LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORP - Quarter Report: 2021 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2021

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from______ to______

Commission File Number 000-51371

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New Jersey		57-1150621
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

14 Sylvan Way, Suite A		07054
Parsippany, NJ		(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)

(973) 736-9340

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, no par value per share	LINC	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

	Large accelerated filer ☐	Accelerated filer ☒
	Non-accelerated filer ☐	Smaller reporting company ☒
	Emerging growth company ☐

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

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

As of November 4, 2021, there were 27,000,687 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	1
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)	1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Convertible Preferred Stock and Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended and (Unaudited)September 30, 20212020	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	6
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	25
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	40
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION	40
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	40
Item 5.	Other Information	41
Item 6.	Exhibits	41
	SIGNATURES	42

Index

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	47,150	$	38,026
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $26,303 and $25,174 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		29,985		30,021
Inventories		3,155		2,394
Prepaid income taxes		238		-
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,973		3,723
Assets held for sale		27,452		-
Total current assets		110,953		74,164

PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES - At cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $152,217 and $176,300 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		23,251		48,388

OTHER ASSETS:
Noncurrent receivables, less allowance of $4,789 and $3,465 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		18,805		16,463
Deferred income taxes, net		32,082		35,718
Operating lease right-of-use assets		53,033		55,187
Goodwill		14,536		14,536
Other assets, net		796		734
Total other assets		119,252		122,638
TOTAL ASSETS	$	253,456	$	245,190

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

(Continued)

	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
LIABILITIES, SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current portion of credit agreement	$	2,000		$	2,000
Unearned tuition		24,691			23,453
Accounts payable		16,036			15,676
Accrued expenses		15,778			16,692
Income taxes payable		-			491
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		10,314			8,504
Other short-term liabilities		56			26
Total current liabilities		68,875			66,842

NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term credit agreement		13,848			15,212
Pension plan liabilities		4,850			4,252
Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities		49,135			52,702
Other long-term liabilities		2,803			3,133
Total liabilities		139,511			142,141

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
Preferred stock, no par value - 10,000,000 shares authorized, Series A convertible preferred shares, 12,700 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020		11,982			11,982

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, no par value - authorized: 100,000,000 shares at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020; issued and outstanding: 26,978,432 shares at September 30, 2021 and 26,476,329 shares at December 31, 2020		141,377			141,377
Additional paid-in capital		31,643			30,512
Treasury stock at cost - 5,910,541 shares at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020		(82,860	)		(82,860	)
Retained earnings		16,045			6,203
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(4,242	)		(4,165	)
Total stockholders’ equity		101,963			91,067
TOTAL LIABILITIES, SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	253,456		$	245,190

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020

REVENUE	$	89,059		$	78,792		$	247,520		$	211,303
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Educational services and facilities		38,105			34,251			104,143			90,733
Selling, general and administrative		45,209			40,700			128,159			117,011
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets		-			1			1			(96	)
Total costs & expenses		83,314			74,952			232,303			207,648
OPERATING INCOME		5,745			3,840			15,217			3,655
OTHER:
Interest expense		(292	)		(278	)		(874	)		(960	)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		5,453			3,562			14,343			2,695
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		1,614			50			3,589			150
NET INCOME	$	3,839		$	3,512		$	10,754		$	2,545
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS		304			1,074			912			1,074
INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$	3,535		$	2,438		$	9,842		$	1,471
Basic and diluted
Net income per common share	$	0.11		$	0.08		$	0.30		$	0.05
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted		25,135			24,822			25,043			24,721

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020		2021			2020
Net income	$	3,839		$	3,512	$	10,754		$	2,545
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Derivative qualifying as a cash flow hedge, net of taxes (nil)		65			57		326			(786	)
Employee pension plan adjustments, net of taxes (nil)		(134	)		140		(403	)		420
Comprehensive income	$	3,770		$	3,709	$	10,677		$	2,179

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in			Treasury			Retained			Accumulated Other Comprehensive						Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
	Shares			Amount		Capital			Stock			Earnings			Loss			Total			Shares		Amount
BALANCE - January 1, 2021		26,476,329		$	141,377	$	30,512		$	(82,860	)	$	6,203		$	(4,165	)	$	91,067			12,700	$	11,982
Net income		-			-		-			-			4,489			-			4,489			-		-
Preferred stock dividend		-			-		-			-			(304	)		-			(304	)		-		-
Employee pension plan adjustments		-			-		-			-			-			(134	)		(134	)		-		-
Derivative qualifying as cash flow hedge		-			-		-			-			-			211			211			-		-
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock		574,614			-		493			-			-			-			493			-		-
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation		(154,973	)		-		(962	)		-			-			-			(962	)		-		-
BALANCE - March 31, 2021		26,895,970			141,377		30,043			(82,860	)		10,388			(4,088	)		94,860			12,700		11,982
Net income		-			-		-			-			2,426			-			2,426			-		-
Preferred stock dividend		-			-		-			-			(304	)		-			(304	)		-		-
Employee pension plan adjustments		-			-		-			-			-			(134	)		(134	)		-		-
Derivative qualifying as cash flow hedge		-			-		-			-			-			49			49			-		-
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock		76,195			-		844			-			-			-			844			-		-
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation		-			-		-			-			-			-			-			-		-
BALANCE - June 30, 2021		26,972,165		$	141,377	$	30,887		$	(82,860	)	$	12,510		$	(4,173	)	$	97,741			12,700	$	11,982
Net income		-			-		-			-			3,839			-			3,839			-		-
Preferred stock dividends		-			-		-			-			(304	)		-			(304	)		-		-
Employee pension plan adjustments		-			-		-			-			-			(134	)		(134	)		-		-
Derivative qualifying as cash flow hedge		-			-		-			-			-			65			65			-		-
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock		6,267			-		756			-			-			-			756			-		-
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation		-			-		-			-			-			-			-			-		-
BALANCE - September 30, 2021		26,978,432		$	141,377	$	31,643		$	(82,860	)	$	16,045		$	(4,242	)	$	101,963			12,700	$	11,982

	Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in			Treasury			Accumulated			Accumulated Other Comprehensive						Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
	Shares			Amount		Capital			Stock			Deficit			Loss			Total			Shares		Amount
BALANCE - January 1, 2020		25,231,710		$	141,377	$	30,145		$	(82,860	)	$	(42,058	)	$	(3,456	)	$	43,148			12,700	$	11,982
Net loss		-			-		-			-			(1,750	)		-			(1,750	)		-		-
Employee pension plan adjustments		-			-		-			-			-			140			140			-		-
Derivative qualifying as cash flow hedge		-			-		-			-			-			(748	)		(748	)		-		-
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock		1,191,262			-		291			-			-			-			291			-		-
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation		(58,451	)		-		(172	)		-			-			-			(172	)		-		-
BALANCE - March 31, 2020		26,364,521			141,377		30,264			(82,860	)		(43,808	)		(4,064	)		40,909			12,700		11,982
Net income		-			-		-			-			783			-			783			-		-
Employee pension plan adjustments		-			-		-			-			-			140			140			-		-
Derivative qualifying as cash flow hedge		-			-		-			-			-			(95	)		(95	)		-		-
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock		111,376			-		325			-			-			-			325			-		-
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation		-			-		-			-			-			-			-			-		-
BALANCE - June 30, 2020		26,475,897		$	141,377	$	30,589		$	(82,860	)	$	(43,025	)	$	(4,019	)	$	42,062			12,700	$	11,982
Net income		-			-		-			-			3,512			-			3,512			-		-
Preferred stock dividends		-			-		(1,074	)		-			-			-			(1,074	)		-		-
Employee pension plan adjustments		-			-		-			-			-			140			140			-		-
Derivative qualifying as cash flow hedge		-			-		-			-			-			57			57			-		-
Stock-based compensation expense
Restricted stock		17,096			-		670			-			-			-			670			-		-
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation		(16,664	)		-		(72	)		-			-			-			(72	)		-		-
BALANCE - September 30, 2020		26,476,329		$	141,377	$	30,113		$	(82,860	)	$	(39,513	)	$	(3,822	)	$	45,295			12,700	$	11,982

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	10,754		$	2,545
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		5,620			5,546
Amortization of deferred finance charges		136			136
Deferred income taxes		3,636			-
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets		1			(96	)
Fixed asset donations		(2,050	)		(334	)
Provision for doubtful accounts		19,816			21,692
Stock-based compensation expense		2,093			1,286
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable		(22,122	)		(35,946	)
Inventories		(761	)		(1,258	)
Prepaid income taxes and income taxes payable		(729	)		272
Prepaid expenses and current assets		725			1,296
Other assets, net		274			(77	)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable		(186	)		1,656
Accrued expenses		(914	)		4,663
CARES Act student funds liability		-			1,073
CARES Act institutional funds liability		-			10,387
Unearned tuition		1,238			(4,057	)
Other liabilities		219			1,438
Total adjustments		6,996			7,677
Net cash provided by operating activities		17,750			10,222
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures		(5,252	)		(3,554	)
Proceeds from insurance		-			97
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,252	)		(3,457	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on borrowings		(1,500	)		(27,501	)
Proceeds from borrowings		-			11,000
Dividend payment for preferred stock		(912	)		(1,074	)
Credit of deferred finance fees		-			3
Net share settlement for equity-based compensation		(962	)		(244	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(3,374	)		(17,816	)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH		9,124			(11,051	)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH—Beginning of period		38,026			38,644
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH—End of period	$	47,150		$	27,593

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Continued)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	795	$	845
Income taxes	$	681	$	121
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Liabilities accrued for or noncash purchases of fixed assets	$	2,684	$	1,847

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Index

LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 AND 2020

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

(Unaudited)

1.	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Business Activities— Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”, as applicable) provide diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company, which currently operates 22 schools in 14 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 and medical administrative assistant, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology and aesthetics) and information technology. The schools operate under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences and associated brand names. Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally or regionally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by the U.S. Department of Education (the “DOE” or the “Department”) 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.

The Company’s business is organized into two reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, and (b) Healthcare and Other Professions (“HOPS”).

Liquidity—As of September 30, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $47.2 million and a net cash balance of $31.3 million calculated as cash and cash equivalents, less both the short-term and long-term portions of the Company’s Credit Facility (defined below) and can borrow an additional $21.0 million under its Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had a net cash balance of $20.8 million.

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 financial statements, which should be read in conjunction with the December 31, 2020 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and related disclosures of the Company included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (“Form 10-K”), reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2021.

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 used to determine the incremental borrowing rate to calculate lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, lease term to calculate lease cost, revenue recognition, bad debts, impairments, useful lives of fixed assets, income taxes, benefit plans and certain accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Index

New Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” These amendments provide temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. It is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope” which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The guidance is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is implementing a transition plan to identify and modify its loans and other financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or indirectly influenced by LIBOR. The Company is continuing to assess ASU 2020-04 and its impact on the Company’s transition away from LIBOR for its loan and other financial instruments.

In October 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-10, “Codification Improvements”, which makes minor technical corrections and clarifications to the ASU. The amendments in Sections B and C of the ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, for public business entities. This update did not have an impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity”. This ASU simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity. The ASU removes separation models for (1) convertible debt with a cash conversion feature and (2) convertible instruments with a beneficial conversion feature and hence most of the instruments will be accounted for as a single model (either debt or equity). The ASU also states that entities must apply the if-converted method to all convertible instruments for calculation of diluted EPS and the treasury stock method is no longer available. An entity can use either a full or modified retrospective approach to adopt the ASU’s guidance. ASU No. 2020-06 is effective for the Company as a smaller reporting company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For convertible instruments that include a down-round feature, entities may early adopt the amendments that apply to the down-round features if they have not yet adopted the amendments in ASU 2017-11. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this ASU will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles of ASC 740, “Income Taxes”. ASU 2019-12 also clarifies and amends GAAP for other areas of Topic 740. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. Depending on the amendment, adoption may be applied on a retrospective, modified retrospective or prospective basis. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 on January 1, 2021, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” and subsequently issued additional guidance that modified ASU 2016-13. The ASU and the subsequent modifications are identified as Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326. The standard requires an entity to change its accounting approach in determining impairment of certain financial instruments, including trade receivables, from an “incurred loss” to a “current expected credit loss” model. Further, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, ASU No. 2019-05 and ASU 2019-11 to provide additional guidance on the credit losses standard. In November 2019, FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842)”. This ASU defers the effective date of ASU 2016-13 for public companies that are considered smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Additionally, in February and March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)” ASU 2020-02 adds a SEC paragraph pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 on loan losses to FASB Codification Topic 326 and also updates the SEC section of the Codification for the change in the effective date of Topic 842. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact that these ASUs will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

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

In accordance with ASC 740, the Company assesses our deferred tax asset to determine whether all or any portion of the asset is more likely than not unrealizable. A valuation allowance is required to be established or maintained when, based on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, our assessment considers whether there has been sufficient income in recent years and whether sufficient income is expected in future years in order to utilize the deferred tax asset. In evaluating the realizability of deferred income tax assets, the Company considers, among other things, historical levels of income, expected future income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future income tax benefits. Significant judgment is required in determining the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our 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 our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.

Index

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not recognize any interest and penalties expense associated with uncertain tax positions.

Derivative Instruments—The Company records the fair value of derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value is dependent on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.

All qualifying hedging activities are documented at the inception of the hedge and must meet the definition of highly effective in offsetting changes to future cash. The Company utilizes the change in variable cash flows method to evaluate hedge effectiveness quarterly. We record the fair value of the qualifying hedges in other long-term liabilities (for derivative liabilities) and other assets (for derivative assets). All unrealized gains and losses on derivatives that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized when the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The Company classifies the cash flows from a cash flow hedge within the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.

2.	NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

The Company presents basic and diluted income per common share using the two-class method which requires all outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and unvested restricted common stock that include rights to non-forfeitable dividends (and, therefore, participate in undistributed income with common shareholders) to be included in computing income per common share. Under the two-class method, net income is reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the period for each class of common stock and participating security. The remaining undistributed income is then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Series A Preferred Stock and unvested restricted common stock contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends on an if-converted basis and on the same basis as common shares, respectively, and are considered participating securities. The Series A Preferred Stock and unvested restricted common stock are not included in the computation of basic income per common share in periods in which we have a net loss, as the Series A Preferred Stock and unvested restricted common stock are not contractually obligated to share in our net losses. However, the cumulative dividends on preferred stock for the period decreases the income or increases the net loss allocated to common shareholders unless the dividend is paid in the period. Basic income per common share has been computed by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The basic and diluted net income amounts are the same for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 as a result of the anti-dilutive impact of the potentially dilutive securities.

The Company uses the more dilutive method of calculating the diluted income per share by applying the more dilutive of either (a) the treasury stock method, if-converted method, or (b) the two-class method in its diluted income per common share calculation. Potentially dilutive shares are determined by applying the treasury stock method to the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and the assumed vesting of restricted stock. Potentially dilutive shares issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock are calculated using the if-converted method.

Index

The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the diluted net income per share computations for the periods presented below:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except share data)	2021			2020			2021			2020
Numerator:
Net income	$	3,839		$	3,512		$	10,754		$	2,545
Less: preferred stock dividend		(304	)		(1,074	)		(912	)		(1,074	)
Less: allocation to preferred stockholders		(582	)		(433	)		(1,629	)		(259	)
Less: allocation to restricted stockholders		(232	)		(120	)		(635	)		(65	)
Net income allocated to common stockholders	$	2,721		$	1,885		$	7,579		$	1,147

Basic income per share:
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		25,135,381			24,821,665			25,043,357			24,720,817
Basic income per share	$	0.11		$	0.08		$	0.30		$	0.05

Diluted income per share:
Denominator:
Weighted average number of:
Common shares outstanding		25,135,381			24,821,665			25,043,357			24,720,817
Dilutive potential common shares outstanding:
Series A Preferred Stock		-			-			-			-
Unvested restricted stock		-			-			-			-
Dilutive shares outstanding		25,135,381			24,821,665			25,043,357			24,720,817
Diluted income per share	$	0.11		$	0.08		$	0.30		$	0.05

The following table summarizes the potential weighted average shares of common stock that were excluded from the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except share data)	2021		2020		2021		2020
Series A Preferred Stock		5,381,356		-		5,381,356		-
Unvested restricted stock		815,383		767,056		823,662		566,370
		6,196,739		767,056		6,205,018		566,370

3.	REVENUE RECOGNITION

Substantially all of our revenues are considered to be revenues from our contracts with students. The related accounts receivable balances are recorded in our balance sheets as student accounts receivable. We do not have significant revenue recognized from performance obligations that were satisfied in prior periods, and we do not have any transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations other than in our unearned tuition. We record revenue for students who withdraw from our schools only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. Unearned tuition represents contract liabilities primarily related to our tuition revenue. We have elected not to provide disclosure about transaction prices allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations if original contract durations are less than one-year, or if we have the right to consideration from a student in an amount that corresponds directly with the value provided to the student for performance obligations completed to date in accordance with ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. We have assessed the costs incurred to obtain a contract with a student and determined them to be immaterial.

Unearned tuition in the amount of $24.7 million and $23.5 million is recorded in the current liabilities section of the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The change in this contract liability balance during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021 is the result of payments received in advance of satisfying performance obligations, offset by revenue recognized during that period. Revenue recognized for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021 that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year was $22.6 million.

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The following table depicts the timing of revenue recognition:

	Three months ended September 30, 2021						Nine months ended September 30, 2021
	Transportation and Skilled Trades Segment		Healthcare and Other Professions Segment		Consolidated		Transportation and Skilled Trades Segment		Healthcare and Other Professions Segment		Consolidated
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Services transferred at a point in time	$	6,203	$	1,618	$	7,821	$	14,788	$	4,234	$	19,022
Services transferred over time		58,747		22,491		81,238		162,798		65,700		228,498
Total revenues	$	64,950	$	24,109	$	89,059	$	177,586	$	69,934	$	247,520

	Three months ended September 30, 2020						Nine months ended September 30, 2020
	Transportation and Skilled Trades Segment		Healthcare and Other Professions Segment		Consolidated		Transportation and Skilled Trades Segment		Healthcare and Other Professions Segment		Consolidated
Timing of Revenue Recognition
Services transferred at a point in time	$	5,520	$	1,466	$	6,986	$	10,056	$	3,479	$	13,535
Services transferred over time		51,308		20,498		71,806		138,743		59,025		197,768
Total revenues	$	56,828	$	21,964	$	78,792	$	148,799	$	62,504	$	211,303

LEASES

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. The Company considers any contract where there is an identified asset and the Company has the right to control the use of such asset as a lease. An operating lease ROU asset represents the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As all of the Company’s operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available on the adoption date in determining the present value of lease payments. We estimate the incremental borrowing rate based on a yield curve analysis, utilizing the interest rate derived from the fair value analysis of our credit facility and adjusting it for factors that appropriately reflect the profile of secured borrowing over the expected term of the lease. The operating lease ROU assets include any lease payments made prior to the rent commencement date and exclude lease incentives. Our leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 11 years. Lease terms may include options to extend the lease term used in determining the lease obligation when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases.

See Note 13 which discusses the sale lease-back transaction relating to the Company’s Denver and Grand Prairie campuses which closed on October 29, 2021.

Operating lease costs for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were $3.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $11.4 million and $11.4 million, respectively. Our variable lease costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 were less than $0.1 million. The net change in the ROU asset and lease liability are included in other assets in the condensed consolidated cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Index

Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to our operating leases are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating cash flow information:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$	3,972	$	3,894	$	11,009	$	11,537
Non-cash activity:
Lease liabilities arising from obtaining right-of-use assets	$	1,220	$	6,311	$	4,421	$	15,092

Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for our operating leases is as follows:

	As of September 30,
	2021			2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term	5.49 years			6.29 years
Weighted-average discount rate		10.77	%		11.38	%

Maturities of lease liabilities by fiscal year for our operating leases as of September 30, 2021 are as follows:

Year ending December 31,
2021 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2021)	$	3,938
2022		15,926
2023		14,981
2024		13,413
2025		11,399
2026		3,241
Thereafter		15,441
Total lease payments		78,339
Less: imputed interest		(18,890	)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	59,449

5.	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. There were no long-lived asset impairments during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment when indicators of impairment exist. Annually, or more frequently if necessary, the Company evaluates goodwill for impairment, with any resulting impairment reflected as an operating expense. The Company has concluded that, as of September 30, 2021, there were no indicators of potential impairment and, accordingly, the Company did not test goodwill for impairment.

Index

The carrying amount of goodwill at September 30, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:

	Gross Goodwill Balance		Accumulated Impairment Losses			Net Goodwill Balance
Balance as of January 1, 2021	$	117,176	$	(102,640	)	$	14,536
Adjustments		-		-			-
Balance as of September 30, 2021	$	117,176	$	(102,640	)	$	14,536

	Gross Goodwill Balance		Accumulated Impairment Losses			Net Goodwill Balance
Balance as of January 1, 2020	$	117,176	$	(102,640	)	$	14,536
Adjustments		-		-			-
Balance as of September 30, 2020	$	117,176	$	(102,640	)	$	14,536

As of September 30, 2021 and 2020, the goodwill balance is related to the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment.

6.	LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Credit agreement	$	16,333		$	17,833
Deferred Financing Fees		(485	)		(621	)
		15,848			17,212
Less current maturities		(2,000	)		(2,000	)
	$	13,848		$	15,212

Credit Facility with Sterling National Bank

On November 14, 2019, the Company entered into a new senior secured credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with its lender, Sterling National Bank (the “Lender”), providing for borrowing in the aggregate principal amount of up to $60 million (the “Credit Facility”).

The Credit Facility is comprised of four facilities: (1) a $20 million senior secured term loan maturing on December 1, 2024 (the “Term Loan”), with monthly interest and principal payments based on 120-month amortization with the outstanding balance due on the maturity date; (2) a $10 million senior secured delayed draw term loan maturing on December 1, 2024 (the “Delayed Draw Term Loan”), with monthly interest payments for the first 18 months and thereafter monthly payments of interest and principal based on 120-month amortization and all balances due on the maturity date; (3) a $15 million senior secured committed revolving line of credit providing a sublimit of up to $10 million for standby letters of credit maturing on November 13, 2022 (the “Revolving Loan”), with monthly payments of interest only; and (4) a $15 million senior secured non-restoring line of credit maturing on January 31, 2021 (the “Line of Credit Loan”). The Credit Agreement gives the Company the right to permanently terminate, in its entirety, the Revolving Loan or the Line of Credit Loan or permanently reduce the amount available for borrowing under the Revolving Loan or the Line of Credit Loan. In April 2020, the Company terminated the Line of Credit Loan. On November 10, 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to its Credit Agreement to extend the Delayed Draw Availability Period by one year to May 31, 2022 and to increase the amount of permitted cash dividends that the Company can pay on its Series A Preferred Stock during the first twenty-four months of the Credit Agreement from $1.7 million to $2.3 million.

The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien in favor of the Lender on substantially all of the personal property owned by the Company, as well as a pledge of the stock and other equity in the Company’s subsidiaries and mortgages on parcels of real property owned by the Company in Colorado, Tennessee and Texas, at which three of the Company’s schools are located, as well as a former school property owned by the Company located in Connecticut.

Index

At the closing of the Credit Facility, the Lender advanced the Term Loan to the Company, the net proceeds of which were $19.7 million after deduction of the Lender’s origination fee in the amount of $0.3 million and other Lender fees and reimbursements to the Lender that are customary for facilities of this type. The Company used the net proceeds of the Term Loan, together with cash on hand, to repay the existing credit facility and transaction expenses.

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, letters of credit issued under the Revolving Loan reduce dollar for dollar the availability of borrowings under the Revolving Loan.

Accrued interest on each loan under the Credit Facility is payable monthly in arrears. The Term Loan and the Delayed Draw Term Loan bear interest at a floating interest rate based on the then one month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.50%. At the closing of the Credit Facility, the Company entered into a swap transaction with the Lender for 100% of the principal balance of the Term Loan, which matures on the same date as the Term Loan. At the end of the borrowing availability period for the Delayed Draw Term Loan, the Company is required to enter into a swap transaction with the Lender for 100% of the principal balance of the Delayed Draw Term Loan, which will mature on the same date as the Delayed Draw Term Loan, pursuant to a swap agreement between the Company and the Lender or the Lender’s affiliate. The Term Loan and Delayed Draw Term Loan are subject to a LIBOR interest rate floor of 0.25% if there is no swap agreement.

Revolving Loans bear interest at a floating interest rate based on the then LIBOR plus an indicative spread determined by the Company’s leverage as defined in the Credit Agreement or, if the borrowing of a Revolving Loan is to be repaid within 30 days of such borrowing, the Revolving Loan will accrue interest at the Lender’s prime rate plus 0.50% with a floor of 4.0%. Revolving Loans are subject to a LIBOR interest rate floor of 0.00%.

Letters of credit are charged an annual fee equal to (i) an applicable margin determined by the leverage ratio of the Company less (ii) 0.25%, paid quarterly in arrears, in addition to the Lender’s customary fees for issuance, amendment and other standard fees. Letters of credit totaling $4 million that were outstanding under the existing credit facility are treated as letters of credit under the Revolving Loan.

Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Company may prepay the Term Loan and/or the Delayed Draw Term Loan in full or in part without penalty except for any amount required to compensate the Lender for any swap breakage or other costs incurred in connection with such prepayment. The Lender receives an unused facility fee of 0.50% per annum payable quarterly in arrears on the unused portions of the Revolving Loan.

In addition to the foregoing, the Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative and negative covenants (including financial covenants that (i) restrict capital expenditures, (ii) restrict leverage, (iii) require maintaining minimum tangible net worth, (iv) require maintaining a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and (v) require the maintenance of a minimum of $5 million in quarterly average aggregate balances on deposit with the Lender, which, if not maintained, will result in the assessment of a quarterly fee of $12,500), as well as events of default customary for facilities of this type. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. The Credit Agreement also limited the payment of cash dividends during the first twenty-four months of the agreement to $1.7 million but an amendment to the Credit Agreement entered into on November 10, 2020 raised the cash dividend limit to $2.3 million in such twenty-four-month period.

On September 23, 2021, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Consent and Waiver Letter Agreement (the “Consent Agreement”) to the Company’s existing Credit Agreement. The Consent Agreement consents to certain real estate transactions with respect to the Nashville, Denver and Grand Prairie campuses (collectively, the “Property Transactions”) and waives certain covenants in the Credit Agreement, subject to certain conditions specified therein. In addition, in connection with the consummation of the Property Transactions, the Lender has agreed to release its mortgages and other liens on the subject-properties. In connection therewith, at the closing of the Property Transactions, the Company is required to pay in full the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the Term Loan and any swap obligations arising from any swap transaction entered into in connection with the Term Loan. No further borrowings may be made under the Term Loan or the Delayed Draw Term Loan. One of the Property Transactions, the sale lease-back of the Denver and Grand Prairie campuses, was consummated on October 29, 2021. In connection with the closing, the Company paid its Lender approximately $16.5 million in repayment of the term loan and the swap termination fee.

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had $16.3 million and $17.8 million, respectively, outstanding under the Credit Facility offset by $0.5 million and $0.6 million of deferred finance fees, respectively. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, letters of credit in the aggregate outstanding principal amount of $4.0 million were outstanding under the Credit Facility.

Index

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt at September 30, 2021 are as follows:

Year ending December 31,
2021 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2021)	$	500
2022		2,000
2023		2,000
2024		11,833
	$	16,333

7.	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. The Company has not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since the Company’s Board of Directors discontinued our quarterly cash dividend program in February 2015. The Company has no current intentions to resume the payment of cash dividends to holders of common stock in the foreseeable future.

Preferred Stock

On November 14, 2019, the Company raised gross proceeds of $12.7 million from the sale of 12,700 shares of its newly designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, no par value per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The Series A Preferred Stock was designated by the Company’s Board of Directors pursuant to a certificate of amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Charter Amendment”). The liquidation preference associated with the Series A Preferred Stock was $1,000 per share at December 31, 2020. Upon issuance each share of Series A Preferred Stock was convertible at $2.36 per share of common stock (as may be adjusted pursuant to the Charter Amendment, the “Conversion Price”) into 423,729 shares of common stock (the number of shares into which the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible at any time, the “Conversion Shares”). The Company incurred issuance costs of $0.7 million as part of this transaction.

The description below provides a summary of certain material terms of the Series A Preferred Stock:

Securities Purchase Agreement.

The Series A Preferred Stock was sold by the Company pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of November 14, 2019 (the “SPA”) among the Company, Juniper Targeted Opportunity Fund, L.P. and Juniper Targeted Opportunities, L.P. (together, “Juniper Purchasers”) and Talanta Investment, Inc. (“Talanta,” together with Juniper Purchasers, the “Investors”). Among other things, the SPA includes covenants relating to the appointment of a director to the Company’s Board of Directors to be selected solely by the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock.

Dividends. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A Dividends”), at the initial annual rate of 9.6% is to be paid, in arrears, from the date of issuance quarterly on each December 31, March 31, June 30 and September 30 with September 30, 2020 being the first dividend payment date. The Company, at its option, may pay dividends either (a) in cash or (b) by increasing the number of Conversion Shares by the dollar amount of the dividend divided by the Conversion Price. The dividend rate is subject to increase (a) 2.4% per annum on the fifth anniversary of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock and (b) by 2% per annum but in no event above 14% per annum should the Company fail to perform certain obligations under the Charter Amendment. The Series A Preferred Stock is not currently redeemable and may not become redeemable in the future. As a result, the Company is not required to re-measure the Series A Preferred Stock and does not accrete changes in the redemption value. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we paid $0.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in cash dividends on the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock rather than increasing the number of Conversion Shares. Dividends are included in the consolidated balance sheets within additional paid-in-capital when the Company maintains an accumulated deficit.

Holders of Series A Preferred Stock Right to Convert into Common Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock, at any time, is convertible into a number of shares of common stock equal to (i) the sum of (A) $1,000 (subject to adjustment as provided in the Charter Amendment) plus (B) the dollar amount of any declared Series A Dividends not paid in cash divided by (ii) the Conversion Price ($2.36 per share subject to anti-dilution adjustments) as of the applicable Conversion Date (as defined in the Charter Amendment). At all times, however, the number of Conversion Shares that can be issued to any holder of Series A Preferred Stock may not result in such holder and its affiliates owning more than 19.99% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding after giving effect to the conversion (the “Hard Cap”), unless prior shareholder approval is obtained or no longer required by the rules of the principal stock exchange on which the Company’s common stock trades.

Index

Mandatory Conversion. If, at any time following November 14, 2022, the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds 2.25 times the Conversion Price (currently $5.31 per share) for a period of 20 consecutive trading days and on each such trading day at least 20,000 shares of common stock was traded, the Company may, at its option and subject to the Hard Cap, require that any or all of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock be automatically converted into Conversion Shares.

Redemption. Beginning November 14, 2024, the Company may redeem all or any of the Series A Preferred Stock for a cash price equal to the greater of (“Liquidation Preference”) (i) the sum of $1,000 (subject to adjustment as provided in the Charter Amendment) plus the dollar amount of any declared Series A Dividends not paid in cash and (ii) the value of the Conversion Shares were such Series A Preferred Stock converted (as determined in the Charter Amendment) without regard to the Hard Cap.

Change of Control. In the event of certain changes of control, some of which are not in the Company’s control, as defined in the Charter Amendment as a “Fundamental Change” or a “Liquidation” (as defined in the Charter Amendment), the holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive the Liquidation Preference, unless such Fundamental Change is a stock merger in which certain value and volume requirements are met, in which case the Series A Preferred Stock will be converted into common stock in connection with such stock merger. The Company has classified the Series A Preferred Stock as mezzanine equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet based upon the terms of a change of control which could be outside the Company’s control.

Voting. Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote with the holders of shares of common stock and not as a separate class, at any annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Company, on an as-converted basis, in all cases subject to the Hard Cap. In addition, a majority of the voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock must approve certain significant actions of the Company, including (i) declaring a dividend or otherwise redeeming or repurchasing any shares of common stock and other junior securities, if any, subject to certain exceptions, (ii) incurring indebtedness, except for certain permitted indebtedness and (iii) creating a subsidiary other than a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Additional Provisions. The Series A Preferred Stock is perpetual and, therefore, does not have a maturity date. The conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock is subject to anti-dilution protections if the Company affects a stock split, stock dividend, subdivision, reclassification or combination of its common stock and certain other economically dilutive events.

Registration Rights Agreement. The Company also is a party to a Registration Rights Agreement (“RRA”) with the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock. The RRA provides for unlimited demand registration rights, of which there can be two underwritten offerings each for at least $5 million in gross proceeds, and piggyback registration rights, with respect to the Conversion Shares. In addition, the RRA obligated the Company to register “for the shelf” the resale of the Conversion Shares through the filing of a registration statement to such effect (the “Resale Shelf Registration Statement”) and have such Resale Shelf Registration Statement declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC declared the Resale Shelf Registration Statement effective on October 16, 2020.

Restricted Stock

The Company currently issues restricted stock awards under the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”). As more fully described below, the Company continues to maintain the Lincoln Educational Services Corporation 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended and amended and restated (the “Prior Plan”) only with respect to awards made thereunder, but, as no shares remain available under the Prior Plan, the Company no longer makes grants under such plan.

2020 Plan

On March 26, 2020, the Board adopted the 2020 Plan to provide an incentive to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company to align their interests in the Company’s success with those of its shareholders through the grant of equity-based awards. On June 16, 2020, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2020 Plan. The 2020 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board, or such other qualified committee appointed by the Board, who will, among other duties, have full power and authority to take all actions and to make all determinations required or provided for under the 2020 Plan. Pursuant to the 2020 Plan, the Company may grant options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. The 2020 Plan has a duration of 10 years.

Subject to adjustment as described in the 2020 Plan, the aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2020 Plan is 2,000,000 shares.

Index

On August 5, 2021, 6,267 restricted shares of common stock were issued to a non-employee director which vest on May 6, 2022.

On May 6, 2021, 76,195 restricted shares of common stock were issued to non-employee directors which vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.

On June 16, 2020, 111,376 restricted shares of common stock were issued to non-employee directors which are fully vested on June 16, 2021.

On August 7, 2020, two non-employee directors were appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors and 17,096 restricted shares of common stock were granted to each of those individuals. These shares vested on June 16, 2021.

Also on August 7, 2020, a non-employee director retired from his position on the Company’s Board of Directors and 12,762 restricted shares of common stock held by him which were unvested were accelerated to vest effective August 7, 2020.

On February 25, 2021, performance-based restricted shares were granted to certain employees of the Company. The shares vest ratably on the first, second and third anniversary dates of the grant based upon the attainment of a financial target during each of the fiscal years ending December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively, except in extraordinary circumstances. There is no restriction on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends with respect to any of such restricted shares. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded expense of $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, as the expectation of attainment of the target is probable.

On February 20, 2020, performance-based restricted shares were granted to certain employees of the Company. The shares vest 20%, 30% and 50% on the first, second and third anniversary dates of the grant, respectively, based upon the attainment of a financial target during each fiscal years ending December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, except in extraordinary circumstances. There is no restriction on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends with respect to any of such restricted shares. For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded expense of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as the expectation of attainment of the target is probable. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded expense of $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively, as the expectation of attainment of the target is probable.

Prior Plan

Under the Prior Plan, certain employees received awards of restricted shares of common stock based on service and performance. The number of shares granted to each employee was based on the amount of the award and the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The 2020 Plan provides that there will be no new grants under the Prior Plan effective as of the date of shareholder approval, June 16, 2020, of the 2020 Plan. The 2020 Plan also states that the shares available under the 2020 Plan will be two million shares plus the number of shares remaining available under the Prior Plan. As no shares remain available under the Prior Plan, there can be no additional grants thereunder. Outstanding grants under the Prior Plan remain in effect according to their terms. Therefore, those grants are subject to the particular award agreement relating thereto and to the Prior Plan to the extent that the plan addresses those grants. The Prior Plan remains in effect only to that extent.

On February 28, 2019, restricted shares were granted to certain employees of the Company under the Prior Plan, which shares ratably vest over three years. There is no restriction on the right to vote or the right to receive dividends with respect to any of such restricted shares. For each of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded expense of $0.1 million in connection with that grant. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded expense of $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, in connection with that grant.

For the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the Company completed a net share settlement for zero and 16,664 shares and for the nine month ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, the Company completed a net share settlement for 154,973 and 75,115 shares on behalf of certain employees who participate in the Prior Plan upon the vesting of the restricted shares pursuant to the terms of the Prior Plan. The net share settlement was in connection with income taxes incurred on restricted shares that vested and were transferred to the employees during 2021 and/or 2020, creating taxable income for the employees. At the employees’ request, the Company will pay those taxes on behalf of the employees in exchange for the employees’ returning an equivalent value of restricted shares to the Company. Those transactions resulted in a decrease of zero and $0.1 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 and a decrease of $1.0 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, 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.

Index

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

	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2020		1,572,159		$	2.77
Granted		657,076			5.97
Canceled		-			-
Vested		(498,936	)		3.04

Nonvested restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2021		1,730,299			3.87

The restricted stock expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The restricted stock expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $2.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The unrecognized restricted stock expense as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $6.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, outstanding restricted shares under the Prior Plan had aggregate intrinsic value of $11.6 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:

	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2020		81,000	$	7.79	1.17 years	$	-
Granted/Vested		-		-			-
Canceled		-		-			-

Outstanding at September 30, 2021		81,000		7.79	0.42 years		-

Vested as of September 30, 2021		81,000		7.79	0.42 years		-

Exercisable as of September 30, 2021		81,000		7.79	0.42 years		-

As of September 30, 2021, there was no unrecognized pre-tax compensation expense.

8.	INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $1.6 million, or 29.6% of pretax income, and approximately $0.1 million, or 1.4% of pretax income, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $3.6 million, or 25.0% of pretax income, and approximately $0.2 million, or 5.6% of pretax loss, respectively. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was due to the reversal of a full valuation allowance at December 31, 2020, resulting in an effective tax rate of 25.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

9.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the ordinary conduct of its business, the Company is subject to certain lawsuits, investigations and claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Although the Company cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against it, the Company does not believe that any 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.

Index

Information regarding certain specific legal proceedings in which the Company is involved is contained in Part II, Item 1 hereof as well as in Part I, Item 3, and in Note 15 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K. Unless otherwise indicated in this report, all proceedings discussed in the earlier report which are not indicated therein as having been concluded, remain outstanding as of September 30, 2021.

10.

SEGMENTS

We operate our business in two reportable segments: (a) the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment; and (b) the Healthcare and Other Professions segment. 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 are described below.

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

Healthcare and Other Professions – The Healthcare and Other Professions segment offers academic programs in the career-oriented disciplines of health sciences, hospitality and business and information technology (e.g. dental assistant, medical assistant, practical nursing, culinary arts and cosmetology).

The Company also utilizes the Transitional segment on a limited basis solely when and if it closes a school.

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.

Summary financial information by reporting segment is as follows:

	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
	Revenue										Operating Income (Loss)
	2021		% of Total			2020		% of Total			2021			2020
Transportation and Skilled Trades	$	64,950		72.9	%	$	56,828		72.1	%	$	11,842		$	9,138
Healthcare and Other Professions		24,109		27.1	%		21,964		27.9	%		1,833			1,654
Corporate		-					-					(7,930	)		(6,952	)
Total	$	89,059		100.0	%	$	78,792		100.0	%	$	5,745		$	3,840

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Revenue										Operating Income (Loss)
	2021		% of Total			2020		% of Total			2021			2020
Transportation and Skilled Trades	$	177,586		71.7	%	$	148,799		70.4	%	$	35,423		$	18,848
Healthcare and Other Professions		69,934		28.3	%		62,504		29.6	%		7,743			6,388
Corporate		-					-					(27,949	)		(21,581	)
Total	$	247,520		100.0	%	$	211,303		100.0	%	$	15,217		$	3,655

	Total Assets
	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Transportation and Skilled Trades	$	132,948	$	133,078
Healthcare and Other Professions		33,516		32,753
Corporate		86,992		79,359
Total	$	253,456	$	245,190

Index

11.	FAIR VALUE

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

	September 30, 2021
	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	47,150	$	47,150	$	-	$	-	$	47,150
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,973		-		2,973		-		2,973

Financial Liabilities:
Accrued expenses	$	15,778	$	-	$	15,778	$	-	$	15,778
Other short term liabilities		56		-		56		-		56
Derivative qualifying cash flow hedge		552		-		552		-		552
Credit facility		15,848		-		14,488		-		14,488

	December 31, 2020
	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Total
Financial Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	38,026	$	38,026	$	-	$	-	$	38,026
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,723		-		3,723		-		3,723

Financial Liabilities:
Accrued expenses	$	16,692	$	-	$	16,692	$	-	$	16,692
Other short term liabilities		26		-		26		-		26
Derivative qualifying cash flow hedge		877		-		877		-		877
Credit facility		17,212		-		15,487		-		15,487

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we estimated the fair value of the Credit Facility 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets for Cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value because they are highly liquid.

The carrying amounts reported on the 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.

Qualifying Hedge Derivative

On November 14, 2019, in connection with its Credit Facility, the Company entered into an interest rate swap for the Term Loan with a notional amount of $20 million which expires on December 1, 2024. The loan has a 10-year straight line amortization. A principal amount of $0.2 million is paid monthly. This interest rate swap converts the floating interest rate Term Loan to a fixed rate, plus a borrowing spread. The interest rate is variable based on LIBOR plus 3.50% and the Company’s fixed rate is 5.36%. The Company designated this interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge.

The Company entered into this interest rate swap to hedge exposure resulting from the interest rate risk. The purpose of this hedge is to reduce the variability of the interest rate based on LIBOR. The Company manages these exposures within specified guidelines through the use of derivatives. All of our derivative instruments are utilized for risk management purposes, and the Company does not use derivatives for speculative trading purposes.

Index

The following summarizes the fair value of the outstanding derivative:

	September 30, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Liability⁽¹⁾				Liability⁽¹⁾
	Notional		Fair Value		Notional		Fair Value
Derivative derived as a hedging instrument:
Interest Rate Swap	$	16,333	$	552	$	17,833	$	877

(1)

The Company’s derivative liability is measured at fair value using observable market inputs such as interest rates and our own credit risk as well as an evaluation of our counterparty’s credit risk. Based on these inputs the derivative liability is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The liability is included in other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following summarizes the financial statement classification and amount of interest expense recognized on hedging instruments:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Interest Expense
Interest Rate Swap	$	100	$	100	$	200	$	100

The following summarizes the effect of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Derivative qualifying as cash flow hedge
Interest rate swap income (loss)	$	65	$	56	$	326	$	(786	)

12.	COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND CARES ACT

The Company began seeing the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on its business in early March 2020 and some effects of the pandemic have continued. The spread of COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on higher educational institutions across the country, including our schools, and has led to the closure of campuses and the transition of academic programs from in-person instruction to online, remote learning and back. The impact for the Company was primarily related to transitioning classes from in-person, hands-on learning to online, remote learning which resulted in, among other things, additional expenses. Further, related to this transition, some students were placed on leave of absence as they could not complete their externships and some students chose not to participate in online learning. As a result, certain programs were extended due to restricted access to externship sites and classroom labs which did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In accordance with phased re-opening as applied on a state-by-state basis, all of our schools have now re-opened and the majority of the students who were on leave of absence or had deferred their programs returned to school to finish their programs. The Company has considered the impact of COVID-19 on the assumptions and estimates used to prepare its consolidated financial statements and has determined that there were no material adverse impacts on the Company’s results of operations and financial position at September 30, 2021. The Company expects to continue to be impacted by COVID-19 as the situation remains dynamic and evolving and subject to rapid and possibly material change. Additional impacts may arise of which the Company is not currently aware. The nature and extent of such impacts will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Index

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law which includes a $2 trillion federal economic relief package providing financial assistance and other relief to individuals and businesses impacted by the spread of COVID-19. The CARES Act includes provisions for financial assistance and other regulatory relief benefitting students and their postsecondary institutions. Among other things, the CARES Act includes a $14 billion higher education emergency relief fund (“HEERF”) for the DOE to distribute directly to institutions of higher education. Institutions are required to use at least half of the HEERF funds for emergency grants to students for expenses related to disruptions in campus operations (e.g., food, housing, etc.). Institutions are permitted to use the remainder of the funds for additional emergency grants to students or to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the COVID-19 emergency, provided that those costs do not include payment to contractors for the provision of pre-enrollment recruitment activities, endowments, or capital outlays associated with facilities related to athletics, sectarian instruction, or religious worship. The law requires institutions receiving funds to continue to the greatest extent practicable to pay its employees and contractors during the period of any disruptions or closures related to the COVID-19 emergency. Other than as disclosed below, the CARES Act had no material impact on the Company’s income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2020 or the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the CARES Act on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The DOE has allocated funds to each institution of higher education based on a formula contained in the CARES Act. The formula is heavily weighted toward institutions with large numbers of Pell Grant recipients. The DOE allocated $27.4 million to our schools distributed in two equal installments and required them to be utilized by April 30, 2021 and May 14, 2021, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had distributed the full $13.7 million of its first installment as emergency grants to students and has utilized the full $13.7 million of its second installment. Proceeds from the second installment for permitted expenses were primarily utilized to either offset original expenses incurred or to reduce student accounts receivable driving a decrease in bad debt expense, both uses resulted in a decrease in our selling, general and administrative expenses.

On March 19, 2021, the Department of Education released guidance clarifying previous guidance on permitted institutional uses of funds received from the HEERF. In accordance with this guidance, the Company was able to provide financial relief for students who dropped out of school due to COVID-19 related circumstances with unpaid accounts receivable balances covering the period from March 15, 2020 to March 31, 2021. This relief was provided using the Company’s financial resources combined with HEERF funds resulting in a net benefit to bad debt expense of approximately $3.0 million.

The Company was also permitted to delay payment of FICA payroll taxes through January 1, 2021 and has done so. The Company will have to repay 50% of the deferred payments by January 3, 2022, and the remaining 50% by January 3, 2023. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had deferred payments of $4.5 million.

On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed into law. This annual appropriations bill contained the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CRRSAA”). CRRSAA provided an additional $81.9 billion to the Education Stabilization Fund including $22.7 billion for the HEERF, which were originally created by the CARES Act in March 2020. The higher education provisions of the CRRSAA are intended in part to provide additional financial assistance benefitting students and their postsecondary institutions in the wake of the spread of COVID-19 across the country and its impact on higher educational institutions.

Like the CARES Act, the CRRSAA directs the majority of HEERF funds to a general program providing direct grants to institutions. Institutions generally must designate “at least the same amount” of the funds for direct grants to students as was required under the CARES Act. We may only use the new HEERF funds for grants to students. The student grants must prioritize students with exceptional need and may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care. We may use the remaining HEERF funds to (1) defray expenses associated with coronavirus (including lost revenue, reimbursement for expenses already incurred, technology costs associated with a transition to distance education, faculty and staff trainings, and payroll); (2) carry out student support activities authorized by the Higher Education Act that address needs related to coronavirus; or (3) for additional financial aid grants to students.

Upon the passage of the CRRSAA, DOE began allocating the funds to each institution of higher education based on a formula contained in the law. The DOE has allocated a total of $15.4 million to our schools and the funds became available in February 2021. The DOE has begun releasing guidance relating to the use of these funds and is expected to provide additional information in the coming weeks. Failure to comply with requirements for the usage and reporting of these funds could result in requirements to repay some or all of the allocated funds and in other sanctions. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has not drawn down any of these allocated funds.

Index

13.	Property Sale Agreements

Property Sale Agreement - Nashville, Tennessee Campus

On September 24, 2021, Nashville Acquisition, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company (“Nashville Acquisition”), entered into a Contract for the Purchase of Real Estate (the “Nashville Contract”) to sell the property located at 524 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee, at which the Company operates its Nashville campus, to SLC Development, LLC, a subsidiary of Southern Land Company (“SLC”), for an aggregate sale price of $34.5 million, subject to customary adjustments at closing. The Company intends to relocate its Nashville campus to a more efficient and technologically advanced facility in the Nashville metropolitan area but has not yet determined a location. Under the terms of the Nashville Contract, the closing of the sale, which is subject to various conditions, is scheduled to take place after a 90-day due diligence period (with an optional 30-day extension thereof). During the due diligence period, SLC has the right to terminate the Nashville Contract for any reason at its discretion. Upon closing, Nashville Acquisition is permitted to occupy the property and continue to operate the Nashville campus on a rent-free basis for a lease-back period of 12 months, and, thereafter, has the option to extend the lease-back period for one 90-day term and three additional 30-day terms pursuant to a lease agreement to be negotiated by the parties during the due diligence period. The closing of the sale transaction is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2022 subject to various closing conditions which must be satisfied or waived; therefore, there can be no assurance that the sale will be consummated on a timely basis or at all. The Nashville property is included in assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021.

Sale-Leaseback Transaction - Denver, Colorado and Grand Prairie, Texas Campuses

On September 24, 2021, Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. and LTI Holdings, LLC, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (collectively, “Lincoln”), entered into an Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Property (the “Colorado/Texas Sale Agreement”) for the sale of the properties located at 11194 E. 45th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80239 and 2915 Alouette Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052, at which the Company operates its Denver and Grand Prairie campuses, respectively, to LNT Denver (Multi) LLC, a subsidiary of LCN Capital Partners (“LNT”), for an aggregate sale price of $46.5 million, subject to customary adjustments at closing. Simultaneously with the closing of the sale, which occurred on October 29, 2021, the parties entered into a triple-net lease agreement for each of the properties pursuant to which the properties are being leased back to Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. for a twenty-year term at an initial annual base rent, payable quarterly in advance of approximately $2.6 million for the first year with annual 2.00% increases thereafter and includes four subsequent five-year renewal options in which the base rent is reset at the commencement of each renewal term at then current fair market rent for the first year of each renewal term with annual 2.00% increases thereafter in each such renewal term. The lease, in each case, provides Lincoln with a right of first offer should LNT wish to sell the property. The Company has provided a guaranty of the financial and other obligations of Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. under each lease. The Denver and Grand Prairie properties are included in assets held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021. On October 29, 2021 the sale lease-back transaction closed providing the Company with net proceeds of approximately $28.5 million after deduction of transaction-related expenses of approximately $1.2 million and repayment of the Company’s outstanding term loan and swap termination fee of approximately $16.8 million.

Index

Item 2.

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

All references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company,” refer to Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.

The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Company, our business, prospects and our results of operations that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties posed by many factors and events that could cause our actual business, prospects and results of operations to differ materially from those that may be anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Such statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “assume,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” or similar words, and include, without limitation, statements relating to future enrollment, revenues, revenues per student, earnings growth, operating expenses, capital expenditures and effect of pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its ultimate effect on the Company’s business and results. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Additional factors that could cause or contribute to differences between our actual results and those anticipated include, but are not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K and in our other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may subsequently arise. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in this Quarterly 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 appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the discussions contained herein should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K which includes audited consolidated financial statements for our two fiscal years ended December 31, 2020.

General

The Company provides diversified career-oriented post-secondary education to recent high school graduates and working adults. The Company offers programs in automotive technology, skilled trades (which include HVAC, welding and computerized numerical control and electrical and electronic systems technology, among other programs), healthcare services (which include nursing, dental assistant and medical administrative assistant, among other programs), hospitality services (which include culinary, therapeutic massage, cosmetology and aesthetics) and information technology programs. The schools, currently consisting of 22 schools in 14 states, operate under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln Culinary Institute, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences and associated brand names. Most of the campuses serve major metropolitan markets and each typically offers courses in multiple areas of study. Five of the campuses are destination schools, which attract students from across the United States and, in some cases, from abroad. The Company’s other campuses primarily attract students from their local communities and surrounding areas. All of the campuses are nationally or regionally accredited and are eligible to participate in federal financial aid programs by 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.

Our business is organized into two reportable business segments: (a) Transportation and Skilled Trades, and (b) Healthcare and Other Professions or “HOPS”.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Company

During the first quarter of 2020, COVID-19 began to spread worldwide and has caused significant disruptions to the U.S. and world economies. In early March 2020, the Company began seeing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. The circumstances related to COVID-19 are unprecedented, dynamic and evolving and currently, with variants of the virus arising, remain unpredictable. As the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we could see significant changes to our operations.

To date, the impact of COVID-19 has primarily related to transitioning classes from in-person, hands-on instruction to online, remote learning and back. As part of this transition, the Company has incurred additional expenses. Related to this transition, 102 students were placed on leave of absence as they could not complete their externships and certain programs were extended due to restricted access to externship sites and classroom labs. In response to COVID-19, we implemented initiatives to safeguard our students and our employees. Due to phased re-opening on a state-by-state basis, our schools have been reopening since May 2020. Currently, all of our schools are open and following applicable guidelines.

Index

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For a description of our critical accounting policies and estimates, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Form 10-K and Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

In addition, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have reassessed those of our accounting policies whose application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment, for instance, revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful account, goodwill, and long-lived assets, stock-based compensation, derivative instruments and hedging activity, borrowings, assumptions related to ROU assets, lease cost, income taxes and assets and obligations related to employee benefit plans. Such reassessments did not have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

Effect of Inflation

Inflation has not had a material effect on our operations except for some inflationary pressures on certain instructor salaries.

Results of Continuing Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021

The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated:

	Three Months Ended Sept 30,						Nine Months Ended Sept 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenue		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Educational services and facilities		42.8	%		43.5	%		42.1	%		42.9	%
Selling, general and administrative		50.8	%		51.7	%		51.8	%		55.4	%
Total costs and expenses		93.6	%		95.2	%		93.9	%		98.3	%
Operating income		6.4	%		4.8	%		6.1	%		1.7	%
Interest expense, net		-0.3	%		-0.4	%		-0.4	%		-0.5	%
Income before income taxes		6.1	%		4.4	%		5.8	%		1.2	%
Provision for income taxes		1.8	%		0.1	%		1.4	%		0.1	%
Net Income		4.3	%		4.3	%		4.3	%		1.1	%

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue. Revenue increased $10.3 million, or 13.0% to $89.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $78.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in revenue was the result of an 8.3% increase in average population driven by the nine month start growth of 8.8% in addition to a 4.3% increase in average revenue per student in the current quarter.

For a general discussion of trends in our student enrollment, see “Seasonality and Outlook” below.

Educational services and facilities expense. Our educational services and facilities expense increased $3.9 million, or 11.3% to $38.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $34.2 million in the prior year comparable period. Additional costs were concentrated in instruction expense, books and tools expense and facilities expense. Instructional increases were driven in part by inflationary pressures on instructor salaries due to widespread instructor shortages in addition to a larger student population, which also drove additional books and tools expense. Facilities expense increased from the normalization of housing expenses for students during the quarter.

Educational services and facilities expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased slightly to 42.8% from 43.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Index

Selling, general and administrative expense. Our selling, general and administrative expense increased $4.5 million, or 11.1% to $45.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $40.7 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase quarter over quarter was driven primarily by incentive and stock based compensation due to our improved financial performance in addition to increased marketing investments.

Marketing investments increased as we continue to test, evaluate and adjust spending to optimize our results in an effort to increase both lead generation and brand awareness. The majority of our marketing spend today is invested in digital channels driven primarily by search engine marketing which is focused on our core student demographics and the geographic areas surrounding our campuses. We have gradually, but steadily, expanded our presence in various paid social media channels as well as both digital display and video advertising. While we continue to maintain a presence in traditional media such as television and radio, we are now utilizing a mix of broadcast, cable and streaming media to effectively reach prospective students.

Selling, general and administrative expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 50.8% from 51.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Net interest expense. Net interest expense remained essentially flat at $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Income taxes. Our provision for income taxes was $1.6 million compared to approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The higher provision for the third quarter of 2021 compared to prior year was due to the release of the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2020. The effective tax rate for the three months ending September 30, 2021 was 29.6%.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenue. Revenue increased $36.2 million, or 17.1% to $247.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $211.3 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in revenue was the result of an 11.3% increase in average population, driven by continued student start growth, up 8.8% in combination with starting the year with approximately 1,000 more students than in the prior year comparable period. Further contributing to the increase was average revenue per student, up 5.2% and the normalization of our revenue stream driven by the return to in-person instruction at all of our campuses.

The prior year financial results reflect the unprecedented impact from the COVID-19 pandemic which started in March of 2020. As a result, certain financial and operational comparisons year over year may be distorted as a result of the impact of COVID-19.

For a general discussion of trends in our student enrollment, see “Seasonality and Outlook” below.

Educational services and facilities expense. Our educational services and facilities expense increased $13.4 million, or 14.8% to $104.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $90.7 million in the prior year comparable period. The higher costs were mainly concentrated in instructional, books and tools and facilities expenses. Instructional increases were driven in part by inflationary pressures on instructor salaries due to widespread instructor shortages in addition to a larger student population, which also drove additional books and tools expense. Further contributing to the increase was operating with a hybrid remote and in-person instruction in the current year compared to remote learning in the prior year. Additional facilities costs were driven by one-time rent reductions in the prior year coupled with overall facilities savings during campus closures as a result of COVID-19.

Educational services and facilities expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 42.1% from 42.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative expense. Our selling, general and administrative expense increased $11.2 million, or 9.5% to $128.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $117.0 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase year over year was driven by several factors including a $3.1 million increase in incentive and stock based compensation tied in part to a larger student population and improved financial performance, the normalization of operating expenses in the current year resulting from the return to in-person instruction at all of our campuses, an improved business climate as the country reopens and lastly, increased marketing investments year over year.

Index

Selling, general and administrative expense, as a percentage of revenue, decreased to 51.8% from 55.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Net interest expense. Net interest expense remained essentially flat at $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Income taxes. Our provision for income taxes was $3.6 million compared to $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The higher provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to prior year was due to the release of the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2020. The effective tax rate for the nine months ending September 30, 2021 was 25.0%.

Segment Results of Operations

We operate our business in two reportable segments: (a) the Transportation and Skilled Trades segment; and (b) the Healthcare and Other Professions (“HOPS”) segment. 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 are described below.

The Company also utilizes the Transitional segment solely when and if it closes a school.

Index

The following table presents results for our two reportable segments for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			% Change
Revenue:
Transportation and Skilled Trades	$	64,950		$	56,828			14.3	%
HOPS		24,109			21,964			9.8	%
Total	$	89,059		$	78,792			13.0	%

Operating Income (Loss):
Transportation and Skilled Trades	$	11,842		$	9,138			29.6	%
Healthcare and Other Professions		1,833			1,654			10.8	%
Corporate		(7,930	)		(6,952	)		-14.1	%
Total	$	5,745		$	3,840			49.6	%

Starts:
Transportation and Skilled Trades		3,976			3,982			-0.2	%
Healthcare and Other Professions		1,454			1,528			-4.8	%
Total		5,430			5,510			-1.5	%

Average Population:
Transportation and Skilled Trades		8,863			8,349			6.2	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		(9	)		(333	)		97.3	%
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		8,854			8,016			10.5	%

Healthcare and Other Professions		4,326			4,286			0.9	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		(2	)		(137	)		98.5	%
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		4,324			4,149			4.2	%

Total		13,189			12,635			4.4	%
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		13,178			12,165			8.3	%

End of Period Population:
Transportation and Skilled Trades		9,473			8,811			7.5	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		-			(67	)		100.0	%
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		9,473			8,744			8.3	%

Healthcare and Other Professions		4,533			4,462			1.6	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		-			(37	)		100.0	%
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		4,533			4,425			2.4	%

Total		14,006			13,273			5.5	%
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		14,006			13,169			6.4	%

Index

Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Transportation and Skilled Trades

Student starts remained essentially flat at approximately 4,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Operating income increased $2.7 million to $11.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $9.1 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase quarter over quarter was mainly driven by the following factors:

•

Revenue increased $8.1 million, or 14.3% to $64.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $56.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in revenue was the result of average student population, up 10.5%, driven by a 10.2% increase in student starts for the nine months in addition to a 3.5% increase in average revenue per student in the current quarter.

•

Educational services and facilities expense increased $2.9 million, or 12.1% to $26.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $23.9 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase was driven by additional instructional expense, books and tools expense and facilities expense. Instructional increases were driven in part by inflationary pressures on instructor salaries due to widespread instructor shortages in addition to a larger student population, which also drove books and tools expense. Facilities expense increased from the normalization of housing expenses for students during the quarter.

•

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $2.5 million, or 10.6% to $26.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $23.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in costs were the result of a larger student population in combination with additional investments in marketing initiatives during the quarter.

Healthcare and Other Professions

Student starts remained essentially flat at approximately 1,500 for the three month ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Operating income increased $0.1 million to $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $1.7 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase quarter over quarter was mainly driven by the following factors:

•

Revenue increased $2.1 million, or 9.8% to $24.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $22.0 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in revenue was the result of average student population, up 4.2%, driven by a 5.6% increase in student starts for the nine months in addition to a 5.3% increase in average revenue per student in the current quarter.

•

Educational services and facilities expense increased $0.9 million, or 9.2% to $11.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $10.4 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase was primarily driven by additional instructional expense and books and tools expense Instructional increases were driven in part by inflationary pressures on instructor salaries due to widespread instructor shortages, especially in the nursing field in addition to a larger student population, which also drove books and tools expense.

•

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $1.0 million, or 10.2% to $10.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021 from $9.9 million in the prior year comparable period. Additional costs were the result of an increased student population in combination with a slight increase in bad debt.

Corporate and Other

This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $7.9 million and $6.9 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The additional expense quarter over quarter was primarily due to incentive and stock based compensation tied in part to improved financial performance.

Index

The following table present results for our two reportable segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			% Change
Revenue:
Transportation and Skilled Trades	$	177,586		$	148,799			19.3	%
HOPS		69,934			62,504			11.9	%
Total	$	247,520		$	211,303			17.1	%

Operating Income (Loss):
Transportation and Skilled Trades	$	35,423		$	18,848			87.9	%
Healthcare and Other Professions		7,743			6,388			21.2	%
Corporate		(27,949	)		(21,581	)		-29.5	%
Total	$	15,217		$	3,655			316.3	%

Starts:
Transportation and Skilled Trades		8,824			8,004			10.2	%
Healthcare and Other Professions		3,857			3,651			5.6	%
Total		12,681			11,655			8.8	%

Average Population:
Transportation and Skilled Trades		8,312			7,651			8.6	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		(16	)		(260	)		93.8	%
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		8,296			7,391			12.2	%

Healthcare and Other Professions		4,414			4,176			5.7	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		(44	)		(188	)		76.6	%
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		4,370			3,988			9.6	%

Total		12,726			11,827			7.6	%
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		12,666			11,379			11.3	%

End of Period Population:
Transportation and Skilled Trades		9,473			8,811			7.5	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		-			(67	)		100.0	%
Transportation and Skilled Trades Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		9,473			8,744			8.3	%

Healthcare and Other Professions		4,533			4,462			1.6	%
Leave of Absence - COVID-19		-			(37	)		100.0	%
Healthcare and Other Professions Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		4,533			4,425			2.4	%

Total		14,006			13,273			5.5	%
Total Excluding Leave of Absence - COVID-19		14,006			13,169			6.4	%

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Transportation and Skilled Trades

Student starts increased 10.2%, to approximately 8,800 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from approximately 8,000 in the prior year comparable period.

Operating income increased $16.6 million to $35.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $18.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase year over year was mainly driven by the following factors:

Index

•

Revenue increased $28.8 million, or 19.3% to $177.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $148.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in revenue was driven by several factors including average student population, up 12.2%, driven by a 10.2% increase in student starts, a 6.3% increase in average revenue per student and the normalization of our revenue stream with the return to in-person instruction at all of our campuses.

•

Educational services and facilities expense increased $9.4 million, or 15.1% to $71.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $62.0 million in the prior year comparable period. The higher costs were mainly concentrated in instructional, books and tools and facilities expenses. Instructional increases were driven in part by inflationary pressures on instructor salaries due to widespread instructor shortages in addition to a larger student population, which also drove books and tools expense. Additional facilities costs were driven by one-time rent reductions in the prior year coupled with overall facilities savings during campus closures as a result of COVID-19.

•

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $2.7 million, or 4.0% to $70.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $68.0 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in costs were the result of several factors including a larger student population, additional investments in marketing initiatives during the quarter and the return to in-person instruction at all of our campuses.

Healthcare and Other Professions

Student starts increased 5.6%, to approximately 3,900 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from approximately 3,700 in the prior year comparable period.

Operating income increased $1.4 million to $7.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $6.4 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase year over year was mainly driven by the following factors:

•

Revenue increased $7.4 million, or 11.9% to $69.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $62.5 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in revenue was driven by several factors including average student population, up 9.6%, driven by a 5.6% increase in student starts, a 2.1% increase in average revenue per student and the normalization of our revenue stream with the return to in-person instruction at all of our campuses.

•

Educational services and facilities expense increased $4.0 million, or 14.0% to $32.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $28.7 million in the prior year comparable period. The higher costs were mainly concentrated in instructional, books and tools and facilities expenses. Instructional increases were driven in part by inflationary pressures on instructor salaries due to widespread instructor shortages, especially in the nursing field in addition to a larger student population, which also drove books and tools expense. Additional facilities costs were driven by one-time rent reductions in the prior year coupled with overall facilities savings during campus closures as a result of COVID-19.

•

Selling, general and administrative expense increased $2.0 million, or 7.5% to $29.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 from $27.4 million in the prior year comparable period. The increase in costs was the result of several factors including a larger student population, additional investments in marketing initiatives during the quarter and the return to in-person instruction at all of our campuses.

Corporate and Other

This category includes unallocated expenses incurred on behalf of the entire Company. Corporate and other expenses were $27.9 million and $21.6 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The additional expenses quarter over quarter were driven by several factors including the normalization of operating expenses in the current year; an improved business climate as the country begins to reopen and a $3.1 million increase in to incentive and stock based compensation tied in part to improved financial performance.

Index

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary capital requirements are for maintenance and expansion of our facilities and the development of new programs. Our principal sources of liquidity have been cash provided by operating activities and borrowings under our Credit Facility. The following chart summarizes the principal elements of our cash flow for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	17,750		$	10,222
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,252	)		(3,457	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(3,374	)		(17,816	)

As of September 30, 2021, the Company had a net cash balance of $31.3 million compared to a net cash balance of $20.8 million at December 31, 2020. The net cash balance is calculated as our cash and cash equivalents less both short and long-term portion of the credit agreement. The increase in cash position from year-end can mainly be attributed to net income generated during the current year.

Our primary source of cash is tuition collected from our students. The majority of students enrolled at our schools rely on funds received under various government-sponsored student financial aid programs to pay a substantial portion of their tuition and other education-related expenses. The most significant source of student financing is Title IV Programs, which represented approximately 77% of our cash receipts relating to revenues in 2020. Pursuant to applicable regulations, students must apply for a new loan for each academic period. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs and loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement is usually received approximately 31 days after the start of a student’s academic year and the second disbursement is typically received at the beginning of the sixteenth week from the start of the student’s academic year. Certain types of grants and other funding are not subject to a 31-day delay. In certain instances, if a student withdraws from a program prior to a specified date, any paid but unearned tuition or prorated Title IV Program financial aid is refunded according to federal, state and accrediting agency standards.

As a result of the significant amount of Title IV Program funds received by our students, we are highly dependent on these funds to operate our business. Any reduction in the level of Title IV Program funds that our students are eligible to receive or any restriction on our eligibility to receive Title IV Program funds would have a significant impact on our operations and our financial condition. For more information, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors - Risks Related to Our Industry” in our Form 10-K.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $17.8 million and $10.2 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Included in cash provided by operating activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $11.5 million in federal funds received under the Cares Acts intended for reimbursement to students for expenses related to disruptions in campus operations as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Excluding these funds, we would have reported net cash used in operating activities of $1.2 million. The increase of $19.0 million in cash provided by operating activities was primarily driven by net income generated for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $3.5 million in the prior year comparable period.

One of our primary uses of cash in investing activities was capital expenditures associated with investments in training technology, classroom furniture, and new program buildouts.

We currently lease a majority of our campuses. We own our real property in Grand Prairie, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Denver, Colorado and our former school property located in Suffield, Connecticut.

Capital expenditures were 2% of revenues in 2020 and are expected to approximate 2% of revenues in 2021. We expect to fund future capital expenditures with cash generated from operating activities and borrowings under our credit facility.

Index

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $17.8 million in the prior year comparable period. The decrease of $14.4 million was primarily driven by a decrease in net payments on borrowings of $15.0 million year over year, partially offset by an increase of $0.7 million in equity based compensation.

Credit Facility with Sterling National Bank

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, letters of credit issued under the Revolving Loan reduce dollar for dollar the availability of borrowings under the Revolving Loan.

Revolving Loans bear interest at a floating interest rate based on the then LIBOR plus an indicative spread determined by the Company’s leverage as defined in the Credit Agreement or, if the borrowing of a Revolving Loan is to be repaid within 30 days of such borrowing, the Revolving Loan will accrue interest at the Lender’s prime rate plus .50% with a floor of 4.0%. Revolving Loans are subject to a LIBOR interest rate floor of .00%.

Letters of credit are charged an annual fee equal to (i) an applicable margin determined by the leverage ratio of the Company less (ii) .25%, paid quarterly in arrears, in addition to the Lender’s customary fees for issuance, amendment and other standard fees. Letters of credit totaling $4 million that were outstanding under the existing credit facility are treated as letters of credit under the Revolving Loan.

Index

On September 23, 2021, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a Consent and Waiver Letter Agreement (the “Consent Agreement”) to the Company’s existing Credit Agreement. The Consent Agreement consents to certain real estate transactions with respect to the Nashville, Denver and Grand Prairie campuses (collectively, the “Property Transactions”) and waives certain covenants in the Credit Agreement, subject to certain conditions specified therein. In addition, in connection with the consummation of the Property Transactions, the Lender has agreed to release its mortgages and other liens on the subject-properties. In connection with the Consent Agreement, at the closing of the Property Transactions, the Company is required to pay in full the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the Term Loan and any swap obligations arising from any swap transaction entered into in connection with the Term Loan and no further borrowings may be made under the Term Loan or the Delayed Draw Term Loan. On October 29, 2021, the sale lease-back of the Denver and Grand Prairie campuses was consummated which provided the Company with net proceeds of approximately $28.5 million after deduction of transaction-related expenses of approximately $1.2 million and repayment of the Company’s outstanding term loan and swap termination fee of approximately $16.8 million. The Company is exploring alternatives regarding a future credit facility.

The following table sets forth our long-term debt (in thousands):

	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Credit agreement	$	16,333		$	17,833
Deferred Financing Fees		(485	)		(621	)
		15,848			17,212
Less current maturities		(2,000	)		(2,000	)
	$	13,848		$	15,212

Contractual Obligations

Current portion of Long-Term Debt, Long-Term Debt and Lease Commitments. As of September 30, 2021, our current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt consisted of borrowings under our Credit Facility. We lease offices, educational facilities and various items of equipment for varying periods through the year 2031 at basic annual rentals (excluding taxes, insurance, and other expenses under certain leases).

As of September 30, 2021, we had outstanding loan principal commitments to our active students of $30.3 million. These are institutional loans and no cash is advanced to students. The full loan amount is not guaranteed unless the student completes the program. The institutional loans are considered commitments because the students are packaged to fund their education using these funds and they are not reported on our financials.

Index

Regulatory Updates

DOE and OIG Audit Findings. Our schools are subject to audits, program reviews, site visits, and other reviews by various federal and state regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the DOE, the DOE’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”), state education agencies and other state regulators, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies, and by our accrediting commissions. In addition, each of our institutions must retain an independent certified public accountant to conduct an annual audit of the institution’s administration of Title IV Program funds. The institution must submit the resulting audit report to the DOE for review. See our Form 10-K at “Business – Regulatory Environment – Compliance with Regulatory Standards and Effect of Regulatory Violations.” Some of the findings in the annual Title IV Program compliance audits for some of our institutions resulted in the DOE placing those institutions on provisional certification. See Form 10-K at “Business - Regulatory Environment – Regulation of Federal Student Financial Aid Programs.”

On October 5, 2021, our New Britain institution received a final audit determination letter from the DOE in connection with the Title IV compliance audit for the 2020 fiscal year. The letter contained 8 findings of alleged noncompliance with certain Title IV requirements. The letter noted that several of the findings were repeat findings that had appeared in prior audit reports. The total amount of questioned funds in the report totaled approximately $16,000, all of which had been repaid prior to the issuance of the final audit determination. The letter requires that the institution correct all of the deficiencies noted in the audit report and requires the auditor to comment in the 2021 fiscal year audit on the actions taken by the institution in response to the findings and required actions. The letter indicates that repeat findings in future audits or failure to satisfactorily resolve the findings of the audit could lead to an adverse action. The letter also notes that, due to the seriousness of one or more of the findings, the letter has been referred to a separate office within the DOE for consideration of possible adverse action. The letter states that an adverse action may include the imposition of a fine; the limitation, suspension, or termination of the institution’s Title IV eligibility; the revocation of the institution’s provisional program participation agreement; or the denial of a future application for renewal of the institution’s Title IV certification. The letter indicates that the DOE will notify the institution if the DOE initiates an adverse action and will notify the institution of its appeal rights and procedures on how to contest the action if any is taken. We are continuing to cooperate with the audit process and to respond to the DOE’s requests for information in connection with the audits.

Our other two institutions had findings of noncompliance in their respective Title IV compliance audits for the 2020 fiscal year. The DOE requested that, in connection with some of the findings in the audit reports, the institutions conduct a file review of all student files from the 2020 fiscal year in order to determine the extent of alleged noncompliance related to those findings. We are in the process of conducting those reviews, preparing our responses to the findings, and ultimately submitting them to the DOE. Once we have submitted our responses, the DOE will issue a final audit determination letter to each institution after it completes its review and consideration of our responses. We cannot predict whether some of the findings may be referred to a separate office within the DOE for consideration of a possible adverse action. We cannot predict the outcome of these audits, any action the DOE might initiate in response to the audit findings, or the outcome of any appeal that might result in response to a DOE action related to the findings. We are continuing to cooperate with the audit process and to respond to the DOE’s requests for information in connection with the audits.

On December 16, 2020, the OIG began an audit of our Indianapolis institution to ensure we used the funds provided under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) for allowable and intended purposes and to perform limited work on the institution’s cash management practices and HEERF reporting. We have been cooperating with the OIG during its audit of the institution. On September 24, 2021, the OIG issued a final audit report containing 3 findings of alleged non-compliance and 2 additional topics that were each classified as an “other matter.” The final report is inclusive of our response to the findings and other matters. The final audit report has been sent to the DOE for further consideration. We cannot predict the outcome of the audit, any liabilities or other actions the DOE might initiate in response to the audit findings, or the outcome of any appeal that might result in response to a DOE action related to the findings. We are continuing to cooperate with the ongoing audit process.

FTC and FSA Office of Enforcement. In recent years, Congress, the DOE, states, accrediting agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), state attorneys general and the media have scrutinized the for-profit postsecondary education sector. Under the current leadership of the DOE, there is an increased likelihood of scrutiny of our institutions by federal agencies. See our Form 10-K at “Business – Regulatory Environment – Scrutiny of the For-Profit Postsecondary Education Sector.”

On October 6, 2021, the FTC issued an announcement regarding its plan to target false claims by for-profit colleges on topics such as promises about graduates’ job and earnings prospects and other outcomes, its intent to impose “significant financial penalties” on violators, and its intent to monitor the market carefully with federal and state partners. The FTC indicated in the announcement that it had put 70 for-profit higher education institutions on notice that the agency would be “cracking down” on any such false promises. All of our institutions were among the 70 institutions who received this notice. Although the FTC stated that a school’s presence on the list of 70 institutions does not reflect any assessment as to whether they have engaged in deceptive or unfair conduct, the FTC’s announcement and its issuance of notices to schools could lead to further scrutiny, investigations, and potential attempted enforcement actions by the FTC and other regulators against for-profit schools, including our schools.

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On October 8, 2021, the DOE announced the establishment of an Office of Enforcement within the Federal Student Aid office that oversees institutions participating in the Title IV programs. The action restored an office that previously was established in 2016 but deprioritized during the prior presidential administration. The office will comprise four existing divisions including the Administrative Actions and Appeals Services Group (which among other things initiates adverse actions against institutions), the Borrower Defense Group (which analyzes borrower defense to repayment claims), the Investigations Group (which evaluates and investigations potential institutional noncompliance and collaborates with other federal and state regulators), and the Resolution and Referral Management Group (which tracks and resolves referrals, allegations and complaints about institutions and other parties that participate in the Title IV programs). The establishment of the Office of Enforcement could result in an increase in enforcement actions and other activities against for-profit schools and school companies, including us.

The ARPA and the “90/10 Rule.” In March 2021, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) was signed into law. Among other things, the ARPA provides $40 billion in relief funds that will go directly to colleges and universities with $395.8 million going to for-profit institutions. We have been allocated approximately $8 million in funds that must be used entirely for student financial aid grants. As of September 30, 2021, none of these funds have been drawn down. We expect to distribute a majority of the funds in the fourth quarter of 2021.

In addition, the ARPA also includes a provision that amends the 90/10 rule. A proprietary institution that derives more than 90% of its total revenue from Title IV Programs for two consecutive fiscal years becomes immediately ineligible to participate in Title IV Programs and may not reapply for eligibility until the end of at least two fiscal years. An institution with revenues exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year will be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures. See our Form 10-K at “Regulatory Environment – The ‘90/10 Rule’” and “Risk Factors – Our institutions would lose eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs if the percentage of their revenues derived from those programs exceeds 90%, which could reduce our student population and revenues.” If Congress or the DOE were to amend the 90/10 Rule to treat other forms of federal financial aid as Title IV Program revenue for 90/10 Rule purposes, lower the 90% threshold, or otherwise change the calculation methodology, or make other changes to the 90/10 Rule, those changes could make it more difficult for our institutions to comply with the 90/10 Rule.

The ARPA amends the 90/10 rule by treating other “Federal funds that are disbursed or delivered to or on behalf of a student to be used to attend such institution” in the same way as Title IV funds are currently treated in the 90/10 rule calculation. This means that our institutions will be required to limit the combined amount of Title IV funds and applicable “Federal funds” revenue in a fiscal year to no more than 90% in a fiscal year as calculated under the rule. Consequently, the ARPA change to the 90/10 rule is expected to increase the 90/10 rule calculations at our institutions. The ARPA does not identify the specific Federal funding programs that will be covered by this provision, but it is expected to include funding from federal student aid programs such as the veterans’ benefits programs, which include the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Veterans Readiness and Employment services and from which we derived approximately 8% of our revenues on a cash basis in 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 77% (calculated based on cash receipts) of our revenues were derived from the Title IV Programs.

The ARPA states that the amendments to the 90/10 rule apply to institutional fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2023 and are subject to the HEA’s negotiated rulemaking process which may not commence earlier than October 1, 2021. Accordingly, the ARPA change to the 90/10 rule is not expected to apply to our 90/10 rule calculations until our 2023 fiscal year. Moreover, we cannot predict the additional changes to the 90/10 rule or other regulations that might occur as a result of negotiated rulemaking to be conducted during 2021 and 2022 as required by the ARPA. On October 4, 2021, the DOE published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations affecting institutional and programmatic eligibility, including the 90/10 rule and the changes made by the ARPA. The DOE stated that it anticipated that the negotiations would begin no earlier than January 2022, that negotiations would occur during three sessions of five days each with approximately 4 weeks between sessions, and that the DOE would announce the topics and schedule of committee meetings in a subsequent Federal Register notice. We cannot predict the number and scope of regulations that the DOE may propose, but future regulations on 90/10 or other topics could have a materially adverse effect on us and other schools like ours.

We expect to make changes to our operations in order to address the future provisions in the 90/10 rule and in order to maintain the 90/10 percentages at our institutions below the 90% threshold as calculated under DOE regulations. However, we do not have significant control over the amount of Title IV funds that our students may receive and borrow. Our institutions’ 90/10 percentages can be increased by increases in Title IV aid availability (including, for example, increases in Pell Grant funds) and be decreased by decreases in the availability of state grant program funding and other sources of student aid that do not count as Title IV funds in the 90/10 calculation. Our institutions’ 90/10 percentages also will increase when the ARPA amendments to the 90/10 rule take effect to the extent that students eligible to receive military and veteran education assistance enroll and use their financial assistance at our institutions. We cannot be certain that the changes we make in the future will succeed in maintaining our institutions’ 90/10 percentages below required levels or that the changes will not materially impact our business operations, revenues, and operating costs.

If any of our institutions lose eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs, that loss would cause an event of default under our credit agreement, would also adversely affect our students’ access to various government-sponsored student financial aid programs, and would have a significant impact on the rate at which our students enroll in our programs and on our business and results of operations.

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Borrower Defense to Repayment Regulations. As previously disclosed in our Form 10-K, the Company is subject to an extensive regulatory scheme which includes, without limitation, the Borrower Defense to Repayment regulations. On July 1, 2020, the DOE’s published final Borrower Defense to Repayment regulations became effective. Among other things, these new regulations amend the processes for borrowers to receive from DOE a discharge of the obligation to repay certain Title IV Program loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2020 based on certain acts or omissions by the institution or a covered party. The new and existing DOE regulations establish detailed procedures and standards for the loan discharge processes for periods prior to July 1, 2017, between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020, and on or after July 1, 2020, including the information required for borrowers to receive a loan discharge, and the authority of the DOE to seek recovery from the institution of the amount of discharged loans. The current and future rules could have a material adverse effect on our schools’ business and results of operations, and the broad sweep of the rules may, in the future, require our schools to submit a letter of credit based on expanded standards of financial responsibility. See our Form 10-K at “Regulatory Environment – Borrower Defense to Repayment Regulations” and “Risk Factors – We could be subject to liabilities, letter of credit requirements, and other sanctions under the DOE’s Borrower Defense to Repayment Regulations.” The DOE is currently conducting a negotiated rulemaking process on a variety of topics, including borrower defense to repayment, that could result in regulations that would make it easier for borrowers to obtain discharges of their loans and for the DOE to recover liabilities from institutions. See “Negotiated Rulemaking” section below.

On April 29, 2021, the Company received communication from the DOE indicating that the DOE was in receipt of a number of borrower defense applications containing allegations concerning us and requiring the DOE to undertake a fact-finding process pursuant to DOE regulations. Among other things, the communication outlines a process by which the DOE will provide to us each application allowing the Company the opportunity to submit responses to the applications. Further, the communication outlines certain information requests, relating to the period between 2007 and 2013, in connection with the DOE’s preliminary review of the borrower defense applications. Based upon publicly available information, it appears that the DOE has undertaken similar reviews of other educational institutions which have also been the subject of various borrower defense applications. We subsequently received from the DOE one group of 175 borrower application claims in May 2021 and another group of 140 borrower application claims in July 2021. We have completed the process of thoroughly reviewing and responding to each borrower application sent to us by the DOE as well as providing information in response to the DOE’s information requests in the April 29, 2021 communication.

Given the early stage of this matter, management is not able to predict the outcome of the DOE’s review at this time. If the DOE disagrees with our legal and factual grounds for contesting the applications, the DOE may impose liabilities on the Company based on the discharge of the loans at issue in the pending applications which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

It is possible that we may receive from the DOE in the future borrower defense applications submitted by or on behalf of prior, current, or future Lincoln students and that the DOE could seek to recover liabilities from us for discharged loans.

If the DOE grants any pending or future borrower applications, the DOE regulations state that the DOE may initiate an appropriate proceeding to recover liabilities arising from the loans in the applications. If the DOE initiates such a proceeding, we would request reconsideration of the liabilities. We cannot predict the timing or amount of all borrower defense applications that borrowers may submit to the DOE or that the DOE may grant in the future, or the timing or amount of any possible liabilities that the DOE may seek to recover from the Company, if any.

Negotiated Rulemaking. The DOE periodically issues new regulations and guidance that can have an adverse effect on our institutions. See our Form 10-K at “Regulatory Environment – Negotiated Rulemaking” and “Risk Factors - The DOE has changed its regulations, and may make other changes in the future, in a manner which could require us to incur additional costs in connection with our administration of the Title IV Programs, affect our ability to remain eligible to participate in the Title IV Programs, impose restrictions on our participation in the Title IV Programs, affect the rate at which students enroll in our programs, or otherwise have a significant impact on our business and results of operations.” We cannot predict the timing and content of any new regulations or guidance that the DOE may seek to impose or whether and to what extent the DOE under the new administration may issue new regulations and guidance that could adversely impact for-profit schools including our institutions. For example, the ARPA will require the DOE to initiate a process to amend its regulations regarding the 90/10 Rule. On October 4, 2021, the DOE published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intention to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to prepare proposed regulations affecting institutional and programmatic eligibility, including the 90/10 rule and the changes made by the ARPA. See “The ARPA and the ‘90/10 Rule.’”

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In addition, in May 2021, the DOE announced its intention to establish negotiated rulemaking committees to prepare proposed regulations on an extensive range of topics including without limitation changes of ownership and change in control of institutions of higher education, certification procedures for participation in the Title IV Programs, standards of administrative capability, ability to benefit standards, borrower defense to repayment, discharges for borrowers with a total and permanent disability, closed school loan discharges, discharges for false certification of student eligibility, loan repayment plans, the public service loan forgiveness program, mandatory pre-dispute arbitration and prohibition of class action lawsuits provisions in institutional enrollment agreements, financial responsibility standards including events that indicate heightened financial risk, gainful employment, and Pell Grant eligibility for prison education programs. The DOE also could consider additional topics for proposed regulations during the negotiated rulemaking process. The negotiated rulemaking process could lead to future DOE regulations that could adversely impact for-profit schools including our institutions.

The negotiated rulemaking sessions began on October 4, 2021. The topics have included total and permanent disability discharges, closed school discharges, public student loan forgiveness, borrower defense to repayment, pre-dispute arbitration and class action waivers, income driven repayment, interest capitalization, false certification discharges, and prison exchange programs and could include other issues that the DOE might add to the agenda. The remaining sessions are scheduled to occur periodically through mid-December 2021. The DOE is expected to publish proposed regulations in the Federal Register for public comment during the period after the conclusion of the negotiated rulemaking sessions. If the final regulations are published by or before November 1, 2022, then the regulations typically would not take effect until July 1, 2023. However, we cannot predict the ultimate timing and content of any final regulations following the conclusion of the rulemaking process.

We also cannot predict with certainty the ultimate combined impact of the regulatory changes which have occurred in recent years and that may occur as a result of the upcoming negotiated rulemaking, nor can we predict the effect of future legislative or regulatory action by federal, state or other agencies regulating our education programs or other aspects of our operations, how any resulting regulations will be interpreted or whether we and our institutions will be able to comply with these requirements in the future. Any such actions by legislative or regulatory bodies that affect our programs and operations could have a material adverse effect on our student population and our institutions, including the need to cease offering a number of programs.

Closed School Loan Discharges. The DOE may grant closed school loan discharges of Federal student loans based upon applications by qualified students. The DOE also may initiate discharges on its own for students who have not reenrolled in another Title IV Program eligible school within three years after the closure and who attended campuses that closed on or after November 1, 2013, as did some of our former campuses. If the DOE discharges some or all of these loans, the DOE may seek to recover the cost of the loan discharges from us. The DOE is currently conducting a negotiated rulemaking process on a variety of topics, including closed school loan discharges, which could result in regulations that would make it easier for borrowers to obtain discharges of their loans and for the DOE to recover liabilities from institutions. See “Negotiated Rulemaking” section above.

We have received five separate letters from the DOE since September 3, 2020, asserting liabilities for closed school loan discharges in connection with the closure of some of our campuses. The total liability paid to the DOE since September 3, 2020, has been approximately $345,000. We previously operated four other campuses that closed in the past and that could be subject to closed school loan discharges in the future, including automatic closed school loan discharges that could be granted by the DOE. We cannot predict any additional loan discharges that the DOE may approve or the liabilities that the DOE may seek from us for these campuses or other campuses that have closed in the past.

Financial Responsibility Standards. As previously disclosed (see our Form 10-K at “Financial Responsibility Standards”), the DOE indicated in a January 13, 2020 letter its determination that our institutions were “in the zone” based on our composite score for the 2018 fiscal year and that we are required to operate under the Zone Alternative requirements, including the requirement to make disbursements under the Heightened Cash Monitoring 1 Payment Method (HCM1) payment method and to notify the DOE within 10 days of the occurrence of certain oversight and financial events. We also were required to submit to the DOE bi-weekly cash balance submissions outlining our available cash on hand, monthly actual and projected cash flow statements, and monthly student rosters. Subsequently, on February 16, 2021, we received a letter from the DOE confirming our composite score of 1.5 for fiscal year 2019 as well as removing us from the Zone Alternative requirements but indicating that we would remain on HCM1 until we met certain requirements outlined by the DOE in its letter. On August 26, 2021, the DOE sent us correspondence stating that our three institutions had performed all of the requirements of the February 16, 2021, letter and notifying us that the DOE had returned our institutions to advance pay on August 19, 2021.

Accreditation. Accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE is required for an institution to be certified to participate in the Title IV Programs. All of our institutions are accredited by ACCSC, which is a DOE-recognized accrediting agency. See our Form 10-K at “Regulation – Accreditation.” Accrediting agencies are required to apply to the DOE on a periodic basis for continued recognition by the DOE. ACCSC is in the process of applying for continued recognition by the DOE.

On October 28, 2021, the DOE announced that it had notified ACCSC that a decision on its recognition by the DOE was deferred pending the submission of additional information about ACCSC’s monitoring, evaluation, and actions related to high-risk institutions. ACCSC reportedly will receive a period until January 10, 2022, to provide a written response to the DOE. DOE staff reportedly will receive a period of up to 75 days after receipt of the written response to the DOE to provide a written response. A designated senior DOE official is expected to make a decision regarding the continued recognition of ACCSC after the receipt and review of the responses. The DOE regulations indicate that ACCSC may appeal an adverse decision to the DOE Secretary and potentially to federal court.

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If the DOE withdraws the recognition of an accrediting agency, the HEA indicates that the DOE may continue the eligibility of qualified institutions accredited by the accrediting agency for a period of up to 18 months from the date of the withdrawal of the DOE’s recognition of the accrediting agency. If provided, this period would provide time for institutions to apply for accreditation from another DOE-recognized accrediting body. The DOE could impose provisional certification and other conditions and restrictions on such institutions during this time period. If the DOE declines to continue its recognition of ACCSC and if the subsequent period for obtaining accreditation from another DOE-recognized accrediting agency lapses before we obtain accreditation from another DOE-recognize accrediting agency (or if the DOE does not provide such a period for institutions to obtain other accreditation), our schools could lose our Title IV eligibility.

We cannot predict the timing and outcome of the DOE’s decision on the continuation of its recognition of ACCSC, the timing and outcome of any appeal that ACCSC might pursue in the event of an adverse decision, or the duration and conditions of any period the DOE may elect to provide to institutions to obtain accreditation from another DOE-recognized accrediting agency.

Seasonality

Our revenue and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population. Student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower student populations in our first and second quarters and we have experienced larger class starts in the third quarter and higher student attrition in the first half of the year. Our second half growth is largely dependent on a successful high school recruiting season. We recruit our high school students several months ahead of their scheduled start dates and, thus, while we have visibility on the number of students who have expressed interest in attending our schools, we cannot predict with certainty the actual number of new student enrollments and the related impact on revenue. Our expenses, however, typically do not vary significantly over the course of the year with changes in our student population and revenue.

Item 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the quarterly period covered by this report, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to reasonably ensure that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes made during our most recently completed fiscal quarter in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain employees of the Company began working remotely in March 2020 but these changes to the working environment did not have a material effect on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. There was no other change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations and claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students or graduates and routine employment matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceeding to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Information regarding certain specific legal proceedings in which the Company is involved is contained in Part I, Item 3, and in Note 15 to the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K. Unless otherwise indicated in this report, all proceedings discussed in the earlier report which are not indicated herein or therein as having been concluded, remain outstanding as of September 30, 2021.

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Following a wave of hundreds of class action lawsuits being served upon colleges and universities across the country by students in connection with transitioning from in-person to online classes due to COVID-19, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company in New Jersey Federal District Court and served on December 21, 2020. Like most of the other lawsuits across the country, the suit alleges breach of contract, unjust enrichment and conversion. In lieu of an answer, on January 25, 2021 the Company filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s Complaint for Failure to State a Claim. On July 9, 2021 the court granted the Company’s Motion to dismiss the breach of contract, unjust enrichment claims for tuition and registration fees and conversion claims in their entireties. The only claim remaining is for student and technology fees, where the judge stated it was premature to dismiss those claims. On July 23, 2021, the Company submitted its Motion for Reconsideration as to the remaining claim and awaits a ruling in this regard. On November 3, 2021, this the court granted the Company’s Motion to dismiss the lawsuit in its entirety.

Item 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

Director Retirement

On November 4, 2021, Celia H. Currin, one of the long-standing members of the Company’s Board of Directors advised of her intention to step down from the Board effective on November 4, 2021. Concurrently, Ms. Currin will relinquish her positions as chair of the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Governance Committee”) and member of the Company’s Audit Committee. Ms. Currin’s decision to retire and resign from the Board was not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices. The Board and management of the Company sincerely thank Ms. Currin for her dedicated service over the past twenty plus years.

Committee Changes

Following the acceptance of Ms. Currin’s resignation from the Board and in response thereto, the Board made certain changes to committee composition by appointing John A. Bartholdson as chair of the Governance Committee, Felecia Pryor as member of the Governance Committee and appointing both Michael Plater and Carlton Rose as members of the Audit Committee.

Item 6.

EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number		Description

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-123644) filed June 7, 2005.

3.2		Certificate of Amendment, dated November 14, 2019, to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed October 6, 2020).

3.3		Bylaws of the Company, as amended on March 8, 2019 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 28 2005).

10.1		Contract for the Purchase of Real Estate, dated as of September 24, 2021, by and between Nashville Acquisition, LLC and SLC Development, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 28, 2021).

10.2		Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Property, dated as of September 24, 2021 by and between Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. and LNT Denver (Multi) LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 28, 2021).

10.3		Consent and Waiver Letter Agreement dated as of September 23, 2021, by and among Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries, and Sterling National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 28, 2021).

31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32**		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101*		The following financial statements from Lincoln Educational Services Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail.

104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*	Filed herewith.

Furnished herewith. This exhibit will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such exhibit shall not be deemed incorporated into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

		LINCOLN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CORPORATION

Date: November 8, 2021	By:	/s/ Brian Meyers
		Brian Meyers
		Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

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Exhibit Index

3.1		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-123644) filed June 7, 2005.

3.2		Certificate of Amendment, dated November 14, 2019, to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed October 6, 2020).

3.3		Bylaws of the Company, as amended on March 8, 2019 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed June 28 2005).

10.1		Contract for the Purchase of Real Estate, dated as of September 24, 2021, by and between Nashville Acquisition, LLC and SLC Development, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 28, 2021).

10.2		Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Property, dated as of September 24, 2021 by and between Lincoln Technical Institute, Inc. and LNT Denver (Multi) LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 28, 2021).

10.3		Consent and Waiver Letter Agreement dated as of September 23, 2021, by and among Lincoln Educational Services Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries, and Sterling National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed September 28, 2021).

31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32**		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101*		The following financial statements from Lincoln Educational Services Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail.

104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

*	Filed herewith.