PERDOCEO EDUCATION Corp
For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Nov 12, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Nov 12, 2024
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Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
- 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “Perdoceo” and “PEC” refer to Perdoceo Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries.
- BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations for reporting the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. This report should be read in conjunction with our 2023 Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation.
Operating results for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2024.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Perdoceo Education Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Our reporting segments are determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board(“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification(“ASC”) Topic 280 –Segment Reporting and are based upon how the Company analyzes performance and makes decisions. Each segment represents a postsecondary education provider that offers a variety of academic programs. We organize our business acrosstwo reporting segments: CTU and AIUS.
- 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 amendments 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 after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years 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.
- FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Investments consist of the following as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
| Gross Unrealized | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Gain | (Loss) | Fair Value | |
| Short-term investments (available for sale): | ||||
| Non-governmental debt securities | $224,665 | $1,203 | $(85) | $225,783 |
| Treasury and federal agencies | 257,488 | 576 | (75) | 257,989 |
| Total short-term investments (available for sale) | $482,153 | $1,779 | $(160) | $483,772 |
| Gross Unrealized | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Gain | (Loss) | Fair Value | |
| Short-term investments (available for sale): | ||||
| Non-governmental debt securities | 245,886 | 719 | (892) | 245,713 |
| Treasury and federal agencies | 239,859 | 393 | (830) | 239,422 |
| Total short-term investments (available for sale) | $485,745 | $1,112 | $(1,722) | $485,135 |
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.
Realized gains or loss resulting from sales of investments were zero during the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.
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 September 30, 2024, we held investments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments (available for sale) consist of non-governmental debt securities and treasury and federal agencies securities. Available for sale securities included in Level 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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. Additionally, money market funds of $30.5 million and $30.3 million included within cash and cash equivalents on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, were measured under Level 1. Non-governmental debt securities of $20.9 million included within cash and cash equivalents on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 were measured under Level 2. Federal agency debt securities of $53.2 million and $44.9 million included within cash and cash equivalents on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, were measured under Level 2.
Equity Method Investment
Our investment in an equity affiliate, which is recorded within other noncurrent assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, represents an international investment in a private company. As of September 30, 2024, our investment in an equity affiliate equated to 30.7%, or $1.2 million.
During each of the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recorded approximately $0.1 million of loss and during the years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recorded less thanten thousand dollars of loss and approximately $0.1 million of loss, respectively, related to our equity affiliate within miscellaneous (expense) income on our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income.
We make periodic operating maintenance payments to our equity affiliate. The total fees recorded during the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| Maintenance Fee Payments | |
|---|---|
| For the quarter ended September 30, 2024 | $429 |
| For the quarter ended September 30, 2023 | $411 |
| For the year to date ended September 30, 2024 | $1,296 |
| For the year to date ended September 30, 2023 | $1,256 |
Credit Agreement
Termination of credit agreement
On July 29, 2024, the Company gave notice of the termination of its credit agreement, dated as of September 8, 2021, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, as borrower, certain of its subsidiary guarantors thereunder, the lenders from time-to-time parties thereto and Wintrust Bank N.A. (the “Termination”).
At the time of the Termination of the Credit Agreement, the Company was not in default under the Credit Agreement, nor did it have any amounts outstanding thereunder. The Credit Agreement was due to mature on January 31, 2027. The Company made the decision to terminate the Credit Agreement due to the Company’s strong cash position and to avoid uncertainty under the Credit Agreement associated with newly effective Title IV financial responsibility requirements.
The Termination was effective on July 30, 2024. Upon effectiveness of the Termination, all security interests and pledges granted to the secured parties under the Credit Agreement were terminated and released. The Company did not incur any material early termination penalties in connection with the Termination.
- REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables disaggregate our revenue by major source for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (dollars in thousands):
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024 · For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTU · AIUS · Corporate and Other · Total · CTU · AIUS · Corporate and Other · Total | ||||||||||
| Tuition, net (1) | $109,730 | $51,174 | $ | - | $160,904 | $114,104 | $56,212 | $ | - | $170,316 |
| Technology and other fees | 5,107 | 2,431 | - | 7,538 | 5,269 | 2,674 | - | 7,943 | ||
| Total tuition and fees, net | 114,837 | 53,605 | - | 168,442 | 119,373 | 58,886 | - | 178,259 | ||
| Other revenue (2) | 905 | 282 | 199 | 1,386 | 1,179 | 340 | 145 | 1,664 | ||
| Total revenue | $115,742 | $53,887 | $199 | $169,828 | $120,552 | $59,226 | $145 | $179,923 | ||
| For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2024 · For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
| CTU · AIUS · Corporate and Other · Total · CTU · AIUS · Corporate and Other · Total | ||||||||||
| Tuition, net (1) | $324,148 | $153,969 | $ | - | $478,117 | $344,966 | $185,993 | $ | - | $530,959 |
| Technology and other fees | 15,445 | 7,282 | - | 22,727 | 16,112 | 9,027 | - | 25,139 | ||
| Total tuition and fees, net | 339,593 | 161,251 | - | 500,844 | 361,078 | 195,020 | - | 556,098 | ||
| Other revenue (2) | 2,546 | 863 | 579 | 3,988 | 3,258 | 2,108 | 621 | 5,987 | ||
| Total revenue | $342,139 | $162,114 | $579 | $504,832 | $364,336 | $197,128 | $621 | $562,085 | ||
(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 miscellaneousnon-student related revenue.
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 condensed consolidated balance sheets, as we expect to earn these revenues within the next year. A contract asset is recorded for each student for the current term for which they are enrolled for the amount charged for the current term that has not yet been received as payment and to which we do not have the unconditional right to receive payment because the student has not reached the point in the student’s current academic term at which the amount billed is no longer refundable to the student. On a student by student basis, the contract asset is offset against the deferred revenue balance for the current term and the net deferred revenue balance is reflected within current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. 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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| As of | ||
|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
| Gross deferred revenue | $82,207 | $63,970 |
| Gross contract assets | (32,860) | (26,755) |
| Deferred revenue, net | $49,347 | $37,215 |
Deferred Revenue
Changes in our deferred revenue balances for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTU | AIUS | Total | CTU | AIUS | Total | |
| Gross deferred revenue, July 1 | $67,880 | $22,905 | $90,785 | $72,702 | $32,001 | $104,703 |
| Revenue earned from prior balances | (57,850) | (18,951) | (76,801) | (59,047) | (25,736) | (84,783) |
| Billings during period(1) | 100,352 | 59,775 | 160,127 | 95,064 | 59,427 | 154,491 |
| Revenue earned for new billings during the period | (56,987) | (34,654) | (91,641) | (60,326) | (33,150) | (93,476) |
| Other adjustments | (162) | (101) | (263) | (1,283) | (912) | (2,195) |
| Gross deferred revenue, September 30 | $53,233 | $28,974 | $82,207 | $47,110 | $31,630 | $78,740 |
| For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||
| CTU | AIUS | Total | CTU | AIUS | Total | |
| Gross deferred revenue, January 1 | $42,531 | $21,439 | $63,970 | $67,245 | $39,955 | $107,200 |
| Revenue earned from prior balances | (38,122) | (20,431) | (58,553) | (59,458) | (33,166) | (92,624) |
| Billings during period(1) | 350,694 | 168,574 | 519,268 | 343,194 | 186,877 | 530,071 |
| Revenue earned for new billings during the period | (301,471) | (140,820) | (442,291) | (301,620) | (161,854) | (463,474) |
| Other adjustments | (399) | 212 | (187) | (2,251) | (182) | (2,433) |
| Gross deferred revenue, September 30 | $53,233 | $28,974 | $82,207 | $47,110 | $31,630 | $78,740 |
(1)
Billings during period includes adjustments for prior billings.
Tuition Refunds
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 for each period as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. 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.
- 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 condensed 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 condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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 $5.9 million and $3.9 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 quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, | For the Year to Date Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Balance, beginning of period | $37,271 | $43,055 | $37,782 | $43,141 |
| Provision for credit losses | 8,733 | 7,592 | 21,364 | 26,519 |
| Amounts written-off | (8,032) | (11,397) | (22,085) | (31,533) |
| Recoveries | 361 | 458 | 1,272 | 1,581 |
| Balance, end of period | $38,333 | $39,708 | $38,333 | $39,708 |
Fair Value Measurements
The carrying amount reported in our condensed consolidated balance sheets for the current portion of student receivables approximates fair value because of the nature of these financial instruments as they generally have short maturity periods. It is not practicable to estimate the fair value of the non-current portion of student receivables, since observable market data is not readily available, and no reasonable estimation methodology exists.
- LEASES
We lease most of our administrative and educational facilities under non-cancelable operating leases expiring at various dates through 2033. 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 information related to leases is presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024 · For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Lease expenses (1) | |||
| Fixed lease expenses - operating | $1,104 | $3,670 | |
| Variable lease expenses - operating | 207 | 544 | |
| Total lease expenses | $1,311 | $4,214 | |
| Other information | |||
| Gross operating cash flows for operating leases (2) | $(2,031) | $(6,513) | |
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2023 · For the Year to Date Ended September 30, 2023 | |||
| Lease expenses (1) | |||
| Fixed lease expenses - operating | $1,572 | $4,906 | |
| Variable lease expenses - operating | 193 | 1,154 | |
| Sublease income (3) | - | (500) | |
| Total lease expenses | $1,765 | $5,560 | |
| Other information | |||
| Gross operating cash flows for operating leases (2) | $(2,139) | $(7,722) | |
| Operating cash flows from subleases (2) | $ | - | $488 |
| As of September 30, 2024 · As of September 30, 2023 | |||
| Weighted average remaining lease term (in months) – operating leases | 68 | 57 | |
| Weighted average discount rate – operating leases | 5.2% | 4.8% | |
(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)
Cash flows are presented on a consolidated basis and represent cash payments for fixed and variable lease costs.
(3)
Historically, for certain of our leased locations we had vacated the facility and had fully or partially subleased the space. As of September 30, 2024, we no longer have any subleased locations.
- CONTINGENCIES
An accrual for estimated legal fees of $1.9 million and $2.4 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, is presented within other current liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments in our legal matters that could affect the amount of liability that was previously accrued and make adjustments as 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 ("CID") 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.
On September 7, 2024, the Company received a new CID from the DOJ pursuant to the False Claims Act. The CID requests information and documentation from CTU regarding its compensation practices for its admissions staff as well as information about how CTU has discussed its Fast Track credit program with prospective students. The information sought covers the time period from November 13, 2017 to the present. The Company is cooperating with the DOJ with a view towards resolving this inquiry as promptly as possible.
Because of the many questions of fact and law that may arise, the outcomes of these legal proceedings is uncertain at this point. Based on information available to us at present, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential loss, if any, for these actions. Accordingly, we have not recognized any liability associated with these actions.
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.
Agreement to acquire the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC
Perdoceo Education Corporation signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% ownership of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC ("USAHS"). The material terms of the transaction have been described in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 16, 2024. Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and satisfactory regulatory approvals from the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges ("WASC"), as well as other key regulatory bodies, and completion of the preacquisition review process with the US Department of Education. The Company expects to complete the acquisition in December 2024.
Perdoceo expects to pay approximately $142.0 million to $144.0 million in cash at closing to acquire 100% ownership of USAHS. The actual cash paid will depend on adjustments for cash, debt and working capital based on the final closing balance sheet. The acquisition is not subject to a financing condition. Perdoceo plans to use cash on hand for the purchase.
- INCOME TAXES
The determination of the annual effective tax rate is based upon a number of significant estimates and judgments, including the estimated annual pretax income in each tax jurisdiction in which we operate and the ongoing development of tax planning strategies during the year. In addition, our provision for income taxes can be impacted by changes in tax rates or laws, the finalization of tax audits and reviews, as well as other factors that cannot be predicted with certainty. As such, there can be significant volatility in interim tax provisions.
The following is a summary of our provision for income taxes and effective tax rate:
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, | For the Year to Date Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in Thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Pretax income | $52,362 | $48,088 | $158,227 | $169,744 |
| Provision for income taxes | $14,107 | $6,781 | $42,101 | $39,280 |
| Effective rate | 26.9% | 14.1% | 26.6% | 23.1% |
The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2024 reflects federal tax credits claimed for the 2023 tax return, which decreased the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively. Additionally, the tax effect of stock-based compensation and the release of previously recorded tax reserves reduced the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2024 by 0.2% and 1.4%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2023 was primarily impacted by a $4.5 million favorable discrete 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 for the quarter and year to date by 9.3% and 2.6%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2023 reflects federal and state tax credits claimed for the 2022 tax return, which decreased the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date by 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively. Additionally, the tax effect of stock-based compensation and the release of other previously recorded tax reserves reduced the effective tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2023 by 0.2% and 0.6%, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, a valuation allowance of $13.9 million was maintained with respect to our equity investment and state net operating losses.
We estimate that it is reasonably possible that the gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits for a variety of uncertain tax positions will decrease by up to $2.1 million in the next twelve months as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations in several jurisdictions. The income tax rate for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2024 does not take into account the possible reduction of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The impact of a reduction to the liability will be treated as a discrete item in the period the reduction occurs. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of September 30, 2024, we had accrued $4.3 million as an estimate for reasonably possible interest and accrued penalties.
Our tax returns are routinely examined by federal, state and local tax authorities and these audits are at various stages of completion at any given time. The Company’s federal income tax filings are open to examinations for the tax years ended December 31, 2021 and forward.
- SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Overview
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. 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 awards is generally forfeited.
Restricted Stock Units
For the years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company granted approximately 0.3 million and 0.4 million restricted stock units, respectively, which are not "performance-based" and which have a grant-date fair value of approximately $5.3 million and $5.9 million, respectively.
For the years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company granted approximately 0.2 million and 0.3 million restricted stock units, respectively, which are “performance-based” and which have a grant-date fair value of approximately $3.5 million and $4.1 million, respectively. The performance-based restricted stock units are subject to performance conditions which are determined at the time of grant and typically cover athree-year performance period. These performance conditions may result in all units being forfeited even if the requisite service period is met.
There wereno restricted stock units granted during each of the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
All restricted stock units granted in 2024 and 2023 are to be settled in shares of our common stock.
Stock Options
There wereno stock options granted during each of the quarters or years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Share-Based Compensation Expense
For the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the total share-based compensation expense was approximately $2.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively. For the years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the total share-based compensation expense was approximately $7.4 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2024, we estimate that total compensation expense of approximately $19.0 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 REPURCHASE PROGRAM
On February 20, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new stock repurchase program for up to $50.0 million which commenced March 1, 2024 and expires September 30, 2025. The new stock repurchase program replaced the previous stock repurchase program. The other terms of the new stock repurchase program are consistent with the Company’s previous stock repurchase program.
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 years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares and 0.2 million shares of our common stock, respectively, for approximately $6.8 million at an average price of $17.60 per share during the year to date ended September 30, 2024 and for approximately $2.7 million at an average price of $12.35 per share during the year to date ended September 30, 2023. There wereno shares repurchased during the quarters ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
As of September 30, 2024, approximately $47.1 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.
- WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares assuming dilution. Dilutive common shares outstanding is computed using the Treasury Stock Method and reflects the additional shares that would be outstanding if dilutive stock options were exercised and restricted stock units were settled for common shares during the period.
The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted net income per share for the quarters and years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (shares in thousands):
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, | For the Year to Date Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Basic common shares outstanding | 65,699 | 65,634 | 65,622 | 66,758 |
| Common stock equivalents | 1,613 | 1,469 | 1,488 | 1,314 |
| Diluted common shares outstanding | 67,312 | 67,103 | 67,110 | 68,072 |
Certain unexercised stock option awards are excluded from our computations of diluted earnings per share, as these shares were out-of-the-money and their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For each of the years to date ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the anti-dilutive options that were excluded from our computations of diluted earnings per share were less than 0.1 million shares. For the quarter ended September 30, 2023 less than 0.1 million shares of anti-dilutive options were excluded from our computation of diluted earnings per share. There wereno anti-dilutive options for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
- 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. As of September 30, 2024, ourtwo segments are:
♦ Colorado Technical University (CTU) is committed to providing quality and industry-relevant higher education to a diverse student population, including serving non-traditional adult learners seeking career advancement and the military community. CTU utilizes innovative technology and experienced faculty, enabling the pursuit of personal and professional goals for learners. 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 September 30, 2024, students enrolled at CTU represented approximately 74% 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 non-traditional adult 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 September 30, 2024, students enrolled at AIUS represented approximately 26% of our total enrollments. Approximately 97% of AIUS’ students are enrolled in programs offered fully online. Students at AIUS' ground-based campus take both in-person and virtual classes.
Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows (dollars in thousands):
| For the Quarter Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue · Operating Income (Loss) | ||||||
| 2024 | % of Total | 2023 | % of Total | 2024 | 2023 | |
| CTU | $115,742 | 68.2% | $120,552 | 67.0% | $44,199 | $34,491 |
| AIUS | 53,887 | 31.7% | 59,226 | 32.9% | 9,063 | 15,602 |
| Corporate and Other | 199 | 0.1% | 145 | 0.1% | (8,468) | (7,020) |
| Total | $169,828 | 100.0% | $179,923 | 100.0% | $44,794 | $43,073 |
| For the Year to Date Ended September 30, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue · Operating Income (Loss) | ||||||
| 2024 | % of Total | 2023 | % of Total | 2024 | 2023 | |
| CTU | $342,139 | 67.8% | $364,336 | 64.8% | $129,245 | $118,632 |
| AIUS | 162,114 | 32.1% | 197,128 | 35.1% | 31,275 | 44,683 |
| Corporate and Other | 579 | 0.1% | 621 | 0.1% | (23,442) | (28,812) |
| Total | $504,832 | 100.0% | $562,085 | 100.0% | $137,078 | $134,503 |
| Total Assets as of (1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
| CTU | $212,523 | $202,728 |
| AIUS | 171,940 | 161,336 |
| Corporate and Other | 732,293 | 643,252 |
| Total | $1,116,756 | $1,007,316 |
(1)
Total assets are presented on a condensed consolidated basis and do not include intercompany receivable or payable activity between institutions and corporate and investments in subsidiaries.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.