LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP - Quarter Report: 2016 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

 

For the transition period from _____ to _____

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LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

(973) 736-9340

(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, 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.

 

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

 

As of November 3, 2016, there were 24,857,892 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

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LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Continued)

 

		September 30, 2016				December 31, 2015
		(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of term loan		$	10,000			$	10,000
Current portion of  capital lease obligations			-				114
Current portion of finance obligation			1,678				-
Unearned tuition			19,859				22,094
Accounts payable			17,137				12,863
Accrued expenses			11,828				12,263
Liabilities held for sale			15,958				13,426
Other short-term liabilities			157				686
Total current liabilities			76,617				71,446
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term loan			31,734				32,124
Long-term capital lease obligations			-				3,785
Long-term finance obligation			-				9,672
Pension plan liabilities			5,476				5,549
Accrued rent			3,602				4,177
Total liabilities			117,429				126,753
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value - 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015			-				-
Common stock, no par value - authorized: 100,000,000 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015; issued and outstanding: 30,768,433 shares at September 30, 2016 and 29,727,555 shares at December 31, 2015			141,377				141,377
Additional paid-in capital			28,271				27,292
Treasury stock at cost - 5,910,541 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015			(82,860	)			(82,860	)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings			(7,417	)			2,260
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(6,406	)			(7,072	)
Total stockholders' equity			72,965				80,997
TOTAL		$	190,394			$	207,750

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Continued)

 

 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts and unless otherwise stated)

(Unaudited)

1.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business Activities – Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company currently operates 30 schools in 15 states and  offers programs in automotive technology, skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding and computerized numerical control and electronic systems technology, among other programs), healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant, medical administrative assistant and pharmacy technician, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology and aesthetics) and business and information technology (which includes information technology and criminal justice programs).  The schools operate under the Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln College of New England, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences brand names.  Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study.  Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas.  All of the campuses are nationally or regionally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE”) and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid.

In the first quarter of 2015, the Company reorganized its operations into three reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, (b) Healthcare and Other Professions, and (c) Transitional which refers to businesses that have been or are currently being taught out.  In November, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to divest 17 of the 18 schools included in its Healthcare and Other Professions business segment and, then, in December, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations of the remaining school in this segment located in Hartford, Connecticut. The Hartford school is scheduled to close in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016.  In the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out certain programs at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.  As a result, operations related to these programs have been included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016.  Divestiture of the Healthcare and Other Professions business segment marks a shift in the Company’s business strategy intended to enable the Company to focus its energy and resources predominantly on Transportation and Skilled Trades though some other programs will continue to be available at some campuses.  The results of operations of the 17 campuses included in the Healthcare and Other Professions segment that are being divested are reflected as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements. 

Liquidity—For the last several years, the Company and the proprietary school sector have faced deteriorating earnings. Government regulations have negatively impacted earnings by making it more difficult for potential students to obtain loans, which, when coupled with the overall economic environment, have discouraged potential students from enrolling in post-secondary schools. In light of these factors, the Company has incurred significant operating losses as a result of lower student population.  Despite these events, the Company believes that its likely sources of cash should be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months.  At September 30, 2016, the Company’s sources of cash primarily included cash and cash equivalents of $45.8 million (of which $26.6 million is restricted). The Company is also continuing to take actions to improve cash flow by aligning its cost structure to its student population.

In addition to the current sources of capital that will provide short term liquidity, the Company plans to sell approximately $32.3 million in assets net of liabilities, which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year from the date of classification of which up to $10 million will be required to pay down debt.

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such regulations.  These statements, which should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2015 consolidated financial statements and related disclosures of the Company included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2016, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments and impairments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods.  The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates the estimates and assumptions including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, impairments, fixed assets, income taxes, benefit plans and certain accruals.  Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

New Accounting Pronouncements – In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU No. 2016-15 amends ASC 230 to add or clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for the Company beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early application is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2016-15, however it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU No. 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences. Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. Further, tax benefits should be recognized regardless of whether the benefits reduce taxes payable in the current period.  Under the previous U.S. GAAP, excess tax benefits are recognized in additional paid-in capital; tax deficiencies are recognized either as an offset to accumulated excess tax benefits, if any, or in the income statement. Also, under the previous U.S. GAAP, excess tax benefits are not recognized until the deduction reduces taxes payable. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017, with earlier application permitted in any interim or annual period. ASU No. 2016-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition or financial statement disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU Topic 842, Leases requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a lease term greater than 12 months. The main difference between previous U.S. GAAP and ASU Topic 842 is the recognition under ASU 842 of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP. The new guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with earlier application permitted, is being evaluated to determine if it will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for public business entities for annual periods, and for interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted this guidance as of December 31, 2015.  It did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition or financial statement disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to the presentation of debt issuance costs in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, rather than as an asset.  Amortization of debt issuance costs will continue to be reported as interest expense.  Debt issuance costs related to revolving credit arrangements, however, will continue to be presented as an asset and amortized ratably over the term of the arrangement.  In August 2015, the FASB issued accounting guidance related to the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements which clarifies that companies may continue to present unamortized debt issuance costs associated with line of credit arrangements as an asset.  These pronouncements are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  The guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items. ASU 2015-01 simplifies income statement classification by removing the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. Under the existing guidance, an entity is required to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is of unusual nature and occurs infrequently. This separate, net-of-tax presentation (and corresponding earnings per share impact) will no longer be allowed. The existing requirement to separately present items that are of unusual nature or occur infrequently on a pre-tax basis within income from continuing operations has been retained. The new guidance also requires similar separate presentation of items that are both unusual and infrequent. The guidance, effective for the Company on January 1, 2016, with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued a new standard – ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern - that will explicitly require management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. According to the new standard, substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern exists if it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date the entity’s financial statements are issued. In order to determine the specific disclosures, if any, that would be required, management will need to assess if substantial doubt exists, and, if so, whether its plans will alleviate such substantial doubt. The new standard requires assessment each annual and interim period and will be effective for the Company on December 31, 2016 with earlier application permitted.  The Company does not believe this guidance will have any impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, a new standard related to revenue recognition, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new standard will replace most of the existing revenue recognition standards in GAAP.  In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date.  In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which defers the effective date of revenue standard ASU 2014-09 by one year for all entities and permits early adoptions on a limited basis.  The new standard can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of the change recognized at the date of the initial application. The Company is assessing the potential impact of the new standard on financial reporting and has not yet selected a transition method.

Stock-Based Compensation – The Company measures the value of stock options on the grant date at fair value, using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.  The Company amortizes the fair value of stock options, net of estimated forfeitures, utilizing straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant.

The Company measures the value of service and performance-based restricted stock on the fair value of a share of common stock on the date of the grant. The Company amortizes the fair value of service-based restricted stock utilizing straight-line amortization of compensation expense over the requisite service period of the grant.

The Company amortizes the fair value of the performance-based restricted stock based on the determination of the probable outcome of the performance condition.  If the performance condition is expected to be met, then the Company amortizes the fair value of the number of shares expected to vest utilizing straight-line basis over the requisite performance period of the grant.  However, if the associated performance condition is not expected to be met, then the Company does not recognize the stock-based compensation expense.

Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Code (“ASC”) Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). This statement requires an asset and liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for years in which taxes are expected to be paid or recovered.

In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses its deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable.  A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, the Company’s assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considered, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns.  Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.  Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future income levels could materially impact the Company’s valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause the Company’s income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.

 

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not have any interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions.

 

Reclassification – During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to teach-out certain programs in the West Palm Beach, Florida campus which are included in the Transitional segment.  In 2016, the Company reclassified related amounts reflected in the 2015 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

2.	WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES

The weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, options to acquire 668,307 and 47,015 shares, respectively, were excluded from the above table because the Company recorded a net loss for each quarter and, therefore, their impact on reported loss per share would have been antidilutive.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, options to acquire 224,667 shares were excluded from the above table because they have an exercise price that is greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock and, therefore, their impact on reported income (loss) per share would have been antidilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, options to acquire 540,567 shares were excluded from the above table because they have an exercise price that is greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock and, therefore, their impact on reported income (loss) per share would have been antidilutive.

In 2013, and 2014, the Company issued performance shares that vest when certain performance conditions are satisfied.  As of September 30, 2016, these performance conditions were not met for most of these shares.  As a result, the Company has determined that most of these shares are contingently issuable.  Accordingly, 998,827 shares of outstanding performance shares have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 152,837 shares have been excluded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.  Refer to Note 6 for more information on performance shares.

3.	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On November 3, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to divest 17 of the 18 schools included in its Healthcare and Other Professions segment.  The planned divestiture of the Company’s Healthcare and Other Professions segment constitutes a strategic shift for the Company.  The results of operations of these campuses are reflected as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements.  Implementation of the plan will result in the Company’s operations being focused solely on the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment.

The results of operations at these 17 campuses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 were as follows:

On December 3, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at the Hartford, Connecticut school which is scheduled to close in the fourth quarter of 2016 and is included in the Transitional segment.

On July 1, 2016, New England Institute of Technology at Palm Beach, Inc. (“NEIT”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the “WPB Sale Agreement”) with School Property Development Metrocentre, LLC (“SPD”), pursuant to which NEIT agreed to sell to SPD the real property owned by NEIT located at 2400 and 2410 Metrocentre Boulevard East, West Palm Beach, Florida, including the improvements and other personal property located thereon  (the “WPB Property”) for a cash purchase price of approximately $15.9 million.

 

In the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out certain programs at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.  As a result, operations related to these programs have been included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016. The remaining assets and liabilities at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus remain in classified as held for sale in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2016. The remaining operations at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus remain in classified as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

On September 1, 2016, the Company received notification of termination of the WPB Sale Agreement from SPD pursuant to the terms of the WPB Sale Agreement.

4.	GOODWILL AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Company reviews long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, long-lived assets were tested at certain campuses as a result of certain financial indicators such as the Company’s history of losses, current respective period losses, as well as future projected losses at these campuses.  The Company concluded that there was sufficient evidence to conclude that there was no impairment of long-lived assets as of September 30, 2016 and 2015.

The Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets for impairment when indicators of impairment exist.  Annually, or more frequently if necessary, the Company evaluates goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment, with any resulting impairment reflected as an operating expense.   The Company concluded that, as of September 30, 2016, there were no indicators of potential impairment and, accordingly, the Company did not test goodwill for impairment.

The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2015 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment.  The test indicated that one of the Company’s reporting units was impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

The carrying amount of goodwill at September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

 

Intangible assets, which are included in other assets, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, consist of the following:

Amortization of intangible assets was less than $0.1 million for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

The following table summarizes the estimated future amortization expense:

5.	LONG-TERM DEBT AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Long-term debt and lease obligations consist of the following:

 

(a) On July 31, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement with three lenders, Alostar Bank of Commerce (“Alostar”), HPF Holdco, LLC and Rushing Creek 4, LLC, led by HPF Service, LLC, as administrative agent and collateral agent (the “Agent”), for an aggregate principal amount of $45 million (the “Term Loan”).  The July 31, 2015 credit agreement, along with subsequent amendments to the Credit Agreement dated December 31, 2015 and February 29, 2016, are collectively referred to as the “Credit Agreement.”  As of December 31, 2015 and prior to the effectiveness of a second amendment to the Credit Agreement on February 29, 2016 (the “Second Amendment”), the Term Loan consisted of a $30 million term loan (the “Term Loan A”) from HPF Holdco, LLC, Rushing Creek 4, LLC and Tiger Capital Group, LLC, secured by a first priority lien in favor of the Agent on substantially all of the real and personal property owned by the Company, and a $15 million term loan (the “Term Loan B”) from Alostar secured by a $15.3 million cash collateral account. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Company received an additional $5 million term loan from Alostar with which the Company repaid $5 million of the principal amount of the Term Loan A.  Accordingly, upon the effectiveness of the Second Amendment, the aggregate term loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement remained at approximately $45 million, consisting of an approximate $25 million Term Loan A and a $20 million Term Loan B.  In addition, pursuant to the Second Amendment, the amount of cash collateral securing the Term Loan B was increased to $20.3 million.  At the Company’s request, a percentage of the cash collateral may be released to the Company at the Agent’s sole discretion and with the consent of Alostar upon the satisfaction of certain criteria as outlined in the Credit Agreement.  The Term Loan, which matures on July 31, 2019, replaced a previously existing $20 million revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. and other lenders, which was due to expire on April 5, 2016.  The previously existing revolving credit facility was terminated concurrently with the effective date of the Credit Agreement on July 31, 2015 (the “Closing Date”).

A portion of the proceeds of the Term Loan was used by the Company to (i) repay approximately $6.3 million in outstanding principal, accrued interest and fees due under the previously existing revolving credit facility, (ii) fund the $20.3 million cash collateral account securing the portion of the Term Loan provided by Alostar, (iii) fund approximately $7.4 million in a cash collateral account securing the letters of credit issued under the previously existing revolving credit facility that remain outstanding after the termination of that facility and (iv) pay transaction expenses in connection with the Term Loan and the termination of the previously existing revolving credit facility.  The remaining proceeds of the Term Loan of approximately $11 million may be used by the Company to finance capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes consistent with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

Interest will accrue on the Term Loan at a per annum rate equal to the greater of (i) 11% or (ii) 90-day LIBOR plus 9%  determined monthly by the Agent and will be payable monthly in arrears.  The principal balance of the Term Loan will be repaid in equal monthly installments, commencing on August 1, 2017, determined as the quotient of (i) 10% of the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan as of July 2, 2017 divided by (ii) 12.  A final installment of principal and all accrued and unpaid interest will be due on the maturity date of the Term Loan.

The Term Loan may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time, subject to the payment of a prepayment premium equal to (i) 5% of the principal amount prepaid at any time up to but not including the second anniversary of the Closing Date and (ii) 3% of the principal amount prepaid at any time commencing on the second anniversary of the Closing Date up to but not including the third anniversary of the Closing Date.  In the event of any sale or other disposition of a school or real property by the Company permitted under the Term Loan, the net proceeds of such sale or disposition must be used to prepay the Loan in an amount determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement, subject to the applicable prepayment premium; provided, however, that no prepayment premium will be due with respect to up to $15 million of aggregate repayments of the Term Loan made during the first year that the Term Loan is outstanding.  A portion of the net cash proceeds of any disposition of a school in an amount determined pursuant to the terms of the Term Loan, must be deposited and held as cash collateral in a deposit account controlled by the Agent until the conditions for release set forth in the Term Loan are satisfied.  In connection with the assets which are currently classified as held for sale and are expected to be sold within one year, the Company is required to classify $10 million as short term debt due to the Term Loan prepayment minimum required with respect to any such disposition.

The Term Loan contains customary representations, warranties and covenants such as minimum financial responsibility composite score, cohort default rate, and other financial covenants, including minimum liquidity, maximum capital expenditures, maximum 90/10 ratio and minimum EBITDA (as defined in the Term Loan), as well as affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2016.  Subsequent to the 2015 fiscal year end, pursuant to the Second Amendment, the financial covenants were adjusted and, at the Company’s election, will be adjusted for fiscal year 2017 and for each subsequent fiscal year until the maturity of the Term Loan at either the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Credit Agreement as of the Closing Date or the levels applicable to fiscal year 2016 (and each fiscal quarter thereof) contained in the Second Amendment.  In the event that the Company elects to re-set the financial covenants at the 2016 covenant levels contained in the Second Amendment, the Company will be required to prepay on or before January 15, 2017, without prepayment penalty, amounts outstanding under the Term Loan up to $4 million.

The Credit Agreement contains events of default, the occurrence and continuation of which provide the Company’s lenders with the right to exercise remedies against the Company and the collateral securing the Term Loan, including the Company’s cash. These events of default include, among other things, the Company’s failure to pay any amounts due under the Term Loan, a breach of covenants under the Credit Agreement, the Company’s insolvency and the insolvency of its subsidiaries, the occurrence of a material adverse event, the occurrence of any default under certain other indebtedness, and a final judgment against the Company in an amount greater than $1 million.

 

Also, in connection with the Term Loan, the Company paid to the Agent a commitment fee of $1 million on the Closing Date and is required to pay to the Agent other customary fees for facilities of this type. Total fees for the Term Loan were $2.8 million during fiscal year 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, in connection with the effectiveness of the Second Amendment, the Company paid loan modification fees of $0.5 million.  These deferred finance fees are netted against the Term Loan on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized to interest expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had $44.3 million and $44.7 million outstanding under the Term Loan; offset by $2.5 million and $2.5 million of deferred finance fees, respectively.

(b) The Company completed a sale and a leaseback of four facilities on December 28, 2001. The Company retained a continuing involvement in the lease and, as a result, the Company was prohibited from utilizing sale-leaseback accounting. Accordingly, the Company had treated this transaction as a finance lease. In January 2016, the lease was amended to cure certain provisions related to continuing involvement and, as a consequence, achieved sales treatment.  In the first quarter of 2016, the lease was converted to an operating lease and rent payments are included in educational, services and facilities expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.  In addition, the finance obligation, net of land and buildings, is being amortized straight-line through December 31, 2016.

(c) In 2009, the Company assumed a real estate capital lease for a property located in Fern Park, Florida having a term continuing through October 31, 2032.  On February 27, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations of its school located at the Fern Park, Florida property, which school closed in the first quarter of 2016.  In connection with the closure of the Fern Park, Florida school, on February 12, 2016, the Company paid a $2.8 million lease termination fee to the landlord of the Fern Park, Florida property in connection with the amendment and early termination of the 2009 lease agreement.  The amended lease agreement subsequently expired on April 10, 2016.

(d)  On April 12, 2016, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “L/C Agreement”) with Sterling National Bank (“Sterling”) under which Sterling has agreed to issue letters of credit from time to time at 100% margin against available funds in a cash collateral account maintained by the Company at Sterling.  The maximum availability under the L/C Agreement is $9.5 million.  The Company will pay Sterling a letter of credit fee equal to 1.75% on the daily amount available to be drawn under each outstanding letter of credit, which fee is payable in quarterly installments in arrears.  The L/C Agreement matures on April 1, 2017 and replaces a letter of credit facility with a prior lender.  The L/C Agreement contains representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for facilities of this type. As of September 30, 2016 the Company has $5.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the L/C Agreement.

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt and lease obligations at September 30, 2016 are as follows:

 

The finance obligation of $1.7 million is excluded from the scheduled maturities schedule as it is a non-cash liability.

6.	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Restricted Stock

The Company has two stock incentive plans:  a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) and a Non-Employee Directors Restricted Stock Plan (the “Non-Employee Directors Plan”).

Under the LTIP, certain employees received awards of restricted shares of common stock based on service and performance.  The number of shares granted to each employee is based on the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant.

On May 13, 2016, performance-based shares were granted which vest over two years on March 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018 based upon the attainment of a financial responsibility ratio during each fiscal year ending December 31, 2016 and 2017.  There is no vesting period on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends on any of the restricted shares.

 

On June 2, 2014 and December 18, 2014, performance-based shares were granted which vest over three years based upon the attainment of (i) a specified operating income margin during any one or more of the fiscal years in the period beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2017 and (ii) the attainment of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization targets during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015 through 2017.  There is no vesting period on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends on any of the restricted shares.

On April 29, 2013, performance-based shares were granted which vest over four years based upon the attainment of (i) a specified operating income margin during any one or more of the fiscal years in the period beginning January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2016 and (ii) the attainment of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization targets during each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 through 2016.  There is no vesting period on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends on any of the restricted shares.

Pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors Plan, each non-employee director of the Company receives an annual award of restricted shares of common stock on the date of the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders.  The number of shares granted to each non-employee director is based on the fair market value of a share of common stock on that date.  The restricted shares vest on the first anniversary of the grant date; however, there is no vesting period on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends on these restricted shares.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company completed a net share settlement for 38,389 and 49,075 restricted shares, respectively, on behalf of certain employees who participate in the LTIP upon the vesting of the restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the LTIP.  The net share settlement was in connection with income taxes incurred on restricted shares that vested and were transferred to the employees during 2016 and/or 2015, creating taxable income for the employees.   At the employees’ request, the Company will pay these taxes on behalf of the employees in exchange for the employees returning an equivalent value of restricted shares to the Company.  These transactions resulted in a decrease of $0.1 million or less for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, to equity on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as the cash payment of the taxes effectively was a repurchase of the restricted shares granted in previous years.

The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to restricted stock:

The restricted stock expense for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.  The restricted stock expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The unrecognized restricted stock expense as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $1.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  As of September 30, 2016, outstanding restricted shares under the LTIP had aggregate intrinsic value of $2.8 million.

 

Stock Options

The fair value of the stock options used to compute stock-based compensation is the estimated present value at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  The following is a summary of transactions pertaining to stock options:

 

As of September 30, 2016, there was no unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense.

The following table presents a summary of stock options outstanding:

7.	INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.1 million, or 3.8% of pretax income, and $0.1 million, or 1.2% of pretax income, respectively.  The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million, or 2.0% of pretax loss, and $0.2 million, or 2.0% of pretax loss, respectively.

The Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets.  A significant piece of objective negative evidence was the cumulative losses incurred by the Company in recent years.  On the basis of this evaluation the realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets was not deemed to be more likely than not and thus the Company maintained a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2016.

8.	CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary conduct of its business, the Company is subject to lawsuits, investigations and claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Although the Company cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against it, the Company does not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings to which it is a party will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, and results of operations or cash flows.

On December 15, 2015, the Company received an administrative subpoena from the Attorney General of the State of Maryland. Pursuant to the subpoena, Maryland’s Attorney General has requested from the Company documents and detailed information relating to its Columbia, Maryland campus.  The Company has responded to this request and intends to continue cooperating with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office.

 

9.

SEGMENTS

The for-profit education industry has been impacted by numerous regulatory changes, the changing economy and an onslaught of negative articles in the press. As a result of these actions, student populations have declined and operating costs have increased.  Over the past few years, the Company has closed over 10 locations and exited its online business.  The Company reviewed how it has been structured and in the first quarter of 2015 decided to change its organization to enable the Company to better allocate financial and human resources to respond to its markets and with the goal of improving its profitability and competitive advantage.  In the past, the Company offered any combination of programs at any campus.  The Company has changed its focus to program offerings that create greater differentiation and attain excellence to attract more students and gain market share.  Also strategically, the Company began offering continuing education training to employers who hire its students and this is best achieved at campuses focused on their professions.

As a result of the regulatory environment, market forces and strategic decisions, the Company now operates in three reportable segments: a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, b) Healthcare and Other Professions, and c) Transitional which refers to businesses that have been or are currently being taught out.

The Company’s reportable segments have been determined based on a method by which we now evaluate performance and allocate resources.  Each reportable segment represents a group of post-secondary education providers that offer a variety of degree and non-degree academic programs.  These segments are organized by key market segments to enhance operational alignment within each segment to more effectively execute the Company’s strategic plan.  Each of the Company’s schools is a reporting unit and an operating segment.  The Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into three reportable segments because, in the Company’s judgment, the reporting units have similar services, types of customers, regulatory environment and economic characteristics.

On November 3, 2015 the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to divest 17 of the 18 schools included in the Healthcare and Other Professions business segment.  Then, in December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations of the remaining school in this segment located in Hartford, Connecticut, which is scheduled to close in the fourth quarter of 2016.  The divestiture of the Company’s Healthcare and Other Professions business segment marks a strategic shift in business strategy.  The results of operations of these 17 campuses are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements.  The Hartford, Connecticut campus, which was previously included in the Healthcare and Other Professions segment is now included in the Transitional segment.  Implementation of the plan would result in the Company’s operations focused solely on the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment.  During the third quarter of 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out certain programs at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017. The operations related to these programs have been included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016.

The Company’s two continuing operations reporting segments are described below.

Transportation and Skilled Trades – Transportation and Skilled Trades offers academic programs mainly in the career-oriented disciplines of transportation and skilled trades (e.g. automotive, diesel, HVAC, welding and manufacturing).

Transitional – Transitional refers to operations that were or are being taught out and consists of the Company’s Fern Park, Florida and Hartford, Connecticut campuses and certain programs at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus.  Each school employs a gradual teach-out process that enables the school to continue to operate while current students complete their course of study. The Fern Park, Florida and Hartford, Connecticut schools are no longer enrolling new students.  The West Palm Beach school is no longer enrolling new students for certain programs which was announced during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and the teach-out of these programs is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.  The Fern Park, Florida campus was taught out as of March 31, 2016.  On December 3, 2015, the Company announced it was teaching out the Hartford, Connecticut campus, where the teach-out is expected to be completed by December 2016.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on operating results.  Adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated results are included under the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.

 

Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows:

 

 

 

10.	FAIR VALUE

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, assets and liabilities, which are not measured at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, are listed in the table below:

The fair value of the Term loan is estimated based on a present value analysis utilizing aggregate market yields obtained from independent pricing sources for similar financial instruments.

The carrying amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and cash equivalents, Restricted cash and Noncurrent restricted cash approximate fair value because they are highly liquid.

The carrying amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for Prepaid expenses and other current assets, Accrued expenses and Other short term liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items.

11.	RELATED PARTY

The Company has an agreement with MATCO Tools, whereby MATCO will provide the Company, on an advance commission basis, credits in MATCO-branded tools, tool storage, equipment, and diagnostics products. The CEO of the parent company of MATCO is considered an immediate family member of one of the Company’s board members.  The Company’s payable balances from this third party was immaterial at September 30, 2016 and 2015. Management believes that such transactions are at arm’s length and on similar terms as would have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

12.	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On November 1, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan for the Company to teach-out the Green Valley, Nevada and Center City, Philadelphia campuses.  The teach-out of the Green Valley, Nevada campus is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2016.  The teach-out of the Center City, Philadelphia campus is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2017. As of September 30, 2016, both the Green Valley, Nevada and the Center City, Philadelphia campuses financial results were included in discontinued operations on the statement of operations and held for sale on the statement of financial position.

 

Item 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company, our business, prospects and our results of operations that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those that may be anticipated by such forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in our other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise.  Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this report and in our other reports filed with the SEC that advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.

The interim financial statements and related notes thereto filed in this Form 10-Q and the discussions contained herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC, which includes audited consolidated financial statements for our three fiscal years ended December 31, 2015.

General

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults.  The Company, which currently operates 30 schools in 15 states, offers programs in automotive technology, skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding and computerized numerical control and electronic systems technology, among other programs), healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant, medical administrative assistant and pharmacy technician, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology and aesthetics) and business and information technology (which includes information technology and criminal justice programs).  The schools operate under the Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln College of New England, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences brand names.  Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study.  Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas.  All of the campuses are nationally or regionally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education and applicable state education agencies and accrediting commissions which allow students to apply for and access federal student loans as well as other forms of financial aid.

In the first quarter of 2015, we reorganized our operations into three reportable business segments:  (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, (b) Healthcare and Other Professions, and (c) Transitional which refers to businesses that have been or are currently being taught out.  In November, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a plan for the Company to divest 17 of 18 of the schools included in its Healthcare and Other Professions business segment.  Then, in December 2015, the Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations of the remaining school in the Healthcare and Other Professions segment, which is located in Hartford, Connecticut, and which is scheduled to close in the fourth quarter of 2016 and has been included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016.  Implementation of the plan would result in the Company’s operations focused solely on the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment.  This divestiture marks a shift in our business strategy intended to enable us to focus energy and resources predominantly on Transportation and Skilled Trades though some other programs will continue to be available at some campuses.  The results of operations of the 17 campuses slated for divestiture are reflected as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

On July 1, 2016, New England Institute of Technology at Palm Beach, Inc. (“NEIT”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the “WPB Sale Agreement”) with School Property Development Metrocentre, LLC (“SPD”), pursuant to which NEIT agreed to sell to SPD the real property owned by NEIT located at 2400 and 2410 Metrocentre Boulevard East, West Palm Beach, Florida, including the improvements and other personal property located thereon  (the “WPB Property”) for a cash purchase price of approximately $15.9 million.

As a result of the WPB Sale Agreement, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out certain programs at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.  The operations related to these programs have been included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016.

On September 1, 2016, the Company received notification of termination of the WPB Sale Agreement from SPD pursuant to the terms of the WPB Sale Agreement.

 

As of September 30, 2016, we had 12,855 students enrolled at 30 campuses (7,863 students enrolled at 13 campuses that are included in continuing operations).

Discontinued Operations

The results of operations at the 17 campuses slated for divestiture, as discussed above, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows (in thousands):

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussions of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, bad debts, impairments, income taxes, benefit plans and certain accruals.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The critical accounting policies discussed herein are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies.  In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not result in significant management judgment in the application of such principles.  We believe that the following accounting policies are most critical to us in that they represent the primary areas where financial information is subject to the application of management’s estimates, assumptions and judgment in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition.  Revenues are derived primarily from programs taught at the Company’s schools.  Tuition revenues, textbook sales and one-time fees, such as nonrefundable application fees and course material fees, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the applicable program as the student proceeds through the program, which is the period of time from a student’s start date through his or her graduation date, including internships or externships that take place prior to graduation, and the Company completes the performance of teaching the student which entitles the Company to the revenue.   Other revenues, such as tool sales and contract training revenues are recognized as services are performed or goods are delivered. On an individual student basis, tuition earned in excess of cash received is recorded as accounts receivable, and cash received in excess of tuition earned is recorded as unearned tuition.

The Company evaluates whether collectability of revenue is reasonably assured prior to the student attending class and reassesses collectability of tuition and fees when a student withdraws from a course.  The Company calculates the amount to be returned under Title IV and its stated refund policy to determine eligible charges.  If there is a balance due from the student after this calculation, the Company expects payment from the student and the Company has a process to pursue uncollected accounts whereby, based upon the student’s financial means and ability to pay, a payment plan is established with the student to ensure that collectability is reasonably assured.  The Company continuously monitors its historical collections to identify potential trends that may impact our determination that collectability of receivables for withdrawn students is realizable.  If a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any paid but unearned tuition is refunded. Refunds are calculated and paid in accordance with federal, state and accrediting agency standards. Generally, the amount to be refunded to a student is calculated based upon the period of time the student has attended classes and the amount of tuition and fees paid by the student as of his or her withdrawal date. These refunds typically reduce deferred tuition revenue and cash on our consolidated balance sheets as the Company generally does not recognize tuition revenue in its consolidated statements of income (loss) until the related refund provisions have lapsed. Based on the application of its refund policies, the Company may be entitled to incremental revenue on the day the student withdraws from one of its schools. Prior to the year-ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded this incremental revenue, any related student receivable and any estimate of the amount it did not expect to collect as bad debt expense during the quarter a student withdrew based on its analysis of the collectability of such amounts on an aggregate student portfolio basis, for which the Company had significant historical experience. Beginning in the three months ended December 31 2015, the Company recorded revenue for students who withdraw from one of its schools when payment is received because collectability on an individual student basis is not reasonably assured. The Company determined incremental revenue recognized for students who withdrew during the nine-months ended September 30, 2015 to be an immaterial error which was corrected during the fourth quarter of 2015. This resulted in a reduction of net revenues by $0.3 million and bad debt expense by $0.2 million, which resulted in an increase to the loss from continuing operations of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Additionally, this correction reduced net student receivables from continuing operations by $0.1 million.  Prior year amounts, including quarterly financial results were not restated because the effects were not material.

 

Allowance for uncollectible accounts.  Based upon our experience and judgment, we establish an allowance for uncollectible accounts with respect to tuition receivables.  We use an internal group of collectors, augmented by third-party collectors as deemed appropriate, in our collection efforts.  In establishing our allowance for uncollectible accounts, we consider, among other things, current and expected economic conditions, a student’s status (in-school or out-of-school), whether or not a student is currently making payments and overall collection history.  Changes in trends in any of these areas may impact the allowance for uncollectible accounts.  The receivables balances of withdrawn students with delinquent obligations are reserved based on our collection history.  Although we believe that our reserves are adequate, if the financial condition of our students deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be necessary, which will result in increased selling, general and administrative expenses in the period such determination is made.

Our bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 4.4% and 4.1%, respectively.  Our bad debt expense as a percentage of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was 4.8% and 4.9%, respectively.  A 1% increase in our bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues for each of the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 would have resulted in an increase in bad debt expense of $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  A 1% increase in our bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 would have resulted in an increase in bad debt expense of $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

We do not believe that there is any direct correlation between tuition increases, the credit we extend to students and our loan commitments.  Our loan commitments to our students are made on a student-by-student basis and are predominantly a function of the specific student’s financial condition.   We only extend credit to the extent there is a financing gap between the tuition charged for the program and the amount of grants, cash, loans and parental loans that each student receives.  Each student’s funding requirements are unique.  Factors that determine the amount of aid available to a student are student status (whether they are dependent or independent students), Pell Grants awarded, Plus Loans awarded or denied to parents and family contributions. As a result, it is extremely difficult to predict the number of students that will need us to extend credit to them. Our tuition increases have ranged historically from 2% to 5% annually and have not meaningfully impacted overall funding requirements.

Because a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from Title IV programs, any legislative or regulatory action that significantly reduces the funding available under Title IV programs or the ability of our students or schools to participate in Title IV programs could have a material effect on the realizability of our receivables.

Goodwill.  We test our goodwill for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred, by comparing its fair value to its carrying value. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations, including changes that restrict the activities of the acquired business, and a variety of other circumstances. If we determine that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a write-down of the carrying value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period the determination is made. In evaluating the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, we must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the acquired assets. Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments in the future and require an adjustment to the recorded balances.

There was no goodwill impairment for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The Company concluded that as of September 30, 2015 there was an indicator of potential impairment as a result of a decrease in market capitalization and, accordingly, the Company tested goodwill for impairment.  The test indicated that one of the Company’s reporting units was impaired, which resulted in a pre-tax non-cash charge of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015.

Long-lived assets.  We review the carrying value of our long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment by examining estimated future cash flows. These cash flows are evaluated by using weighted probability techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be evaluated by identifying independent market values. If we determine that an asset’s carrying value is impaired, we will record a write-down of the carrying value of the asset and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made.

 

There was no long-lived asset impairment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Bonus costs.  We accrue the estimated cost of our bonus programs using current financial information as compared to target financial achievements and key performance objectives.  Although our recorded liability for bonuses is based on our best estimate of the obligation, actual results could differ and require adjustment of the recorded balance.

Income taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Code (“ASC”) Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). This statement requires an asset and liability approach for measuring deferred taxes based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities existing at each balance sheet date using enacted tax rates for years in which taxes are expected to be paid or recovered.

 

In accordance with ASC 740, we assess our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable.  A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, we considered, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements and/or tax returns.  Differences between anticipated and actual outcomes of these future tax consequences could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.  Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates, or future income levels could materially impact our valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.  On the basis of this evaluation the realization of our deferred tax assets was not deemed to be more likely than not and thus we have provided a valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets.

 

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were no interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions.

Effect of Inflation

Inflation has not had a material effect on our operations.

 

Results of Continuing Operations

Certain reported amounts in our analysis have been rounded for presentation purposes.  The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of continuing operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue.   Revenue decreased by $4.2 million, or 7.8%, to $49.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $54.0 million in the prior comparable period of 2015.  The decrease was a result of starting 2016 with approximately 800 fewer students than we had on January 1, 2015 which led to an 8.1% decline in average student population to approximately 7,400 as of September 30, 2016 from 8,100 as of September 30 in the prior year.  The Transitional segment accounted for approximately 58% of the revenue decline and about 51% of the average population decline.

Student start results decreased by 10.5% to approximately 3,100 from 3,500 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior year comparable period.  Excluding the Transitional segment, student starts were slightly down.  The decline in student starts was mainly a result of the underperformance of one campus.  Excluding this campus and the Transitional segment our starts for the quarter would have grown over the prior year comparable period.

We continue to face certain challenges in growing our student population levels including the impact Department of Education (“DOE”) incentive compensation regulations have on compensation practices for our admissions representatives, a low national unemployment rate and increased competition from peers and community colleges.  We remain focused on our strategy to fully divest our Healthcare and Other Professions segment and continue to form partnership relationships to increase student population.

Educational services and facilities expense.   Our educational services and facilities expense decreased by $0.6 million, or 2.4%, to $24.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $25.0 million in the prior year comparable quarter.

The decrease in expense was partially due to lower instructional expenses of $0.8 million, or 7.1%, as a result of a reduction in the number of instructors and other related costs resulting from lower average student population, partially offset by a $0.5 million, or 14.3% increase in books and tools expense incurred from the purchase of laptops which were provided to newly enrolled students in certain programs to enhance and expand the student overall learning experience.

Our facilities expense decreased by $0.4, or 3.6% resulting from the following factors.  First is a reduction in facilities costs due to the closure of our Fern Park, Florida campus during the first quarter of 2016 and over a 300,000 square foot reduction in the Hartford, Connecticut campus, which is scheduled to be taught-out by year-end.  These savings were largely offset by increased rent expense which was the result of a modification of leases for three of our campuses, which were previously accounted for as finance obligations under which rent payments were previously included in interest expense and additional depreciation expense in 2016 as a result of the reclassification of two facilities out of held for sale as of December 31, 2015.

Our educational expenses contain a high fixed cost component and are not as scalable as some of our other expenses.  As our student population decreases, we typically experience a reduction in average class size and therefore, are not always able to align these expenses with the corresponding decrease in population.  Educational services and facilities expenses, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 49.0% from 46.3% in the prior year quarter.

 

Selling, general and administrative expense.    Our selling, general and administrative expense increased by $1.6 million, or 7.2%, to $24.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $22.7 million in the comparable quarter of 2015.

Administrative expense increased by $1.1 million, or 9.1%, primarily as a result of approximately $0.9 million in closing costs associated with the teach-out of certain programs at our West Palm Beach, Florida campus which was reclassified back to continuing operations during the third quarter of 2016.

Sales and marketing expense increased by $0.8 million, or 9.2%, primarily as a result of an increase in marketing expense in a strategic effort to reach more potential students, expand brand awareness and increase enrollments.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expense increased to 48.9% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 from 42.0% for the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

Net interest expense.    For the three months ended September 30, 2016, our net interest expense decreased by $0.6 million.  This decrease was primarily caused by the transition of our finance obligation at three of our campuses to operating leases coupled with the lease termination agreements for our Fern Park, Florida and Hartford, Connecticut facilities which were previously accounted for as capital leases.

Income taxes.    Our provision for income taxes was $0.1 million, or 3.8% of pretax income, in the third quarter of 2016, compared to $0.1 million, or 1.2% of pretax income, in the prior year period. No federal or state income tax benefit was recognized for the current period loss due to the recognition of a full valuation allowance.  Income tax expense resulted from various minimal state tax expenses.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue.   Revenue decreased by $12.1 million, or 8.1%, to $138.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $150.6 million in the comparable period of 2015.  The decrease was a result of starting 2016 with approximately 800 fewer students than we had on January 1, 2015. This led to a 10.2% decline in average student population to approximately 7,100 as of September 30, 2016 from 7,900 as of September 30 in the prior year.

Student start results decreased by 8.2% to approximately 6,800 from 7,400 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior year comparable period. The decline in student starts was mainly a result of the underperformance of one campus. Excluding this campus and the Transitional segment our starts for the quarter would have grown over the prior year comparable period.

Partially offsetting the decrease in revenue was an increase of 2.4% in average revenue per student for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to a shift in program mix.

We continue to face certain challenges in growing our student population levels, including the impact that DOE incentive compensation regulations have on compensation practices for our admissions representatives, a low national unemployment rate and increased competition from peers and community colleges.  We remain focused on our strategy to fully divest our Healthcare and Other Professions segment and continue to form partnership relationships to increase student population.

Educational services and facilities expense.   Our educational services and facilities expense decreased by $1.4 million, or 1.9%, to $71.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $72.3 million in the prior year comparable nine month period.

The decrease in expense was primarily due to a $2.5 million, or 7.5%, reduction in our instructional expenses as a result of a reduction in the number of instructors and other related costs resulting from lower average student population, partially offset by an increase of $0.8 million in books and tools expense resulting from the purchase of laptops which were provided to newly enrolled students in certain programs to enhance and expand their overall learning experience.

Our facilities expense increased by $0.3 million, or 1.0% resulting from increased rent expense resulting from the modification of leases for three of our campuses which were previously accounted for as finance obligations under which rent payments were previously included in interest expense and the conversion of the lease for our Hartford, Connecticut campus from a capital lease to an operating lease during the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

 

Our educational expenses contain a high fixed cost component and are not as scalable as some of our other expenses.  As our student population decreases, we typically experience a reduction in average class size and, therefore, are not always able to align these expenses with the corresponding decrease in population.  Educational services and facilities expenses, as a percentage of revenue, increased to 51.3% from 48.0%.

Selling, general and administrative expense.    Our selling, general and administrative expense decreased by $4.9 million, or 6.1%, to $76.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $81.0 million in the prior year comparable nine month period.

Administrative expense was lower by $3.4 million, or 7.6%, as a result of (a) a $2.8 million reduction in salaries and benefit costs mainly due to lower workman’s compensation and  healthcare claims, which was partially offset by approximately $0.7 million in severance paid during the first quarter of 2016; (b) cost savings of $1.0 million in relation to the completion of the teach-out at our Fern Park, Florida campus; and (c) a $0.8 decrease in bad debt expense which as a percentage of revenue was 4.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to 4.9% for the same period in 2015.  The improvement in bad debt expense was mainly the result of improved historical collection rates and shift in student mix.  These cost savings were partially offset by $1.2 million in additional costs associated with the reclassification of certain programs at our West Palm Beach, Florida campus to continuing operations during the third quarter of 2016.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased by $0.9 million, or 3.0%, as a result of a reduction of $1.0 million in sales expense partially offset by a $0.1 million increase in marketing expense. The reduction in sales expense was mainly attributable to (a) a reduction in the number of admissions representatives dedicated to the destination schools as a result of our implementation of a centralized call center reducing travel and salary expense; and (b) suspended sales efforts at the Fern Park, Florida and Hartford, Connecticut campuses.  The increase in marketing expense is largely the result of additional spending in a strategic effort to reach more potential students, expand brand awareness and increase enrollments.  The increased spending in marketing expenses was partially offset by cost savings as a result of suspended marketing efforts at the Fern Park, Florida and Hartford, Connecticut campuses.  The Fern Park, Florida campus completed its teach out process as of March 31, 2016 and the Hartford, Connecticut campus is on schedule to be fully taught out by December 31, 2016.

Student services expense decreased by $0.6 million, or 9.2%, as a result of aligning support services with lower levels of population.

As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expense increased to 55.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from 53.8% for the prior year comparable period.

Net interest expense.    For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, our net interest expense decreased by $0.6 million.  This decrease was primarily caused by the transition of our finance obligation at three of our campuses to operating leases coupled with the lease termination agreements for our Fern Park, Florida and Hartford, Connecticut facilities which were previously accounted for as capital leases

Income taxes.    Our provision for income taxes was $0.2 million, or 2.0% of pretax loss, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $0.2 million, or 2.0% of pretax loss, in the prior year period. No federal or state income tax benefit was recognized for the current period loss due to the recognition of a full valuation allowance.  Income tax expense resulted from various minimal state tax expenses.

The for-profit education industry has been impacted by numerous regulatory changes, the changing economy and an onslaught of negative media attention. As a result of these actions, student populations have declined and operating costs have increased.  Over the past few years, the Company has closed over ten locations and exited its online business.  On November 3, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to divest 17 of the 18 schools included in the Company’s Healthcare and Other Professions business segment.  The 17 campuses associated with this decision are reported in discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.   On December 3, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a plan to cease operations at the remaining school in this segment, located in Hartford, Connecticut, which is scheduled to be taught out in the fourth quarter of 2016.   The Company reviewed how it is structured and changed its organization, including reorganizing its Group Presidents to oversee each of the reporting segments.  By aggregating the remaining 14 operating segments (Fern Park, Florida campus was fully taught out as of March 31, 2016) into two reporting segments, the Company is better able to allocate financial and human resources to respond to its markets with the goal of improving its profitability and competitive advantage.

In the past, we offered any combination of programs at any campus.  We have changed our focus to program offerings that create greater differentiation and attain excellence to attract more students and gain market share.  Also strategically, we began offering continuing education training to employers who hire our students and this is best achieved at campuses focused on their profession.

 

As a result of the regulatory environment, market forces and strategic decisions, we now operate in two reportable segments: a) Transportation and Skilled Trades and b) Transitional.

Our reportable segments have been determined based on a method by which we now evaluate performance and allocate resources.  Each reportable segment represents a group of post-secondary education providers that offer a variety of degree and non-degree academic programs.  These segments are organized by key market segments to enhance operational alignment within each segment to more effectively execute our strategic plan.  Each of the Company’s schools is a reporting unit and an operating segment.  Our operating segments have been aggregated into two reportable segments because, in our judgment, the reporting units have similar services, types of customers, regulatory environment and economic characteristics.  Our reporting segments are described below.

Transportation and Skilled Trades – Transportation and Skilled Trades offers academic programs mainly in the career-oriented disciplines of transportation and skilled trades (e.g. automotive, diesel, HVAC, welding and manufacturing).

Transitional – Transitional refers to operations that are being taught out and consists of our campuses that are currently being taught out.  These schools are employing a gradual teach-out process that enables the schools to continue to operate while current students complete their course of study.  These schools are no longer enrolling new students.  In the first quarter of 2015, we announced that we are teaching out our campus in Fern Park, Florida and in December 2015, we announced that we are teaching out our campus in Hartford Connecticut.  The teach-out at our Fern Park, Florida campus has been completed as of March 31, 2016 and the teach-out of our Hartford Connecticut campus is expected to be completed in December 2016. In addition, during the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a plan to teach-out certain programs at the West Palm Beach, Florida campus which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017.  As a result, operations related to these programs have been included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016.

We evaluate segment performance based on operating results.  Adjustments to reconcile segment results to consolidated results are included under the caption “Corporate,” which primarily includes unallocated corporate activity.

 

The following table present results for our two reportable segments:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

Revenue was lower by $1.8 million, or 3.5%, to $47.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $49.7 million in the prior year comparable period, primarily driven by a 4.3% decline in average population which decreased to approximately 7,100 from 7,400 in the prior year comparable period.  This decrease in average population was a result of starting 2016 with approximately 600 fewer students than we had on January 1, 2015.

Student start results decreased by 2.2% to approximately 3,100 from 3,200 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior year comparable period.  The decline in student starts are mainly a result of the underperformance of one campus.  Excluding this campus our starts for the quarter would have grown over the prior year comparable period.

 Operating income was $6.1 million compared to $10.6 million, a decrease of $4.5 million, or 42.2%, due to several factors:

 

·

Educational services and facilities expense increased by $1.4 million, comprised of (a) a $0.8 million, or 9.0%, increase in facilities expense, primarily due to increased depreciation expense as a result of the reclassification of one campus out of held for sale as of December 31, 2015; and (b) $0.8 million in increased books and tools expenses resulting from the purchase of laptops which were provided to newly enrolled students in certain programs to enhance and expand their overall learning experience.

·

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.6 million, primarily comprised of a $1.0 million increase in marketing expense coupled with a $0.4 million increase in sales expense.  The increase in marketing expense was largely the result of additional spending in a strategic effort to reach more potential students, expand brand awareness and increase enrollments. The increase in sales expense was a result of hiring additional personnel at the campus level to help with recruiting efforts at the high school level.

 

 

This segment consists of the Fern Park, Florida campus, Hartford, Connecticut campus and certain programs at our West Palm Beach, Florida campus.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2016 management made the strategic decision to teach-out certain programs at our West Palm Beach, Florida campus which resulted in operations related to these programs being included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016.  The teach-out of these programs is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017. The Fern Park, Florida campus has fully taught out all of its existing students and was officially closed as of March 31, 2016 and the Hartford, Connecticut campus has ceased student enrollment and is currently teaching out the remaining students through December 2016.

Revenue decreased by $2.5 million, or 57.0%, to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $4.3 million, in the prior year comparable period.  This decrease is mainly attributable to the closure of the Fern Park, Florida campus and the suspension of new student enrollment at our Hartford, Connecticut location which took effect in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Operating loss remained essentially flat at $1.3 million.

This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the Company.  Corporate and Other costs increased by $0.3 million, or 9.3%, to $3.7 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from $3.4 million for the comparable prior year quarter.

 

The following table present results for our two reportable segments:

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

Revenue decreased by $5.7 million, or 4.2%, to $131.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, as compared to $137.0 million in the prior year comparable period, primarily driven by a 6.8% decline in average population which decreased to approximately 6,700 from 7,200 in the prior year comparable period.  The decrease in average population was a result of starting 2016 with approximately 600 fewer students than we had on January 1, 2015.

Student start results decreased by 2.7% to approximately 6,700 from 6,900 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as compared to the prior year comparable period.  The decline in student starts are mainly a result of the underperformance of one campus.  Excluding this campus our starts for the quarter would have grown over the prior year comparable period.

The revenue decline from a lower population was slightly offset by a 2.7% increase in average revenue per student due to a shift in program mix.

Operating income was $11.9 million compared to $18.3 million, a decrease of $6.4 million, or 35.0%, driven by the following main factors:

 

·

Educational services and facilities expense increased by $1.9 million, comprised of a $1.6 million, or 6.5%, increase in facilities expense, primarily due to (a) $0.6 million in increased depreciation expense as a result of the reclassification of one campus out of held for sale as of December 31, 2015; (b) $0.9 million in increased rent expense resulting from the modification of leases at three of our campuses, which were previously accounted for as finance obligations under which rent payments were previously included in interest expense; and (c) a $1.3 million, or 18.6% increase in books and tools expenses resulting from the purchase of laptops provided to newly enrolled students in certain programs to enhance and expand their overall learning experience.   Partially offsetting the above increases was a $1.0 million, or 3.4%, decrease in instructional expense as a result of realigning our cost structure to meet our population.

·

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.0 million primarily comprised of a $1.6 million decrease in administrative expenses which was primarily the result of a decrease in salaries and benefits and lower bad debt expense.  The improvement in bad debt expense was mainly the result of improved historical collection rates and a shift in student mix.

This segment consists of the Fern Park, Florida campus, Hartford, Connecticut campus and certain programs at our West Palm Beach, Florida campus.  During the third quarter of 2016, management made the strategic decision to teach-out certain programs at our West Palm Beach, Florida campus which resulted in operations related to these programs being included in the Transitional segment as of September 30, 2016. The teach-out of these programs is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017. The Fern Park, Florida campus has fully taught out all of its existing students and was officially closed as of March 31, 2016 and the Hartford, Connecticut campus has ceased student enrollment and is currently teaching out the remaining students through December 2016.

Revenue decreased by $6.4 million, or 47.0%, to $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $13.6 million, in the prior year comparable period.  This decrease is mainly attributable to the closing of our Fern Park, Florida campus and the suspension of new student enrollment at our Hartford, Connecticut location which took effect in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Operating loss increased by $0.7 million, or 13.5%, to $5.6 million from $4.9 million.

This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the Company.  Corporate and Other costs decreased by $2.0 million, or 12.3%, to $14.6 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $16.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.  This decrease was primarily a result of cost management efforts by the Company to meet its long term strategic goals and objectives.

 

 

Our primary capital requirements are for facilities expansion and maintenance, and the development of new programs. Our principal sources of liquidity have been cash (used in) provided by operating activities and borrowings under our term loan facility. The following chart summarizes the principal elements of our cash flow:

As of September 30, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $45.8 million, including restricted cash of $26.6 million representing a decrease of approximately $15.2 as compared to $61 million of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of December 31, 2015.  This decrease is primarily the result of a net loss during the year; $8.5 million of campus closing costs; $0.7 million loan modification fee paid to our lender in relation to an amendment of our Term Loan; and $0.7 million in severance paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  In addition, the decrease in our cash position is reflective of the seasonality of the industry, the reduction in revenue, and the timing of Title IV funds received.

For the last several years, we and the proprietary school sector generally have faced deteriorating earnings growth. Government regulations have negatively impacted earnings by making it more difficult for potential students to obtain loans, which when coupled with the overall economic environment have discouraged potential students from enrolling in our schools. In light of these factors, we have incurred significant operating losses as a result of lower student population.  Despite these events, we believe that our likely sources of cash should be sufficient to fund operations for the next twelve months.  As of September 30, 2016, our available sources of cash primarily include cash and cash equivalents of $19.2 million.

To fund our business plans, including any anticipated future losses, purchase commitments, capital expenditures and principal and interest payments on borrowings, we leveraged our owned real estate that is not classified as held for sale.  We are also continuing to take actions to improve cash flow by aligning our cost structure to our student population.

Our primary source of cash is tuition collected from our students. The majority of students enrolled at our schools rely on funds received under various government-sponsored student financial aid programs to pay a substantial portion of their tuition and other education-related expenses. The largest of these programs are Title IV Programs which represented approximately 80% of our cash receipts relating to revenues in 2015. Students must apply for a new loan for each academic period. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs and loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received approximately 31 days after the start of a student's academic year and the second disbursement is typically received at the beginning of the sixteenth week from the start of the student's academic year. Certain types of grants and other funding are not subject to a 30-day delay.  In certain instances, if a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any paid but unearned tuition or prorated Title IV financial aid is refunded according to federal, state and accrediting agency standards.

As a result of the significance of the Title IV funds received by our students, we are highly dependent on these funds to operate our business. Any reduction in the level of Title IV funds that our students are eligible to receive or any impact on our ability to be able to receive Title IV funds would have a significant impact on our operations and our financial condition.  See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $9.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $2.5 million for the comparable period of 2015.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $14.4 million and were primarily attributable to changes in deferred revenue, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses. The decrease in deferred revenue resulted in a cash outflow of $2.0 million and was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and the status of students in relation to the completion of their program at September 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015. The decrease in receivables resulted in a cash outflow of $17.4 million and was primarily due to the timing of Title IV disbursements and other cash receipts on behalf of our students. The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses resulted in a cash inflow of $5.5 million. This increase was primarily attributable to the timing of invoices.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $8.3 million and were primarily attributable to changes in deferred revenue, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses. The increase in deferred revenue resulted in a cash inflow of $1.0 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and the status of students in relation to the completion of their program at September 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014. The decrease in receivables resulted in a cash outflow of $14.2 million and was primarily due to the timing of Title IV disbursements and other cash receipts on behalf of our students. The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses resulted in a cash inflow of $4.6 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the timing of invoices.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $0.6 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our primary use of cash in investing activities was capital expenditures associated with investments in training technology, classroom furniture, and new program build outs. The use of cash for capital expenditures was partially offset by a reclassification of restricted cash to unrestricted cash during the quarter ended September 30, 2016.