Grand Canyon Education, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

or

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number: 001-34211

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

3300 W. Camelback Road

Phoenix, Arizona 85017

(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)

(602) 639-7500

(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  ☒    No  ☐

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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 27, 2017, was 48,120,857.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Income Statements

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of Business

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “University”) is a comprehensive regionally accredited university that offers over 220 graduate and undergraduate degree programs, emphases and certificates across nine colleges both online and on ground at our over 270 acre campus in Phoenix, Arizona, at leased facilities and at facilities owned by third party employers. Our undergraduate programs are designed to be innovative and to meet the future needs of employers, while providing students with the needed critical thinking and effective communication skills developed through a Christian-oriented, liberal arts foundation. We offer master’s and doctoral degrees in contemporary fields that are designed to provide students with the capacity for transformational leadership in their chosen industry, emphasizing the immediate relevance of theory, application, and evaluation to promote personal and organizational change. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. The University’s wholly-owned subsidiaries are primarily used to facilitate expansion of the University campus.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the University and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Unaudited Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the University have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10. They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Such interim financial information is unaudited but reflects all adjustments that in the opinion of management are necessary for the fair presentation of the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the University’s audited financial statements and footnotes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 from which the December 31, 2016 balance sheet information was derived.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

A significant portion of the University’s revenue is received from students who participate in government financial aid and assistance programs. Restricted cash and cash equivalents primarily represent amounts received from the federal and state governments under various student aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV. The University receives these funds subsequent to the completion of the authorization and disbursement process and holds them for the benefit of the student. The U.S. Department of Education (“Department of Education”) requires Title IV funds collected in advance of student billings to be restricted until the course begins. The University records all of these amounts as a current asset in restricted cash and cash equivalents. The majority of these funds remains as restricted for an average of 60 to 90 days from the date of receipt.

Investments

The University considers its investments in municipal securities as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, determined using Level 1 and Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of quoted market prices and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income. Unrealized losses considered to be other-than-temporary are recognized currently in earnings. Amortization of premiums, accretion of discounts, interest and dividend income and realized gains and losses are included in interest and other income.

Derivatives and Hedging

Derivative financial instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities and re-measured at fair value at each reporting date. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Derivative financial instruments enable the University to manage its exposure to interest rate risk. The University does not engage in any derivative instrument trading activity. Credit risk associated with the University’s derivatives is limited to the risk that a derivative counterparty will not perform in accordance with the terms of the contract. Exposure to counterparty credit risk is considered low because these agreements have been entered into with institutions with strong credit ratings, and they are expected to perform fully under the terms of the agreements.

On February 27, 2013, the University entered into an interest rate corridor to manage its 30 Day LIBOR interest exposure related to its variable rate debt. The fair value of the interest rate corridor instrument as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $322 and $490, respectively, which is included in other assets. The fair value of the derivative instrument was determined using a hypothetical derivative transaction and Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs. This derivative instrument was originally designated as a cash flow hedge of variable rate debt obligations. The adjustment of $169 and $531 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, for the effective portion of the losses on the derivatives is included as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes.    

The interest rate corridor instrument reduces variable interest rate risk starting March 1, 2013 through December 20, 2019 with a notional amount of $68,333 as of September 30, 2017. The corridor instrument’s terms permits the University to hedge its interest rate risk at several thresholds; the University pays variable interest monthly based on the 30 Day LIBOR rates until that index reaches 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR is equal to 1.5% through 3.0%, the University pays 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR exceeds 3.0%, the University pays actual 30 Day LIBOR less 1.5%.

As of September 30, 2017, no derivative ineffectiveness was identified. Any ineffectiveness in the University’s derivative instrument designated as a hedge is reported in interest expense in the income statement. At September 30, 2017, the University does not expect to reclassify gains or losses on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings during the next 12 months.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued compensation and benefits, and accrued liabilities expenses approximate their fair value based on the liquidity or the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying value of notes payable approximates fair value as it is based on variable rate index. Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value, determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.

The fair value of investments, primarily municipal securities, were determined using Level 2 of the hierarchy of valuation inputs, with the use of inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets. The unit of account used for valuation is the individual underlying security. The municipal securities are comprised of city and county bonds related to schools, water and sewer, utilities, transportation, healthcare and housing.

Revenue Recognition

Net revenues consist primarily of tuition and fees derived from courses taught by the University online, on ground at its over 270 acre campus in Phoenix, Arizona, and at facilities it leases or those of employers, as well as from related educational resources that the University provides to its students, such as access to online materials. Tuition revenue and most fees from related educational resources are recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction, net of scholarships provided by the University. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the University’s revenue was reduced by approximately $135,630 and $123,112, respectively, as a result of scholarships that the University offered to students. The University maintains an institutional tuition refund policy, which provides for all or a portion of tuition to be refunded if a student withdraws during stated refund periods. Certain states in which students reside impose separate, mandatory refund policies, which override the University’s policy to the extent in conflict. If a student withdraws at a time when only a portion, or none of the tuition is refundable, then in accordance with its revenue recognition policy, the University continues to recognize the tuition that was not refunded pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction. However, for students that have taken out financial aid to pay their tuition and for which a return of such money to the Department of Education under Title IV is required as a result of his or her withdrawal, the University recognizes revenue after a student withdraws only at the time of cash collection. Sales tax collected from students is excluded from net revenues. Collected but unremitted sales tax is included as an accrued liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The University also charges online students an upfront learning management fee, which is deferred and recognized over the average expected term of a student. Costs that are direct and incremental to new online students are also deferred and recognized ratably over the average expected term of a student. Deferred revenue and

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

student deposits in any period represent the excess of tuition, fees, and other student payments received as compared to amounts recognized as revenue on the income statement and are reflected as current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The University’s educational programs have starting and ending dates that differ from its fiscal quarters. Therefore, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a portion of revenue from these programs is not yet earned. Other revenues may be recognized as sales occur or services are performed.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The University records an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of its students to make required payments, which includes the recovery of financial aid funds advanced to a student for amounts in excess of the student’s cost of tuition and related fees. The University determines the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts based on an analysis of its historical bad debt experience, current economic trends, the aging of the accounts receivable and student status. The University applies reserves to its receivables based upon an estimate of the risk presented by the age of the receivables and student status. The University writes off accounts receivable balances at the earlier of the time the balances were deemed uncollectible, or one year after the revenue is generated. The University accelerates the write off of inactive student accounts such that the accounts are written off by day 150. The University reflects accounts receivable with an offsetting allowance as long as management believes there is a reasonable possibility of collection. Bad debt expense is recorded as an instructional costs and services expense in the consolidated income statement.

Long-Lived Assets (other than goodwill)

The University evaluates the recoverability of our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Instructional Costs and Services

Instructional costs and services consist primarily of costs related to the administration and delivery of the University’s educational programs. This expense category includes salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for full-time and adjunct faculty and administrative personnel, information technology costs, bad debt expense, curriculum and new program development costs (which are expensed as incurred) and costs associated with other support groups that provide services directly to the students. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the provision of educational services, primarily at the University’s Phoenix, Arizona campus.

Admissions Advisory and Related

Admissions advisory and related expenses include salaries and benefits for admissions advisory personnel as well as an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent and occupancy costs attributable to the admissions advisory personnel.

Advertising

Advertising expenses include brand advertising, marketing leads and other branding activities. Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Marketing and Promotional

Marketing and promotional expenses include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation for marketing personnel, and other promotional expenses. This category also includes an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to marketing and promotional activities. Marketing and promotional costs are expensed as incurred.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses include salaries, benefits and share-based compensation of employees engaged in corporate management, finance, human resources, compliance, and other corporate functions. General and administrative expenses also include an allocation of depreciation, amortization, rent, and occupancy costs attributable to the departments providing general and administrative functions.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Commitments and Contingencies

The University accrues for contingent obligations when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount is reasonably estimable. When the University becomes aware of a claim or potential claim, the likelihood of any loss exposure is assessed. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss is estimable, the University records a liability for the estimated loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the potential loss is not estimable, the University will disclose the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount of the potential loss could be material. Estimates that are particularly sensitive to future changes include tax, legal, and other regulatory matters, which are subject to change as events evolve, and as additional information becomes available during the administrative and litigation process. The University expenses legal fees as incurred.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information

The University operates as a single educational delivery operation using a core infrastructure that serves the curriculum and educational delivery needs of both its ground and online students regardless of geography. The University’s Chief Executive Officer manages the University’s operations as a whole and no expense or operating income information is generated or evaluated on any component level.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2017

In March 2016, the FASB issued “Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” to simplify certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions to employees. The new standard requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of the provision for income taxes when stock awards vest or options are exercised. In addition, it eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, allows us to withhold more of an employee’s vesting shares for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting, and clarifies that all cash payments made to tax authorities on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on our consolidated cash flows statement.

The University adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of 2017 which required us to reflect any adjustments as of January 1, 2017. Upon adoption, excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based awards or options are now reflected in the consolidated statement of income as a component of the provision for income taxes, whereas previously they were recognized in equity. The University elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. The net cumulative effect of this change increased additional paid-in capital and decreased retained earnings as of January 1, 2017 by $59, net of tax. The University did not have any previously unrecognized excess tax effects that had not been recorded as a reduction to tax liability.

The University adopted the provisions of the standard impacting the cash flow presentation retrospectively, and accordingly, to conform to the current period presentation, we reclassified $7,370 of excess tax benefits which had been included as a financing activity to an operating activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 in our consolidated statement of cash flows. The presentation requirement for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity.

Adoption of the provision of the new standard related to income taxes was adopted prospectively and resulted in a reduction to our provision for income taxes of $15,374 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to the recognition of excess tax benefits from restricted stock awards that vested or stock options that were exercised in 2017. Our restricted stock awards vest in March each year so the excess tax benefits and deficiencies is greatest in the first quarter each year. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of our income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based compensation awards are dependent on our stock price at the date the restricted awards vest, our stock price on the date an option is exercised, and the quantity of options exercised.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

In August 2016, the FASB issued a new standard that clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The University elected to early adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2017 on a retrospective basis. There was no reclassification impact of the adoption on our consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, as our historical statements have been presented in accordance with this new guidance.

In November 2016, the FASB issued a new standard that requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with the amount of cash and cash equivalents that are reconciled on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The University elected to early adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2017 on a retrospective basis, and accordingly, to conform to the current period presentation, we reclassified our restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included in the total of cash and cash equivalents presented at the bottom of our consolidated statement of cash flows for both the beginning and ending periods for our nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. As a result, the amount of the change in our net cash provided by operating activities no longer includes the impact of the change in restricted cash and cash equivalents for either period.

The following table summarizes the effects related to the adoption of both accounting standards (share-based compensation and restricted cash and cash equivalents) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued “Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended.” The standard is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires revenue to be recognized in a manner to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. The accounting guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgements and changes in judgements and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year delay in the effective date. The University will adopt this new standard January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method and providing certain additional disclosure as defined within the standard. The University has elected to apply this guidance retrospectively to all contracts at the date of initial application. Management has undertaken a review of contracts and revenue streams for all of our net revenues. The majority of our revenues are related to tuition, net of scholarships, due from our students. Tuition revenues, net of scholarships, are currently recognized pro-rata over the applicable period of instruction which the University believes is consistent with the revenue recognition method required by the new standard. The University will provide expanded disclosures pertaining to revenue recognition in our quarterly filings beginning in the period of adoption. The University will clarify further its receivables and contract liabilities reported in its consolidated balance sheets. The University does not expect to have any contract assets. The University will elect the short-term contract exemption with respect to its performance obligations as all performance obligations as of the end of any reporting period are completed within less than a year. We anticipate the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, cash flows or results of operations. The University is continuing to evaluate the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our accounting systems and system of internal controls and does not anticipate significant changes to our accounting systems and expects that there may be some enhancements in internal controls as a result of implementing the new standard.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

In January 2016, the FASB issued “Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The standard addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Most prominent among the amendments is the requirement for changes in the fair value of equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be recognized through net income rather than other comprehensive income (“OCI”). This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued “Leases.” The standard establishes a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with lease terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2019 using a modified retrospective transition approach. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The University has begun evaluating the impact that the future adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and we believe the adoption will slightly increase our assets and liabilities, and will increase our financial statement disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The new guidance revises the accounting requirements related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Accordingly, the standard is effective for us on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach, and we are currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

The University has determined that no other recent accounting pronouncements apply to its operations or could otherwise have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Investments

The following is a summary of investments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The University considers all investments as available for sale.

The cash flows of municipal securities are backed by the issuing municipality’s credit worthiness. All municipal securities are due in one year or less as of September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities was $14, net of taxes.

4. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the assumed conversion of all potentially dilutive securities, consisting of stock options and restricted stock awards, for which the estimated fair value exceeds the exercise price, less shares which could have been purchased with the related proceeds, unless anti-dilutive. For employee equity

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

awards, repurchased shares are also included for any unearned compensation adjusted for tax. The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, on an as if converted basis, used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share.

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding exclude the incremental effect of unvested restricted stock and shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of stock options in accordance with the treasury stock method. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, approximately 3 and 458, respectively, of the University’s stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. These options and restricted stock awards could be dilutive in the future.

5. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

6. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:

7. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

From time to time, the University is a party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. When the University is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the University records a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the University discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved could be material. With respect to the majority of pending litigation matters, the University’s ultimate legal and financial responsibility, if any, cannot be estimated with certainty and, in most cases, any potential losses related to those matters are not considered probable.

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GRAND CANYON EDUCATION, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Upon resolution of any pending legal matters, the University may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. Management does not believe that any such charges would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the University’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Tax Reserves, Non-Income Tax Related

From time to time the University has exposure to various non-income tax related matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The University reserve is not material for tax matters where its ultimate exposure is considered probable and the potential loss can be reasonably estimated.

8. Share-Based Compensation

Incentive Plans

The University has made grants of restricted stock and stock options under its 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”). In January 2017, the Board of Directors of the University approved, and at the University’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders held on June 14, 2017, the University’s stockholders adopted, a 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”). All future grants of equity incentives will be made from the 2017 Plan.

Restricted Stock

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the University granted 188 shares of common stock under the 2008 Plan with a service vesting condition to certain of its executives, officers, faculty and employees. The restricted shares have voting rights and vest in five annual installments of 20%, with this first installment vesting in March of the calendar year following the date of grant (the “first vesting date”) and on each of the four anniversaries of the first vesting date. Upon vesting, shares will be held in lieu of taxes equivalent to the minimum statutory tax withholding required to be paid when the restricted stock vests. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the University withheld 149 shares of common stock in lieu of taxes at a cost of $9,657 on the restricted stock vesting dates. In June 2017, following the annual stockholders meeting, the University granted 4 shares of common stock under the 2017 Plan to the non-employee members of the University’s board of directors. The restricted shares granted to these directors have voting rights and vest on the earlier of (a) the one year anniversary of the date of grant or (b) immediately prior to the following year’s annual stockholders’ meeting.

A summary of the activity related to restricted stock granted under the 2008 Plan and the 2017 Plan since December 31, 2016 is as follows:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Stock Options

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, no options were granted. A summary of the activity since December 31, 2016 related to stock options granted under the 2008 Plan is as follows:

Share-based Compensation Expense

The table below outlines share-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 related to restricted stock and stock options granted:

9. Regulatory

The University is subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental agencies and accrediting bodies. In particular, the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (the “Higher Education Act”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the Department of Education, subject the University to significant regulatory scrutiny on the basis of numerous standards that schools must satisfy in order to participate in the various federal student financial assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.

To participate in the Title IV programs, an institution must be authorized to offer its programs of instruction by the relevant agency of the state in which it is located, accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education and certified as eligible by the Department of Education. The Department of Education will certify an institution to participate in the Title IV programs only after the institution has demonstrated compliance with the Higher Education Act and the Department of Education’s extensive regulations regarding institutional eligibility. An institution must also demonstrate its compliance to the Department of Education on an ongoing basis. The University’s accreditation has been reaffirmed by the Higher Learning Commission (“HLC”) after a comprehensive review of the institution’s academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances and resources during an on-site visit in November 2016. The accreditation was reaffirmed by the HLC’s Institutional Actions council at its meeting on February 28, 2017 with no requirements for any monitoring or interim reports. The comprehensive review occurs every 10 years, along with a mid-term report in year four. As of September 30, 2017, management believes the University is in compliance with the applicable regulations in all material respects. The University has a program participation agreement with full certification from the Department of Education, which gives the University the ability to participate in the Title IV programs through December 31, 2020.

Because the University operates in a highly regulated industry, it, like other industry participants, may be subject from time to time to investigations, claims of non-compliance, or lawsuits by governmental agencies or third parties, which allege statutory violations, regulatory infractions, or common law causes of action. While there can be no assurance that regulatory agencies or third parties will not undertake investigations or make claims against the University, or that such claims, if made, will not have a material adverse effect on the University’s business, results of operations or financial condition, management believes the University is in compliance with applicable regulations in all material respects.

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The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this report.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains certain “forward-looking statements,” which include information relating to future events, future financial performance, strategies, expectations, competitive environment, regulation, and availability of resources. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: proposed new programs; statements as to whether regulatory developments or other matters may or may not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity; statements concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates, or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results, and future economic performance; and statements of management’s goals and objectives and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

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Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, as updated in our subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including any updates found in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or our other reports on Form 10-Q. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

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Overview

We are a comprehensive regionally accredited university that offers over 220 graduate and undergraduate degree programs, emphases and certificates across nine colleges both online and on ground at our over 270 acre campus in Phoenix, Arizona, at leased facilities and at facilities owned by third party employers of our students. We are committed to providing an academically rigorous educational experience with a focus on professionally relevant programs that meet the objectives of our students. Our undergraduate programs are designed to be innovative and meet the future needs of employers, while providing students with the needed critical thinking and effective communication skills developed through a Christian-oriented, liberal arts foundation. We offer master’s and doctoral degrees in contemporary fields that are designed to provide students with the capacity for transformational leadership in their chosen industry, emphasizing the immediate relevance of theory, application, and evaluation to promote personal and organizational change. We believe the growing brand of the University and the value proposition for both traditional aged students attending on our campus in Phoenix, Arizona and working adult students attending on our campus or at off-site locations in cohorts (referred to by us as professional studies students) or online, has enabled us to increase enrollment to approximately 91,200 at September 30, 2017.

End-of-period enrollment increased 10.7% between September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, as ground enrollment increased 9.5% and online enrollment increased 11.0% over the prior year. We attribute the growth in our ground enrollment between years to our increasing brand recognition and the value proposition that our ground traditional campus affords to traditional-aged students and their parents. After scholarships, our ground traditional students pay tuition, room, board, and fees in an amount that is often half to a third of what it costs to attend a private, traditional university in another state and an amount comparable to what it costs to attend a public university. Our online students pay tuition and fees in an amount that is often less than the cost of other high service online programs such as ours. For example, our largest local competitor’s undergraduate tuition for online programs ranges from $510 to $718 per credit hour and its graduate tuition for online programs ranges from $512 to $1,312 per credit hour while our online tuition per credit hour ranges from $355 to $470 for undergraduate programs and $330 to $640 for graduate programs. There are online programs that are less expensive than ours but those programs generally do not provide the full level of support services that we provide to our students. Although our online enrollment continues to grow, as the proportion of traditional colleges and universities providing alternative learning modalities increases, we will face increasing competition for working adult students from such institutions, including those with well-established reputations for excellence. Net revenues increased 11.8% over the first nine months of the prior year primarily due to the enrollment growth and due to an increase in ancillary revenues resulting from the increased traditional student enrollment (e.g. housing, food, etc.). The increase in revenue per student between years is primarily due to a higher percentage of students residing on campus resulting in higher room and board related revenue as compared to the prior year. Additionally, we recognized one additional day of traditional campus revenue in the fall semester of 2017 as compared to 2016 due to a favorable shift in the timing of our residential traditional campus start dates. We have not raised our tuition for our traditional ground programs in nine years and we have not raised tuition for our working adult students since September 2015. Operating income was $191.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of 19.3% over the $160.5 million in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The following is a summary of our student enrollment at September 30, 2017 and 2016 by degree type and by instructional delivery method:

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Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.

Key Trends, Developments and Challenges

The key trends, developments and challenges facing the University are disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there have been no significant changes in these trends. See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Key Trends, Developments and Challenges” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.    

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth income statement data as a percentage of net revenue for each of the periods indicated:

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net revenue. Our net revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $236.2 million, an increase of $25.8 million, or 12.2%, as compared to net revenue of $210.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in ground and online enrollment and, to a lesser extent, an increase in room and board and other student fees and ancillary revenues, partially offset by an increase in institutional scholarships. We have not raised our tuition for our traditional ground program in nine years and we have not raised tuition for our working adult students since September 2015. End-of-period enrollment increased 10.7% between September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, as ground enrollment increased 9.5%, and online enrollment increased 11.0% over the prior year. The majority of the ground enrollment growth between September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2017 is due to an increase in the number of residential students at our ground traditional campus in Phoenix, Arizona. We attribute the growth in our enrollment between years to our increasing brand recognition and the value proposition we believe we provide to students and their parents. Although our online enrollment continues to grow, as the proportion of traditional colleges and universities providing alternative learning modalities increases, we will face increasing competition for working adult students from such institutions, including those with well-established reputations for excellence. The increase in revenue per student between years is primarily due to one additional day of traditional campus revenue in the fall semester of 2017 as compared to 2016 due to a favorable shift in the timing of our residential traditional campus start dates, and six additional days of revenue from our Summer term in 2017 as compared to 2016. Additionally, we have a higher percentage of students residing on campus resulting in higher room and board and other related revenues as compared to the prior year.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Our instructional costs and services expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $104.3 million, an increase of $12.6 million, or 13.7%, as compared to instructional costs and services expenses of $91.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to increases in employee compensation and related expenses including share based compensation, faculty compensation, depreciation and amortization and occupancy expense

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including disposals, and other instructional costs and services, of $4.0 million, $2.6 million, $3.3 million, and $2.7 million, respectively. The increase in employee compensation and related expenses and faculty compensation are primarily due to the increase in the number of staff and faculty needed to support the increasing number of students attending the University. In addition, we have incurred an increase in benefit costs between years. The increase in depreciation, amortization and occupancy costs including disposals is the result of our placing into service additional buildings to support the growing number of students. In addition, during the third quarter of 2017 we wrote-off the remaining book value of two buildings that will be replaced by a new classroom building that is needed for Fall 2018. The increase in other instructional costs and services is primarily due to higher food and other expenses as a result of the increased ancillary revenues. Our instructional costs and services expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased 0.6% to 44.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from 43.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to an increase in depreciation, amortization and occupancy costs including disposals as a percentage of revenue over the prior year primarily due to the asset disposal as well as depreciation increasing at a rate higher than net revenues due to significant fixed asset additions during the past twelve months, as well as an increase in employee compensation and related expenses primarily due to an increase in benefit costs over the prior year. Bad debt expense stayed flat at 2.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, while other instructional costs and services were down as a percentage of net revenue over the prior year.    

Admissions advisory and related expenses. Our admissions advisory and related expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $31.4 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 9.1%, as compared to admissions advisory and related expenses of $28.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is primarily the result of increases in employee compensation and related expenses including share based compensation of $2.5 million, primarily due to tenure based salary adjustments and an increase in benefits costs over the prior year. Our admissions advisory and related expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 0.4% to 13.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from 13.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to our ability to leverage our admissions advisory personnel across an increasing revenue base.

Advertising expenses. Our advertising expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $25.5 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 6.8%, as compared to advertising expenses of $23.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is primarily the result of increased national brand advertising. Our advertising expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased by 0.6% to 10.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from 11.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Marketing and promotional expenses. Our marketing and promotional expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $2.3 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 10.5%, as compared to marketing and promotional expenses of $2.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is primarily the result of increases in employee compensation and related expenses including stock based compensation of $0.3 million, partially offset by decreases in other promotional expenses of $0.1 million. Our marketing and promotional expenses as a percentage of net revenue stayed flat at 1.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $12.9 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 3.8%, as compared to general and administrative expenses of $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in contributions made in lieu of state income taxes to school sponsoring organizations from $4.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016 to $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. This decrease was partially offset by increases in employee compensation and related expenses including stock based compensation, and increases in other general and administrative costs of $0.8 million, and $0.7 million, respectively. The increase in employee compensation and related expenses is primarily due to headcount increases to support our growing enrollment and higher benefit costs. The increase in other general and administrative costs is primarily due to higher insurance and other expenses. Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 5.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017, from 6.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to the lower contributions made in lieu of state income taxes.

Lease termination costs. In July 2016, we notified a current landlord or our intent to vacate leased space by the fourth quarter of 2016. As a result, we were required to pay a termination fee to terminate the lease resulting in $3.4 million of expense in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $0.6 million, an increase of $0.3 million, as compared to interest expense of $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to lower capitalized interest as compared to the prior year due to a decrease in capital spending in 2017, partially offset by the decrease in the average balance of our loan facility. Our interest expense as a percentage of net revenue stayed flat at 0.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

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Interest and other income. Interest and other income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.4 million, an increase of $3.7 million, as compared to a loss of $2.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. Interest income was higher in 2017 as compared to 2016 primarily due to higher average investment balances between years. Included in 2017 is our proportional share of equity income of $0.7 million related to our former ownership interest in LoudCloud that was received in the third quarter of 2017. The loss in the prior year was primarily due to an impairment charge on an investment recorded in the third quarter of 2016.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $21.3 million, an increase of $6.1 million, or 40.0%, as compared to income tax expense of $15.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is the result of higher taxable income between periods. The effective tax rates for both quarters were lower than our annual effective tax rates due to the contributions made in lieu of state income taxes to school sponsoring organizations. Our contributions decreased from $4.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016 to $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in contributions over the prior year was partially offset by the adoption of the share-based compensation standard in the first quarter of 2017, which resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation awards that vested or settled in 2017 in the consolidated income statement. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of our income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based compensation awards are dependent on our stock price at the date the restricted awards vest, our stock price on the date an option is exercised, and the quantity of options exercised.

Net income. Our net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $39.3 million, an increase of $10.1 million, as compared to $29.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, due to the factors discussed above.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net revenue. Our net revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $702.7 million, an increase of $74.0 million, or 11.8%, as compared to net revenue of $628.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in ground and online enrollment and, to a lesser extent, an increase in room and board and other student fees and ancillary revenues, partially offset by an increase in institutional scholarships. We have not raised our tuition for our traditional ground program in nine years and we have not raised tuition for our working adult students since September 2015. End-of-period enrollment increased 10.7% between September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, as ground enrollment increased 9.5%, and online enrollment increased 11.0% over the prior year. The majority of the ground enrollment growth between September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2017 is due to an increase in the number of residential students at our ground traditional campus in Phoenix, Arizona. We attribute the growth in our enrollment between years to our increasing brand recognition and the value proposition we believe we provide to students and their parents. Although our online enrollment continues to grow, as the proportion of traditional colleges and universities providing alternative learning modalities increases, we will face increasing competition for working adult students from such institutions, including those with well-established reputations for excellence. The increase in revenue per student between years is primarily due to a higher percentage of students residing on campus resulting in higher room and board and related revenue as compared to the prior year, Additionally, we recognized one additional day of traditional campus revenue in the fall semester of 2017 as compared to 2016 due to a favorable shift in the timing of our residential traditional campus start dates.

Instructional costs and services expenses. Our instructional costs and services expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $301.9 million, an increase of $30.9 million, or 11.4%, as compared to instructional costs and services expenses of $271.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to increases in employee compensation and related expenses including share based compensation, faculty compensation, depreciation and amortization and occupancy expense including disposals, and other instructional costs and services, of $8.5 million, $7.8 million, $9.0 million, and $5.6 million, respectively. The increase in employee compensation and related expenses and faculty compensation are primarily due to the increase in the number of staff and faculty needed to support the increasing number of students attending the University. In addition, we have incurred an increase in benefit costs between years. The increase in depreciation, amortization and occupancy costs including disposals is the result of our placing into service additional buildings to support the growing number of students. In addition, during the third quarter of 2017 we wrote-off the remaining book value of two buildings that will be replaced by a new classroom building that is needed for Fall 2018. The increase in other instructional costs and services is primarily due to higher food and other expenses as a result of the increased ancillary revenues. Our instructional costs and services expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased 0.1% to 43.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from 43.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to a decrease in employee compensation and related expenses, and other instructional costs and services as a percentage of net revenues partially offset by an increase in depreciation, amortization and occupancy expense including disposals as a percentage of revenue over the prior year. The decrease in these expenses as a percentage of revenue between years is due to our ability to leverage them across an increasing revenue base. The increase in depreciation, amortization and occupancy expenses is primarily due to the asset disposal as well as depreciation increasing at a rate higher than net revenues due to significant fixed asset additions during the past twelve months. Bad debt expense decreased to 1.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from 2.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

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Admissions advisory and related expenses. Our admissions advisory and related expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $94.5 million, an increase of $7.3 million, or 8.3%, as compared to admissions advisory and related expenses of $87.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is primarily the result of increases in employee compensation and related expenses including share based compensation of $7.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in other advisory related expenses of $0.2 million. The increase in employee compensation and related expenses is primarily due to tenure based salary adjustments and an increase in benefit costs between years. Our admissions advisory and related expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased 0.5% to 13.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from 13.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to our ability to leverage our admissions advisory personnel across an increasing revenue base.

Advertising expenses. Our advertising expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $74.9 million, an increase of $7.7 million, or 11.6%, as compared to advertising expenses of $67.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is primarily the result of increased national brand advertising. Our advertising expenses as a percentage of net revenue stayed flat at 10.7% for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Marketing and promotional expenses. Our marketing and promotional expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $7.1 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 9.2%, as compared to marketing and promotional expenses of $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is primarily the result of increases in employee compensation and related expenses including stock based compensation of $0.8 million, partially offset by a decrease in other promotional expenses of $0.2 million. Our marketing and promotional expenses as a percentage of net revenue stayed flat at 1.0% for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

General and administrative expenses. Our general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $32.9 million, a decrease of $0.1 million, as compared to general and administrative expenses of $33.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in our contributions made in lieu of state income taxes to school sponsoring organizations from $4.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and a decrease in other general and administrative costs of $0.1 million, partially offset by an increase in employee compensation and related expenses including shared based compensation of $2.0 million. The increase in employee compensation and related expenses is due to headcount increases to support our growing enrollment and higher benefit costs. Our general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue decreased by 0.5% to 4.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from 5.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the decreased contributions made in lieu of state income taxes and our ability to leverage our general and administrative costs across an increasing revenue base.

Lease termination costs. In July 2016, we notified a current landlord or our intent to vacate leased space by the fourth quarter of 2016. As a result, we were required to pay a termination fee to terminate the lease resulting in $3.4 million of expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.6 million, an increase of $0.8 million, as compared to interest expense of $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to higher interest costs from the draw on our revolving line of credit during the first quarter of 2017 and lower capitalized interest due to a decrease in capital spending in 2017. Our interest expense increased as a percentage of net revenue by 0.1% to 0.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from 0.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Interest and other income. Interest and other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $2.2 million, an increase of $2.1 million, as compared to interest and other income of $0.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Interest income was higher primarily due to higher average investment balances between years. Included in 2017 interest income is our proportional share of equity income of $0.7 million related to our former ownership interest in LoudCloud that was received in the third quarter of 2017. In the first nine months of 2016, interest income and the University’s proportional share of equity income related to our former ownership interest in LoudCloud of $1.8 million that was received in the first quarter of 2016 was offset by an impairment charge on an investment of $2.5 million included in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Income tax expense. Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $56.9 million, a decrease of $2.3 million, or 3.9%, as compared to income tax expense of $59.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease is the result of a decrease in our effective tax rate from 37.1% in the first nine months of 2016 to 29.6% during the first nine months of 2017 partially offset by higher taxable income between periods. The lower effective tax rate year over year is due to our adoption of the share-based compensation standard in the first quarter of 2017, which resulted in the recognition of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation awards that vested or settled in 2017 in the consolidated income statement. The inclusion of excess tax benefits and deficiencies as a component of our income tax expense will increase volatility within our provision for income taxes as the amount of excess tax benefits or deficiencies from share-based compensation awards are dependent on our stock price at the date the restricted awards vest, our stock price on the date an option is exercised, and the quantity of options exercised. Our restricted

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stock vests in March each year so the favorable benefit is greatest in the first quarter each year. The decrease in the effective tax rate from excess tax benefits was partially offset by a lower contribution in lieu of state income taxes to school sponsoring organizations in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $2.0 million as compared to the $4.0 million contribution made in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Net income. Our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $135.1 million, an increase of $34.6 million, as compared to $100.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, due to the factors discussed above.

Seasonality

Our net revenue and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in enrollment. Student population varies as a result of new enrollments, graduations, and student attrition. The majority of our traditional ground students do not attend courses during the summer months (May through August), which affects our results for our second and third fiscal quarters. Since a significant amount of our campus costs are fixed, the lower revenue resulting from the decreased ground student enrollment has historically contributed to lower operating margins during those periods. We intend to continue to increase the relative proportion of our students that are ground traditional students. Thus, we expect this summer effect to become more pronounced in future years. Partially offsetting this summer effect in the third quarter has been the sequential quarterly increase in enrollments that has occurred as a result of the traditional fall school start. This increase in enrollments also has occurred in the first quarter, corresponding to calendar year matriculation. In addition, we typically experience higher net revenue in the fourth quarter due to its overlap with the semester encompassing the traditional fall school start and in the first quarter due to its overlap with the first semester of the calendar year. A portion of our expenses do not vary proportionately with these fluctuations in net revenue, resulting in higher operating income in the first and fourth quarters relative to other quarters. We expect quarterly fluctuation in operating results to continue as a result of these seasonal patterns.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity. We financed our operating activities and capital expenditures during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 primarily through cash provided by operating activities. Our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and investments were $269.8 million and $108.6 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Our restricted cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $75.6 million and $84.9 million, respectively. In December 2012, we entered into a new credit agreement, which increased our term loan to $100 million with a maturity date of December 2019. Additionally, this facility, as amended in January 2016, provides a revolving line of credit in the amount of $150 million through December 2017 to be utilized for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. Indebtedness under the credit facility is secured by our assets and is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. No amounts were drawn on the revolver as of September 30, 2017.

Based on our current level of operations and anticipated growth, we believe that our cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents and our revolving line of credit, will provide adequate funds for ongoing operations, planned capital expenditures, and working capital requirements for at least the next 24 months.

Share Repurchase Program

Our Board of Directors has authorized the University to repurchase up to an aggregate of $175.0 million of our common stock, from time to time, depending on market conditions and other considerations. The current expiration date on the repurchase authorization by our Board of Directors is December 31, 2018. Repurchases occur at the University’s discretion.

Under our share purchase authorization, we may purchase shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be made as market and business conditions warrant.

Since the inception of our share repurchase program, the University has purchased 3.5 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $75.8 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 no shares were repurchased by the University. At September 30, 2017, there remains $99.2 million available under our share repurchase authorization.

Cash Flows

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $269.9 million as compared to $213.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in cash generated from operating activities between the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is primarily due to increased net income and non-cash charges such as depreciation expense as well as changes in other working capital such as accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred revenue.

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Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $112.1 million and $163.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our cash used in investing activities was primarily related to the purchase of short-term investments and capital expenditures. Purchases of short-term investments, net of proceeds of these investments, was $27.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Proceeds from investment, net of purchases of short term investments, was $33.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Capital expenditures were $75.6 million and $157.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the nine-month period for 2017, capital expenditures primarily consisted of the construction of an additional dormitory, other ground campus building projects and land acquisitions adjacent to our campus to support our growing traditional student enrollment, as well as purchases of computer equipment, other internal use software projects and furniture and equipment to support our increasing employee headcount. Included in off-site development for 2017 is $10.2 million we spent to finish the building and parking garage in close proximity to our ground traditional campus. Employees that work in two leased office buildings in the Phoenix area were relocated to this new building by the end of 2016. During the nine-month period for 2016, capital expenditures primarily consisted of ground campus building projects that started in late 2015 such as three more apartment style residence halls, a 170,000 square foot classroom building for our College of Science, Engineering and Technology, a student service center, and a fourth parking structure, as well as land purchases adjacent to or near our Phoenix campus, and purchases of computer equipment, other internal use software projects and furniture and equipment to support our increasing employee headcount. Included in off-site development during 2016 is $41.9 million related to the off-site office building and parking garage. In addition, during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, we received a $0.7 million and $1.8 million, respectively, distribution related to our ownership interest in LoudCloud upon its sale to a third party.

Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $33.0 million and $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the nine-month period for 2017, $25.0 million was used to repay the revolving line of credit, $9.7 million was used to purchase common shares withheld in lieu of income taxes resulting from restricted share awards and principal payments on notes payable and capital leases totaled $5.1 million, which amounts were partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $6.8 million. During the nine-month period for 2016, $20.0 million was used to purchase common shares withheld in lieu of income taxes resulting from restricted share awards and principal payments on notes payable and capital leases totaled $5.5 million and debt issuance costs for the increase in our revolving line of credit totaled $0.2 million, which amounts were partially offset by proceeds of $12.0 million from net borrowings from the revolving line of credit and $10.0 million in proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth, as of September 30, 2017, the aggregate amounts of our significant contractual obligations and commitments with definitive payment terms due in each of the periods presented (in millions):

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have had or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.

Impact of inflation. We believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016. There can be no assurance that future inflation will not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

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Market risk. On February 27, 2013, we entered into an interest rate corridor to manage our 30 Day LIBOR interest exposure from the variable rate debt, which debt matures in December 2019. The corridor instrument, which hedges variable interest rate risk starting March 1, 2013 through December 20, 2019 with a notional amount of $68.3 million as of September 30, 2017, permits us to hedge our interest rate risk at several thresholds. Under this arrangement, in addition to the credit spread we will pay variable interest rates based on the 30 Day LIBOR rates monthly until that index reaches 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR is equal to 1.5% through 3.0%, we will continue to pay 1.5%. If 30 Day LIBOR exceeds 3.0%, we will pay actual 30 Day LIBOR less 1.5%.

Except with respect to the foregoing, we have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments. We invest cash in excess of current operating requirements in short-term certificates of deposit and money market instruments in multiple financial institutions.

Interest rate risk. We manage interest rate risk through the instruments noted above and by investing excess funds in cash equivalents, such as municipal mutual funds tied to various market indices and municipal bonds with a BBB rating or higher bearing variable interest rates, or individual bond coupon rates. Our future interest income may fall short of expectations due to changes in interest rates or we may suffer losses in principal if we are forced to sell securities that have declined in market value due to changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2017, a 10% increase or decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our future earnings, fair values, or cash flows. For information regarding our variable rate debt, see “Market risk” above.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, as of September 30, 2017, in ensuring that material information relating to us required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Based on an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (who is our principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (who is our principal financial officer), there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

None.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Our Board of Directors has authorized the University to repurchase up to an aggregate of $175.0 million of common stock, from time to time, depending on market conditions and other considerations. The current expiration date on the repurchase authorization is December 31, 2018. Repurchases occur at the University’s discretion. Repurchases may be made in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. The amount and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be made as market and business conditions warrant. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock. At September 30, 2017, there remains $99.2 million available under our share repurchase authorization.

The following table sets forth our share repurchases of common stock and our share repurchases in lieu of taxes, which are not included in the repurchase plan totals as they were approved in conjunction with the restricted share awards, during each period in the third quarter of fiscal 2017:

None.

None.

None.

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(a) Exhibits

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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.

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