.55         $99.76   

Approximately 2.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under the Repurchase Program as of March 31, 2011. Pursuant to the Board’s stock repurchase authorization, we plan to repurchase additional shares of our common stock from time to time in the future depending on market conditions and other considerations.

We believe that cash generated from operations and our investments will be adequate to satisfy our working capital, loan repayment and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future. We also believe that any reduction in cash and cash equivalents or investments that may result from their use to provide student financing, purchase facilities, construct facilities, repay loans or repurchase shares of our common stock will not have a material adverse effect on our expansion plans, planned capital expenditures, ability to meet any applicable regulatory financial responsibility standards or ability to conduct normal operations.

 

- 20 -


Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth our specified contractual obligations as of March 31, 2011:

 

     Payments Due by Period  
            Less than      1-3      3-5      More than  

Contractual Obligations

   Total      1 Year      Years      Years      5 Years  
     (In thousands)  

Operating lease obligations

     $174,166         $42,833         $80,043         $41,710         $9,580   

Long-term debt, including scheduled interest payments

     $151,790         $1,654         $150,136         $0         $0   
                                            

Total

     $325,956         $44,487         $230,179         $41,710         $9,580   
                                            

The long-term debt represents our revolving credit facilities under the Credit Agreement and assumes that the $150.0 million outstanding balance under the facilities as of March 31, 2011 will be outstanding at all times through the date of maturity. The amounts shown include the principal payments that will be due upon maturity as well as interest payments and facility fees. Interest payments have been calculated based on their scheduled payment dates using the interest rate charged on our borrowings as of March 31, 2011.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2011, we leased our non-owned facilities under operating lease agreements. A majority of the operating leases contain renewal options that can be exercised after the initial lease term. Renewal options are generally for periods of one to five years. All operating leases will expire over the next 13 years and management believes that:

 

   

those leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business;

   

we may purchase the facilities represented by those leases; or

   

we may purchase or build other replacement facilities.

There are no material restrictions imposed by the lease agreements, and we have not entered into any significant guarantees related to the leases. We are required to make additional payments under the terms of certain operating leases for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period.

As part of our normal course of operations, one of our insurers issues surety bonds for us that are required by various education authorities that regulate us. We are obligated to reimburse our insurer for any of those surety bonds that are paid by the insurer. As of March 31, 2011, the total face amount of those surety bonds was approximately $28.9 million.

On January 20, 2010, we entered into agreements with unrelated parties to establish the PEAKS Program. Under the PEAKS Program, an unaffiliated lender makes private education loans to our eligible students and, subsequently, sells those loans to the PEAKS Trust. The PEAKS Trust has issued PEAKS Senior Debt in the aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million to investors. The assets of the PEAKS Trust (which include, among other assets, the student loans held by the PEAKS Trust) serve as collateral for, and are intended to be the principal source of, the repayment of the PEAKS Senior Debt. The PEAKS Senior Debt bears interest at a variable rate based on the LIBOR plus a margin and matures in January 2020.

In connection with the PEAKS Program, we transfer to the PEAKS Trust a portion of the amount of each private student loan disbursed to us, in exchange for a Subordinated Note. The Subordinated Note does not bear interest, and principal is due on the Subordinated Note following the repayment of the PEAKS Senior Debt, the payment of fees and expenses of the PEAKS Trust and the reimbursement of the amount of any payments made by us under the PEAKS Guarantee. The PEAKS Trust utilizes the proceeds from the issuance of the PEAKS Senior Debt and the Subordinated Note to purchase the student loans from the lender.

Under the PEAKS Guarantee, we guarantee payment of the principal, interest and certain call premiums owed on the PEAKS Senior Debt, and the administrative fees and expenses of the PEAKS Trust. The PEAKS Guarantee contains, among other things, representations and warranties and events of default customary for guarantees. In addition, under the PEAKS Program, some or all of the holders of the PEAKS Senior Debt could require us to purchase their PEAKS Senior Debt in certain limited circumstances that pertain to our continued eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs. We believe that the likelihood of those limited circumstances occurring is remote. Our guarantee and purchase obligations under the PEAKS Program remain in effect until the PEAKS Senior Debt and the PEAKS Trust’s fees and expenses are paid in full. At such time, we will be entitled to repayment of the amount of any payments made under our guarantee and payment of the Subordinated Note, in each case only to the extent of available funds remaining in the PEAKS Trust.

We entered into the PEAKS Program to offer our students another source of private education loans that they could use to help pay their education costs owed to us and to supplement the limited amount of private education loans available to our students under other private education loans programs, including the 2009 Loan Program. Under the PEAKS Program, our students have access to a greater amount of private education loans, which has resulted in a reduction in the amount of internal financing that we provide to our students.

 

- 21 -


Table of Contents

In February 2009, we entered into the 2009 Loan Program. In connection with the 2009 Loan Program, we entered into the 2009 RSA under which we have guaranteed the repayment of the principal amount (including capitalized origination fees) and accrued interest payable on any private education loans that are charged off above a certain percentage of the private education loans made under the 2009 Loan Program, based on the annual dollar volume. The total initial principal amount of private education loans that the 2009 Entity is expected to purchase under the 2009 Loan Program is approximately $141.0 million. No private education loans will be made under the 2009 Loan Program after December 31, 2011. Our obligations under the 2009 RSA will remain in effect until all private education loans made under the 2009 Loan Program are paid in full or charged off. The standard repayment term for a private education loan made under the 2009 Loan Program is ten years, with repayment generally beginning six months after a student graduates or three months after a student withdraws or is terminated from his or her program of study.

Pursuant to the 2009 RSA, we are required to maintain collateral to secure our guarantee obligation in an amount equal to a percentage of the outstanding balance of the private education loans disbursed to our students under the 2009 Loan Program. As of March 31, 2011, the total collateral maintained in a restricted bank account was not material. The 2009 RSA also requires that we comply with certain covenants, including that we maintain certain financial ratios which are measured on a quarterly basis. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 31, 2011.

In addition, beginning in the second quarter of 2009, we have made advances to the unaffiliated third party that is holding the private education loans made to our students under the 2009 Loan Program. We made the advances, which bear interest, so that the third party could use those funds to provide additional funding for the private education loans, instead of retaining the funds ourselves and providing internal student financing, which is non-interest bearing. The Revolving Note bears interest at a rate based on the prime rate plus an applicable margin. Substantially all of the assets of the third party serve as collateral for the Revolving Note. The Revolving Note is subject to customary terms and conditions and may be repaid at any time without penalty prior to its 2025 maturity date.

We also are a party to the 2007 RSA with a different lender for certain private education loans that were made to our students in 2007 and early 2008. We guaranteed the repayment of any private education loans that the lender charges off above a certain percentage of the total dollar volume of private education loans made under this agreement. We will have the right to pursue repayment from the borrowers for those charged off private education loans under the 2007 RSA that we pay to the lender pursuant to our guarantee obligation. The 2007 RSA was terminated effective February 22, 2008, such that no private education loans have been or will be made under the 2007 RSA after that date. Based on information that we have received to date from the lender, we believe that the total original principal amount of private education loans made under the 2007 RSA, net of amounts refunded under those loans, was approximately $180.0 million. Our obligations under the 2007 RSA will remain in effect until all private education loans under the agreement are paid in full or charged off by the lender. The standard repayment term for a private education loan made under the 2007 RSA is ten years, with repayment generally beginning six months after a student graduates, withdraws or is terminated from his or her program of study.

As of March 31, 2011, we had not made any guarantee payments under the PEAKS Guarantee, the 2009 RSA or the 2007 RSA. At the end of each reporting period, we assess whether we should recognize a contingent liability related to our guarantees under the PEAKS Guarantee, the 2009 RSA and the 2007 RSA and, if so, in what amount. As of March 31, 2011, our recorded liability for the guarantee obligations related to those arrangements was not material and is included in Other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Based on the prior repayment history of our students with respect to private education loans and current economic conditions, we do not believe that our guarantee obligations under either RSA or the PEAKS Program will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See Notes 8 and 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the PEAKS Program, the 2009 RSA and the 2007 RSA.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

In the normal course of our business, we are subject to fluctuations in interest rates that could impact the return on our investments and the cost of our financing activities. Our primary interest rate risk exposure results from changes in short-term interest rates and the LIBOR.

Our investments consist primarily of government and government agency obligations and marketable debt securities. We estimate that the market risk associated with these investments can best be measured by a potential decrease in the fair value of these investments from a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates. If such a hypothetical increase in rates were to occur, the reduction in the market value of our portfolio of marketable securities would not be material.

Changes in the LIBOR would affect the borrowing costs associated with our revolving credit facilities. We estimate that the market risk can best be measured by a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the LIBOR. If such a hypothetical increase in the LIBOR were to occur, the effect on our results from operations and cash flow would not have been material for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

- 22 -


Table of Contents
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (“DCP”) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed by us under the Exchange Act is: (a) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and (b) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating our DCP, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and implemented, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and that our management’s duties require it to make its best judgment regarding the design of our DCP. As of the end of our first fiscal quarter of 2011, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision (and with the participation) of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our DCP pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our DCP were effective.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter 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.

We are subject to various claims and contingencies in the ordinary course of our business, including those related to litigation, business transactions, employee-related matters and taxes, among others. We cannot assure you of the ultimate outcome of any litigation involving us. Any litigation alleging violations of education or consumer protection laws and/or regulations, misrepresentation, fraud or deceptive practices may also subject our affected campuses to additional regulatory scrutiny.

On November 3, 2010, a complaint in a securities class action lawsuit was filed against us and two of our current executive officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the following caption: Operating Engineers Construction Industry and Miscellaneous Pension Fund, Individually and On Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. ITT Educational Services, Inc., et al. (the “Securities Litigation”). On January 21, 2011, the court named the Wyoming Retirement System as the lead plaintiff in the Securities Litigation. On April 1, 2011, an amended complaint was filed in the Securities Litigation under the following caption: In re ITT Educational Services, Inc. Securities and Shareholder Derivative Litigation. The amended complaint alleges, among other things, that:

 

   

the defendants violated Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by creating and implementing a systemically predatory business model that operated as a fraud or deceit on purchasers of our common stock during the class period by misrepresenting our financials and future business prospects;

   

the defendants’ misrepresentations and material omissions caused our common stock to trade at artificially inflated prices throughout the class period; and

   

the market’s expectations were ultimately corrected on August 13, 2010 when the ED published the loan repayment rate of our students under a formula contained in proposed regulations published by the ED on July 26, 2010.

The putative class period in this action is from October 23, 2008 through August 13, 2010. The plaintiff seeks, among other things, the designation of this action as a class action, and an award of unspecified compensatory damages, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees and expert fees. All of the defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations made in the complaint. There can be no assurance, however, that the ultimate outcome of this or other actions (including other actions under federal or state securities laws) will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

On November 12, 2010, a complaint in a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against three of our current executive officers and all of our current Directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the following caption: Antonio Cosing, Derivatively and On Behalf of ITT Educational Services, Inc. v. Kevin M. Modany, et al. (the “Cosing Lawsuit”). The complaint alleges, among other things, that from October 23, 2008 through August 13, 2010, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to us, abused their ability to control and influence us, grossly mismanaged us, caused us to waste corporate assets and were unjustly enriched, by:

 

   

causing us to encourage our students to lie on their financial aid applications;

   

causing us to lie to our students concerning the costs, quality, value and duration of their programs of study, their job prospects and income expectations upon graduation, and the availability of student financial aid;

   

causing us to issue a series of materially false and misleading statements regarding our financial results; and

 

- 23 -


Table of Contents
   

causing or allowing us to lack the requisite internal controls.

The complaint seeks:

 

   

unspecified damages;

   

extraordinary equitable and/or injunctive relief, including attaching, impounding, imposing a constructive trust on or otherwise restricting the proceeds of, the defendants’ assets;

   

restitution;

   

disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation received by the individual defendants;

   

an order directing us to take all necessary actions to reform and improve our corporate governance and internal procedures; and

   

costs and disbursements, including attorneys’, accountants’ and experts’ fees, costs and expenses.

All of the individual defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations in the complaint. On December 14, 2010, the Cosing Lawsuit was consolidated into the Securities Litigation.

On November 22, 2010, another complaint in a shareholder derivate lawsuit was filed against seven of our current officers and all of our current Directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana under the following caption: Roger B. Orensteen, derivatively on behalf of ITT Educational Services, Inc. v. Kevin M. Modany, et al. The complaint alleges, among other things, that, from January 2008 through August 2010, the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act, breached their fiduciary duties to us, abused their ability to control and influence us, grossly mismanaged us, caused us to waste corporate assets and were unjustly enriched, by:

 

   

employing devices, schemes and artifices to defraud;

   

making untrue statements of material facts, or omitting material facts necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

   

engaging in acts, practices and a course of business that operated as a fraud or deceit upon the plaintiff or others similarly situated in connection with their purchase of our common stock;

   

selling shares of our stock while in possession of material adverse, non-public information;

   

causing us to repurchase shares of our stock at artificially inflated prices;

   

reviewing and approving false financial statements with respect to us and ineffective internal control over our financial reporting;

   

receiving compensation based on artificially inflated financial results and other performance metrics; and

   

subjecting us to hundreds of millions of dollars of liability.

The complaint seeks:

 

   

unspecified damages;

   

an order directing us to take all necessary actions to reform and improve our corporate governance and internal procedures;

   

restitution;

   

disgorgements of profits, benefits and other compensation received by the individual defendants; and

   

costs and disbursements, including attorneys’, accountants’ and experts’ fees, costs and expenses.

All of the individual defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations in the complaint.

On December 3, 2010, another complaint in a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed against two of our current executive officers and all of our current Directors in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the following caption: J. Kent Gregory, derivatively on behalf of ITT Educational Services, Inc. v. Kevin M. Modany, et al. (the “Gregory Lawsuit”). The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to us, were unjustly enriched by us and misappropriated information about us, by:

 

   

knowingly, recklessly or negligently signing or approving the issuance of false annual and quarterly financial statements about us that misrepresented and failed to disclose material information about our growth prospects, tuition costs and student loan repayment rates;

   

receiving compensation from us that was tied to our performance during times when they knew or should have known that our financial results and performance were artificially inflated; and

   

selling our stock when they knew that our financial results were overstated.

The complaint seeks:

 

   

unspecified damages;

   

an order directing us to take all necessary actions to reform and improve our corporate governance and internal procedures;

   

restitution;

   

disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation received by the individual defendants; and

 

- 24 -


Table of Contents
   

costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorneys’, accountants’ and experts’ fees, costs and expenses.

All of the individual defendants intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations in the complaint. The Gregory Lawsuit was consolidated into the Cosing Lawsuit on December 13, 2010 and further consolidated into the Securities Litigation on December 14, 2010.

Although the derivative actions are brought nominally on behalf of us, we expect to incur defense costs and other expenses in connection with the derivative lawsuits, and there can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of these or other actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

The officers named in one or more of the securities class action and shareholder derivative lawsuits described above include: Jeffrey R. Cooper, Clark D. Elwood, Nina F. Esbin, Eugene W. Feichtner, Daniel M. Fitzpatrick, Kevin M. Modany and Martin Van Buren.

Certain of our officers and Directors are or may become a party in certain of the actions described above. Our By-laws and Restated Certificate of Incorporation obligate us to indemnify our officers and Directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, provided that their conduct complied with certain requirements. We are obligated to advance defense costs to our officers and Directors, subject to the individual’s obligation to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that the individual was not entitled to indemnification. In addition, our indemnity obligation can, under certain circumstances, include indemnifiable judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with those actions.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties we describe in this Report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 before deciding to invest in, or retain, shares of our common stock. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not currently know about, we currently believe are immaterial or we have not predicted may also harm our business operations or adversely affect us. If any of these risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

We are subject to sanctions if we pay impermissible commissions, bonuses or other incentive payments to individuals involved in certain recruiting, admission or financial aid activities. The ED has regulations which prohibit an institution participating in Title IV Programs from providing any commission, bonus or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any person or entity engaged in any student recruitment or admission activity or in making decisions regarding the awarding of Title IV Program funds (the “Incentive Compensation Prohibition”). The ED’s current regulations regarding the Incentive Compensation Prohibition set forth 12 Safe Harbors. One of the Safe Harbors permits the payment of fixed compensation, such as a fixed annual salary or hourly wage, so long as the fixed compensation is not adjusted up or down more than twice during any 12-month period, and any adjustment to the fixed compensation is not based solely on the number of students recruited, admitted, enrolled or awarded financial aid. We believe that we have compensated the applicable employees in accordance with this Safe Harbor and other Safe Harbors, but the law and regulations governing this requirement do not establish clear criteria for compliance in all circumstances, and the ED has stated that it will not entertain a request by an institution for the ED to review and assess its individual compensation plan. In late 2010, the ED modified its regulations concerning the Incentive Compensation Prohibition effective July 1, 2011. All 12 Safe Harbors will be eliminated as a result of those modifications. We believe that the changes related to the Incentive Compensation Prohibition, including the elimination of the Safe Harbors:

 

   

increase the uncertainty related to our compliance with the Incentive Compensation Prohibition on and after July 1, 2011;

   

increase the uncertainty about what types of compensation are prohibited and which activities and employees are covered by the Incentive Compensation Prohibition;

   

will require us to change our compensation practices for most, if not all, of our employees (including our executives);

   

may subject us to qui tam lawsuits for alleged violations of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq. (“False Claims Act”);

   

adversely affect our ability to compensate our employees based on their performance of their job responsibilities, which could make it more difficult to attract and retain highly-qualified employees; and

   

could impair our ability to sustain and grow our business.

        In March 2011, the ED published guidance on the Incentive Compensation Prohibition (the “Guidance”). We believe that the Guidance further increases the uncertainty about the types of compensation that are prohibited and which activities and employees are covered by the Incentive Compensation Prohibition. We cannot be sure that the compensation that we pay our employees on or after July 1, 2011 will not be determined to violate the Incentive Compensation Prohibition. If the ED determines that our compensation practices violate the Incentive Compensation Prohibition, the ED could subject us to substantial monetary fines or penalties or other sanctions. We could also be subjected to qui tam lawsuits for alleged violations of the False Claims Act related to the Incentive Compensation Prohibition. Those sanctions and lawsuits could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and future growth. We cannot predict with certainty the impact that the changes relating to the Incentive Compensation Prohibition will have on our operations. Compliance with those regulations could also reduce our enrollment and increase our cost of doing business.

 

- 25 -


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

The following table sets forth information regarding purchases made by us of shares of our common stock on a monthly basis in the three months ended March 31, 2011:

 

     Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period

   Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
     Average
Price Paid
per Share
     Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (1)
     Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (1)

January 1, 2011 through January 31, 2011

     70,000         $66.25         70,000       4,766,725

February 1, 2011 through February 28, 2011

     1,720,000         $69.03         1,720,000       3,046,725

March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011

     210,000         $74.91         210,000       2,836,725
                       

Total

     2,000,000         $69.55         2,000,000      
                             

 

  (1) The shares that remained available for repurchase under the Repurchase Program were 2,836,725 as of March 31, 2011. Our Board of Directors has authorized us to repurchase the following number of shares of our common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Program:

 

    Number of Shares    

   Board Authorization Date

2,000,000

   April 1999

2,000,000

   April 2000

5,000,000

   October 2002

5,000,000

   April 2006

5,000,000

   April 2007

5,000,000

   January 2010

5,000,000

   October 2010

The terms of the Repurchase Program provide that we may repurchase shares of our common stock, from time to time depending on market conditions and other considerations, in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. Unless earlier terminated by our Board of Directors, the Repurchase Program will expire when we repurchase all shares authorized for repurchase thereunder.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

A list of exhibits required to be filed as part of this report is set forth in the Index to Exhibits, which immediately precedes the exhibits, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

- 26 -


Table of Contents

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.

 

      ITT Educational Services, Inc.
Date: April 22, 2011      
      By: /s/ Daniel M. Fitzpatrick
      Daniel M. Fitzpatrick                
            Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
        (Duly Authorized Officer, Principal Financial Officer
      and Principal Accounting Officer)            


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

3.1

  

Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as Amended to Date (incorporated herein by reference from the same exhibit number to ITT/ESI’s 2005 second fiscal quarter report on Form 10-Q)

3.2

  

Restated By-Laws, as Amended to Date (incorporated herein by reference from the same exhibit number to ITT/ESI’s current report on Form 8-K dated January 19, 2009)

31.1

  

Chief Executive Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

31.2

  

Chief Financial Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

32.1

  

Chief Executive Officer’s Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

32.2

  

Chief Financial Officer’s Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

101

  

The following materials from ITT Educational Services, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text