UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE INC

Previous wording

As detailed in “Business - Regulatory Environment,” our institutions are subject to extensive regulatory requirements imposed by a wide range of federal and state agencies, as well as by our institutional accreditors. These requirements, which are subject to frequent change, cover virtually every aspect of our schools’ operations. The approvals granted by these entities permit our schools to operate and to participate in a variety of government-sponsored financial aid programs, including Title IV Programs and veterans’ programs, from which we derived approximately 78% of our revenues, on a cash basis, in fiscal year 2024. If our institutions fail to comply with any of these regulatory requirements, our regulators could take an array of actions, including, without limitation, issuing fines or penalties, requiring reimbursement for discharged loan obligations, requiring letter(s) of credit, halting certain business practices, or suspending or terminating our eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs. Any such action could adversely affect our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition, and could include the imposition of significant operating restrictions upon us. It could also result in negative publicity that could negatively affect student enrollment. We cannot predict with certainty how each regulatory body will apply its requirements or whether each of our schools will be able to comply with all of the requirements in the future.

Current wording

As detailed in “Business - Regulatory Environment,” our institutions are subject to extensive regulatory requirements imposed by a wide range of federal and state agencies, as well as by our institutional accreditors. These requirements, which are subject to frequent change, cover virtually every aspect of our schools’ operations. The approvals granted by these entities permit our schools to operate and to participate in a variety of government-sponsored financial aid programs, including Title IV Programs and veterans’ programs, from which we derived approximately 78% of our revenues, on a cash basis, in fiscal 2025. If our institutions fail to comply with any of these regulatory requirements, our regulators could take an array of actions, including, without limitation, issuing fines or penalties, requiring reimbursement for discharged loan obligations, requiring letter(s) of credit, halting certain business practices, or suspending or terminating our eligibility to participate in the Title IV Programs. Any such action could adversely affect our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition, and could include the imposition of significant operating restrictions upon us. It could also result in negative publicity that could negatively affect student enrollment. We cannot predict with certainty how each regulatory body will apply its requirements or whether each of our schools will be able to comply with all of the requirements in the future.

Previous wording

ED is almost continuously engaged in negotiated rulemakings, which is the process by which it revisits, revises, and expands the complex and voluminous Title IV Program regulations. These regulations also are frequently challenged through litigation, creating significant uncertainty as to when and what part of the regulations have taken effect, how they should be implemented, and how they will be interpreted and enforced. New Borrower Defense to Repayment, Financial Responsibility, or Gainful Employment regulations, in particular, may increase risks of financial liability or reputational harm. We devote significant effort to understanding the effects of these regulations on our business and to developing compliant solutions that also are congruent with our business, culture, and mission to serve our students and industry relationships. However, we cannot predict with certainty how these new and developing regulatory requirements will be applied or whether each of our schools will be able to comply with all of the requirements in the future. Significant negotiated rulemakings that could materially and adversely affect our business are discussed in “Business - Regulatory Environment - Title IV Program Rulemakings.”

Current wording

ED is almost continuously engaged in negotiated rulemakings, which is the process by which it revisits, revises, and expands the complex and voluminous Title IV Program regulations. These regulations also are frequently challenged through litigation, creating significant uncertainty as to when and what part of the regulations have taken effect, how they should be implemented, and how they will be interpreted and enforced. Borrower Defense to Repayment, Financial Responsibility, or Gainful Employment regulations, in particular, or rulemakings promulgated in response to OBBBA, may increase risks of financial liability or reputational harm. We devote significant effort to understanding the effects of these regulations on our business and to developing compliant solutions that also are congruent with our business, culture, and mission to serve our students and industry relationships. However, we cannot predict with certainty how these new and developing regulatory requirements will be applied or whether each of our schools will be able to comply with all of the requirements in the future. Significant negotiated rulemakings that could materially and adversely affect our business are discussed in “Business - Regulatory Environment - Title IV Program Rulemakings.”

Previous wording

Congress periodically revises the HEA and other laws, and enacts new laws, governing Title IV Programs and determining the funding level for each Title IV Program. Congress most recently reauthorized the HEA in 2008. Despite repeated attempts, Congress has not completed a full reauthorization since then. In addition to HEA reauthorization, policies directly related to Title IV Programs and funding for those programs may be impacted by the annual budget and appropriations process as well as by other legislation. Additionally, a shutdown of government agencies, such as ED, responsible for administering student financial aid programs under Title IV could lead to delays in student eligibility determinations and delays in origination and disbursement of government-funded student loans to our students. Any action by Congress that significantly affects Title IV Programs or the ability of our schools or students to receive funding through these programs or places restrictions on the use of funds received by an institution through these programs could have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition. Such action may occur during HEA reauthorization as part of separate technical amendments to the HEA or during Congress’ annual budget and appropriations cycle. These uncertainties could reduce our student population, revenues and/or profit margin.

Current wording

Congress periodically revises the HEA and other laws, and enacts new laws, governing Title IV Programs and determining the funding level for each Title IV Program. Congress most recently reauthorized the HEA in 2008 and, despite repeated attempts, has not completed a full reauthorization since then. In addition to HEA reauthorization, policies directly related to Title IV Programs and funding for those programs may be impacted by the annual budget and appropriations process as well as by other legislation. In this regard, on July 4, 2025, OBBBA was signed into law. Under OBBBA, Congress approved amendments to the HEA that, among other things, revised certain Title IV Programs, including provisions that condition the eligibility of educational programs upon compliance with earnings benchmarks that compare former students’ median earnings after completing a program to the median earnings of working adults with lesser credentials and other provisions that will limit or reduce the amount of Title IV Program funding that may be available to some higher education students. OBBBA also enacted regulatory changes to the “borrower defense to repayment” and “closed school loan discharge” regulations. The impact of these changes and other changes to the HEA enacted as part of OBBBA, and of related future regulatory and policy changes, is unknown at this time. Any action by Congress that significantly affects Title IV Programs or the ability of our schools or students to receive funding through these programs or places restrictions on the use of funds received by an institution through these programs could have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition. Such action may occur during HEA reauthorization as part of separate technical amendments to the HEA or during Congress’s annual budget and appropriations cycle. Additionally, a shutdown of government agencies responsible for administering student financial aid programs under Title IV, including ED, could lead to delays in student eligibility determinations and delays in origination and disbursement of government-funded student loans to our students. These uncertainties could reduce our student population, revenues and/or profit margin.

Previous wording

Over the last decade, Congress and state legislatures have focused significantly on for-profit education institutions, specifically regarding participation in Title IV Programs and DOD or VA oversight of tuition assistance for military service members attending for-profit colleges. Continued or increased Congressional activity could result in the enactment of more stringent legislation, further rulemakings affecting participation in Title IV Programs and other governmental actions, increasing regulation of the for-profit sector. In addition, concerns generated by this activity may adversely affect enrollment in for-profit educational institutions such as ours. Any laws that are adopted that limit our or our students’ participation in Title IV Programs or in programs to provide funds for active duty service members and veterans or the amount of student financial aid for which our students are eligible, or any decreases in enrollment related to the Congressional activity concerning this sector, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.

Current wording

In recent years, federal and state governments and agencies have focused significantly on for-profit education institutions, specifically regarding participation in Title IV Programs and DOD or VA oversight of tuition assistance for military service members attending for-profit colleges. Continued or increased Congressional activity could result in the enactment of more stringent legislation, further rulemakings affecting participation in Title IV Programs and other governmental actions, increasing regulation of the for-profit sector. In addition, concerns generated by this activity may adversely affect enrollment in for-profit educational institutions such as ours. Any laws that are adopted that limit our or our students’ participation in Title IV Programs or in programs to provide funds for active duty service members and veterans or the amount of student financial aid for which our students are eligible, or any decreases in enrollment related to the Congressional activity concerning this sector, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.

Previous wording

Because all Title IV Program student loans (other than Perkins loans) are now processed under the Direct Loan (“DL”) program, any disruption in our ability to process student loans through the DL program, either because of administrative challenges on our part or the inability of ED to process the increased volume of loans through the DL program on a timely basis, could impact our students’ ability to timely obtain their student loans and have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.

Current wording

Because all Title IV Program student loans (other than Perkins loans) are processed under the Direct Loan (“DL”) program, any disruption in our ability to process student loans through the DL program, either because of administrative challenges on our part or the inability of ED to process the increased volume of loans through the DL program on a timely basis, could impact our students’ ability to timely obtain their student loans and have a material adverse effect on our operations, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.

Previous wording

Because we operate in a highly regulated industry, we are subject to compliance reviews and claims of noncompliance by governmental regulatory agencies, accrediting agencies, and third parties alleging noncompliance with applicable standards. Each of our institutions’ administration of Title IV Program funds must be audited annually by independent accountants and the resulting audit report must be submitted to ED for review. Moreover, we may be subject to program reviews from ED, audits by the ED Office of Inspector General, or a compliance audit as a condition of participation in the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). We are also subject to various lawsuits, investigations and claims, covering a wide range of matters, including, but not limited to, alleged violations of federal and state laws, including consumer protection laws applicable to activities of postsecondary educational institutions, false claims made to the federal government and routine employment matters. We may also face borrower defense to repayment claims or complaints from students or prospective students. While we are committed to strict compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accrediting standards, if the results of government, regulatory or third party reviews or proceedings are unfavorable to us, or if we are unable to successfully defend against lawsuits or claims, we may be required to pay monetary damages, be held liable for a student’s discharged debt, or be subject to fines, limitations, loss of regulatory approvals or Title IV Program funding or other federal and state funding, injunctions or other penalties. We could also incur substantial legal costs that are not covered or are in excess of our insurance coverage. Even if we adequately address issues raised by an agency review or successfully defend a lawsuit or claim, we may have to divert significant financial and management resources from our ongoing business operations to address issues raised by those reviews or defend those lawsuits or claims. Additionally, given the significant public scrutiny being placed on the sector we operate in, numerous state attorneys general have initiated investigations of for-profit schools operating in their state. Changes occurring at the federal or state level, as well as our financial performance in recent years, may spur further action or additional reporting requirements by state attorneys general, Congressional leadership or state licensing bodies.

Current wording

Because we operate in a highly regulated industry, we are subject to compliance reviews and claims of noncompliance by governmental regulatory agencies, accrediting agencies, and third parties alleging noncompliance with applicable standards. Each of our institutions’ administration of Title IV Program funds must be audited annually by independent accountants, and the resulting audit report must be submitted to ED for review. Moreover, we may be subject to program reviews from ED, audits by the ED Office of Inspector General, or a compliance audit as a condition of participation in the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). We are also subject to various lawsuits, investigations and claims covering a wide range of matters, including, but not limited to, alleged violations of federal and state laws, including consumer protection laws applicable to activities of post-secondary educational institutions, false claims made to the federal government and routine employment matters. We may also face borrower defense to repayment claims or complaints from students or prospective students. While we are committed to strict compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accrediting standards, if the results of government, regulatory or third party reviews or proceedings are unfavorable to us, or if we are unable to successfully defend against lawsuits or claims, we may be required to pay monetary damages, be held liable for a student’s discharged debt, or be subject to fines, limitations, loss of regulatory approvals or Title IV Program funding or other federal and state funding, injunctions or other penalties. We could also incur substantial legal costs that are not covered or are in excess of our insurance coverage. Even if we adequately address issues raised by an agency review or successfully defend a lawsuit or claim, we may have to divert significant financial and management resources from our ongoing business operations to address issues raised by those reviews or defend those lawsuits or claims. Additionally, given the significant public scrutiny being placed on the sector we operate in, numerous state attorneys general have initiated investigations of for-profit schools operating in their state. Changes occurring at the federal or state level, as well as our financial performance in recent years, may spur further action or additional reporting requirements by state attorneys general, Congressional leadership or state licensing bodies.

Previous wording

The operations of companies in the education and training services industry, including us, are subject to intense regulatory scrutiny. In some cases, allegations of wrongdoing on the part of such companies have resulted in formal or informal investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the SEC, the FTC, state governmental agencies and attorneys general, ED and other federal agencies. These allegations have attracted adverse media coverage and have been the subject of legislative hearings and regulatory actions at both the federal and state levels, focusing not only on the individual schools but in some cases on the for-profit postsecondary education sector as a whole. These investigations of, or regulatory actions against, specific companies in the education and training services industry could have a negative impact on our industry as a whole and on our stock price. Furthermore, the outcome of such investigations and any accompanying adverse publicity could negatively affect student enrollment and heighten the risk of class action lawsuits against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our academic or operational initiatives, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.

Current wording

The operations of companies in the education and training services industry, including us, are subject to intense regulatory scrutiny. In some cases, allegations of wrongdoing on the part of such companies have resulted in formal or informal investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the SEC, the FTC, state governmental agencies and attorneys general, ED and other federal agencies. These allegations have attracted adverse media coverage and have been the subject of legislative hearings and regulatory actions at both the federal and state levels, focusing not only on the individual schools but in some cases on the for-profit post-secondary education sector as a whole. These investigations of, or regulatory actions against, specific companies in the education and training services industry could have a negative impact on our industry as a whole and on our stock price. Furthermore, the outcome of such investigations and any accompanying adverse publicity could negatively affect student enrollment and heighten the risk of class action lawsuits against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our academic or operational initiatives, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition.

Previous wording

Concorde offers students the opportunity to finance all or part of their education using institutional credit, including retail installment contracts. If such arrangements qualify as a “private education loan” under federal law, a multitude of regulations must be followed, including from ED and the CFPB. State attorneys general and other regulators also scrutinize such arrangements. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition, and could also result in negative publicity that could negatively affect student enrollment.

Current wording

UTI and Concorde offer students the opportunity to finance all or part of their education using institutional credit, including retail installment contracts. If such arrangements qualify as a “private education loan” under federal law, a multitude of regulations must be followed, including from ED and the CFPB. State attorneys general and other regulators also scrutinize such arrangements. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition, and could also result in negative publicity that could negatively affect student enrollment.

Previous wording

The postsecondary education regulatory environment has changed and may change in the future as a result of U.S. federal elections.

Current wording

The post-secondary education regulatory environment has changed and may change in the future as a result of U.S. federal elections.

Previous wording

The postsecondary education market is highly competitive. We continue to experience a high level of competition for higher quality students not only from similar programs, but also from the overall employment market and the military. Some traditional public and private colleges, universities and community colleges, as well as other private career-oriented schools, offer programs that may be perceived by students to be similar to ours. We compete with local community colleges for students seeking programs that are similar to ours, mainly due to local accessibility, low tuition rates and in certain cases free tuition. Most public institutions are able to charge lower tuition than our schools, due in part to government subsidies and other financial sources not available to for-profit schools.

Current wording

The post-secondary education market is highly competitive. We continue to experience a high level of competition for higher quality students not only from similar programs, but also from the overall employment market and the military. Some traditional public and private colleges, universities and community colleges, as well as other private career-oriented schools, offer programs that may be perceived by students to be similar to ours. We compete with local community colleges for students seeking programs that are similar to ours, mainly due to local accessibility, low tuition rates and in certain cases free tuition. Most public institutions are able to charge lower tuition than our schools, due in part to government subsidies and other financial sources not available to for-profit schools.

Previous wording

The proprietary loan program may also be subject to oversight by the CFPB, which could result in additional reporting requirements or increased scrutiny. Other proprietary postsecondary institutions have been subject to information requests from the CFPB with regard to their private student loan programs. The possibility of litigation, and the associated cost, are risks associated with the proprietary loan program. At least two other proprietary education institutions have been subject to lawsuits under the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010; the institutions are accused of having unfair private student loan programs and of allegedly engaging in certain abusive practices, including interfering with students' ability to understand their debt obligations and failing to provide certain material information.

Current wording

The proprietary loan program may also be subject to oversight by the CFPB, which could result in additional reporting requirements or increased scrutiny. Other proprietary post-secondary institutions have been subject to information requests from the CFPB with regard to their private student loan programs. The possibility of litigation, and the associated cost, are risks associated with the proprietary loan program. At least two other proprietary education institutions have been subject to lawsuits under the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010; the institutions are accused of having unfair private student loan programs and of allegedly engaging in certain abusive practices, including interfering with students' ability to understand their debt obligations and failing to provide certain material information.

Previous wording

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment, which might result from the deterioration in the operating performance of acquired businesses, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations and a variety of other circumstances. Any resulting impairment charge is recognized as an expense in the period in which impairment is identified. Our total recorded goodwill of $28.5 million as of September 30, 2024 resulted from our MMI, MIAT and Concorde acquisitions. We perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of August 1 of each fiscal year. Future assessments of goodwill could result in reductions. Any reduction in net income and operating income resulting from the write-down or impairment of goodwill could adversely affect our financial results. If economic or industry conditions deteriorate or if market valuations decline, including with respect to our common stock, we may be required to impair goodwill in future periods.

Current wording

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment, which might result from the deterioration in the operating performance of acquired businesses, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations and a variety of other circumstances. Any resulting impairment charge is recognized as an expense in the period in which impairment is identified. Our total recorded goodwill of $28.5 million as of September 30, 2025 resulted from our Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute, MIAT College of Technology and Concorde acquisitions. We perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of August 1 of each fiscal year. Future assessments of goodwill could result in reductions. Any reduction in net income and operating income resulting from the write-down or impairment of goodwill could adversely affect our financial results. If economic or industry conditions deteriorate or if market valuations decline, including with respect to our common stock, we may be required to impair goodwill in future periods.

Previous wording

We teach our UTI and Concorde programs at campus locations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Miramar, and Tampa, Florida, all areas that can experience tropical storms and hurricanes, severe storms, floods, coastal storms, tornadoes and power outages. We also have seven campus locations in California and seven campus locations in Texas, all in areas that have historically been susceptible to severe weather events or other natural disasters.

Current wording

We teach our UTI and Concorde programs at campus locations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Miramar, and Tampa, Florida, all areas that can experience tropical storms and hurricanes, severe storms, floods, coastal storms, tornadoes and power outages. We also have seven campus locations in California and six campus locations in Texas, all in areas that have historically been susceptible to severe weather events or other natural disasters.