Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 0-25283

 

 

CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   33-0717312

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

6 Hutton Centre Drive, Suite 400, Santa Ana, California

(Address of principal executive offices)

92707

(Zip Code)

(714) 427-3000

(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  x    No  ¨

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

Large accelerated filer  x            Accelerated filer  ¨            Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

At November 3, 2008, there were 85,592,495 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

For the First Quarter Ended September 30, 2008

 

          Page No.
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Financial Statements   
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited) and June 30, 2008    3
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)    4
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)    5
   Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    14

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk    19

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    19
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

   Legal Proceedings    20

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    20

Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    20

Item 3.

   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    20

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    20

Item 5.

   Other Information    20

Item 6.

   Exhibits    20

SIGNATURES

   21

EXPLANATORY NOTE

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company decided to divest the WyoTech Oakland, CA campus. The Company will continue to operate and invest in the campus until it is sold. The campus is available for immediate sale in its present condition, and we expect to complete the sale in fiscal 2009. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company completed the teach-out of its campuses in Lynnwood, WA and Atlanta, GA, and one of its two campuses in Everett, WA. We expect to have no significant continuing involvement with the entities after they have been sold or closed.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company decided to divest all of its Canadian campuses outside of the province of Ontario, Canada, as well as the WyoTech Boston MA campus. The Company sold the non-Ontario Canadian campuses on February 29, 2008. The Company sold WyoTech Boston on May 1, 2008. We have no significant continuing involvement with these entities.

The information contained throughout this document is presented on a continuing operations basis, unless otherwise stated.

 

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     September 30,
2008
    June 30,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)        
ASSETS     

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 29,365     $ 32,004  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $40,979 and $39,309 at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively

     110,919       115,085  

Student notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,384 and $2,143 at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively

     5,336       4,478  

Deferred income taxes

     37,586       37,669  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     23,508       32,729  

Assets held for sale

     3,461       3,507  
                

Total current assets

     210,175       225,472  

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

     224,370       226,514  

OTHER ASSETS:

    

Goodwill, net

     190,163       191,950  

Other intangibles, net

     39,717       40,118  

Student notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,830 and $6,917 at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively

     15,681       12,562  

Deposits and other assets

     4,117       4,203  

Deferred income taxes

     3,660       3,660  
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 687,883     $ 704,479  
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 34,521     $ 29,124  

Accrued compensation and related liabilities

     33,951       48,626  

Accrued expenses

     7,700       7,150  

Prepaid tuition

     52,461       45,176  

Current portion of capital lease obligations

     439       428  

Current portion of long-term debt

     —         —    

Liabilities held for sale

     2,712       3,141  
                

Total current liabilities

     131,784       133,645  

LONG-TERM CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, net of current portion

     14,569       14,689  

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion

     39,254       62,491  

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

     29,054       28,912  

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     41,868       42,720  

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value:

    

Common Stock, 120,000 shares authorized, 87,837 shares issued and 85,580 shares outstanding at September 30, 2008 and 87,475 shares issued and 85,219 shares outstanding at June 30, 2008

     9       9  

Additional paid-in capital

     183,326       178,542  

Treasury stock

     (31,368 )     (31,368 )

Retained earnings

     279,923       274,437  

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (536 )     402  
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     431,354       422,022  
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 687,883     $ 704,479  
                

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

 

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CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

NET REVENUES

   $ 289,581     $ 244,467  
                

OPERATING EXPENSES:

    

Educational services

     176,835       144,604  

General and administrative

     29,338       26,221  

Marketing and admissions

     73,340       67,104  
                

Total operating expenses

     279,513       237,929  
                

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     10,068       6,538  

Interest (income)

     (449 )     (848 )

Interest expense

     757       571  

Other (income) expense, net

     203       (646 )
                

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

     9,557       7,461  

Provision for income taxes

     3,851       3,142  
                

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

     5,706       4,319  

LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax benefit

     (220 )     (2,366 )
                

NET INCOME

   $ 5,486     $ 1,953  
                

INCOME PER SHARE—BASIC:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.07     $ 0.05  

(Loss) from discontinued operations

     (0.01 )     (0.03 )
                

Net income

   $ 0.06     $ 0.02  
                

INCOME PER SHARE—DILUTED:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.07     $ 0.05  

(Loss) from discontinued operations

     (0.01 )     (0.03 )
                

Net income

   $ 0.06     $ 0.02  
                

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     85,399       84,629  
                

Diluted

     86,779       85,868  
                

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

 

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CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FROM CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 5,486     $ 1,953  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     12,833       10,851  

Stock based compensation

     2,601       2,382  

Loss (gain) on disposal of assets

     —         415  

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

    

Accounts receivable, net

     4,031       (12,611 )

Student notes receivable, net

     (3,977 )     (3,323 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     9,258       6,423  

Accounts payable

     5,198       2,274  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     (14,588 )     (11,149 )

Prepaid tuition

     7,562       3,087  

Other long-term liabilities

     (700 )     (1,315 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     27,704       (1,013 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Capital expenditures

     (10,876 )     (11,645 )

Proceeds from sale of assets

     126       238  

Sales of marketable securities

     —         51,675  

Purchases of marketable securities

     —         (37,875 )
                

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (10,750 )     2,393  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from borrowings

     —         —    

Principal repayments on capital lease obligations and long-term debt

     (22,184 )     (81,984 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan

     2,747       1,980  
                

Net cash (used in) financing activities

     (19,437 )     (80,004 )
                

EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (156 )     (304 )
                

NET (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (2,639 )     (78,928 )

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

     32,004       99,789  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

   $ 29,365     $ 20,861  
                

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

    

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

    

Income taxes

   $ (1,998 )   $ 37  
                

Interest paid, net of capitalized interest

   $ 379     $ 795  
                

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

 

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CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2008

Note 1—The Company and Basis of Presentation

Corinthian Colleges, Inc. (the “Company”) is one of the largest post-secondary career education companies in North America. As of September 30, 2008, the Company had more than 74,250 students and operated 89 schools in 24 states and 17 colleges in the province of Ontario, Canada. The Company offers a variety of diploma programs and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, concentrating on programs in allied health, criminal justice, business, vehicle repair and maintenance, construction trades and information technology. The Company also offers exclusively online degrees, primarily in business and criminal justice.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, the Company decided to divest the WyoTech Oakland, CA campus. The Company will continue to operate and invest in the campus until it is sold. The campus is available for immediate sale in its present condition, and we expect to complete the sale in fiscal 2009. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company completed the teach-out of its campuses in Lynnwood, WA and Atlanta, GA, and one of its two campuses in Everett, WA. We expect to have no significant continuing involvement with the entities after they have been sold or closed.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company decided to divest all of its Canadian campuses outside of the province of Ontario, Canada, as well as the WyoTech Boston MA campus. The Company sold the non-Ontario Canadian campuses on February 29, 2008. The Company sold WyoTech Boston on May 1, 2008. We have no significant continuing involvement with these entities.

The information contained throughout this document is presented on a continuing operations basis, unless otherwise stated.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such regulations. The Company believes the disclosures included in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, when read in conjunction with the June 30, 2008 consolidated financial statements of the Company included in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and notes thereto, are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In management’s opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to summarize fairly the consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for such periods. The results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2008 and for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the audited condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2008 include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries that it directly or indirectly controls through majority ownership. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of the Canadian subsidiaries are translated to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at monthly average rates of exchange. The resultant translation adjustments are included as a component of Stockholders’ Equity designated as accumulated other comprehensive income. Exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are immediately included in earnings in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation.”

Effective July 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical asset or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximates their fair value at September 30, 2008. In addition, the carrying value of all borrowings approximate fair value at September 30, 2008.

Note 2—Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share reflects the assumed conversion of all dilutive securities, consisting of stock options and restricted stock units.

 

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The table below reflects the calculation of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net income per common share for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     2008    2007

Basic common shares outstanding

   85,399    84,629

Effects of dilutive securities:

     

Stock options and restricted stock units

   1,380    1,239
         

Diluted common shares outstanding

   86,779    85,868
         

During the three-month period ended September 30, 2008, the Company issued approximately 0.4 million shares of common stock related to the Company’s employee stock purchase plan, exercise of stock options and delivery of shares of common stock underlying restricted stock units.

Note 3—Discontinued Operations

During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company decided to divest the WyoTech Oakland campus. We believe that the campus meets the criteria necessary for such an entity to qualify as assets held for sale under the specific provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company completed the teach-out of its Lynnwood, WA, Everett, WA, and Atlanta, GA campuses. Accordingly, the results of operations of these campuses are reflected as discontinued operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented.

Under SFAS 144, the net assets held for sale are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, less costs to sell. We expect to have no significant continuing involvement with the schools after they have been sold or closed.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company decided to divest all of its Canadian campuses outside of the province of Ontario, Canada, as well as the WyoTech Boston campus (the “Sale Group”). We have no significant continuing involvement with the schools that have been sold.

Effective February 29, 2008 the Company completed the sale of its 12 Canadian schools located outside the province of Ontario to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Eminata Group, for a cash payment of CAD $3.0 million. This payment consisted of the purchase price of CAD $7.4 million less preliminary negative working capital and other adjustments equal to CAD $4.4 million. This cash payment is subject to a final working capital adjustment that is in the process of being quantified.

Effective May 1, 2008, the Company completed the sale of its WyoTech Boston campus. The transaction is subject to a final working capital adjustment that is in the process of being quantified.

The Company estimates that the employee retention and severance costs associated with these transactions was approximately $2.7 million, all of which was paid as of June 30, 2008.

These campuses were sold in fiscal year 2008. Accordingly, the results of operations of all these campuses are reflected as discontinued operations in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for all periods presented.

 

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The table below summarizes the liability and activity for the three month period ended September 30, 2008, relating to the discontinued operations severance and facility closing charges (in thousands):

 

     Severance
and Facility
Closing
 

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 2,359  

Charges

     —    

Adjustments

     —    

Cash payments

     (266 )
        

Balance at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

   $ 2,093  
        

Combined summary results of operations for the discontinued campuses reflected as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, unaudited), are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  
     (in thousands)  

Total Discontinued Operations

    

Net revenue

   $ 527     $ 11,432  
                

Loss before income tax, including estimated loss on disposal

     (367 )     (3,581 )

Income tax benefit

     (147 )     (1,215 )
                

Total net loss from discontinued operations

   $ (220 )   $ (2,366 )
                

Combined summary of assets and liabilities of the discontinued campuses at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, are as follows:

 

     September 30,
2008
   June 30,
2008
     (Unaudited)     
     (in thousands)
Assets      

Current Assets:

     

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,958 and $5,109 at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively

   $ —      $ —  

Student notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4 and $4 at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, respectively

     3      4

Deferred income taxes

     2800      2,800

Prepaids & other current

     120      125
             

Total Current Assets

     2923      2,929

Property, and equipment, net

     267      307

Goodwill

        —  

Other Intangibles, net

        —  

Deposits & other assets

     271      271
             

Total Assets

   $ 3461    $ 3,507
             
Liabilities      

Current Liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ —      $ 419

Accrued compensation and related liabilities

     36      131

Accrued expenses

     2,611      2,524

Prepaid tuition

     65      67
             

Total Current Liabilities

   $ 2,712    $ 3,141
             

 

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Note 4—Comprehensive Income (from continuing and discontinued operations)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the total of net income (loss) and all changes that impact stockholders’ equity other than transactions involving stockholders’ ownership interests. The following table details the components of comprehensive income for the three month period ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands, unaudited):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     2008     2007

Net income

   $ 5,486     $ 1,953

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (944 )     611

Post employment benefits

     6       17
              

Comprehensive income

   $ 4,548     $ 2,581
              

Note 5—Impairment, Facility Closing, and Severance Charges

The table below summarizes the liability and activity for the three month period ended September 30, 2008, relating to the impairment, facility closing and severance charges (in thousands):

 

     Severance
and
Benefits
    Facility
Related
    Total  

Balance at June 30, 2008

   $ 209     $ 2,041     $ 2,250  

Charges

     —         —         —    

Adjustments

     —         (96 )     (96 )

Cash payments

     (203 )     (551 )     (754 )
                        

Balance at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

   $ 6     $ 1,394     $ 1,400  
                        

Note 6—Segment Information

The Company’s operations are aggregated into a single reportable operating segment based upon similar economic and operating characteristics as well as similar markets. The Company’s operations are also subject to similar regulatory environments. The Company conducts its operations in the U.S. and Canada. Revenues and long-lived assets by geographic area are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
     2008    2007
     (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)

Revenues from unaffiliated customers

     

U.S. operations

   $ 275,237    $ 229,536

Canadian operations

     14,344      14,931
             

Consolidated

   $ 289,581    $ 244,467
             
     September 30,
2008
   June 30,
2008
     (unaudited)     

Long-lived assets

     

U.S. operations

   $ 417,424    $ 419,690

Canadian operations

     60,284      59,317
             

Consolidated

   $ 477,708    $ 479,007
             

 

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No one customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues. Revenues are attributed to regions based on the location of customers.

Note 7—Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Matters

In the ordinary conduct of its business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitration, investigations and other claims, including, but not limited to, lawsuits and claims involving current and former students and employment-related matters. In some of the lawsuits and arbitrations pending against the Company, plaintiffs seek certification of the matter as a class action in order to represent all other “similarly-situated persons.” None of the matters currently pending against the Company in which plaintiffs seek class certification have yet been certified as a class action. When the Company is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company records a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved is material. There can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of any of the matters disclosed below will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

On March 8, 2004, the Company was served with two virtually identical putative class action complaints entitled Travis v. Rhodes Colleges, Inc., Corinthian Colleges, Inc., and Florida Metropolitan University, and Satz v. Rhodes Colleges, Inc., Corinthian Colleges, Inc., and Florida Metropolitan University. Additionally, on April 15, 2005, the Company received another complaint entitled Alan Alvarez, et al. v. Rhodes Colleges, Inc., Corinthian Colleges, Inc., and Florida Metropolitan University, Inc. The Alvarez first amended and supplemental complaint named ninety-nine plaintiffs. Additionally, the court in the Alvarez case granted the plaintiffs’ motion to add an additional seven plaintiffs to the first amended and supplemental complaint. The named plaintiffs in these lawsuits are current and former students in the Company’s Florida Metropolitan University (“FMU”) campuses, now known as Everest University, in Florida and online. The plaintiffs allege that FMU concealed the fact that it is not accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and that FMU credits are not transferable to other institutions. The Satz and Travis plaintiffs seek recovery of compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees under common law and Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act for themselves and all similarly situated people. The Alvarez plaintiffs seek damages on behalf of themselves under common law and Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The arbitrator in the Satz case found for the Company on all counts in an award on the Company’s motion to dismiss. The arbitrator also found that Mr. Satz breached his agreement with FMU by filing in court rather than seeking arbitration and is therefore responsible to pay FMU’s damages associated with compelling the action to arbitration. The arbitrator also declared FMU the prevailing party for purposes of the Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Company is continuing to pursue its remedies against Mr. Satz related to these findings.

Additionally, the Company affirmatively filed arbitration actions against Ms. Travis and approximately ninety of the Alvarez plaintiffs seeking damages for their respective breaches of their obligations to file in arbitration rather than in court, and seeking declaratory relief regarding their allegations. The arbitrator ruled against the Company in its affirmative claims against Ms. Travis. The Company has prevailed on its motions in court to dismiss the court actions and compel arbitration in both the Alvarez and Travis matters. Ms. Travis has filed a motion to certify a class in her arbitration proceeding on behalf of all similarly situated persons, and the Company has opposed that motion. The Company and the plaintiffs in the Alvarez and Travis matters have agreed to consolidate those actions before a single arbitrator. The Company believes the plaintiffs’ claims in all of these matters are without merit and will vigorously defend itself, Rhodes Colleges, Inc., and FMU against these allegations.

From July 8, 2004 through August 31, 2004, various putative class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California by certain alleged purchasers of the Company’s common stock against the Company and certain of its former executive officers, David Moore, Dennis Beal, Paul St. Pierre and Anthony Digiovanni. On November 5, 2004, a lead plaintiff was chosen and these cases were consolidated into one action. A first consolidated amended complaint was filed in February 2005. The consolidated case is purportedly brought on behalf of all persons who acquired shares of the Company’s common stock during a specified class period from August 27, 2003 through July 30, 2004. The consolidated complaint alleges that, in violation of Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the defendants made certain material misrepresentations and failed to disclose certain material facts about the condition of the Company’s business and prospects during the putative class period, causing the plaintiffs to purchase the Company’s common stock at artificially inflated prices. The plaintiffs further claim that Messrs. Moore, Beal, St. Pierre and Digiovanni are liable under Section 20(a) of the Act. The plaintiffs seek unspecified amounts in damages, interest, and costs, as well as other relief. On April 24, 2006, the U.S. District Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s third consolidated amended complaint with prejudice. The plaintiff appealed the dismissal to the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On July 25, 2008, the Ninth Circuit unanimously affirmed the District Court’s dismissal. The plaintiffs have sought a rehearing from the panel and an en banc review by the Ninth Circuit. The Company believes this matter is without merit and will continue to vigorously defend itself and its former officers in this matter.

 

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Between July 21, 2004 and July 23, 2004, two derivative actions captioned Collet, Derivatively on behalf of Corinthian Colleges, Inc., v. David Moore, et al., and Davila, Derivatively on behalf of Corinthian Colleges, Inc., v. David Moore, et al., were filed in the Orange County California Superior Court against David Moore, Dennis Beal, Dennis Devereux, Beth Wilson, Mary Barry, Stan Mortensen, Bruce Deyong, Loyal Wilson, Jack Massimino, Linda Skladany, Paul St. Pierre, Michael Berry, and Anthony Digiovanni, and against the Company as a nominal defendant. Each individual defendant is one of the Company’s current or former officers and/or directors. The lawsuits allege breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets, unjust enrichment, and violations of the California corporations’ code, essentially based on the same allegations of conduct complained of in the initial federal securities class action complaints. The Collet and Davila cases have now been consolidated into one action. A memorandum of understanding was executed by the parties resolving the Collet and Davila cases, pending court approval, for an immaterial amount of attorneys’ fees to be paid by the Company’s directors’ and officers’ insurance carrier to the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and with the Company agreeing to certain corporate governance matters.

On August 2, 2006, the Company was served with two virtually identical derivative complaints captioned Adolf, Derivatively on behalf of nominal defendant Corinthian Colleges, Inc., v. David Moore, et al., and, Gunkel, Derivatively on behalf of nominal defendant Corinthian Colleges, Inc., v. David Moore, et al. The complaints were filed in the Orange County California Superior Court against David Moore, Paul St. Pierre, Frank McCord, Dennis Devereux, Beth Wilson, Dennis Beal, Jack Massimino, Linda Skladany, and Hank Adler. Each individual defendant is one of the Company’s current or former officers and/or directors. The lawsuits allege breach of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment by the individual defendants related to the Company’s past option grant practices. Three other similar derivative actions were filed in Federal District Court for the Central District of California, one entitled Pfeiffer, derivatively on behalf of Corinthian Colleges, Inc., v. David Moore, et al., the second entitled M. Alvin Edwards, III, derivatively on behalf of Corinthian Colleges, Inc., v. David Moore, et al. and the third entitled Lori Close, derivatively on behalf of Corinthian Colleges Inc., v. David Moore et al. The federal cases allege violation of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, violation of the California Corporations Code, unjust enrichment and return of unearned compensation, and breach of fiduciary duties, based on similar factual allegations to the Adolph and Gunkel cases. The Pfeiffer case is filed against the same defendants as the two state court cases. The Close and Edwards cases name the following individual defendants, all of whom are current and former directors and officers of the Company: Dave Moore, Jack Massimino, Ken Ord, William Murtagh, William Buchanan, Robert Owen, Stan Mortensen, Mark Pelesh, Mary Barry, Beth Wilson, Dennis Devereux, Paul St. Pierre, Alice Kane, Terry Hartshorn, Linda Skladany, Hank Adler, Loyal Wilson and Mike Berry. The federal derivative actions have since been consolidated in federal court; the state derivative actions have also been consolidated in state court. The parties are currently in settlement negotiations attempting to resolve these lawsuits.

On October 3, 2007, the Company was notified that a qui tam action had been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by a former employee (the “relator”) on behalf of himself and the federal government. The case is captioned United States of America, ex rel. Steven Fuhr v. Corinthian Colleges, Inc. The qui tam action alleges violations of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729-33, by the Company for allegedly causing false claims to be paid, or allegedly using false statements to get claims paid or approved by the federal government, because of alleged Company violations of the Higher Education Act (the “HEA”) regarding the manner in which admissions personnel are compensated. The federal government has the right to intervene in, or take over, a qui tam action. If the government declines to intervene, the relator may elect to pursue the litigation on behalf of the federal government and, if he is successful, receive a portion of the federal government’s recovery. The Company has also been informed that two other qui tam actions have been filed against the Company regarding alleged violations of the incentive compensation prohibitions in the HEA; both of these lawsuits remain under seal. The Company believes its compensation practices regarding admissions personnel have been in compliance with applicable law and intends to defend itself vigorously in this matter.

On October 17, 2007, the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Department of Education, assisted by other federal and local authorities, served a search warrant at the Company’s National School of Technology campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The search warrant sought a broad range of documents and records. The Company provided documents in response to the search warrant and is cooperating with the government’s investigation.

On November 14, 2007, the Company was served with a putative class action complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California captioned Hardwick, et al. v. Corinthian Colleges, Inc. The plaintiff is a former instructor at the Company’s Merrionette Park, Illinois campus. Her complaint seeks certification of a class composed of all campus instructors nationwide, alleging wage and hour violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as a class of Illinois instructors alleging violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and Illinois’ Eight-Hour Work Day Act. The complaint seeks monetary damages, declaratory and injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees. The Company believes the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations.

 

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The Company was notified that on December 31, 2007, a putative class action complaint entitled Leask v. Corinthian Colleges, Inc., and Corinthian Schools, Inc., et al., was filed in the Santa Clara, California Superior Court. Plaintiffs are a former medical assisting student from the Company’s Everest College (formerly Bryman College) campus in San Jose and her mother. The complaint alleges violations of the California Education Code and of California’s Business and Professions Code Section 17200 related to allegedly missing or inadequate student disclosures and seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, attorneys’ fees, and an unspecified amount of damages. Additionally, the complaint seeks to certify a class composed of all medical assisting students in California over the last four years. The Company believes the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations.

On May 28, 2008, a putative class action demand in arbitration captioned Rivera v. Sequoia Education, Inc. and Corinthian Colleges, Inc. was filed with the American Arbitration Association. The plaintiffs are nine current or former HVAC students from the Company’s WyoTech Fremont and WyoTech Oakland campuses. The arbitration demand alleges violations of California’s Business and Professions Code Sections 17200 and 17500, fraud and intentional deceit, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract and unjust enrichment / restitution, all related to alleged deficiencies and misrepresentations regarding the HVAC program at these two campuses. The plaintiffs seek to certify a class composed of all HVAC students in the Company’s WyoTech Fremont and WyoTech Oakland campuses over the past four years, and seek recovery of compensatory and punitive damages, interest, restitution and attorneys’ fees and costs. The Company believes the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against these allegations.

In addition to the legal proceedings and other matters described above, the Company is or may become a party to pending or threatened lawsuits related primarily to services currently or formerly performed by the Company. Such cases and claims raise difficult and complex factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties and complexities, including, but not limited to, the facts and circumstances of each particular case or claim, the jurisdiction in which each suit is brought, and differences in applicable law.

As of September 30, 2008, the Company had established aggregate reserves for all of the matters disclosed above, as well as for those additional matters where the liabilities are probable and losses estimable but for which the Company does not believe the matters are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company, which are immaterial to the Company’s financial position. The Company regularly evaluates the reasonableness of its accruals and makes any adjustments considered necessary. Due to the uncertainty of the outcome of litigation and claims, the Company is unable to make a reasonable estimate of the upper end of the range of potential liability for these matters. Upon resolution of any pending legal matters, the Company may incur charges in excess of presently established reserves. While any such charge could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations in the period in which it is recorded or paid, management does not believe that any such charge would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity.

Note 8—New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 162”). The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP for nongovernmental entities. SFAS 162 is effective November 15, 2008. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 162 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. This statement requires all entities to report noncontrolling (minority) interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 160 to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. This statement asks entities to provide qualitative disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivatives. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 161 to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

Note 9—Income Taxes

Effective July 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48). FIN 48 prescribes a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, accounting for income taxes in interim periods and income tax disclosures.

In conjunction with the adoption of FIN 48, we have classified uncertain tax positions as non-current income tax liabilities unless expected to be paid in one year. We also began reporting income tax-related interest income in income tax expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. In prior periods, such interest income was reported in other income. Penalties and tax-related interest expense are now reported as a component of income tax expense. During the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recognized income tax-related interest of less than $0.1 million in accordance with FIN 48. As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the total amount of accrued income tax-related interest and penalties included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

During fiscal 2008, the Company settled and closed the IRS examination related to fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006. Thus, fiscal 2007 is still open for examination. The result was a tax payment of less than $0.1 million for 2005 and a refund of taxes for 2006 of $0.3 million. We were also subject to examination in various state and foreign jurisdictions for the 2003-2006 tax years, none of which were individually material.

As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $3.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized, is $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that are expected to be settled within the next twelve months is less than $0.2 million.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the first three months of fiscal 2009 was 40.3% compared to 42.1% for the first three months of fiscal 2008. The reduction in the effective rate was due to a reduction in the liability for uncertain tax positions and the corresponding decline in interest expense following the completion of the IRS exam for fiscal years 2004 through 2006 and the filing of an application for a change in accounting method with the IRS during fiscal 2008.

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined by the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continues,” “contemplates,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should” or “would,” or the negatives thereof. Those statements are based on the intent, belief or expectation of the Company as of the date of this Quarterly Report. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve risks and uncertainties that are outside the control of the Company. Results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of many factors, including: risks associated with variability in the expense and effectiveness of the Company’s advertising and promotional efforts; unfavorable changes in the cost or availability of alternative loans for our students; the uncertain future impact of the new student information system; increased competition; the Company’s effectiveness in its regulatory compliance efforts; the outcome of the OIG/ED investigation; the outcome of pending litigation against the Company; the outcome of ongoing reviews and inquiries by accrediting, state and federal agencies; general labor market conditions; general credit market conditions and lenders willingness or potential unwillingness to make loans to our students, and other factors, including those discussed under the headings entitled “Governmental Regulation and Financial Aid” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 0-25283) and other documents periodically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. The following discussion of the Company’s results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the interim unaudited condensed financial statements of the Company and the notes thereto included herein and in conjunction with the information contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts on those financial statements. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including, but not limited to, those related to our allowance for doubtful accounts, intangible assets, deferred taxes, contingencies and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different conditions or if our assumptions change.

Our critical accounting estimates are those which we believe require our most significant judgments about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. A discussion of our critical accounting estimates is as follows:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of our students to make required payments. We determine the adequacy of this allowance by regularly reviewing the accounts receivable aging and applying various expected loss percentages to certain student accounts receivable categories based upon historical bad debt experience. We generally write off accounts receivable balances deemed uncollectible as they are sent to collection agencies. We offer a variety of payment plans to help students pay that portion of their education expense not covered by financial aid programs. These balances are unsecured and not guaranteed. We believe our reserves are adequate; however, losses related to unpaid student balances could exceed the amounts we have reserved for bad debts. The effect of an increase in our allowance of 3% of our outstanding receivables from 27.0% to 30.0% or $41.0 million to $45.6 million would result in a decrease in pre-tax income of $4.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

Many of our students in the U.S. participate in federally guaranteed student loan programs. The federally guaranteed student loans are authorized by the Higher Education Act (“HEA”) of 1965 and are guaranteed by an agency of the federal government. The guaranteed loans are not guaranteed by us, and the guaranteed student loans cannot become an obligation of ours. Accordingly, we do not record an obligation to repay any of the guaranteed loans that are not repaid by our former students and we do not record either a contingent obligation or an allowance for future obligations as a result of student defaults of federally guaranteed student loans.

 

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However, if one or more of our institution’s former students’ default rate on guaranteed loans (Cohort Default Rate) equals or exceeds 25% for three consecutive years, the institution may lose participation eligibility in the guaranteed loan program and its students would be denied access to the guaranteed loan program. Our institutions’ Cohort Default Rates act as a gatekeeper to their eligibility to participate in the federal student financial aid programs. We have no obligation to repay any of the federally guaranteed loans that our former students default upon, even if the Cohort Default Rates of our students exceed permitted levels. Rather, if the Cohort Default Rates at a particular institution exceed 25% for three consecutive years under current calculations, the institution’s students may lose eligibility to receive federal student financial aid. Under the recently enacted legislation to reauthorize the HEA, a separate calculation will be performed that will add an additional federal fiscal year of borrowers’ repayment performance. This percentage will increase to 30% after three years of Cohort Default Rates calculated with the additional federal fiscal year are available, and then become applicable to the imposition of sanctions.

Insurance/Self-Insurance. We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks including claims related to employee heath care, workers’ compensation, general liability, and business interruption. Liabilities associated with these risks are estimated based on, among other things, historical claims experience, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. The Company’s loss exposure related to self-insurance is limited by stop loss coverage. Our expected loss accruals are based on estimates, and while we believe the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate loss may differ from the amounts provided.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. We have significant goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost over the fair market value of net assets acquired, including identified intangible assets. We consider a number of factors, including valuations and appraisals from independent valuation firms, in determining the amounts that are assignable to other intangible assets, such as curriculum, accreditation, and trade names. We, however, are ultimately responsible for the valuations. The fair value of identified intangible assets is derived using accepted valuation methodologies, including cost, market, and income approaches, as appropriate, following consultations with valuation firms and in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141”), and requirements set forth by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

The Company does not amortize goodwill, accreditation, or trade names as these assets meet the indefinite life criteria outlined in SFAS No. 142, “Accounting for Business Combinations, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Curricula continue to be amortized over their useful lives ranging generally from three to fifteen years and the amortization is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill is tested annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment, by comparing its fair value to its carrying amount at the reporting unit level as defined by SFAS No. 142. We determined the fair value of our reporting units using the income approach that includes discounted cash flow as well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. To the extent the fair value of a reporting unit is less that the carrying amount of its assets, we record an impairment charge in the consolidated statements of operations.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment, by comparing their fair values to their carrying amounts. To the extent the fair value of an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, we record an impairment charge in the consolidated statements of operations. For instance, if we were to discontinue the use of a trade name or lose accreditation at one or more of our acquired schools to which we have ascribed value for trade names and accreditation, we would test the amounts we have allocated to such assets for impairment. Such testing would include estimating the future cash flows expected to be received from the trade names and accreditation and comparing them to their carrying values. If our estimate of the present value of these future cash flows were below the carrying values of the related assets, we would consider the assets to be impaired and take a charge against the amounts we had allocated to trade names and accreditation.

The determination of related estimated useful lives of intangible assets and whether or not these intangible assets are impaired involves significant judgment. Although we believe our goodwill and intangible assets are fairly stated, changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require adjustments to asset balances.

 

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Discontinued Operations. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company decided to divest the WyoTech Oakland campus. We believe that the campus meets the criteria necessary for such an entity to qualify as assets held for sale under the specific provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company completed the teach-out of its Lynnwood, WA, Everett, WA, and Atlanta, GA campuses. Concurrent with the closure of the Atlanta campus, the related institution was also closed. Accordingly, the results of operations of the campuses are reflected as discontinued operations in our consolidated statements of income for all periods presented.

Under SFAS 144, the net assets held for sale are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at estimated fair value, less costs to sell. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2008, we recorded a charge of approximately $2.6 million, net of income tax benefit of $1.2 million, to accrue future rental payments related to the closed campuses and to reduce the carrying value of the net assets of our campuses held for sale and closed to estimated fair value, less costs to sell, as of June 30, 2008 (primarily related to the accrued rent of $2.8 million and the impairment of fixed assets in the amount of $1.0 million). We expect to have no significant continuing involvement with the schools after they have been sold or closed.

Income Taxes. We currently have deferred income tax assets which are subject to periodic recoverability assessments. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that more likely than not will be realized. Realization of our deferred income tax assets is principally dependent upon achievement of projected future taxable income offset by deferred income tax liabilities. We evaluate the realizability of our deferred income tax assets annually. In addition, we review our income tax filing positions quarterly and update our tax contingency reserves as necessary under FIN 48.

Contingencies. In the ordinary conduct of the business, we are subject to occasional lawsuits, investigations and claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving students and graduates and routine employment matters. 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 record a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, we disclose the nature of the specific claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved is material. There can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of any of the matters disclosed will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Stock-based Compensation. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), which amends SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” supercedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” SFAS No. 123(R) requires companies to measure all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and record such expense in its consolidated financial statements. In addition, the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) requires additional accounting and disclosure related to the income tax and cash flow effects resulting from share-based payment arrangements. SFAS No. 123(R) is effective beginning as of the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2005. Accordingly, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R) during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 in accordance with the modified-prospective-transition method and began recognizing compensation expense for stock options which vested during the year.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our operating results as a percentage of total revenue for the periods indicated.

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2008     2007  

Statement of Operations Data (Unaudited):

    

Net revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %

Operating expenses:

    

Educational services

   61.1     59.2  

General and administrative

   10.1     10.7  

Marketing and admissions

   25.3     27.4  
            

Total operating expenses

   96.5     97.3  

Income from operations

   3.5     2.7  

Interest (income)

   (0.2 )   (0.3 )

Interest expense

   0.3     0.2  

Other (income) expense

   0.1     (0.3 )
            

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

   3.3     3.1  

Provision for income taxes

   1.3     1.3  
            

Income from continuing operations

   2.0     1.8  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

   (0.1 )   (1.0 )
            

Net income

   1.9 %   0.8 %
            

Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

Net Revenues. Net revenues increased $45.1 million, or 18.4%, from $244.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to $289.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase was due to an approximate 11.4% increase in average student population and a 6.3% increase in the average revenue rate per student during the period. At September 30, 2008, student population related to continuing operations was 74,265, compared with 66,719 at September 30, 2007. Total student starts related to continuing operations increased 7.3% to 30,075 for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 when compared to the first quarter of last year.

Educational Services. Educational services expenses include direct operating expenses of the schools consisting primarily of payroll and payroll related expenses, rents, occupancy costs, supply expenses, bad debt expense and other educational related expenses. Educational services expenses increased $32.2 million, or 22.3%, from $144.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to $176.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net revenues, educational services expenses increased from 59.2% of revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to 61.1% of revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase was primarily the result of bad debt expense which amounted to $25.7 million or 8.9% of net revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $15.5 million or 6.3% of net revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The increase in bad debt expense was primarily due to additional exposure the Company incurred to student receivables as a result of the contraction of liquidity in the credit markets for subprime borrowers.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses include corporate compensation expenses, headquarters office rents and occupancy expenses, professional fees and other support related expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $3.1 million, or 11.8%, from $26.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to $29.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased from 10.7% of revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to 10.1% of revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

Marketing and Admissions. Marketing and admissions expenses consist primarily of direct-response and other advertising expenses, payroll and payroll related expenses, promotional materials and other related marketing costs. Marketing and admissions expenses increased $6.2 million, or 9.2%, from $67.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to $73.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. As a percentage of net revenues, marketing and admissions expenses decreased from 27.4% of revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 to 25.3% of revenues for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in advertising, partially offset by an increase in costs related to admissions personnel.

 

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Provision for Income Taxes. The effective rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was 40.3% as compared to 42.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The reduction in the effective rate was due to a reduction in the liability for uncertain tax positions and the corresponding decline in interest expense following the completion of the IRS exam for fiscal years 2004 through 2006 and the filing of an application for a change in accounting method with the IRS during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

Seasonality and Other Factors Affecting Quarterly Results

Our net revenues normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business. Student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations, and student attrition. Historically, our schools have had lower revenues in the first fiscal quarter than in the remainder of the year. Our expenses, however, do not vary as significantly as student population and revenues. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of seasonal enrollment patterns. More importantly, quarterly results may be impacted based on the timing and extent of new acquisitions, new branch openings, relocations and remodels, new program adoptions and increased high school enrollments. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On August 10, 2007, we executed Amendment No. 1 to our Second Amended and Restated Credit Facility dated June 8, 2005. The amendment, which was effective as of June 30, 2007, adjusted the maintenance level for the fixed charge coverage ratio. All other terms of the facility remained unchanged including the aggregate borrowing capacity of $235 million, of which $175 million is a domestic facility and $60 million is a Canadian facility. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement expires on July 1, 2010. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has been established to provide available funds for acquisitions, to fund general corporate purposes, and to provide for letters of credit issuances of up to $50 million for domestic letters of credit and $20 million for Canadian letters of credit. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at several pricing alternatives available to us, including Eurodollar and adjusted reference or base rates. The domestic base rate is defined as the higher of the Federal Funds rate plus 1/2 of 1% or the Bank of America prime rate. The Canadian base rate is defined as the higher of the average rate for 30 day Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances plus 3/4 of 1% or the Bank of America Canada prime rate. The agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants including financial covenants requiring the maintenance of consolidated net worth, fixed charge coverage ratios, leverage ratios, and a ED financial responsibility composite score ratio. As of September 30, 2008, we were in compliance with all of the covenants. As of September 30, 2008, the credit facility had borrowings outstanding of $39.3 million and approximately $10.6 million was used to support standby letters of credit. The second amended and restated credit agreement is secured by the stock of our significant operating subsidiaries and it is guaranteed by our present and future significant operating subsidiaries.

Working capital amounted to $78.4 million as of September 30, 2008 and $91.8 million as of June 30, 2008 and the current ratio was 1.6:1 and 1.7:1, respectively. The decrease in working capital compared to June 30, 2008 is primarily due to repayment of cash borrowed for purposes of calculating our ED financial responsibility composite score.

Cash flows provided by operating activities amounted to $27.7 million in the first three months of fiscal 2009 compared to $1.0 million used in operating activities in the same period of fiscal 2008. The increase in cash provided by operating activities for the first three months of fiscal 2009 compared to the first three months of fiscal 2008 was primarily due to the timing of cash receipts and payments related to working capital, primarily accounts receivable and an increase in net income. Included in cash flows from operating activities is ($0.6) million and $0.4 million of net cash (used in) provided by operating activities related to discontinued operations for the first three months of 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Cash flows used in investing activities amounted to $10.8 million in the first three months of fiscal 2009 compared to cash flows provided by investing activities of $2.4 million in the first three months of fiscal 2008. The increase in cash used in investing activities in the first three months of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period last year was due primarily to lower net proceeds from the sale of marketable securities. Capital expenditures of $10.9 million during the first three months of fiscal 2009, compared to capital expenditures of $11.6 million in the first three months of fiscal 2008, were incurred primarily for relocations, remodels and enlargements of existing campuses and to fund information systems expenditures. We expect capital expenditures to be approximately $50 million for fiscal 2009.

Cash flows used in financing activities in the first three months of fiscal 2009 amounted to approximately $19.4 million compared to $80.0 million for the first three months of fiscal 2008. The decrease in cash used in financing activities in the first three months of fiscal 2009 compared to the same period last year was due primarily to a repayment of long-term debt in fiscal 2008. We funded our cash needs through cash flows from operations.

 

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Historically, we had developed several loan programs with origination and servicing providers such as Sallie Mae for students with low credit scores who otherwise would not qualify for loans. These loan programs required that we pay a discount fee to the origination and servicing providers of the loans as a reserve against future defaults on these loans. We have historically referred to these types of loans as “discount loans,” since we incurred a portion of the default risk related to these students’ loans by taking a discount on the disbursement. As collectability of these amounts in not reasonably assured we had recorded this discount as a reduction to revenue.

Effective in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 we were informed by Sallie Mae and two other origination and servicing providers that they would no longer make private loans available for students who present higher credit risks (i.e. subprime borrowers). In the face of this change in policy, we have created a lending program with a different origination and servicing provider who specializes in subprime credit that has characteristics similar to our previous “discount loan” programs. Under this new program, which we refer to as our ACCESS program, we pay a discount to the origination and servicing provider. As with our previous discount loan program, we record the discount as a reduction to revenue as collectability of these amounts is not reasonably assured. However, unlike our previous discount loan programs, under our ACCESS program, we have both the right and an obligation to acquire the related loan except in certain circumstances where the origination and servicing provider does not comply with the terms of our agreement. Since we initiated the program in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, we have acquired all of the loans that have been originated. We anticipate that we will acquire and fund approximately $95 million in ACCESS loans in fiscal 2009. We have funded approximately 25% of our annual Access loan volume funding in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

We believe that our working capital, cash flow from operations, access to operating leases and borrowings available from our amended credit agreement will provide us with adequate resources for our ongoing operations and planned capital expenditures through fiscal 2009.

Update Regarding Regulatory and Accreditation Matters

In a letter received from ACCSCT dated December 7, 2007, the Company was informed of a show cause action regarding our Everest College in North Aurora, Illinois. In another letter from ACCSCT dated March 7, 2008, the Company was informed of a show cause action regarding our Everest College in San Jose, CA. In a letter from ACCSCT dated March 7, 2008, the Company was informed of a show cause action regarding our Everest College in Alhambra, CA. In a letter dated August 14, 2008, ACCSCT vacated the show cause directive regarding Alhambra, CA and renewed the institution’s grant of accreditation.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and the first quarter of fiscal 2009, our campuses in Fremont, CA, Reseda, CA, Tampa, FL (including its additional locations in Orange Park and Brandon, FL), and Gardena, CA, and its online operations in Tampa, FL and Tempe, AZ, were the subject of ED program reviews. We have received the preliminary written program review report regarding ED’s findings at the Tampa campuses and online operations and are in the process of are preparing a response to that preliminary report. We are also continuing to cooperate with the other reviews. Program reviews may often be unresolved for several months or years with little or no communication from the ED. We do not believe that any of our currently pending program reviews with the ED is reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, if the ED were to make significant findings of non-compliance by any of our schools in any ongoing or future program review, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

ED’s Office of the Inspector General (the “OIG”) is also conducing and audit of our Everest Institute in Brighton, MA, to determine whether agreements between the institution and lenders for the period of July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008 were in compliance with the HEA. We are cooperating with the OIG’s audit.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes and foreign currency fluctuations. We do not utilize interest rate swaps, forward or option contracts on foreign currencies or commodities, or other types of derivative financial instruments to manage these risks.

Interest Rate Exposure. As of September 30, 2008, our only assets or liabilities subject to risks from interest rate changes are (i) debt under the credit facility in the aggregate amount of $39.3 million and capital lease obligations of $15.0 million, and (ii) student notes receivable, net, in the aggregate amount of $21.0 million. Our capital lease obligations and student notes receivable are all at fixed interest rates. We do not believe we are subject to material risks from reasonably possible near-term changes in market interest rates.

Foreign Currency Exposure. A portion of our operations consists of an investment in a foreign subsidiary whose functional currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). Our investment in our foreign operations as of September 30, 2008 was CAD $40.8 million which includes borrowings outstanding under the credit facility of CAD $31.0 million. As a result, the consolidated financial results have been and could continue to be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report and concluded that those controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only the reasonable assurance that our controls will succeed in achieving their goals under all potential future conditions.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See Note 7 to the attached condensed consolidated financial statements regarding Commitments and Contingencies.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit 31.1    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
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
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

 

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CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

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

 

        CORINTHIAN COLLEGES, INC.

November 6, 2008

    /s/ JACK D. MASSIMINO
    Jack D. Massimino
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)

November 6, 2008

    /s/ KENNETH S. ORD
    Kenneth S. Ord
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

November 6, 2008

    /s/ ROBERT C. OWEN
    Robert C. Owen
    Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
    (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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