PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY

Perdoceo’s accredited academic institutions offer a quality postsecondary education primarily online to a diverse student population, along with campus-based and blended learning programs. The Company’s academic institutions – Colorado Technical University (“CTU”) and the American InterContinental University System (“AIUS” or “AIU System”) – provide degree programs from the associate through doctoral level as well as non-degree seeking and professional development programs. Our academic institutions offer students industry-relevant and career-focused academic programs that are designed to meet the educational needs of today’s busy adults. CTU and AIUS continue to show innovation in higher education, advancing personalized learning technologies like their intellipath® learning platform and using data analytics and technology to serve and educate students while enhancing overall learning and academic experiences. Perdoceo's institutions are committed to providing quality education that closes the gap between learners who seek to advance their careers and employers needing a qualified workforce.

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “Perdoceo” and “PEC” refer to Perdoceo Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

These consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Perdoceo Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries(collectively “Perdoceo” or “PEC”). All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Our reporting segments are determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board(“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification(“ASC”) Topic 280 –Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment represents a postsecondary education provider that offers a variety of academic programs. We organize our business acrosstwo reporting segments: CTU and AIUS.

b. Management’s Use of Estimates

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles(“GAAP”) requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. We regularly evaluate the accounting policies and estimates that we use to prepare our financial statements. Significant estimates, among others, include the allowance for credit losses, the assumptions surrounding future projections of revenues and expenses used in determining the probable outcome of performance conditions related to performance-based compensation, the assumptions used in determining the discount rate to calculate right of use assets and lease liabilities, assumptions used in calculating income tax related matters including our deferred tax balances and any respective valuation allowance, fair values used in establishing the opening balance sheet for business combinations and fair values used in asset impairment evaluations including goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

c. Student Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

Student receivables represent funds owed to us in exchange for the educational services provided to a student. Student receivables are reflected net of an allowance for credit losses at the end of the reporting period. Student receivables which are due to be paid in less thanone year are recorded as current assets within our consolidated balance sheets. Student receivables which are due to be paid more thanone year from the balance sheet date are reported as non-current assets within our consolidated balance sheets.

A substantial portion of credit extended to students is repaid through the students’ participation in various federal financial aid programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended(“Higher Education Act”), which we refer to as “Title IV Programs.” For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, approximately 76%, 79% and 81%, respectively, of our institutions’ cash receipts from tuition payments came from Title IV Program funding.

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

We extend unsecured credit to a portion of the students who are enrolled at our academic institutions for tuition and certain other educational costs. Based upon past experience and judgment, we establish an allowance for credit losses with respect to student receivables which we estimate will ultimately not be collectible. As such, our results from operations only reflect the amount of revenue that is estimated to be reasonably collectible. Our standard student receivable allowance is based on an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses for student receivables. Our estimation methodology considers a number of quantitative and qualitative factors that, based on our collection experience, we believe have an impact on our repayment risk and ability to collect student receivables. Changes in the trends in any of these factors may impact our estimate of the allowance for credit losses. These factors include, but are not limited to: internal repayment history, changes in the current economic, legislative or regulatory environments, internal cash collection forecasts and the ability to complete the federal financial aid process with the student. These factors are monitored and assessed on a regular basis. Overall, our allowance estimation process for student receivables is validated by trending analysis and comparing estimated and actual performance.

We monitor our collections and write-off experience to assess whether or not adjustments to our allowance percentage estimates are necessary. Changes in trends in any of the factors that we believe impact the collection of our student receivables, as noted above, or modifications to our collection practices, and other related policies may impact our estimate of our allowance for credit losses and our results from operations.

d. Revenue Recognition

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

For each term, the portion of tuition and fee payments received from students but not yet earned is recorded as deferred revenue and reported as a current liability on our consolidated balance sheets, as we expect to earn these revenues within the next year. A contract asset is recorded for each student for the current term for which they are enrolled for the amount charged for the current term that has not yet been received as payment and to which we do not have the unconditional right to receive payment because the student has not reached the point in the student’s current academic term at which the amount billed is no longer refundable to the student. On a student by student basis, the contract asset is offset against the deferred revenue balance for the current term and the net deferred revenue balance is reflected within current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. For certain of our institutions, students are billed as they enroll in courses, including courses related to future periods. Any billings for future periods would meet the definition of a contract asset as we do not have the unconditional right to receive payment as the course has not yet started. Contract assets related to future periods are offset against the respective deferred revenue associated with the future period.

If a student withdraws from one of our universities prior to the completion of the academic term, we refund the portion of tuition and fees already paid that, pursuant to our refund policy and applicable federal and state law and accrediting agency standards, we are not entitled to retain. Generally, the amount to be refunded to a student is calculated based upon the percent of the term attended and the amount of tuition and fees paid by the student as of their withdrawal date. Students are typically entitled to a partial refund until approximately halfway through their term. Pursuant to each university’s policy, once a student reaches the point in the term where no refund is given, the student would not have a refund due if withdrawing from the university subsequent to that date. Management reassesses collectability when a student withdraws from the university and has unpaid tuition charges for the current term which the university is entitled to retain per the applicable refund policy. Such unpaid charges generally do not meet the threshold of reasonably collectible and are recognized as revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606 when cash is received and the contract is terminated and neither party has further performance obligations.

Our institutions’ academic year is generally at least 30 weeks in length but varies both by institution and program of study and is divided by academic terms. Academic terms are determined by regulatory requirements mandated by the federal government and/or applicable accrediting body, which also vary by university and program. Academic terms are determined by start dates, which vary by university and program and are generally 8-12 weeks in length. Our non-degree professional development programs are available via subscription-based access for up to 52 weeks or online courses which are generally 12-18 weeks in length. Our students pay for their costs through a variety of funding sources, including federal loan and grant programs, institutional payment plans, employer tuition assistance, Veterans’ Administration and other military funding and grants, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments, as well as private loans.

Other revenue, which primarily consists of contract training revenue and miscellaneous non-student related revenue, is billed and recognized as goods are delivered or services are performed.

e. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash include cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities ofthree months or less. The fair market value of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash approximate their carrying value. The cash in the Company’s banks is not fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company has not experienced any material losses in such accounts. The restricted cash balance as of December 31, 2023 was $1.0 million and relates to amounts held in an escrow account to secure post-closing indemnification obligations of the seller pursuant to the Hippo acquisition.

Students at our institutions may receive grants, loans and work-study opportunities to fund their education under Title IV Programs. In certain instances, students may request that we retain a portion of their Title IV funds provided to them in excess of tuition billings and authorize us to apply these funds to historical balances or future charges and/or distribute them directly to the student in certain cases. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we held $9.5 million and $10.0 million, respectively, of these funds on behalf of students within cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheet, with the offset recorded as prepaid revenue within deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheets.

f. Investments

Our investments, which primarily consist of municipal bonds, non-governmental debt securities and treasury and federal agencies securities are classified as “available-for-sale” and recorded at fair value. The Company measures the fair value of financial instruments under the guidance of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. Any unrealized holding gains or temporary unrealized holding losses, net of income tax effects, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses are computed on the basis of specific identification and are included in other income in our consolidated statements of income. Additionally, the Company reflects its available for sale securities at the net amount expected to be collected in accordance with ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. The allowance for credit losses for available for sale securities iszero as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

We use the equity method to account for our investment in equity securities if our investment gives us the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the investee. We include our proportionate share of earnings and/or losses of our equity method investee in other income within our consolidated statements of income. The carrying value of our equity investment is reported within other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets.

g. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation and amortization are recognized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets for financial reporting purposes and an accelerated method for income tax reporting purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the life of the lease or the useful life. Maintenance, repairs, minor renewals and betterments are expensed as incurred, and major improvements, which extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized.

h. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair market value of identifiable net assets acquired through business purchases. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350 –Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or when an event or other circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset below its carrying value, by applying a fair-value-based test. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill, we must make assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units, as defined under FASB ASC Topic 350. Goodwill is evaluated by comparing the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, with its fair value, as determined by a combination of income and market approach valuation methodologies(“quantitative assessment”). If the book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered to be impaired. The amount of impairment loss is equal to the excess of the book value of the goodwill over the fair value of goodwill. In certain cases, a qualitative assessment may be used to determine if it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value and if the quantitative assessment is needed.

When performing a qualitative assessment for the annual review of goodwill balances for impairment, management must first consider events and circumstances that may affect the fair value of the reporting unit to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Management focuses on the significant inputs and any events or circumstances that could affect the significant inputs, including, but not limited to, financial performance compared with actual and projected results of relevant prior periods, legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, political, business or other factors, and industry and market considerations, such as a deteriorating operating environment or increased competition. Management evaluates all events and circumstances, including positive or mitigating factors, that could affect the significant inputs used to determine fair value. If management determines that it is not more likely than not that the goodwill of the reporting unit is impaired based upon its qualitative assessment then it does not need to perform the quantitative assessment.

When performing a quantitative assessment for the annual review of goodwill balances for impairment, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units based on projected future operating results and cash flows, market assumptions and/or comparative market multiple methods. Determining fair value requires significant estimates and assumptions based on an evaluation of a number of factors, such as marketplace participants, relative market share, new student interest, student retention, future expansion or contraction expectations, amount and timing of future cash flows and the discount rate applied to the cash flows. Projected future operating results and cash flows used for valuation purposes do reflect improvements relative to recent historical periods with respect to, among other things, modest revenue growth and operating margins. Although we believe our projected future operating results and cash flows and related estimates regarding fair values are based on reasonable assumptions, historically projected operating results and cash flows have not always been achieved. The failure of one of our reporting units to achieve projected operating results and cash flows in the near term or long term may reduce the estimated fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value and result in the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge. Significant management judgment is necessary to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes and to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and our cost of capital, are based on the best available market information and are consistent with our internal forecasts and operating plans. In addition to cash flow estimates, our valuations are sensitive to the rate used to discount cash flows and future growth assumptions.

Intangible assets include indefinite-lived assets. Indefinite-lived assets include our CTU trade name and accreditation rights, which are recorded at fair market value upon acquisition and subsequently reviewed on an annual basis for impairment. Accreditation rights represent the ability of our institutions to participate in Title IV Programs.

Definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer relationships, course curriculum, developed technology and trade names, primarily from recent acquisitions. Customer relationships represent the value of acquired student and third party contracts and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated future benefit period for those contracts. Course curriculum represents the value of acquired curriculum, including lesson plans and syllabi, used to deliver educational services. Acquired course curriculum balances are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, which are estimated by management based upon, among other things, the expected future utilization period and the nature of the related academic programs. Developed technology represents online auditory and video course program materials related to our non-degree professional development programs and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of future benefit.

See Note 10 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” for further discussion.

i. Contingencies

During the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject to various claims and contingencies. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 450 –Contingencies, when we become aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any related loss or exposure. The probability a liability has been incurred, and whether the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, is analyzed, and if the loss contingency is both probable and reasonably estimable, then we accrue for costs, including direct costs incurred, associated with the loss contingency. If no accrual is made but the loss contingency is reasonably possible, we disclose the nature of the contingency and the related estimate of possible loss or range of loss if such an estimate can be made. For all matters that are currently being reviewed, we expense legal fees, including defense costs, as they are incurred. Loss contingencies include, but are not limited to, possible losses related to legal proceedings and regulatory compliance matters, and our assessment of exposure requires subjective assessment. Liabilities established to provide for contingencies are adjusted as further information develops, circumstances change, or contingencies are resolved. See Note 12 “Contingencies” for additional information.

j. Income Taxes

We are subject to the income tax laws of the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. These tax laws are complex and subject to interpretation. As a result, significant judgments and interpretations are required in determining our income tax provisions (benefits) and evaluating our uncertain tax positions.

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740– Income Taxes. Topic 740 requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities based upon the income tax consequences of temporary differences between financial reporting and income tax reporting by applying enacted statutory income tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the income tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. Topic 740 also requires that deferred income tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance and/or release of a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. Topic 740 provides that important factors in determining whether a deferred tax asset will be realized are whether there has been sufficient taxable income in recent years and whether sufficient taxable income is expected in future years in order to use the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, we consider, among other things, historical levels of taxable income along with possible sources of future taxable income, which include: the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, the existence of taxable income in prior carryback year(s), the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits, expected future taxable income and earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the future deductible amount, coupled with evidence indicating the loss is not a continuing condition. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future taxable income levels could materially impact our valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods. If, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance, or release all or a portion of the valuation allowance if it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets are expected to be realized. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. A high degree of judgment is required to determine if, and the extent to which, valuation allowances should be recorded against deferred tax assets.

Topic 740 further clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. Topic 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.

k. Leases

FASB ASC Topic 842 –Leases states that all leases create an asset and a liability for the lessee in accordance with FASB Concept Statements No. 6 Elements of Financial Statements, and thus requires the recognition of a lease liability and a right of use asset at the lease inception date. We lease most of our administrative and educational facilities under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates with terms that generally range from five toten years withone tofour renewal options for extended terms. In most cases, we are required to make additional payments under facility operating leases for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period, which are typically variable in nature. We determine if a contract contains a lease when the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Upon such identification and commencement of a lease, we establish a right of use(“ROU”) asset and a lease liability in our consolidated balance sheets.

A lease component is defined as an asset within the lease contract that a lessee can benefit from the use of and is not highly dependent or interrelated with other assets in the arrangement. A lease contract may contain multiple lease components. A non-lease component is defined as a component of the lease that transfers a good or service for the underlying asset, such as maintenance services. We have determined that all of our leases contain one lease component related to the building and land. We have determined that treating the land together with the building as one lease component would not result in a significant difference from accounting for them as separate lease components. We elected the practical expedient to include both the lease component and the non-lease component as a single component when accounting for each lease and calculating the resulting lease liability and ROU asset. Any remaining contract consideration, such as property taxes and insurance, that does not meet the definition of a lease component or non-lease component would be allocated to the single lease component based on our election.

The lease liability represents future lease payments for lease and non-lease components discounted for present value. Lease payments that may be included in the lease liability include fixed payments, variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate and payments for penalties for terminating the lease if the lessee is reasonably certain to use a termination option, among others. Certain of our leases contain rent escalation clauses that are specifically stated in the lease and these are included in the calculation of the lease liability. Variable lease payments for lease and non-lease components which are not based on an index or rate are excluded from the calculation of the lease liability and are recognized in the statement of income during the period incurred.

The ROU asset consists of the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability and adjusted for any lease incentives, including rent abatements and tenant improvement allowances, and any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee. The ROU asset is amortized over the remaining lease term on a straight-line basis and recorded within educational services and facilities expense on our consolidated statements of income.

The lease term is determined by taking into account the initial period as stated in the lease contract and adjusted for any renewal options that the company is reasonably certain to exercise as well as any period of time that the lessee has control of the space before the stated initial term of the lease. If we determine that we are reasonably certain to exercise a termination option, the lease term is then adjusted to account for the expected termination date.

We use discount rates to determine the net present value of our gross lease obligations when calculating the lease liability and related ROU asset. In cases in which the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, we use that discount rate for purposes of the net present value calculation. In most cases, our lease agreements do not have a discount rate that is readily determinable and therefore we use an estimate of our incremental borrowing rate. Our incremental borrowing rate is determined at lease commencement or lease modification and represents the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.

See Note 9 “Leases” for further details.

l. Share-Based Compensation

FASB ASC Topic 718 – Compensation-Stock Compensation requires that all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors, including grants of stock options, shares or units of restricted stock, and the compensatory elements of employee stock purchase plans, be recognized in the financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued.

Our share-based awards are measured at fair value and recognized over the requisite service or performance period. The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, based on the market price of the underlying common stock, expected life, expected stock price volatility and expected risk-free interest rate. Expected volatility is computed using a combination of historical volatility for a period equal to the expected term; the risk-free interest rates are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve, with a remaining term approximately equal to the expected term used in the option pricing model. The fair value of each restricted stock unit award is estimated based on the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. The fair value of each market-based performance grant is estimated using the Monte Carlo Simulation methodology to assess the grant date fair value. We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise our estimate in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. For our performance-based awards, the performance criteria is assessed each reporting period to determine the probability of attainment.

See Note 14 “Share-Based Compensation” for further discussion of our share-based compensation plans, the nature of share-based awards issued under the plans and our accounting for share-based awards.

m. Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising and marketing costs, which are included in general and administrative expense on our consolidated statements of income, were $102.6 million, $126.8 million and $137.2 million, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

n. Inventories

Inventories all relate to finished goods consisting principally of laptops and supplies, and are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, determined on a first-in, first-out basis, or market. The cost of inventory is reflected as a component of educational services and facilities expense as the items are used or sold.

3. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company completed the CalSouthern and Coding Dojo acquisitions on July 1, 2022 and December 1, 2022, respectively.

Founded in 2013, Coding Dojo offers computer programming and general technology upskilling and reskilling development opportunities supported by its quality technology platform and in-demand courses including software development, data science and cybersecurity. Coding Dojo is reported within the CTU segment.

The final purchase price of $62.7 million for Coding Dojo was allocated to the fair values of acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets of $77.8 million and assumed liabilities of $15.1 million as of December 1, 2022. The purchase price consisted of an initial cash payment made in December 2022, a subsequent payment made during December 2023 and a final payment to be made in January 2025. Based on our final purchase price allocation, we have recorded goodwill of $57.0 million. Goodwill reflects the revenue growth opportunities following the acquisition. Substantially all of this goodwill balance will not be deductible for income tax reporting purposes.

Founded in 1978, CalSouthern has been educating learners through online educational opportunities, primarily in the areas of behavioral sciences and business management. CalSouthern is reported within the AIUS segment.

The final purchase price of $40.0 million was allocated to the fair values of acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets of $42.5 million and assumed liabilities of $2.4 million as of July 1, 2022. Based on our final purchase price allocation, we have recorded goodwill of $21.6 million. Goodwill reflects the revenue growth opportunities following the acquisition. We expect substantially all of this goodwill balance to be deductible for income tax reporting purposes.

The following table summarizes the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of respective acquisition dates (dollars in thousands):

Pro forma financial information relating to the Coding Dojo and CalSouthern acquisitions is not presented because the acquisitions are not material to the Company.

4. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted

In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU require that public business entities on an annual basis 1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, and 2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The amendments require disclosure about income taxes paid by federal, state and foreign taxes, and by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid is equal or greater than 5 percent of total income taxes paid. The amendment also require entities to disclose income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense disaggregated between domestic and foreign and income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state and foreign. For all public business entities, ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024; early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in this update require that a public entity disclose on an annual and interim basis, 1) significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, 2) an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition. The other segment items category is the difference between segment revenue less the segment expenses disclosed under the significant expense principle and each reported measure of segment profit or loss, and 3) disclose the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. For all public business entities, ASU 2023-07 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024; early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. The amendments in this ASU clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. For all public business entities, ASU 2022-03 is effective for annual periods and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024; early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating this guidance and believe the adoption will not significantly impact the presentation of our financial condition, results of operations and disclosures.

5. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Investments consist of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (dollars in thousands):

In the table above, unrealized holding gains (losses) relate to short-term investments that have been in a continuous unrealized gain (loss) position for less thanone year.

Our non-governmental debt securities primarily consist of corporate bonds, certificates of deposit and commercial paper. Our treasury and federal agencies primarily consist of U.S. Treasury bills and federal home loan debt securities.

A schedule of available-for-sale investments segregated by their original stated terms to maturity as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Realized gains or losses resulting from sales of investments were zero during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and realized losses were less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Fair Value Measurements

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

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we held investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments (available for sale) consist of municipal bonds, non-governmental debt securities and treasury and federal agencies securities. Available for sale securities included in Level 2 are estimated based on observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

All of our available for sale investments were measured under Level 2 as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Additionally, money market funds of $30.3 million and $40.1 million included within cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were measured under Level 1. Federal agency debt securities of $44.9 million included within cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 were measured under Level 2.

Equity Method Investment

Our investment in an equity affiliate, which is recorded within other noncurrent assets on our consolidated balance sheets, represents an international investment in a private company. As of December 31, 2023, our investment in an equity affiliate equated to a 30.7%, or $1.2 million.

We recorded a gain of less than $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, related to our equity affiliate within miscellaneous income (expense) on our consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we recorded approximately $1.8 million of loss and $0.2 million of gain, respectively, related to our equity affiliate within miscellaneous income (expense) on our consolidated statements of income. The 2022 loss included $1.2 million related to an impairment of our equity affiliate due to decline in projected cash flows.

We make periodic operating maintenance payments to our equity affiliate. The total fees recorded for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

6. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables disaggregate our revenue by major source for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (dollars in thousands):

(1)

Tuition includes revenue earned for all degree-granting programs as well as revenue earned for non-degree and professional development programs.

(2)

Other revenue primarily includes contract training revenue and miscellaneous non-student related revenue.

(3)

CTU includes revenue related to an acquisition completed on December 1, 2022 and an acquisition completed on September 10, 2021.

(4)

AIUS includes revenue related to an acquisition completed on July 1, 2022 and an acquisition completed on August 2, 2021.

Performance Obligations

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

Other revenue, which primarily consists of contract training revenue and miscellaneous non-student related revenue, is billed and recognized as goods are delivered or services are performed.

Contract Assets

For each term, the portion of tuition and fee payments received from students but not yet earned is recorded as deferred revenue and reported as a current liability on our consolidated balance sheets, as we expect to earn these revenues within the next year. A contract asset is recorded for each student for the current term for which they are enrolled for the amount charged for the current term that has not yet been received as payment and to which we do not have the unconditional right to receive payment because the student has not reached the point in the student’s current academic term at which the amount billed is no longer refundable to the student. On a student by student basis, the contract asset is offset against the deferred revenue balance for the current term and the net deferred revenue balance is reflected within current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. For certain of our institutions, students are billed as they enroll in courses, including courses related to future periods. Any billings for future periods would meet the definition of a contract asset as we do not have the unconditional right to receive payment as the course has not yet started. Contract assets related to future periods are offset against the respective deferred revenue associated with the future period.

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

The amount of deferred revenue balances which are being offset with contract assets balances as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Deferred Revenue

Changes in our deferred revenue balances for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

(1)

Billings during period includes adjustments for prior billings.

Cash Receipts

Our students pay for their costs through a variety of funding sources, including federal loan and grant programs, institutional payment plans, employer tuition assistance, Veterans’ Administration and other military funding and grants, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments, as well as private loans. Cash receipts from government related sources are typically received during the current academic term. We typically receive funds after the end of an academic term for students who receive employer tuition assistance. Students who have not applied for any type of financial aid or students whose financial aid may not fully cover the cost of their tuition and fees generally set up a payment plan with the university and make payments on a monthly basis per the terms of the payment plan.

If a student withdraws from one of our academic institutions prior to the completion of the academic term, we refund the portion of tuition and fees already paid that, pursuant to our refund policy and applicable federal and state law and accrediting agency standards, we are not entitled to retain. Generally, the amount to be refunded to a student is calculated based upon the percent of the term attended and the amount of tuition and fees paid by the student as of their withdrawal date. In certain circumstances, we have recognized revenue for students who have withdrawn that we are not entitled to retain. We have estimated a reserve for these limited circumstances based on historical evidence in the amount of $2.0 million and $2.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Students are typically entitled to a partial refund until approximately halfway through their term. Pursuant to each university’s policy, once a student reaches the point in the term where no refund is given, the student would not have a refund due if withdrawing from the university subsequent to that date.

Significant Judgments

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

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

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we received a majority of our universities’ cash receipts for tuition payments from various government agencies as well as our corporate engagements. These cash receipts represent a substantial portion of our consolidated revenues and all have low risk of collectability.

7. STUDENT RECEIVABLES

Student receivables represent funds owed to us in exchange for the educational services provided to a student. Student receivables are reflected net of an allowance for credit losses at the end of the reporting period. Student receivables, net, are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as components of both current and non-current assets.

Our students pay for their costs through a variety of funding sources, including federal loan and grant programs, institutional payment plans, employer tuition assistance, Veterans’ Administration and other military funding and grants, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments, as well as private loans. Cash receipts from government related sources are typically received during the current academic term. We typically receive funds after the end of an academic term for students who receive employer tuition assistance. Students who have not applied for any type of financial aid or students whose financial aid may not fully cover the cost of their tuition and fees generally set up a payment plan with the institution and make payments on a monthly basis per the terms of the payment plan. For those balances that are not received during the academic term, the balance is typically due within the current academic year which is approximately 30 weeks in length. Generally, a student receivable balance is written off once a student is out of school and it reaches greater than 90 days past due.

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

We have an immaterial amount of student receivables that are due greater than 12 months from the date of our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amount of non-current student receivables under payment plans that are longer than 12 months in duration, net of allowance for credit losses, was $3.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

Allowance for Credit Losses

We define student receivables as a portfolio segment under ASC Topic 326 –Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. Changes in our current and non-current allowance for credit losses related to our student receivable portfolio in accordance with the guidance under ASU 2016-13 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Fair Value Measurements

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

8. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

The cost basis and estimated useful lives of property and equipment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

(1)

Property and equipment which were fully depreciated and no longer in use by the Company were retired during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022; therefore, both the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation balances were reduced to zero for these assets.

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $9.3 million, $12.4 million and $12.3 million, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $2.1 million of asset impairments related to software assets not expected to be utilized and leasehold improvements located at lease facilities which the Company made the decision to no longer utilize. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded $0.8 million of asset impairment primarily related to leasehold improvements located at lease facilities which the Company made the decision to no longer utilize.

9. LEASES

We lease most of our administrative and educational facilities under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2032. Lease terms generally range from five toten years withone tofour renewal options for extended terms. In most cases, we are required to make additional payments under facility operating leases for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period, which are typically variable in nature.

We determine if a contract contains a lease when the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Upon identification and commencement of a lease, we establish a right of use(“ROU”) asset and a lease liability.

Quantitative lease information

Quantitative information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):

(1)

Lease expense and sublease income represent the amount recorded within our consolidated statements of income. Variable lease amounts represent expenses recognized as incurred which are not included in the lease liability. Fixed lease expenses and sublease income are recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and therefore are not necessarily representative of cash payments during the same period.

(2)

Historically, for certain of our leased locations we had vacated the facility and had fully or partially subleased the space. As of December 31, 2023, we no longer have any subleased locations.

(3)

Cash flows are presented on a consolidated basis and represent cash payments for fixed and variable lease costs.

Gross Lease Obligations

As of December 31, 2023, future minimum lease payments under operating leases which are included in lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet are as follows (dollars in thousands):

(1)

Amounts provided are for unpaid lease obligations remaining as of December 31, 2023.

Significant Judgments and Assumptions

We use discount rates to determine the net present value of our gross lease obligations when calculating the lease liability and related ROU asset. In cases in which the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, we use that discount rate for purposes of the net present value calculation. In most cases, our lease agreements do not have a discount rate that is readily determinable and therefore we use an estimate of our incremental borrowing rate. Our incremental borrowing rate is determined at lease commencement or lease modification and represents the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.

We have eleven leases related to our ongoing operations which consist of administrative offices and university locations, of whichtwo are either month to month leases or had an initial lease term of less than one year and therefore are not included in the lease liability and ROU asset recorded within our consolidated balance sheet. For those leases that we are reasonably certain that we will extend or terminate the leases at lease conception or modification, we have taken those factors into account when determining the lease liability recorded within our consolidated balance sheet.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $2.4 million of asset impairment charges related to certain ROU assets within the CTU segment. Management made the decision to no longer use the spaces associated with the ROU assets and as a result recorded an asset impairment charge in accordance with ASC Topic 360 for the remaining value, adjusted for any early lease termination options that the Company plans to execute.

10. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The carrying value of goodwill was$241.2 million and $243.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

A reconciliation of the changes in the carrying value of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

(1)The negative adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2023 relates to purchase accounting adjustments finalized during the period.

In assessing the fair value for CTU and AIUS, we performed a qualitative assessment as of October 1, 2023 to determine if we believe it is more likely than not that our reporting unit’s carrying values exceed their respective fair values. When performing the qualitative assessment, management first considered events and circumstances that may affect the fair value of the reporting unit to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Management focused on the significant inputs, including its projections of revenue growth, operating expense leverage and the discount rate used in the prior year quantitative assessment, and any events or circumstances that could affect the significant inputs. These events and circumstances included, but were not limited to, financial performance, future expectations of financial performance, legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, political, business or other factors, and industry and market considerations, such as a deteriorating operating environment or increased competition. Management evaluated all events and circumstances, including positive or mitigating factors, that could affect the significant inputs used to determine fair value. Additionally, management evaluated its most recent quantitative assessment to determine by how much the previous fair value exceeded the carrying value for each indefinite-lived intangible asset.

The determination of estimated fair value of each reporting unit requires significant estimates and assumptions, and as such, these fair value measurements are categorized as Level 3 per ASC Topic 820. These estimates and assumptions primarily include, but are not limited to, the discount rate, terminal growth rates, operating cash flow projections and capital expenditure forecasts. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in deriving those estimates, actual results could differ from those estimates. We evaluate the merits of each significant assumption used, both individually and in the aggregate, to assess the fair value of each reporting unit for reasonableness.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net book value of intangible assets other than goodwill are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their remaining estimated useful lives, which range fromtwo tofourteen years. Amortization expense was $7.6 million, $7.3 million and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded $9.7 million ofasset impairment charges related to certain definite-lived intangible assets within the CTU segment as a result of a decline in projected cash flows associated with these assets. The fair value of these definite-lived intangible assets were determined to be zero based upon the projected cash flow estimates for the remaining useful life. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded $1.1 million ofasset impairment charges related to certain of our definite-lived intangible assets within the AIUS segment as a result of a decline in cash flows associated with those intangible assets. The fair value of these definite-lived intangible assets were determined to be zero based upon the projected cash flow estimates for the remaining useful life of the primary asset.

On June 30, 2023, the Company entered into a non-cash asset purchase agreement with Le Cordon Bleu International B.V. ("LCBI"), a company incorporated in The Netherlands, to sell Perdoceo's outright rights to the Le Cordon Bleu ("LCB") brand, trade names and rights for North America in exchange for 1.8 million outstanding shares of Perdoceo's stock. The fair value of the 1.8 million shares received was $22.1 million, resulting in a non-cash gain on sale of asset of $22.1 million recorded within other miscellaneous income (expense) on our consolidated statements of income with the offset being recorded as an addition to treasury stock on our consolidated balance sheet.

As of December 31, 2023, net intangible assets include certain accreditation rights and trade names that are considered to have indefinite useful lives and, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350—Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, are not subject to amortization but rather reviewed for impairment on at least an annual basis by applying a fair-value-based test.

We performed our annual impairment testing of other indefinite-lived intangible asset balances as of October 1, 2023 utilizing the qualitative assessment approach and concluded that no indicators existed that would suggest that it is more likely than not that the assets would be impaired. We monitor the operating results and revenue projections related to our CTU trade name and accreditation rights on a quarterly basis for signs of possible declines in estimated fair value. When performing the qualitative assessment, management considered events and circumstances that may affect the fair value of the intangible assets to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. These events and circumstances included, but were not limited to, financial performance, future expectations of financial performance, legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic, political, business, and industry and market considerations. Management evaluated these events and circumstances, including positive or mitigating factors, that could affect the significant inputs used to determine fair value.

11. CREDIT AGREEMENT

On September 8, 2021, the Company and the subsidiary guarantors thereunder entered into a credit agreement with Wintrust Bank N.A. (“Wintrust”), in its capacities as the sole lead arranger, sole bookrunner, administrative agent and letter of credit issuer for the lenders from time to time parties thereto. The credit agreement provides the Company with the benefit of a $125.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The $125.0 million revolving credit facility under the credit agreement is scheduled to mature on September 8, 2024. So long as no default has occurred and other conditions have been met, the Company may request an increase in the aggregate commitment in an amount not to exceed $50.0 million. The loans and letter of credit obligations under the credit agreementare secured by substantially all assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The credit agreement requires that interest is payable at the end of each respective interest period or monthly in arrears, fees are payable quarterly in arrears and principal is payable at maturity. Under the credit agreement, outstanding principal amounts bear annual interest at a fluctuating rate equal to 1.0% less than the administrative agent’s prime commercial rate, subject to a 3.0% minimum rate. A higher rate may apply to late payments or if any event of default exists.

We may prepay amounts outstanding under the credit agreement provided notice be received by Administrative agent on the date of prepayment by early morning, in each case without premium or penalty, and terminate or reduce the commitments provided notice received by Administrative agent five business days prior. The credit agreement and the ancillary documents executed in connection therewith contain customary affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants. The Company is required to maintain unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in domestic accounts in an amount at least equal to the aggregate loan commitments then in effect. Acquisitions to be undertaken by the Company must meet certain criteria, and the Company’s ability to make restricted payments, including payments in connection with a repurchase of shares of our common stock and quarterly dividend payments, is subject to an aggregate maximum of $100.0 million per fiscal year. Upon the occurrence of certain regulatory events or if the Company’s unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short term investments are less than 125% of the aggregate amount of the loan commitments then in effect, the Company is required to maintain cash in a segregated, restricted account in an amount not less than the aggregate loan commitments then in effect. The credit agreement also contains customary representations and warranties, events of default, and rights and remedies upon the occurrence of any event of default thereunder, including rights to accelerate the loans, terminate the commitments and realize upon the collateral securing the obligations under the credit agreement.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there wereno outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

Selected details of our credit agreement as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

(1)

The letters of credit availability under the credit agreement with Wintrust is up to the borrowing limit of $125.0 million.

(2)

Theletter of credit fee rate is based on prime minus 1.0%, subject to a minimum rate of 3.0%. The prime rate as of December 31, 2023 was 8.50%, which would yield a 7.50% fee rate, which is reflected in the table above.

12. CONTINGENCIES

An accrual for estimated legal fees and settlements of $2.4 million and $1.7 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, is presented within other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.

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

United States of America, ex rel. Fiorisce LLC v. Perdoceo Education Corporation, Colorado Technical University, Inc. and American InterContinental University, Inc. On July 19, 2023, we became aware of an amended complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado on May 19, 2023. The original complaint was filed under seal on February 25, 2021 by a former employee of Colorado Technical University through a limited liability company, on behalf of herself, any other interested parties affiliated with the LLC and the federal government. On July 18, 2023, the district court ordered the complaint unsealed and we were notified that the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") had declined to intervene in the action on February 3, 2023. The company had previously received a Civil Investigative Demand on April 8, 2022 from the DOJ and had been cooperating with the DOJ in its review. After the federal government declined to intervene in this case, the relator elected to pursue the litigation on behalf of the federal government. If she is successful, she would receive a portion of the federal government’s recovery. The amended complaint alleges violations of the False Claims Act related to the company’s compliance with federal financial aid credit hour requirements in connection with its use of its learning management system. Relator claims that defendants’ conduct caused the government to make payments of federal funds to defendants which the government would not have made if not for defendants’ alleged violation of the law. Relator seeks treble damages plus civil penalties and attorneys’ fees. On January 4, 2024, the Court granted a motion to dismiss with respect to Perdoceo Education Corporation and American InterContinental University, Inc. which removes them as defendants in the case. The Court’s dismissal was “without prejudice”, which allows the relator in the case the opportunity to amend and refile a further amended complaint with respect to those two parties. The Relator has filed a motion, which is pending before the Court, that seeks permission to file a further amended complaint with respect to only Perdoceo Education Corporation.

Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcome of this legal proceeding is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for this action. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with this action.

We receive from time-to-time requests from state attorneys general, federal and state government agencies and accreditors relating to our institutions, to specific complaints they have received from students or former students or to student loan forgiveness claims which seek information about students, our programs, and other matters relating to our activities. These requests can be broad and time consuming to respond to, and there is a risk that they could expand and/or lead to a formal action or claims of non-compliance. We are subject to a variety of other claims, lawsuits, arbitrations and investigations that arise from time to time out of the conduct of our business, including, but not limited to, matters involving prospective students, students or former students, alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, both individually and on behalf of a putative class, and employment matters. Periodically matters arise that we consider outside the scope of ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business. While we currently believe that these matters, individually or in aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. Were an unfavorable outcome to occur in any one or more of these matters, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, reputation, financial position and cash flows.

13. INCOME TAXES

Pretax income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $192.1 million, $134.3 million and $149.1 million, respectively.

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 consists of the following (dollars in thousands):

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2023 includes a $0.3 million favorable adjustment associated with the tax effect of stock-based compensation, which decreased the effective tax rate by 0.1%. The 2023 effective tax rate was also impacted by a $4.5 million favorable adjustment related to the recognition of the tax benefits associated with a previously disclosed prior year ordinary loss attributable to the stock of a worthless subsidiary, which decreased the effective tax rate by 2.4% and a $0.7 million favorable adjustment related to federal and state credits claimed for the 2022 return and anticipated for the 2023 tax year, which decreased the effective tax rate by 0.4%.

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2022 includes a $0.8 million unfavorable adjustment associated with the tax effect of stock-based compensation, which increased the effective rate by 0.6%. The 2022 effectivetax rate also reflects the establishment of a full valuation allowance of $1.4 million with respect to select combined state net operating losses that are anticipated to go unused and $0.9 million related to the expected non-deductibility of reductions in the carrying value of our equity investment, which collectively increased the effective rate by 1.7%. During 2022, the Company re-evaluated the character of the loss incurred on the elimination of a wholly-owned subsidiary during the prior year and re-categorized this transaction in its 2021 tax returns as an ordinary loss attributable to the stock of a worthless subsidiary. As a result of our assessment, the $3.1 million deferred tax asset and offsetting valuation allowance with respect to the capital loss carryforward was eliminated, which had an offsetting impact on the effective tax rate of 2.3%.

The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a $1.6 million unfavorable adjustment associated with the tax effect of stock-based compensation, which increased the effective tax rate by 1.0%. The 2021 effective tax rate also reflects a $0.5 million favorable adjustment related to federal and state credits claimed for the 2020 tax return and anticipated for the 2021 tax year, which decreased the effective tax rate by 0.3% and a $3.1 million favorable adjustment associated with a capital loss incurred for tax purposes on the elimination of a wholly-owned subsidiary, which decreased the effective tax rate by 2.1%. Since utilization of the capital loss is not anticipated, a valuation allowance of $3.1 million was established against the full amount of the deferred tax balance for the capital loss carryforward, which increased the effective tax rate by 2.1%.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 is as follows (dollars in thousands):

The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective tax rate in future periods was $22.9 million and $22.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, our short and long-term reserves, recorded within current accrued income taxes and other non-current liabilities, respectively, related to FASB’s interpretation No. 48 of ASC Topic 740-10, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxesor(“FIN 48”), were $2.0 million and $23.7 million, respectively. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within provision for income taxes on our consolidated statements of income. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties resulting from such unrecognized tax benefits was $3.3 million and $2.5 millionas of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. For the years ended

December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recognized less than $0.7 million of expense, less than $0.4 million of expense and less than $0.1 million of expense, respectively, related to interest and penalties from unrecognized tax benefits in our consolidated results of operations.

Perdoceo and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state and local jurisdictions and are routinely examined by tax authorities in these jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2023, Perdoceo had been examined by the Internal Revenue Service through our tax year ending December 31, 2014. Due to the expiration of various statutes of limitations, it is reasonably possible that Perdoceo’s gross unrecognized tax benefits balance may change within the next twelve months by a range ofzero to $2.8 million.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result primarily from temporary differences in the recognition of various expenses for tax and financial statement purposes, and from the recognition of the tax benefits of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

As of December 31, 2023, the Company has a gross deferred tax asset before valuation allowance of $151.7 million and a gross deferred tax liability of $38.8 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had a gross deferred tax asset before valuation allowance of $170.2 million and a gross deferred tax liability of $42.1 million.

As of December 31, 2022, we have federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $10.4 million and state NOL carryforwards of approximately $7.1 million, remaining from the acquisition of Coding Dojo. These federal and state NOL’s relate to post-2017 tax years and can be carried forward indefinitely. For the tax year ended December 31, 2023, we expect to utilize federal and state NOL carryforwards of approximately $6.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively, due to the limitation on the utilization of acquired NOL carryforwards. Excluding the Coding Dojo state NOL’s referred to above, we have state NOL carryforwards of approximately $266.4 million, which expire between 2024 and 2037. Of this amount, approximately $81.0 million relates to separate state NOL carryforwards and $132.4 million relates to combined state NOL carryforwards, which we anticipate will not be used due to the teach-out of the schools in the applicable combined filing jurisdictions. Valuation allowances have been established against the full amounts of the deferred tax balances for the separate state NOL and the combined state NOL.

In assessing the continued need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. Topic 740 provides that important factors in determining whether a deferred tax asset will be realized include whether sufficient taxable income is expected in future years in order to use the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, we consider, among other things, historical levels of taxable income along with possible sources of future taxable income, which include: the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, the existence of taxable income in prior carryback years, the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits and expected future taxable income. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future taxable income levels could materially impact our valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods. If, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance, or release all or a portion of the valuation allowance if it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets are expected to be realized. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. A high degree of judgment is required to determine if, and the extent to which, valuation allowances should be recorded against deferred tax assets.

As of December 31, 2022 a valuation allowance of $22.5 million was maintained with respect to our foreign tax credits not supported by an Overall Domestic Loss (“ODL”) account balance, equity investment, available for sale short-term investments and state net operating losses. Due to a $4.7 million year-over-year decrease in the cumulative unrealized holding loss on available for sale short-term investments that is reflected in total other comprehensive income (loss), the deferred tax asset and corresponding valuation allowance was decreased by $1.1 million. Additionally, the valuation allowance was reduced by $7.2 million for the last remaining portion of the non-ODL supported foreign tax credit carryforward which expired unused at the end of 2023 and $0.2 million for the utilization of a combined state net operating loss. As of December 31, 2023, the total valuation allowance attributable to our equity investment, available for sale short-term investments and state net operating losses is $14.0 million. The Company concluded the cumulative losses related to the reduction in carrying value of the equity investment are significant relative to the amount invested and indicative of a potential capital loss, which would not be realizable given the absence of offsetting capital gains. The unrealized holding loss on available for sale short-term investments also represents a potential capital loss that would not be realizable in the absence of offsetting capital gains. The separate state NOLs can generally only be used by the originating entity and relate to entities that no longer maintain active schools. Since these entities are not expected to generate future operating income, the more likely than not threshold was not reached with respect to this portion of the deferred tax assets. Similarly, the Company determined a valuation allowance was needed with respect to the portion of the combined state net operating losses which will likely go unused due to the teach-out of the schools located in the applicable combined filing jurisdictions. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are increased or decreased, and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth. We will continue to evaluate our valuation allowance in future years for any change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax asset.

14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Overview of Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Perdoceo Education Corporation Amended and Restated 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (“the “2016 Plan”) became effective (as the Career Education Corporation 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan) on May 24, 2016, and the amendment and restatement of the 2016 Plan became effective on June 3, 2021, upon its approval by the Company’s stockholders. Under the 2016 Plan, Perdoceo may grant to eligible participants awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock, performance units, annual incentive awards, and substitute awards, which generally may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock. Any shares of our common stock that are subject to awards of stock options or stock appreciation rights payable in shares will be counted as 1.0 share for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit and any shares of our common stock that are subject to any other form of award payable in shares will be counted as 1.35 shares for each share issued for purposes of the aggregate share limit. As of December 31, 2023, there were approximately 4.8 million shares of common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2016 Plan, which is net of (i)0.4 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and (ii)2.8 million shares underlying restricted stock units, which will be settled in shares of our common stock if the vesting conditions are met and thus reduce the common stock available for future share-based awards under the 2016 Plan by the amount vested. These shares take into account the anticipated vesting levels based on projected attainment of performance conditions for performance-based restricted stock units and have been multiplied by the applicable factor under the 2016 Plan to determine the remaining shares available as of December 31, 2023. Additionally, as of December 31, 2023 under the Company’s previous 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan, there were approximately 0.1 million shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and 0.1 million shares underlying outstanding deferred stock units, which will be settled in shares of our common stock if the vesting conditions are met. The vesting of all types of awards is subject to possible acceleration in certain circumstances. If a plan participant terminates employment for any reason other than by death or disability during the vesting period, the right to unvested equity awards is generally forfeited.

As of December 31, 2023, we estimate that compensation expense of approximately $15.0 million will be recognized over the next four years for all unvested share-based awards that have been granted to participants. This amount excludes any estimates of forfeitures.

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

Stock option activity during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 under our plans was as follows:

The following table summarizes information with respect to all outstanding and exercisable stock options under all of our plans as of December 31, 2023:

Restricted Stock Units to be Settled in Stock. Restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock which are not “performance-based” generally vest 25% per year over afour-year service period. Restricted stock units which are “performance-based” are subject to performance or market conditions that may increase or reduce the number of restricted stock units that vest at the end of the requisite service period or result in all units being forfeited, even if the requisite service period is met. The performance-based restricted stock units generally vest three years after the grant date.

The following table summarizes information with respect to all outstanding restricted stock units to be settled in shares of stock under our plans during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

(1)243,730 and 291,338 of performance-based restricted stock units granted during 2023 and 2022, respectively, and which are still outstanding as of December 31, 2023, are subject to a 200% maximum payout based on certain performance metrics.

Deferred Stock Units to be Settled in Stock. Perdoceo granted deferred stock units to our non-employee directors prior to 2017. The deferred stock units are to be settled in shares of stock. Settlement of the deferred stock units and delivery of the underlying shares of stock to the plan participants does not occur until he or she ceases to provide services to the Company in the capacity of a director, employee or consultant. As of December 31, 2023, there are 58 thousand deferred stock units outstanding.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense. Total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 for all types of awards was as follows (dollars in thousands):

Share-Based Awards Assumptions

We recognize the value of share-based compensation as expense in our consolidated statements of income during the vesting periods of the underlying share-based awards using the straight-line method. FASB ASC Topic 718 allows companies to estimate forfeitures of share-based awards at the time of grant and revise such estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from original projections.

The fair value of each share of restricted stock and restricted stock units to be settled in stock is equal to the fair market value of our common stock as of the date of grant, which is the closing price per share of our common stock on NASDAQ.

15. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On January 27, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase program for up to $50.0 million which commenced March 1, 2022 and originally expired on September 30, 2023. On July 27, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company extended the expiration date of the program to September 30, 2024. The other terms of this stock repurchase program are consistent with the Company’s previous stock repurchase program which expired February 28, 2022.

The timing of purchases and the number of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by the Company’s management and will depend on a variety of factors including stock price, trading volume and other general market and economic conditions, its assessment of alternative uses of capital, regulatory requirements and other factors. Repurchases will be made in open market transactions, including block purchases, conducted in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act as well as may be made pursuant to trading plans established under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, which would permit shares to be repurchased when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase shares and the Company may, in its discretion, begin, suspend or terminate repurchases at any time, without any prior notice.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 0.5 million shares of our common stock for approximately $8.3 million at an average price of $15.38 per share and during the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased 2.1 million shares of our common stock for approximately $23.1 million at an average price of $11.02 per share. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $18.5 million was available under our authorized stock repurchase program to repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock. Shares of stock repurchased under the program are held as treasury shares. These repurchased shares have reduced the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share calculations.

16. WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

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

The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted net income per share for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, certain unexercised stock option awards are excluded from our computation of diluted earnings per share, as these shares were out-of-the-money and their effect would have been anti-dilutive. The anti-dilutive options that were excluded from our computation of diluted earnings per share were 0.1 million,0.3 million and 0.4 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

In addition to the common stock issued upon the exercise of employee stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units to be settled in stock, we issued less than 0.1 million shares for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan.

17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Retirement Savings and Profit Sharing Plan

We maintain a defined contribution 401(k) retirement savings plan which is available to all employees who have worked greater than 1,000 hours within a fiscal year. Under the plan, an eligible employee may elect to defer receipt of a portion of their annual pay, including salary and bonus. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, we contributed this amount to the plan on the employee’s behalf and also made a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 2% and 25% of the next 4% of the percentage of annual pay that the employee elected to defer. For employees hired on or after January 1, 2020, the participant is 100% vested in the company’s matching contribution after two years of service. Employees hired before January 1, 2020 are fully vested in the company’s matching contribution. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded expense under this plan of approximately $3.6 million, $3.1 million, and $3.0 million, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

We maintain an employee stock purchase plan that allows substantially all full-time and part-time employees to acquire shares of our common stock through payroll deductions over three-month offering periods. The per share purchase price is equal to 95% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the last day of the offering period, and purchases are limited to 10% of an employee’s salary, up to a maximum of $25,000 per calendar year. We are authorized to issue up to 4.0 million shares of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan, and, as of December 31, 2023,3.5 million shares of common stock have been issued under the plan.

The compensation expense for employee share purchases recorded during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 in connection with the compensatory elements of our employee stock purchase plan was not significant.

18. SEGMENT REPORTING

Our segments are determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 280—Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment is comprised of an accredited postsecondary education institution that offers a variety of academic programs. These segments are organized by key market segments and to enhance brand focus within each segment to more effectively execute our business plan.

Ourtwo reporting segments are described below.



Colorado Technical University(CTU)is committed to providing quality and industry-relevant higher education to a diverse student population through innovative technology and experienced faculty, enabling the pursuit of personal and professional goals. CTU is focused on serving adult, non-traditional students seeking career advancement, as well as addressing employer’s needs for a well-educated workforce. CTU offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business and management, nursing, healthcare management, computer science, engineering, information systems and technology, project management, cybersecurity and criminal justice. Students pursue their degrees through fully-online programs, local campuses and blended formats, which combine campus-based and online education. As of December 31, 2023, students enrolled at CTU represented approx imately 75% of our total enrollments. Approximately 97% of CTU’s students are enrolled in programs offered fully online. Students at CTU's ground-based campuses take both in-person and virtual classes.



The American InterContinental University System(AIUS or AIU System) is committed to providing quality and accessible higher education opportunities for a diverse student population, including adult and other non-traditional learners and the military community. AIUS places emphasis on the educational, professional and personal growth of each student. AIUS offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of business studies, information technologies, education, health sciences and criminal justice. Students pursue their degrees through fully-online programs, local campuses and blended formats, which combine campus-based and online education. As of December 31, 2023, students enrolled at AIUS represented approximately 25% of our total enrollments. Approximately 96% of AIUS’ students are enrolled in programs offered fully online. Students at AIUS' ground-based campus take both in-person and virtual classes.

We evaluate segment performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated results are included under the caption “Corporate and Other,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity and eliminations. Substantially all revenue earned by our reporting segments are generated in the United States of America (“U.S.”) and segment and total assets are substantially held in the U.S.

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

(1)

Total assets are presented on a consolidated basis and do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between institutions and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.

(2)

CTU results of operations include the Coding Dojo acquisition commencing on the December 1, 2022 date of acquisition and the Hippo acquisition commencing on the September 10, 2021 date of acquisition.

(3)

AIUS results of operations include the CalSouthern acquisition commencing on the July 1, 2022 date of acquisition and the DigitalCrafts acquisition commencing on the August 2, 2021 date of acquisition.

19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Credit Agreement Amendment

Effective as of January 23, 2024, the Company and the subsidiary guarantors thereunder entered into a Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to their credit agreement, dated as of September 8, 2021 and as amended on April 1, 2022 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), with the lenders from time to time parties thereto and Wintrust Bank N.A. (“Wintrust”), in its capacities as the sole lead arranger, sole bookrunner, administrative agent and letter of credit issuer thereunder (the Existing Credit Agreement, as further amended by the Second Amendment, the “Credit Agreement”).

The Second Amendment, among other things: (i) extends the maturity date of the revolving credit facility to January 31, 2027; (ii) lowers the “Prime Rate” floor from 4% to 3%; (iii) replaces BMO Bank N.A. (formerly known as BMO Harris Bank N.A.) with Valley National Bancorp as one of the lenders that is party to the revolving credit facility; and (iv) modifies the relative commitments of the lenders that are parties to the revolving credit facility.

The Credit Agreement continues to provide the Company with the benefit of a $125,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility, subject to an increase in the aggregate commitment in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 upon the Company’s request if no default has occurred and other conditions have been met, and continues to provide that (i) accrued commitment fees are payable quarterly in arrears; (ii) principal is payable at maturity; (iii) the Company may prepay amounts outstanding, or terminate or reduce the commitments, under the Credit Agreement upon same day or five business days’ prior notice, respectively, in each case without premium or penalty; and (iv) the loans and letter of credit obligations thereunder are secured by (x) substantially all assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors and (y) upon the occurrence of certain regulatory events or if the domestic cash and cash equivalents of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors are less than a minimum of $156,250,000, cash collateral in the aggregate amount of the loan commitments then in effect. The Credit Agreement and the ancillary documents executed in connection therewith contain customary affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants, including a requirement for the borrowers to maintain cash and cash equivalents in domestic accounts of at least $156,250,000 at all times. The Credit Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties, events of default and rights and remedies upon the occurrence of any event of default thereunder, including rights to accelerate the loans, terminate the commitments and realize upon the collateral securing the obligations thereunder.

Stock Repurchase Program

The board of directors approved a new stock repurchase program commencing March 1, 2024 which authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The program expires September 30, 2025 and replaces the existing stock repurchase program that expires on September 30, 2024.