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Table of Contents

 

 

U. S. 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 June 30, 2012

 

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

Commission File Number 1-31923

 

 

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   86-0226984

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

16220 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 100

Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

(Address of principal executive offices)

(623) 445-9500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     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.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
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

At July 26, 2012, there were 24,743,739 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

 

          Page
Number
 
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements      ii   

PART I.

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
Item 1.    Financial Statements (unaudited)   
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011 (unaudited)

     1   
  

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

     2   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 (unaudited)

     3   
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)

     4   
   Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)      5   
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      16   
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk      16   
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures      16   

PART II.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings      17   
Item 1A.    Risk Factors      17   
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      18   
Item 6.    Exhibits      18   
  

SIGNATURES

     19   


Table of Contents

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking information about our financial results, estimates and our business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. From time to time, we also may provide oral or written forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public. Forward-looking statements are expressions of our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future regulatory initiatives, future performance or results, expenses, the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings, and financial results.

We cannot guarantee any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements.

Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011 listed various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. We note these factors for investors within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Readers can find them under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K and investors should refer to them. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Our filings with the SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

 

ii


Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

      June  30,
2012
    September  30,
2011
 
      
     (In thousands)  

Assets

  

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 58,524      $ 53,670   

Investments, current portion

     33,566        50,052   

Receivables, net

     13,370        11,205   

Deferred tax assets, net

     6,680        8,279   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     12,921        10,709   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     125,061        133,915   

Investments, less current portion

     11,896        5,830   

Property and equipment, net

     89,812        100,377   

Goodwill

     20,579        20,579   

Deferred tax assets, net

     4,075        —     

Other assets

     6,232        5,328   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 257,655      $ 266,029   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 39,324      $ 36,895   

Deferred revenue

     44,494        61,394   

Accrued tool sets

     4,525        4,723   

Income tax payable

     2,021        2,032   

Other current liabilities

     880        640   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     91,244        105,684   

Deferred tax liabilities, net

     —          2,443   

Deferred rent liability

     12,975        11,799   

Other liabilities

     6,071        4,680   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     110,290        124,606   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)

    

Shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,045,114 shares issued and 24,731,987 shares outstanding at June 30, 2012 and 29,560,276 shares issued and 24,690,050 shares outstanding at September 30, 2011

     3        3   

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Paid-in capital

     167,158        156,497   

Treasury stock, at cost, 5,313,127 shares at June 30, 2012 and 4,870,226 at September 30, 2011 (Note 9)

     (83,713     (76,506

Retained earnings

     63,917        61,429   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     147,365        141,423   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 257,655      $ 266,029   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

1


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Revenues

   $ 99,601       $ 108,934       $ 312,268       $ 340,542   

Operating expenses:

           

Educational services and facilities

     52,621         57,990         157,775         169,518   

Selling, general and administrative

     45,462         44,238         142,633         136,075   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     98,083         102,228         300,408         305,593   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

     1,518         6,706         11,860         34,949   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other income:

           

Interest income, net

     63         56         213         199   

Other income

     6         90         372         345   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other income

     69         146         585         544   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     1,587         6,852         12,445         35,493   

Income tax expense

     574         2,816         5,021         14,206   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 1,013       $ 4,036       $ 7,424       $ 21,287   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

           

Net income per share - basic

   $ 0.04       $ 0.16       $ 0.30       $ 0.87   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income per share - diluted

   $ 0.04       $ 0.16       $ 0.30       $ 0.86   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     24,694         24,462         24,693         24,370   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted

     24,835         24,765         24,825         24,688   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

   $ 0.10       $ —         $ 0.20       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

2


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 

                                           Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
     Common Stock      Paid-in
Capital
    Treasury Stock     Retained
Earnings
   
     Shares      Amount        Shares     Amount      
     (In thousands)  

Balance at September 30, 2011

     29,560       $ 3       $ 156,497        (4,870   $ (76,506   $ 61,429      $ 141,423   

Net income

     —           —           —          —          —          7,424        7,424   

Issuance of common stock under employee plans

     201         —           399        —          —          —          399   

Shares withheld for payroll taxes

     284         —           5,158        (317     (5,569     —          (411

Tax charge from employee stock plans

     —           —           (284     —          —          —          (284

Stock-based compensation

     —           —           5,388        —          —          —          5,388   

Treasury stock repurchases

     —           —           —          (126     (1,638     —          (1,638

Cash dividends declared

     —           —           —          —          —          (4,936     (4,936
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

     30,045       $ 3       $ 167,158        (5,313   $ (83,713   $ 63,917      $ 147,365   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

3


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 7,424      $ 21,287   

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     18,064        18,409   

Amortization of held-to-maturity investments

     1,415        789   

Bad debt expense

     4,446        5,450   

Stock-based compensation

     5,388        4,771   

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     (159     (795

Deferred income taxes

     (5,202     3,793   

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     101        921   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     (6,611     (422

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (2,250     (1,189

Other assets

     (910     (1,398

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     2,595        (17,645

Deferred revenue

     (16,900     (5,967

Income tax payable/receivable

     (11     (1,641

Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities

     42        9   

Deferred rent liability

     1,176        4,886   

Other liabilities

     621        359   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     9,229        31,617   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (6,952     (26,003

Purchase of investments

     (49,312     (57,555

Proceeds received upon maturity of investments

     58,317        39,545   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     2,053        (44,013
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Payment of cash dividends

     (4,936     —     

Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld

     (412     (922

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee plans

     399        690   

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     159        795   

Purchase of treasury stock

     (1,638     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (6,428     563   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     4,854        (11,833

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     53,670        48,974   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 58,524      $ 37,141   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Taxes paid

   $ 10,235      $ 12,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Training equipment obtained in exchange for services

   $ 1,567      $ 1,227   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period

   $ (166   $ (2,844
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

4


Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

1. Nature of the Business

We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate full-time student enrollment and graduates. We offer undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. We also offer manufacturer-specific training programs including student paid electives at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and dedicated training centers.

Our business model provides benefits for multiple distinct groups: our company, our students, our industry relationships and employers and the communities in which we operate. We benefit from the high standards and the material and consultative support of our industry relationships, which are key contributors to the overall quality of training and also to our market appeal to prospective students. Students benefit from our specialized education while improving their opportunities for employment through our direct relationships with these employers. Our industry relationships and employers benefit from a steady flow of well-trained entry-level technicians, which is the ultimate driver of the dynamics of our business model.

2. Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2012. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI) and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

We have no items which affect comprehensive income other than net income.

 

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Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements

During the three months ended December 31, 2011, we identified and recorded an out of period adjustment of $0.8 million (pre-tax) of bad debt expense arising from processing issues related to student funds received from a non-Title IV federal funding agency that should have been recognized during prior years. During the three months ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the impact of this item on prior periods under the guidance in ASC 250-10 (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 99, “Materiality”) and determined that the amount was not material. We also evaluated the impact of correcting this item through a cumulative adjustment to our financial statements for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and concluded that the impact was not material. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we identified $0.3 million (pre-tax) of compensation which required payment for services received in periods from October 1, 2002 through March 31, 2012 for which amounts had not been accrued.

We evaluated the impact of the cumulative errors identified during the nine month period ended June 30, 2012 under the guidance in ASC 250-10 on each of the years affected between the years ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2011 and concluded the items were not material to any such periods. We also evaluated the impact of correcting these items through a cumulative adjustment to our fiscal 2012 financial statements and concluded that based on the guidance within ASC 250-10 (SEC SAB No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”) it was appropriate to revise our previously issued financial statements to reflect the cumulative impact of this correction. The following table presents the impact of this revision on our September 30, 2011 condensed consolidated balance sheet:

 

     September 30, 2011  
     As Reported      Adjustment     As Revised  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

       

Deferred tax assets, net

   $ 7,837       $ 442      $ 8,279   

Total current assets

   $ 133,473       $ 442      $ 133,915   

Total assets

   $ 265,587       $ 442      $ 266,029   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 35,905       $ 990      $ 36,895   

Other current liabilities

   $ 642       $ (2   $ 640   

Total current liabilities

   $ 104,696       $ 988      $ 105,684   

Other liabilities

   $ 4,534       $ 146      $ 4,680   

Total liabilities

   $ 123,472       $ 1,134      $ 124,606   

Retained earnings

   $ 62,121       $ (692   $ 61,429   

Total shareholders’ equity

   $ 142,115       $ (692   $ 141,423   

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 265,587       $ 442      $ 266,029   

The revisions described above did not affect our condensed consolidated statements of income or our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months and nine month periods ended June 30, 2011. The effect of these adjustments will be reflected in our consolidated financial statements for the years ended September 30, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 which will be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

3. Investments

We invest in pre-funded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intent to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost.

 

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Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair market value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at June 30, 2012 are as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
                  Estimated
Fair Market
Value
 
        Gross Unrealized    
        Gains      Losses    

Municipal bonds due in less than 1 year

   $ 15,942       $ 1       $ (7   $ 15,936   

Certificates of deposit due in less than 1 year

     9,458         4         —          9,462   

Corporate bonds due in less than 1 year

     8,167         —           (8     8,159   

Municipal bonds due in 1 - 2 years

     —           —           —          —     

Certificates of deposit due in 1 - 2 years

     5,306         1         —          5,307   

Corporate bonds due in 1 - 2 years

     6,589         —           (12     6,577   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 45,462       $ 6       $ (27   $ 45,441   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair market value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2011 are as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
                  Estimated
Fair  Market
Value
 
        Gross Unrealized    
        Gains      Losses    

Municipal bonds due in less than 1 year

   $ 26,227       $ 1       $ (19   $ 26,209   

Certificates of deposit due in less than 1 year

     8,103         1         —          8,104   

Corporate bonds due in less than 1 year

     15,722         —           (37     15,685   

Certificates of deposit due in 1- 2 years

     5,830         —           —          5,830   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 55,882       $ 2       $ (56   $ 55,828   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk and as a result, it is possible that changes in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of income.

4. Fair Value Measurements

In measuring fair values of assets and liabilities, we use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs (Level 1) and minimize the use of unobservable inputs (Level 3). We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market volatility. Therefore, classification of inputs within the hierarchy may change from period to period depending upon the ability to observe those prices and inputs. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value for certain assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

 

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Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following as of June 30, 2012:

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using  
     June 30,
2012
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
     Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Money market funds

   $ 40,447       $ 40,447       $ —         $ —     

Corporate bonds

     14,736         14,736         —           —     

Municipal bonds

     15,936         —           15,936         —     

Certificates of deposit

     14,769         —           14,769         —     

Commercial paper

     9,003         —           9,003         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis

   $ 94,891       $ 55,183       $ 39,708       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012, our certificates of deposit were transferred to Level 2, as a result of minimal trading activity.

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following as of September 30, 2011:

 

            Fair Value Measurements Using  
     September 30,
2011
     Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Money market funds

   $ 39,811       $ 39,811       $ —         $ —     

Corporate bonds

     15,685         15,685         —           —     

Certificates of deposit

     13,934         13,934         —           —     

Municipal bonds

     26,209         —           26,209         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis

   $ 95,639       $ 69,430       $ 26,209       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

5. Earnings per Share

Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. For the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, 1,057,814 shares and 1,248,195 shares, respectively, and for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2011, 1,038,759 shares and 1,014,443 shares, respectively, which could be issued under outstanding stock-based grants, were not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

The calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     (In thousands)  

Weighted average number of shares

  

Basic shares outstanding

     24,694         24,462         24,693         24,370   

Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans

     141         303         132         318   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted shares outstanding

     24,835         24,765         24,825         24,688   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

6. Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment, net consist of the following:

 

     Depreciable
Lives (in years)
   June 30,
2012
    September 30,
2011
 

Land

   —      $ 1,456      $ 1,456   

Building and building improvements

   35      13,675        13,675   

Leasehold improvements

   1-28      45,866        45,066   

Training equipment

   3-10      80,198        79,178   

Office and computer equipment

   3-10      40,892        40,518   

Software developed for internal use

   3-5      11,115        10,931   

Curriculum development

   5      18,716        18,466   

Vehicles

   5      965        909   

Construction in progress

   —        3,443        1,081   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
        216,326        211,280   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

        (126,514     (110,903
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 89,812      $ 100,377   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:

 

     June 30,
2012
     September 30,
2011
 

Accounts payable

   $ 6,543       $ 10,186   

Accrued compensation and benefits

     23,986         18,539   

Other accrued expenses

     8,795         8,170   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 39,324       $ 36,895   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitration, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current or former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands. When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we would accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which we are a party, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

The United States Department of Justice has notified us that we are the subject of a preliminary investigation (DOJ Preliminary Investigation) concerning Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq.) claims. We understand that a former employee alleged our compensation of our enrollment counselors violated the “incentive compensation ban” of Title IV of the Higher Education Act, amongst other potential violations allegedly occurring over a number of years. We intend to fully cooperate with the DOJ Preliminary Investigation. There are no requests for production of documents to date. Pursuant to applicable law and the United States’ request, we cannot make further disclosures concerning this matter.

The same former employee who made allegations subject to the aforementioned DOJ Preliminary Investigation also filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) alleging retaliatory employment practices in violation of the whistleblower provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We received a request from the DOL in May 2012, pursuant to the complaint filed on May 3, 2012, to furnish documents and other information in response to this complaint. We believe that the former employee was properly terminated based upon failure of performance and not for any illegal or retaliatory reason, and we intend to vigorously defend the claims asserted. We have timely provided the information requested by the government and will continue to cooperate fully with the DOL. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of the complaint nor can we reasonably estimate the potential costs that may be associated with its eventual resolution. Consequently, we have not recorded any associated liabilities in the accompanying financial statements.

Proprietary Loan Program

In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a national chartered bank in 2008. Under terms of the related agreement, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank on a monthly basis and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan.

The bank agreed to provide these services in exchange for a fee equivalent to 0.4% of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we have a $2.0 million deposit, an amount that exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance limits, with the bank in order to secure our related loan purchase obligation. This balance is classified as other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

In substance, we provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition and as a result, we account for the underlying transactions in accordance with our tuition revenue recognition policy. However, due to the nature of the program coupled with the extended payment terms

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

required under the student loan agreements, collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest income required under the loan when such amounts are collected. We will reevaluate this policy on the basis of our historical collection experience under the program and will accelerate recognition of the related revenue if appropriate. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred and were approximately $0.3 million and $1.1 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.6 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans cannot be recorded as assets under GAAP, and therefore the loans and related deferred tuition revenue are not recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our presentation will be reevaluated when sufficient collection history has been obtained.

The following table summarizes the impact of the proprietary loan program on our tuition revenue and interest income during the period as well as on a cumulative basis at the end of each period in our condensed consolidated income statements. Tuition revenue and interest income excluded represents amounts which would have been recognized during the period had collectability of the related amounts been assured. Amounts collected and recognized represent actual cash receipts during the period and amounts written-off represent amounts which have been turned over to third party collectors.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
    Inception
to date
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011    

Tuition and interest income excluded

   $ 4,546      $ 2,268      $ 12,204      $ 6,658      $ 41,989   

Amounts collected and recognized

     (409     (249     (1,139     (598     (2,310

Amounts written-off

     (861     (1,135     (5,559     (4,058     (13,907
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount excluded during the period

   $ 3,276      $ 884      $ 5,506      $ 2,002      $ 25,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

We have allocated up to an aggregate of $60.0 million of credit under our proprietary loan program. At June 30, 2012, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $48.9 million. We monitor the aggregate amount approved under this program and may make changes in future periods.

The following table summarizes the activity related to the balances outstanding under our proprietary loan program, including loans outstanding, interest and origination fees, which are not reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

     Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 26,863      $ 23,301   

Loans extended

     14,396        4,707   

Interest accrued

     2,103        1,615   

Amounts collected and recognized

     (1,139     (598

Amounts written off

     (5,559     (4,058
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 36,664      $ 24,967   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

9. Common Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. On March 30 and June 29, 2012, we paid cash dividends of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record as of March 15 and June 18, 2012, respectively. The aggregate payment was approximately $4.9 million. At the discretion of our Board of Directors, we intend to pay a dividend quarterly in future periods.

Treasury Stock

Our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2012 and our condensed consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 include a reclassification of $5.5 million and 313,015 shares from common stock and additional paid-in capital to treasury stock. The reclassification relates to the presentation of shares withheld for taxes upon the lapse of restrictions on certain stock-based compensation. Beginning in 2007, we accounted for such shares as if they were returned to the pool of issuable shares under our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (the Plan). Based on further consideration, we concluded it was more appropriate to reflect such shares as treasury shares. We determined that the impact of the out-of-period adjustment was not material to our financial statements for the applicable interim and annual periods during the years ended September 30, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. As a result, we have not restated any prior period amounts. On February 22, 2012, our stockholders approved amendments to the Plan which allow us to return shares withheld for taxes to the pool of issuable shares, effective January 6, 2012. Therefore, shares withheld for taxes subsequent to the effective date are presented as adjustments to common stock and additional paid-in capital in our condensed consolidated balance sheet and condensed consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, we purchased 125,800 shares at an average price per share of $12.99 and a total cost of approximately $1.6 million. We did not make any purchases during the three months ended June 30, 2012.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

10. Segment Information

Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training, and these operations are managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the Other category. Corporate expenses are allocated to Postsecondary Education and the Other category based on compensation expense.

Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenues

        

Postsecondary education

   $ 97,170      $ 106,802      $ 305,111      $ 334,245   

Other

     2,431        2,132        7,157        6,297   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 99,601      $ 108,934      $ 312,268      $ 340,542   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

        

Postsecondary education

   $ 2,090      $ 7,969      $ 13,501      $ 38,118   

Other

     (572     (1,263     (1,641     (3,169
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 1,518      $ 6,706      $ 11,860      $ 34,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

        

Postsecondary education

   $ 5,698      $ 6,030      $ 17,738      $ 17,974   

Other

     90        151        326        435   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 5,788      $ 6,181      $ 18,064      $ 18,409   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

        

Postsecondary education

   $ 1,337      $ 4,781      $ 8,351      $ 23,145   

Other

     (324     (745     (927     (1,858
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 1,013      $ 4,036      $ 7,424      $ 21,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill

        

Postsecondary education

   $ 20,579      $ 20,579      $ 20,579      $ 20,579   

Other

     —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 20,579      $ 20,579      $ 20,579      $ 20,579   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

        

Postsecondary education

   $ 254,377      $ 247,078      $ 254,377      $ 247,078   

Other

     3,278        2,760        3,278        2,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 257,655      $ 249,838      $ 257,655      $ 249,838   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

11. Government Regulation and Financial Aid

Congressional Action and Financial Aid Funding

In December 2011, Congress passed the federal fiscal year 2012 budget, which included the nine remaining appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government for the remainder of the 2012 federal fiscal year. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (Appropriations Act), which the President signed on December 23, 2011, included award year 2012-2013 funding levels for Title IV Programs and maintained the existing maximum Federal Pell Grant for the 2012-2013 award year by cutting spending on the other student aid programs and placing new restrictions on eligibility. Additionally, the Appropriations Act reduced the maximum income that makes an applicant for Title IV Program funds eligible for an automatic zero Expected Family Contribution. This will reduce the number of students eligible for the maximum Federal Pell Grant. Furthermore, the Appropriations Act eliminated the automatic 10% Pell Grant award for students whose calculated award is at least 5% of the maximum Pell Grant but less than 10%.

The Appropriations Act also made several non-Pell Grant related changes to Title IV Program requirements. Ability-to-benefit options for establishing general student eligibility for Title IV Program funds were eliminated for students who first enroll in a program of study on or after July 1, 2012. This change will require students to have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or to have been home schooled in order to be eligible to receive Title IV Program funds. Additionally, the Department of Education (ED) has issued interpretive guidance in the form of multiple Dear Colleague Letters to institutions. Beginning July 1, 2012, we will not admit first-time students without a high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent, or who have not been home schooled.

On July 6, 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act was signed into law and included provisions to temporarily freeze the interest rate on subsidized Stafford loans through June 30, 2013 and changes eligibility rules for subsidized student loans. New borrowers on or after July 1, 2013 will not be eligible for new subsidized student loans if the period during which the borrower has received such loans exceeds 150% of the published length of the borrower’s educational program.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which became active during 2012. The CFPB is tasked with supervising large banks and certain other types of nonbank financial companies, including alternative loan providers, for compliance with federal consumer financial protection laws.

The new program integrity regulations which became effective July 1, 2011 established standard definitions for financial aid credit hours applicable to all institutions approved by ED and expanded the definition of programs that must be measured in terms of clock hours for Title IV Program purposes. ED’s regulatory structure relies heavily on the accreditors to assess compliance with the regulations. On April 13, 2012, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an accrediting commission recognized by ED by which all of our institutions are accredited, released its definition of a credit hour. The ACCSC credit hour definition is intended to reasonably approximate ED’s definition and to provide flexibility in program design and delivery. The definition applies to both degree and non-degree programs. Member schools must complete any necessary program changes no later than December 31, 2012.

In April 2012, an Executive Order was signed ordering the development of “Principles of Excellence” (Principles), which would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms required by educational institutions that serve service members, veterans and family members. The Departments of Defense, Veteran Affairs (VA) and Education, in consultation with the CFPB and the Attorney General, must present a plan to President Obama within 90 days. On May 31, 2012, the VA distributed a letter requesting institutions confirm in writing their intent to comply or not comply with respect to the Principles. On June 29, 2012, we provided written confirmation of our intent to comply pending further guidance from the VA on specific requirements.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) has held a series of oversight hearings on for-profit institutions’ administration of Title IV programs during the 111th and 112th Congresses. On July 29, 2012, the HELP Committee released a report critical of for-profit colleges and universities. This report is the culmination of a two year review.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Rulemaking Initiative

In May 2011, ED announced its intention to establish additional negotiated rulemaking committees to prepare proposed regulations under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). Negotiations to address teacher preparation and post-disbursement student loan issues began in January 2012 and concluded in March 2012 with negotiators reaching consensus on draft regulations on 25 issues. ED announced that it would publish regulations for three of the issues by November 1, 2012 with an effective date of July 1, 2013; the regulations for the remaining 22 issues will be published after the November 1, 2012 master calendar deadline and will therefore not be effective prior to July 1, 2014. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to the first three issues was published on July 17, 2012.

Gainful Employment

On June 13, 2011, ED published regulations, which were to become effective on July 1, 2012, imposing additional Title IV Program eligibility requirements on certain educational programs. The gainful employment regulations published on June 13, 2011 established three metrics for determining whether a program will qualify as such an educational program.

On June 30, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found that ED failed to adequately justify the 35% minimum student loan repayment rate measure and struck down all three metrics. Additionally, the Court invalidated two other provisions of the gainful employment regulations. With enforcement of much of the regulatory framework of the gainful employment rules now blocked, ED has not yet announced whether it will appeal the Court’s decision, seek to revise the gainful employment regulations through another negotiated rulemaking session, or to take other steps.

90/10 Rule

One requirement of the HEA, as amended, commonly referred to as the “90/10 Rule”, provides that a proprietary institution will be ineligible to participate in Title IV programs if for any two consecutive fiscal years it derives more than 90% of its cash basis revenue, as defined in the rule, from Title IV programs. Multiple legislative proposals have been introduced in Congress that would increase the requirements of the 90/10 Rule. For example, in January 2012, the Protecting Our Students and Taxpayers Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate and, if adopted, would reduce the 90% maximum under the rule to 85%. The proposal would also include tuition derived from Title IV programs for military personnel in the 85% portion of the rule. Additionally, it would impose Title IV ineligibility after one year of noncompliance rather than two.

Regulatory Approvals

In June 2012, we received renewed approval from ED for the Program Participation Agreement covering our Universal Technical Institute of Texas institution. The renewal is effective through March 31, 2018 and covers our Houston, Texas; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas and Exton, Pennsylvania campuses.

 

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and those in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those described under “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K and included in Part II, Item 1A of this report.

2012 Overview

Operations

Our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment declined 10.8% to approximately 15,300 students for the three months ended June 30, 2012, and declined 10.9% to approximately 16,800 students for the nine months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decline in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment resulted in a decline in revenues, operating income and net income for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012. Our revenues for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 were $99.6 million and $312.3 million, respectively, decreases of $9.3 million, or 8.6%, and $28.3 million, or 8.3%, respectively, from the prior year. Additionally, our revenues for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 excluded $3.8 million and $10.1 million, respectively, of tuition related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. Our net income for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 was $1.0 million and $7.4 million, respectively, decreases of $3.0 million and $13.9 million, respectively, from the prior year.

Our results of operations were also impacted by an increase in advertising expenses and a decrease in compensation and benefits. We increased advertising expense by $2.0 million and $7.4 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year, in order to meet the quantity and quality inquiry needs to develop student starts during 2012 and early 2013. Advertising expense as a percentage of revenues for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 was approximately 10%. We anticipate our advertising expense will continue to increase in the fourth quarter of 2012, as compared to the same period in 2011, and be in the range of 10%—11% of revenue for the year ending September 30, 2012.

Additionally, our compensation and benefits decreased for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 as a result of the reduction in workforce in June 2011 and the modifications made to our compensation plans in response to the new regulations that became effective July 1, 2011.

Compensation and related costs and bad debt expense for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 include a revision for immaterial errors that relate to prior years. See footnote 2 to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report for further discussion.

We intend to integrate our Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II curricula at our Avondale, Arizona campus during the current calendar year. As we integrate this curricula at our automotive campuses, we expect to make additional capital investments and incur higher than usual operating expenses. During the year ending September 30, 2012, we anticipate capitalizing within the range of $3.0 million to $3.3 million and incurring approximately $2.0 million in operating expenses during the year ending September 30, 2012.

 

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We started approximately 2,700 students and 9,400 students during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to approximately 2,700 and 9,600 for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. We expect student starts for the remainder of 2012 to be relatively consistent with the number of starts during the same period in the prior year. Additionally, we expect to continue to be impacted by the macro-economic headwinds, ongoing student financing challenges and our lower student populations as we entered the year. We continue to expect average student populations for the full year to decline as compared to the prior year, resulting in a mid to high single digit decline in revenues in 2012 and an overall decline in operating margins compared to 2011. Given these trends and the higher fixed component in our admissions cost structure as a result of regulatory changes, we are focused on efficiencies, managing costs and other opportunities to improve operating margins during the remainder of the year.

Dividend

On March 30 and June 29, 2012, we paid cash dividends of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record as of March 15 and June 18, 2012, respectively. The aggregate payment was approximately $4.9 million. At the discretion of our Board of Directors, we intend to pay a dividend quarterly in future periods.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, we purchased 125,800 shares at an average price per share of $12.99 and a total cost of approximately $1.6 million. We did not make any purchases during the three months ended June 30, 2012.

Graduate Employment

During 2011, we graduated approximately 22% more students than we did during 2010 and invested in our graduate placement teams and processes in order to more effectively assist our graduates in finding employment. Through June 30, 2012, our consolidated graduate employment rate for our 2011 graduates is slightly below the rate at the same time in the prior year. The rate has improved for our Motorcycle and Collision Repair programs while the rate has declined for our Automotive and Diesel Technology and Marine programs. We anticipate our overall consolidated graduate employment rate will remain consistent with or slightly below prior year levels during the remainder of the year.

Regulatory Environment

Congressional Action and Financial Aid Funding

In December 2011, Congress passed the federal fiscal year 2012 budget, which included the nine remaining appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government for the remainder of the 2012 federal fiscal year. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (Appropriations Act), which the President signed on December 23, 2011, included award year 2012-2013 funding levels for Title IV Programs and maintained a $5,550 maximum Federal Pell Grant for the 2012-2013 award year by cutting spending on the other student aid programs and placing new restrictions on eligibility. Additionally, the Appropriations Act reduced the maximum income that makes an applicant for Title IV Program funds eligible for an automatic zero Expected Family Contribution from $32,000 to $23,000. This will reduce the number of students eligible for the maximum Federal Pell Grant. Furthermore, the Appropriations Act eliminated the automatic 10% Pell Grant award for students whose calculated award is at least 5% of the maximum Pell Grant but less than 10%. As a result of these changes, we anticipate that certain of our students may be eligible for less Title IV funding. This may increase demand for our proprietary loan program or other private alternative loans and our student population may decline if students are not able to obtain sufficient funding or are unwilling to take on additional debt.

 

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The Appropriations Act also made several non-Pell Grant related changes to Title IV Program requirements. Ability-to-benefit options for establishing general student eligibility for Title IV Program funds were eliminated for students who first enroll in a program of study on or after July 1, 2012. This change will require students to have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, or to have been home schooled in order to be eligible to receive Title IV Program funds. Additionally, the Department of Education (ED) has issued interpretive guidance in the form of multiple Dear Colleague Letters to institutions. As a result of these changes, beginning July 1, 2012, we will not admit first-time students without a high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent, or who have not been home schooled.

In February 2012, President Obama submitted his fiscal year 2013 federal budget request. If enacted, the President’s budget request would, among other things:

 

   

fund a maximum Pell Grant of $5,635 for the 2013-2014 award year, an $85 increase over the prior year; and

 

   

make the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) permanent, which is a refundable tax credit for undergraduate education expenses; the AOTC is currently scheduled to expire at the end of calendar year 2012.

On July 6, 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act was signed into law and included provisions to temporarily freeze the interest rate on Subsidized Stafford loans at 3.4% through June 30, 2013 and changes eligibility rules for subsidized student loans. New borrowers on or after July 1, 2013 will not be eligible for new subsidized student loans if the period during which the borrower has received such loans exceeds 150% of the published length of the borrower’s educational program.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which became active during 2012. The CFPB is tasked with supervising large banks and certain other types of nonbank financial companies, including alternative loan providers, for compliance with federal consumer financial protection laws. It is possible that our proprietary loan program will be subject to such supervision. We will continue to monitor the activities of the CFPB for any impact on our business.

The new program integrity regulations which became effective July 1, 2011 established standard definitions for financial aid credit hours applicable to all institutions approved by ED and expanded the definition of programs that must be measured in terms of clock hours for Title IV Program purposes. ED’s regulatory structure relies heavily on the accreditors to assess compliance with the regulations. On April 13, 2012, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an accrediting commission recognized by ED by which all of our institutions are accredited, released its definition of a credit hour. The ACCSC credit hour definition is intended to reasonably approximate ED’s definition and to provide flexibility in program design and delivery. The definition applies to both degree and non-degree programs. Member schools must complete any necessary program changes no later than December 31, 2012. We are in the process of making the necessary program changes.

In April 2012, an Executive Order was signed asking for the development of “Principles of Excellence” (Principles), which would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms required by educational institutions that serve service members, veterans and family members. The Departments of Defense, Veteran Affairs (VA) and Education, in consultation with the CFPB and the Attorney General, must present a plan to President Obama within 90 days. On May 31, 2012, the VA distributed a letter requesting that institutions confirm in writing their intent to comply or not comply with respect to the Principles. On June 29, 2012, we provided written confirmation of our intent to comply pending further guidance from the VA on specific requirements. We will continue to monitor the progress of this activity for any impact on our business.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) has held a series of oversight hearings on for-profit institutions’ administration of Title IV programs during the 111th and 112th Congresses. On July 29, 2012, the HELP Committee released a report critical of for-profit colleges and universities. This report is the culmination of a two year review. We continue to be diligent in our efforts to provide value to our students and our industry customers and to remain in compliance with state, federal and accrediting agency rules and regulations.

 

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Rulemaking Initiative

In May 2011, ED announced its intention to establish additional negotiated rulemaking committees to prepare proposed regulations under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). Negotiations to address teacher preparation and post-disbursement student loan issues began in January 2012 and concluded in March 2012 with negotiators reaching consensus on draft regulations on 25 issues. Certain issues may impact our gainful employment metrics. ED announced that it would publish regulations for three of the issues by November 1, 2012 with an effective date of July 1, 2013; the regulations for the remaining 22 issues will be published after the November 1, 2012 master calendar deadline and will therefore not be effective prior to July 1, 2014. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to the first three issues was published on July 17, 2012. We continue to monitor the remaining negotiated rulemaking process and development of the NPRM and will take actions we believe appropriate to respond to the draft and final rules.

Gainful Employment

On June 13, 2011, ED published regulations, which were to become effective on July 1, 2012, imposing additional Title IV Program eligibility requirements on certain educational programs. The gainful employment regulations published on June 13, 2011 established metrics for determining whether a program will qualify as such an educational program.

On June 30, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found that ED failed to adequately justify the 35% minimum student loan repayment rate measure and struck down all three metrics. In addition, the Court invalidated two other provisions of the gainful employment regulations, one that requires institutions seeking to offer a new vocational program to obtain prior approval from ED, and one that requires institutions to provide data to ED to calculate two of the gainful employment measures. With enforcement of much of the regulatory framework of the gainful employment rules now blocked, ED has not yet announced whether it will appeal the Court’s decision, seek to revise the gainful employment regulations through another negotiated rulemaking session, or to take other steps. All of our programs met ED’s gainful employment requirements as defined prior to the Court’s ruling.

90/10 Rule

One requirement of the HEA, as amended, commonly referred to as the “90/10 Rule”, provides that a proprietary institution will be ineligible to participate in Title IV programs if for any two consecutive fiscal years it derives more than 90% of its cash basis revenue, as defined in the rule, from Title IV programs. Multiple legislative proposals have been introduced in Congress that would increase the requirements of the 90/10 Rule. For example, in January 2012, the Protecting Our Students and Taxpayers Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate and, if adopted, would reduce the 90% maximum under the rule to 85%. The proposal would also include tuition derived from Title IV programs for military personnel in the 85% portion of the rule. Additionally, it would impose Title IV ineligibility after one year of noncompliance rather than two. We will monitor activity related to the 90/10 Rule for any impact on our business.

Regulatory Approvals

In June 2012, we received renewed approval from ED for the Program Participation Agreement covering our Universal Technical Institute of Texas institution. The renewal is effective through March 31, 2018 and covers our Houston, Texas; Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas and Exton, Pennsylvania campuses.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of net revenues for each of the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     June 30,     June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenues

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0

Operating expenses:

        

Educational services and facilities

     52.9     53.2     50.5     49.7

Selling, general and administrative

     45.6     40.6     45.7     40.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     98.5     93.8     96.2     89.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     1.5     6.2     3.8     10.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income, net

     0.1     0.0     0.1     0.0

Other income

     0.0     0.1     0.1     0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

     0.1     0.1     0.2     0.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     1.6     6.3     4.0     10.4

Income tax expense

     0.6     2.6     1.6     4.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     1.0     3.7     2.4     6.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 were $7.6 million and $31.0 million, respectively, as compared to $13.2 million and $54.4 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2011, respectively.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is provided to supplement, but not substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We choose to disclose to investors this non-GAAP financial measure because it provides an additional analytical tool to clarify our results from operations and helps to identify underlying trends. Additionally, this measure helps compare our performance on a consistent basis across time periods. To obtain a complete understanding of our performance, this measure should be examined in connection with net income determined in accordance with GAAP. Since the items excluded from this measure should be examined in connection with net income determined in financial performance under GAAP, this measure should not be considered to be an alternative to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Exclusion of items in our non-GAAP presentation should not be construed as an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Other companies, including other companies in the education industry, may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure across companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.

 

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EBITDA reconciles to net income as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Net income

   $ 1,013      $ 4,036      $ 7,424      $ 21,287   

Interest income, net

     (63     (56     (213     (199

Income tax expense

     574        2,816        5,021        14,206   

Depreciation and amortization

     6,043        6,425        18,810        19,070   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $ 7,567      $ 13,221      $ 31,042      $ 54,364   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Return on equity for the trailing four quarters ended June 30, 2012 was 9.1% compared to 21.2% for the trailing four quarters ended September 30, 2011. Return on equity is calculated as the sum of net income for the last four quarters divided by the average of our total shareholders’ equity balances at the end of each of the last five quarters.

Capacity utilization is the ratio of our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment to total seats available. Total seats available represents our maximum capacity; however, due to certain dynamics, our operating capacity tends to be lower. The following table sets forth our average capacity utilization during each of the periods indicated and the total seats available at the end of each of the periods indicated:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     June 30,     June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Average undergraduate full-time student enrollment

     15,300        17,200        16,800        18,800   

Total seats available

     27,900        29,600        27,900        29,600   

Average capacity utilization

     54.8     58.1     60.2     63.5

We continue to seek alternate uses for our underutilized space at existing campuses. Alternate uses may include subleasing space to third parties, allocating space for use by our manufacturer specific advanced training programs, adding new industry relationships or consolidating administrative functions into campus facilities.

The lease for our Glendale Heights, Illinois campus expires in 2013. We are currently negotiating a lease to relocate the campus within the region. Any relocation under the current negotiations is contingent upon approval of a proposed tax increment financing.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2012 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2011

Revenues. Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2012 were $99.6 million, representing a decrease of $9.3 million, or 8.6%, as compared to revenues of $108.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 as a result of a decrease in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment of 10.8%. The decrease was offset by tuition rate increases between 3% and 5%, depending on the program. Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 excluded $3.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of tuition related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. In accordance with our accounting policy, we recognize the related revenues as payments are received from the students participating in this program. We recognized $0.4 million and $0.2 million of revenues and interest under the program during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

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Our revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 were $312.3 million, representing a decrease of $28.3 million, or 8.3%, as compared to revenues of $340.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2011 as a result of a decrease in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment of 10.9%. The decrease was offset by tuition rate increases between 3% and 5%, depending on the program. Our revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 excluded $10.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of tuition related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. We recognized $1.1 million and $0.5 million of revenues and interest under the program during the nine months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Educational services and facilities expenses. Our educational services and facilities expenses for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 were $52.6 million and $157.8 million, respectively, a decrease of $5.4 million and $11.7 million, respectively, as compared to $58.0 million and $169.5 million for the same periods in the prior year.

The following table sets forth the significant components of our educational services and facilities expenses:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     June 30,      June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     (In thousands)  

Salaries expense

   $ 23,402       $ 26,371       $ 68,851       $ 74,375   

Employee benefits and tax

     4,492         5,692         13,791         15,150   

Bonus expense

     484         389         2,159         2,915   

Stock-based compensation

     263         213         815         692   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Compensation and related costs

     28,641         32,665         85,616         93,132   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Occupancy costs

     9,111         9,168         27,387         27,294   

Other educational services and facilities expense

     5,291         6,026         15,563         17,476   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     4,689         4,774         14,346         14,040   

Supplies and maintenance

     2,509         2,675         7,415         8,611   

Tools and training aids expense

     2,380         2,682         7,448         8,965   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 52,621       $ 57,990       $ 157,775       $ 169,518   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Compensation and related costs decreased $4.0 million and $7.5 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease is primarily attributable to approximately $2.3 million of compensation related costs incurred in the prior year in connection with our reduction in workforce as well as the resulting decrease in employee headcount. Additionally, bonus expense decreased during the nine months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to modifications made to our compensation plans in response to the new regulations that became effective July 1, 2011. We anticipate our compensation and related costs will decrease for the year ending September 30, 2012 as compared to the year ended September 30, 2011.

Tools and training aids expense, supplies and maintenance and student-related expenses decreased a combined $0.6 million and $3.0 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to our lower average undergraduate full-time student enrollments during the current period as well as our cost savings efforts in anticipation of lower average student populations for 2012. Additionally, travel expense and contract services decreased $0.5 million and $1.1 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily as a result of cost savings efforts.

 

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Selling, general and administrative expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 were $45.5 million and $142.6 million, respectively, representing an increase of $1.3 million and $6.5 million, respectively, as compared to $44.2 million and $136.1 million for the same periods in the prior year.

The following table sets forth the significant components of our selling, general and administrative expenses:

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
     Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     (In thousands)  

Salaries expense

   $ 18,019       $ 17,742       $ 54,696       $ 51,145   

Employee benefits and tax

     3,828         4,335         12,436         11,993   

Bonus expense

     1,213         1,781         5,217         6,975   

Stock-based compensation

     1,344         1,043         4,573         4,079   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Compensation and related costs

     24,404         24,901         76,922         74,192   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Advertising expense

     10,070         8,099         32,231         24,865   

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

     6,126         6,398         18,718         21,602   

Depreciation and amortization expense

     1,354         1,651         4,464         5,030   

Contract services expense

     1,360         1,348         4,003         4,118   

Bad debt expense

     1,302         1,649         4,446         5,450   

Legal services expense

     846         192         1,849         818   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 45,462       $ 44,238       $ 142,633       $ 136,075   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Advertising expense increased $2.0 million and $7.4 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, in order to improve the quality and quantity of inquiries and applications for the year. This resulted in increased spending on various media including television, internet, magazine and inquiry generation programs. For the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012, the number of inquiries increased 8.8% and 1.6% as compared to the same periods in the prior year. We anticipate our advertising expense will be in the range of 10%—11% of revenue for the year ending September 30, 2012.

In 2011, we made modifications made to our compensation plans in response to the new regulations that became effective July 1, 2011 which impacted salaries expense and bonus expense. Additionally, we completed a reduction in workforce in June 2011 which resulted in severance expense of $1.4 million as well as a decrease in employee headcount. The compensation modifications and the reduction in workforce resulted in a decrease of $0.5 million in compensation and related costs during the three months ended June 30, 2012 and an increase of $2.7 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same periods in the prior year. We anticipate our compensation and related costs will increase for the year ending September 30, 2012 as compared to the year ended September 30, 2011.

 

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Our legal services expense increased $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 as a result of various legal claims. We anticipate that we will experience an increase in legal services expense, as compared to prior periods, until such time as the claims are resolved. See Legal Proceedings in Part II, Item 1 for further discussion.

Income taxes. Our provision for income taxes for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2012 was $0.6 million, or 36.2% of pre-tax income, and $5.0 million, or 40.3% of pre-tax income, respectively. Our provision for income taxes for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2011 was $2.8 million, or 41.1% of pre-tax income, and $14.2 million, or 40.0% of pre-tax income, respectively. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of state income taxes, net of related federal income tax benefits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash flows from operations, cash on hand and investments will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, commitments and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations through the next 12 months.

We believe that the strategic use of our cash resources includes supporting the integration of our Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II curricula to existing campuses, as well as subsidizing funding alternatives for our students. Additionally, we evaluate the repurchase of our common stock, consideration of strategic acquisitions and other potential uses of cash. In March and June 2012, we paid a cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the common stock of the Company. At the discretion of our Board of Directors, we intend to pay a dividend quarterly in future periods. Additionally, as discussed previously, we repurchased approximately $1.6 million of our outstanding common stock during the nine months ended June 30, 2012. To the extent that potential acquisitions are large enough to require financing beyond cash from operations, we may issue debt resulting in increased interest expense. Our aggregate cash and cash equivalents and current investments were $92.1 million at June 30, 2012.

Our principal source of liquidity is operating cash flows. A majority of our revenues is derived from Title IV Programs. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs. Students must apply for a new loan for each academic year consisting of thirty-week periods. Loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received within 30 days of the start of a student’s academic year and the second disbursement is typically received at the beginning of the sixteenth week from the start of the student’s academic year. We established a proprietary loan program in which we bear all credit and collection risk and students are not required to begin repayment until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. These factors, together with the timing of when our students begin their programs, affect our operating cash flow.

Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $9.2 million and $31.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively. For the nine months ended June 30, 2012, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $22.2 million. A decrease in deferred revenue resulted in a cash outflow of $16.9 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program at June 30, 2012 compared to September 30, 2011. The increase in receivables was related to the timing of Title IV disbursements and other cash receipts on behalf of our students. The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses was primarily due to the timing of our payroll cycle. During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, we returned approximately $1.8 million of the total $4.3 million obligation recorded related to the clarification from the non Title IV funding agency discussed previously in this quarterly report. Additionally, accounts payable and accrued expenses were impacted by the timing of our payroll cycle. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets resulted in a cash outflow of $2.3 million and was primarily related to our prepaid insurance plans.

 

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During the nine months ended June 30, 2011, the changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $23.0 million and were primarily attributable to changes accounts payable and accrued expenses and deferred revenue, partially offset by changes in deferred rent. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses resulted in a use of cash of $17.6 million and was primarily due to the timing of our payroll cycle, payments of 2010 bonuses and the modifications to our compensation plans, which resulted in accelerated bonus payments in June. A decrease in deferred revenue resulted in a cash outflow of $6.0 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program at June 30, 2011 compared to September 30, 2010. In September 2010, we entered into a leasing arrangement to relocate our headquarters during the second quarter of 2011. The lease included incentives such as a leasehold improvement allowance, moving allowance, and free rent periods which will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term resulting in a $4.9 million increase in deferred rent.

Investing Activities

For the nine months ended June 30, 2012, cash provided by investing activities was $2.1 million. We had cash outflows of $49.3 million to purchases investments and cash inflows of $58.3 million from proceeds received upon maturity of investments. We had cash outflows of $7.0 million related to the purchase of new and replacement training equipment for our ongoing operations.

For the nine months ended June 30, 2011, cash used in investing activities was $44.0 million and was primarily related to our investment of $26.0 million in office leasehold improvements, our Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II program curricula and the purchase of new and replacement training equipment for our ongoing operations. We had cash outflows of $57.6 million for purchases of investments, and cash inflows of $39.5 million from proceeds received upon maturity of investments.

Financing Activities

During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to the payment of cash dividends on March 30 and June 29, 2012 of $0.10 per share totaling $4.9 million and the repurchase of approximately $1.6 million of treasury stock. During the nine months ended June 30, 2011 cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to activity in our stock-based compensation plans.

Seasonality and Trends

Our revenues and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population and costs associated with opening or expanding our campuses. Our student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower student populations in our third quarter than in the remainder of our year because fewer students are enrolled during the summer months. Additionally, our schools have had higher student populations in our fourth quarter than in the remainder of the year because more students enroll during this period. Our expenses, however, do not vary significantly with changes in student population and revenues and, as a result, such expenses do not fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of seasonal enrollment patterns. Such patterns may change, however, as a result of new school openings, new program introductions, increased enrollments of adult students or acquisitions. Additionally, our revenues for the first quarter ending December 31 are impacted by the closure of our campuses for a week in December for a holiday break and, accordingly, we do not earn revenue during that closure period.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011. During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent accounting pronouncements are disclosed in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011. During the nine months ended June 30, 2012, there have been no new accounting pronouncements which are expected to significantly impact our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no significant changes to our market risk since September 30, 2011. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitrations, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current and former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands. When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we would accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

The United States Department of Justice has notified us that we are the subject of a preliminary investigation (DOJ Preliminary Investigation) concerning Federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq.) claims. We understand that a former employee alleged our compensation of our enrollment counselors violated the “incentive compensation ban” of Title IV of the Higher Education Act, amongst other potential violations allegedly occurring over a number of years. We intend to fully cooperate with the DOJ Preliminary Investigation. There are no requests for production of documents to date. Pursuant to applicable law and the United States’ request, we cannot make further disclosures concerning this matter.

The same former employee who made allegations subject to the aforementioned DOJ Preliminary Investigation also filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) alleging retaliatory employment practices in violation of the whistleblower provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We received a request from the DOL in May 2012, pursuant to the complaint filed on May 3, 2012, to furnish documents and other information in response to this complaint. We believe that the former employee was properly terminated based upon failure of performance and not for any illegal or retaliatory reason, and we intend to vigorously defend the claims asserted. We have timely provided the information requested by the government and will continue to cooperate fully with the DOL. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of the complaint nor can we reasonably estimate the potential costs that may be associated with its eventual resolution. Consequently, we have not recorded any associated liabilities in the accompanying financial statements.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no other material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on November 30, 2011, except as noted below. The risks described in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

Congress may change the law or reduce funding for or place restrictions on the use of funds received through Title IV Programs which could reduce our student population, revenues and/or profit margin.

Congress periodically revises the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), and other laws, and enacts new laws, governing Title IV Programs and also annually determines the funding level for each Title IV Program. Congress most recently reauthorized the HEA in 2008 and the new law contains numerous revisions to the requirements governing Title IV Programs as discussed in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any action by Congress that significantly reduces funding for Title IV Programs or the ability of our schools or students to receive funding through these programs or places restrictions on the use of funds received by an organization through these programs could reduce our student population and revenues. Congressional action may also require us to modify our practices in ways that could increase administrative costs, reduce the ability of students to finance their education at our schools, and materially decrease student enrollment and result in decreased profitability.

 

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Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

The following table summarizes the purchase of equity securities for the three months ended June 30, 2012:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

                                                                                                                           

Period

   (a) Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
     (b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
     (c) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans
     (d) Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans Or
Programs
(In thousands) (1)
 

April 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ 23,366   

May 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ 23,366   

June 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ 23,366   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     —              —         $ 23,366   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

(1)

On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

Item 6. EXHIBITS

 

Number

  

Description

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
101*    The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Income Statements; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

*

This information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
Dated: August 3, 2012     By:  

/s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.

      Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.
      President and Chief Financial Officer
      (Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

 

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