UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark one)

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

OR

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM          TO             

Commission File Number: 0-23245

 

CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

Number of shares of registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01, outstanding as of October 26, 2018: 69,760,992

 

 

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

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

 

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME           (In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

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

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

 

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

 

 

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CAREER EDUCATION CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

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

Additionally, CEC is in the process of teaching out campuses within our All Other Campuses segment. Students enrolled at these campuses have been afforded the reasonable opportunity to complete their program of study prior to the final teach-out date.

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

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

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, including normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2018.

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

         Our reporting segments are determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280 – Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment represents a group of postsecondary education providers that offer a variety of academic programs. We organize our business across three reporting segments: CTU, AIU (comprises University Group) and All Other Campuses (formerly separately reported as Culinary Arts and Transitional Group). Campuses included in our All Other Campuses segment are currently being taught out and no longer enroll new students or have completed their teach-out. These campuses employ a gradual teach-out process, enabling them to continue to operate while current students have a reasonable opportunity to complete their program of study.

          During the third quarter of 2018, the Company completed the teach-out of Harrington College of Design, which continues to be reported within the All Other Campuses segment as of September 30, 2018 in accordance with ASC Topic 360 – Property, Plant and Equipment, which limits discontinued operations reporting.

          Effective January 1, 2018, we have implemented FASB ASC Topic 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance supersedes all previously issued revenue recognition guidance. As a result of this change in accounting guidance, we have updated our revenue recognition policies and disclosures. The guidance under Topic 606 did not impact the amount of revenue we recognized in previous periods, and also does not impact the amount of revenue recognized prospectively as our revenue recognition methodology remained relatively the same under the new guidance. The guidance under Topic 606 did impact our presentation of financial condition and disclosures. Previously, a student’s entire accounts receivable balance along with their deferred revenue balance was evaluated to determine the net position of the two and the proper reporting of that balance within student receivables, net, or within deferred revenue, net, on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Under Topic 606, we now separate the contract asset balance from the student receivable balance to determine the amount reported as deferred revenue on the condensed consolidated balance sheets for each student. See Note 5 “Revenue Recognition” for more information.

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recent accounting guidance adopted in 2018

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In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this ASU expanded the accounting scope to include share-based payments issued to non-employees for goods or services to substantially align with share-based payments issued to employees. For public entities, ASU 2018-07 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018; early adoption is permitted. We have evaluated and early adopted this guidance effective 2018. The adoption did not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. The amendments in this ASU allow public companies to record provisional amounts in their annual and interim financial statements using an approach similar to the “measurement period” that US GAAP permits in connection with the accounting for a recently acquired business. During the measurement period, management records provisional amounts for the effects of the tax law changes that can be reasonably estimated. If the finalization of the effect results in a different number, the adjustment to the provisional amount that was initially recorded does not represent the correction of an error. Instead, the adjustment is recorded to income tax expense in the period it is identified. For all entities, ASU 2018-05 is effective for annual periods and interim periods upon discovery. We have evaluated and adopted this guidance beginning 2018. The adoption did not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets. The amendments in this ASU clarify and provide guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets and recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. For all public entities, ASU 2017-05 is effective for annual reporting periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have evaluated and adopted this guidance beginning 2018. The adoption did not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. The amendments in this ASU improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory by reducing complexity in accounting standards. The amendments eliminate the exception prohibiting the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory until the asset has been sold to an outside party. For all public entities, ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have evaluated and adopted this guidance beginning 2018. The adoption did not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments in this ASU address eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230. The eight topics include debt prepayment or extinguishments costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. For all public business entities, ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have evaluated and adopted this guidance beginning 2018. The adoption did not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), a new accounting standard intended to improve and converge the financial reporting requirements between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards, which supersedes virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The fundamental principles of the new guidance are that companies should recognize revenue in a manner that reflects the timing of the transfer of services to customers and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that a company expects to receive for the goods and services provided. The new guidance establishes a five step approach for the recognition of revenue. For all public business entities, ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We completed the assessment of our evaluation of the new standard on our accounting policies, processes and system requirements and adopted this guidance beginning 2018. We have adopted this guidance using the modified retrospective approach which applies to contracts that have remaining obligations as of January 1, 2018 and new contracts entered into subsequent to January 1, 2018. Under the modified retrospective approach, we do not restate comparative periods on our condensed consolidated financial statements. The adoption impacted the presentation of our financial condition and disclosures but did not impact our results of operations. See Note 5 “Revenue Recognition” for more information.

 

 

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Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted

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

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

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

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments in this ASU require a financial asset measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected and credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses. For all public business entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019; early adoption is permitted for all organizations for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The objective of Topic 842 is to establish transparency and comparability that lessees and lessors shall apply to report useful information to users of financial statements about the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from a lease. The core principle of Topic 842 is that lessees should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. All leases create an asset and liability for the lessee in accordance with FASB Concept Statements No. 6 Elements of Financial Statements, and, therefore, recognition of those lease assets and liabilities represents an improvement over previous GAAP. The accounting applied for lessors largely remained unchanged. The amendment in this ASU requires recognition of a lease liability and a right of use asset at the lease inception date. Subsequently, the FASB issued two additional Updates to the guidance as follows: In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, together providing additional clarity on certain narrow aspects of the guidance and providing an additional optional transition method to adopt the new leases standard. For all public business entities, ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018; early adoption is permitted. While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we currently believe the most significant impact primarily relates to our accounting for real estate leases and real estate subleases. We expect to have a material amount now reported as a right of use asset and lease liability related to these leases as well as expect to separate lease components from the non-lease components for recognition. Additionally, we expect an immaterial impact to the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income prospectively. Based on ASU 2018-11, we will recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the adoption date which will be January 1, 2019 for CEC. Any cumulative effect adjustments will be recorded as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition and disclosures, but will not significantly impact our results of operations.

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4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Investments consist of the following as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

In the table above, unrealized holding gains (losses) as of September 30, 2018 relate to short-term investments that have been in a continuous unrealized gain (loss) position for less than one year.

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

Fair Value Measurements

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

As of September 30, 2018, we held investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments (available-for-sale) consist of non-governmental debt securities, and treasury and federal agencies securities. Available for sale securities included in Level 1 are valued at quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Available for sale securities included in Level 2 are estimated based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

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Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820 – Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Equity Method Investment

Our investment in an equity affiliate, which is recorded within other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, represents an international investment in a private company. As of September 30, 2018, our investment in an equity affiliate equated to a 30.7%, or $3.0 million, non-controlling interest in CCKF, a Dublin-based educational technology company providing intelligent systems to power the delivery of individualized and personalized learning.

During the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded less than $0.1 million of gain and $0.1 million of loss, respectively, and during the years to date ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, we recorded $0.1 million and $0.2 million of loss, respectively, related to our proportionate investment in CCKF within miscellaneous income on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

We make periodic operating maintenance payments related to proprietary rights that we use in our intellipath^® personalized learning technology. The total fees paid to CCKF for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Credit Agreement

During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company; its wholly-owned subsidiary, CEC Educational Services, LLC (“CEC-ES”); and the subsidiary guarantors thereunder entered into a Fourth Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 30, 2013 (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) with BMO Harris Bank N.A., in its capacities as the initial lender and letter of credit issuer thereunder and the administrative agent for the lenders which from time to time may be parties to the Credit Agreement, to among other things, decrease the revolving credit facility to $95.0 million and require pre-approval by the lenders for each credit extension (other than letter of credit extensions) occurring after December 31, 2015. The revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on December 31, 2018. The loans and letter of credit obligations under the Credit Agreement are required to be secured by 100% cash collateral. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

 

5. REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Disaggregation of Revenue

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

 

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Performance Obligations

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

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

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

Contract Assets

Prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 606, we offset our student receivable balances with deferred revenue on a student by student basis. Deferred revenue was previously stated net of outstanding student receivables on a student-by-student basis as of the end of each reporting period. Upon adoption of ASC Topic 606, we determined that a portion of the student receivable balance which was previously offset with deferred revenue now meets the definition of student receivables and is not considered a contract asset and therefore is no longer offset with deferred revenue. The previously reported balances along with the adjustment and beginning January 1, 2018 balances are provided below (dollars in thousands).

 

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

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

The amount of contract assets which are being offset with deferred revenue balances as of January 1, 2018 and September 30, 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Deferred Revenue

Changes in our deferred revenue balances for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

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Cash Receipts

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

If a student withdraws from one of our institutions prior to the completion of the academic term or program period, we refund the portion of tuition and fees already paid that, pursuant to our refund policy and applicable federal and state law and accrediting agency standards, we are not entitled to retain. Generally, the amount to be refunded to a student is calculated based upon the percent of the term attended and the amount of tuition and fees paid by the student as of their withdrawal date. In certain circumstances, we have recognized revenue for students who have withdrawn that we are not entitled to retain. We have estimated a reserve for these limited circumstances based on historical evidence in the amount of $0.9 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Students are typically entitled to a partial refund through approximately halfway of their term. Pursuant to each institution’s policy, once a student reaches the point in the term where no refund is given, the student would not have a refund due if withdrawing from the institution subsequent to that date.

Management reassesses collectability when a student withdraws from the institution and has unpaid tuition charges for the current term which the institution is entitled to retain per the applicable refund policy. Such unpaid charges do not meet the threshold of reasonably collectible and are recognized as revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606 when cash is received and the contract is terminated and neither party has further performance obligations. We have no remaining performance obligations for students who have withdrawn from our institutions, and once the refund calculation is performed and funds are returned to the student, if applicable under our refund policy, no further consideration is due back to the student. We recognized $0.4 million of revenue for each of the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and $1.1 million and $1.2 million for the years to date ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, for payments received from withdrawn students.

Significant Judgments

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

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

For the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we received a majority of our institutions’ cash receipts for tuition payments from various government agencies as well as our corporate partnerships which represents a substantial portion of our consolidated revenues and are all low risk of collectability.

6. STUDENT RECEIVABLES

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

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

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Our standard student receivable allowance estimation methodology considers a number of factors that, based on our collection experience, we believe have an impact on our repayment risk and ability to collect student receivables. Changes in the trends in any of these factors may impact our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These factors include, but are not limited to: internal repayment history, repayment practices of previous extended payment programs, changes in the current economic, legislative or regulatory environments and the ability to complete the federal financial aid process with students. These factors are monitored and assessed on a regular basis. Overall, our allowance estimation process for student receivables is validated by trending analysis and comparing estimated and actual performance. 

Student Receivables Under Extended Payment Plans and Recourse Loan Agreements

To assist students in completing their educational programs, we previously provided extended payment plans to certain students and also had loan agreements with Sallie Mae and Stillwater National Bank and Trust Company (“Stillwater”) which required us to repurchase loans originated by them to our students after a certain period of time. We discontinued providing extended payment plans to students during the first quarter of 2011 and the recourse loan agreements with Sallie Mae and Stillwater ended in March 2008 and April 2007, respectively.

As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the amount of non-current student receivables under these programs along with payment plans that are longer than 12 months in duration, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, was $2.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively.

Student Receivables Valuation Allowance

Changes in our current and non-current receivables allowance for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Fair Value Measurements

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

7. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

During the past several years, we have carried out reductions in force related to the continued reorganization of our corporate and campus functions to better align with total enrollments and made decisions to teach out a number of campuses, meaning gradually close the campuses through an orderly process. A majority of these teach-out campuses have ceased operations as of September 30, 2018, with the two remaining campuses expected to cease operations by December 31, 2018. Additionally, during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, we continued to evaluate our corporate and campus functions to reorganize these functions to best align with our current enrollments to ensure efficient and effective support and recorded additional severance and related costs of approximately $1.9 million. A majority of these costs are expected to be paid during the fourth quarter of 2018.

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The following table details the changes in our accrual for severance and related costs associated with all restructuring events for our continuing operations during the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

The current portion of the accrual for severance and related charges was $2.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, which is recorded within current accrued expenses – payroll and related benefits.

In addition, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we have an accrual of approximately $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to retention bonuses that have been offered to certain employees. These amounts are recorded ratably over the period the employees are retained.

Remaining Lease Obligations of Continuing Operations

We have recorded lease exit costs associated with the exit of real estate space for certain campuses related to our continuing operations, primarily associated with our teach-out campuses. These costs are recorded within educational services and facilities expense on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. The current portion of the liability for these charges is reflected within other accrued expenses under current liabilities and the long-term portion of these charges are included in other liabilities under the non-current liabilities section of our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in our future minimum lease obligations for vacated space related to our continuing operations for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (dollars in thousands):              

 

_____________

(1)Includes charges for newly vacated spaces and subsequent adjustments for accretion, revised estimates and variances between estimated and actual charges, net of any reversals for terminated lease obligations.

(2)Includes existing prepaid rent and deferred rent liability balances for newly vacated spaces that offset the losses incurred in the period recorded.

We do not expect to have any significant new charges for remaining lease obligations related to our campuses in teach-out. We have recorded approximately $75.6 million of charges related to remaining obligations for continuing operations since 2015.

8. CONTINGENCIES

An accrual for estimated legal fees and settlements of $0.9 million and $8.7 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, is presented within current liabilities – other accrued expenses on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that was previously accrued, and make adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount. We may be unable to estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss due to various reasons, including, among others: (1) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (2) if the proceedings are in early stages; (3) if there is uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals, motions, or settlements; (4) if there are significant factual issues to be determined or resolved; and (5) if there are novel or unsettled legal theories presented. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any.

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

Oregon Arbitrations. There are 325 active individual arbitration claims which were filed against Western Culinary Institute, Ltd. (“WCI”) from March through July 2018, all of which are being administered by the American Arbitration Association. These individual arbitrations involve students who attended WCI from approximately 2008 to 2010. Each arbitration seeks monetary damages and alleges that WCI made a variety of misrepresentations to the individual student filing the arbitration, relating generally to WCI’s placement statistics, students’ employment prospects upon graduation from WCI, the value and quality of an education at WCI, and the amount of tuition students could expect to pay as compared to salaries they could expect to earn after graduation. The institution is no longer in operation and closed in 2017.

Because of the early stages of these individual arbitrations, the unique circumstances with respect to each individual student and the many questions of fact and law that have already arisen and that may arise in the future, the outcome of each of these individual arbitrations is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for these actions because of the inherent difficulty in assessing damages, if any, in each individual arbitration and the number of individual students, if any, who might be entitled to recover damages. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with any of these actions.

Multi-State AGs. The Attorney General of Connecticut is serving as the point of contact for inquiries received from the attorneys general of the following: Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington (January 24, 2014); Illinois (December 9, 2011); Tennessee (February 7, 2014); Hawaii (May 28, 2014 ); New Mexico (May 2014); Maryland (March 16, 2015); and the District of Columbia (June 3, 2015) (these 18 attorneys general are collectively referred to as the “Multi-State AGs”). The inquiries are civil investigative demands or subpoenas which relate to the investigation by the attorneys general of whether the Company and its schools have complied with certain state consumer protection laws, and generally focus on the Company's practices relating to the recruitment of students, graduate placement statistics, graduate certification and licensing results and student lending activities, among other matters. Depending on the state, the documents and information sought by the attorneys general in connection with their investigations cover time periods as early as 2006 to the present. In addition, the Company has received in the past similar inquiries from the attorneys general of several other states. The Company continues to cooperate with the Multi-State AGs with a view towards resolving their inquiries as promptly as possible. In this regard, the Company continues to participate in meetings with representatives of the Multi-State AGs about the Company’s business and to engage in a dialogue towards a resolution of the inquiries by the Multi-State AGs. If the Company and the Multi-State AGs enter into an agreement resolving their inquiries, the Company believes that attorneys general of additional states may also be a party to any such agreement.

The ultimate outcome of the Multi-State AGs’ inquiries is uncertain. At the conclusion of these matters, the Company or certain of its institutions may be subject to claims of failure to comply with state laws or regulations, required to pay significant financial penalties and/or required to curtail or modify their operations. Based on information available to us at present and the uncertain outcome of these inquiries, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss these inquiries might have on the Company.

FTC. On August 20, 2015, the Company received a request for information pursuant to a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). The request was made pursuant to a November 2013 resolution by the FTC directing an investigation to determine whether unnamed persons, partnerships, corporations, or others have engaged or are engaging in deceptive or unfair acts or practices in or affecting commerce in the advertising, marketing or sale of secondary or postsecondary educational products or services, or educational accreditation products or services. The information request requires the Company to provide documents and information regarding a broad spectrum of the business and practices of its subsidiaries and institutions for the time period of January 1, 2010 to the present. The Company continues to respond to supplemental requests for information, including a CID dated July 5, 2018 requesting specific information about telephone calls placed to prospective students from 2013 to the present. The Company is cooperating with the FTC with a view towards resolving this inquiry as promptly as possible, including agreeing with the FTC to toll the statute of limitations from October 18, 2018 until such time as the tolling may be terminated with respect to any claims the FTC may have under the Federal Trade Commission Act or the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act.

The ultimate outcome of the FTC’s inquiry is uncertain. At the conclusion of this matter, the Company or certain of its institutions may be subject to claims of failure to comply with federal laws or regulations, required to pay significant financial penalties and/or required to curtail or modify their operations. Based on information available to us at present and the uncertain outcome of this inquiry, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss this inquiry might have on the Company.

ED. In December 2011, ED advised the Company that it was conducting an inquiry concerning possible violations of ED misrepresentation regulations that stemmed from the Company self-reporting to ED its review of placement determination practices in 2011. In connection with the inquiry, ED moved all of the Company’s institutions from the “advance” method of payment of Title IV Program funds to cash monitoring status (referred to as Heightened Cash Monitoring 1, or HCM1, status). The Company has

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cooperated with ED in connection with its inquiry; however, almost all of the schools that were the principal subjects of the inquiry are now closed. On September 27, 2018, ED notified the Company that it was removing the HCM1 designation from the Company’s remaining institutions, including AIU and CTU, and returning them to the “advance” method of payment. We will continue to provide ED with monthly updates on regulatory matters, student complaints and financial performance, to the extent requested by ED.

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

9. INCOME TAXES

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

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

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, a valuation allowance of $50.5 million was maintained with respect to our foreign tax credits, state net operating losses and Illinois edge credits. After considering both positive and negative evidence related to the realization of these deferred tax assets, we have determined that it is necessary to continue to record the valuation allowance against these credits and state net operating losses as of September 30, 2018.

The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 reflects the tax effect of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes and other adjustments which on a relative basis are a higher percentage of projected full-year earnings. The current quarter and year to date effective tax rate includes the impact of tax reserves, the tax effect of stock-based compensation and adjustments to increase the state deferred tax asset. The effect of these discrete items decreased the current effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 2.7% and 5.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 also reflects the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that became effective in January 2018. For the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was primarily impacted by tax reserves and the tax effect of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes. The effective tax rate for the prior year quarter includes less than $0.1 million of benefit and the prior year to date effective tax rate includes $1.1 million of expense, associated with stock-based compensation. The effect of this discrete item was to decrease the prior year quarterly effective rate by 0.6% and increase the prior year to date effective tax rate by 4.6%.

We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits for a variety of uncertain tax positions will decrease by up to $1.8 million in the next twelve months as a result of the completion of various tax audits currently in process and the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions. The income tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 does not take into account the possible reduction of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The impact of a reduction to the liability will be treated as a discrete item in the period the reduction occurs. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had accrued $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, as an estimate for reasonably possible interest and accrued penalties.

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

10. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Overview of Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Career Education Corporation 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2016 Plan”) authorizes awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock, performance units, annual incentive awards, and substitute awards, which generally may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock. Any shares of our common stock that are subject to awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights payable in shares will be counted as 1.0 share for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit and any shares of our common stock that are subject to any other form of award payable in shares will be counted as 1.35 shares for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit. As of September 30, 2018, there were approximately 3.3 million shares of common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2016 Plan, which is net of (i) 0.8 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and (ii) 0.9 million shares underlying restricted stock units, which will be settled in shares of our common stock if the vesting conditions are met and thus reduce the common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2016 Plan by the amount vested. These shares have been multiplied by the applicable factor under the 2016 Plan to determine the remaining shares available as of September 30, 2018. Additionally, as of September 30, 2018 under the previous Career Education Corporation 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan, there were approximately 2.0 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and 0.6 million shares underlying outstanding restricted and deferred stock units, which will be settled in shares of our common stock if the vesting conditions are met. This plan was replaced by the 2016 Plan and effective May 24, 2016 all future awards will be made under the 2016 Plan. The vesting of all types of equity awards (stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and deferred stock units) is subject to possible acceleration in certain circumstances. Generally, if a plan participant terminates employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, the right to unvested equity awards is forfeited.

As of September 30, 2018, we estimate that compensation expense of approximately $8.0 million will be recognized over the next four years for all unvested share-based awards that have been granted to participants, including stock options, restricted stock units and deferred stock units to be settled in shares of stock but excluding restricted stock units to be settled in cash.

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

Stock option activity during the year to date ended September 30, 2018 under all of our plans was as follows (options in thousands):

 

 

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Stock. Restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock generally vest 25% per year over a four-year service period. Restricted stock units which are “performance-based” are subject to performance conditions that, even if the requisite service period is met, may reduce the number of units of restricted stock that vest at the end of the requisite service period or result in all units being forfeited. The performance-based restricted stock units generally vest three years after the grant date or vest 20% after the first year, 50% after the second year and 30% after the third year.

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The following table summarizes information with respect to all outstanding restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock under our plans during the year to date ended September 30, 2018 (units in thousands):

 

 

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

The following table summarizes information with respect to all deferred stock units during the year to date ended September 30, 2018 (units in thousands):

 

 

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

The following table summarizes information with respect to all cash-settled restricted stock units during the year to date ended September 30, 2018 (units in thousands):

 

 

          Upon vesting, based on the conditions set forth in the award agreements, these units will be settled in cash. We valued these units in accordance with the guidance set forth by FASB ASC Topic 718 – Compensation-Stock Compensation and recognized $2.0 million of expense for the year to date September 30, 2018 for all cash-settled restricted stock units, of which $0.4 million was recorded during the quarter ended September 30, 2018.

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Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Total stock-based compensation expense for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 for all types of awards was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Performance Unit Awards. Performance unit awards granted during 2016 and 2017 are long-term incentive, cash-based awards. Payment of these awards is based upon a calculation of Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) of CEC as compared to TSR across a specified peer group of our competitors over a three-year performance period ending primarily on December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively. These awards are recorded as liabilities as the expense is recognized and the fair value for these awards is determined at each period end date with changes in fair value recorded in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income in the current period. We recorded $2.5 million and $3.7 million of expense related to these awards for the years to date ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, with $0.9 million and $1.4 million of expense for the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

11. WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

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

The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted net income per share for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

 

For the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, certain unexercised stock option awards are excluded from our computations of diluted earnings per share, as these shares were out-of-the-money and their effect would have been anti-dilutive. The anti-dilutive options that were excluded from our computations of diluted earnings per share were 0.8 million shares for each of the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 and 1.1 million shares for each of the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2017.

12. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our segments are determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280—Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment represents a group of postsecondary education providers that offer a variety of degree and non-degree academic programs. These segments are organized by key market segments to enhance operational alignment and, for our two universities, to enhance brand focus within each segment to more effectively execute our strategic plan. As of September 30, 2018, our three segments are:

 

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

 

 

 

 

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13. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

As of September 30, 2018, the results of operations for campuses that have ceased operations prior to 2015 are presented within discontinued operations. Prior to January 1, 2015, our teach-out campuses met the criteria for discontinued operations upon completion of their teach-out as defined under FASB ASC Topic 205 – Presentation of Financial Statements. Commencing January 1, 2015, in accordance with the new guidance under ASC Topic 360, only campuses that meet the criteria of a strategic shift upon disposal will be classified within discontinued operations, among other criteria. Since the January 2015 effective date of the updated guidance within ASC Topic 360, we have not had any campuses that met the criteria to be considered a discontinued operation.  

Results of Discontinued Operations

The summary of unaudited results of operations for our discontinued operations for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations

Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 include the following (dollars in thousands):

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Remaining Lease Obligations of Discontinued Operations

A number of the campuses that ceased operations prior to January 1, 2015 have remaining lease obligations that expire over time with the latest expiration in 2019. A liability is recorded representing the fair value of the remaining lease obligation at the time the space is no longer being utilized. Changes in our future remaining lease obligations, which are reflected within current and non-current liabilities of discontinued operations on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

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The discussion below and other items in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain “forward-looking statements,” as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that reflect our current expectations regarding our future growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance and business prospects, and opportunities, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, our management. We have tried to identify forward-looking statements by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “should,” “will,” “continue to,” “outlook,” “focused on” and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. These statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those matters discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 that could cause our actual growth, results of operations, cash flows, performance, business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events, developments, or changed circumstances, or for any other reason. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, our forward-looking statements are the following:

Readers are also directed to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about other risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those matters discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Form 10-K.

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

OVERVIEW

Our academic institutions offer a quality education to a diverse student population in a variety of disciplines through online, campus-based and blended learning programs. Our two universities – American InterContinental University (“AIU”) and Colorado Technical University (“CTU”) – provide degree programs through the master’s or doctoral level as well as associate and bachelor’s levels. Both universities predominantly serve students online with career-focused degree programs that are designed to meet the educational demands of today’s busy adults. AIU and CTU continue to show innovation in higher education, advancing new

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personalized learning technologies like their intellipath^® learning platform. Career Education is committed to providing quality education that closes the gap between learners who seek to advance their careers and employers needing a qualified workforce.

Additionally, CEC is in the process of teaching out campuses within our All Other Campuses segment. Campuses within this segment include those which are being taught out or those which have completed their teach-out activities. Students enrolled at these campuses have been afforded the reasonable opportunity to complete their program of study prior to the final teach-out date. During the third quarter of 2018, the Company completed the teach-out of one campus, Harrington College of Design, which continues to be reported within the All Other Campuses segment as part of continuing operations in accordance with ASC Topic 360 – Property, Plant and Equipment, which limits discontinued operations reporting.

Regulatory Environment

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

We encourage you to review Item 1, “Business,” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K to learn more about our highly regulated industry and related risks and uncertainties, in addition to the MD&A in our 2018 Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Note Regarding Non-GAAP measures

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

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

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

2018 Third Quarter Overview

The third quarter of 2018 ended with continued improvement in student enrollment trends as well as revenue growth and improvements in operating income as compared to the prior year. We continued to execute well against our strategy to drive sustainable, responsible growth while also making appropriate long term investments in both of our Universities.

Student enrollments at both AIU and CTU continued to experience growth which we believe were positively impacted by the organic investments made and operating efficiencies achieved in our student-serving processes and supported by consistent levels of prospective student interest for our programs. On an aggregate basis, University Group total student enrollments increased 5.8% as of September 30, 2018 as compared to the prior year, and new student enrollments were up 39.0%. The increase in new student enrollments for the quarter was a result of the academic calendar redesign at AIU as well as the organic growth at both AIU and CTU.

As new student enrollment has grown and our admissions and advising personnel work with these students to improve their learning experiences and academic outcomes, we believe this should lead to further improvement in retention trends for the future. Our new student enrollment growth in AIU and CTU has not fully manifested into total student enrollment growth as this process usually takes a few quarters as we continue to further enhance student retention and academic outcomes.

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New student enrollments within CTU increased 9.0% for the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. CTU has continued to increase its focus on employee training and development while streamlining its admissions and organizational structure to better serve our students. Employee tenure within the admissions and advising centers continues to further improve and these employees continue to gain training and experience, and as a result, we believe CTU will gain incremental operating efficiencies from the team. Based on the overall success of the Arizona center and supported by consistent levels of prospective student interest for our programs, CTU had also increased staffing at its admissions and advising center in Illinois.

The third quarter of 2018 was the last quarter of benefit from increased staffing at CTU’s Arizona and Illinois centers that positively impacted year over year enrollment trend comparability. But, as a result of improved execution across our operating processes, we expect CTU to experience another quarter of new student enrollment growth in the fourth quarter of 2018 versus the prior year.

Corporate partnerships have also meaningfully contributed to the new enrollment growth at CTU and the University continues to make progress in expanding their corporate partnership network. CTU now has corporate partnerships with companies in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, healthcare and food. These corporate partnerships have provided us with an opportunity to educate students that are not easily accessible through our standard marketing. While students who enroll through these corporate partnerships are awarded higher tuition grants from the University to offset their tuition costs, these students typically have lower application and support costs and are more likely to start class and continue in their programs. Students associated with these corporate partners tend to be more persistent in their pursuit of long-term learning, which, we believe, will result in higher life-time value per student. As we make progress and continue to add corporate partners, these students will become a bigger part of our population.

Total student enrollments at CTU increased 2.8% as of the current quarter end as compared to the prior year quarter, with growth primarily driven by the momentum in new student enrollments. CTU has continued its focus to improve learning experiences and engagement, which, we believe, will further enhance student retention and academic outcomes. Students are assigned to their advising teams based on their academic characteristics and program of study. Additionally, our predictive analytics tool is going live in the fourth quarter. The tool is intended to better help reach students at the right time with the right solution, which should increase overall course completion for each student.

Total student enrollments for AIU increased by 11.7% as of the end of the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. New student enrollments increased by 96.8% for the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter and increased 6.6% for the current year to date as compared to the prior year to date. The significant increase in new enrollments for the quarter was expected, given that there were approximately 60% more enrollment days for the quarter, a result of the academic calendar redesign. Enrollment days attributable to any given quarter are generally the available days during which a prospective student can apply to start school in that quarter. Another driver of the increase in student enrollments was the admissions and advising center in Arizona which continues to improve its execution around the student inquiry and application process. Primarily driven by the academic calendar redesign, we expect new student enrollments to significantly decline in the fourth quarter followed by significant growth in the first quarter of 2019, which will more than offset the decline in the fourth quarter of 2018.

The calendar driven variability in quarterly enrollment trends at AIU does not materially impact quarterly revenue trends which are still primarily driven by our underlying long-term operating performance and the number of revenue-earning days during the quarter. Despite quarterly variability in new student enrollments, we expect AIU to experience revenue growth both in the fourth quarter and for the full year 2018.

AIU continues to make incremental investments across its admissions and advising centers, primarily in Arizona, with staffing at these centers up approximately 15% as compared to the prior year. AIU has also benefitted from the rollout of the personalized graduate team model with cross functional student support between admissions, advising and financial aid groups. The focus of this model is aimed at improving student engagement prior to the start of their education and continuing through their academic programs, with particular emphasis on the important onboarding phase and first academic term as students adjust to their academic program. Lastly, a new Learner-Centric model has also recently been introduced that has resulted in an increased number of courses that utilize our intellipath^® technology which we believe promotes stronger learning.

Technology continues to be a key focus and important competitive advantage for the Universities and we continued to implement initiatives during the third quarter. Both Universities have fully implemented a 2-way messaging platform within the mobile application to support effective and efficient student outreach and communication with advising, admissions and financial aid personnel. Our students and staff are increasingly using the messenger due to its ease and simplicity. As a result, our staff is now able to reach and advise students that they would not have otherwise been able to reach easily. We believe this will ultimately have a positive impact on overall student retention and academic outcomes. We will continue to advance technology initiatives to better assist our students in their education life cycle.

Financial Highlights

Revenue from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2018 increased $0.7 million or 0.5% as compared to the prior year quarter. The increase of $4.2 million or 2.9% within our University Group was offset with operating losses within our teach-out

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campuses as they near the end of their teach-out strategy. For the third quarter of 2018, we reported operating income of $19.3 million as compared to operating income of $4.5 million for the prior year quarter. This improvement was driven by reduced operating costs at our teach-out campuses. We continue to expect some variability in our quarterly results driven by the timing of our operating expenses and the varying impacts from our initiatives, including the ongoing impacts of the academic calendar redesign at AIU. Lastly, we reported cash provided by operations for the current year to date of $18.3 million as compared to cash used by operations of $29.1 million for the prior year period. The prior year cash usage included a payment of $32.0 million for legal settlements as compared to $17.1 million in the current year period.

For our University Group, revenue in the third quarter of 2018 increased $4.2 million or 2.9% as compared to the prior year quarter. Revenue within our CTU segment increased $1.8 million or 2.0% driven by an increase in new and total student enrollments. AIU’s revenue increased by $2.4 million or 4.7% also driven by an increase in new and total enrollments. Operating income for the University Group decreased $2.5 million or 8.3%, with both AIU and CTU contributing to this decrease, primarily as a result of severance charges recorded during the current quarter as a result of restructuring actions as well as investments within student-serving operations at both Universities during the third quarter. The severance charges during the quarter were recorded as a result of process reengineering within our University Group, primarily within non-student serving operations. As an educational institution, we regularly evaluate and analyze ways to improve operations and redistribute resources to serve our students in the most efficient manner. A substantial portion of these operating efficiencies have been committed for reinvestments in our student-serving operations.

Within our All Other Campuses segment, operating loss of $3.7 million improved 80.7% compared to the prior year quarter as we continued to eliminate costs as campuses completed their teach-outs. We had approximately 10 students remaining within two teach-out campuses as of the end of the third quarter of 2018; these students are scheduled to complete their programs during the fourth quarter of 2018. As the teach-out campuses complete their closure in 2018, we expect to see expenses further decrease.

The Company believes it is useful to present non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude certain significant and non-cash items, as a means to understand the performance of its operations. (See tables below for a GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation.) Adjusted operating income for the total company was $25.8 million for the current quarter as compared to $15.5 million in the prior year quarter with the improvement primarily driven by reductions in operating losses at our teach-out campuses.

Adjusted operating income (loss) for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is presented below (dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted):

 

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_________________

(2)     Amounts relate to the University Group and Corporate.

Outlook

We currently expect the following results, subject to the key assumptions identified below (see the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation for adjusted operating income (loss) below):

Financial Outlook:

 

_______________________

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University Group Outlook:

 

Forward looking adjusted operating income expectations are presented in the reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP items above. Operating income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure to adjusted operating income, may not follow the same trends stated in the outlook above because of adjustments made for unused space charges that represent the present value of future remaining lease obligations for vacated space less an estimated amount for sublease income and subsequent adjustments as well as depreciation, amortization, asset impairment charges, severance and related costs as a result of significant restructuring actions and significant legal settlements. The operating income and adjusted operating income, enrollment, revenue and cash outlook provided above for 2018 and 2019 are based on the following key assumptions and factors, among others: (i) prospective student interest in our programs continues to trend in line with recent experiences, (ii) initiatives and investments in student-serving operations continue to positively impact enrollment trends within the University Group, (iii) achievement of anticipated recovery rates for our real estate obligations in line with our current expectations, (iv) no material changes in the legal or regulatory environment, and excludes legal and regulatory liabilities and other related impacts which are not probable and estimable at this time, and any impact of new or proposed regulations, including the “borrower defense to repayment” and gainful employment regulations and any modifications thereto, and (v) no material changes in the estimated amount of compensation expense that could be impacted by changes in our stock price. Although these estimates and assumptions are based upon management’s good faith beliefs regarding current events and actions that may be undertaken in the future, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

The strong student interest we experienced as well as our operating performance has provided us with momentum into the second half of 2018. We expect to close 2018 on a good note, and we should have positive momentum entering into 2019 that will enable us to be strategic with respect to future capital allocation decisions and continue to focus on building a strong balance sheet, while prudently investing in organic growth projects. We feel good about the strength of our organization and are continually striving to build a leadership position in postsecondary education.

Regulatory Updates

Borrower Defense to Repayment. On October 28, 2016, ED adopted new regulations that cover multiple issues including the processes and standards for the discharge of student loans, which are commonly referred to as “borrower defense to repayment” regulations. However, prior to the effective date of July 1, 2017, the previously adopted 2016 regulations were, in response to pending litigation, delayed while ED conducted a further review and a new negotiated rulemaking process. Following a process of negotiated rulemaking in which negotiators did not reach consensus on what these new regulations should include, ED published proposed regulations on July 31, 2018, and the public comment period has ended.

The 2016 borrower defense to repayment regulations set forth categories of borrower defenses that could be asserted by students with respect to student loans disbursed on or after its proposed effective date of July 1, 2017 and established an automatic discharge process associated with closed schools. In most cases, the 2016 regulations entitle ED to seek reimbursement from the institution for any loans discharged under new standards which were designed to accommodate student claims. The 2018 proposed regulations effectively replace the 2016 regulations and are designed to generally take a measured approach to adjudicating student loan discharge claims for loans made after the new regulations become effective. The 2018 proposed rules provide for ED to adjudicate claims using a single federal standard and would require claims to be made and adjudicated individually, rather than on a group basis. Additionally, institutions would have an opportunity to respond to claims submitted.

The proposed rules also make modifications to the rules governing financial responsibility and administrative capability requirements. Both the 2016 regulations and 2018 proposed regulations include discussion of triggering events that would provide ED discretion regarding periodic determinations of our financial responsibility and associated enhanced financial protection in the form of a letter of credit or other security it determines it needs.

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The delay of the 2016 regulations was challenged in federal court in the District of Columbia and on September 12, 2018 the court issued a decision concluding that the delay was improper. As a result, the 2016 regulations became effective on October 16, 2018. There are several aspects of the 2016 regulations that require further action, rulemaking and/or direction from ED. We are awaiting further guidance from ED regarding how it will proceed with the 2016 regulations while it is working to develop and publish a finalized version of its 2018 proposed regulations. With respect to the 2018 proposed regulations, ED recently indicated that it does not intend to publish final regulations by November 1, 2018, which is the typical publication deadline for regulations that would take effect on July 1, 2019.

The outcome of the borrower defense to repayment rulemaking initiatives and related legal proceedings and the impact of the existing or any new or modified regulations are uncertain at this time. We have in the past had claims made against us that if made in the future could result in ED determining a discharge of student loans is merited. We cannot predict the extent to which any borrower defense to repayment regulations which allow ED to seek recoupment from institutions for student loans that ED discharges may impact us, nor can we predict how ED may exercise its discretion under revised financial responsibility rules. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Highly Regulated Field in Which We Operate – Recently adopted or modified ‘borrower defense to repayment’ regulations may subject us to significant repayment liability to ED for discharged federal student loans, posting of substantial letters of credit and other requirements that could have a material adverse effect on us,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about risks associated with the borrower defense to repayment regulations.

Gainful Employment. In June 2017, ED announced its intention to convene new negotiated rulemaking committees to consider modifications to the gainful employment regulation. Committee negotiations failed to reach consensus on what an alternative set of regulations should be. ED subsequently published proposed regulations in August 2018 rescinding the gainful employment regulation, and the public comment period has ended. ED recently indicated that it does not intend to publish final regulations by November 1, 2018, which is the typical publication deadline for regulations that would take effect on July 1, 2019.

The current gainful employment regulation remains in effect until the effective date of any new final regulations adopted pursuant to ED’s rulemaking initiative commenced in June 2017. Please see Item 1, “Business – Student Financial Aid and Related Federal Regulation – Compliance with Federal Regulatory Standards and Effect of Federal Regulatory Violations – Gainful Employment” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a summary of the current gainful employment regulation. However, in June 2018, ED announced that it was further delaying aspects of the regulation requiring that program disclosures be distributed in person or via email until July 1, 2019.

Although the current gainful employment regulation remains in effect, ED has not distributed any additional gainful employment rates since publishing the initial year rates in January 2017.

The outcome of ED’s gainful employment rulemaking initiatives and the impact of any new or modified regulations are uncertain at this time. There can be no assurance that our future actions will result in compliance with the existing regulation or any new or modified regulation and the eligibility of the programs we offer could be adversely affected. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Highly Regulated Field in Which We Operate - ED’s gainful employment regulation may limit the programs we can offer students and increase our cost of operations, ” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information about risks associated with the gainful employment regulation.

AIU Institutional Accreditation. AIU has completed a comprehensive evaluation by The Higher Learning Commission (“HLC”) (www.hlcommission.org). HLC found that AIU continued to meet HLC’s criteria of accreditation. AIU’s next re-affirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2023-24. See Item 1, “Business – Accreditation and Jurisdictional Authorizations – Institutional Accreditation” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for more information about institutional accreditation.

Cohort Default Rates. In late September 2018, ED released the official three-year cohort default rates for the 2015 cohort. Each of our institutions had cohort default rates under the 30% threshold for the 2015 cohort. See Item 1, “Business – Student Financial Aid and Related Federal Regulation – Compliance with Federal Regulatory Standards and Effect of Federal Regulatory Violations – Student Loan Default Rates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for more information about cohort default rates, our prior year rates and ED’s related standards.

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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The summary of selected financial data table below should be referenced in connection with a review of the following discussion of our results of operations for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Revenue

Current quarter revenue increased slightly by 0.5% or $0.7 million compared to the prior year quarter, while current year to date revenue decreased 3.9% or $17.5 million compared to the prior year period. The year to date decrease is driven by the $25.5 million decline in revenue within our All Other Campuses segment, which no longer enrolls new students as they teach out each campus. Excluding All Other Campuses, revenue for ongoing operations increased 2.9% or $4.2 million for the current quarter and 1.9% or $8.0 million for the current year to date as compared to the prior periods.  

The current quarter and year to date increase when excluding the All Other Campuses segment was primarily driven by new and total enrollment growth at both CTU and AIU (University Group) as compared to the prior year periods. Total enrollment for the University Group improved by 5.8% as compared to the prior year quarter end and new enrollments improved by 39.0% and 6.6% for the quarter and year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior periods.

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Educational Services and Facilities Expense (dollars in thousands)

 

  

The decrease in educational services and facilities expense for the current quarter and current year to date as compared to the respective prior year periods is primarily driven by a decrease within occupancy expenses within our teach-out campuses as a result of the exit or subleases of facilities as campuses complete their teach-out. As campuses cease operations, a charge is recorded at the cease use date which represents the net present value of all future remaining lease obligations offset with any estimated sublease income. Occupancy expenses within the All Other Campuses segment decreased by 78.8% or $9.6 million and 76.1% or $22.8 million, respectively, for the quarter and year to date as compared to the prior year periods. Academics and student related expense decreased for the current quarter and year to date primarily related to teach-out campuses as these campuses continue to wind-down their operations, which was partially offset with an increase in academics and student related expenses for the University Group to support the Company’s investments in student-serving operations.

General and Administrative Expense (dollars in thousands)

 

 

General and administrative expense decreased by 2.3% or $2.2 million and 3.6% or $11.0 million, respectively, for the current quarter and year to date as compared to the respective prior year periods. The current quarter and year to date improvement was primarily driven by decreased expenses within our teach-out segment of 85.3% or $6.6 million and 45.9% or $12.4 million, respectively, which was partially offset by increased expenses within our University Group. The increased expenses within our University Group for the current quarter and current year to date were primarily related to higher admissions expenses for both AIU and CTU due to increased salary and related expenses to enhance student onboarding and investments in new admissions and advising centers in Arizona and Illinois as well as increased bad debt expense.

Advertising expense for the quarter remained relatively flat with an increase in advertising expense of $0.4 million at CTU, partially offset by a decrease in advertising expense of $0.2 million at AIU. Advertising expense for the year to date decreased by 8.3% or $8.7 million, primarily as a result of efficiencies developed within certain marketing channels that optimized our processes related to receiving prospective student inquiries.

Administrative expenses for the current quarter and year to date decreased by 17.3% or $6.5 million and 9.4% or $10.8 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. The decreases in administrative expenses for the current quarter and year to date as compared to the prior year periods was primarily related to overall decreases in corporate expenses partially offset with an increase of $1.9 million for severance and related costs due to restructuring actions taken during the current quarter. The year to date decrease also includes a recovery of $2.5 million for past claims which was more than offset with increased legal settlements within the All Other Campuses segment.     

Bad debt expense incurred by each of our segments during the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

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          Bad debt expenses for the current quarter increased by 23.6% or $1.5 million and remained relatively flat for the current year to date, as compared to the respective prior year periods. The increased bad debt expenses within the University Group for the current quarter and year to date was primarily driven by an increase in reserve rates due to historical performance within the University Group segments and an increase in accounts receivable write-offs as compared to the prior year periods. Additionally, CTU decreased by 8.3% or $1.3 million for the current year to date as compared to the prior year period due to improvements in collections as well as increased efforts to assist students with completing their funding packages at the beginning of their academic year while the increase for the current quarter was a result of an increase in write-offs as compared to the prior year quarter. The Company continues to focus on implementation of improvement to processes related to collection efforts and completion of financial aid packages for students.

Operating Income

Operating income improved by 324.8% or $14.7 million and 118.2% or $27.7 million for the current quarter and current year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods driven by reduced operating losses within our teach-out campuses partially offset with increased investments in student-serving operations and ongoing technology investments at our University segments. Improvements within operating losses from teach-out campuses were a result of fewer teach-out campuses remaining in the current quarter and current year to date as compared to the prior year periods.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $5.1 million or 25.2% and $11.5 million or 21.6%, respectively, as compared to a provision for income taxes of $1.6 million or 31.3% and $11.1 million or 44.7% for the prior year periods. The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 reflects the tax effect of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes and other adjustments which on a relative basis are a higher percentage of projected full year earnings. The current quarter and year to date effective tax rate includes the impact of tax reserves, the tax effect of stock-based compensation and adjustments to increase the state deferred tax assets. The effect of these discrete items decreased the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 2.7% and 5.2%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 also reflects the reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that became effective in January 2018. For the full year 2018, we expect our effective tax rate to be between 22% and 24%. As of December 31, 2017, we had $215.5 million of federal net operating loss carry forwards which will be partially used in 2018 to offset federal taxable income. For the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2017, the effective tax rate was primarily impacted by tax reserves and the tax effect of expenses that are not deductible for tax purposes.

SEGMENT RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

 

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University Group. Current quarter and year to date revenue increased by 2.9% or $4.2 million and 1.9% or $8.0 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Both AIU and CTU experienced positive total enrollment growth of 11.7% and 2.8%, respectively, as compared to the prior year quarter, and new enrollment growth of 6.6% each for the current year to date as compared to the prior year to date. This growth drove increases to revenue at AIU of 4.7% or $2.4 million and 2.4% or $3.6 million, for the current quarter and current year to date, respectively, and increases to revenue at CTU by 2.0% or $1.8 million and 1.6% or $4.4 million, for the current quarter and current year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. New enrollments for the current quarter significantly increased at AIU by 96.8% as compared to the prior year quarter due to the timing impact of the academic calendar redesign. Additionally, AIU and CTU’s enrollment growth for both the current quarter and year to date were positively impacted by encouraging student interest in our programs and initiatives and investments and operating efficiencies in student-serving functions, including the admissions and advising centers in Arizona and Illinois, enhanced onboarding and orientation processes that we believe positively benefit student retention and investments in technology initiatives. Lastly, CTU’s new enrollment growth was positively impacted by growth in corporate partnerships which meaningfully contributed to new student enrollments.

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Current quarter and year to date operating income for the University Group decreased by 8.3% or $2.5 million and 2.8% or $2.5 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. Operating income decreased within both segments for the current quarter, with AIU contributing $1.2 million and CTU contributing $1.3 million, as compared to the prior year quarter. The current quarter was impacted by additional severance and related costs for restructuring actions taken to continue to drive efficiency and effectiveness within administrative support functions. Additionally, AIU and CTU both continue to invest in student-serving processes and operations and technology initiatives which drove an increase in operating expenses for the current quarter along with increased bad debt expenses which more than offset the increases in revenue. CTU’s operating income improved by 2.4% or $1.9 million for the current year to date as compared to the prior year period, which was more than offset with a decrease in operating income of $4.4 million or 54.7% for the current year to date at AIU as compared to the prior year period. AIU’s decrease in operating income for the current year to date was driven by the investments and restructuring actions discussed above as well as increases in bad debt and occupancy charges related to optimization of leased facilities.

All Other Campuses. This segment includes our campuses that are currently being taught out or have completed their teach-outs since January 1, 2015.

The current quarter and current year to date decline in revenue as compared to the respective prior year periods is primarily a result of the decrease in total student enrollments as campuses complete their closures. The operating loss improved by $15.4 million or 80.7% and $24.5 million or 52.5% for the current quarter and current year to date, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods primarily due to overall decreases in operating expenses as campuses cease operations.

A majority of these teach-out campuses have ceased operations as of September 30, 2018, with the two remaining campuses expected to cease operations by December 31, 2018. We expect revenue and operating expenses to continue to decline compared to prior periods as campuses wind down their operations through 2018.

Corporate and Other. This category includes unallocated costs that are incurred on behalf of the entire company. Corporate and Other operating loss for the current quarter and current year to date improved by $1.8 million or 29.6% and $5.7 million or 34.3%, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods. A recovery for past claims of $2.5 million was recorded during the current year to date.

SUMMARY OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

A detailed discussion of the accounting policies and estimates that we believe are most critical to our financial condition and results of operations that require management’s most subjective and complex judgments in estimating the effect of inherent uncertainties is included under the caption “Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 also includes a discussion of these and other significant accounting policies.

LIQUIDITY, FINANCIAL POSITION AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of September 30, 2018, cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale short-term investments (“cash balances”) totaled $193.0 million. Restricted cash and investment balances as of September 30, 2018 approximate $4.7 million and include restricted short-term investments for certificates of deposit in addition to restricted cash to provide securitization for letters of credit. Our cash flows from operating activities have historically been adequate to fulfill our liquidity requirements. We have historically financed our operating activities, organic growth and acquisitions primarily through cash generated from operations and existing cash balances. The recent losses from our All Other Campuses segment and associated lease payments for vacated spaces have driven a net cash usage in recent years. However, as we near the end of our transformation strategy and complete the wind-down of our teach-out campuses, we expect our cash usage to moderate and we have begun generating cash in 2018. We expect to end 2018 with cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale short-term investments in the range of $215 million to $220 million. These expectations are based upon, and subject to, the key assumptions and factors discussed above in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis under the heading “Outlook.” We anticipate that we will be able to satisfy the cash requirements associated with, among other things, our working capital needs, capital expenditures and lease commitments through at least the next 12 months primarily with cash generated by operations and existing cash balances.

Our credit facility allows us to borrow up to a maximum amount of $95 million and is scheduled to mature on December 31, 2018. Amounts borrowed under the credit facility are required to be secured with 100% cash collateral.

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

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The discussion above reflects management’s expectations regarding liquidity; however, we are not able to assess the effect of loss contingencies on future cash requirements and liquidity. See Note 8 “Contingencies” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Further, as a result of the significance of the Title IV Program funds received by our students, we are highly dependent on these funds to operate our business. Any reduction in the level of Title IV Program funds that our students are eligible to receive or any impact on timing or our ability to receive Title IV Program funds, or any requirement to post a significant letter of credit to ED, may have a significant impact on our operations and our financial condition. In addition, our financial performance is dependent on the level of student enrollment which could be impacted by external factors. See Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Operating Cash Flows

During the year to date ended September 30, 2018, net cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $18.3 million compared to net cash flows used in operating activities of $29.1 million for the year to date ended September 30, 2017. The improvement in cash flow from operations as compared to the prior year is primarily driven by payments of $32.0 million of legal settlements in the prior year to date as compared to $17.1 million in the current year to date, lower operating losses at our teach-out campuses and stabilized operating performance within our ongoing operations.

Our primary source of cash flows from operating activities is tuition collected from our students. Our students derive the ability to pay tuition costs through the use of a variety of funding sources, including, among others, federal loan and grant programs, state grant programs, private loans and grants, institutional payment plans, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments. For the years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, approximately 78% and 77%, respectively, of our institutions’ cash receipts from tuition payments came from Title IV Program funding.

For further discussion of Title IV Program funding and alternative funding sources for our students, see Item 1, “Business - Student Financial Aid and Related Federal Regulation,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

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

Investing Cash Flows

During the years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, net cash flows used in investing activities totaled $3.1 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Purchases and Sales of Available-for-Sale Investments. Purchases and sales of available-for-sale investments resulted in a $0.8 million net cash inflow and a $2.7 million net cash outflow during the years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures increased to $4.0 million for the year to date ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $3.4 million for the year to date ended September 30, 2017. Capital expenditures represented less than 1.0% of total revenue for each of the years to date ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. For the full year 2018, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately 1% to 2% of revenue.

Financing Cash Flows

During the year to date ended September 30, 2018, net cash flows used in financing activities totaled $1.7 million compared to net cash flows provided by financing activities of $1.4 million for the prior year to date.

Payments of employee tax associated with stock compensation. Payments of employee tax associated with stock compensation were $3.3 million for the year to date ended September 30, 2018 and $1.2 million for the year to date ended September 30, 2017.

Credit Agreement. On December 11, 2015, we entered into a $95.0 million Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with BMO Harris Bank N.A., in its capacities as the initial lender and letter of credit issuer thereunder and the administrative agent for the lenders which from time to time may be parties to the Credit Agreement. The revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on December 31, 2018 and amended our previous credit agreement entered into on October 31, 2014. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement are required to be secured with 100% cash collateral. The Credit Agreement, which includes certain financial covenants, requires that fees and interest are payable monthly and quarterly in arrears, respectively, and principal is payable at maturity. As of September 30, 2018, we have no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and we remain in compliance with the covenants of the Credit Agreement.

Changes in Financial Position

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          Selected condensed consolidated balance sheet account changes from December 31, 2017 to September 30, 2018 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

          

          Student receivables, net: The increase is driven by a change in how we account for student receivables under ASC Topic 606 as well as timing impacts related to deposits of Title IV funds.

          Accrued expenses -other: The decrease is driven by the payment of legal settlements in the current year which were included within accrued expenses as of December 31, 2017 as well as continued reductions in liabilities associated with remaining lease obligations for our vacated facilities.

          Other non-current liabilities: The decrease is driven by continued reductions in liabilities associated with remaining lease obligations for our vacated facilities.

Contractual Obligations

As of September 30, 2018, future minimum cash payments under contractual obligations for our non-cancelable operating lease arrangements were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We use various techniques to manage our market risk. We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments, and believe the risk related to cash equivalents and available for sale investments is limited due to the adherence to our investment policy, which focuses on capital preservation and liquidity. In addition, we utilize asset managers who conduct initial and ongoing credit

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analysis on our investment portfolio and ensure that all investments are in compliance with our investment policy. Despite the investment risk mitigation strategies we employ, we may incur investment losses as a result of unusual and unpredictable market developments and may experience reduced investment earnings if the yields on investments deemed to be low risk remain low or decline further in this time of economic uncertainty.

Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Exposure

We manage interest rate risk by investing excess funds in cash equivalents and available for sale investments bearing a combination of fixed and variable interest rates, which are tied to various market indices. Our future investment income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if we are forced to sell investments that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2018, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair values or cash flows.

Any outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility bear annual interest at fluctuating rates under either the Base Rate Loan or as determined by the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for the relevant currency, plus the applicable rate based on the type of loan. As of September 30, 2018, we had no outstanding borrowings under this facility.

During 2018 we were subject to foreign currency exchange exposures arising from transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and from the translation of foreign currency balance sheet accounts into U.S. dollar balance sheet accounts, primarily related to an equity investment. We are subject to risks associated with fluctuations in the value of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar.

Our financial instruments are recorded at their fair values as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. We believe that the exposure of our consolidated financial position and results of operations and cash flows to adverse changes in interest rates or foreign currency exposure is not significant.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We completed an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”) under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2018 our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that (i) the information required to be disclosed by us in this Report was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

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

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

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

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

 

           In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the reader should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 21, 2018.

 

The following table sets forth information regarding purchases made by us of shares of our common stock on a monthly basis during the year to date ended September 30, 2018:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

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