10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
U. S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
 
Commission File Number 1-31923
 
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   86-0226984
     
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (IRS Employer Identification No.)
20410 North 19th Avenue, Suite 200
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
(Address of principal executive offices)
(623) 445-9500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
At July 29, 2010, there were 24,222,486 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock.
 
 

 

 


 

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2010
         
    Page  
    Number  
       
 
       
       
 
       
    1  
 
       
    2  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    13  
 
       
    22  
 
       
    23  
 
       
       
 
       
    24  
 
       
    24  
 
       
    26  
 
       
    27  
 
       
 Exhibit 10.1
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

 


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
                 
    June 30,     September 30,  
    2010     2009  
    ($’s in thousands)  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 59,034     $ 56,199  
Investments, current portion
    33,027       25,142  
Receivables, net
    19,143       14,892  
Deferred tax assets
    8,153       7,452  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    10,935       10,480  
 
           
Total current assets
    130,292       114,165  
Investments, less current portion
    6,722       3,806  
Property and equipment, net
    94,547       81,168  
Goodwill
    20,579       20,579  
Other assets
    3,561       3,633  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 255,701     $ 223,351  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 47,333     $ 47,276  
Dividends payable
    36,333        
Deferred revenue
    53,901       48,175  
Accrued tool sets
    5,092       4,276  
Income tax payable
          1,794  
Other current liabilities
    21       25  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    142,680       101,546  
Deferred tax liabilities
    1,638       3,086  
Deferred rent liability
    5,512       5,593  
Other liabilities
    5,415       6,428  
 
           
Total liabilities
    155,245       116,653  
 
           
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
               
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 29,085,590 shares issued and 24,215,364 shares outstanding at June 30, 2010 and 28,641,006 shares issued and 23,770,780 shares outstanding at September 30, 2009
    3       3  
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding
           
Paid-in capital
    149,292       140,813  
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,870,226 shares at June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009
    (76,506 )     (76,506 )
Retained earnings
    27,667       42,388  
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    100,456       106,698  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 255,701     $ 223,351  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
Revenues
  $ 107,525     $ 87,852     $ 316,678     $ 267,098  
 
                               
Operating expenses:
                               
Educational services and facilities
    53,712       47,307       154,232       143,947  
Selling, general and administrative
    43,956       37,579       127,649       116,799  
 
                       
Total operating expenses
    97,668       84,886       281,881       260,746  
 
                       
Income from operations
    9,857       2,966       34,797       6,352  
 
                       
 
                               
Other income:
                               
Interest income
    80       43       202       181  
Interest expense
    (3 )     (16 )     (7 )     (37 )
Other income
    105       64       356       207  
 
                       
Total other income
    182       91       551       351  
 
                       
 
                               
Income before income taxes
    10,039       3,057       35,348       6,703  
Income tax expense
    3,753       1,134       13,736       2,556  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income
  $ 6,286     $ 1,923     $ 21,612     $ 4,147  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per share:
                               
Net income per share — basic
  $ 0.26     $ 0.08     $ 0.90     $ 0.17  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income per share — diluted
  $ 0.25     $ 0.08     $ 0.88     $ 0.17  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    24,146       23,626       23,976       24,451  
 
                       
 
Diluted
    24,730       23,953       24,511       24,836  
 
                       
 
                               
Special cash dividend declared per common share
  $ 1.50     $     $ 1.50     $  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
                                                         
                                                    Total  
    Common Stock     Paid-in     Treasury Stock     Retained     Shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Shares     Amount     Earnings     Equity  
    (In thousands)  
Balance at September 30, 2009
    28,641     $ 3     $ 140,813       4,870     $ (76,506 )   $ 42,388     $ 106,698  
Net income
                                  21,612       21,612  
Issuance of common stock under employee plans
    510             3,917                         3,917  
Shares withheld for payroll taxes
    (65 )           (1,606 )                       (1,606 )
Tax benefit from employee stock plans
                1,422                         1,422  
Stock-based compensation
                4,746                         4,746  
Cash dividends declared
                                  (36,333 )     (36,333 )
 
                                         
Balance at June 30, 2010
    29,086     $ 3     $ 149,292       4,870     $ (76,506 )   $ 27,667     $ 100,456  
 
                                         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
                 
    For the Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,  
    2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 21,612     $ 4,147  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    13,559       13,092  
Amortization of held-to-maturity investments
    1,133        
Bad debt expense
    4,583       5,048  
Stock-based compensation
    4,690       3,630  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    (1,786 )     (195 )
Deferred income taxes
    (2,149 )     (3,370 )
Loss on disposal of property and equipment
    160       727  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (6,821 )     2,439  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (752 )     (650 )
Other assets
    36       128  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (813 )     1,441  
Deferred revenue
    5,726       (8,067 )
Income tax receivable
    (1,999 )     (473 )
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities
    812       422  
Other liabilities
    (379 )     143  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    37,612       18,462  
 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (26,555 )     (14,411 )
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
    1       35  
Purchase of investments
    (33,702 )     (17,287 )
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments
    21,382        
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (38,874 )     (31,663 )
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee plans
    3,917       261  
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld
    (1,606 )     (1,049 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    1,786       195  
Purchase of treasury stock
          (16,935 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    4,097       (17,528 )
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    2,835       (30,729 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    56,199       80,878  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 59,034     $ 50,149  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Dividends payable
  $ 36,333     $  
 
           
Taxes paid
  $ 17,913     $ 6,420  
 
           
Interest paid
  $     $ 37  
 
           
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services
  $ 848     $ 1,338  
 
           
Accrued capital expenditures
  $ 870     $ 1,482  
 
           
Capitalized stock-based compensation
  $ 56     $ 50  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
1. Nature of the Business
We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate full-time student enrollment and graduates. We offer undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. We also offer manufacturer-specific training programs including both student paid electives at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at dedicated training centers.
We work closely with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine industries to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Through our relationships with OEMs, we are able to continuously refine and expand our programs and curricula. We believe our industry-oriented educational philosophy and national presence have enabled us to develop valuable industry relationships which provide us with significant competitive strength and support our market leadership.
2. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2010. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 1, 2009.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance which amends existing disclosure guidance to require an entity to provide a greater level of disaggregated information about the credit quality of its financing receivables and its allowance for credit losses. This guidance is effective for fiscal and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2010. We will review the requirements under the standard to determine what impacts, if any, the adoption would have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
4. Investments
We invest predominantly in pre-refunded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties, and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions. We have the ability and intent to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost.
The amortized cost and estimated fair market value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at June 30, 2010 are as follows:
                                 
                            Estimated  
    Amortized     Gross Unrealized     Fair Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
                               
Certificates of deposit due in less than 1 year
  $ 6,288     $ 4     $ (1 )   $ 6,291  
Certificates of deposit due in 1 - 2 years
    6,722                   6,722  
Bonds due in less than 1 year
    26,739       8       (10 )     26,737  
 
                       
 
  $ 39,749     $ 12     $ (11 )   $ 39,750  
 
                       
Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk and as a result, it is possible that changes in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of income.
5. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The valuation techniques used to determine fair value are consistent with either the market approach, income approach and/or cost approach. The following three-tier fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation techniques to measure fair value:
     
Level 1 — Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
     
Level 2 — Observable inputs, other than quoted market prices, that are either directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities; and
 
     
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity that are significant to the fair value of assets or liabilities.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market volatility. Therefore, classification of inputs within the hierarchy may change from period to period depending upon the ability to observe those prices and inputs. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value for certain assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. We held $54.2 million in money market mutual funds and municipal bonds which are classified within cash and cash equivalents in our condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2010. We measure fair value for these instruments using quoted market prices for identical assets (Level 1).
6. Postemployment Benefits
Periodically we enter into agreements with personnel whose employment terminated and record charges for postemployment benefits. The postemployment benefit liability, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, will be paid out ratably over the terms of the agreements, which range from 1 to 18 months, with the final agreement expiring in January 2011.
The postemployment activity for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 is as follows:
                                         
    Liability Balance at     Postemployment             Other     Liability Balance at  
    September 30, 2009     Benefit Charges     Cash Paid     Non-cash(1)     June 30, 2010  
Severance
  $ 1,741     $ 818     $ (1,506 )   $ (412 )   $ 641  
Other
    182       88       (93 )     (131 )     46  
 
                             
Total
  $ 1,923     $ 906     $ (1,599 )   $ (543 )   $ 687  
 
                             
     
(1)  
Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.
7. Earnings per Share
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities. For the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010, 262,712 shares and 564,773 shares, respectively, and for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2009, 1,795,861 shares and 1,865,858 shares, respectively, which could be issued under outstanding stock-based grants, were not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
The calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
Weighted average number of shares
                               
Basic shares outstanding
    24,146       23,626       23,976       24,451  
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans
    584       327       535       385  
 
                       
Diluted shares outstanding
    24,730       23,953       24,511       24,836  
 
                       
In June 2008, the FASB issued guidance for determining whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. This guidance clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and requires such awards be included in the computation of earnings per share (EPS) pursuant to the two-class method. We adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2009 and it did not have a material impact on our EPS calculations.
8. Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consist of the following:
                         
    Depreciable     June 30,     September 30,  
    Lives (in years)     2010     2009  
Land
        $ 1,456     $ 1,456  
Buildings and building improvements
    35       12,301       7,654  
Leasehold improvements
    1-28       37,225       35,859  
Training equipment
    3-10       67,716       63,982  
Office and computer equipment
    3-10       38,379       35,187  
Software developed for internal use
    3-5       10,304       6,883  
Curriculum development
    5       12,164       643  
Vehicles
    5       701       695  
Construction in progress
          4,689       6,813  
 
                   
 
            184,935       159,172  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
            (90,388 )     (78,004 )
 
                   
 
          $ 94,547     $ 81,168  
 
                   

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
9. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
                 
    June 30,     September 30,  
    2010     2009  
Accounts payable
  $ 8,351     $ 7,515  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    27,036       30,218  
Other accrued expenses
    11,946       9,543  
 
           
 
  $ 47,333     $ 47,276  
 
           
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, investigations and claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Based on internal review, we record reserves using our best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable contingent liabilities. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Proprietary Loan Program
In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a national chartered bank in 2008. Under terms of the related agreement, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank on a monthly basis and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan.
The bank agreed to provide these services in exchange for a fee equivalent to 0.4% of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we have a $2.0 million deposit with the bank in order to secure our related loan purchase obligation. This balance is classified as other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
In substance, we provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition and as a result, we account for the underlying transactions in accordance with our tuition revenue recognition policy. However, due to the nature of the program coupled with the extended payment terms required under the student loan agreements, collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize tuition revenue and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest income required under the loan when such amounts are collected. We write-off balances when loans are turned over to external collection agencies which is typically after 150 days of non-payment. We will reevaluate this policy on the basis of our historical collection experience under the program and will accelerate recognition of the related revenue if appropriate. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred and were approximately $0.2 million and $0.6 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.5 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans and related deferred tuition revenue are presented net and therefore are effectively not recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Our presentation will be reevaluated when sufficient collection history has been obtained.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
The following table summarizes the impact of the proprietary loan program on the amount of tuition revenue and interest income recognized during the period as well as on a cumulative basis at the end of each period. Tuition revenue and interest income excluded represents amounts which would have been recognized during the period had collectability of the related amounts been assured. Amounts collected and recognized represent actual cash receipts during the period and amounts written-off represent amounts which have been turned over to our external collection agencies:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Cumulative balance at beginning of period
  $ 14,230     $ 3,748     $ 9,052     $ 490  
Tuition revenue and interest income excluded
    2,860       2,668       8,791       5,929  
Amounts collected and recognized
    (67 )     (22 )     (150 )     (25 )
Amounts written-off
    (661 )           (1,331 )      
 
                       
Cumulative balance at end of period
  $ 16,362     $ 6,394     $ 16,362     $ 6,394  
 
                       
Our Board of Directors authorized the extension of up to an aggregate of $30.0 million of credit under our proprietary loan program. As of June 30, 2010, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $23.6 million. We monitor the aggregate amount approved under this program and may make changes in future periods.
The balance outstanding under the program includes loans outstanding and interest and origination fees which are not reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The activity in our proprietary loan program for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 is as follows:
         
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 14,671  
Loans extended
    7,143  
Interest accrued
    1,288  
Payments received
    (150 )
Balances written-off
    (1,331 )
 
     
Balance at end of period
  $ 21,621  
 
     

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
Deferred Compensation Plan
We have established a deferred compensation plan (the Plan) effective April 1, 2010, into which certain members of management are eligible to defer a maximum of 75% of their regular compensation (i.e. salary) and a maximum of 100% of their incentive bonus. Non-employee members of our Board of Directors are eligible to defer up to 100% of their cash compensation. The amounts deferred by the participant under this Plan are credited with earnings or losses based upon changes in values of participant elected notional investments. Each participant is fully vested in the amounts the individual defers.
We may make contributions at the discretion of our Board of Directors and such contributions generally vest according to a five year vesting schedule. Distribution elections under the Plan may be for separation from service distribution or in-service distribution. We are not obligated to fund the Plan, however, we have purchased life insurance policies on the participants in order to fund the related benefits and such policies have been placed into a rabbi trust.
At June 30, 2010, our obligations under the Plan totaled $0.1 million and are included in other liabilities while the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies also totaled $0.1 million and are included in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
11. Common Shareholders’ Equity
Common Stock
Our Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend on common stock of $1.50 per share on June 8, 2010. The cash dividend totaling $36.3 million was paid on July 16, 2010 to common stockholders of record as of July 6, 2010.
Stock Repurchase Program
Our Board of Directors previously authorized the repurchase of up to $70.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the stock repurchase program at any time without prior notice. At June 30, 2010, we have purchased 3,439,281 shares at an average price per share of $13.50 and a total cost of approximately $46.4 million under this program. We did not make any purchases during the nine months ended June 30, 2010.

 

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)
12. Segment Information
Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training which is managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the Other category. Corporate expenses are allocated to Postsecondary Education and the Other category based on compensation expense.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Revenues
                               
Postsecondary education
  $ 105,651     $ 84,375     $ 310,042     $ 254,942  
Other
    1,874       3,477       6,636       12,156  
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 107,525     $ 87,852     $ 316,678     $ 267,098  
 
                       
 
                               
Income (loss) from operations
                               
Postsecondary education
  $ 10,629     $ 3,229     $ 37,088     $ 8,345  
Other
    (772 )     (263 )     (2,291 )     (1,993 )
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 9,857     $ 2,966     $ 34,797     $ 6,352  
 
                       
 
                               
Depreciation and amortization
                               
Postsecondary education
  $ 4,605     $ 4,073     $ 13,104     $ 12,577  
Other
    120       193       455       515  
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 4,725     $ 4,266     $ 13,559     $ 13,092  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income (loss)
                               
Postsecondary education
  $ 6,731     $ 2,093     $ 22,933     $ 5,381  
Other
    (445 )     (170 )     (1,321 )     (1,234 )
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 6,286     $ 1,923     $ 21,612     $ 4,147  
 
                       
 
                               
Goodwill
                               
Postsecondary education
  $ 20,579     $ 20,579     $ 20,579     $ 20,579  
Other
                       
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 20,579     $ 20,579     $ 20,579     $ 20,579  
 
                       
 
                               
Total assets
                               
Postsecondary education
  $ 253,360     $ 188,329     $ 253,360     $ 188,329  
Other
    2,341       4,289       2,341       4,289  
 
                       
Consolidated
  $ 255,701     $ 192,618     $ 255,701     $ 192,618  
 
                       

 

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Item 2.  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and those in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” included in Part II, Item 1A of this report.
2010 Overview
Operations
Our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment increased 20.7% to 17,900 students and 17.9% to 18,300 students for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, resulting in revenue growth of 22.4% and 18.6%, respectively. Our revenues for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 were $107.5 million and $316.7 million, respectively, increases of $19.7 million and $49.6 million, respectively, from the prior year. Our net income for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 was $6.3 million and $21.6 million, respectively, increases of $4.4 million and $17.5 million, respectively, from the prior year. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in average undergraduate full-time student enrollment and an increase in tuition rates. Our revenues for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 excluded $2.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively, of tuition revenue related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. Additionally, our revenues related to our industry training programs declined during the year. We have increased our staffing levels in order to meet the increase in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollments, resulting in an increase in compensation and related benefits. Additionally, we have increased our advertising expense to generate additional high quality inquiries to support future student enrollments.
Student starts for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 were 4,000 and 12,000, respectively, increases of 35.2% and 24.1%, respectively as compared to 2,900 and 9,600 for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2009. The increase in starts is a result of the investments we made in our student recruitment representatives as well as the recruitment, training and development of additional financial aid and future student advisors during 2009. In addition, although not quantifiable, we believe broader economic conditions have contributed to a portion of our recent enrollment growth. We anticipate that starts will be flat to slightly down in the fourth quarter when compared to the prior year. In 2011, we anticipate low double digit start growth.
Special Dividend
Our Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend on common stock of $1.50 per share on June 8, 2010. The cash dividend totaling $36.3 million was paid on July 16, 2010 to common stockholders of record as of July 6, 2010.
We continuously evaluate our cash position in light of growth opportunities, operating results and general market conditions. Periodically, we may return shareholder earnings through cash dividends or stock repurchases, or a combination thereof.

 

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New Campus
We opened a new campus in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas in June 2010, providing our Automotive Technology program. We anticipate offering our Automotive/Diesel Technology training program in early fiscal year 2011.
We have invested approximately $16.0 million in the building and land purchase, building improvements and equipment through June 30, 2010, with approximately $6.8 million of that investment occurring during the nine months ended June 30, 2010. Costs related to the start up of this campus are expensed as incurred and were approximately $2.4 million and $4.0 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. We anticipate we will incur approximately $7.0 million in total operating expenses during 2010 and that this campus will become profitable within 9 to 15 months.
Curriculum Transformation
We are transforming our curriculum to a blend of instructor-led training and web-based training for our Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs. The curriculum offers more convenience and training flexibility for our students and increases operating efficiencies at the campus. This curriculum delivery model supports our ongoing commitment to providing high quality training while reinforcing our position as industry’s choice for sourcing professional technicians. To date we have invested approximately $13.2 million for this transformation and anticipate investing within the range of $2.0 million to $4.0 million during the remainder of 2010.
Deferred Compensation Plan
We have established a deferred compensation plan (the Plan) effective April 1, 2010, into which certain members of management are eligible to defer a maximum of 75% of their regular compensation (i.e. salary) and a maximum of 100% of their incentive bonus. Non-employee members of our Board of Directors are eligible to defer up to 100% of their cash compensation. The amounts deferred by the participant under this Plan are credited with earnings or losses based upon changes in values of participant elected notional investments. Each participant is fully vested in the amounts the individual defers.
We may make contributions at the discretion of our Board of Directors and such contributions generally vest according to a five year vesting schedule. See “Deferred Compensation Plan” in Note 10 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I, Item 1 of this report for more detailed information.
Student Lending Environment
In March 2010, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act was signed into law which discontinued the Federal Family Education Loan program effective after June 30, 2010 under which banks and other lending institutions make loans to students or their parents. Under this legislation, such loans are available only through the existing Federal Direct Loan Program under which we are currently processing loans.
In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a proprietary loan program with a national chartered bank in June 2008. For a detailed discussion, see “Proprietary Loan Program” in Note 10 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I, Item 1 of this report.

 

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Regulatory Update
To develop new regulations related to the oversight of the Title IV programs and in accordance with the requirements of the Higher Education Act, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) convenes committees comprised of various constituencies to discuss revisions to the regulations, and the committee members negotiate the terms of the revisions with ED. This process is referred to as “negotiated rulemaking.” When a negotiated rulemaking committee reaches consensus on all proposed regulatory language and associated edits, then ED must propose the regulations to the public in the form agreed to by the committee. However, if the committee does not reach consensus on all topics, then ED can move forward with revisions to the regulations as originally proposed or change certain provisions without additional discussion.
In November 2009, ED established a committee to negotiate new regulatory language relative to program integrity topics. This group held three separate week-long meetings, the last of which occurred in January 2010. The program integrity negotiated rulemaking process addressed 14 different topics and the committee responsible for discussing these provisions, which included representatives of the various higher education constituencies, was unable to reach consensus on the form of all of the proposed rules. Accordingly, under the negotiated rulemaking protocol, ED can propose rules without regard to the tentative agreement or disagreement regarding certain issues. The most significant of the original ED proposals for our business are the following:
   
Adoption of a new definition of “gainful employment” for purposes of establishing and retaining program eligibility for Title IV student financial aid that includes provisions related to a student’s debt-to-income ratio;
   
Modification of the standards relating to the payment of incentive compensation to employees involved in student recruitment and enrollment; and
   
Changes to the current clock-to-credit hour conversion ratio for the purpose of calculating financial aid funding for all non-degree programs.
On June 18, 2010, ED issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) covering the program integrity issues, including 13 of the 14 issues in their entirety, and partially addressing the gainful employment topic. ED is allowing a 45 day comment period to allow the public to provide feedback about, and alternatives to, the proposed regulations. ED expects to publish final rules by November 1, 2010, to allow the new rules to be effective on July 1, 2011. On July 26, 2010, ED issued a separate NPRM proposing the application of new gainful employment metrics to define continued program eligibility for Title IV funding, also with a 45 day comment period, with the same timeframe for final rules and implementation as noted above.
We cannot predict the form of any of the final rules that may be adopted by ED and, therefore, the impact is unclear at this point. However, compliance with the rules as currently proposed in the NPRM could have a material impact on the manner in which we conduct our business and our results of operations if such rules are adopted and become active on July 1, 2011.
In March 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Healthcare and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act were signed into law. We are currently evaluating the impact of this legislation but do not anticipate a material effect to our business.

 

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Industry Background
The U.S. Department of Labor recently released data related to the market for qualified service technicians which estimated that in 2008 there were approximately 764,000 working automotive technicians in the United States, and this number was expected to increase by 4.7% from 2008 to 2018. Other 2008 estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate that from 2008 to 2018 the number of technicians in the other industries we serve, including diesel repair, collision repair, motorcycle repair and marine repair, are expected to increase by 5.7%, 0.5%, 9.0% and 5.9%, respectively. This need for technicians is due to a variety of factors, including technological advancement in the industries our graduates enter, a continued increase in the number of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and boats in service, as well as an aging and retiring workforce that generally requires training to keep up with technological advancements and maintain its technical competency. As a result of these factors, it is estimated that an average of approximately 31,200 new job openings will exist annually for new entrants from 2008 to 2018 in the fields we serve, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Graduate Placement
Securing employment opportunities for our graduates is critical to our ability to attract high quality prospective students. Accordingly, we dedicate significant resources to maintaining an effective graduate placement program. In an effort to maintain our high placement rates, we offer an on-going program of employment search assistance to our students. Our schools develop job opportunities and referrals, instruct active students on employment search and interviewing skills, provide access to reference materials and assistance with the composition of resumes. We believe that our employment services program provides our students with a more compelling value proposition and enhances the employment opportunities for our graduates.
Our graduate employment continues to be under pressure due to dealer consolidations and a surplus of experienced technicians in certain geographic areas as well as general economic conditions. Due to these factors, our 2009 placement rate is trending in the low 80% range in comparison to the range of high 80% to low 90% we have experienced over the last several years.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
                               
Operating expenses:
                               
Educational services and facilities
    50.0 %     53.8 %     48.7 %     53.9 %
Selling, general and administrative
    40.8 %     42.8 %     40.3 %     43.7 %
 
                       
Total operating expenses
    90.8 %     96.6 %     89.0 %     97.6 %
 
                       
Income from operations
    9.2 %     3.4 %     11.0 %     2.4 %
 
                       
 
                               
Interest income
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.1 %     0.1 %
Other income
    0.1 %     0.1 %     0.1 %     0.1 %
 
                       
Total other income
    0.1 %     0.1 %     0.2 %     0.2 %
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    9.3 %     3.5 %     11.2 %     2.6 %
Income tax expense
    3.5 %     1.3 %     4.4 %     1.0 %
 
                       
Net income
    5.8 %     2.2 %     6.8 %     1.6 %
 
                       

 

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Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the three months and nine months ending June 30, 2010 were $14.9 million and $49.4 million, respectively, as compared to $7.5 million and $20.3 million for the three months and nine months ending June 30, 2009, respectively. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is provided to supplement, but not substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We choose to disclose to investors this non-GAAP financial measure because it provides an additional analytical tool to clarify our results from operations and helps to identify underlying trends. Additionally, such measure helps compare our performance on a consistent basis across time periods. To obtain a complete understanding of our performance, this measure should be examined in connection with net income determined in accordance with GAAP. Since the items excluded from this measure are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance under GAAP, this measure should not be considered to be an alternative to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Exclusion of items in our non-GAAP presentation should not be construed as an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Other companies, including other companies in the education industry, may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure across companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.
EBITDA reconciles to net income as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands)  
Net income
  $ 6,286     $ 1,923     $ 21,612     $ 4,147  
Interest income, net
    (77 )     (27 )     (195 )     (144 )
Income tax expense
    3,753       1,134       13,736       2,556  
Depreciation and amortization
    4,934       4,510       14,254       13,695  
 
                       
EBITDA
  $ 14,896     $ 7,540     $ 49,407     $ 20,254  
 
                       
Return on equity for the trailing four quarters ended June 30, 2010 was 26.4% compared to 11.3% percent for the trailing four quarters ended Sept. 30, 2009. Return on equity is calculated as the sum of net income for the trailing four quarters divided by the average of the trailing five quarters total shareholders’ equity balances.
Capacity utilization is the ratio of our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment to total seats available. Total seats available represents our maximum capacity, however, due to certain dynamics, our operating capacity tends to be lower. The following table sets forth our average capacity utilization during each of the periods indicated and the total seats available at the end of each of the periods indicated:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Average undergraduate full-time student enrollment
    17,900       14,800       18,300       15,500  
Total seats available
    26,800       24,400       26,800       24,400  
Average capacity utilization
    66.8 %     60.7 %     68.3 %     63.5 %

 

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The increase in our total seats available was primarily due to classrooms transferred to our Automotive Technology programs as a result of reductions in and discontinuation of training for certain manufacturer specific training programs and the opening of our Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas campus. We continue to seek alternate uses for our underutilized space at existing campuses. Alternate uses may include subleasing space to third parties, allocating space for use by our manufacturer specific advanced training programs, adding new industry relationships or consolidating administrative functions into campus facilities.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2010 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2009
Revenues. Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010 were $107.5 million, representing an increase of $19.7 million, or 22.4%, as compared to revenues of $87.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009. This increase was a result of an increase in the average undergraduate full-time student enrollment of 20.7% and tuition increases between 3% and 5%, depending on the program. Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 excluded $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of tuition revenue related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. In accordance with our accounting policy, we will recognize the related revenue as payments are received from the students participating in this program. In addition, industry training revenue decreased by $1.6 million due to reductions in and discontinuation of training for certain manufacturer specific training programs.
Our revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 were $316.7 million, representing an increase of $49.6 million, or 18.6%, as compared to revenues of $267.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2009. This increase was a result of an increase in the average undergraduate full-time student enrollment of 17.9%, tuition increases between 3% and 5%, depending on the program, and a decrease in tuition discounts of $1.3 million. Our revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 excluded $7.5 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of tuition revenue related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. In accordance with our accounting policy, we will recognize the related revenue as payments are received from the students participating in this program. In addition, industry training revenue decreased by $5.5 million due to reductions in and discontinuation of training for certain manufacturer specific training programs.
Educational services and facilities expenses. Our educational services and facilities expenses for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 were $53.7 million and $154.2 million, respectively, an increase of $6.4 million and $10.3 million, respectively, as compared to $47.3 million and $143.9 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
The following tables set forth the significant components of our educational services and facilities expenses:
                                 
                    % of Revenues  
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands)                
Compensation and related costs
  $ 28,617     $ 24,921       26.6 %     28.4 %
Occupancy costs
    8,937       8,934       8.3 %     10.2 %
Other educational services and facilities expenses
    7,633       5,918       7.2 %     6.7 %
Depreciation expense
    3,652       3,684       3.4 %     4.2 %
Tools and training aids expense
    2,836       2,058       2.6 %     2.3 %
Contract services expense
    2,037       1,792       1.9 %     2.0 %
 
                       
 
  $ 53,712     $ 47,307       50.0 %     53.8 %
 
                       

 

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                    % of Revenues  
    Nine Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands)                
Compensation and related costs
  $ 81,800     $ 75,987       25.8 %     28.4 %
Occupancy costs
    26,711       26,954       8.4 %     10.1 %
Other educational services and facilities expenses
    21,383       18,429       6.8 %     6.9 %
Depreciation expense
    10,832       11,173       3.4 %     4.2 %
Tools and training aids expense
    8,585       6,644       2.7 %     2.5 %
Contract services expense
    4,921       4,760       1.6 %     1.8 %
 
                       
 
  $ 154,232     $ 143,947       48.7 %     53.9 %
 
                       
Total compensation and related costs increased by approximately $3.7 million and $5.8 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, primarily due to an increase in salaries expense of approximately $3.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively. This increase is primarily due to the addition of instructors to support our higher average undergraduate full-time student enrollments as well as our related investment in the recruitment, training, and development of additional financial aid and future student advisors to ensure we provide a high level of service to our future students. All other expenses increased at a rate consistent with our growth in revenue.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 were $44.0 million and $127.6 million, respectively, representing an increase of $6.4 million and $10.8 million as compared to $37.6 million and $116.8 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2009, respectively.
The following tables set forth the significant components of our selling, general and administrative expenses:
                                 
                    % of Revenues  
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands)                
Compensation and related costs
  $ 24,857     $ 23,502       23.1 %     26.8 %
Advertising costs
    8,781       5,245       8.2 %     6.0 %
Other selling, general and administrative expenses
    7,120       5,791       6.5 %     6.5 %
Contract services expense
    1,594       1,660       1.5 %     1.9 %
Bad debt expense
    1,604       1,381       1.5 %     1.6 %
 
                       
 
  $ 43,956     $ 37,579       40.8 %     42.8 %
 
                       

 

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                    % of Revenues  
    Nine Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
    (In thousands)                
Compensation and related costs
  $ 73,401     $ 68,322       23.2 %     25.6 %
Advertising costs
    23,670       18,398       7.5 %     6.9 %
Other selling, general and administrative expenses
    21,799       20,332       6.9 %     7.5 %
Contract services expense
    4,196       4,699       1.3 %     1.8 %
Bad debt expense
    4,583       5,048       1.4 %     1.9 %
 
                       
 
  $ 127,649     $ 116,799       40.3 %     43.7 %
 
                       
Compensation and related costs increased primarily due to an increase in salaries expense of $1.2 million and $4.2 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the number of sales force representatives who were hired to drive an increase in the number of enrollments. We plan to hire additional representatives in 2011 in order to continue to meet our growth objectives. Salary expense also increased due to an increase in the number of staff to support the growth associated with the increase in average undergraduate full-time student enrollments.
Advertising expense increased $3.6 million and $5.3 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, primarily due to an increase in our advertising spend to generate additional high quality inquiries to support future student enrollments. We anticipate our advertising expense will continue to increase in the fourth quarter due to higher advertising costs overall and the local market support necessary for the launch of our new campus and we anticipate it will be between 7% and 8% of revenue for the full year. All other expenses increased at a rate consistent with our growth in revenue.
Income taxes. Our provision for income taxes for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 was $3.8 million, or 37.4%, of pre-tax income and $13.7 million, or 38.9%, of pre-tax income, respectively. Our provision for income taxes was $1.1 million, or 37.1%, of pre-tax income and $2.6 million, or 38.1%, of pre-tax income for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2009, respectively. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of state income taxes, net of related federal income tax benefits.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash flows from operations, cash on hand and investments will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, commitments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations through the next 12 months.
We believe that the strategic use of our cash resources includes funding our new campus as well as subsidizing funding alternatives for our students. In addition, we evaluate the repurchase of our common stock, payment of dividends, consideration of strategic acquisitions and other potential uses of cash. To the extent that potential acquisitions are large enough to require financing beyond cash from operations, we may issue debt resulting in increased interest expense. Our aggregate cash and cash equivalents and current investments were $92.1 million and $81.3 million at June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively.

 

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Our principal source of liquidity is operating cash flows. A majority of our net revenues are derived from Title IV Programs. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs. Students must apply for a new loan for each academic year consisting of thirty-week periods. Loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received within 30 days of 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. Additionally, we established a proprietary loan program in which we bear all credit and collection risk and students are not required to begin repayment until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. These factors, together with the timing of when our students begin their programs, affect our operating cash flow.
Operating Activities
Our net cash provided by operating activities was $37.6 million and $18.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to higher net income resulting from increased tuition and fees due to an increase in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment.
For the nine months ended June 30, 2010, the changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $4.2 million. The outflows were primarily attributable to a $6.8 million increase in receivables due to an increase in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment at June 30, 2010 when compared to September 30, 2009. Additionally, we are in a receivable position for income taxes at June 30, 2010 instead of a payable position at September 30, 2009 due to the timing of tax payments which resulted in cash outflows of $2.0 million. These items were partially offset by a $5.7 million increase in deferred revenue primarily due to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program.
For the nine months ended June 30, 2009, the changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $4.6 million and were primarily attributable to a $8.1 million decrease in deferred revenue primarily due to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program. These items were partially offset by a $2.4 million decrease in receivables primarily due to a lower number of students in school at June 30, 2009 when compared to September 30, 2008.
Investing Activities
For the nine months ended June 30, 2010, cash used in investing activities was $38.9 million and was primarily related to our investment of $26.6 million for the purchase of property and equipment for the curriculum transformation, our new Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas campus and ongoing replacement of equipment used in student training. Additionally, we invested $33.7 million in pre-refunded municipal bonds and certificates of deposit partially offset by $21.4 million of proceeds received upon the maturity of investments.
For the nine months ended June 30, 2009, cash used in investing activities was $31.7 million and was primarily related to $14.4 million for the purchase of property and equipment associated with information technology projects, curriculum transformation, campus improvements and ongoing replacement of equipment used in student training. In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2009, we invested $17.3 million of cash equivalents in pre-refunded municipal bonds.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $4.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2010 and was primarily attributable to proceeds from issuance of common shares under employee plans and excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation.

 

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Net cash used in financing activities was $17.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2009 and was primarily attributable to the repurchase of our stock.
Our Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend on common stock of $1.50 per share on June 8, 2010. The cash dividend totaling $36.3 million was paid on July 16, 2010 to common stockholders of record as of July 6, 2010.
Seasonality and Trends
Our revenues and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population and costs associated with opening or expanding our campuses. Our student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower student populations in our third quarter than in the remainder of our year because fewer students are enrolled during the summer months. Additionally, our schools have had higher student populations in our fourth quarter than in the remainder of the year because more students enroll during this period. Our expenses, however, do not vary significantly with changes in student population and revenues and, as a result, such expenses do not fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of seasonal enrollment patterns. Such patterns may change, however, as a result of new school openings, new program introductions, increased enrollments of adult students or acquisitions. In addition, our revenues for the first quarter ending December 31 are impacted by the closure of our campuses for a week in December for a holiday break and accordingly we do not earn revenue during that closure period.
Operating income is negatively impacted during the initial start up of new campus openings. We incur sales and marketing costs as well as campus personnel costs in advance of the campus opening. Typically we begin to incur such costs approximately 12 to 15 months in advance of the campus opening with the majority of the costs being incurred in the nine month period prior to a campus opening. We incurred start up losses of approximately $2.4 million and $3.9 million during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2010 related to our Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas campus. The campus opened in June 2010.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009. During the nine months ended June 30, 2010 there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 3 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I, Item 1 of this report.
Item 3.  
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our principal exposure to market risk relates to changes in interest rates. As of June 30, 2010, we held $59.0 million in cash and cash equivalents and $39.7 million in investments. During the nine months ended June 30, 2010, we earned interest income of $0.2 million.
As of June 30, 2010, we did not have short-term or long-term borrowings. Any future borrowings will be subject to interest rate risk. Please refer to the Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009 for additional information.

 

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Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results
This report contains forward-looking information about our financial results, estimates and our business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. From time to time, we also may provide oral or written forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public. Forward-looking statements are expressions of our current expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They often include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “will,” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements relating to future actions, future regulatory initiatives, future performance or results, expenses, the outcome of contingencies, such as legal proceedings, and financial results.
We cannot guarantee any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and inaccurate assumptions. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors should bear this in mind as they consider forward-looking statements.
Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the SEC. The Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009 listed various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historic results. We note these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers can find them under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K. We incorporate that section of the Form 10-K in this filing and investors should refer to it. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Our filings with the SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.
Item 4.  
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, investigations and claims including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.
Item 1A.  
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, including the information contained in Part I, Item 3, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 1, 2009 and as updated below, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Regulatory
The U.S. Congress has recently commenced an examination of the for-profit education sector that could result in legislation or further ED rulemaking restricting Title IV program participation by proprietary schools in a manner that materially and adversely affects our business.
In recent months, there has been increased focus by the U.S. Congress on the role that for-profit educational institutions play in higher education. On June 17, 2010, the Education and Labor Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives held a hearing to examine the manner in which accrediting agencies review higher education institutions’ policies on credit hours and program length. On June 24, 2010, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee of the U.S. Senate released a report, entitled, “Emerging Risk?: An Overview of Growth, Spending, Student Debt and Unanswered Questions in For-Profit Higher Education” and held the first in a series of hearings to examine the proprietary education sector. Earlier, on June 21, the Chairmen of each of these education committees, together with other members of Congress, requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a review and prepare a report with recommendations regarding various aspects of the proprietary sector, including recruitment practices, educational quality, student outcomes, the sufficiency of integrity safeguards against waste, fraud and abuse in federal student aid programs and the degree to which proprietary institutions’ revenue is composed of Title IV and other federal funding sources.
These hearings and the requested GAO review are not formally related to the ED’s negotiated rulemaking process currently underway in respect of program integrity issues. However, the outcome of the hearings and the requested GAO review could impact the substance of ED’s program integrity rulemaking.
We cannot predict the extent to which, or whether, these hearings and review will result in legislation or further rulemaking affecting our participation in Title IV programs. To the extent that any laws or regulations are adopted that limit our participation in Title IV programs or the amount of student financial aid for which our students are eligible, our business would be adversely affected, perhaps materially.
Pending rulemaking by the ED may result in regulatory changes that could materially and adversely affect our business

 

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To develop new regulations related to the oversight of the Title IV programs and in accordance with the requirements of the Higher Education Act, the ED convenes committees comprised of various constituencies to discuss revisions to the regulations, and the committee members negotiate the terms of the revisions with ED. This process is referred to as “negotiated rulemaking.” When a negotiated rulemaking committee reaches consensus on all proposed regulatory language and associated edits, then ED must propose the regulations to the public in the form agreed to by the committee. However, if the committee does not reach consensus on all topics, then ED can move forward with revisions to the regulations as originally proposed or change certain provisions without additional discussion.
In November 2009, ED established a committee to negotiate new regulatory language relative to program integrity topics. This group held three separate week-long meetings, the last of which occurred in January 2010. The program integrity negotiated rulemaking process addressed 14 different topics and the committee responsible for discussing these provisions, which included representatives of the various higher education constituencies, was unable to reach consensus on the form of all of the proposed rules. Accordingly, under the negotiated rulemaking protocol, ED can propose rules without regard to the tentative agreement or disagreement regarding certain issues. The most significant of the original ED proposals for our business are the following:
   
Adoption of a new definition of “gainful employment” for purposes of establishing and retaining program eligibility for Title IV student financial aid that includes provisions related to a student’s debt-to-income ratio;
   
Modification of the standards relating to the payment of incentive compensation to employees involved in student recruitment and enrollment; and
   
Changes to the current clock-to-credit hour conversion ratio for the purpose of calculating financial aid funding for all non-degree programs.
On June 18, 2010, ED issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) covering the program integrity issues, including 13 of the 14 issues in their entirety, and partially addressing the gainful employment topic. ED is allowing a 45 day comment period to allow the public to provide feedback about, and alternatives to, the proposed regulations. ED expects to publish final rules by November 1, 2010, to allow the new rules to be effective on July 1, 2011. On July 26, 2010, ED issued a separate NPRM proposing the application of new gainful employment metrics to define continued program eligibility for Title IV funding, also with a 45 day comment period, with the same timeframe for final rules and implementation as noted above.
Impact of Rulemaking
We cannot predict the form of any of the final rules that may be adopted by ED and, therefore, the impact is unclear at this point. However, compliance with the rules as currently proposed in the NPRM could have a material impact on the manner in which we conduct our business and our results of operations if such rules are adopted and become active on July 1, 2011.
Our business may be adversely affected by general economic conditions in the U.S. or abroad
The U.S. economy and the economies of other key industrialized countries have been in a recession as characterized by reduced economic activity, increased unemployment and substantial uncertainty about their financial services markets. In addition, homeowners in the U.S. have experienced an unprecedented reduction in wealth due to the decline in residential real estate values across much of the country. These events may reduce the demand for our programs among students, the willingness of employers to sponsor educational opportunities for their employees, and the ability of our students to find employment in the auto, diesel, motorcycle or marine industries, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In particular, the consolidation of automotive dealerships may result in a shift of employment opportunities for our graduates into automobile aftermarket service from automotive dealerships where, historically, the placement of our graduates has been concentrated. Due to this shift and the general decline in economic conditions, it has been more difficult to place graduates. In addition, these events could adversely affect the ability or willingness of our former students to repay student loans, which could increase our student loan cohort default rate and require increased time, attention and resources to manage these defaults.

 

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Item 2.  
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
The summary purchase of equity securities for the three months ended June 30, 2010 is as follows:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
                                 
                    (c) Total        
                    Number of        
                Shares     (d) Approximate Dollar  
    (a) Total             Purchased as     Value of Shares that May  
    Number of     (b) Average     Part of Publicly     Yet Be Purchased Under  
    Shares     Price Paid     Announced     the Plans Or Programs  
Period   Purchased (1)     per Share     Plans     (In thousands) (2)  
April 2010
        $           $ 23,660  
May 2010
        $           $ 23,660  
June 2010
    44,152     $ 24.55           $ 23,660  
 
                           
Total
    44,152                   $ 23,660  
 
                           
     
(1)  
Represents shares of common stock delivered to us as payment of taxes on the vesting of shares of our common stock which were granted subject to forfeiture restrictions under our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan.
 
(2)  
Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $70.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

 

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Item 6.  
EXHIBITS
         
Number   Description
       
 
  10.1    
Second Amended and Restated 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Filed herewith.)
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
 
 
Dated: August 3, 2010  By:   /s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.    
    Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.   
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)  
 

 

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