Item 1. Financial Statements
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE
SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
June 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
66,987
$
75,992
Restricted cash
-
4,277
Accounts receivable, less allowance for credit losses of $ 39,355 and $ 34,441 at June 30 , 2024 and December 31,
2023 , respectively
43,581
35,692
Inventories
2,345
2,948
Prepaid income taxes and income taxes receivable
2,388
-
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
4,090
5,556
Assets held for sale
-
10,198
Total current assets
119,391
134,663
PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - At cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $ 142,957 and $ 140,161 at June 30 , 2024 and December 31,
2023 , respectively
59,495
50,857
OTHER ASSETS:
Noncurrent receivables, less allowance for credit losses of $ 18,876 and $ 19,370 at June 30 , 2024 and December 31,
2023 , respectively
17,058
17,504
Deferred finance charges
399
-
Deferred income taxes, net
22,796
23,217
Operating lease right-of-use assets
106,603
89,923
Finance lease right-of-use assets
27,580
15,797
Goodwill
10,742
10,742
Other assets, net
1,372
1,787
Pension plan assets, net
943
759
Total other assets
187,493
159,729
TOTAL ASSETS
$
366,379
$
345,249
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
2
Index
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
June 30,
December 31,
2024
2023
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Unearned tuition
$
24,328
$
26,906
Accounts payable
19,001
18,152
Accrued expenses
11,611
13,713
Income taxes payable
-
2,832
Current portion of operating lease liabilities
11,952
11,737
Current portion of finance lease liabilities
-
70
Total current liabilities
66,892
73,410
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities
105,929
88,853
Long-term portion of finance lease liabilities
28,702
16,126
Other long-term liabilities
-
56
Total liabilities
201,523
178,445
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value - authorized 100,000,000 shares at June 30 , 2024 and December 31,
2023 , issued and outstanding 31,490,839
shares at June 30 , 2024
and 31,359,110 shares at December 31, 2023 .
48,181
48,181
Additional paid-in capital
48,328
49,380
Retained earnings
68,383
69,279
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 36
)
( 36
)
Total stockholders’ equity
164,856
166,804
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
366,379
$
345,249
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
3
Index
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF
OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
REVENUE
$
102,914
$
88,646
$
206,281
$
175,929
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities
45,561
40,030
88,584
78,123
Selling, general and administrative
57,865
51,814
118,359
102,119
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
604
( 30,933
)
913
( 30,933
)
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets
-
4,220
-
4,220
Total costs & expenses
104,030
65,131
207,856
153,529
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME
( 1,116
)
23,515
( 1,575
)
22,400
OTHER:
Interest income
638
547
1,336
1,013
Interest expense
( 667
)
( 28
)
( 1,234
)
( 53
)
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
( 1,145
)
24,034
( 1,473
)
23,360
(BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
( 463
)
6,784
( 577
)
6,219
NET (LOSS) INCOME
$
( 682
)
$
17,250
$
( 896
)
$
17,141
Basic
Net (loss) income per common share
$
( 0.02
)
$
0.57
$
( 0.03
)
$
0.57
Diluted
Net (loss) income per common share
$
( 0.02
)
$
0.57
$
( 0.03
)
$
0.57
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic
30,660
30,140
30,481
30,090
Diluted
30,660
30,397
30,481
30,333
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
4
Index
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net (loss) income
$
( 682
)
$
17,250
$
( 896
)
$
17,141
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Employee pension plan adjustments, net of taxes ( nil )
-
( 5
)
-
( 53
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
$
( 682
)
$
17,245
$
( 896
)
$
17,088
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
5
Index
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
CHANGES IN
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Stockholders’ Equity
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Loss
Total
BALANCE - January 1, 2024
31,359,110
$
48,181
$
49,380
$
69,279
$
( 36
)
$
166,804
Net loss
-
-
-
( 214
)
-
( 214
)
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock
400,212
-
1,059
-
-
1,059
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
( 315,611
)
-
( 3,156
)
-
-
( 3,156
)
BALANCE - March 31, 2024
31,443,711
48,181
47,283
69,065
( 36
)
164,493
Net loss
-
-
-
( 682
)
-
( 682
)
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock
47,128
-
1,045
-
-
1,045
BALANCE - June 30, 2024
31,490,839
$
48,181
$
48,328
$
68,383
$
( 36
)
$
164,856
Stockholders’ Equity
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Common Stock
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Loss
Total
BALANCE - January 1, 2023
31,147,925
$
49,072
$
45,540
$
51,225
$
( 960
)
$
144,877
Net cumulative effect from adoption of ASC 326
(a)
-
-
-
( 7,943
)
-
( 7,943
)
Net loss
-
-
-
( 109
)
-
( 109
)
Employee pension plan adjustments
-
-
-
-
( 48
)
( 48
)
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock
652,042
-
812
-
-
812
Share repurchase
( 104,030
)
( 556
)
-
-
-
( 556
)
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
( 297,380
)
-
( 1,779
)
-
-
( 1,779
)
BALANCE - March 31, 2023
31,398,557
48,516
44,573
43,173
( 1,008
)
135,254
Net income
-
-
-
17,250
-
17,250
Employee pension plan adjustments
-
-
-
-
( 5
)
( 5
)
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock
61,257
-
2,576
-
-
2,576
Share repurchase
( 61,034
)
( 335
)
-
-
-
( 335
)
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
( 39,670
)
-
( 275
)
-
-
( 275
)
BALANCE - June 30, 2023
31,359,110
$
48,181
$
46,874
$
60,423
$
( 1,013
)
$
154,465
(a) Net cumulative adjustment to equity based on the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 Financial Instruments-Credit Losses. See Note 12 to the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
6
Index
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS
OF
CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net (loss) income
$
( 896
)
$
17,141
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
5,501
2,932
Finance lease amortization
787
-
Amortization of deferred finance charges
57
-
Deferred income taxes
421
-
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
913
( 30,933
)
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets
-
4,220
Fixed asset donations
( 178
)
( 207
)
Provision for credit losses
25,537
18,600
Stock-based compensation expense
2,104
3,388
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable
( 32,977
)
( 16,923
)
Inventories
603
63
Prepaid income taxes and income taxes payable
( 5,220
)
4,040
Prepaid expenses and current assets
1,154
( 1,152
)
Other assets, net
806
1,194
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable
( 472
)
5,646
Accrued expenses
( 2,069
)
3,694
Unearned tuition
( 2,578
)
( 1,226
)
Other liabilities
( 92
)
( 74
)
Total adjustments
( 5,703
)
( 6,738
)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
( 6,599
)
10,403
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures
( 12,725
)
( 10,901
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
9,718
33,310
Proceeds from short-term investment
-
14,758
Purchase of short-term investment
-
( 24,344
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
( 3,007
)
12,823
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payment of deferred finance fees
( 456
)
-
Finance lease principal paid
( 64
)
-
Share repurchase
-
( 891
)
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation
( 3,156
)
( 2,054
)
Net cash used in financing activities
( 3,676
)
( 2,945
)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
( 13,282
)
20,281
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH—Beginning of period
80,269
50,287
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH—End of period
$
66,987
$
70,568
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
7
Index
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Six
Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for:
Interest
$
1,063
$
94
Income taxes
$
4,221
$
2,169
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Liabilities accrued for or noncash additions of fixed assets
$
2,041
$
1,094
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).
8
Index
LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 AND 2023
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise stated)
(Unaudited)
1.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Business Activities — Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high
school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 22 campuses in 13 states, offers programs in skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding, computerized numerical control and electrical and electronic systems technology, among other
programs), automotive technology, healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant, and medical administrative assistant, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology, and
aesthetics), and information technology. The schools operate under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Culinary Institute, Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences, and associated brand names. Most of the
campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are
destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are
nationally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions, which allow students to apply for and access
federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid.
Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such regulations. These financial statements,
which should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2023 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and related disclosures of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2023 (“Form 10-K”), reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results of
operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 .
Since January 1, 2023 , the Company’s business has been
organized into two reportable business segments: (a) Campus Operations; and (b) Transitional. The Campus Operations segment includes
campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company’s core operations and performance. The Transitional segment refers to campuses that have been marked for closure and are being taught-out. As of June 30,
2024, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. During the prior year, the Company’s Somerville, Massachusetts campus
was classified in the Transitional segment. It was fully taught out as of December 31, 2023 .
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with
consolidated results are included in the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.
The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial
Statements – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates and assumptions,
including those used to determine the incremental borrowing rate to calculate lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, lease term to calculate lease cost, revenue recognition, bad debts, impairments, useful lives of fixed assets, income
taxes, benefit plans and certain accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting
Pronouncements – In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting
Standard Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting ( Topic 280 ): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures , which
provides updates to qualitative and quantitative reportable segment disclosure requirements, including enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and increased interim disclosure requirements, among others. The amendments in ASU
2023-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendments should be applied retrospectively. We are
currently evaluating the impact this ASU may have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
9
Index
In December 2023 , the FASB issued ASU No.
2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740 ): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASC 740”). 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 the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated (1) by federal, state and foreign taxes, and (2) by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid is equal or greater than 5 percent of total income taxes paid. The
amendment also requires 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 do not expect this ASU will have a material impact on our Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements .
Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740. This statement requires an asset and a liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary
differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for years in which taxes are expected to be paid or recovered.
In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not
unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC
740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax
assets, the Company considers, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be
implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and/or tax
returns. Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Position or Results of Operations. Changes in, among other things, income
tax legislation, statutory income tax rates or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods .
We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the six months ended June 30, 2024 and
2023, we did no t record any interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions, as we do no t have any uncertain tax positions.
2.
NET LOSS (INCOME) PER COMMON SHARE
Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”)
are determined in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings per Share , which specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for EPS. Basic EPS excludes all dilutive Common Stock
equivalents. It is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS, as calculated using the treasury stock method, reflects the potential dilution that would occur if our dilutive outstanding stock
options and stock awards were issued.
The weighted average
number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted loss per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
June 30 ,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Basic shares outstanding
30,659,878
30,140,221
30,480,677
30,090,113
Dilutive effect of stock options
-
257,087
-
243,382
Diluted shares outstanding
30,659,878
30,397,308
30,480,677
30,333,495
10
Index
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, options to acquire
246,537 shares and 207,882
shares, respectively, were
excluded from the above table because the Company reported a net loss for the three and six months and therefore their impact on reported earnings per share would have been antidilutive.
3.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Substantially all of our revenues are considered to be revenues from our contracts with students. The related accounts receivable balances are
recorded on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as student accounts receivable. We do not have significant revenue recognized from performance obligations that were satisfied in prior periods, and we do not have any transaction price allocated
to unsatisfied performance obligations other than in our unearned tuition. We record revenue for students who withdraw from our schools only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized
will not occur. Unearned tuition represents contract liabilities primarily related to our tuition revenue. We have elected not to provide disclosure about transaction prices allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations if original contract
durations are less than one year, or if we have the right to consideration from a student in an amount that corresponds directly with the value provided to the student for performance obligations completed to date in accordance with ASU No. 2014-09,
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).We have assessed the costs incurred to obtain a contract with a student and determined them to be immaterial.
Unearned tuition in the amounts of $ 24.3
million and $ 26.9 million are recorded as current liabilities in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2024
and December 31, 2023, respectively. The change in this contract liability balance during the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 is the result of payments received in advance of satisfying performance obligations, offset by revenue recognized
during that period. Revenue recognized for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year was $ 25.8 million.
The following table depicts the timing of revenue recognition:
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
Six months ended June 30, 2024
Campus
Operations
Transitional
Consolidated
Campus
Operations
Transitional
Consolidated
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Services transferred at a point in time
$
7,006
$
-
$
7,006
$
12,754
$
-
$
12,754
Services transferred over time
95,908
-
95,908
193,527
-
193,527
Total revenues
$
102,914
$
-
$
102,914
$
206,281
$
-
$
206,281
Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Six months ended June 30, 2023
Campus
Operations
Transitional
Consolidated
Campus
Operations
Transitional
Consolidated
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Services transferred at a point in time
$
5,895
$
3
$
5,898
$
10,595
$
12
$
10,607
Services transferred over time
82,318
430
82,748
163,970
1,352
165,322
Total revenues
$
88,213
$
433
$
88,646
$
174,565
$
1,364
$
175,929
4.
LEASES
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company considers any contract where there is an identified asset as to which
the Company has the right to control its use in determining whether the contract contains a lease. An operating lease ROU asset represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its
obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are to be recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As all of the Company’s operating
leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available on the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We estimate the incremental borrowing rate
based on a yield curve analysis, utilizing the interest rate derived from the fair value analysis of our credit facility and adjusting it for factors that appropriately reflect the profile of secured borrowing over the expected term of the lease.
The operating lease ROU assets include any lease payments made prior to the rent commencement date and exclude lease incentives. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 21 years . Lease terms may include options to
extend the lease term used in determining the lease obligation when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating
leases.
11
Index
On September 28, 2023, the Company purchased a 90,000
square foot property located at 311 Veterans Highway, Levittown, Pennsylvania for approximately $ 10.2 million and subsequently on
January 30, 2024 entered into a sale-leaseback transaction for this property. As of December 31, 2023, this property was classified as held-for-sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the sale was consummated in the first
quarter of the current year.
On October 18, 2023, the Company entered into a lease for approximately 120,000 square feet of space to serve as the Company’s new campus in Nashville, Tennessee. The lease term commenced on November 1, 2023, with an initial lease term of 15 years . The lease contains two five-year renewal options.
On October 31, 2023, the Company entered into a lease for approximately 100,000 square feet of space to serve as the Company’s new campus in Houston, Texas. The lease term commenced on January 2, 2024, with an initial lease term of 21 years and 6 months . The lease contains three
five-year renewal options.
The following table presents
components of lease cost and classification on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Three Months Ended
June30,
Six Months Ended
June30,
in thousands
Consolidated Statement of Operations Classification
2024
2023
2024
2023
Operating Lease Cost
Selling, general and administrative
$
4,819
$
4,883
$
9,619
$
9,755
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets
Depreciation and amortization
418
-
787
-
Interest on lease Liabilities
Interest expense
552
-
1,039
-
Variable lease cost
Selling, general and administrative
88
66
176
133
$
5,877
$
4,949
$
11,621
$
9,888
The net change in ROU asset and finance lease liability is split between principal payments, interest expense and amortization expense. Principal payments are classified in the
financing section, interest expense and amortization expense are broken out separately in the operating section of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Supplemental
cash flow information and non-cash activity related to our leases are as follows :
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Cash flow information:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating Cash Flows - operating leases
$
4,515
$
4,278
$
9,010
$
8,196
Operating Cash Flows - finance leases
$
552
$
-
$
1,039
$
-
Financing Cash Flows - finance leases
$
107
$
-
$
64
$
-
Non-cash activity:
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets
Operating leases
$
6,681
$
-
$
22,395
$
2,142
Finance leases
$
-
$
-
$
12,570
$
-
During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company entered into one new operating lease and three lease modifications that resulted in a noncash re-measurement of the
related ROU asset and operating lease liability of $ 22.4 million. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company
entered into one finance lease that resulted in a noncash re-measurement of the related ROU asset and finance lease liability of $ 12.6 million.
12
Index
Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for our leases are as follows:
As of
June 30,
2024
2023
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Operating leases
12.11
years
11.13
years
Finance leases
16.83 years
-
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases
6.74
%
6.92
%
Finance leases
7.71
%
-
Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year for our leases as of June 30, 2024, are as follows:
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
Year ending December 31,
2024 (excluding the six months ending June 30, 2024)
$
9,043
$
557
2025
19,518
506
2026
17,237
2,817
2027
14,402
2,917
2028
14,285
3,023
2029
11,955
3,132
Thereafter
85,105
43,418
Total lease payments
171,545
56,370
Less: imputed interest
( 53,664
)
( 27,668
)
Present value of lease liabilities
$
117,881
$
28,702
5.
GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company reviews the carrying value of
its long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles annually, or more frequently if necessary, for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If the Company determines
that an asset’s carrying value is impaired, it will record a write-down of the carrying value of the asset and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made. For other long-lived assets, including
ROU lease assets, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets,
the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.
When we perform the quantitative impairment
test for long-lived assets, we examine estimated future cash flows using Level 3 inputs. These cash flows are evaluated by using weighted probability techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be
evaluated by identifying independent market values.
For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 , there were no impairments relating to goodwill or long lived assets. On June 8, 2023, the Company consummated the sale of its Nashville, Tennessee property. As a result of the
sale, there was a change in the trajectory of the fair value of the Nashville, Tennessee operations, and as such, the Company recorded a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $ 3.8 million relating to goodwill and an additional $ 0.4 million
impairment relating to long-lived assets during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. Both charges were related to the Nashville, Tennessee property.
13
Index
The carrying amount of goodwill on June 30, 2024 and 2023 was as follows:
Gross
Goodwill
Balance
Accumulated
Impairment
Losses
Net
Goodwill
Balance
Balance as of January 1, 2024
$
117,176
$
( 106,434
)
$
10,742
Adjustments
-
-
-
Balance as of June 30 , 2024
$
117,176
$
( 106,434
)
$
10,742
Gross
Goodwill
Balance
Accumulated
Impairment
Losses
Net
Goodwill
Balance
Balance as of January 1, 2023
$
117,176
$
( 102,640
)
$
14,536
Adjustments
-
( 3,794
)
( 3,794
)
Balance as of June 30 , 2023
$
117,176
$
( 106,434
)
$
10,742
6.
LONG-TERM DEBT
Credit Facility
On February 16, 2024, the Company entered into a secured credit agreement (the “Fifth Third Credit Agreement”) with Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), pursuant to
which the Company, as borrower, obtained a revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $ 40.0 million including a $ 10.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $ 20.0
million accordion feature (the “Facility”), the proceeds of which are to be used for working capital, general corporate and certain other permitted purposes. The Facility is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and is secured by
a first priority lien in favor of the Bank on substantially all of the personal property owned by the Company and its subsidiaries. The term of the Facility is 36 months , maturing on February 16, 2027 .
Each advance under the Facility will bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the date when made at an interest rate determined at the election of the Company
at either the Tranche Rate (which is the forward-looking Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for one or three months ), or the Base Rate (which is a variable per annum rate, as of any date of determination, equal to the Bank’s Prime Rate), plus an
Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin is determined pursuant to a Pricing Grid, which for loans subject to the Tranche Rate varies from 1.75 %
to 2.50 % and for loans subject to the Base Rate varies from 0.75 % to 1.50 %. The Applicable Margin may change quarterly
based on the Total Leverage Ratio at such time. The Total Leverage Ratio is determined with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for an applicable quarterly period by dividing the aggregate principal amount of
various forms of borrowed indebtedness as of the last day of a determination period by EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for such period. Interest is paid in arrears, either quarterly or monthly depending on the Company’s interest rate election, with the principal due at maturity.
Under the terms of the Fifth Third Credit
Agreement, the Company will pay to the Bank an unused facility fee on the average daily unused balance of the Facility at a rate per annum equal to 0.50 %,
which fee is payable in arrears on dates when interest is due and payable. The Company will also pay to the Bank a letter of credit fee equal to the Applicable Margin for loans subject to the Tranche Rate multiplied by the maximum amount
available to be drawn under such letter of credit.
The Fifth Third Credit Agreement contains
customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, as well as events of default customary for facilities of this type. In connection with the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, the Company paid the Bank a closing fee in the
amount of $ 200,000 and other customary fees and reimbursements.
On July 18, 2024, the Company entered into a first amendment of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement (“the Amendment”). Among other things, the Amendment contains
certain modifications to (i) clarify certain representations and affirmative covenants of the Company, (ii) clarify certain conditions to each advance, (iii) clarify and/or replace certain events of default and (iv) delete or revise certain
definitions in order to harmonize them with the other modifications made. The Amendment also contains customary releases, representations and warranties and reaffirmations consistent with the original terms of the Credit Agreement
As of June 30, 2024, there was no debt outstanding under the Facility.
14
Index
7.
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors and have the right to
one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. The Company has no t declared or paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock since the Company’s Board of Directors discontinued our quarterly cash dividend program in February 2015. The Company currently
has no intention to pay cash dividends to holders of Common Stock in the foreseeable future.
Restricted Stock
The Company currently has only one
active stock incentive plan: the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “LTIP”).
LTIP
On March 26, 2020, the Board of Directors adopted the LTIP to provide an incentive to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the
Company to align their interests in the Company’s success with those of its shareholders through the grant of equity-based awards. On June 16, 2020, the shareholders of the Company approved the LTIP. The LTIP is administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors, or such other qualified committee appointed by the Board of Directors, which will, among other duties, have the full power and authority to take all actions and make all determinations required or provided for
under the LTIP. Pursuant to the LTIP, the Company may grant options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. Under the LTIP, employees may surrender shares as
payment of applicable income tax withholding on the vested Restricted Stock. The LTIP has a duration of 10 years. On February 23, 2023,
the Board of Directors approved, subject to shareholder approval, an amendment of the LTIP to increase the aggregate number of shares available under the LTIP from 2,000,000 shares to 4,000,000 shares. The amendment was approved and adopted
by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 5, 2023.
For the three and six
months ended June 30, 2024, the Company completed a net share settlement of zero shares and 315,611 shares, respectively, compared to 39,670 shares and 297,380 shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The net share settlement was performed on behalf of certain employees
that participate in the LTIP upon the vesting of the restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the LTIP. The net share settlement was in connection with income taxes incurred on restricted shares that vested and were transferred to the
employees during 2024 and/or 2023, creating taxable income for the employees. At the employees’ request, the Company paid these taxes on behalf of the employees in exchange for the employees returning an equivalent value of restricted shares to
the Company. These transactions resulted in a decreases of zero and $ 3.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $ 0.3 million and $ 1.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. These
transactions resulted in a decrease to equity on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as the cash payment of the taxes effectively was a repurchase of the restricted shares granted in previous years.
The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to Restricted Stock:
Shares
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value Per Share
Nonvested Restricted Stock outstanding at December 31, 2023
1,398,675
$
5.16
Granted
454,937
9.81
Canceled
( 7,597
)
7.68
Vested
( 851,353
)
6.33
Nonvested Restricted Stock outstanding at June 30 , 2024
994,662
$
7.99
The Restricted Stock expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $ 1.0 million and $ 2.1 million,
respectively, compared to $ 2.6 million and $ 3.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The unrecognized Restricted Stock expense as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $ 6.7 million and $ 4.3 million, respectively. As of June 30,
2024, the outstanding shares of Restricted Stock had an aggregate intrinsic value of $ 11.8 million.
15
Index
Share Repurchase
Plan
On May 24, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
authorized a share repurchase program of up to $ 30.0 million of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock. The repurchase program was
authorized for 12 months . Pursuant to the program, purchases may be made, from time to time, in open-market transactions at
prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means as determined by the Company’s management and in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing of purchases and the number of shares repurchased
under the program depend on a variety of factors including price, trading volume, corporate and regulatory requirements and market conditions. The Company retains the right to limit, terminate or extend the share repurchase program at any time
without prior notice.
On February 27, 2023, the Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program for an additional 12 months and authorized the repurchase of an additional $ 10.0 million of the
Company’s Common Stock, for an aggregate of up to $ 30.6 million in additional repurchases.
On May 7, 2024, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized an extension of the share repurchase
program for an additional twelve months through May 24, 2025. The Company did no t repurchase any additional shares in the three months ended June 30, 2024 and has approximately $ 29.7 million remaining for repurchases under the program. Since inception of the program, the Company has made repurchases of approximately 1.7 million shares of the Company’s Common Stock at an average share price of $ 5.95 for an aggregate expenditure of approximately $ 10.3
million.
The following table presents information about our repurchases of Common Stock, all
of which were completed through open market purchases:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
(in thousands, except share data)
2024
2023
2024
2023
Total number of shares repurchased 1
-
61,034
-
165,064
Total cost of shares repurchased
$
-
$
335
$
-
$
891
1 These shares were subsequently canceled and recorded as a reduction of Common Stock.
8.
INCOME TAXES
The benefit for income taxes was $ 0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a provision for taxes of $ 6.8
million in the prior year comparable period. The benefit in the current quarter was driven by a pre-tax loss, including a discrete item. The provision in prior year was due to the sale of the Nashville, Tennessee property, which drove an
increase in the Company’s pre-tax income.
The benefit for income taxes was $ 0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a provision for taxes of $ 6.2
million in the prior year comparable period. The benefit in the current year was driven by a pre-tax loss, including a discrete item. The provision in the prior year was due to the sale of the Nashville, Tennessee property, which drove an
increase in the Company’s pre-tax income.
9.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
There are no material developments relating to previously disclosed legal proce edings. See the “Legal Proceedings” section of the Company ’s Form 10-K and previous Form 10-Qs for information
regarding existing legal proceedings. Additionally, see “Regulatory Updates” for additional information concerning the status of Borrower Defense to Repayment applications.
In the ordinary conduct of its business, the Company is subject to certain lawsuits, investigations and claims,
including but not limited to claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Although the Company cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against it, the
Company does not believe that any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
16
Index
10.
SEGMENTS
As of January 1, 2023, the Company’s business has been organized into two reportable
business segments: (a) Campus Operations; and (b) Transitional.These segments are defined below:
Campus Operations – The Campus Operations segment includes campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company’s core operations and performance.
Transitional – The Transitional segment refers to campuses that have been marked for closure and are being taught out. As of June 30, 2024, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. During the prior year, the Company’s Somerville, Massachusetts campus was classified in the Transitional segment . It was fully taught out as of
December 31, 2023.
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are
included in the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.
Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
Revenue
Operating Income (Loss)
2024
% of
Total
2023
% of
Total
2024
2023
Campus Operations
$
102,914
100.0
%
$
88,213
99.5
%
$
9,630
$
4,169
Transitional
-
0.0
%
433
0.5
%
-
( 482
)
Corporate
-
0.0
%
-
0.0
%
( 10,746
)
19,828
Total
$
102,914
100.0
%
$
88,646
100.0
%
$
( 1,116
)
$
23,515
For the Six
Months Ended June 30,
Revenue
Operating income (Loss)
2024
% of
Total
2023
% of
Total
2024
2023
Campus Operations
$
206,281
100.0
%
$
174,565
99.2
%
$
21,954
$
14,278
Transitional
-
0.0
%
1,364
0.8
%
-
( 679
)
Corporate
-
-
( 23,529
)
8,801
Total
$
206,281
100.0
%
$
175,929
100.0
%
$
( 1,575
)
$
22,400
Total Assets
June 30,
2024
December 31, 2023
Campus Operations
$
267,676
$
234,940
Transitional
-
262
Corporate
98,703
110,047
Total
$
366,379
$
345,249
11.
FAIR VALUE
The accounting
framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those
measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers:
Level 1: Defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active,
model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
17
Index
Level 3: Defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The Company measures the fair value of money market funds and treasury bills using Level 1 inputs. Pricing sources may
include industry standard data providers, security master files from large financial institutions and other third-party sources used to determine a daily market value.
The following charts reflect the fair market
value of cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
June 30, 2024
Carrying
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Amount
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund
$
53,663
$
53,663
$
-
$
-
$
53,663
Total cash equivalents and short-term investments
$
53,663
$
53,663
$
-
$
-
$
53,663
December 31, 2023
Carrying
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Amount
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Total
Cash equivalents:
Money market fund
$
9,037
$
9,037
$
-
$
-
$
9,037
Treasury bill
20,343
20,343
-
-
20,343
Total cash equivalents and short-term investments
$
29,380
$
29,380
$
-
$
-
$
29,380
The carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash
equivalents, short-term investments, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accrued expenses and other short-term liabilities, approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.
12.
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, Veterans Administration and other military funding and grants, private and institutional scholarships and cash payments. Cash receipts from government-related sources are typically received during the current academic term. Students
who have not applied for any type of financial aid generally set up a payment plan with the institution and make payments on a monthly basis as per the terms of the payment plan. A student receivable balance is written off when deemed uncollectable, which is typically once a student is out of
school and there has been no payment activity on the account for 150 days . If, however, the student does remit a payment during
this time period, the 150-day policy for write-off starts again until either (1) the student continues making payments, or (2) the
student does not make any additional payments after which the student receivable balance is written off after 150 days .
Effective
January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” commonly known as “CECL.” On the January 1, 2023 date of adoption, based on forecasts of
macroeconomic conditions and exposures at that time, the aggregate impact to the Company resulted in an opening balance sheet adjustment increasing the allowance for credit losses related to the Company’s accounts receivables of approximately $ 10.8 million, a decrease in retained earnings of $ 7.9
million, after-tax and a deferred tax asset increase of $ 2.9 million.
18
Index
Students
enroll ed in the Company’s programs are provided with a variety of funding
resources, including financial aid, grants , scholarships and private loans. A fter exhausting all fund options , if the student is still in need
of additional financing, the Company may offer an institutional loan as a lender of last resort. Institutional loan terms are pre-determined at enrollment and are not typically restructured .
Our
standard student receivable allowance is based on an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses on student receivables that considers vintages of receivables to determine a loss rate. In considering lifetime credit losses, if the expected life goes
beyond the Company’s reasonable ability to forecast, the Company then reverts back to historical loss experience as an indicator of collections. In determining the expected credit losses for the period, student receivables were disaggregated and
pooled into two different categories to refine the calculation. Other information considered included external factors outside the Company’s control, which included, but was not limited to, the effects of COVID-19. Given that collection history
during the pandemic was not considered to be a reliable indicator of a student’s repayment history, the Company adjusted the historical loss calculation by normalizing the financial data relating to that time period. Our estimation methodology
further considered 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, student status, changes in the current economic condition, 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.
Student
Receivables
The
Company has student receivables that are due greater than 12 months from the date of our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the amount of non-current student receivables under payment plans that is
longer than 12 months in duration, net of allowance for credit losses, was $ 17.1 million and $ 17.5 million, respectively.
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of student receivables as of June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, by year of origination.
As of June 30,
2024
2023
Student
Student
Year
Receivables (1)
Year
Receivables (1)
2024
$
69,463
2023
$
53,823
2023
23,768
2022
20,331
2022
9,450
2021
8,865
2021
5,309
2020
3,935
2020
2,254
2019
2,662
Prior
2,139
Prior
1,545
Total
$
112,383
Total
$
91,161
(1)
Student receivables are presented on a gross basis from the
individual students. The total receivable amount above excludes federal subsidies reflected on the students’ accounts but not yet received from the government. Also, it excludes all receivables
from corporate partnerships, which are otherwise included under accounts receivable in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
19
Index
The following table presents write-off amounts during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023,
respectively, based on the student ’ s school departure year.
June 30, 2024
June 30, 2023
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
Year
Write-Offs
Write-Offs
Year
Write-Offs
Write-Offs
2024
$
-
$
-
2023
$
-
$
-
2023
10,171
18,024
2022
7,916
14,246
2022
744
1,865
2021
939
2,027
2021
273
707
2020
210
385
2020
143
298
2019
178
387
Prior
102
223
Prior
96
159
Total
$
11,433
$
21,117
Total
$
9,339
$
17,204
The Company does not utilize or maintain data pertaining to student credit
information.
Allowance
for Credit Losses
We define student receivables as a portfolio segment under ASC Topic 326 . Changes in our current and non-current allowance for credit losses related to our student receivable
portfolio are calculated in accordance with the guidance effective January 1, 2023 under CECL for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Balance, beginning of period
$
56,339
$
46,599
$
53,811
$
35,370
Cumulative effect of ASC 326
-
-
10,841
Adjusted beginning of period balance
56,339
46,599
53,811
46,211
Provision for credit losses
13,325
10,347
25,537
18,600
Write-off’s
( 11,433
)
( 9,339
)
( 21,117
)
( 17,204
)
Balance, at end of period
$
58,231
$
47,607
$
58,231
$
47,607
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 receivable, since observable market data is not readily available and no reasonable estimation methodology exists.
20
Index
Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries unless the
context indicates otherwise.
The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company, our business, prospects, and our results of operations that are subject to certain
risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects, and results of operations to differ materially from those that may be anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Such statements may be
identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” or similar words and include, without limitation, statements relating to future enrollment,
revenues, revenues per student, earnings growth, operating expenses, capital expenditures, and the effect of pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its ultimate effect on the Company’s business and results. These statements are based on the
Company’s current expectations and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Additional factors that could cause or contribute to differences between our actual results and those anticipated include, but are not limited to,
those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake
no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this Form 10-Q and in our other
reports filed with the SEC that advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.
21
Index
As of January 1, 2023, the Company’s business has been organized into two reportable business segments: (a) Campus Operations; and (b) Transitional. The Campus Operations segment includes
campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company’s core operations and performance. The Transitional segment refers to campuses that have been marked for closure and are being taught out. As of
June 30, 2024, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. During the prior year, the Company’s Somerville, Massachusetts campus was classified in the Transitional segment. It was fully taught out as of December 31, 2023.
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are included in the caption “Corporate,” which
primarily includes unallocated corporate activity. The interim financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the discussions contained herein should be read in
conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K, which includes audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2023.
General
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our”, and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented
post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 22 campuses in 13 states, offers programs in skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding, computerized numerical control and
electrical and electronic systems technology, among other programs), automotive technology, healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant, and medical administrative assistant, among other programs), hospitality services (which include
culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology, and aesthetics), and information technology. The schools operate under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Culinary Institute, Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and
Sciences, and associated brand names. Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United
States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial
aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education (“DOE”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions, which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
For a description of our critical accounting policies and estimates, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K and Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.
Allowance for Credit Losses
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic
326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments . As a result of the adoption, the Company has revised the way in which it calculates reserves on outstanding student accounts receivable balances. Details considered by
management in the estimate include the following:
We extend 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. Our standard student receivable allowance is based on an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses
for student receivables that considers vintages of receivables to determine a loss rate. 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.
22
Index
Management makes a series of assumptions to determine what is believed to be the appropriate level of allowance for credit losses. Management determines a reasonable
and supportable forecast based on the expectation of future conditions over a supportable forecast period, as described above, as well as qualitative adjustments based on current and future conditions that may not be fully captured in the
historical modeling factors described above. All of these estimates are susceptible to significant change.
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.
Because a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from Title IV Programs, any legislative or regulatory action that significantly reduces the funding available
under Title IV Programs, or the ability of our students or institutions to participate in Title IV Programs, would likely have a material impact on the realizability of our receivables.
We do not believe that there is any direct correlation between tuition increases, the credit we extend to students and our financing commitments. The extended financing
plans we offer to our students are made on a student-by-student basis and are predominantly a function of the specific student’s financial condition. We only extend credit to the extent there is a financing gap between the tuition and fees charged
for the program and the amount of grants, loans and parental loans each student receives. Each student’s funding requirements are unique. Factors that determine the amount of aid available to a student include whether they are dependent or
independent students, Pell Grants awarded, federal Direct Loans awarded, PLUS loans awarded to parents and the student’s personal resources and family contributions. As a result, it is extremely difficult to predict the number of students that will
need us to extend credit to them.
Because a substantial portion of our revenues is derived from Title IV Programs, any legislative or regulatory action that significantly reduces the funding available
under Title IV Programs or the ability of our students or schools to participate in Title IV Programs could have a material effect on the realizability of our receivables.
Effect of Inflation
Inflation has not had a material effect on our operations.
Results of Continuing Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
The following table sets forth selected Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Costs and expenses:
Educational services and facilities
44.3
%
45.2
%
42.9
%
44.4
%
Selling, general and administrative
56.2
%
58.5
%
57.4
%
58.0
%
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
0.6
%
-34.9
%
0.4
%
-17.6
%
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets
0.0
%
4.8
%
0.0
%
2.4
%
Total costs and expenses
101.1
%
73.5
%
100.8
%
87.3
%
Operating (loss) income
-1.1
%
26.5
%
-0.8
%
12.7
%
Interest income, net
0.0
%
0.6
%
0.0
%
0.5
%
(Loss) income from operations before income taxes
-1.1
%
27.1
%
-0.7
%
13.3
%
(Benefit) provision for income taxes
-0.4
%
7.7
%
-0.3
%
3.5
%
Net (loss) income
-0.7
%
19.5
%
-0.4
%
9.7
%
23
Index
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Consolidated Results of Operations
Revenue . Revenue increased by $14.3 million, or
16.1% to $102.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $88.6 million in the prior year comparable period. The primary reasons for the increase were an 11.7% rise in average student population resulting from entering this quarter
with 11.2% more students combined with new student start growth of 12.3%. Further revenue growth was driven by an increase in average revenue per student.
Educational services and facilities expense. Our
educational services and facilities expense increased $5.5 million, or 13.8% to $45.5 million from $40.0 million in the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year were approximately $2.6 million of new campus and
relocation costs relating to the recently opened East Point, Georgia campus; relocation costs associated with the Nashville, Tennessee and the Levittown, Pennsylvania campuses, both expected to open in the first half of 2025; and costs associated
with the new Houston, Texas campus, which is expected to open by the end of 2025. The remaining expense increases were due mostly to costs directly related to an increased student population.
Educational services and facilities expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 44.3% from 45.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expense. Our
selling, general and administrative expense increased $6.1 million, or 11.7% to $57.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $51.8 million in the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year were
approximately $1.2 million of expenses primarily relating to the recently opened East Point, Georgia campus. The remaining increase was driven by higher administrative expenses, marketing investments and sales expense, with additional increases in
student services resulting from a larger student population.
Administrative costs increased $2.3 million due to several factors including an increase in salary expense driven by merit increases and new hires resulting from
population growth, in combination with a higher provision for credit losses largely driven by revenue growth.
Marketing investments increased $1.0 million, helping drive student starts, which were up 12.3% quarter-over-quarter.
Sales expenses increased $1.0 million primarily driven by increased personnel to continue to support and drive student start growth and program expansions.
Selling, general and administrative expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 56.2% from 58.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Net interest expense / income. Net interest
expense was less than $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to net interest income of $0.5 million in the prior year comparable period. Interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 remained essentially
flat, with an increase in interest expense in the current year resulting from the addition of two new finance leases.
Income taxes. The benefit for income taxes was $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a provision for income taxes of $6.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The benefit in the current quarter was driven by a pre-tax loss and a discrete item,
compared to a provision in the prior year comparable period resulting from pre-tax income driven by a $30.9 million gain on the sale of the Nashville, Tennessee property.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
Consolidated Results of Operations
Revenue . Revenue increased $30.4 million, or 17.3%
to $206.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $175.9 million in the prior year comparable period. The primary reasons for the increase were an 11.8% rise in average student population due to starting the year with approximately
9.0%, or 1,100 more students, coupled with 13.6% growth in student starts. Further revenue growth was driven by an increase in average revenue per student.
24
Index
Educational services and facilities expense. Our
educational services and facilities expense increased $10.5 million, or 13.4% to $88.6 million from $78.1 million in the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year were approximately $4.2 million of new campus and
relocation costs relating to the recently opened East Point, Georgia campus; relocation costs associated with the Nashville, Tennessee and the Levittown, Pennsylvania campuses, both expected to open in the first half of 2025; and costs associated
with the new Houston, Texas campus, which is expected to open by the end of 2025. The remaining expense increases were due mostly to costs directly related to an increased student population.
Educational services and facilities expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 42.9% from 44.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative expense. Our
selling, general and administrative expense increased $16.2 million, or 15.9% to $118.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, from $102.1 million in the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year were
approximately $2.5 million of expenses primarily related to the recently opened East Point, Georgia campus. The remaining increase was driven by higher administrative expenses, marketing investments and sales expense, with additional increases in
student services resulting from a larger student population.
Administrative costs increased $8.4 million due to several factors including an increase in salary expense driven by merit increases and new hires resulting from
population growth, in combination with a higher provision for credit losses, largely driven by revenue growth.
Marketing investments increased $1.9 million, helping drive student starts, which were up 13.6% year-over-year.
Sales expenses increased $1.9 million, primarily driven by increased personnel to continue to support and drive student start growth and program expansions.
Selling, general and administrative expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 57.4% from 58.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Net interest income. Net interest income was $0.1
million and $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Interest income increased in the current year compared to the prior year, resulting from additional investments and higher interest rates. Partially
offsetting these gains was an increase in interest expense in the current year, resulting from the addition of two new finance leases.
Income taxes. The benefit for income taxes was $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to a provision for income taxes of $6.2 million in the prior year comparable period. The benefit in the current quarter was driven by a pre-tax loss and a discrete item
compared to a provision in the prior year comparable period resulting from pre-tax income, which was driven by a $30.9 million gain on the sale of the Nashville, Tennessee property.
Segment Results of Operations
Since January 1, 2023, the Company’s business has been organized into two reportable business segments: (a) Campus Operations; and (b) Transitional. These segments are defined below:
Campus Operations – The Campus
Operations segment includes all campuses that are continuing in operation and contribute to the Company’s core operations and performance.
Transitional – The Transitional segment refers to
campuses that have been marked for closure and are being taught out. As of June 30, 2024, no campuses were classified in the Transitional segment. During the prior year, the Company’s Somerville, Massachusetts campus was classified in the
Transitional segment. It was fully taught out as of December 31, 2023.
We evaluate performance based on operating results. Adjustments to reconcile segment results with consolidated results are included in the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes
unallocated corporate activity.
25
Index
The following table presents results for our two reportable segments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
Three Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
% Change
Revenue:
Campus Operations
$
102,914
$
88,213
16.7
%
Transitional
-
433
-100.0
%
Total
$
102,914
$
88,646
16.1
%
Operating Income (loss):
Campus Operations
$
9,630
$
4,169
131.0
%
Transitional
-
(482
)
-100.0
%
Corporate
(10,746
)
19,828
-154.2
%
Total
$
(1,116
)
$
23,515
-104.7
%
Starts:
Campus Operations
4,953
4,411
12.3
%
Total
4,953
4,411
12.3
%
Average Population:
Campus Operations
13,811
12,369
11.7
%
Transitional
-
84
-100.0
%
Total
13,811
12,453
10.9
%
End of Period Population:
Campus Operations
14,481
12,959
11.7
%
Transitional
-
45
-100.0
%
Total
14,481
13,004
11.4
%
Campus Operations
Operating income increased $5.4 million to $9.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $4.2 million in the prior year comparable period. The change
quarter-over-quarter was mainly driven by the following factors:
•
Revenue increased $14.7 million, or 16.7% to $102.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $88.2 million in the prior year comparable period. The
primary reasons for this increase were an 11.7% rise in average student population resulting from entering the quarter with 11.2% more students combined with new student start growth of 12.3%. Further revenue growth was driven by an increase
in average revenue per student.
•
Our educational services and facilities expense increased $6.0 million, or 15.3% to $45.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $39.5 million in
the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year are approximately $2.6 million of new campus and relocation costs relating to the East Point, Georgia campus; relocation costs associated with the Nashville,
Tennessee and Levittown, Pennsylvania campuses and costs associated with the new Houston, Texas campus. The remaining expense increases were due mostly to costs related to an increased student population, all of which are discussed above in
Consolidated Results of Operations.
•
Our selling, general and administrative expense increased $6.8 million, or 16.9% to $47.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $40.3 million in
the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year were approximately $1.2 million of expenses primarily related to the recently opened East Point, Georgia campus. The remaining increase was driven by higher
administrative expenses, marketing investments and sales expense, all of which are discussed above in Consolidated Results of Operations.
26
Index
Transitional
On November 3, 2022, the Board of Directors approved a plan to close the Somerville, Massachusetts campus. The owner of the Somerville property exercised an option to
terminate the lease on December 8, 2023 and the Company determined not to pursue relocating the campus in this geographic region. The campus was fully taught out as of December 31, 2023 and did not generate any expense for the current quarter.
•
Revenue decreased $0.4 million, or 100.0% to zero for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $0.4 million in the prior year comparable period.
•
Total operating expenses decreased $0.9 million, or 100.0% to zero for the three months ended June 30, 2024, from $0.9 million in the prior year comparable
period.
The change in operating performance was the result of closing the campus and no longer enrolling new students.
Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $10.7 million and $11.1 million for the three
months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, after excluding a $30.9 million gain in the prior year resulting from the sale of the Nashville, Tennessee property. The decrease in expense from the prior year was primarily driven by a reduction
in stock-based compensation expense resulting from a cumulative catch-up of expense in the prior year due to meeting financial performance targets, partially offset by additional salaries and benefits expense resulting in part from student population
growth.
The following table presents results for our two reportable segments for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
% Change
Revenue:
Campus Operations
$
206,281
$
174,565
18.2
%
Transitional
-
1,364
-100.0
%
Total
$
206,281
$
175,929
17.3
%
Operating Income (loss):
Campus Operations
$
21,954
$
14,278
53.8
%
Transitional
-
(679
)
-100.0
%
Corporate
(23,529
)
8,801
-367.3
%
Total
$
(1,575
)
$
22,400
-107.0
%
Starts:
Campus Operations
8,920
7,851
13.6
%
Total
8,920
7,851
13.6
%
Average Population:
Campus Operations
13,745
12,297
11.8
%
Transitional
-
123
-100.0
%
Total
13,745
12,420
10.7
%
End of Period Population:
Campus Operations
14,481
12,959
11.7
%
Transitional
-
45
-100.0
%
Total
14,481
13,004
11.4
%
27
Index
Campus Operations
Operating income increased 53.8%, or $7.7 million to $22.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $14.3 million in the prior year comparable period. The
change year-over-year was mainly driven by the following factors:
•
Revenue increased $31.7 million, or 18.2% to $206.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $174.5 million in the prior year comparable period. The
primary reasons for this increase were an 11.8% rise in average student population due to starting the year with approximately 9.0% or 1,100 more students, coupled with a 13.6% growth in student starts. Further revenue growth was driven by
an increase in average revenue per student.
•
Our educational services and facilities expense increased $11.6 million, or 15.0% to $88.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $77.0 million in
the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year were approximately $4.2 million of new campus and relocation costs related to the East Point, Georgia campus; relocation costs associated with the Nashville,
Tennessee and Levittown, Pennsylvania campuses and costs associated with the new Houston, Texas campus. The remaining expense increases were due mostly to costs related to an increased student population, all of which are discussed above in
Consolidated Results of Operations.
•
Our selling, general and administrative expense increased $16.1 million, or 20.4% to $95.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, from $79.0 million in
the prior year comparable period. Included in the increase over the prior year were approximately $2.5 million of expenses primarily related to the recently opened East Point, Georgia campus. The remaining increase was driven by higher
administrative expenses, marketing investments and sales expense, with additional increases in student services resulting from a larger student population, all of which are discussed above in Consolidated Results of Operations.
Transitional
On November 3, 2022, the Board of Directors approved a plan to close the Somerville, Massachusetts campus. The owner of the Somerville property exercised the option to
terminate the lease on December 8, 2023 and the Company determined not to pursue relocating the campus in this geographic region. The campus was fully taught out as of December 31, 2023 and did not generate any expense for the current year.
•
Revenue decreased $1.4 million, or 100.0% to zero for the six months ended June 30, 2024, from $1.4 million in the prior year comparable period.
•
Total operating expenses decreased $2.0 million, or 100.0% to zero for the six months ended June 30, 2024, from $2.0 million in the prior year comparable period.
The change in operating performance is the result of closing the campus and no longer enrolling new students.
Corporate and Other
This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $23.2 million and $22.1 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, after excluding a $0.3 million loss on sale of assets in the current year and a $30.9 million gain on sale of assets in the prior year resulting from the sale of the Nashville, Tennessee property.
The increase from the prior year was primarily driven by additional salaries and benefits expense due in part to population growth, partially offset by a reduction in stock-based compensation expense driven by a cumulative catch-up of expense in the
prior year in addition to reduced legal costs in the current year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our primary capital requirements are for the maintenance and expansion of our facilities and the development of new programs. Our principal sources of liquidity have
been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our credit facility with Fifth Third Bank. The following chart summarizes the principal elements of our cash flow for each of the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
$
(6,599
)
$
10,403
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
$
(3,007
)
$
12,823
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(3,676
)
$
(2,945
)
28
Index
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $67.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $80.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as of
December 31, 2023. The change in cash position from the end of the year was driven in part by the payment of incentive compensation during the first quarter and investments in capital expenditures relating to our East Point, Georgia campus in
addition to new programs and program expansions and the seasonality of our business, which yields greater returns in the second half of the year. In addition, the prior year cash position benefited from $33.3 million in proceeds resulting from the
sale of our Nashville, Tennessee property.
On May 24, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program of up to $30.0 million of the Company’s outstanding Common
Stock. The share repurchase program was authorized for 12 months. On February 27, 2023, the Board of Directors extended the share repurchase program for an additional 12 months and authorized the repurchase of an additional $10.0 million of the
Company’s Common Stock, for an aggregate of up to $30.6 million in additional repurchases.
On May 7, 2024, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized an extension of its share repurchase program for an additional twelve months through May
24, 2025. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company did not repurchase any additional shares. The Company has approximately $29.7 million remaining for repurchase under the program.
Our primary source of cash is tuition collected from our students. The majority of students enrolled at our schools rely on funds received under various
government-sponsored student financial aid programs to pay a substantial portion of their tuition and other education-related expenses. The most significant source of student financing is Title IV Programs, which represented approximately 81% of our
cash receipts relating to revenues in 2023. Pursuant to applicable regulations, students must apply for a new loan for each academic period. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs and loan funds are
generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received approximately 31 days after the start of a student’s academic year and the second disbursement is typically received at the
beginning of the sixteenth week from the start of the student’s academic year. Certain types of grants and other funding are not subject to a 31-day delay. In certain instances, if a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any
paid but unearned tuition or prorated Title IV Program financial aid is refunded according to federal, state and accrediting agency standards.
As a result of the significant amount of Title IV Program funds received by our students, we are highly dependent on these funds to operate our business. Any reduction
in the level of Title IV Program funds that our students are eligible to receive for tuition payment to us or any restriction on our eligibility to receive Title IV Program funds would have a significant impact on our operations and our financial
condition. For more information, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Industry” of our Form 10-K..
Operating Activities
Operating cash flow results primarily from cash received from our students, offset by changes in working capital demands. Working capital can vary at any point in time
based on several factors including seasonality, timing of cash receipts and payments and vendor payment terms.
Net cash used in operating activities was $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $10.4 million in the
prior year comparable period. The decrease in cash position was primarily due to an $11.8 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses, representing a cash outflow driven by increased vendor payments and payment of incentive-based
compensation during the first quarter. The remaining decrease in cash position resulted from higher accounts receivable driven by the timing of cash receipts and Title IV disbursements.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $12.8 million in
the prior year comparable period. The prior year’s cash position benefited from several factors including the sale of the Nashville, Tennessee property and proceeds received from short-term investments. Partially offsetting these cash inflows was
the purchase of additional short-term investments.
29
Index
We currently lease all of our campuses.
Capital expenditures were approximately 11.0% of revenues in 2023 and are expected to approximate 18.0% of revenues in 2024. The significant increase in planned capital
expenditures over the prior year will be driven by several factors that include, but are not limited to, the buildout of our new East Point, Georgia campus and the new Nashville, Tennessee campus, additional space, the planned introduction of three
new programs at the Lincoln, Rhode Island campus, and the anticipated introduction of new programs at certain other campuses. We expect to fund future capital expenditures with cash generated from operating activities and cash on hand.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 was $3.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively. The increase in cash used was
driven primarily by the tax impact of vested stock grants in the current year.
Credit Facility
On February 16, 2024, the Company entered into a secured credit agreement (the “Fifth Third Credit Agreement”) with Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the “Bank”),
pursuant to which the Company, as borrower, obtained a revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $40.0 million including a $10.0 million letter of credit sublimit and a $20.0 million accordion feature (the “Facility”), the
proceeds of which are to be used for working capital, general corporate and certain other permitted purposes. The Facility is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and is secured by a first priority lien in favor of the Bank on
substantially all of the personal property owned by the Company and its subsidiaries. The term of the Facility is 36 months, maturing on February 16, 2027.
Each advance under the Facility will bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the date when made at an interest rate
determined at the election of the Company at either the Tranche Rate (which is the forward-looking Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) for one or three months), or the Base Rate (which is a variable per annum rate, as of any date of
determination, equal to the Bank’s Prime Rate), plus an Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin is determined pursuant to a Pricing Grid, which for loans subject to the Tranche Rate varies from 1.75% to 2.50% and for loans subject to the Base Rate
varies from 0.75% to 1.50%. The Applicable Margin may change quarterly based on the Total Leverage Ratio at such time. The Total Leverage Ratio is determined with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for an applicable
quarterly period by dividing the aggregate principal amount of various forms of borrowed indebtedness as of the last day of a determination period by EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for such period.
Interest is paid in arrears, either quarterly or monthly depending on the Company’s interest rate election, with the principal due at maturity.
Under the terms of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, the Company will pay to the Bank an unused facility fee on the average daily unused balance of the Facility at a
rate per annum equal to 0.50%, which fee is payable in arrears on dates when interest is due and payable. The Company will also pay to the Bank a letter of credit fee equal to the Applicable Margin for loans subject to the Tranche Rate multiplied by
the maximum amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit.
The Fifth Third Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants, as well as events of default customary for
facilities of this type. In connection with the Fifth Third Credit Agreement, the Company paid the Bank a closing fee in the amount of $200,000 and other customary fees and reimbursements.
On July 18, 2024, the Company entered into a first amendment of the Fifth Third Credit Agreement (“the Amendment”). Among other things, the Amendment contains certain modifications to (i) clarify certain representations and affirmative covenants of the Company, (ii) clarify certain conditions to each advance, (iii) clarify and/or
replace certain events of default and (iv) delete or revise certain definitions in order to harmonize them with the other modifications made. The Amendment also contains customary releases, representations and warranties and reaffirmations
consistent with the original terms of the Credit Agreement.
As of June 30, 2024, there was no debt outstanding under the Facility.
Contractual Obligations
Current portion of Long-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt and Lease Commitments. As of June 30, 2024, we had no debt outstanding. We lease offices, educational facilities and various items of equipment for varying periods through the year 2045 at basic annual rental rates (excluding taxes,
insurance, and other expenses under certain leases).
As of June 30, 2024, we had outstanding loan principal commitments to our active students of $38.0 million. These are institutional loans and no cash is advanced to
students. The full loan amount is not guaranteed unless the student completes the program. The institutional loans are considered commitments because the students are required to fund their education using these funds and they are not reported on
our financial statements.
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Index
Regulatory Updates
State Authorization. Some of our educational
programs prepare students for occupations that require professional licensure in order to work in the specified occupation. These programs are subject to the requirements of state occupational agencies that require our schools that offer these
programs to obtain agency approval of the programs and to comply with the applicable requirements of these applicable agencies. See 10-K at Part I, Item 1. “Business - Regulatory Environment – State Authorization.” The practical nursing program
taught at three of our campuses in New Jersey is such a program and is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing (“NJBON”).
Among the various requirements applicable to the practical nursing program is the requirement that at least 75% of the program’s graduates pass the state licensure
examination on their first attempt. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on July 12, 2024, the NJBON voted to place our Paramus, New Jersey campus (the “Paramus campus”) practical nursing program on probation because, for three consecutive calendar
years, less than 75 percent of the program’s graduates passed the state licensure examination on their first attempt. The program is taught at the Company’s other campuses in Iselin and Moorestown, New Jersey as well where the licensure pass rate
requirement has been successfully achieved by the graduates of the programs at these campuses.
As a result of the probation status of the Paramus campus program, the Paramus campus is required to submit to the NJBON an 18-month action plan demonstrating its plan
for improving the licensure pass rate to at least 75 percent in the next calendar year (or within an extension period if granted by the NJBON) within ninety days of receipt of written communication regarding the probation status (which has not yet
been received). Furthermore, during this probationary period, the NJBON will not allow the Paramus campus to enroll any new students or accept any transfer students in its practical nursing program. If the program does not achieve the required
licensure pass rate within one calendar year (or within an extension period if granted by the NJBON), the NJBON rules indicate that the program would not be eligible for restoration to accredited status and, therefore, would lose accreditation
permanently.
While the loss of the ability to enroll new students or accept transfer students during the probation period, or the ultimate loss of accreditation for the practical
nursing program at the Paramus campus should that occur, would not be expected to be material to the Company, it could have a negative reputational impact and have an adverse financial impact on the Paramus campus if we are unable to enroll more
students in other existing programs at the Paramus campus and/or add other programs at this campus. Additionally, we would expect that the loss in practical nursing students at this location would be offset, at least in part, by increased enrollments
at our Iselin and Moorestown, New Jersey campuses where this program is also taught and where the licensure pass rate requirement has been successfully achieved.
Negotiated Rulemaking. The DOE has initiated
and engaged in rulemaking on several topics. See 10-K at Part I, Item 1. “Business -Regulatory Environment – Negotiated Rulemaking.” The DOE commenced a new negotiated rulemaking process with meetings held in January through March 2024 on
several topics including state authorization, accreditation, return of unearned Title IV Program funds for students who withdraw from school without completing their educational programs, cash management, and distance education. See 10-K at Part
I, Item 1. “Business – Regulatory Environment – State Authorization,” “Regulatory Environment – Accreditation,” and “Regulatory Environment – Return of Title IV Program Funds.”
On July 17, 2024, the DOE announced that it does not plan to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking on state authorization, accreditation, and
cash management topics until 2025. The DOE also announced its intention to conduct negotiated rulemaking at a date to be determined to consider regulations related to third-party servicers on topics including, for example, the definition of
third-party servicers, audit requirements for servicers, an application process for servicers, and reporting, financial, past performance, and other compliance requirements. The DOE also announced that it plans to issue no sooner than late 2024
revised guidance on how institutions of higher education may compensate their recruiters. See 10-K at Part I, Item 1. “Business - Regulatory Environment – Restrictions on payment of Commissions, Bonuses and Other Incentive Payments.” We cannot
predict the timing and scope of any regulations or guidance the DOE might issue on these topics, but new regulations or guidance on these or other topics could have a significant impact on our business and results of operations.
On July 24, 2024, the DOE published a notice of proposed rulemaking on topics including distance education, return of Title IV funds and other topics. The proposed distance education rules would add a definition of ‘‘distance education course,’’
requiring institutions to report their students’ distance education status, disallow asynchronous distance education in clock-hour programs for Title IV purposes, add a definition of “distance education course,” and expand the definition of
additional location to include virtual locations
for programs offered entirely online or through correspondence. The proposed return of Title IV funds regulations would, among other things, amend rules related to return calculations,
the definition of a withdrawal from school, and return calculations for distance education programs. In the notice of proposed rulemaking, the DOE states that it expects the proposed distance and correspondence
education reporting requirement to be implemented no earlier than July 1, 2026.
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Seasonality
Our revenue and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student
population. Student population varies due to new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower student populations in our first and second quarters and we have experienced larger class starts in the
third quarter and higher student attrition in the first half of the year. The growth that we generally experience in the second half of the year is largely dependent on a successful high school recruiting season. We recruit high school students
several months ahead of their scheduled start dates and, as a consequence, while we have visibility on the number of students who have expressed interest in attending our schools, we cannot predict with certainty the actual number of new student
enrollments in any given year and the related impact on revenue. Our expenses, however, typically do not vary significantly over the course of the year with changes in our student population and revenue.
Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information otherwise required by this item.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.