UTI-12.31.14 10Q

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
U. S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 _____________________________________________
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)

þ    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2014
 
¨    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
 _____________________________________________
Commission File Number 1-31923
 _____________________________________________

 UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 
Delaware
 
 
86-0226984
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
16220 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 100
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
(Address of principal executive offices)
(623) 445-9500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   þ    No ¨  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  þ     Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
At January 30, 2015, there were 24,829,540 shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock.



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), which include information relating to future events, future financial performance, strategies, expectations, competitive environment, regulation and availability of resources. From time to time, we also provide forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public as well as verbal forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: proposed new programs; scheduled openings of new campuses and campus expansions; expectations that regulatory developments, or agency interpretations of such regulatory developments or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity and anticipated timing for ongoing regulatory initiatives; statements concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results and future economic performance; and statements of management’s goals and objectives and other similar expressions. Such statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events; they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions. Many events beyond our control may determine whether results we anticipate will be achieved. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements.

Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Annual Report on Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014 listed various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. We note these factors for investors within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act. Readers can find them under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K and in this Form 10-Q, and investors should refer to them. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Our filings with the SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.



ii
Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Assets
 
(In thousands)
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
33,044

 
$
38,985

Restricted cash
 
6,617

 
6,544

Investments, current portion
 
48,908

 
45,906

Receivables, net
 
18,609

 
12,118

Deferred tax assets, net
 
5,765

 
7,470

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
17,663

 
16,509

Total current assets
 
130,606

 
127,532

Investments, less current portion
 
9,294

 
11,257

Property and equipment, net
 
103,656

 
106,927

Goodwill
 
20,579

 
20,579

Deferred tax assets, net
 
11,638

 
11,923

Other assets
 
10,428

 
9,851

Total assets
 
$
286,201

 
$
288,069

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
37,777

 
$
38,827

Deferred revenue
 
49,210

 
46,365

Accrued tool sets
 
3,844

 
3,806

Construction liability, current
 
3,345

 
1,252

Financing obligation, current
 
622

 
5,234

Income tax payable
 
159

 
4,336

Other current liabilities
 
2,710

 
2,515

Total current liabilities
 
97,667

 
102,335

Deferred rent liability
 
12,000

 
10,323

Financing obligation
 
32,315

 
32,478

Other liabilities
 
9,539

 
9,741

Total liabilities
 
151,521

 
154,877

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
 

 

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,842,119 shares issued and 24,829,540 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 30,838,460 shares issued and 24,825,881 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2014
 
3

 
3

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

 
—

Paid-in capital
 
175,242

 
174,376

Treasury stock, at cost, 6,012,579 shares as of December 31 and September 30, 2014
 
(90,769
)
 
(90,769
)
Retained earnings
 
50,193

 
49,582

Accumulated other comprehensive income

11


—

Total shareholders’ equity
 
134,680

 
133,192

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
286,201

 
$
288,069

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

1
Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
 
$
95,680

 
$
97,040

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Educational services and facilities
 
47,830

 
51,074

Selling, general and administrative
 
42,250

 
42,908

Total operating expenses
 
90,080

 
93,982

Income from operations
 
5,600

 
3,058

Other income:
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
 
(499
)
 
(132
)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
 
118

 
81

Other income
 
112

 
274

Total other (expense) income, net
 
(269
)
 
223

Income before income taxes
 
5,331

 
3,281

Income tax expense
 
2,237

 
1,574

Net income
 
$
3,094

 
$
1,707

Other comprehensive income (net of tax):






Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes(1)

$
11


$
—

Comprehensive income

$
3,105


$
1,707

 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:






Net income per share - basic
 
$
0.12

 
$
0.07

Net income per share - diluted
 
$
0.12

 
$
0.07

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
24,827

 
24,645

Diluted
 
24,926

 
24,839

Cash dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.10

 
$
0.10

(1)The tax effect during the three months ended December 31, 2014 was not significant.


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

2
Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Balance as of September 30, 2014
 
30,838

 
$
3

 
$
174,376

 
6,013

 
$
(90,769
)
 
$
49,582

 
$
—

 
$
133,192

Net income
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,094

 
—

 
3,094

Issuance of common stock under employee plans
 
4

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Shares withheld for payroll taxes
 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(7
)
Stock-based compensation
 
—

 
—

 
873

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
873

Cash dividends declared
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,483
)
 
—

 
(2,483
)
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of tax
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11

 
11

Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
30,842

 
$
3

 
$
175,242

 
6,013

 
$
(90,769
)
 
$
50,193

 
$
11

 
$
134,680


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

3
Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
3,094

 
$
1,707

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
4,482

 
5,091

Amortization of assets subject to financing obligation
 
468

 
155

Amortization of held-to-maturity investments
 
488

 
627

Bad debt expense
 
934

 
1,333

Stock-based compensation
 
873

 
1,343

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 
—

 
(3
)
Deferred income taxes
 
1,990

 
1,550

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
 
(118
)
 
(81
)
Training equipment credits earned, net
 
(290
)
 
(244
)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
 
2

 
48

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances
 
34

 
211

Receivables
 
(7,425
)
 
165

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(835
)
 
(1,382
)
Other assets
 
(559
)
 
(317
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
(922
)
 
(745
)
Deferred revenue
 
2,845

 
224

Income tax payable/receivable
 
(4,177
)
 
(283
)
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities
 
365

 
165

Deferred rent liability
 
425

 
(477
)
Other liabilities
 
323

 
534

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
1,997

 
9,621

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property and equipment
 
(3,731
)
 
(2,927
)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
 
3

 
77

Purchase of investments
 
(7,954
)
 
(11,354
)
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments
 
6,427

 
8,735

Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate
 
110

 
—

Restricted cash: proprietary loan program
 
(104
)
 
(140
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(5,249
)
 
(5,609
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Payment of cash dividend
 
(2,483
)
 
(2,465
)
Repayment of financing obligation
 
(199
)
 
(41
)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld
 
(7
)
 
(21
)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 
—

 
3

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(2,689
)
 
(2,524
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(5,941
)
 
1,488

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
38,985

 
34,596

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
33,044

 
$
36,084


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



4
Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED), continued
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In thousands)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Taxes paid
 
$
4,423

 
$
1,223

Interest paid
 
$
563

 
$
190

Training equipment obtained in exchange for services
 
$
107

 
$
878

Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period
 
$
(365
)
 
$
70

Construction period construction liability - construction in progress
 
$
3,345

 
$
5,868

Construction liability recognized as financing obligation
 
$
—

 
$
33,500

Stock based compensation classified as liability instruments
 
$
—

 
$
3

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

5
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)




1.    Nature of the Business

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

We work closely with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine industries to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Revenues generated from our schools consist primarily of tuition and fees paid by students. To pay for a substantial portion of their tuition, the majority of students rely on funds received from federal financial aid programs under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), as well as from various veterans benefits programs. For further discussion, see Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Risk" and Note 19 “Government Regulation and Financial Aid” included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 3, 2014.
2.    Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2015. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014.

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

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

Historically, we have calculated income tax expense for interim periods based on estimated annual effective tax rates. These rates have been derived, in part, from expected income before taxes for the year. However, authoritative accounting guidance indicates that companies should not apply the estimated annual tax rate to interim financial results if the estimated annual tax rate is not reliably predictable. We are not able to reasonably estimate the annual effective tax rate for the year ending September 30, 2015 because small fluctuations in our earnings before taxes could result in a material change in the estimated annual effective tax rate based on our current projections. Therefore, for the three months ended December 31, 2014, we calculated income taxes using actual income before income taxes.

6
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we identified approximately $0.5 million (pre-tax) of retake revenue and $0.2 million (pre-tax) of bad debt expense reduction related to fees for student retakes for the periods from October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2014 which were not recorded. Additionally, we identified approximately $0.2 million (pre-tax) of contract services expense related to the outsourcing of certain financial aid processes that should have been recognized during the quarterly periods from October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
We evaluated the impact of the items on prior periods under the materiality guidance and determined that the amounts were not material. We also evaluated the impact of correcting these items through a cumulative adjustment to our fiscal 2014 financial statements and concluded that it was appropriate to revise our previously issued financial statements to reflect the cumulative impact of this correction.
Additionally, we recorded an immaterial balance sheet correction between cash and restricted cash related to funds held for students from Title IV financial program funds that result in credit balances on student accounts as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.
The following tables present the impact of this revision on our condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three months ended December 31, 2013 and our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended December 31, 2013:
 
 
December 31, 2013
As Reported
 
Adjustment
 
As Revised
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
97,029

 
$
11

 
$
97,040

Educational services and facilities
 
$
51,111

 
$
(37
)
 
$
51,074

Selling, general and administrative
 
$
42,915

 
$
(7
)
 
$
42,908

Total operating expenses
 
$
94,026

 
$
(44
)
 
$
93,982

Income from operations
 
$
3,003

 
$
55

 
$
3,058

Other income
 
$
275

 
$
(1
)
 
$
274

Total other income
 
$
224

 
$
(1
)
 
$
223

Income before income taxes
 
$
3,227

 
$
54

 
$
3,281

Income tax expense
 
$
1,567

 
$
7

 
$
1,574

Net income
 
$
1,660

 
$
47

 
$
1,707


7
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



 
 
December 31, 2013
As Reported
 
Adjustment
 
As Revised
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
1,660

 
$
47

 
$
1,707

Bad debt expense
 
$
1,341

 
$
(8
)
 
$
1,333

Deferred income taxes
 
$
1,549

 
$
1

 
$
1,550

Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances
 
$
—

 
$
211

 
$
211

Receivables
 
$
(13
)
 
$
178

 
$
165

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
(1,344
)
 
$
(38
)
 
$
(1,382
)
Other assets
 
$
(316
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(317
)
Deferred revenue
 
$
201

 
$
23

 
$
224

Income tax payable/receivable
 
$
(79
)
 
$
(204
)
 
$
(283
)
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities

 
$
163

 
$
2

 
$
165

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
9,410

 
$
211

 
$
9,621

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,277

 
$
211

 
$
1,488

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
$
35,657

 
$
(1,061
)
 
$
34,596

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
36,934

 
$
(850
)
 
$
36,084

3.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements
    
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued guidance which outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the guidance. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016; early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the standard will be effective for us starting with our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the adoption methods and the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures. 

4.  Postemployment Benefits
In October 2014, we completed a restructuring and provided postemployment benefits totaling approximately $1.2 million to approximately 50 additional impacted employees. Additionally, we periodically enter into agreements which provide postemployment benefits to personnel whose employment is terminated. The postemployment benefit liability, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, is generally paid out ratably over the terms of the agreements, which range from 1 month to 24 months, with the final agreement expiring in December 2015.
 

8
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



The postemployment benefit accrual activity for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
 
 
Liability Balance at
September 30, 2014
 
Postemployment
Benefit Charges
 
Cash Paid
 
Other
Non-cash (1)
 
Liability Balance at
December 31, 2014
Severance
 
$
2,150

 
$
1,081

 
$
(1,348
)
 
$
(17
)
 
$
1,866

Other
 
16

 
197

 
(126
)
 
(4
)
 
83

Total
 
$
2,166

 
$
1,278

 
$
(1,474
)
 
$
(21
)
 
$
1,949


(1)
Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

5.  Investments
We invest in pre-funded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intention to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost.
 
Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
Amortized
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair Market
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
Due in less than 1 year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
$
25,291

 
$
15

 
$
—

 
$
25,306

Corporate bonds
 
19,488

 
—

 
(24
)
 
19,464

Certificates of deposit
 
4,129

 
—

 
—

 
4,129

Due in 1 - 2 years:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
5,389

 
10

 
—

 
5,399

Corporate bonds
 
2,818

 
—

 
(6
)
 
$
2,812

Certificates of deposit
 
1,087

 
—

 
—

 
1,087

 
 
$
58,202

 
$
25

 
$
(30
)
 
$
58,197



9
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2014 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
Amortized
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair Market
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
Due in less than 1 year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
$
26,894

 
$
20

 
$
—

 
$
26,914

Corporate bonds
 
16,836

 
1

 
(24
)
 
16,813

Certificates of deposit
 
2,176

 
—

 
—

 
2,176

Due in 1 - 2 years:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
4,230

 
7

 
—

 
4,237

Corporate bonds
 
4,054

 
—

 
(13
)
 
$
4,041

Certificates of deposit
 
2,973

 
—

 
—

 
2,973

 
 
$
57,163

 
$
28

 
$
(37
)
 
$
57,154

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

6.  Fair Value Measurements
The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Any transfers of investments between levels occurs at the end of the reporting period.

10
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Assets measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Money market funds
 
$
16,356

 
$
16,356

 
$
—

 
$
—

Corporate bonds
 
22,276

 
22,276

 
—

 
—

Municipal bonds
 
30,705

 
—

 
30,705

 
—

Commercial paper
 
6,751

 
—

 
6,751

 
—

Certificates of deposit
 
5,216

 
—

 
5,216

 
—

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
81,304

 
$
38,632

 
$
42,672

 
$
—


 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Money market funds
 
$
29,995

 
$
29,995

 
$
—

 
$
—

Corporate bonds
 
20,854

 
20,854

 
—

 
—

Municipal bonds
 
31,151

 
—

 
31,151

 
—

Certificates of deposit
 
5,149

 
—

 
5,149

 
—

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
87,149

 
$
50,849

 
$
36,300

 
$
—


Our Level 2 investments are valued using readily available pricing sources which utilize market observable inputs, including the current interest rate for similar types of instruments.


11
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



7.   Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Depreciable
Lives (in years)
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Land
 
—
 
$
1,456

 
$
1,456

Building and building improvements
 
35
 
50,360

 
50,306

Leasehold improvements
 
1-28
 
43,664

 
38,906

Training equipment
 
3-10
 
86,258

 
85,673

Office and computer equipment
 
3-10
 
37,740

 
37,271

Software developed for internal use
 
3-5
 
11,874

 
11,888

Curriculum development
 
5
 
18,716

 
18,716

Vehicles
 
5
 
1,217

 
1,207

Construction in progress
 
—
 
6,543

 
10,746

 
 
 
 
257,828

 
256,169

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
(154,172
)
 
(149,242
)
 
 
 
 
$
103,656

 
$
106,927


At December 31, 2014, construction in progress included $3.3 million related primarily to the design and construction of our Long Beach, California campus.

The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represent assets financed by financing obligations:
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
September 30,
2014
Buildings and building improvements
 
$
33,500

 
$
33,500

Construction in progress
 
—

 
4,638

Assets financed by financing obligations, gross
 
33,500

 
38,138

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(2,016
)
 
(1,551
)
Assets financed by financing obligations, net
 
$
31,484

 
$
36,587


As previously disclosed, in 2014 we entered into amended lease agreements for certain buildings on our Orlando, Florida campus, which extended the lease terms to August 31, 2022 and modified the scheduled rental payments. Additionally, one of the amendments included a provision which allowed us to expand the square footage at one building by approximately 13,500 square feet. Construction occurred during June through October 2014. For accounting purposes, we were considered the owner during the construction period, and during that period, the existing building and the addition were considered one unit of account.

Accordingly, as of September 30, 2014, we recorded the existing building and a corresponding short-term financing obligation of approximately $4.6 million on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The facility was placed into service effective November 1, 2014. We determined that we do not have continuing involvement after the construction period was complete, and that the lease will be accounted for as an operating lease. Accordingly, the asset and the corresponding short-term financing obligation were derecognized from our December 31, 2014 condensed consolidated balance sheet.


12
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



8.   Build-to-Suit Lease

On October 3, 2014, we entered into a 15-year lease agreement for a build-to-suit facility related to the design and construction of a new campus in Long Beach, California. Under the agreement, we have retained substantially all of the construction risk. Therefore, for accounting purposes, we are considered the owner during the construction period and establish assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred to the extent we are involved in the construction of structural improvements or take construction risk prior to the lease commencement.
Although we are the owner during the construction period, we do not own the underlying land. Therefore, we have an imputed operating lease expense related to our use of the land that will be recognized from the time we entered into the agreement through the initial lease term.

9.   Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

During the year ended September 30, 2012, we invested $4.0 million to acquire an equity interest of approximately 28% in a joint venture (JV) related to the lease of our Lisle, Illinois campus facility. In connection with this investment, we do not possess a controlling financial interest as we do not hold a majority of the equity interest, nor do we have the power to make major decisions without approval from the other equity member. Therefore, we do not qualify as the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, this investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and is included in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We recognize our proportionate share of the JV’s net income or loss during each accounting period as a change in our investment.

Currently, the JV uses an interest rate cap to manage interest rate risk associated with its floating rate debt.  This derivative instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge based on the nature of the risk being hedged. 
As such, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is initially reported as a component of the JV’s accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (AOCI), net of tax, and is subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in the JV’s current earnings.  Due to our equity method investment in the JV, when the JV reports a current year component of other comprehensive income (OCI), we, as an investor, likewise adjust our investment account for the change in investee equity.  In addition, we adjust our OCI for our share of the JV’s currently reported OCI item.  For the three months ended December 31, 2014, our share of the JV’s OCI was less than $0.1 million.

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following:
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Ownership Percentage
 
Carrying Value
 
Ownership Percentage
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
 
$
3,922

 
27.972
%
 
$
3,903

 
27.972
%

13
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)




Investment in unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
3,903

 
$
4,000

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
 
118

 
81

Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate
 
(110
)
 
—

Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes
 
11

 
—

Balance at end of period
 
$
3,922

 
$
4,081


10.   Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Accounts payable
 
$
10,148

 
$
12,990

Accrued compensation and benefits
 
19,073

 
17,963

Other accrued expenses
 
8,556

 
7,874

 
 
$
37,777

 
$
38,827


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

In September 2012, we received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts related to a pending investigation in connection with allegations that we caused false claims to be submitted to the Commonwealth relating to student loans, guarantees and grants provided to students at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus. The CID required us to produce documents and provide written testimony regarding a broad range of our business from September 2006 to the present. We responded timely to the request. The Attorney General made a follow-up request for documents, and we complied with this request in February 2013. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs of this

14
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



request and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Proprietary Loan Program
    
In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a bank.

Under terms of the proprietary loan program, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank at least monthly and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan.

The bank provides these services in exchange for a fee at a percentage of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we transfer funds for loan purchases to a deposit account with the bank in advance of the bank funding the loan, which secures our related loan purchase obligation. Such funds are classified as restricted cash in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In substance, we provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition and as a result, we account for the underlying transactions in accordance with our tuition revenue recognition policy. However, due to the nature of the program coupled with the extended payment terms required under the student loan agreements, collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest income required under the loan when such amounts are collected. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred within educational services and facilities expense and were approximately $0.4 million for each of the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans and related deferred tuition revenue are not recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following table summarizes the impact of the proprietary loan program on our tuition revenue and interest income during the period as well as on a cumulative basis at the end of each period in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Tuition revenue and interest income excluded represents amounts which would have been recognized during the period had collectability of the related amounts been assured. Amounts collected and recognized represent actual cash receipts during the period. Amounts written off represent amounts which have been turned over to third party collectors; such amounts are not included within bad debt expense in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Inception
to date
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Tuition and interest income excluded
 
$
6,400

 
$
7,001

 
$
102,301

Amounts collected and recognized
 
(1,057
)
 
(700
)
 
(9,536
)
Amounts written off
 
(3,167
)
 
(1,795
)
 
(34,722
)
Net amount excluded during the period
 
$
2,176

 
$
4,506

 
$
58,043

As of December 31, 2014, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $108.2 million since inception.


15
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



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

 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
70,759

 
$
59,767

Loans extended
 
7,242

 
10,209

Interest accrued
 
695

 
726

Amounts collected and recognized
 
(1,057
)
 
(700
)
Amounts written off
 
(3,167
)
 
(1,795
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
74,472

 
$
68,207


12.  Common Shareholders’ Equity
Common Stock
Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. On December 19, 2014, we paid cash dividends of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record as of December 8, 2014, totaling approximately $2.5 million.
Share Repurchase Program
On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. We did not repurchase shares during the three months ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we have purchased 825,252 shares at an average price per share of $10.50 and a total cost of approximately $8.7 million under this program.

13.   Earnings per Share
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities, if any. For the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 733,940 shares and 749,233 shares, respectively, which could be issued under outstanding stock-based grants, were not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive.
The calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per share was as follows:
 

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Weighted average number of shares
 
(In thousands)
Basic shares outstanding
 
24,827

 
24,645

Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans
 
99

 
194

Diluted shares outstanding
 
24,926

 
24,839



16
Table of Contents



UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



14.   Segment Information
Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training and these operations are managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the Other category. Corporate expenses are allocated to Postsecondary Education and the Other category based on compensation expense. Depreciation and amortization includes amortization of assets subject to financing obligation.
Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
92,902

 
$
94,303

Other
 
2,778

 
2,737

Consolidated
 
$
95,680

 
$
97,040

Income (loss) from operations
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
6,450

 
$
3,641

Other
 
(850
)
 
(583
)
Consolidated
 
$
5,600

 
$
3,058

Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
4,906

 
$
5,185

Other
 
44

 
61

Consolidated
 
$
4,950

 
$
5,246

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
3,501

 
$
1,965

Other
 
(407
)
 
(258
)
Consolidated
 
$
3,094

 
$
1,707

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
September 30, 2014
Goodwill
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
20,579

 
$
20,579

Other
 
—

 
—

Consolidated
 
$
20,579

 
$
20,579

Total assets
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
280,715

 
$
282,501

Other
 
5,486

 
5,568

Consolidated
 
$
286,201

 
$
288,069



17
Table of Contents

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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and those in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those described under “Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and included in Part II, Item 1A of this report. See also "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" on page ii of this report.

Overview

We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate enrollment and graduates. We offer undergraduate degree or diploma programs at 11 campuses across the United States. We also offer advanced training programs, including both student paid electives at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and dedicated training centers. We have provided technical education for 50 years.

We work closely with leading OEMs in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine industries to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Through our relationships with OEMs, we are able to continuously refine and expand our programs and curricula. We believe our industry-oriented educational philosophy and national presence have enabled us to develop valuable industry relationships which provide us with significant competitive strength and support our market leadership. We are a primary, and often the sole, provider of MSAT programs, and we have relationships with over 25 OEMs. 
    
Participating manufacturers typically assist us in the development of course content and curricula, while providing us with vehicles, equipment, specialty tools and parts at reduced prices or at no charge. In some instances they pay for students’ tuition. Our collaboration with OEMs enables us to provide highly specialized education to our students, resulting in enhanced employment opportunities and the potential for higher wages for our graduates. Our industry partners and their dealers benefit from a supply of technicians who are certified or credentialed by the manufacturer as graduates of the MSAT programs. The MSAT programs offer a cost-effective alternative for sourcing and developing technicians for both OEMs and their dealers. These relationships also support the development of incremental revenue opportunities from training the OEMs’ existing employees.

2015 Overview

Operations

Lower student population levels as we began 2015 resulted in a 5.8% decline in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment to approximately 14,500 students for the three months ended December 31, 2014. We started approximately 1,900 students during the three months ended December 31, 2014, which represents a decrease of 13.6% as compared to the prior year comparable period.

Several factors continue to challenge our ability to start new students, including the following:

•
The amount of Title IV financial aid available decreased during 2012, which increased the difference between the amount of Title IV financial aid our students are eligible for and the cost of education; this difference requires students and their families to obtain additional financing;
•
Incentive compensation changes which became effective July 1, 2011 limited the means by which we may compensate our admissions representatives and required significant changes to our

18
Table of Contents

compensation and performance management processes. We are continuing to adapt to those changes within the organization;
•
Competition for prospective students continues to increase from within our sector and from market employers, as well as with traditional post-secondary educational institutions;
•
The state of the general macro-economic environment and its impact on price sensitivity and the ability and willingness of students and their families to incur debt;
•
Unemployment; during periods when the unemployment rate declines or remains stable as it has in recent years, prospective students have more employment options; and
•
Adverse media coverage, legislative hearings, regulatory actions and investigations by attorneys general and various agencies related to allegations of wrongdoing on the part of other companies within the education and training services industry, which have cast the industry in a negative light.
Our revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were $95.7 million, a decline of $1.3 million, or 1.4%, from the comparable period in the prior year. Revenues were negatively impacted by the decline in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment, which was partially offset by tuition rate increases. Additionally, our results of operations were impacted by an increase in advertising expenses, as we continue to invest in efforts to optimize our media mix. Offsetting the increase in advertising expenses were decreases in compensation costs, contract services expense and occupancy expense. Operating income increased 83.1% to $5.6 million and net income increased 81.3% to $3.1 million as a result of the overall decline in operating costs for the period. Our revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2014 excluded $5.7 million of tuition related to students participating in our proprietary loan program.

In response to these challenges, we continue to manage discretionary operating costs, to develop our strong industry relationships and to provide alternative financial solutions to help students achieve their educational goals. During 2013 and 2014, we increased our need-based scholarships offerings as compared to previous years. We continue to work to help students choose course and program structures that make getting an education more affordable and to balance our scholarship offerings with increased financial support from our employers. Additionally, we have taken steps to optimize our advertising spend, balancing the quality and quantity of inquiries, and we have implemented programs to improve the effectiveness of our admissions processes.

Lease Transactions
    
Long Beach, California

In October 2014, we entered into a 15-year lease agreement for a build-to-suit facility related to the design and construction of a new campus in Long Beach, California. Under the agreement, we have retained substantially all of the construction period risk and therefore, for accounting purposes, are considered the owner during the construction period. Although we are the owner during the construction period, we do not own the underlying land. Therefore, we have an imputed operating lease expense related to our use of the land that will be recognized from the time we entered into the agreement through the initial lease term. See Note 8 of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements within this Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion. We anticipate capitalizing between $16.5 million to $17.5 million of training aids, office and computer equipment and leasehold improvements related to the opening of our new campus during the year ending September 30, 2015.


19
Table of Contents

Orlando, Florida

As previously disclosed, in 2014 we entered into amended lease agreements for certain buildings on our Orlando, Florida campus, which extended the lease terms to August 31, 2022 and modified the scheduled rental payments. Additionally, one of the amendments included a provision which allowed us to expand the square footage at one building by approximately 13,500 square feet.

Construction was completed in October 2014 and we began teaching our diesel and industrial programs at this campus in January 2015. We determined that we do not have continuing involvement after the construction period was complete and that the lease will be accounted for as an operating lease. See Note 7 of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements within this Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II Integration
    
We began teaching the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II curricula at our Orlando, Florida campus in January 2015. We anticipate incurring an additional $1.0 million to $1.2 million in operating expenses related to these integration activities during the year ending September 30, 2015. Additionally, we anticipate offering this curricula at our Long Beach, California campus at the time of opening. Currently, veterans enrolled at our Sacramento, California campus are taking courses under the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology I curricula because the use of veterans benefits to fund courses under the new curriculum at this campus has not been authorized in California. As discussed in “Business - Regulatory Environment - Other Federal and State Programs - Veterans' Benefits” included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shares responsibility for VA benefit approval and oversight with designated State Approving Agencies. We are in discussion with the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education regarding the necessary approval and provided them with an alternative we believe will gain approval. However, we are not able to determine when, or if, the state agency will approve the program for veterans' benefits.

Veterans at our Orlando, Florida campus will be enrolled in the curricula under the alternative method proposed for our Sacramento, California campus for programs approved by the Florida State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (Florida SAA). Additionally, the Florida Department of Education and ACCSC have approved all combinations of programs available under the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II curricula. However, the approvals do not specify each program combination; instead, ACCSC approval for all programs is granted under a credit hour range encompassing all possible combinations of electives. The Florida Department of Education approval lists only the shortest elective combination, but has communicated to us that all combinations are implicitly included within the approval.  The Florida SAA can only approve programs that have specifically been approved by the Florida Department of Education, so has provided us with approval only for the shortest elective combination under the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II curricula.  Currently, we are only enrolling veterans in the approved programs and we are reviewing options to obtain approvals for all specific program combinations. However, we are not able to determine when, or if, these programs will be approved.

Graduate Employment

Our consolidated graduate employment rate for our 2014 graduates during the three months ended December 31, 2014 is above the rate at the same time in the prior year. The rate has improved for each of our programs.


20
Table of Contents

2015 Outlook

Although we had a strong first quarter, our guidance for the full year ending September 30, 2015 remains relatively unchanged, with the exception of capital expenditures.  We expect new student starts as well as our average student population to be down in the mid-single digits.  While annual tuition increases will slightly offset the decline in average students, we expect revenue to decline approximately 3 to 4%. Despite lower revenue, with the efficiency improvements we have made, excluding the impact of pre-opening costs of our new campus, we expect to see year over year growth in operating income. During the second half of the year, we expect to see year over year growth in both new student applications and starts which should have a positive impact on 2016. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $35.0 million in 2015, of which approximately $13.0 million will be attributable to our new campus and approximately $11.0 million will be attributable to purchasing a significant portion of our Houston, Texas campus building and land and making some capital improvements. Due to the seasonality of our business and normal fluctuations in student populations, we would expect volatility in our quarterly results.

Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Educational services and facilities
 
50.0
 %
 
52.6
 %
Selling, general and administrative
 
44.2
 %
 
44.2
 %
Total operating expenses
 
94.2
 %
 
96.8
 %
Income from operations
 
5.8
 %
 
3.2
 %
Interest expense, net
 
(0.5
)%
 
(0.1
)%
Other income
 
0.2
 %
 
0.3
 %
Total other income (expense)
 
(0.3
)%
 
0.2
 %
Income before income taxes
 
5.5
 %
 
3.4
 %
Income tax expense
 
2.3
 %
 
1.6
 %
Net income
 
3.2
 %
 
1.8
 %

Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
Revenues. Our revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were $95.7 million, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 1.4%, as compared to revenues of $97.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The 5.8% decrease in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment resulted in a decrease in revenues of approximately $5.5 million. The decrease was partially offset by tuition rate increases between 2% and 4%, depending on the program. Our revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 excluded $5.7 million and $6.3 million, respectively, of tuition related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. We recognized $1.1 million and $0.7 million of revenues and interest under the proprietary loan program for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Over the past two years, we have increased the amount of scholarships granted to our students to assist those who have a financial need in funding a portion of their education. Because scholarships are recognized ratably over the term of the student’s course or program in accordance with our revenue recognition policy, an increase in scholarships does not immediately impact revenues. Discounts to revenues related to scholarships applied for students currently attending our programs increased approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014.

21
Table of Contents

Educational services and facilities expenses. Our educational services and facilities expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were $47.8 million, representing an decrease of $3.3 million, or 6.4%, as compared to $51.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013.

The following table sets forth the significant components of our educational services and facilities expenses:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In thousands)
Salaries expense
 
$
21,033

 
$
21,665

Employee benefits and tax
 
4,056

 
4,041

Bonus expense
 
415

 
358

Stock-based compensation
 
73

 
152

Compensation and related costs
 
25,577

 
26,216

Occupancy costs
 
8,959

 
9,511

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
4,640

 
4,620

Other educational services and facilities expense
 
2,810

 
2,911

Supplies and maintenance
 
2,040

 
2,296

Tools and training aids expense
 
2,175

 
2,488

Contract services expense
 
1,165

 
2,025

Taxes and licensing expense
 
464

 
1,007

 
 
$
47,830

 
$
51,074

Compensation and related costs decreased $0.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to the restructuring undertaken in September and October 2014 and planned employee attrition throughout 2014 resulting from our focus on controlling costs. The decrease was partially offset by normal salary merit increases and an increase in severance expense of approximately $0.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year, related to the October 2014 restructuring.
Occupancy costs decreased $0.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease is primarily related to the accounting for our Lisle, Illinois campus, which was placed into service effective December 1, 2013, as compared to the accounting for our previous campus in Glendale Heights, Illinois. The Lisle, Illinois campus is accounted for as a financing obligation and therefore we no longer recognize rent expense for that campus.

Contract services expense decreased $0.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to expenses incurred in the prior year comparable period in support of the relocation of our Glendale Heights, Illinois campus to Lisle, Illinois as well as expenses associated with outsourcing certain financial aid processes.
Taxes and licensing expense decreased approximately $0.5 million during the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to refunds received from the county of Sacramento; during the three months ended December 31, 2014, we reached a settlement related to property taxes that we had appealed in prior years. We anticipate additional savings of approximately $0.1 million for the year ending September 30, 2015 as a result of the appeal.


22
Table of Contents

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2014 were $42.3 million, representing a decrease of $0.6 million, or 1.5%, as compared to $42.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013.

The following table sets forth the significant components of our selling, general and administrative expenses:
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(In thousands)
Salaries expense
 
$
17,164


$
18,103

Employee benefits and tax
 
3,618


3,694

Bonus expense
 
1,724


1,228

Stock-based compensation
 
800


1,191

Compensation and related costs
 
23,306


24,216

Advertising expense
 
10,098


8,727

Other selling, general and administrative expenses
 
6,071


6,349

Contract services expense
 
1,224


1,385

Bad debt expense
 
934


1,333

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
617


898

 
 
$
42,250


$
42,908

The following factors contributed to the decrease in compensation and related costs of $0.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year:
•Salaries expense decreased approximately $0.9 million due to the restructuring undertaken in October 2014 and planned employee attrition throughout 2014 resulting from our focus on controlling costs. The decrease was partially offset by normal salary merit increases. Additionally, severance charges increased approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily related to charges for the October 2014 restructuring.
•Bonus expense increase $0.5 million due to slightly higher attainment during the three months ended December 31, 2014 as well as expense for long-term incentive cash awards granted during September 2014 in lieu of stock compensation for certain employees.
•Stock compensation decreased $0.4 million primarily due to a reduction in overall grant levels over the past several years.
•Employee benefits and tax remained consistent; an overall increase in the cost of benefits per employee was offset by the decrease in employee headcount.
Advertising expense increased $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, as compared to the same period in the prior year. A portion of the increase was attributable to higher inquiry generation expenses; competitive pressures led to price increases and a tighter market for television and internet advertising. Additionally, we increased spending on local advertising for certain campuses. We continue to focus on identifying the optimal balance between quality and quantity of inquiries from potential students. Advertising expense as a percentage of revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was approximately10.6%. We continue to anticipate that our advertising expense will be in the range of 11%—12% of revenue for the year ending September 30, 2015.

23
Table of Contents

Other income (expense). Our other expense for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was $0.3 million as compared to other income of $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The change was primarily attributable to an increase in interest expense related to amortization of the financing obligation related to our Lisle, Illinois campus.
Income taxes. Our provision for income taxes for the three months ended December 31, 2014 was $2.2 million, or 42.0% of pre-tax income, compared to $1.6 million, or 48.0% of pre-tax income, for the three months ended December 31, 2013. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of state income taxes, net of related federal income tax benefits, and due to tax expense related to share-based compensation.

At the time of our initial public offering in December 2003 we began awarding stock-based compensation in the form of stock options with a contractual life of 10 years. In subsequent years, we have awarded other forms of stock-based compensation with varying terms. In 2006, we adopted the authoritative guidance on accounting for stock-based compensation, which gave rise to deferred tax assets related to stock-based compensation timing differences between book expense and tax deductions, as well as a pro forma pool of windfall tax benefits. When tax deductions from stock-based compensation awards are less than the cumulative book compensation expense, the tax effect of the resulting difference (shortfall) is charged first to additional paid-in capital to the extent of our pro forma pool of windfall tax benefits, with any remainder written off to income tax expense. Such write-offs may be the result of expiration, exercise or vesting of prior stock-based compensation awards. The write-off of the deferred tax asset is a non-cash charge and is not a result of current operations.
The write-off of the deferred tax asset resulted in income tax expense of less than $0.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014. Although we cannot predict the price of our stock, if our stock price remains relatively consistent with the last quarter’s average price, the impact of any adjustments to the deferred tax asset and related income tax expense for the year ending September 30, 2015 is expected to be in the range of $0.7 million to $1.2 million.
In future periods, we may experience variability in our income tax expense and our pro forma pool of windfall tax benefits may fluctuate, both of which depend on the price of our common stock and the timing of expiration, exercise and vesting of stock-based compensation awards. This could result in variable income tax rates that are substantially different from the federal statutory tax rate, including the potential for recording income tax expense during periods incurring a loss before income taxes. While we will continue to experience an impact to our deferred tax asset in all future periods with stock-based compensation activity, the most significant impact to income tax expense is expected to occur through 2016, as stock options, which are currently underwater, expire.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $11.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is provided to supplement, but not substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We choose to disclose this non-GAAP financial measure because it provides an additional analytical tool to clarify our results from operations and helps to identify underlying trends. Additionally, this measure helps compare our performance on a consistent basis across time periods. To obtain a complete understanding of our performance, this measure should be examined in connection with net income determined in accordance with GAAP. Since the items excluded from this measure should be examined in connection with net income in determining financial performance under GAAP, this measure should not be considered to be an alternative to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Exclusion of items in our non-GAAP presentation should not be construed as an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Other companies, including other companies in the education industry, may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure across companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.


24
Table of Contents

EBITDA reconciles to net income as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
3,094

 
$
1,707

Interest expense, net
 
499

 
132

Income tax expense
 
2,237

 
1,574

Depreciation and amortization
 
5,257

 
5,518

EBITDA
 
$
11,087

 
$
8,931


Liquidity and Capital Resources
    
Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash flows from operations, cash on hand and investments will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, commitments and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations as well as our investment in capital expenditures related to the new campus we plan to open through the next 12 months.

We believe that the strategic use of our cash resources includes funding our new campus as well as subsidizing funding alternatives for our students. Additionally, we evaluate the repurchase of our common stock, payment of dividends, consideration of strategic acquisitions, expansion of programs at existing campuses, opening additional campus locations and other potential uses of cash. In December 2014, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on our common stock. To the extent that potential acquisitions are large enough to require financing beyond cash from operations, we may issue debt resulting in increased interest expense. Additionally, to the extent that we enter into leasing transactions that result in financing obligations or capital leases, our interest expense would increase. Our aggregate cash and cash equivalents and current investments were $82.0 million as of December 31, 2014.

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


25
Table of Contents

Operating Activities

Our cash provided by operating activities was $2.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014 compared to $9.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2013. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $9.9 million and were primarily attributable to changes in receivables, income tax payable and deferred revenue. The increase in receivables resulted in a cash outflow of $7.4 million and was primarily due to the timing of Title IV disbursements and other cash receipts on behalf of our students. The decrease in income tax payable resulted in a cash outflow of $4.2 million and was primarily due to the timing of tax payments. The increase in deferred revenue resulted in a cash inflow of $2.8 million and was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program as of December 31, 2014 compared to September 30, 2014.

For the three months ended December 31, 2013, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $1.9 million and were primarily attributable to changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets resulted in a net cash outflow of $1.4 million and was primarily attributable to prepayments made for software maintenance and financial aid processing services.

Investing Activities

During the three months ended December 31, 2014, cash used in investing activities was $5.2 million. We had cash outflows of $8.0 million to purchase investments and cash inflows of $6.4 million from proceeds received upon maturity of investments. We had cash outflows of $3.7 million related to the purchase of new and replacement training equipment for our ongoing operations. We anticipate investing an additional $31.3 million in capital expenditures during the year ending September 30, 2015, primarily related to the construction of our new campus in Long Beach, California, purchase of a significant portion of our Houston, Texas campus building and land and making some capital improvements at that campus, as well as purchases of new and replacement equipment for our ongoing operations.

During the three months ended December 31, 2013, cash used in investing activities was $5.6 million. We had cash outflows of $11.4 million to purchase investments and cash inflows of $8.7 million from proceeds received upon maturity of investments. We had cash outflows of $2.9 million related to the purchase of new and replacement training equipment for our ongoing operations.

Financing Activities
During the three months ended December 31, 2014, cash used in financing activities was $2.7 million, primarily due to the payment of a cash dividend on December 19, 2014 of $0.10 per share.

During the three months ended December 31, 2013, cash used in financing activities was $2.5 million, primarily due to the payment of a cash dividend on December 20, 2013 of $0.10 per share.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. We did not repurchase shares during the three months ended December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we have purchased 825,252 shares at an average price per share of $10.50 and a total cost of approximately $8.7 million under this program.

26
Table of Contents


Seasonality and Trends

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements within Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes to our market risk since September 30, 2014. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our President and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2014 were effective in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


27
Table of Contents

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error 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 all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, misstatements, errors and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been or will be prevented or 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 also can 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 that internal controls may become inadequate as a result of changes in conditions, or through the deterioration of the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitrations, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current and former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands.  When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Because we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the legal proceedings (including lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims) asserted against us, it is not currently possible to provide such an estimate. The ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings to which we are a party may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2012, we received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts related to a pending investigation in connection with allegations that we caused false claims to be submitted to the Commonwealth relating to student loans, guarantees and grants provided to students at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus. The CID required us to produce documents and provide written testimony regarding a broad range of our business from September 2006 to the present. We responded timely to the request. The Attorney General made a follow-up request for documents, and we complied with this request in February 2013. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs of this request and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are no other material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014, except as noted below. The risks described in this report and in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

Competition could decrease our market share and create tuition pricing concerns.
 
The postsecondary education market is highly competitive. The elimination of ability-to-benefit options for establishing general student eligibility for Title IV Program funds beginning July 1, 2012 has increased competition for higher quality students. Some traditional public and private colleges and universities and community colleges, as well as other private career-oriented schools, offer programs that may be perceived by students to be similar to ours.  Most public institutions are able to charge lower tuition than our schools, due in part to government subsidies and other financial sources not available to for-profit schools. Additionally, recent executive branch proposals have included two years of free tuition at community colleges for certain students, who must attend school at least half time, maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and make steady progress toward a degree

28
Table of Contents

or transferring to a four-year institution.  Some other for-profit education providers have greater financial and other resources which may, among other things, allow them to secure industry relationships with some or all of the OEMs with which we have relationships, develop other high profile industry relationships or devote more resources to expanding their programs and their school network, all of which could affect the success of our marketing programs. Additionally, some other for-profit education providers already have a more extended or dense network of schools and campuses than we do, thus enabling them to recruit students more effectively from a wider geographic area.
 
We may limit tuition increases or increase spending in response to competition in order to retain or attract students or pursue new market opportunities; however, if we cannot effectively respond to competitor changes, it could reduce our enrollments and our student populations. We cannot be sure that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors or that competitive pressures faced by us will not adversely affect our market share, revenues and operating margin.

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

The following table summarizes the purchase of equity securities for the three months ended December 31, 2014:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
 
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
 
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
(d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans Or Programs
(In thousands) (2)
October 1-31, 2014
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
16,339

November 1-30, 2014
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
16,339

December 1-31, 2014
 
697

 
$
9.51

 
—

 
$
16,339

Total
 
697

 
$
9.51

 
—

 
$
16,339


(1)
Shares purchased in December represent shares of common stock withheld by us as payment of the individual's tax obligations on the vesting of shares of our common stock, which were granted subject to forfeiture restrictions under our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2003 Plan). Such shares are returned to the pool of shares issuable under the 2003 Plan.

(2)
On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

Item 6. EXHIBITS

The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K which are filed or furnished with this report, as applicable, are set forth in the Exhibit Index.



29
Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Date: February 6, 2015         

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.


By: /s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr                
Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.
President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Office and Duly Authorized Officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX
Number
 
Description
10.1
 
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Severance Plan, as amended December 2014. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on December 12, 2014.)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
101
 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


30