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Form 10-Q UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INST For: Jun 30

August 7, 2015 7:15 AM EDT

__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
U. S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 _____________________________________________
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)

þ    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
 
¨    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
 _____________________________________________
Commission File Number 1-31923
 _____________________________________________

 UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 
Delaware
 
 
86-0226984
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
16220 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 100
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
(Address of principal executive offices)
(623) 445-9500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   þ    No ¨  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  þ     Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
At July 30, 2015, there were 24,138,077 shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock.




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), which include information relating to future events, future financial performance, strategies, expectations, competitive environment, regulation and availability of resources. From time to time, we also provide forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public as well as verbal forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: proposed new programs; scheduled openings of new campuses and campus expansions; expectations that regulatory developments, or agency interpretations of such regulatory developments or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity and anticipated timing for ongoing regulatory initiatives; statements concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results and future economic performance; and statements of management’s goals and objectives and other similar expressions. Such statements give our current expectations or forecasts of future events; they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized, although we believe we have been prudent in our plans and assumptions. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions. Many events beyond our control may determine whether results we anticipate will be achieved. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements.

Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Form 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Annual Report on Form 10-K that we filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014 listed various important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. We note these factors for investors within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act. Readers can find them under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K and in this Form 10-Q, and investors should refer to them. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Our filings with the SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.



ii


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
Assets
 
(In thousands)
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
10,895

 
$
38,985

Restricted cash
 
4,548

 
6,544

Investments, current portion
 
44,494

 
45,906

Receivables, net
 
12,563

 
12,118

Deferred tax assets, net
 
4,436

 
7,470

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
17,304

 
16,509

Total current assets
 
94,240

 
127,532

Investments, less current portion
 
5,002

 
11,257

Property and equipment, net
 
116,509

 
106,927

Goodwill
 
20,579

 
20,579

Deferred tax assets, net
 
14,773

 
11,923

Other assets
 
12,127

 
9,851

Total assets
 
$
263,230

 
$
288,069

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
$
42,384

 
$
38,827

Deferred revenue
 
30,330

 
46,365

Accrued tool sets
 
3,709

 
3,806

Construction liability, current
 
7,488

 
1,252

Financing obligation, current
 
675

 
5,234

Income tax payable
 

 
4,336

Other current liabilities
 
2,504

 
2,515

Total current liabilities
 
87,090

 
102,335

Deferred rent liability
 
11,252

 
10,323

Financing obligation
 
31,959

 
32,478

Other liabilities
 
9,538

 
9,741

Total liabilities
 
139,839

 
154,877

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
 

 

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,898,656 shares issued and 24,138,077 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2015 and 30,838,460 shares issued and 24,825,881 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2014
 
3

 
3

Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding
 

 

Paid-in capital
 
177,311

 
174,376

Treasury stock, at cost, 6,760,579 shares as of June 30, 2015 and 6,012,579 as of September 30, 2014
 
(96,888
)
 
(90,769
)
Retained earnings
 
42,946

 
49,582

Accumulated other comprehensive income

19



Total shareholders’ equity
 
123,391

 
133,192

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
263,230

 
$
288,069

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

1


UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues
 
$
85,106

 
$
91,329

 
$
272,021

 
$
283,080

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Educational services and facilities
 
47,690

 
48,763

 
143,663

 
150,614

Selling, general and administrative
 
41,412

 
41,555

 
124,352

 
130,009

Total operating expenses
 
89,102

 
90,318

 
268,015

 
280,623

Income (loss) from operations
 
(3,996
)
 
1,011

 
4,006

 
2,457

Other (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
 
(484
)
 
(494
)
 
(1,464
)
 
(1,117
)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
 
139

 
135

 
393

 
343

Other income
 
54

 
193

 
299

 
572

Total other expense, net
 
(291
)
 
(166
)
 
(772
)
 
(202
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(4,287
)
 
845

 
3,234

 
2,255

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(1,312
)
 
479

 
2,560

 
1,802

Net income (loss)
 
$
(2,975
)
 
$
366

 
$
674

 
$
453

Other comprehensive income (net of tax):






 
 
 
 
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes(1)

$
2


$

 
$
19

 
$

Comprehensive income (loss)

$
(2,973
)

$
366

 
$
693

 
$
453

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:






 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share - basic
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
0.01

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.02

Net income (loss) per share - diluted
 
$
(0.12
)
 
$
0.01

 
$
0.03

 
$
0.02

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
24,138

 
24,618

 
24,477

 
24,641

Diluted
 
24,138

 
24,918

 
24,596

 
24,905

Cash dividends declared per common share
 
$
0.10

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.30

 
$
0.30

(1)The tax effect during the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015 was not significant.



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

2


UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury Stock
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Balance as of September 30, 2014
 
30,838

 
$
3

 
$
174,376

 
6,013

 
$
(90,769
)
 
$
49,582

 
$

 
$
133,192

Net income
 

 

 

 

 

 
674

 

 
674

Issuance of common stock under employee plans
 
65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares withheld for payroll taxes
 
(4
)
 

 
(39
)
 

 

 

 

 
(39
)
Stock-based compensation
 

 

 
2,974

 

 

 

 

 
2,974

Shares repurchased
 

 

 

 
748

 
(6,119
)
 

 

 
(6,119
)
Cash dividends declared
 

 

 

 

 

 
(7,310
)
 

 
(7,310
)
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
19

 
19

Balance as of June 30, 2015
 
30,899

 
$
3

 
$
177,311

 
6,761

 
$
(96,888
)
 
$
42,946

 
$
19

 
$
123,391


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

3


UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
674

 
$
453

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
13,169

 
14,461

Amortization of assets subject to financing obligation
 
1,396

 
1,086

Amortization of held-to-maturity investments
 
1,348

 
1,869

Bad debt expense
 
749

 
2,869

Stock-based compensation
 
2,974

 
4,322

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 

 
(7
)
Deferred income taxes
 
184

 
(2,509
)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
 
(393
)
 
(343
)
Training equipment credits earned, net
 
(815
)
 
(892
)
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment
 
(5
)
 
385

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances
 
382

 
386

Receivables
 
(869
)
 
682

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(187
)
 
(1,562
)
Other assets
 
(807
)
 
(442
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
3,040

 
(3,878
)
Deferred revenue
 
(16,035
)
 
(8,261
)
Income tax payable/receivable
 
(4,661
)
 
963

Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities
 
(9
)
 
662

Deferred rent liability
 
(323
)
 
(1,148
)
Other liabilities
 
23

 
746

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
(165
)
 
9,842

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property and equipment
 
(21,746
)
 
(7,787
)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
 
3

 
40

Purchase of investments
 
(26,061
)
 
(46,333
)
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments
 
32,380

 
40,243

Capitalized costs for intangible assets
 
(438
)
 

Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate
 
346

 
238

Restricted cash: proprietary loan program
 
1,561

 
3,020

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(13,955
)
 
(10,579
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Payment of cash dividend
 
(7,310
)
 
(7,393
)
Payment of financing obligation
 
(502
)
 
(359
)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld
 
(39
)
 
(237
)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 

 
7

Purchase of treasury stock
 
(6,119
)
 
(1,423
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(13,970
)
 
(9,405
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(28,090
)
 
(10,142
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
38,985

 
34,596

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
10,895

 
$
24,454


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

4




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED), continued
 
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Taxes paid
 
$
7,036

 
$
3,411

Interest paid
 
$
1,677

 
$
1,342

Training equipment obtained in exchange for services
 
$
483

 
$
2,107

Depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services
 
$
886

 
$
896

Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period
 
$
224

 
$
305

Construction period construction liability - construction in progress
 
$
7,488

 
$
5,868

Construction period financing obligation - building
 
$
(4,825
)
 
$
4,825

Construction liability recognized as financing obligation
 
$

 
$
33,500

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

5




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)




1.    Nature of the Business

We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate full-time student enrollment and graduates. We offer undergraduate degree and diploma programs at 11 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. We also offer manufacturer specific training (MSAT) programs, including student paid electives, at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and dedicated training centers.

We work closely with leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine industries to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Revenues generated from our schools consist primarily of tuition and fees paid by students. To pay for a substantial portion of their tuition, the majority of students rely on funds received from federal financial aid programs under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), as well as from various veterans benefits programs. For further discussion, see Note 2 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Risk" and Note 19 “Government Regulation and Financial Aid” included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 3, 2014.
2.    Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2015. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Historically, we have calculated income tax expense for interim periods based on estimated annual effective tax rates. These rates have been derived, in part, from expected income before taxes for the year. However, authoritative accounting guidance indicates that companies should not apply the estimated annual tax rate to interim financial results if the estimated annual tax rate is not reliably predictable. We are not able to reasonably estimate the annual effective tax rate for the year ending September 30, 2015 because small fluctuations in our earnings before taxes could result in a material change in the estimated annual effective tax rate based on our current projections. Therefore, for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, we calculated income taxes using the actual income tax rate for the respective periods.

6




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we identified approximately $0.5 million (pre-tax) of retake revenue and $0.2 million (pre-tax) of bad debt expense reduction related to fees for student retakes for the periods from October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2014 which were not recorded. Additionally, we identified approximately $0.2 million (pre-tax) of contract services expense related to the outsourcing of certain financial aid processes that should have been recognized during the quarterly periods from October 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.
We evaluated the impact of the items on prior periods under the materiality guidance and determined that the amounts were not material. We also evaluated the impact of correcting these items through a cumulative adjustment to our 2014 financial statements and concluded that it was appropriate to revise our previously issued financial statements to reflect the cumulative impact of this correction.
Additionally, we recorded an immaterial balance sheet correction between cash and restricted cash related to funds held for students from Title IV financial program funds that result in credit balances on student accounts.
The following tables present the impact of this revision on our condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2014 and our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended June 30, 2014:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
 
 
As Reported
 
Adjustment
 
As Revised
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
91,316

 
$
13

 
$
91,329

Educational services and facilities
 
$
48,682

 
$
81

 
$
48,763

Selling, general and administrative
 
$
41,561

 
$
(6
)
 
$
41,555

Total operating expenses
 
$
90,243

 
$
75

 
$
90,318

Income from operations
 
$
1,073

 
$
(62
)
 
$
1,011

Income before income taxes
 
$
907

 
$
(62
)
 
$
845

Income tax expense
 
$
537

 
$
(58
)
 
$
479

Net income
 
$
370

 
$
(4
)
 
$
366

Net income per share - basic
 
$
0.02

 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
0.01

 
 
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014
As Reported
 
Adjustment
 
As Revised
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
283,047

 
$
33

 
$
283,080

Educational services and facilities
 
$
150,445

 
$
169

 
$
150,614

Selling, general and administrative
 
$
130,030

 
$
(21
)
 
$
130,009

Total operating expenses
 
$
280,475

 
$
148

 
$
280,623

Income from operations
 
$
2,572

 
$
(115
)
 
$
2,457

Income before income taxes
 
$
2,370

 
$
(115
)
 
$
2,255

Income tax expense
 
$
1,845

 
$
(43
)
 
$
1,802

Net income
 
$
525

 
$
(72
)
 
$
453

Net income per share - diluted
 
$
0.02

 
$

 
$
0.02



7




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



 
 
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014
As Reported
 
Adjustment
 
As Revised
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
525

 
$
(72
)
 
$
453

Bad debt expense
 
$
2,891

 
$
(22
)
 
$
2,869

Deferred income taxes
 
$
(2,510
)
 
$
1

 
$
(2,509
)
Restricted cash: Title IV credit balances
 
$

 
$
386

 
$
386

Receivables
 
$
765

 
$
(83
)
 
$
682

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
(1,731
)
 
$
169

 
$
(1,562
)
Deferred revenue
 
$
(8,311
)
 
$
50

 
$
(8,261
)
Income tax payable (receivable)
 
$
1,007

 
$
(44
)
 
$
963

Other liabilities
 
$
745

 
$
1

 
$
746

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
9,456

 
$
386

 
$
9,842

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(10,528
)
 
$
386

 
$
(10,142
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
$
35,657

 
$
(1,061
)
 
$
34,596

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
25,129

 
$
(675
)
 
$
24,454

3.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements
        
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance related to customer’s accounting for fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement. The guidance provides clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If an arrangement includes a software license, then the software license element is accounted for consistent with the acquisition of other such licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement is accounted for as a service contract. Entities have the option of adopting the guidance retrospectively or prospectively. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating both the adoption method and the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and the financial statement disclosures.
    
In February 2015, the FASB issued guidance which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. Specifically, the amendments (1) modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships with similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (2) eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (3) affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships and (4) provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance

8




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. Entities have the option of using a full or modified retrospective approach to adopt the guidance. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating both the adoption method and the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and the financial statement disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which outlines a single comprehensive revenue model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The guidance supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance, and requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or modified approach to adopt the guidance. In June 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the guidance by one year. This guidance is now effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is now permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not plan to early adopt this guidance; accordingly, the standard will be effective for us starting with our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the adoption methods and the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures. 

4.  Postemployment Benefits
In October 2014, we completed a restructuring and provided postemployment benefits totaling approximately $1.2 million to approximately 50 impacted employees. Additionally, we periodically enter into agreements which provide postemployment benefits to personnel whose employment is terminated. The postemployment benefit liability, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, is generally paid out ratably over the terms of the agreements, which range from 1 month to 24 months, with the final agreement expiring in May 2016.
 
The postemployment benefit accrual activity for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 was as follows:
 
 
Liability Balance at
September 30, 2014
 
Postemployment
Benefit Charges
 
Cash Paid
 
Other
Non-cash (1)
 
Liability Balance at June 30, 2015
Severance
 
$
2,150

 
$
1,499

 
$
(2,621
)
 
$
(178
)
 
$
850

Other
 
16

 
205

 
(140
)
 
(81
)
 

Total
 
$
2,166

 
$
1,704

 
$
(2,761
)
 
$
(259
)
 
$
850


(1)
Primarily relates to the expiration of benefits not used within the time offered under the separation agreement and non-cash severance.

5.  Investments
We invest in pre-funded municipal bonds which are generally secured by escrowed-to-maturity U.S. Treasury notes. Municipal bonds represent debt obligations issued by states, cities, counties and other governmental entities, which earn interest that is exempt from federal income taxes. Additionally, we invest in certificates of deposit issued by financial institutions and corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intention to hold our investments until maturity and therefore classify these investments as held-to-maturity and report them at amortized cost.
 
Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at June 30, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
Amortized
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair Market
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
Due in less than 1 year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
$
20,710

 
$
12

 
$

 
$
20,722

Corporate bonds
 
19,172

 

 
(21
)
 
19,151

Certificates of deposit
 
4,612

 

 

 
4,612

Due in 1 - 2 years:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
2,854

 
3

 
(2
)
 
2,855

Corporate bonds
 
1,401

 
1

 
(2
)
 
1,400

Certificates of deposit
 
747

 

 

 
747

 
 
$
49,496

 
$
16

 
$
(25
)
 
$
49,487


9




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)




Amortized cost and fair value for investments classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2014 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated
 
 
Amortized
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair Market
 
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
Due in less than 1 year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
$
26,894

 
$
20

 
$

 
$
26,914

Corporate bonds
 
16,836

 
1

 
(24
)
 
16,813

Certificates of deposit
 
2,176

 

 

 
2,176

Due in 1 - 2 years:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal bonds
 
4,230

 
7

 

 
4,237

Corporate bonds
 
4,054

 

 
(13
)
 
4,041

Certificates of deposit
 
2,973

 

 

 
2,973

 
 
$
57,163

 
$
28

 
$
(37
)
 
$
57,154

Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk, and as a result, it is possible that changes in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

6.  Fair Value Measurements
The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers: Level 1, defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Any transfers of investments between levels occurs at the end of the reporting period.

10




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Assets measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Money market funds
 
$
795

 
$
795

 
$

 
$

Corporate bonds
 
20,551

 
20,551

 

 

Municipal bonds
 
23,577

 

 
23,577

 

Certificates of deposit
 
5,359

 

 
5,359

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
50,282

 
$
21,346

 
$
28,936

 
$


 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Money market funds
 
$
29,995

 
$
29,995

 
$

 
$

Corporate bonds
 
20,854

 
20,854

 

 

Municipal bonds
 
31,151

 

 
31,151

 

Certificates of deposit
 
5,149

 

 
5,149

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
 
$
87,149

 
$
50,849

 
$
36,300

 
$


Our Level 2 investments are valued using readily available pricing sources which utilize market observable inputs, including the current interest rate for similar types of instruments.


11




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



7.   Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Depreciable
Lives (in years)
 
June 30,
2015
 
September 30,
2014
Land
 
 
$
3,189

 
$
1,456

Buildings and building improvements
 
30-35
 
58,943

 
50,306

Leasehold improvements
 
1-28
 
39,173

 
38,906

Training equipment
 
3-10
 
86,656

 
85,673

Office and computer equipment
 
3-10
 
38,432

 
37,271

Software developed for internal use
 
3-5
 
11,874

 
11,888

Curriculum development
 
5
 
18,716

 
18,716

Vehicles
 
5
 
1,229

 
1,207

Construction in progress
 
 
15,991

 
10,746

 
 
 
 
274,203

 
256,169

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
(157,694
)
 
(149,242
)
 
 
 
 
$
116,509

 
$
106,927


In March 2015, we purchased the majority of the buildings and land for our Houston, Texas campus. The purchase price of $9.4 million, excluding fees, was allocated between buildings ($7.7 million) and land ($1.7 million) based on the ratio of appraised values. At the time of purchase, we had leasehold improvements related to the purchased building recorded at $5.0 million in historical cost and $4.3 million of accumulated depreciation. The historical cost and accumulated depreciation for these assets were removed from the related classification and the net book value was recorded into building and building improvements. The buildings and building improvements will be depreciated over a useful life of 30 years.

Additionally, we entered into amended lease agreements for the buildings and land we did not acquire at our Houston, Texas campus, which extended the lease terms through December 31, 2018 and amended the payment schedules.
 
At June 30, 2015, construction in progress included $12.4 million related primarily to the design and construction of our Long Beach, California campus. See Note 8 for further discussion.

The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represent assets financed by financing obligations:
 
 
June 30,
2015
 
September 30,
2014
Buildings and building improvements
 
$
33,500

 
$
33,500

Construction in progress
 

 
4,638

Assets financed by financing obligations, gross
 
33,500

 
38,138

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(2,947
)
 
(1,551
)
Assets financed by financing obligations, net
 
$
30,553

 
$
36,587


12




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)




As previously disclosed, in 2014 we entered into amended lease agreements for certain buildings on our Orlando, Florida campus, which extended the lease terms to August 31, 2022 and modified the scheduled rental payments. Additionally, one of the amendments included a provision which allowed us to expand the square footage at one building by approximately 13,500 square feet. Construction occurred during June through October 2014. For accounting purposes, we were considered the owner during the construction period, and during that period, the existing building and the addition were considered one unit of account.

Accordingly, as of September 30, 2014, we recorded the existing building and a corresponding short-term financing obligation of approximately $4.6 million on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The facility was placed into service effective November 1, 2014. We determined that we do not have continuing involvement after the construction period was complete, and that the lease will be accounted for as an operating lease. Accordingly, the asset and the corresponding short-term financing obligation were derecognized from our December 31, 2014 condensed consolidated balance sheet.

8.   Build-to-Suit Lease

In October 2014, we entered into a 15-year lease agreement for a build-to-suit facility related to the design and construction of a new campus in Long Beach, California. Under the agreement, we have retained substantially all of the construction risk. Therefore, for accounting purposes, we are considered the owner during the construction period and establish assets and liabilities for the estimated construction costs incurred to the extent we are involved in the construction of structural improvements or take construction risk prior to the lease commencement.
Although we are the owner during the construction period, we do not own the underlying land. Therefore, we have an imputed operating lease expense related to our use of the land that will be recognized from the time we entered into the agreement through the initial lease term.

9.   Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

During the year ended September 30, 2012, we invested $4.0 million to acquire an equity interest of approximately 28% in a joint venture (JV) related to the lease of our Lisle, Illinois campus facility. In connection with this investment, we do not possess a controlling financial interest as we do not hold a majority of the equity interest, nor do we have the power to make major decisions without approval from the other equity member. Therefore, we do not qualify as the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, this investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and is included in other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We recognize our proportionate share of the JV’s net income or loss during each accounting period and any return of capital as a change in our investment.

Currently, the JV uses an interest rate cap to manage interest rate risk associated with its floating rate debt.  This derivative instrument is designated as a cash flow hedge based on the nature of the risk being hedged. 
As such, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is initially reported as a component of the JV’s accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, and is subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized in the JV’s current earnings.  Due to our equity method investment in the JV, when the JV reports a current year component of other comprehensive income (OCI), we, as an investor, likewise adjust our investment account for the change in investee equity.  In addition, we adjust our OCI for our share of the JV’s currently reported OCI item.  For the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, our share of the JV’s OCI was less than $0.1 million.


13




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following:
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Carrying Value
 
Ownership Percentage
 
Carrying Value
 
Ownership Percentage
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate
 
$
3,969

 
27.972
%
 
$
3,903

 
27.972
%

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period:
 
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
3,903

 
$
4,000

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate
 
393

 
343

Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate
 
(346
)
 
(238
)
Equity interest in investee's unrealized gains on hedging derivatives, net of taxes
 
19

 

Balance at end of period
 
$
3,969

 
$
4,105


10.   Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
Accounts payable
 
$
14,047

 
$
12,990

Accrued compensation and benefits
 
21,431

 
17,963

Other accrued expenses
 
6,906

 
7,874

 
 
$
42,384

 
$
38,827


11.   Commitments and Contingencies
Legal
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitration, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current or former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands. When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Because we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the legal proceedings (including lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims) asserted against us, it is not currently possible to provide such an estimate. The ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings to which we are a party may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2012, we received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts related to a pending investigation in connection with allegations that we caused

14




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



false claims to be submitted to the Commonwealth relating to student loans, guarantees and grants provided to students at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus. The CID required us to produce documents and provide written testimony regarding a broad range of our business activities from September 2006 to September 2012. We responded timely to the request. The Attorney General made a follow-up request for documents, and we complied with this request in February 2013.  In response to a status update request from us, the Attorney General has requested and we have provided additional documents and information related to graduate employment at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus and our policies and practices for determining graduate employment. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs or operational impact of this inquiry, and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

On July 17, 2015, we received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina (U.S. Attorney's Office) issued pursuant to the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989.  The subpoena covers a broad range of matters relating to our Mooresville, North Carolina campus operations over the past several years.  It also seeks documents and information relating to our compliance with the “90/10 rule,” and other programs and practices.  We intend to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs or operational impact of this inquiry, and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Proprietary Loan Program
    
In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a bank.

Under terms of the proprietary loan program, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank at least monthly and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan.

The bank provides these services in exchange for a fee at a percentage of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we transfer funds for loan purchases to a deposit account with the bank in advance of the bank funding the loan, which secures our related loan purchase obligation. Such funds are classified as restricted cash in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In substance, we provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition and as a result, we account for the underlying transactions in accordance with our tuition revenue recognition policy. However, due to the nature of the program coupled with the extended payment terms required under the student loan agreements, collectability is not reasonably assured. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest income required under the loan when such amounts are collected. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred within educational services and facilities expense and were approximately $0.3 million for each of the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and $1.1 million for each of the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014. Since loan collectability is not reasonably assured, the loans and related deferred tuition revenue are not recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

15




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



The following table summarizes the impact of the proprietary loan program on our tuition revenue and interest income during the period as well as on a cumulative basis at the end of each period in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Tuition revenue and interest income excluded represents amounts which would have been recognized during the period had collectability of the related amounts been assured. Amounts collected and recognized represent actual cash receipts during the period. Amounts written off represent amounts which have been turned over to third party collectors; such amounts are not included within bad debt expense in our condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
Inception
to date
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
Tuition and interest income excluded
 
$
5,940

 
$
6,289

 
$
18,717

 
$
20,542

 
$
114,618

Amounts collected and recognized
 
(1,506
)
 
(951
)
 
(4,017
)
 
(2,497
)
 
(12,496
)
Amounts written off
 
(2,456
)
 
(2,173
)
 
(8,704
)
 
(6,436
)
 
(40,259
)
Net amount excluded during the period
 
$
1,978

 
$
3,165

 
$
5,996

 
$
11,609

 
$
61,863

As of June 30, 2015, we had committed to provide loans to our students for approximately $116.4 million since inception.

The following table summarizes the activity related to the balances outstanding under our proprietary loan program, including loans outstanding, interest and origination fees, which are not recognized in our condensed consolidated balance sheets: 

 
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
70,759

 
$
59,767

Loans extended
 
14,326

 
18,390

Interest accrued
 
2,233

 
2,134

Amounts collected and recognized
 
(4,017
)
 
(2,497
)
Amounts written off
 
(8,704
)
 
(6,436
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
74,597

 
$
71,358


Licensing Agreements
    
In April 2015, we entered into a licensing agreement that gives us the right to use certain trademarks in connection with the operation of our campuses and courses. The agreement has an initial term of four years, with options for three annual renewals totaling a seven year term. The maximum license fee over seven years is $2.3 million.

12.  Common Shareholders’ 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. On December 19, 2014, March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015, we paid cash dividends of $0.10 per share to common stockholders of record as of December 8, 2014, March 20, 2015 and June 19, 2015, respectively, totaling approximately $7.3 million.

16




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Share Repurchase Program
On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. We did not repurchase shares during the three months ended June 30, 2015. During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, we purchased 748,000 shares at an average price per share of $8.15 and a total cost of approximately$6.1 million. As of June 30, 2015, we have purchased 1,573,252 shares at an average price per share of $9.38 and a total cost of approximately $14.8 million under this program.

13.   Earnings per Share
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities, if any. For the three months ended June 30, 2014, 394,687 shares which could be issued under outstanding stock-based grants, were not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, 527,189 shares and 494,372 shares, respectively, which could be issued under outstanding stock-based grants, were not included in the determination of our diluted shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended June 30, 2015, diluted loss per share equaled basic loss per share as the assumed activity related to outstanding stock-based grants would have an anti-dilutive effect.
The calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per share was as follows:
 

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Weighted average number of shares
 
(In thousands)
Basic shares outstanding
 
24,138

 
24,618

 
24,477

 
24,641

Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans
 

 
300

 
119

 
264

Diluted shares outstanding
 
24,138

 
24,918

 
24,596

 
24,905


14.   Segment Information
Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training and these operations are managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the Other category. Corporate expenses are allocated to Postsecondary Education and the Other category based on compensation expense. Depreciation and amortization includes amortization of assets subject to financing obligation.

17




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



Summary information by reportable segment is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
82,098

 
$
88,784

 
$
263,101

 
$
274,988

Other
 
3,008

 
2,545

 
8,920

 
8,092

Consolidated
 
$
85,106

 
$
91,329

 
$
272,021

 
$
283,080

Income (loss) from operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
(3,296
)
 
$
1,907

 
$
6,055

 
$
4,524

Other
 
(700
)
 
(896
)
 
(2,049
)
 
(2,067
)
Consolidated
 
$
(3,996
)
 
$
1,011

 
$
4,006

 
$
2,457

Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
4,678

 
$
4,983

 
$
14,327

 
$
15,276

Other
 
97

 
83

 
238

 
271

Consolidated
 
$
4,775

 
$
5,066

 
$
14,565

 
$
15,547

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
$
(2,626
)
 
$
826

 
$
1,636

 
$
1,432

Other
 
(349
)
 
(460
)
 
(962
)
 
(979
)
Consolidated
 
$
(2,975
)
 
$
366

 
$
674

 
$
453

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
Goodwill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
 
 
 
 
$
20,579

 
$
20,579

Other
 
 
 
 
 

 

Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
$
20,579

 
$
20,579

Total assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postsecondary education
 
 
 
 
 
$
256,426

 
$
282,501

Other
 
 
 
 
 
6,804

 
5,568

Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
$
263,230

 
$
288,069


15.   Government Regulation and Financial Aid

In April 2015, ED commenced an ordinary course program review of our administration of the Title IV programs in which we participate for our Avondale, Arizona campus and additional locations of that campus. The site visit related to the review was completed the week of April 20, 2015 and covered the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 award years. We have not received the initial report from ED in the initially anticipated time frame and have had no further communications from ED.

On October 31, 2014, ED published final regulations, including new metrics to evaluate whether a program of study prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.  As disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014, the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, a trade group representing 1,400 for-profit colleges, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to stop the rules from taking effect. However, on June 23, 2015, the court ruled in favor of

18




UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
($’s in thousands, except per share amounts)



ED, allowing the regulations to become effective on July 1, 2015. The gainful employment metrics use debt and earnings data that institutions report on former students to determine student debt as a percentage of both annual and discretionary earnings (DE metrics), with outcomes including pass, zone and fail. A program failing both the annual and discretionary DE metrics for two out of any three consecutive years will lose eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs for a period of three years. A program will also lose eligibility if it fails to pass either DE metric (that is, it receives only failing or zone scores) for four consecutive years. Institutions will also be limited in their ability to add programs similar to the ineligible programs. ED has stated that the first year of official gainful employment rates and their associated program outcomes will be issued during calendar year 2016 and annually thereafter, but the precise timing of their issuance is unknown. The earliest that any gainful employment program could lose eligibility is 2017. For further discussion, see “Business - Regulatory Environment - Regulation of Federal Student Financial Aid Programs” included in in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014.

16.  Purchase Transaction
    
In April 2015, we entered into an agreement with Roush & Yates Racing Engines, LLC (Roush Yates) to purchase performance engine machining and building curriculum, related materials and guides and the name Roush Yates School of Technology and variants thereof. The purchase price for the agreement is $0.3 million upon execution with an additional $0.5 million payable if certain co-development milestones are met. Additionally, there is an earn-out fee over the final four years of a seven-year term if revenues exceed a certain threshold. Under the agreement, Roush Yates will donate consumable raw materials to support courses under the curriculum, assist us in modifying the existing curriculum and assist us in locating and training instructors. The agreement also includes a two-year non-compete clause following the seven-year term of the agreement.

We also entered into a commercial lease agreement and an equipment lease agreement. The commercial lease is for approximately 8,000 square feet within Roush Yates' existing space and has an initial four-year term commencing on October 28, 2015, with annual renewals following the initial term. The total commercial lease payment over the four year term is approximately $0.2 million. The equipment lease has a four year term, but may be extended beyond such expiration by mutual negotiation. We have the option to purchase all or any portion of the leased equipment at any time during the term at a purchase price equal to the then fair market value. The total lease payment over four years is approximately $0.2 million. We have access to the leased space and equipment immediately.

We recorded the following assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2015 related to the purchase transaction:

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
434

Property and equipment, net
 
137

Other assets
 
1,473

Total assets
 
$
2,044


Additionally, we recorded a total of approximately $1.5 million in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2015 representing the present value of payments not yet made.

19


Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and those in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those described under “Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and included in Part II, Item 1A of this report. See also "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" on page ii of this report.


Overview

We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate enrollment and graduates. We offer undergraduate degree or diploma programs at 11 campuses across the United States. We also offer advanced training programs, including both student paid electives at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and dedicated training centers. We have provided technical education for 50 years.

We work closely with leading OEMs in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine industries to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Through our relationships with OEMs, we are able to continuously refine and expand our programs and curricula. We believe our industry-oriented educational philosophy and national presence have enabled us to develop valuable industry relationships which provide us with significant competitive strength and support our market leadership. We are a primary, and often the sole, provider of MSAT programs, and we have relationships with over 25 OEMs. 
    
Participating manufacturers typically assist us in the development of course content and curricula, while providing us with vehicles, equipment, specialty tools and parts at reduced prices or at no charge. In some instances they pay for students’ tuition. Our collaboration with OEMs enables us to provide highly specialized education to our students, resulting in enhanced employment opportunities and the potential for higher wages for our graduates. Our industry partners and their dealers benefit from a supply of technicians who are certified or credentialed by the manufacturer as graduates of the MSAT programs. The MSAT programs offer a cost-effective alternative for sourcing and developing technicians for both OEMs and their dealers. These relationships also support the development of incremental revenue opportunities from training the OEMs’ existing employees.

2015 Overview

Operations

Lower student population levels as we began 2015 resulted in declines of 9.7% and 7.6% in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment to approximately 12,100 and 13,400 students for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. We started approximately 1,900 students during the three months ended June 30, 2015, which was flat with the prior year comparable period. For the nine months ended June 30, 2015, we started approximately 6,400 students, which represents a decrease of 12.3% as compared to the prior year comparable period.


20


Several factors continue to challenge our ability to start new students, including the following:

Incentive compensation changes which became effective July 1, 2011 limited the means by which we may compensate our admissions representatives and required significant changes to our compensation and performance management processes;
Competition for prospective students continues to increase from within our sector and from market employers, as well as with traditional post-secondary educational institutions;
The state of the general macro-economic environment and its impact on price sensitivity and the ability and willingness of students and their families to incur debt;
Unemployment; during periods when the unemployment rate declines or remains stable as it has in recent years, prospective students have more employment options; and
Adverse media coverage, legislative hearings, regulatory actions and investigations by attorneys general and various agencies related to allegations of wrongdoing on the part of other companies within the education and training services industry, which have cast the industry in a negative light.
Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $85.1 million, a decline of $6.2 million, or 6.8%, from the comparable period in the prior year. Revenues were negatively impacted by the decline in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment, which was partially offset by tuition rate increases. Additionally, our results of operations were impacted by an increase in advertising expenses, as we continue to invest in efforts to optimize our media mix. Offsetting the increase in advertising expenses was a decrease in compensation costs. We incurred an operating loss of $4.0 million compared to operating income of $1.0 million, and a net loss of $3.0 million compared to net income of $0.4 million, as a result of the overall decline in revenues for the period.

Our revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 were $272.0 million, a decline of $11.1 million, or 3.9%, from the comparable period in the prior year. Revenues were negatively impacted by the decline in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment, which was partially offset by tuition rate increases. Additionally, our results of operations were impacted by an increase in advertising expenses, as we continue to invest in efforts to optimize our media mix. Offsetting the increase in advertising expenses were decreases in compensation costs, contract services expense and bad debt expense. Operating income increased to $4.0 million from $2.5 million and net income increased to $0.7 million from $0.5 million as a result of the overall decline in operating costs for the period.

In response to these challenges, we continue to manage discretionary operating costs, develop our strong industry relationships and provide alternative financial solutions to help students achieve their educational goals. We continue to work to help students choose course and program structures that make getting an education more affordable and to balance our scholarship offerings with increased financial support from employers of our graduates. Additionally, we have taken steps to optimize our advertising spend, balancing the quality and quantity of inquiries, and we have implemented programs to improve the effectiveness of our admissions processes.

Transactions
    
Houston, Texas

In March 2015, we purchased the majority of the buildings and land for our Houston, Texas campus. The purchase price of $9.4 million, excluding fees, was allocated between the buildings ($7.7 million) and land ($1.7 million) based on the ratio of appraised values. Additionally, we entered into amended lease agreements for the buildings and land we did not acquire at our Houston, Texas campus, which extended the lease terms through December 31, 2018 and amended the payment schedules. See Note 7 of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements within this Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

Long Beach, California

In October 2014, we entered into a 15-year lease agreement for a build-to-suit facility related to the design and construction of a new campus in Long Beach, California. Under the agreement, we have retained substantially all of the construction period risk and therefore, for accounting purposes, are considered the owner during the construction period. Although we are the owner during the construction period, we do not own the underlying land. Therefore, we have an imputed operating lease expense related to our use of the land that will be recognized from the time we entered into the agreement through the initial lease term. See Note 8 of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements within this Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, we have incurred approximately $2.0 million in operating expenses related to opening our new campus and we anticipate we will incur an additional $2.8 million to $3.2 million during the year ending September 30, 2015. We anticipate this new campus will become profitable in 2016.

21



Orlando, Florida

As previously disclosed, in 2014 we entered into amended lease agreements for certain buildings on our Orlando, Florida campus, which extended the lease terms to August 31, 2022 and modified the scheduled rental payments. Additionally, one of the amendments included a provision which allowed us to expand the square footage at one building by approximately 13,500 square feet.

Construction was completed in October 2014 and we began teaching our diesel and industrial programs at this campus in January 2015. We determined that we do not have continuing involvement after the construction period was complete and that the lease will be accounted for as an operating lease. See Note 7 of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements within this Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

Roush Yates
    
In April 2015, we entered into an agreement with Roush Yates to purchase performance engine machining and building curriculum, related materials and guides and the name Roush Yates School of Technology and variants thereof. We also entered into a commercial lease agreement and an equipment lease agreement. The commercial lease is for approximately 8,000 square feet within Roush Yates' existing space and has an initial four-year term commencing on October 28, 2015, with annual renewals following the initial term. The equipment lease has a four year term, but may be extended beyond such expiration by mutual negotiation. See Note 16 of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements within this Report on Form 10-Q for further discussion.

Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II Integration
    
We began teaching the Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology II curricula at our Orlando, Florida campus in January 2015. We anticipate incurring approximately $1.0 million to $1.2 million in operating expenses related to these integration activities during the year ending September 30, 2015. Additionally, we anticipate offering this curricula at our Long Beach, California campus at the time of opening in the middle of August 2015.

As discussed in “Business - Regulatory Environment - Other Federal and State Programs - Veterans' Benefits” included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shares responsibility for VA benefit approval and oversight with designated State Approving Agencies (SAAs). SAAs play a critical role in evaluating institutions and their programs to determine if they meet VA benefit eligibility requirements. Processes and approval criterion as well as interpretation of applicable requirements can vary from state to state. Therefore, approval in one state does not necessarily result in approval in all states.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we received approval from the California SAA to use veterans’ benefits to fund courses taught using this curricula in California under the alternative method we proposed. Additionally, we received approval from the Florida SAA to use veterans’ benefits to fund all course combinations taught using this curricula in Florida under the alternative methodology. Veterans have been approved by the Texas SAA to use their benefits since July 2012 to fund tuition for this curricula at our Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas campus under our original delivery methodology. As previously reported, we have been in contact with the Texas SAA regarding the potential transition to the alternative delivery methodology. Based on recent communication, we now believe that the Texas SAA will not accept the alternative delivery methodology for the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas campus, and we are working to develop a unique delivery methodology for this campus. If we are unable to provide a delivery methodology that is satisfactory to the Texas SAA, veterans would not be able to use their benefits to fund tuition for the programs offered at this campus. The Texas SAA has indicated that it could withdraw approval as early as August 15, 2015. We recorded approximately $6.1 million in revenues from veteran students at our Dallas/Ft. Worth campus during the year ended September 30, 2014, and we have recorded approximately $4.5 million in revenues from veteran students at this campus during the nine months ended June 30, 2015.

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Graduate Employment

Our consolidated graduate employment rate for our 2014 graduates during the nine months ended June 30, 2015 is above the rate at the same time in the prior year. The rate has improved for our Automotive and Diesel Technology, Marine and Motorcycle programs while the rate has declined for our Collision Repair program.

Regulatory Environment

In April 2015, the ED commenced an ordinary course program review of our administration of the Title IV programs in which we participate for our Avondale, Arizona campus and additional locations of that campus. The site visit related to the review was completed the week of April 20, 2015 and covered the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 award years. We have not received the initial report from ED in the initially anticipated time frame and have had no further communications from ED.

On October 31, 2014, ED published final regulations, including new metrics to evaluate whether a program of study prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.  As disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014, the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities, a trade group representing 1,400 for-profit colleges, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to stop the rules from taking effect. However, on June 23, 2015, the court ruled in favor of ED, allowing the regulations to become effective on July 1, 2015. The gainful employment metrics use debt and earnings data that institutions report on former students to determine student debt as a percentage of both annual and discretionary earnings (DE metrics), with outcomes including pass, zone and fail. A program failing both the annual and discretionary DE metrics for two out of any three consecutive years will lose eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs for a period of three years. A program will also lose eligibility if it fails to pass either DE metric (that is, it receives only failing or zone scores) for four consecutive years. Institutions will also be limited in their ability to add programs similar to the ineligible programs. ED has stated that the first year of official gainful employment rates and their associated program outcomes will be issued during calendar year 2016 and annually thereafter, but the precise timing of their issuance is unknown. The earliest that any gainful employment program could lose eligibility is 2017. For further discussion, see “Business - Regulatory Environment - Regulation of Federal Student Financial Aid Programs” included in in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 2, 2014.

"90/10" Rule


23


In connection with our recent review of our methodology for assessing our compliance with the "90/10 Rule," we have determined that it would be appropriate to revise the manner in which we treat certain stipends, primarily those awarded to recipients of veterans benefits. The revision, which does not impact our historical or current compliance with the rule, relates to the application of technical regulatory guidance in a circumstance where a student has multiple sources of tuition funding including Title IV funds and a portion of those funds is used as a stipend. We have reflected the approximate impact of this revision on our 90/10 calculation for the periods presented below:
 
 
Consolidated
 
Range for OPEIDs
Year Ended September 30,
 
As Reported
 
As Revised
 
As Reported
 
As Revised
2014
 
66%
 
74%
 
63% - 68%
 
72% - 75%
2013
 
68%
 
76%
 
66% - 69%
 
74% - 78%
2012
 
75%
 
80%
 
74% - 75%
 
78% - 82%

For further discussion related to the rule, see “Business - Regulatory Environment - Regulation of Federal Student Financial Aid Programs - The “90/10 Rule.”” included in in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014.

2015 Outlook

Based on the results for the nine months ended June 30, 2015, our guidance for the full year ending September 30, 2015 remains relatively unchanged. We expect revenue to decline approximately 3 to 4%, however, excluding the impact of pre-opening costs of our new campus, we expect to see year over year growth in operating income. We expect new student starts as well as our average student population to be down for the full year in the mid-single digits.  We are cautiously optimistic that with a slight pick up in our pacing, we could see slight year over year growth in new student starts in the fourth quarter. Due to the seasonality of our business and normal fluctuations in student populations, we would expect volatility in our quarterly results.

Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated.
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Educational services and facilities
 
56.0
 %
 
53.4
 %
 
52.8
 %
 
53.2
 %
Selling, general and administrative
 
48.7
 %
 
45.5
 %
 
45.7
 %
 
45.9
 %
Total operating expenses
 
104.7
 %
 
98.9
 %
 
98.5
 %
 
99.1
 %
Income (loss) from operations
 
(4.7
)%
 
1.1
 %
 
1.5
 %
 
0.9
 %
Interest expense, net
 
(0.5
)%
 
(0.5
)%
 
(0.6
)%
 
(0.4
)%
Other income
 
0.2
 %
 
0.3
 %
 
0.3
 %
 
0.3
 %
Total other expense, net
 
(0.3
)%
 
(0.2
)%
 
(0.3
)%
 
(0.1
)%
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
(5.0
)%
 
0.9
 %
 
1.2
 %
 
0.8
 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(1.5
)%
 
0.5
 %
 
1.0
 %
 
0.6
 %
Net income (loss)
 
(3.5
)%
 
0.4
 %
 
0.2
 %
 
0.2
 %

Three Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2014, and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2014
Revenues. Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2015 were $85.1 million, a decrease of $6.2 million, or 6.8%, as compared to revenues of $91.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014. The 9.7% decrease in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment resulted in a decrease in revenues of approximately $8.5 million. The decrease was partially offset by tuition rate increases between 2% and 4%, depending on the program. Our revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 excluded $5.1 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of tuition related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. We recognized $1.5 million and $1.0 million of revenues and interest under the proprietary loan program for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Our revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 were $272.0 million, a decrease of $11.1 million, or 3.9%, as compared to revenues of $283.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2014. The 7.6% decrease in our average undergraduate full-time student enrollment resulted in a decrease in revenues of approximately $21.2 million. The decrease was partially offset by tuition rate increases between 2% and 4%, depending on the program. Our revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 excluded $16.5 million and $18.4 million, respectively, of tuition related to students participating in our proprietary loan program. We recognized $4.0 million and $2.5 million of revenues and interest under the proprietary loan program for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Educational services and facilities expenses. Our educational services and facilities expenses for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015 were $47.7 million and $143.7 million, respectively. This represents decreases of $1.1 million and $6.9 million, as compared to $48.8 million and $150.6 million, respectively, for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2014.

24



The following table sets forth the significant components of our educational services and facilities expenses:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands)
Salaries expense
$
21,363

 
$
21,811

 
$
63,848

 
$
65,975

Employee benefits and tax
3,930

 
4,035

 
11,860

 
12,530

Bonus expense
386

 
211

 
1,187

 
449

Stock-based compensation
74

 
148

 
219

 
482

Compensation and related costs
25,753

 
26,205

 
77,114

 
79,436

Occupancy costs
8,796

 
8,696

 
26,761

 
27,242

Depreciation and amortization expense
4,431

 
4,609

 
13,597

 
13,926

Other educational services and facilities expense
3,361

 
3,747

 
10,020

 
11,301

Supplies and maintenance
2,196

 
2,321

 
6,699

 
7,260

Tools and training aids expense
2,092

 
1,959

 
6,158

 
6,814

Contract services expense
1,061

 
1,226

 
3,314

 
4,635

 
$
47,690

 
$
48,763

 
$
143,663

 
$
150,614

The following factors contributed to the decreases in compensation and related costs of $0.4 million and$2.3 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year:
Salaries expense decreased approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 due to the restructuring undertaken in September and October 2014 and planned employee attrition during the year resulting from our focus on controlling costs. The restructuring and attrition primarily impacted non-instructor positions and related salaries expense, while instructor salaries remained consistent with the prior year comparable period. Salaries expense decreased approximately $2.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 due to the restructuring and planned employee attrition. The decreases were partially offset by normal salary merit increases.
Employee benefits and tax decreased $0.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 as a result of the decrease in the number of employees as well as a decrease in self-insurance medical claims.
Bonus expense increased $0.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 primarily due to recording expense based on anticipated annual operating results and attainment of non-financial metrics, which is higher than the prior year comparable period. Additionally, bonus expense increased as a result of long-term incentive cash awards granted during September 2014 in lieu of stock compensation for certain employees.

Contract services expense decreased $1.3 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to expenses incurred in the prior year comparable period in support of the relocation of our Glendale Heights, Illinois campus to Lisle, Illinois as well as expenses associated with outsourcing certain financial aid processes.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, we incurred approximately $1.3 million in educational services and facilities expenses related to opening our new campus in Long Beach, California.

25



Selling, general and administrative expenses. Our selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015 were $41.4 million and $124.4 million, respectively. This represents decreases of $0.2 million and $5.6 million, as compared to $41.6 million and $130.0 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

The following table sets forth the significant components of our selling, general and administrative expenses:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands)
Salaries expense
$
16,632

 
$
18,171

 
$
49,937

 
$
54,350

Employee benefits and tax
3,282

 
3,610

 
10,194

 
11,158

Bonus expense
956

 
641

 
4,049

 
1,461

Stock-based compensation
702

 
1,068

 
2,755

 
3,873

Compensation and related costs
21,572

 
23,490

 
66,935

 
70,842

Advertising expense
12,104

 
9,139

 
33,866

 
30,234

Other selling, general and administrative expenses
5,495

 
6,207

 
17,566

 
19,898

Contract services expense
1,168

 
1,051

 
3,381

 
3,649

Bad debt expense
442

 
895

 
749

 
2,869

Depreciation and amortization expense
631

 
773

 
1,855

 
2,517

 
$
41,412

 
$
41,555

 
$
124,352

 
$
130,009

The following factors contributed to the decreases in compensation and related costs of $1.9 million and $3.9 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year:
Salaries expense decreased approximately $1.6 million and $4.5 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The decreases were attributable to the restructurings undertaken in September and October 2014 and planned employee attrition over the last year resulting from our focus on controlling costs. The restructuring primarily impacted admissions employees and related salaries expense. The decrease was partially offset by normal salary merit increases. Additionally, severance charges increased approximately $1.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily related to charges for the October 2014 restructuring.
Employee benefits and tax decreased $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, as a result of the decrease in the number of employees as well as a decrease in self-insurance medical claims.
Bonus expense increased $0.4 million and $2.5 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The increase in bonus expense is attributable to recording expense based on anticipated annual operating results and attainment of non-financial metrics, which is higher than the prior year comparable period. Additionally, bonus expense increased as a result of long-term incentive cash awards granted during September 2014 in lieu of stock compensation for certain employees.

26


Stock compensation decreased $0.4 million and $1.1 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, primarily due to a reduction in overall grant levels over the past several years, including the cash incentive awards discussed above.
Advertising expense increased $3.0 million and $3.7 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, as compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increases were primarily attributable to higher inquiry generation expenses, as we continue to invest in efforts to optimize our media mix; additionally, competitive pressures led to price increases and a tighter market for television and internet advertising. Partially offsetting the increase for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 was a decrease in production costs due to certain commercial and direct mail campaigns completed in the prior year. We continue to focus on identifying the optimal balance between quality and quantity of inquiries from potential students. Advertising expense as a percentage of revenues for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015 was approximately 14.2% and 12.4%, respectively. We anticipate that our advertising expense will be approximately 12% of revenues for the year ending September 30, 2015.
Bad debt expense decreased $2.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in the prior year. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we reversed approximately $1.0 million of bad debt expense recorded in 2011 and 2012 for processing issues related to student funds received from a non-Title IV federal funding agency. Based on communication with the agency, we determined it was no longer probable that we will be required to return such funds.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, we incurred approximately $0.7 million in selling, general and administrative expenses related to opening our new campus in Long Beach, California.
Income taxes. Our income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $1.3 million, or 30.6% of pre-tax loss, compared to income tax expense of $0.5 million, or 56.7% of pre-tax income, for the three months ended June 30, 2014. Our provision for income taxes for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 was $2.6 million, or 79.2% of pre-tax income, compared to $1.8 million, or 79.9% of pre-tax income, for the nine months ended June 30, 2014. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of state income taxes, net of related federal income tax benefits, and due to tax expense related to share-based compensation.

At the time of our initial public offering in December 2003 we began awarding stock-based compensation in the form of stock options with a contractual life of 10 years. In subsequent years, we have awarded other forms of stock-based compensation with varying terms. In 2006, we adopted the authoritative guidance on accounting for stock-based compensation, which gave rise to deferred tax assets related to stock-based compensation timing differences between book expense and tax deductions, as well as a pro forma pool of windfall tax benefits. When tax deductions from stock-based compensation awards are less than the cumulative book compensation expense, the tax effect of the resulting difference (shortfall) is charged first to additional paid-in capital to the extent of our pro forma pool of windfall tax benefits, with any remainder written off to income tax expense. Such write-offs may be the result of expiration, exercise or vesting of prior stock-based compensation awards. The write-off of the deferred tax asset is a non-cash charge and is not a result of current operations.
The write-off of the deferred tax asset resulted in income tax expense of approximately $0.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015. Although we cannot predict the price of our stock, if our stock price remains relatively consistent with its current trading price, the impact of any adjustments to the deferred tax asset and related income tax expense for the year ending September 30, 2015 is expected to be in the range of $1.5 million to $1.6 million.
In future periods, we may experience variability in our income tax expense and our pro forma pool of windfall tax benefits may fluctuate, both of which depend on the price of our common stock and the timing of expiration, exercise and vesting of stock-based compensation awards. This could result in variable income tax rates that are substantially different from the federal statutory tax rate, including the potential for recording income

27


tax expense during periods incurring a loss before income taxes. While we will continue to experience an impact to our deferred tax asset in all future periods with stock-based compensation activity, the most significant impact to income tax expense is expected to occur through 2016, as stock options, which are currently underwater, expire.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2015 were $1.3 million and $20.1 million, respectively, as compared to $6.7 million and $19.8 million for the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2014, respectively.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is provided to supplement, but not substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We choose to disclose this non-GAAP financial measure because it provides an additional analytical tool to clarify our results from operations and helps to identify underlying trends. Additionally, this measure helps compare our performance on a consistent basis across time periods. To obtain a complete understanding of our performance, this measure should be examined in connection with net income determined in accordance with GAAP. Since the items excluded from this measure should be examined in connection with net income in determining financial performance under GAAP, this measure should not be considered to be an alternative to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Exclusion of items in our non-GAAP presentation should not be construed as an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Other companies, including other companies in the education industry, may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure across companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.

EBITDA reconciles to net income as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Nine Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
Net income (loss)
 
$
(2,975
)
 
$
366

 
$
674

 
$
453

Interest expense, net
 
484

 
494

 
1,464

 
1,117

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
(1,312
)
 
479

 
2,560

 
1,802

Depreciation and amortization
 
5,061

 
5,381

 
15,451

 
16,443

EBITDA
 
$
1,258

 
$
6,720

 
$
20,149

 
$
19,815


Liquidity and Capital Resources
    
Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash flows from operations, cash on hand and investments will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, commitments and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations as well as our investment in capital expenditures related to the new campus we plan to open through the next 12 months.

We believe that the strategic use of our cash resources includes funding our new campus as well as subsidizing funding alternatives for our students. Additionally, we evaluate the repurchase of our common stock, payment of dividends, consideration of strategic acquisitions, expansion of programs at existing campuses, opening additional campus locations and other potential uses of cash. In December 2014, March 2015 and June 2015, we paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on our common stock. To the extent that potential acquisitions are large enough to require financing beyond cash from operations, we may issue debt resulting in increased interest expense. Additionally, to the extent that we enter into leasing transactions that result in financing obligations or capital leases, our interest expense would increase. Our aggregate cash and cash equivalents and current investments were $55.4 million as of June 30, 2015.

Our principal source of liquidity is operating cash flows. A majority of our revenues are derived from Title IV Programs and various veterans benefits programs. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs. Students must apply for new funding for each academic year consisting of thirty-week periods. Loan funds are generally provided by lenders in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement for first-time borrowers is usually received 30 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. Under our proprietary loan program, we bear all credit and collection risk and students

28


are not required to begin repayment until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. These factors, together with the timing of when our students begin their programs, affect our operating cash flow.

Operating Activities

Our cash used in operating activities was $0.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2015 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $9.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2014. For the nine months ended June 30, 2015, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $19.4 million and were primarily attributable to changes in deferred revenue, income tax payable and accounts payable and accrued expenses. The decrease in deferred revenue resulted in a cash outflow of $16.0 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program at June 30, 2015 compared to September 30, 2014. The change in income tax from a payable position to a receivable position resulted in cash used of $4.7 million and was primarily due to the timing of tax payments. The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses resulted in a cash inflow of $3.0 million. The increase was primarily attributable to timing of invoices and capital expenditures.

For the nine months ended June 30, 2014, changes in our operating assets and liabilities resulted in cash outflows of $11.9 million and were primarily attributable to changes in deferred revenue, accounts payable and accrued expenses, prepaid expenses and other current assets and deferred rent. The decrease in deferred revenue resulted in a cash outflow of $8.3 million. The increase was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to the completion of their program at June 30, 2014 compared to September 30, 2013. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses resulted in a cash outflow of $3.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in accrued expenses resulting from fewer proprietary loans purchased from the bank during the period, as well as a decrease in accrued legal expense following the settlement of litigation during the year ended September 30, 2013. Accounts payable and accrued expenses also included a cash inflow related to accrued compensation and benefits, primarily driven by the timing of our payroll cycle. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets resulted in a net cash outflow of $1.2 million and was primarily attributable to prepayments made for software maintenance and financial aid processing services. The change in income tax from a payable position to a receivable position resulted in cash used of $1.3 million and was primarily due to the timing of tax payments. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets resulted in a cash outflow of $1.6 million and was primarily attributable to prepayments made for software maintenance and financial aid processing services.

Investing Activities

During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, cash used in investing activities was $14.0 million. We had cash inflows of $32.4 million from proceeds received upon maturity of investments and cash outflows of $26.0 million to purchase investments. We had cash outflows for the purchase of property and equipment of $21.7 million, with $9.7 million related to the purchase of our Houston, Texas campus facility, $6.5 million related to the construction of our new Long Beach, California campus and the remainder related to the purchases of new and replacement training equipment for our ongoing operations. We anticipate investing an additional $11.0 million to $12.0 million in capital expenditures during the remainder of the year ending September 30, 2015, primarily related to the construction of our new Long Beach, California campus and purchases of new and replacement equipment for our ongoing operations.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2014, cash used in investing activities was $10.6 million. We had cash outflows of $46.3 million to purchase investments and cash inflows of $40.2 million from proceeds received upon maturity of investments. We had cash outflows of $7.8 million related to the purchase of new and replacement training equipment for our ongoing operations. Restricted cash decreased by approximately $3.0 million primarily

29


due to a decrease in the number of proprietary loans to be purchased, which generally fluctuates with the level of new student starts. Additionally, our $1.0 million deposit with the bank that previously administered our proprietary loan program was returned to us in accordance with the termination agreement.

Financing Activities
During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, cash used in financing activities was $14.0 million and was primarily attributable to the repurchase of $6.1 million of our common stock in combination with the payment of cash dividends on December 19, 2014, March 31, 2015 and June 30, 2015 of $0.10 per share, totaling approximately $7.3 million.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2014, cash used in financing activities was $9.4 million and was primarily attributable to the payment of cash dividends on December 20, 2013, March 31, 2014 and June 30, 2014 of $0.10 per share, totaling approximately $7.4 million in combination with the repurchase of approximately $1.4 million of treasury stock.
 
Share Repurchase Program

On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of shares purchased will depend on a variety of factors such as price, corporate and regulatory requirements and prevailing market conditions. We may terminate or limit the share repurchase program at any time without prior notice. During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, we purchased 748,000 shares at an average price per share of $8.15 and a total cost of approximately $6.1 million. As of June 30, 2015, we have purchased 1,573,252 shares at an average price per share of $9.38 and a total cost of approximately $14.8 million under this program.

Seasonality and Trends

Our revenues and operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population and costs associated with opening or expanding our campuses. Our student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, we have had lower student populations in our third quarter than in the remainder of our year because fewer students are enrolled during the summer months. Additionally, we have had higher student populations in our fourth quarter than in the remainder of the year because more students enroll during this period. Our expenses, however, do not vary significantly with changes in student population and revenues and, as a result, such expenses do not fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of seasonal enrollment patterns. Such patterns may change, however, as a result of new school openings, new program introductions, increased enrollments of adult students or acquisitions. Furthermore, our revenues for the first quarter ending December 31 are impacted by the closure of our campuses for a week in December for a holiday break and during which we do not earn revenue.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our critical accounting policies are disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014. During the nine months ended June 30, 2015, there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 3 to our condensed consolidated financial statements within Part I, Item 1 of this report.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes to our market risk since September 30, 2014. For a discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014.


30


Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our President and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2015 were effective in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, misstatements, errors and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been or will be prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls also can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks that internal controls may become inadequate as a result of changes in conditions, or through the deterioration of the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.


31


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitrations, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current and former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands.  When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Because we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the legal proceedings (including lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims) asserted against us, it is not currently possible to provide such an estimate. The ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings to which we are a party may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

In September 2012, we received a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) from the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts related to a pending investigation in connection with allegations that we caused false claims to be submitted to the Commonwealth relating to student loans, guarantees and grants provided to students at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus. The CID required us to produce documents and provide written testimony regarding a broad range of our business activities from September 2006 to September 2012. We responded timely to the request. The Attorney General made a follow-up request for documents, and we complied with this request in February 2013.  In response to a status update request from us, the Attorney General has requested and we have provided additional documents and information related to graduate employment at our Norwood, Massachusetts campus and our policies and practices for determining graduate employment. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs or operational impact of this inquiry, and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

On July 17, 2015, we received a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina (U.S. Attorney's Office) issued pursuant to the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989.  The subpoena covers a broad range of matters relating to our Mooresville, North Carolina campus operations over the past several years.  It also seeks documents and information relating to our compliance with the “90/10 rule,” and other programs and practices.  We intend to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. At this time, we cannot predict the eventual scope, duration, outcome or associated costs or operational impact of this inquiry, and accordingly we have not recorded any liability in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are no other material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2014, except as noted below. The risks described in this report and in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

Competition could decrease our market share and create tuition pricing concerns.
 
The postsecondary education market is highly competitive. The elimination of ability-to-benefit options for establishing general student eligibility for Title IV Program funds beginning July 1, 2012 has increased competition for higher quality students. Some traditional public and private colleges and universities and community colleges, as well as other private career-oriented schools, offer programs that may be perceived by students to be similar to ours.  Most public institutions are able to charge lower tuition than our schools, due in part to government subsidies and other financial sources not available to for-profit schools. Additionally, recent executive branch proposals have included two years of free tuition at community colleges for certain students, who must attend school at least half time, maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and make steady progress toward a degree or transferring to a four-year institution.  Some other for-profit education providers have greater financial and other resources which may, among other things, allow them to secure industry relationships with some or all of the OEMs with which we have relationships, develop other high profile industry relationships or devote more resources to expanding their programs and their school network, all of which could affect the success of our marketing programs.
Additionally, some other for-profit education providers already have a more extended or dense network of schools and campuses than we do, thus enabling them to recruit students more effectively from a wider geographic area.
 
We may limit tuition increases or increase spending in response to competition in order to retain or attract students or pursue new market opportunities; however, if we cannot effectively respond to competitor changes, it could reduce our enrollments and our student populations. We cannot be sure that we will be able to compete successfully against current or future competitors or that competitive pressures faced by us will not adversely affect our market share, revenues and operating margin.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes the purchase of equity securities for the three months ended June 30, 2015:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period
 
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
(b) Average Price Paid per Share
 
(c) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
(d) Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans Or Programs
(In thousands)
(2)
April 1-30, 2015
 

 
$

 

 
$
10,243

May 1-31, 2015
 

 
$

 

 
$
10,243

June 1-30, 2015
 
403

 
$
8.62

 

 
$
10,243

Total
 
403

 
$
8.62

 

 
$
10,243


(1)
All shares purchased in June represent shares of common stock withheld by us as payment of the individual's tax obligations on the vesting of shares of our common stock, which were granted subject to forfeiture restrictions under our 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (the 2003 Plan). Such shares are returned to the pool of shares issuable under the 2003 Plan.

32



(2)
On December 20, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $25.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions.

Item 6. EXHIBITS

The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K which are filed or furnished with this report, as applicable, are set forth in the Exhibit Index.



33


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Date: August 7, 2015         

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.


By: /s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr                
Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.
President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX
Number
 
Description
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith.)
101
 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


34


Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION

I, Kimberly J. McWaters, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-Q of Universal Technical Institute, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 7, 2015
/s/ Kimberly J. McWaters        
Kimberly J. McWaters
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board





Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION

I, Eugene S. Putnam, Jr., certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-Q of Universal Technical Institute, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 7, 2015
/s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.    
Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.
President and Chief Financial Officer





Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the quarterly report of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Kimberly J. McWaters, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Kimberly J. McWaters        
Kimberly J. McWaters
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
August 7, 2015
 
    





Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the quarterly report of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Eugene S. Putnam, President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.        
Eugene S. Putnam, Jr.
President and Chief Financial Officer
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
August 7, 2015






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